Updated as of,ID,Mandate letter date,Priority,Commitment,Minister,Status,Results.Statement,Comment
11/1/2017,1,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency is a client-focused agency.,Minister of National Revenue,On-going commitment,"Improved client satisfaction levels, reduced wait times for inquiries, and simplified and easy to use processes.","The Government of Canada has introduced new e-services, simplified letters and notices, and an expanded Community Volunteer Income Tax Program to help low-income Canadians file their taxes. The Government is undertaking consultations with businesses and other stakeholders on further possibilities to simplify and improve service delivery. The most common complaint the Canada Revenue Agency receives relates to the accessibility of its phone line services. The Government has increased call centre capacity since 2016, and as a result, the number of attempts callers must make in order to get service has been reduced by over 40 per cent. There is still significant room for improvement and work is underway to further strengthen and improve the quality and timeliness of services for Canadians."
11/1/2017,2,,Strong Middle Class,Crack down on tax evaders.,Minister of National Revenue,Underway - on track,"A fairer tax system, and billions of dollars recovered from those who are evading taxes.","The Government of Canada is hiring more auditors to detect and investigate transactions involving offshore tax havens and promoters of tax avoidance schemes. It is also building its capacity to investigate potentially high-risk taxpayers including multinational corporations and wealthy individuals. The Government is also adding criminal law expertise to audit and investigative teams to ensure greater success in prosecuting criminal tax evasion. Work is underway with international partners to address issues raised in the Panama and Paradise Papers and the government is collaborating on recommendations of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Base Erosion and Profit Shifting initiative. With Budget 2016 and 2017 investments for cracking down on tax evasion and combatting tax avoidance, the Government expects to recover an additional $2.6 billion and $2.5 billion, respectively, over five years. To ensure Canadians know how effective the Canada Revenue Agency is at collecting taxes owed, the Government has begun to produce tax gap reports, which will improve transparency and set a benchmark for tax fairness."
11/1/2017,3,,Environment and Climate Change,Develop a Canadian energy strategy with provinces and territories.,Minister of Natural Resources,Underway - on track,"Greater energy conservation, greater inclusion of clean energy and innovative technologies in Canada's energy future, reduced diesel use in remote and off-grid communities, and effective market access for Canadian energy exports.","Federal, provincial and territorial Energy Ministers have agreed to a joint energy action plan focusing on shared goals to promote energy efficiency, develop new energy technology and innovations, and identify priority energy infrastructure and advance international energy collaboration. These initiatives will complement the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, which is meant to help Canada meet our emissions reduction target and grow the economy."
11/1/2017,4,,Environment and Climate Change,Modernize the National Energy Board.,Minister of Natural Resources,Underway - on track,"The National Energy Board (NEB) commissioners are more representative of Canada's regions and diversity and the NEB has greater expertise to undertake its responsibilities in considering environmental science, the knowledge and perspective of Indigenous peoples, and community development.","In November 2016, the Government appointed an independent NEB Modernization Expert Panel to engage Canadians, experts, stakeholders and Indigenous peoples on how the NEB should be modernized. In May 2017, the Panel delivered their final report. The Government is currently considering public comments received about that report, as well as comments on the Government's recent discussion paper outlining potential changes to the process for environmental and regulatory reviews. The feedback will be considered as we develop legislation and policy measures to modernize the NEB. In the coming months, we will announce changes to the NEB."
11/1/2017,5,,Environment and Climate Change,Develop a North American clean energy and environment agreement.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of Natural Resources,Completed - fully met,"Reduced greenhouse gas emissions, alignment of energy efficiency regulations and enhanced development of the clean technology sector in North America, setting the foundation for a stronger, more sustainable economy.","At the trilateral North American Leaders’ Summit in June 2016, an Action Plan for a North American Climate, Clean Energy, and Environment Partnership was publicly released. It announced ambitious targets to advance clean and secure energy, drive down short-lived climate pollutants, promote clean and efficient transportation, and show global leadership in addressing climate change. The February 13, 2017 Joint Statement from President Trump and Prime Minister Trudeau affirmed the importance of close collaboration on energy security, clean energy innovation and the environment, including clean air and water. Canada will continue to advance these priorities."
11/1/2017,6,,Government Services and Operations,Undertake a review of Canada Post to make sure it provides high-quality service at a reasonable price.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,"Canadians receive the services they expect from Canada Post at a reasonable price. In addition, Canada Post is able to effectively adapt to changes in technology and consumer preferences.","The Government of Canada put a moratorium on further conversion from door-to-door mail delivery to community mailboxes, which has saved nearly four million addresses from losing door-to-door service. Canada Post continues to be reviewed to ensure it delivers the services Canadians want and expect. This review has included two public reports from an Independent Task Force and the House of Commons Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates. Both are now complete, and include extensive input from Canadians and stakeholders and a thorough analysis of Canada Post's services and financial situation. The Government is considering the recommendations made in these reports and will bring forward a new vision for Canada Post, which is expected to be announced before the end of 2017."
11/1/2017,7,,Safety and Security,Renew the Canadian Coast Guard fleet and ensure the Royal Canadian Navy is able to operate as a true maritime force.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Public Services and Procurement;Minister of National Defence",Underway - on track,Improved equipment for the men and women in uniform; enhanced protection and improved safety of Canadians along Canada's coasts.,"Through the Oceans Protection Plan and significant re-investments in the Canadian Coast Guard, the Government has greatly enhanced support to the Coast Guard fleet. The Government is investing to: repair and modernize many of the Coast Guard's vessels with new towing equipment and technology, improve collaborations between the Coast Guard with Indigenous communities all along Canada's coasts; and harness cutting edge science and technology to understand ocean currents, real-time shipping movements and threat monitoring. Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy, the Government is renewing Canada's federal fleet and making sure needed vessels are delivered to the Royal Canadian Navy and the Coast Guard as quickly as possible. The construction of the first two Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships and all three Offshore Fisheries Science Vessels are progressing well. The National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS) is generating significant economic benefits across the country. It is estimated that contracts awarded up to 2016 through the NSS will contribute close to $7.7 billion to the gross domestic product. In 2016, 129 new Canadian firms were awarded $243.8M in NSS related contracts. Given the scope and complexity of the construction of vessels, delivering on time and on budget presents implementation challenges that must be closely monitored and managed, which is the purview of the Cabinet Committee on Defence Procurement."
11/1/2017,8,,Government Services and Operations,Modernize procurement practices.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - with challenges,"Government procurement is faster, simpler, more competitive, and more predictable in terms of cost. Businesses with innovative ideas are able to more easily sell to the Government, and procurement processes benefit Canadians and communities across Canada.","The Government of Canada is currently reviewing its procurement policies, processes and tools, and working with stakeholders to achieve the anticipated results. It enhanced its procurement platform to make it easier for suppliers to be notified of bidding opportunities and for government buyers to access streamlined procurement tools. The Government also made it easier for suppliers to compete by providing them with a second opportunity to comply with the mandatory requirements of bid solicitations. The Government has also announced the creation of Innovative Solutions Canada, which will dedicate a portion of procurement to match businesses offering early stage prototypes and research with departments in need of innovative products or new services.
While the Government of Canada has made progress in its effort to modernize procurement, fully meeting this commitment is taking longer than anticipated. This is due to the transformational nature of many of its projects, such as the new Electronic Procurement Solution, which require more human and financial resources than originally anticipated as well as changes to the organizational culture which require additional time."
11/1/2017,9,,Government Services and Operations,Establish new performance standards for government services and measure and report on performance.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Public Services and Procurement;Minister of Democratic Institutions",Underway - on track,Government services that better meet the needs of Canadians.,"The Government of Canada is reviewing all service standards to identify ways to improve government service delivery to Canadians. Among its initial achievements, the Government has: implemented new and better service standards for new clients applying for Canada Pension Plan Disability benefits; completed a Service Delivery Review for Veterans Affairs Canada to help drive wholesale change to delivering services and benefits to Veterans; re-opened nine Veterans Affairs Canada offices that were closed by the previous government, and opened a new tenth office; expanded auto-enrollment for Old Age Security benefits; and added new capacity for call centres handling inquiries related to EI and Canada Revenue Agency."
11/1/2017,10,,Fair and Open Government,Strengthen oversight on government advertising.,President of the Treasury Board,Underway - on track,Increased oversight of government advertising so that public dollars aren't spent on partisan advertising.,"In May 2016, an interim process was established so that advertising campaigns with budgets greater than $500,000 undergo independent, mandatory reviews. These reviews ensure the campaigns are non-partisan. The results of these reviews are posted online. Following consultations with parliamentarians and other stakeholders, the Government will entrench independent third-party oversight of federal advertising in law. The Office of the Auditor General of Canada has also committed to review the interim process."
11/1/2017,11,,Fair and Open Government,Improve the use of evidence in program evaluation.,President of the Treasury Board,Underway - on track,"Evidence-based reporting, measurement and evaluation of government activities are in place.","The Government established a new Policy on Results in July 2016 that aims to improve how government organizations measure, evaluate, and report results. The policy also seeks to improve how departments and agencies gather and use evidence to inform decisions. By September 2017, 14 departments fully adopted the new policy and the remaining departments are working to do so before November 2017."
11/1/2017,12,,Fair and Open Government,Make government data available digitally.,"President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,Digitized government data that are accessible to Canadians.,"The Government has made its open data portal, Open.Canada.ca, easier to navigate by creating a new inventory of datasets and information. In the last year, over 30,000 data sets have been published, which were accessed tens of thousands of times. New data sets continue to be made available regularly. The Government was recently elected to and agreed to co-chair the Steering Committee of the Open Government Partnership, an international initiative committed to making governments more open, accountable and responsive to citizens."
11/1/2017,13,,Fair and Open Government,Bargain in good faith with Canada's public sector unions.,President of the Treasury Board,Underway - on track,"Collective agreements with Canada's public sector unions are fair and reasonable for employees and Canadians, and are bargained in good faith.","The Government of Canada is committed to building a culture of respect for, and within, the federal public service. Through good-faith negotiations, we have reached 20 agreements with bargaining agents, representing close to 90 per cent of unionized employees in the core public administration. The Government will continue to bargain in good faith with public sector unions and remain committed to negotiating deals that are fair for public servants, and good for all Canadians."
11/1/2017,14,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that Parliament and federal institutions are free from harassment and sexual violence.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Status of Women;Leader of the Government in the House of Commons",Underway - on track,"To ensure that Parliament and federal institutions are free from harassment and sexual violence, strategies are informed by expert and stakeholder consultations and are supported by new proposals and legislation introduced in fall 2017.","In 2016 and 2017, the Government consulted experts and stakeholders to determine how to address violence and sexual harassment in workplaces under federal jurisdiction. Proposals and legislation to address the issue are expected soon."
11/1/2017,15,,Safety and Security,Reinforce railway safety.,Minister of Transport,Underway - on track,"Stronger railway safety regulations, improved communication with Canadians and rail infrastructure that is safer and in better condition, leading to fewer accidents and injuries and reduced loss of life.","The Government has accelerated the review of the Railway Safety Act, a year ahead of schedule, to ensure Canadians have the strongest and most effective set of regulations. The review was launched in April 2017 and is being led by an independent Expert Panel who will engage with stakeholders, experts and Canadians over the next year. They will deliver a final report by May 2018. We are investing in improvements to railway crossings and infrastructure to make them safer, and removing from operation those which are unsafe. The Government has supported 527 projects across Canada to improve railway crossings and railway safety. In addition, collaboration is underway with local communities to improve the sharing of information for emergency responses and to educate the public about railway crossings and infrastructure in their communities. The Government has also revised the rules governing the transportation of dangerous goods by rail and introduced a mandatory minimum level of insurance for federal railways."
11/1/2017,16,,Exports and Investment,Undertake a full review of the Canadian grain transportation system to help farmers get their product to market.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food;Minister of Transport,Underway - on track,"A more transparent and fair grain transportation system is in place so Canadian farmers can get their products to market, both in Canada and internationally.","The Government has held consultations with grain sector stakeholders on rail transportation issues and the Canada Transportation Act Review, leading to the introduction of legislation that will advance a long-term agenda for a more transparent, balanced, efficient and reliable rail system to move Canadian goods, including grain, to global markets. Key measures include: new data reporting requirements for railways; a new Long-Haul Interswitching mechanism to provide captive shippers across multiple sectors and regions of Canada with access to a competing railway; a clear definition of “adequate and suitable” rail service; the ability for shippers to seek reciprocal financial penalties in their service agreements with railways; and more accessible and timely remedies for shippers. The Government is also renewing the western Grain Monitoring Program for three years."
11/1/2017,17,,Environment and Climate Change,Formalize a moratorium on crude oil tanker traffic on British Columbia's North Coast.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Transport",Underway - on track,"A moratorium is in place on crude oil tanker traffic on British Columbia's North Coast, protecting habitats and communities.","In May 2017, the Government of Canada introduced legislation to prohibit oil tankers carrying crude and persistent oils as cargo from stopping, loading or unloading at ports or marine installations in northern British Columbia. Vessels carrying less than 12,500 metric tonnes of crude or persistent oil as cargo will continue to be permitted in the moratorium area to ensure northern communities can receive critical shipments of heating oils and other products. The legislation proposes strong penalty provisions for contravention that could reach up to $5 million. The proposed Oil Tanker Moratorium Act is another action that we are taking as part of the Oceans Protection Plan."
11/1/2017,18,,Fair and Open Government,Restore the long-form census.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Completed - fully met,"Restored the long-form census so communities, governments, businesses and other organizations have the data they need to do their jobs.","Our country and economy depend on knowing about ourselves, and on having the data necessary to make informed decisions. That is why the Government of Canada reinstated the long-form census. The 2016 long-form census saw an unprecedented response rate of 97.8 per cent. The first set of data from the 2016 Census was released in February, 2017. The release of all Census-related data will be completed in November 2017, 10 months earlier than for the 2011 Census."
11/1/2017,19,,Fair and Open Government,Reinforce Statistics Canada independence.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,Statistics Canada meets international standards for the independence of a national statistics office.,"Data collected by Statistics Canada helps the private sector, government, not-for-profit groups, and researchers make better decisions. In December 2016, the Government introduced legislation that will reinforce Statistics Canada's independence. The legislation aligns with international standards for national statistical agencies and makes the Chief Statistician responsible for all operational decisions, statistical methodology and the communication of statistical products produced by Statistics Canada. The proposed amendments are consistent with the United Nations Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics and the OECD Recommendations on Good Statistical Practice."
11/1/2017,20,,Jobs and Innovation,Develop and implement an Innovation Agenda.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,"Improved programs support more skills training and life-long learning for Canadians, increased investment in high growth industries, and more high growth, innovative and trade-oriented companies.","Through the Innovation and Skills Plan, the Government will more than double the number of Canadians potentially eligible for employment support and skills training programs to as many as 1.4 million per year; expand programs to support up to 10,000 work integrated learning placements each year; provide more affordable and accessible broadband services for low-income Canadians and Canadians in remote communities through investments in broadband infrastructure and low-income support programs; encourage the development of assistive technologies that make it easier for persons with disabilities to participate in the digital economy; expand access to venture capital financing; support a series of superclusters that will promote innovation opportunities in high-growth industries. These and other supporting initiatives are at different stages of development and will be implemented and reported on over the course of the next several years. The Government is also leading a comprehensive review of government-led innovation programs so that Canadian innovators and entrepreneurs have better access to the support they need."
11/1/2017,21,,Exports and Investment,Implement a new Trade and Investment Strategy.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Small Business and Tourism;Minister of International Trade",Underway - on track,"Double the number of high-growth firms in Canada by 2025; increase Canada's goods and services exports—from natural resources, advance manufacturing, agri-food and others—by 30 per cent by 2025; increase global investment in Canada; more good-paying, middle class jobs for Canadians.","The Government is encouraging global investment and promoting our economic brand through the creation of the Invest in Canada Hub, which will launch later in 2017. To support exports, the Government has established a new National Trade Corridors Fund to address urgent capacity constraints and freight bottlenecks at major ports of entry, and to better connect the rail and highway infrastructure that delivers economic growth across Canada. The Canada Infrastructure Bank will make additional funding available to address trade and transportation projects. The Government has successfully completed the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. Provisional application of the trade agreement took effect in September 2017 and will give consumers more choice, boost Canadian businesses' access to new customers, create good, middle-class jobs and help grow the economy. Launched in 2016, CanExport, which provides direct financial assistance to Canadian small- and medium-sized enterprises seeking to develop new export opportunities in 70 markets, has approved 800 projects. Budget 2017 announced $950 million to superclusters in highly innovative industries, created the Strategic Innovation Fund to boost investment in Canadian innovations, and created six Economic Strategy Tables to boost growth and exports from advanced manufacturing; agri-food; clean technology; digital industries; health and bio-sciences; and clean resources sectors."
11/1/2017,22,,Exports and Investment,Prepare the auto sector for the potential participation of Canada in the Trans-Pacific Partnership.,"Minister of Finance;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,The Canadian auto sector is strengthened and is competitive in global markets.,"The Trans-Pacific Partnership has not moved forward. In Budget 2016, the Government extended the Automotive Innovation Fund through to the end of 2020-21 and made it more flexible. In Budget 2017, the Government subsequently reinforced these changes by launching the new Strategic Innovation Fund. The Government also established a new automotive investment attraction team to support the work of the Invest in Canada Hub. These changes have helped to secure an investment of $500 million by Honda of Canada Manufacturing and an investment of more than $1 billion by Ford Motor Company of Canada. The Ford investment includes a new Research and Engineering Centre that will drive innovation in self-driving cars and clean technologies and will secure jobs in Canada over the long term. Together, both companies employ over 10,000 Canadians in their manufacturing, research and development activities."
11/1/2017,23,,Jobs and Innovation,Increase high-speed broadband coverage and keep Canada at the leading edge of the digital economy.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,More Canadians have access to high-speed and ultra-high-speed broadband services.,"Greater availability and affordability for high-speed internet in rural and remote areas of Canada gives Canadians more opportunity to participate in the economy, democracy and connected way of life. Over the next five years, the Connect to Innovate program will bring high-speed internet to rural and remote communities in Canada by supporting new ""backbone"" infrastructure to connect institutions like schools and hospitals, and ""last-mile"" infrastructure to connect households and businesses. Applications closed at the end of April 2017, and the Government is starting announcements on project decisions. As of October 2017, five successful projects in Nunavut, Ontario and Quebec have been announced under the Connect to Innovate program for a total contribution of $104 million. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is expanding competition on new fibre networks and examining how to further improve innovative wireless pricing options. In addition, the CRTC's new fund will expand much faster Internet speeds to rural and remote communities. Budget 2017 investments are also supporting affordable access to the internet for low-income families, digital literacy programming and better access to assistive devices."
11/1/2017,24,,Jobs and Innovation,Create a Chief Science Officer.,Minister of Science,Completed - fully met,"Following an open, transparent and merit-based process, the Chief Science Advisor, Dr. Mona Nemer, was appointed by the Government on September 26, 2017.","As the Chief Science Advisor, Dr. Nemer will help to improve dissemination and use of independent scientific information and strengthened evidence-based policy making within government. Dr. Nemer will also advise the Government on how to ensure that government science is fully available to the public, that scientists are able to speak freely about their work, and that scientific analyses are considered when the government makes decisions. Dr. Nemer will report to the Prime Minister and Minister of Science."
11/1/2017,25,,Jobs and Innovation,Re-insert scientific considerations into the heart of decision-making and investment choices.,Minister of Science,Underway - on track,"Government scientists are able to speak freely about their work, and the role of scientific information and empirical evidence is strengthened in government decision making.","The Government has updated the Communications Policy to ensure scientists are free to speak in an official capacity on subjects for which they have expertise, and have enshrined this provision into collective agreements covering 15,000 government scientists. The Government also reinstated the mandatory long-form census as well as the University and College Academic Staff System survey, which will provide accurate information about Canada's research community. To promote better use of science and evidence in government decision-making, the Government updated the guidance on preparing Memoranda to Cabinet. The Government is examining additional opportunities to improve the use of evidence and scientific information. The new Chief Science Advisor will advise the Government on how to ensure scientific evidence is considered when making decisions."
11/1/2017,26,,Jobs and Innovation,Establish new Canada Research Chairs in sustainable technologies.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Science",Underway - on track,Two new Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC) will be appointed to further research in clean and sustainable technology.,"Budget 2016 identified $20 million over eight years starting in 2018-19 for the creation of two additional Canada Excellence Research Chairs in fields related to clean and sustainable technology. On October 12, 2016, the Minister of Science announced the launch of a competition for these Chairs, in addition to nine others, which will be selected in 2018. To address the CERC gender imbalance, this competition will require institutions to include detailed equity plans and recruitment strategies that promote the participation of women and other underrepresented groups in the CERC program."
11/1/2017,27,,Jobs and Innovation,Strengthen support for fundamental research to support new discoveries.,Minister of Science,Underway - on track,"Modernized research infrastructure at post-secondary institutions, new research Chairs appointed in areas of strategic priority, and enhanced capacity for granting councils to support fundamental research.","Since 2016, the Government has approved and funded more than 300 projects to modernize research and training facilities on campuses across Canada. These investments will support key discovery research and facilitate the expansion of ongoing research efforts. The Government has also funded new Canada Excellence Research Chairs in the areas of clean and sustainable development technologies, and increased support for Canada's three granting councils. In 2017, the Government announced the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy, which will develop centres of expertise in Toronto-Waterloo, Montreal and Edmonton related to AI to train and attract key research talent in this emerging area of fundamental research. In August 2016, an independent review of federal funding for fundamental science, the most comprehensive review of its kind in 40 years, was launched. The Government is currently reviewing the independent panel's report."
11/1/2017,28,,Government Services and Operations,Align business support programs across governments.,Minister of Small Business and Tourism,Underway - on track,It is easier and simpler for Canadian innovators and entrepreneurs to access and benefit from government programs that help Canadian businesses grow.,"As of March 2017, the Accelerated Growth Service, originally announced in Budget 2016, has helped 150 high-impact firms to scale up and grow their businesses, with a broader goal of helping 1,000 firms expand and create more well-paying jobs. The Government is establishing Innovation Canada, a platform that will coordinate and simplify the support available to Canadian businesses. Currently, support services are spread across more than 70 different programs and located in various departments and agencies. Innovation Canada will help create economic growth strategies in six high-growth sectors, and undertake a whole-of-government review to consolidate business innovation programs into a simpler, less burdensome and more navigable system. The Government is also working with provinces to find co-delivery options for a variety of business support programs and services."
11/1/2017,29,,Exports and Investment,Increase tourism and strengthen the Canadian brand abroad.,Minister of Small Business and Tourism,Underway - on track,"30 per cent overall increase in tourism by 2021, increased tourism from the United States (U.S.) and China, and improved international ranking of Canada as a top tourist destination.","The Government has launched Canada’s New Tourism Vision to increase the number of international tourists to Canada by 30 per cent by 2021. This goal includes doubling the number of Chinese visitors by the same year, positioning Canada as a top 10 destination ranking by 2025, and attracting 680,000 additional visitors from the U.S. over the next three years. The Government also launched the Millennial Travel Program to encourage youth travel during Canada 150. Spending by international visitors to Canada rose almost 10 per cent in 2016, representing the largest annual growth since 1998. The New York Times, Lonely Planet and Condé Nast have all recognized Canada as a top international destination for 2017. The Canada-China Year of Tourism in 2018 will be an opportunity to increase visitation from China, which is being supported by the opening of new Visa Application Centres in China."
11/1/2017,30,,Government Services and Operations,Reduce the administrative burden on small business.,Minister of Small Business and Tourism,Underway - on track,"Reduced administrative burden and simpler, clearer, and faster online services to help small businesses.","In Fall 2016, the Canada Revenue Agency held extensive consultations with stakeholders and businesses on how to improve services for corporate taxpayers, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Based on that feedback, the Government is working on several measures to improve services for businesses, including: enhancing client service and online registration; reducing the time it takes to resolve an objection; expanding the availability of liaison officers who offer site visits; providing T4 information slips to SME employees; extending Auto-Fill services to T2 corporate returns so filing is faster and simpler; and providing dedicated call centre support to authorized tax preparers. As part of our overall digital strategy, the Government is integrating services online so they are easier and quicker for businesses. We have partnered with a number of provinces to pilot integrated tools, such as business registry search and name validation, so that incorporating and finding a business is easier. The Government is continuing to examine how the administrative burden faced by small businesses can be reduced across government."
11/1/2017,31,,Healthy Canadians,Respond to the Supreme Court of Canada decision regarding physician-assisted death.,Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Completed - fully met,Adult Canadians suffering from grievous and irremediable medical conditions and whose death is reasonably foreseeable are able to easily and effectively access medical assistance in dying if they so choose.,"On June 17, 2016, medical assistance in dying (MAID) became a reality in Canada following Royal Assent of the federal legal framework, which protects vulnerable persons while providing options to eligible Canadians to make an informed decision about the end of life. In December 2016, as required by the new law, the Government initiated independent study reports to consider in more detail three particularly complex types of requests for MAID. These include: requests by mature minors, advance requests, and requests where mental illness is the sole underlying medical condition. Independent expert panels, organized by the Council of Canadian Academies, are conducting these reviews. They will report on their results by the end of 2018. As of April 2017, Health Canada has begun to provide initial public reporting on the use of MAID across Canada."
11/1/2017,32,,Fair and Open Government,"Review the government litigation strategy and end appeals or positions that are not consistent with our commitments, the Charter or our values.",Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,"Legal positions taken by the Government are consistent with Government commitments, the Charter and our values.","To date, several early decisions have been made to end appeals and withdraw positions not consistent with Government commitments, the Charter, or Canadian values. For instance, the Government ended the appeal of the Federal Court's ruling that the 2012 cuts to the Interim Federal Health Program—reducing health coverage to refugees—were unconstitutional. The Government dropped the appeal of this decision and in April 2016 restored refugee health care coverage to pre-2012 levels. In August 2016, the Government of Canada created a new Cabinet Committee on Litigation Management to provide an ongoing review of the Government's litigation strategy and consideration of the policy, financial and legal implications of litigation involving the federal government. To promote increased transparency and track the results of this mandate commitment, we have begun publishing a Litigation Year in Review report."
11/1/2017,35,,Fair and Open Government,"Ensure that the appointment of Supreme Court Justices is transparent, inclusive and accountable to Canadians.",Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Completed - fully met,"Greater transparency, accountability and diversity in the appointment of Supreme Court Justices.","In August 2016, the Government of Canada announced a new, open and transparent process for filling vacancies on the Supreme Court of Canada. This new process includes: an open application process; the establishment of an Independent Advisory Board to assess all applications and prepare a shortlist; requiring functional bilingualism as an essential qualification for all shortlisted candidates; and ensuring there are consultations regarding the shortlist with key stakeholders, including members of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice. Justice Malcolm Rowe was the first Supreme Court Justice appointed under this new process in October 2016. The Government announced in July 2017, that this new process will again be applied to fill an upcoming vacancy on the Supreme Court."
11/1/2017,36,,Safety and Security,"Toughen criminal laws in cases of domestic assault, with the goal of keeping survivors and children safe.",Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,Greater protections for complainants and survivors of sexual assault and domestic assault.,"In June 2017, the Government introduced legislation to clarify and strengthen the sexual assault provisions in the Criminal Code. The legislation would clarify that an unconscious person, or otherwise incapacitated, is incapable of consenting; clarify the defence of mistaken belief to indicate that it cannot be relied upon if there is no evidence upon which the belief was founded; clarify rape shield provisions to explicitly include communications of a sexual nature or communications for a sexual purpose, so these types of communications cannot be used to suggest that the complainant was more likely to have consented or is less worth of belief; provide that a complainant has right to legal representation in rape shield proceedings; and create a regime to determine whether an accused can introduce a complainant's private records at trial that are in their possession. The Government will continue to work on additional options related to this commitment to address domestic abuse and intimate partner violence, which will be brought forward later in the mandate."
11/1/2017,37,,Jobs and Innovation,"Ensure tax measures are efficient and encourage innovation, trade and the growth of Canadian businesses.","Minister of Finance;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,"Tax measures encourage innovation, trade, and the growth of Canadian businesses.","The Government has also initiated a whole-of-government review of business innovation programs to ensure that they are simple and effective and best meet the needs of Canada’s innovators. The Government has also announced that it will be reducing the small business tax rate from 10.5% to 10% as of January 1, 2018 and to 9% as of January 1, 2019."
11/1/2017,38,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Add gender identity as a prohibited ground for discrimination under the Canadian Human Rights Act and add it to the list of characteristics of identifiable groups protected by the hate speech provisions of the Criminal Code.,Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Completed - fully met,Discrimination on the basis of gender identity and gender expression is now illegal.,"In June 2017, amendments to the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code received Royal Assent, ensuring the full protection of transgender people across Canada. These amendments formally add gender identity and gender expression to the Canadian Human Rights Act as prohibited grounds of discrimination, as well as amend the Criminal Code to deal with hate crimes related to gender identity and gender expression."
11/1/2017,39,,Environment and Climate Change,Ratify the Paris agreement and develop a Pan-Canadian framework for combating climate change.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Completed - fully met,Canada ratified the Paris Agreement and created the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change.,"Canada ratified the Paris Agreement on October 5th, 2016, following a vote in Parliament. The Paris Agreement entered into force on November 4th, 2016. In December 2016, First Ministers adopted the Pan-Canadian Framework (PCF) on Clean Growth and Climate Change, which is Canada’s comprehensive plan to reduce emissions across all sectors of the economy, accelerate clean economic growth and build resilience to the impacts of climate change. The PCF was developed with provinces and territories, in collaboration with Indigenous peoples, and was informed by input from Canadians across the country."
11/1/2017,41,,Environment and Climate Change,Improve protection and stewardship of our freshwater resources.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,"The protection of freshwater resources is improved, and water and wastewater infrastructure is in better repair.","Through research, assessment and regulation, the Government of Canada is working to ensure sustainable water management. The Government has taken action to protect the Great Lakes and Lake Winnipeg Basin by improving water quality, increasing conservation activities, addressing threats posed by invasive species, and improving collaboration with Indigenous peoples. The Government is collaborating with the United States to protect shared waters through the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, and has also established a Clean Water and Wastewater Fund to help provinces, territories and municipalities make immediate repairs to water and wastewater infrastructure. Work is also underway to enhance the Environmental Assessment process as it relates to freshwater areas."
11/1/2017,42,,Environment and Climate Change,Enhance protection of Canada's endangered species.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,Species at risk are protected.,"The Government of Canada has developed a three-year plan to address the backlog of 149 terrestrial species eligible for listing under the Species at Risk Act. In February 2017, a final decision was made on listing 18 terrestrial species. As of September 2017, 168 of the 192 overdue proposed recovery documents were completed and posted on the Species at Risk Public Registry. Parks Canada finalized multi-species action plans for 10 Parks Canada places, in total addressing 93 species at risk and more than 60 other species of conservation concern. In addition, the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers responsible for Conservation, Wildlife and Biodiversity met in February 2017 to discuss how to better collaborate to conserve Canada's species at risk. These measures will help make sure species at risk receive the protection they need."
11/1/2017,43,,Environment and Climate Change,Work with provinces and territories to set stronger air quality standards.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,"New national standards are adopted to reduce air pollutants from industrial sources, and recurring State of the Air reports demonstrate progress.","The Government of Canada is implementing a new approach to Air Quality Management System (AQMS) with provinces and territories, which includes a commitment to a national State of the Air report every five years. As part of this system, new ambient air quality standards for sulphur dioxide were announced in October 2016, and new standards for nitrogen dioxide are being finalized. The Government is also establishing national standards to reduce air pollutants from industrial sources, including in the following sectors: iron and steel; aluminum; potash; pulp and paper; iron ore pellets; base-metals smelting; and stationary combustion turbines. In addition, the Government announced the acceleration of the transition from traditional coal power to clean energy by 2030. This will significantly improve air quality and the health of Canadians and will reduce Canada's greenhouse gas emissions by more than five megatonnes in 2030—equivalent to taking 1.3 million cars off the road."
11/1/2017,44,,Environment and Climate Change,Review Canada's environmental assessment processes.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Natural Resources;Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Science;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs",Underway - on track,"Environmental assessment processes that are fair to all parties, rely on scientific evidence, respect the rights of Indigenous peoples and protect the environment for generations to come.","The Government launched a review of Canada's environmental assessment processes in June 2016. The review is coordinated with reviews of the Fisheries Act, the Navigation Protection Act and the modernization of the National Energy Board to ensure a coordinated approach for the environmental and economic considerations of resource development. The Government has established an independent four-member Expert Panel to conduct the review. The Expert Panel engaged the public, Indigenous groups and stakeholders, both in person and online, and delivered a report with recommendations to the Minister in March 2017. From June to September 2017, the Government asked for comments on a discussion paper that outlines the changes the Government is considering to strengthen Canada’s environmental assessment and regulatory processes. The feedback gathered on the discussion paper, as well as input from Indigenous groups and stakeholders, will help inform potential legislative, regulatory and policy changes."
11/1/2017,45,,Environment and Climate Change,"Develop Canada's National Parks system, as well as manage and expand National Wildlife Areas and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries.",Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,Terrestrial areas and inland water are conserved through networks of protected areas.,"The Government of Canada continues to work to conserve and connect terrestrial areas. A comprehensive plan is being developed to conserve 17 per cent of terrestrial areas and inland water through networks of protected areas by 2020. Parks Canada and the Government of Alberta are leading a process to meet this challenging target and are gathering best advice from a broad spectrum of stakeholders through the establishment of the National Advisory Panel and the Indigenous Circle of experts. Work on expanding the system of National Parks includes the proposed Thaidene Nëné National Park Reserve. Negotiations with the Government of the Northwest Territories, Lutsël K’e Dene First Nation and Northwest Territories Metis are close to completion. The Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia and the Okanagan Nation announced re-engagement on a proposed national park reserve in the South Okanagan. Parks Canada has contacted the Manitoba Government to re-engage on a proposed national park in the Manitoba Lowlands. As part of the expansion of National Wildlife Areas and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries, the Government is working with the Dehcho First Nation and the Tlicho Government to establish the Edéhzhíe National Wildlife area in the Northwest Territories, which will protect over 1.4 million hectares of habitat for boreal caribou."
11/1/2017,46,,Environment and Climate Change,Develop Parks Canada services so that more Canadians can experience our National Parks.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,More Canadians visit and experience Parks Canada administered sites and the Trans Canada Trail is completed.,"The Government has taken steps to make sites more accessible and to improve overall visitor experiences by investing approximately $3.2 billion to renew infrastructure assets such as trails, heritage buildings, visitor centres, waterways and highways. The Government of Canada is improving bike and walking trails in national parks as well as highway access through Wood Buffalo National Park and Yoho National Park. The Government has also confirmed funding to complete the Trans Canada Trail in 2021. When complete, the Trail will provide 24,000 km of recreational trails within 30 minutes of about 29 million Canadians. The Government is working with Indigenous peoples and stakeholders to improve interpretation and heritage programming and make sites more accessible."
11/1/2017,47,,Environment and Climate Change,"Make admission to National Parks free for all in 2017 and, afterwards, free for children under 18 and new citizens.",Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,Free admission to National Parks in 2017; free admission for children under 18 and new citizens in future years.,"To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation, the Government of Canada is offering free admission to all national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas, as well as free passage through lock systems on all national historic canals. Over 8.3 million Discovery Passes have been ordered and distributed to Canadians and people in 200 countries. Free admission for youth under the age of 18 and new citizens will take effect next year. Canada 150 programs offered by Parks Canada included the expanded Aboriginal Day and Canada Day celebrations, the first annual Canada Historic Places Day with more than 60 sites participating, as well as hosting numerous Canada 150 signature projects."
11/1/2017,48,,Environment and Climate Change,Expand Learn to Camp programs.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,More low to middle-income families participate in Learn to Camp and have greater opportunity to experience Canada's outdoors.,"Parks Canada expanded the popular Learn to Camp Program this year so that more low- to middle-income families could experience Canada’s outdoors. New program components were developed for the Learn to Camp Program and piloted during the summer of 2016. In 2017, Parks Canada hosted 30 overnight Learn-to Camp events as well as over 500 other Learn-to events and activities across Canada."
11/1/2017,49,,Environment and Climate Change,Protect our National Parks by limiting development within them and help local eco-tourism industries.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Small Business and Tourism,Underway - on track,Development is limited within Canada's National Parks so future generations can experience their natural beauty.,A pillar of Canada's new Vision for Tourism is to distinguish Canada as a premier tourism destination through Canada's national parks. The Government is maintaining and restoring ecological integrity within Canada's national parks while continuing to provide meaningful services and experiences to visitors. The Government has established strict development limits to ensure ecological integrity in Canada's national parks. Parks Canada has put forward a rigorous development review and environmental assessment process to ensure all development proposals comply with park-wide ecological objectives and that the park's ecological integrity is maintained. Parks Canada is in the process of developing strategies to help grow local eco-tourism industries and create jobs.
11/1/2017,50,,Environment and Climate Change,Work with Ontario to enhance the country's first urban National Park: Rouge National Urban Park.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Completed - fully met,"Created Canada's first urban National Park, Rouge National Urban Park.","In June 2017, legislation was passed to expand the size of the Rouge National Urban Park and guide how the park will be managed. This legislation strengthens ecological protections and will ensure that ecological integrity is the first priority in the management of Canada's first national urban park, while recognizing its important cultural heritage and providing greater certainty for the continuation of park agriculture."
11/1/2017,51,,Environment and Climate Change,"Protect the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River Basin and the Lake Winnipeg Basin.","Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",On-going commitment,"Increased protection for the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River Basin and the Lake Winnipeg Basin so they can continue to be enjoyed by future generations.","Through Budget 2017, the Government is providing funding to protect Canada’s freshwater resources, including the Great Lakes and Lake Winnipeg basins. The Government is expanding efforts to address toxic and nuisance algae, as well as aquatic invasive species programming, which will further help address the threats posed by such species as Asian carp and sea lamprey. In June 2017, the governments of Canada and Quebec announced continued investment in the conservation and enhancement of the St. Lawrence River basin to enhance water quality, protect biodiversity and ensure its sustainable use."
11/1/2017,52,,Environment and Climate Change,Examine the implications of climate change on Arctic marine ecosystems.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Science",Underway - on track,Greater knowledge and understanding of the changes occurring in Canada's Arctic and a better understanding of how Canada might adapt to ensure the continued welfare of Canada's Arctic communities.,"Canada has committed to opening the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) later in 2017, which will significantly enhance Arctic research, including on the impacts of climate change. The Government of Canada is investing in the Aquatic Climate Change Adaptation Services Program to conduct the research and monitoring necessary to identify climate change impacts and vulnerabilities, develop adaptation tools, and improve ocean forecasting in vulnerable coastal regions to inform management decisions. As part of the Oceans Protection Plan, the Government will be working with Indigenous and coastal communities to collect baseline environmental information at six sites across Canada, including one in the Arctic. The Government has also concluded new international agreements to strengthen Arctic scientific cooperation. The Minister of Science attended the first White House Arctic Science Ministerial event in September 2016, helping to advance several joint international research projects. In Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government made significant investments to improve research of ecosystem stressors such as underwater noise pollution and micro-plastics on aquatic ecosystems. The Canadian Space Agency is collaborating on a US-France mission—Surface Water & Ocean Topography—that will provide the first global survey of earth surface water, ocean surface topography, ocean currents, and measure change over time. In addition, the Government of Canada has committed to work together in collaboration with northern partners to better understand the “Last Ice Area.” This region in the high Arctic is the only region that is expected to retain summer sea ice until 2050."
11/1/2017,53,,Canada in the World,Refocus Canada's development assistance on helping the most vulnerable and supporting fragile states.,Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,Underway - on track,Global poverty is reduced by investing in gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls and by focusing on the poorest and most vulnerable.,"In June 2017, the Government launched Canada's new Feminist International Assistance Policy to eradicate extreme poverty and build a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous world. Canada will invest in women's empowerment and gender equality as the best ways to achieve its objectives, grounded in the Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Canada is focusing its assistance on closing gaps and barriers faced by women and girls in a number of areas, including sexual and reproductive health and rights, education, governance, environment and climate adaptation, peace and security, and inclusive economic opportunity. By 2021-22, the Feminist International Assistance Policy commits to directing no less than 50 per cent of Canada's annual bilateral international development assistance under to sub-Saharan African countries and ensuring 95 per cent of bilateral aid enhances gender empowerment."
11/1/2017,54,,Canada in the World,"Create a new policy and funding framework to ensure that Canada's aid empowers people and supports broad-based, sustainable growth in the developing world.",Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,Completed - fully met,"A comprehensive, feminist international assistance policy is in place that will reduce global poverty by investing in gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls and by focusing on the poorest and most vulnerable.","After a year of consultations with over 15,000 people in 65 countries, Canada released its Feminist International Assistance Policy in June 2017. The Government engaged with people online and in person on how Canada's international assistance should be invested and focused. The consultation summary report was released in December 2016 and formed the basis of the new policy."
11/1/2017,55,,Canada in the World,"Support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by the United Nations in September 2015.",Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,Underway - on track,"Canada's international assistance helps countries make progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and helps to build a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous world.",Canada's Feminist International Assistance Policy is explicitly aligned with the United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure our investments are coordinated with the rest of the international community. Sustainable Development Goal 5—achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls—is the entry point for Canada’s international assistance to drive progress on all SDGs. The Government is also co-leading a group of United Nations member states to foster innovative financing solutions to achieve the SDGs. Canada is in the preliminary stages of developing a strategy to track and report on progress toward the SDGs.
11/1/2017,56,,Canada in the World,"Support the full range of reproductive health services and close the gap in the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Initiative.",Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,Underway - on track,"More women and girls are able to make informed reproductive health choices and assert control over their own bodies, saving the lives of women and children.","Over the course of the next three years, the Government will expand the number of assistance projects that give women access to quality health care, modern contraception, sexual education and prevention services so they can retain control over their bodies and exercise their rights. This will help reduce the number of women and girls around the world who have unmet needs for modern contraception, currently estimated to be 214 million. Consistent with Canada's new Feminist International Assistance Policy, the Government also now strongly encourages partners funded by the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health programs to integrate the full range of sexual and reproductive health services into their programming. Canada also joined the global partnerships, Family Planning 2020 and the Ouagadougou Partnership, which will help enable 120 million more women and girls to use family planning by 2020 and accelerate progress in the use of these services in West and Central Africa."
11/1/2017,57,,Canada in the World,"Support innovative, evidence-based approaches to development assistance.",Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,Underway - on track,More effective international assistance and more rigorous use of evidence-based practice and innovative solutions within decision-making processes.,"Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy, launched in June 2017, will provide more integrated and responsive assistance, support innovation and research, deliver better reporting on results, develop more effective partnerships, and concentrate on those regions of the world where Canada can make the greatest difference in reducing poverty and inequality, particularly for women and girls. Global Affairs Canada and its recipient partners will systematically measure progress and results, conduct gender-based analyses of programs and develop new programming mechanisms that enable innovative partnerships. To increase the transparency of Canada's international assistance, the Government expects to start publicly reporting the planned level of the International Assistance Envelope every year starting in 2018."
11/1/2017,58,,Canada in the World,Provide assistance to countries that are vulnerable to the destabilizing effects of climate change.,Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,Underway - on track,Countries receiving Canadian international assistance are better equipped to deal with the destabilizing effects of climate change.,"Canada is providing $2.65 billion over five years to help developing countries deal with the destabilizing effects of climate change and support them in adopting adaptation and mitigation strategies to build resilient communities. Canada's new Development Finance Institute (DFI), capitalized with $300 million over five years, will mobilize its resources to promote green economic growth, which in turn will provide access to clean technology and climate-resilient infrastructure to those people most affected by climate change."
11/1/2017,59,,Canada in the World,Ensure Canada's strong and sustained engagement in the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie.,Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,On-going commitment,Promotion of Canadian values of diversity and inclusion through La Francophonie and promotion of French Canadian culture globally.,"Canada has maintained strong and sustained commitment to La Francophonie and continues to use it as an important opportunity to engage the international community. At the 16th Francophonie Summit in Madagascar in November 2016, Canada led a resolution, adopted by member countries, promoting global action to address child marriages, early marriages and forced marriages. The Government has also announced support for projects in several Francophone countries, particularly in Haiti, Burkina Faso, Mali, Senegal and Benin, to address climate change and economic growth, especially for young people and women. With the help of New Brunswick and Quebec, Canada supported Ontario in its efforts to join the International Organization of La Francophonie and promote the important contributions of Franco-Ontarian culture to Canada and the world."
11/1/2017,60,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Resettle 25,000 refugees from Syria.","Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship;Minister of International Development and La Francophonie",Completed - modified,"The Government welcomed 26,172 Syrian refugees (government-assisted and privately sponsored) between November 4, 2015, and February 29, 2016.","As of January 29, 2017, Canada had welcomed 40,081 refugees from Syria: 21,876 government-assisted refugees, 3,931 blended visa office-referred refugees, and 14,274 privately sponsored refugees. Although the Government hit and surpassed its targets, it did so two months later than the initial timeline to ensure proper security and medical examinations and resettlement preparations."
11/1/2017,61,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Double the number of entry applications for parents and grandparents of immigrants to 10,000 a year.","Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,"The Government made reuniting families a top priority and doubled the number of parents and grandparents sponsorship applications accepted to 10,000 in 2016. The new cap of 10,000 per year will apply going forward.",
11/1/2017,62,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Give additional points under the Express Entry system to applicants who have Canadian siblings.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,"Changes to Canada's Express Entry program, including additional points for candidates with Canadian siblings and candidates who have strong French and/or English languages skills were implemented on June 6, 2017. This is increasing the number of eligible economic immigrants who have the support they need to more easily integrate into the labour market and contribute to the economic success of all Canadians.",
11/1/2017,63,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Increase the maximum age for dependents from 19 to 22 to allow more Canadians to bring their children to Canada.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,More family reunification.,"The Government has made reuniting families a top priority. Regulatory amendments to increase the maximum age of dependent children from 19 to 22 years of age came into force October 24, 2017."
11/1/2017,64,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Bring forward a proposal regarding permanent residency for new spouses entering Canada.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Sponsored spouses and partners no longer have to remain in abusive relationships for fear of losing their immigration status.,"To address concerns that some vulnerable sponsored spouses or partners were staying in abusive relationships out of fear of losing their permanent resident status, the Government repealed the requirement of conditional residency. This means sponsored spouses and partners are no longer required to live with their sponsor for two years in order to maintain their permanent resident status, thereby reducing vulnerability and dependence."
11/1/2017,65,,Government Services and Operations,"Improve client service delivery and immigration, refugees and citizenship application processing times.","Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,"Enhanced client service and timely processing of immigration, refugee and citizenship applications.","The Government is developing initiatives to reduce processing times in several programs and a client service strategy to enhance the client experience. In December 2016, spousal sponsorship was reformed to speed up processing and simplify the sponsorship process. Since then, the processing target of 80 per cent of new spousal applications within a 12-month time frame is on track. The Government also announced an intake management strategy for privately sponsored refugees and the goal of reducing wait times for new applications to 12 months. Service standards in other programs are being maintained: 80 per cent of citizenship grant applications received since April 2015 are processed within a 12-month timeframe, and Express Entry permanent residency applications are processed within a six-month timeframe. Since June 2017, the Global Skills Strategy continues to assist companies in getting workers to Canada faster, including through two-week processing time for 80 per cent of eligible work permit applications. The Dedicated Service Channel helps guide companies making significant, job-creating investments in Canada. Enhancements to the asylum system will be informed by upcoming findings of the independent review of the Immigration and Refugee Board."
11/1/2017,66,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Restore the Interim Federal Health Program that provides health benefits to refugees.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Improved access to necessary health care for refugees.,"In April 2016, the Government restored the Interim Federal Health Program for all eligible refugee beneficiaries. In addition, the Government eliminated the coverage expiry date to ensure refugee claimants remain covered until they are eligible for provincial/territorial health insurance. Coverage has also been expanded to cover certain services for accepted refugees before they arrive to Canada."
11/1/2017,67,,Canada in the World,Establish an expert human rights panel to help determine designated countries of origin and provide a right to appeal refugee decisions for citizens from these countries.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,"Canada upholds its commitment to welcoming those seeking refuge from conflict and war, while leveraging expertise and systems to strengthen program integrity and efficiency.","As of July 2015, claimants from Designated Countries of Origin - countries that do not normally produce refugees and do respect human rights and offer state protection - have had access to an appeal at the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. An independent review of the Immigration and Refugee Board and the asylum system is underway, and findings will inform how the Government will enhance the asylum system to achieve both efficiency and fairness for all claimants."
11/1/2017,68,,Environment and Climate Change,Work with stakeholders to better co-manage our three oceans.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",On-going commitment,"The new Oceans Protection Plan provides ongoing engagement and investment to protect oceans, marine mammals, and coastal communities.","The Oceans Protection Plan (OPP) includes new research on the effects of oil spills, measures to protect marine mammals, and increased emergency response capacity where coastal communities will play a greater role. The Government is engaging coastal communities, stakeholders and all orders of governments on the rollout of the OPP. The OPP is a key part of the Government's commitment to redefine its relationship with Indigenous peoples and engage in a meaningful and productive partnership with Indigenous communities."
11/1/2017,69,,Canada in the World,Facilitate the temporary entry of low risk travellers and lift the visa requirement for Mexico.,"Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,"Canada is a more open country that does not impose unnecessary barriers to business travellers, tourists and other visitors.","On December 1, 2016, Canada lifted the requirement for Mexican travellers to have a visa. To facilitate the temporary entry of low-risk travellers, the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) was put in place on November 10, 2016 for visa-exempt foreign nationals (other than U.S. citizens) boarding their flight to Canada. With a valid eTA, travellers can travel to Canada multiple times for short stays. On May 1, 2017, Canada expanded eTA to Brazil, Bulgaria and Romania to facilitate air travel for low-risk travellers. The visa requirement for Bulgaria and Romania will be lifted on December 1, 2017."
11/1/2017,70,,Fair and Open Government,Repeal provisions in the Citizenship Act that give the government the right to strip citizenship from dual nationals.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Repealed provisions in the Citizenship Act that gave the Government the right to strip citizenship from dual nationals.,"In June 2017, legislation was passed that repealed the unfair elements of the Citizenship Act that applied only to Canadians with dual or multiple citizenships and allowed the government to strip them of their Canadian citizenship. This legislation also makes it easier for applicants to meet the requirements for citizenship, and helps immigrants obtain citizenship earlier and faster."
11/1/2017,72,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Make it easier for international students to stay in Canada after their studies.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Better outcomes for immigrants to Canada because those who become permanent residents and citizens have Canadian educational experience.,"It is now easier for international students to become permanent residents or Canadian citizens after completing their studies. The Government made changes to the Express Entry system that award more points to those who have studied in Canada, making it easier for international students to become permanent residents. As well, in October 2017, regulatory changes introduced by the Government came into force, providing greater flexibility for international students who want to become Canadian citizens."
11/1/2017,73,,Environment and Climate Change,Restore funding to support federal ocean science and monitoring programs.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Completed - fully met,"Restored funding to support the hiring of new scientific staff, the acquisition of new lab equipment, and added capacity for ocean science and monitoring.","The Government of Canada restored funding for federal ocean science and monitoring programs. In April 2016, $197 million was committed to fund ocean and freshwater science activities, which will help better understand aquatic ecosystems and support evidence-based management decisions. The Government is recruiting 135 new scientific staff and creating a new Partnership Fund to build capacity in the Canadian ocean and freshwater science community. The Government is also investing in high-performance lab equipment to mitigate life-cycle management concerns, procuring new state-of-the-art acoustic and remote sensing technology, and enhancing monitoring activities for various species of marine mammals, fish and invertebrates."
11/1/2017,74,,Environment and Climate Change,Use good scientific evidence when making decisions affecting fish stocks and ecosystem management.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Underway - on track,"A new, strong process that integrates scientific information in all major fish stock and ecosystem management decisions.",The Government of Canada has changed its internal processes to ensure that scientific information and advice are presented as part of decision making. The Government is currently developing a plan to implement the precautionary approach policy for all major fish stocks. The new Chief Science Advisor will provide guidance on this.
11/1/2017,75,,Environment and Climate Change,Act on recommendations of the Cohen Commission on restoring sockeye salmon stocks in the Fraser River.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Underway - on track,"A new Wild Salmon Policy to restore salmon stocks and support sustainable aquaculture is co-developed and implemented in collaboration with experts, regional stakeholders and Indigenous peoples.","In August 2016, the Government released its formal response to the final report of the Cohen Commission. In October 2016, the Government launched public consultations and met with Indigenous peoples on the development of an implementation plan for the conservation of wild salmon. In September, 2017, the Government provided a status update showing 64 out of the 75 recommendations from the Cohen Commission have now been acted on. The Government continues to engage with scientific experts and stakeholders and has begun to draft an implementation plan for Wild Salmon Policy in collaboration with partners."
11/1/2017,76,,Safety and Security,"Re-open the Maritime Rescue Sub-centre in St. John's, Newfoundland, and the Kitsilano Coast Guard Base in Vancouver.","Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Underway - on track,Kitsilano Coast Guard Base and St. John's Maritime Rescue Sub-centre are re-opened to restore search and rescue services and save lives.,"In May 2016, the Kitsilano Coast Guard Base in Vancouver was re-opened to provide 24/7 search and rescue services. In Summer 2018, the Maritime Rescue Sub-centre in St. John's will be re-opened to provide the same search and rescue capacity."
11/1/2017,77,,Healthy Canadians,Sign new Health Accord with the provinces and territories.,Minister of Health,Completed - fully met,"A new, multi-year agreement to strengthen health care has been reached between the Government of Canada and provinces and territories.","The Government of Canada has reached agreements with all provinces and territories on collective priorities and 10-year funding to strengthen health care. In August 2017, federal, provincial and territorial (F-P-T) governments reached agreement on a Common Statement of Principles on Shared Health Priorities, which outlines key priorities for federal investments to improve access to mental health and addictions services, as well as home and community care and a joint commitment to advance health innovation and prescription drugs. Budget 2017 confirmed a targeted investment of $11.5 billion over 10 years to support these priorities. F-P-T governments also committed to develop and report on a set of common metrics to ensure that these investments bring Canadians improved health outcomes."
11/1/2017,78,,Healthy Canadians,Increase rates of vaccination.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"By 2025, 95 per cent of children under the age of two have received all recommended vaccinations.","The Government is working with the provinces and territories to update vaccination coverage goals and vaccine-preventable disease reduction targets. The goals and targets are now in the process of being endorsed by the provinces and territories. In Budget 2016, and in partnership with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Government established a new research program to identify populations in Canada who are unvaccinated or under-vaccinated, with a special emphasis on the vulnerable populations and Indigenous peoples. This initial work will provide a foundation as the Government continues to monitor progress and consider further action."
11/1/2017,79,,Healthy Canadians,Introduce plain packaging requirements for tobacco products.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,New plain packaging requirements for tobacco products will contribute to continued decrease in use.,"In November 2016, the Government of Canada introduced the proposed Tobacco and Vaping Products Act, which includes measures to support plain packaging. Once passed, the legislation will allow Health Canada to develop regulations that implement a comprehensive approach to plain and standardized packaging."
11/1/2017,80,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Promote the celebration of Canada 150.,Minister of Canadian Heritage;Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Underway - on track,"Canadians come together to celebrate the best of Canada and to experience Canada’s rich cultural, linguistic, and geographical diversity.","Canada's plans for Canada 150 are underway and on track. The Canada 150 Fund has funded hundreds of community projects and several pan-Canadian Signature projects, and has enabled the promotion of active living, sport and athleticism to students and communities across Canada. Canada 150 will highlight diversity and inclusion, reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, the environment, and youth."
11/1/2017,81,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Restore and increase funding for CBC/Radio-Canada.,Minister of Canadian Heritage,Completed - fully met,"Increased funding for CBC/Radio-Canada, leading to the creation of new, high-quality content across all platforms.","In Budget 2016, the Government increased CBC/Radio-Canada funding by $675 million over five years. In 2017/18 one third of this funding will support CBC/Radio-Canada’s key programming and initiatives, and approximately half of the funding will go toward the creation of new, high-quality content, including local content, across all platforms, and support CBC/Radio-Canada's digital transformation. The remaining funds will support the continued development of existing services and the next generation of digital talent."
11/1/2017,82,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that the appointment process to the CBC/Radio-Canada Board of Directors is merit-based and independent.,Minister of Canadian Heritage,Completed - fully met,A new independent and merit-based appointment process has been established for selecting the CBC/Radio-Canada Board of Directors.,"The Government has appointed an independent and non-partisan Advisory Committee that will provide the Minister of Canadian Heritage with recommendations of qualified candidates for appointments to CBC/Radio-Canada. Published, merit-based criteria will guide the Advisory Committee as they identify Canadians who would make significant contributions to the work of the Board of Directors of CBC/Radio-Canada."
11/1/2017,83,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Double investment in the Canada Council for the Arts.,Minister of Canadian Heritage,Completed - fully met,The Government invested $550 million in the Canada Council for the Arts to foster the development of the arts in Canada.,"New investments are being made in the form of grants, services and awards to professional Canadian artists and arts organizations, as well as through scholarly awards. The Government of Canada's annual investment in the Council is doubling over the next five years, growing local economies and creating good middle-class jobs."
11/1/2017,84,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Increase funding for Telefilm Canada and the National Film Board.,Minister of Canadian Heritage,Completed - fully met,"Increased funding for Canada's film industry, creating growth and jobs in the creative industries.","The Government invested $22 million in Telefilm Canada to fund and promote programs dedicated to the cultural, commercial and industrial success of Canada’s audiovisual industry and provided the National Film Board of Canada with $13.5 million to create social issue documentaries, animation, and digital content."
11/1/2017,85,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Restore PromArt and Trade Routes international cultural promotion programs.,Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of Canadian Heritage;Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"Greater awareness of Canadian excellence in arts and culture, greater international demand for Canadian creators and more jobs in the creative industries.","Budget 2016 revived and merged two programs—PromArt and Trade Routes—and provided $35 million over two years to help artists and cultural industries kick start or promote their creative offerings abroad. The creation of the Mission Cultural Fund has enabled 84 Canadian missions abroad to support or coordinate 253 events showcasing Canadian artists on the world stage. The Government hired 16 culture and trade officers in Canadian missions located in priority markets—such as Mumbai, Shanghai, Tokyo and Los Angeles—to support Canadian artists and creative industries. The Government also expanded access to cultural trade data with the help of Statistics Canada to provide more accurate and up-to-date information that will help guide and focus Canadian creative exporters abroad. The Government recently announced a further investment of $125 million over five years for the Creative Export Strategy, helping Canada's creative industries seize business opportunities in key international markets. This initiative builds on the new Canadian trade and investment strategy in support of Canadian export businesses, notably the creative industries sector. Restoring the PromArt and Trade Routes cultural promotion programs also serves to revitalise Canada's public diplomacy and to increase Canada's interaction with the world through culture and education."
11/1/2017,86,,Strong Middle Class,"Increase funding to ""Young Canada Works"" to help prepare the next generation working in the heritage sector.",Minister of Canadian Heritage,Completed - fully met,More jobs for young Canadians in the heritage sector.,"The Government has increased jobs for young Canadians in the heritage sector. Investments in the Youth Employment Strategy helped to create over 1,600 new employment opportunities in the heritage sector in 2016-17. In addition, increased funding for the Young Canada Works initiative created 150 new internships for recent graduates in 2016-17. Budget 2017 confirmed an additional investment of $14.05 million over three years in funding in Young Canada Works Heritage programming. These new funds will enable the creation of over 1,500 more summer jobs and graduate internships for Canadian youth in Canadian museums and related heritage organizations."
11/1/2017,87,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Develop a multi-year Official Languages plan to support English and French linguistic minorities.,Minister of Canadian Heritage,Underway - on track,A new Official Languages plan will be implemented to support English and French linguistic minorities across Canada.,"The Minister of Canadian Heritage held extensive, nation-wide consultations in 2016 in support of a new multi-year Official Languages Plan. More than 350 community organizations participated in 22 roundtables across the country and 6,600 Canadians responded to an online questionnaire. A final plan is expected to take effect on April 1, 2018."
11/1/2017,88,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Establish a free, online service for learning and retaining English and French as second languages.",Minister of Canadian Heritage,Underway - with challenges,Free online services that help Canadians learn and retain English and French as second languages.,"Canadian Heritage has conducted consultations with industry to identify possible approaches for providing an e-learning tool for Canadians. Progress has required specific attention to technological challenges and the need for a mobile component. Project design, technological requirements and funding have yet to be determined."
11/1/2017,89,,Fair and Open Government,Restore a modern Court Challenges Program.,Minister of Canadian Heritage;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,Increased protection for human rights and official language rights through a modernized Court Challenges Program.,"The Government has reinstated a modernized Court Challenges Program to provide financial support to Canadians to access the courts for the litigation of test cases of national significance, to help clarify and assert certain constitutional and quasi-constitutional official language rights and human rights in Canada. In February 2017, the Government launched a process to select an independent body to implement and manage the modernized program. Interested parties had until March 6, 2017 to submit an application. On September 1, 2017, the Government announced that the University of Ottawa had been selected to manage the modernized program. It also announced the members of the Selection Committee who will assess potential candidates for the program's Official Languages Expert Panel and its Human Rights Expert Panel."
11/1/2017,90,,Strong Middle Class,Balance the budget in 2019/20.,Minister of Finance,Underway - with challenges,Balance the budget over the long-term and continue to reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio.,"As noted in the 2017 Fall Economic Statement, the fiscal framework does not forecast a balanced budget in 2019/20. Before the Government delivered the 2016 Budget, the baseline fiscal track weakened as a result of low oil prices and slow global economic growth. Important fiscal investments were made to kick-start the economy, support the middle class and address the long-term challenges that were limiting Canada's potential. Canada is now seeing the strongest economic growth in the G7 and increased consumer and business confidence. As a result, the current fiscal track shows steady improvements in the Government's budgetary position along with a continued decline in the federal debt-to-GDP ratio. The Government will maintain this downward deficit and debt ratio track—preserving Canada's low-debt advantage for current and future generations."
11/1/2017,91,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Lead preparations for the 2016 Rio Olympics and Paralympics.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Completed - fully met,Canadian athletes and national sport organizations were well prepared for and supported at a successful showing at the 2016 Rio Olympics and Paralympics.,"Canadian athletes excelled during the 2016 Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games. Nearly 15 per cent more Canadian athletes were able to attend the Games compared to 2012. Canadian athletes placed 10th in total Olympic medals, up from 14th in 2012 and Paralympians also had a very strong showing, bringing home 29 medals."
11/1/2017,92,,Healthy Canadians,Create greater links between our elite athletes and young Canadians to promote health and achievement among youth.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Underway - on track,Increased number of events organized to connect young Canadians and Canada's elite athletes.,"Last year, the Government organized a number of events both online and in person at schools across the country, to connect young Canadians with Canada's elite athletes. Approximately 250 Olympic and Paralympic athletes and coaches from the 2016 Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games participated in these events, reaching tens of thousands of students across Canada. The Government will continue to create these and other opportunities for young Canadians to learn from and be inspired by Canada's elite athletes."
11/1/2017,93,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Raise the quality of the Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) applied to Cabinet proposals.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) is effectively integrated into policy-making across government.,"Since 2016, proposals to Cabinet now require a full GBA+ that also includes analysis of the proposal's impact on diverse groups. Budget submissions also require a full GBA+ and, as in Cabinet documents, their quality is assessed. In addition, the Government released a gender statement in Budget 2017 and is committed to further integrating GBA+ within budget decision-making in subsequent budgets. The Government will continue to improve the quality of the analysis through new training tools and videos."
11/1/2017,94,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that the Government's senior appointments are merit-based and demonstrate gender parity.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,Greater representation of Canada's gender diversity in senior appointments.,"In 2016, the Government put in place a new open, transparent and merit-based approach to selecting candidates for some 1500 federal Governor in Council (GIC) appointments. This will help over time to close gaps in the representation of women in GIC positions. Since late 2015, the representation of women serving as GIC appointees has increased by more than 5 per cent and is now over 40 per cent. The Government has also announced a plan to address the underrepresentation of women as Canada Research Chairs."
11/1/2017,95,,Government Services and Operations,Help injured Veterans by re-establishing lifelong pensions and insuring that they all have access to financial advice and support.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,"Injured veterans have the option of taking a life-long pension, and are provided financial advice and support to assist them in determining the form of compensation that works best for them and their families.",The Government of Canada is currently reviewing existing benefits and programs and working closely with stakeholders on a way forward.
11/1/2017,96,,Government Services and Operations,Expand access to the Permanent Impairment Allowance to better support Veterans.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,More Veterans qualify for higher benefit amounts if they have had their career options limited by service-related illness or injury.,As of April 2017 the Government of Canada has replaced the outdated Permanent Impairment Allowance with the new Career Impact Allowance. This new measure provides broader eligibility to more generous benefit amounts for the most seriously ill and injured Veterans whose careers are impacted by service-related illness or injury. The benefit amount that a Veteran receives will depend on the unique circumstances of each case.
11/1/2017,97,,Government Services and Operations,"Provide injured veterans with 90 per cent of their pre-release salary, and index this benefit to inflation.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"Veterans now receive 90 per cent of their pre-release salary under the Earnings Loss Benefit (ELB), and benefits are indexed to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).","Canada's women and men in uniform put their lives at risk to protect the values that Canadians cherish most. In Budget 2016, the Government of Canada made significant investments to give more money to Veterans with injuries or illnesses incurred during military service. In particular, the ELB was increased in October 2016 from 75 per cent to 90 per cent of a Veteran's monthly military salary. This benefit provides financial support to injured Veterans while they are undergoing rehabilitation as a result of a service-related injury or illness. In addition, the previous cap of two per cent growth was removed, so this benefit will keep pace with CPI over time. As of June 30, 2017, a total of 12,461 Veterans have received an increase or are newly in receipt of benefits since changes to the ELB were made."
11/1/2017,98,,Government Services and Operations,Create a Veterans Education Benefit that supports the education costs of Canadian Forces Veterans after completion of service.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,More Veterans receive education and training upon release and get better jobs in civilian employment.,"The Government of Canada has developed a new Education and Training Benefit which will provide Veterans who have six years of eligible service with up to $40,000 for college, university or technical education. Veterans with 12 years of service will receive up to $80,000. This will help Veterans cover the cost of getting a new degree or certificate, which is often critical in making a successful transition to a good job in civilian life. The new benefit will begin in April 2018 for Veterans honourably released on or after April 1, 2006."
11/1/2017,99,,Government Services and Operations,Improve career and vocational assistance for Veterans.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,"More Veterans, Canadian Armed Forces members, and their spouses/common-law partners are eligible for and use career transition services; services are available earlier and delivered more consistently by qualified professionals; and individuals who receive support get better jobs.","As of April 2018, Veterans, Canadian Armed Forces members, survivors and their spouses/common-law partners will be eligible for a new, modernized set of career transition services, delivered consistently across Canada. The new model means those requiring help will not have to wait for reimbursement; it simplifies the application process and, in some cases, eliminates it so that services are available sooner. Services will be delivered by qualified career support professionals who understand military life and culture. Career and transition services will also continue to be available throughout a person's working life, meaning they can get help when needed. Through Budget 2017, the Government of Canada will provide $180 billion in infrastructure funding over 12 years to deliver clean, sustained economic growth; build stronger, more inclusive communities; and create more and better, middle class jobs. The Government is working with provinces and territories as part of infrastructure negotiations to ensure Community Benefits Agreements integrate jobs for Veterans into infrastructure projects."
11/1/2017,100,,Government Services and Operations,"Deliver a higher standard of service and care, and ensure that a ""one veteran, one standard"" approach is upheld.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,"Veterans and their families have seamless support as they transition out of the military, with simplified application processes, improved client services and reduced wait times to receive benefits.","The Government of Canada has increased staffing and is lowering case-management ratios from 40:1 to 25:1 in order to provide more in-depth, one-on-one service. The Government is actively working with Ministerial Advisory Committees to improve service standards for veterans and their families, and recently completed a service delivery review to assess how to achieve service excellence."
11/1/2017,101,,Government Services and Operations,Re-open the nine Veterans Affairs service offices recently closed.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"To improve services for Veterans, all Veterans Affairs Canada offices closed by the previous government have been re-opened and resources have been added in new areas not previously served.","All nine offices previously closed have been reopened and a new tenth office has been opened to serve the needs of veterans in Surrey, BC, and the Lower Mainland. In addition, the Government of Canada has expanded outreach to the territories and other northern communities to provide an enhanced level of service and outreach to Veterans and their families. As of April 2017, the Government has hired more than 460 new employees, including 180 new case managers, to improve services for veterans."
11/1/2017,102,,Government Services and Operations,"Create two centres of excellence in Veterans' care, including one specialized in mental health and post-traumatic stress disorder.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,Veterans and their caregivers and providers have better access to better knowledge and expertise to address the unique care needs of someone who previously served.,"Budget 2017 invested in the creation of the first centre of excellence that will focus on the creation and dissemination of knowledge on prevention, assessment and treatment of PTSD and related mental health conditions for Veterans and Canadian Armed Forces members. Plans for the second centre of excellence are at an early stage of development and consultation."
11/1/2017,103,,Government Services and Operations,Support families who are providing care and support to Veterans living with physical and/or mental health issues.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,Increased recognition and support for caregivers of ill and injured Veterans.,"The Government of Canada is enhancing and simplifying support to Veterans' families and caregivers with the introduction of the new Caregiver Recognition Benefit, which replaces the Family Caregiver Relief Benefit. This new Caregiver Recognition Benefit will provide a more generous non-taxable $1,000 monthly benefit payable directly to caregivers of Veterans to better recognize and honour the vital role they play. In addition, military members who leave service for medical reasons will have access to the full range of support services offered to military families of active members at all of Canada's 32 Military Family Resource Centres as well as through services delivered over the phone and online. These changes will take effect as of April 2018. The Government continues to explore additional ways to better support the needs of Veterans' families and caregivers."
11/1/2017,104,,Government Services and Operations,End the time limit for surviving spouses applying for vocational rehabilitation and assistance services.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,Surviving spouses are able to receive vocational rehabilitation and assistance services whenever they need them.,The Government of Canada is enhancing support for survivors and common-law/spouses by eliminating the current one-year time limit on applications for Rehabilitation Services and Vocational Assistance. This change will allow survivors to apply for assistance whenever they are prepared to return to work and will come into effect in April 2018.
11/1/2017,105,,Government Services and Operations,Increase the Veteran survivor's pension amount from 50 per cent to 70 per cent.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,"Surviving spouses receive better support, and benefits are delivered in a more client-centred, streamlined fashion.","The Government of Canada is working to increase Veteran survivor pensions from 50 per cent to 70 per cent and to improve the delivery of benefits so surviving spouses are able to navigate a simpler system. This review is ongoing based on significant consultation with Veterans, stakeholders, benefit experts, and Ministerial Advisory Committees. Progress on this commitment has taken longer than anticipated."
11/1/2017,106,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that surviving spouses of Veterans receive appropriate benefits by eliminating the marriage after 60 clawback.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,Surviving spouses receive the same pension amounts as all other survivors regardless of the age at which they were married.,The Government of Canada is working to eliminate the pension clawback for spouses married to Veterans over the age of 60 at the time of marriage that currently exists in the Canadian Armed Forces Superannuation Act. Progress on this commitment has taken longer than anticipated.
11/1/2017,107,,Government Services and Operations,Double funding to the Last Post Fund to ensure that all veterans receive a dignified burial.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"Funding is doubled to the Last Post Fund, and more families qualify for a burial or marking benefit when a Veteran dies.","As of October 2016, the Government of Canada has enhanced the Last Post Fund so that more families can qualify for burial benefits. The Government has nearly tripled the current estate exemption from $12,000 to $35,000 and, going forward, this amount will be indexed annually."
11/1/2017,108,,Safety and Security,Create an Office of Community Outreach and Counter-radicalization Coordinator.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Underway - on track,Reduced radicalization and greater understanding of how to prevent radicalization.,"On June 26, 2017, the Government established the Canada Centre for Community Engagement and Prevention of Violence to help provide leadership on Canada's response to radicalization, coordinate domestic and international initiatives, and support community outreach. The Government is in the process of appointing a Special Advisor and Advisory Board. The Community Resilience Fund was also launched to provide financial assistance to organizations undertaking programming and research to address radicalization to violence in Canada."
11/1/2017,109,,Safety and Security,Protect Canadians and our critical infrastructure from cyber threats.,"Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of National Defence;Minister of Democratic Institutions",Underway - on track,"Increased cyber security for Canada's critical infrastructure, economy, and democratic institutions, resulting in better protection for Canadian businesses and individuals from cyber threats.","The Government has completed a consultation and review of current measures, and published the results in March 2017. The Government will do its part to enable Canadians to fully benefit from the digital world in a way that is safe and secure. The Government is developing a new approach to cyber security that is guided by the principles of resilience, cooperation, capability and innovation. Efforts have extended to the Canadian electoral process. The cyber hacking of elections is a growing issue around the world, and the Government will take proactive measures to identify potential threats and do what it can to protect against them."
11/1/2017,110,,Safety and Security,Strengthen controls on handguns and assault weapons.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,"Reduced gun violence through balanced, effective firearms measures.","The Government is developing effective firearms measures that prioritize public safety while ensuring law-abiding Canadians are not unduly impacted. To support this objective, the Government established a more representative Firearms Advisory Committee that includes representation from law enforcement, civilian firearms users, public health advocates, women’s groups, farmers, conservation organizations, and the legal community. The Government also reversed a ministerial directive that could have allowed gun manufacturers to determine the classification of their own products under certain conditions. On November 17, 2017, the Government announced up to $327.6 million over five years, and $100 million annually thereafter, in new funding for initiatives to reduce gun crime and criminal gang activities. It will also convene a Summit on Criminal Guns and Gangs in March 2018 to collaborate with partners on combating the deadly effects of gangs and illegal guns in communities across Canada. The Government will introduce legislation to advance our commitment to firearms safety in the near future. It will not recreate a federal long-gun registry."
11/1/2017,111,,Safety and Security,Enhance compensation for public safety officers who are permanently disabled or killed in the line of duty.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Underway - on track,"Public safety officers who are permanently disabled or killed in the line of duty, and their families, are appropriately compensated.","In March 2017, the Government announced the creation of a tax-free Community Heroes Benefit that will support the families of firefighters, police officers and paramedics who died in the line of duty. Further details will be announced in the coming months."
11/1/2017,112,,Safety and Security,Restore funding to provinces and territories to support Heavy Urban Search and Rescue teams.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Completed - fully met,"Search and rescue capacity across Canada is strengthened, helping save lives.","Last year, the Government restored funding of $15.5 million previously cut from the Heavy Urban Search and Rescue taskforces in Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, and across Manitoba. The Government is also providing support to build new heavy urban search and rescue capacity in Montreal and Halifax."
11/1/2017,113,,Safety and Security,"Develop a plan to better predict, prepare for, and respond to weather-related emergencies and natural disasters.",Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Underway - on track,"Canadians are quickly and effectively supported when natural disasters occur, and communities are better prepared for weather-related emergencies.","In collaboration with provinces and territories, and Indigenous peoples, the Government is working with stakeholders including municipalities, to develop a comprehensive plan to reduce disaster risk in Canada. The Government has begun a series of consultations on the development of a pan-Canadian Emergency Management Strategy, which includes weather-related events and natural disasters. The Government has responded quickly and effectively to support Canadians and communities affected by fires in northern Alberta, floods in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada, and recent wildfires in British Columbia. This has included partnerships with the Red Cross, payments to assist provincial governments, and the creation of ad hoc Cabinet committees to coordinate a response across government. Additionally, Canada is playing a leading role globally on the issues of disaster risk reduction, having hosted the United Nations Fifth Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in March 2017."
11/1/2017,114,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure strong and effective gender and culturally sensitive training policies for federal front-line law enforcement officers.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,Increased cultural competency and trauma-informed gender-based violence training across the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).,"Starting in 2018-19, all incoming officers recruited by the RCMP will receive mandatory gender and culturally-sensitive training. Training for incumbent officers is also being encouraged. The RCMP continues to develop this training in consultation with Status of Women Canada and other key experts."
11/1/2017,115,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Move forward on a toll-free replacement for the Champlain Bridge.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities,Underway - on track,New toll-free Champlain Bridge re-opened by December 2018.,"The Champlain Bridge is vital to local residents and commuters and plays an important role in the Canadian economy. The objective remains to open the new, toll free bridge by December 1, 2018. Construction of the new bridge is underway. Like all infrastructure projects of its size, the new bridge may face labour and logistical challenges that could delay the planned December 1, 2018, completion date. The current bridge is safe and continuously monitored in real time."
11/1/2017,116,,Fair and Open Government,"Work with Parliamentarians to reform Question Period so that all ministers, including the Prime Minister, are held to greater account.",Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,"Increased accountability of all ministers, including the Prime Minister, during Question Period.","Since April 2017, the Prime Minister has adopted the practice of taking all questions during Wednesday sittings, as his schedule permits. In addition, when invited, ministers have participated in Senate Question Period."
11/1/2017,117,,Fair and Open Government,Promote free votes and limit the circumstances in which Liberal Members of Parliament will be required to vote with the Government.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,Members of Parliament are strong voices for their communities and there is greater accountability within Parliament.,"Since Fall 2015, all House of Commons votes have been free votes for Liberal Members of Parliament with the exception of those relating to: platform commitments, matters of confidence, and protections guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms."
11/1/2017,118,,Fair and Open Government,End the improper use of omnibus bills and prorogation.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,Measures are in place to end the improper use of omnibus bills and prorogation.,"In June 2017, the House of Commons adopted a Government motion that changed the Standing Orders to prevent the improper use of omnibus bills and prorogation. The motion gives the Speaker power to split omnibus bills for the purposes of voting except for budget implementation bills that contain only provisions that were announced in a budget presentation or in the budget documents. The motion also forces the Government to justify, in writing, the reasons for a prorogation and the House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs has the power to study the Government's justification."
11/1/2017,119,,Fair and Open Government,"Make government accounting and financial reporting more consistent, transparent and understandable to Canadians.",President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Finance;Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Underway - on track,"Government reporting is easier for Canadians to find, understand and use to hold the Government accountable.","The Government has introduced significant changes to improve accountability and make financial reporting more transparent and easier to understand. These changes include: making the Parliamentary Budget Officer an independent officer of Parliament with new powers and resources to more rigorously examine the country's finances; publishing fiscal decisions between budgets; publishing accrual versus cash reconciliation for the Estimates; and changing the Standing Orders of the House of Commons to allow Main Estimates to be published later in the calendar year, with the goal of having the Main Estimates reflect the federal budget."
11/1/2017,120,,Fair and Open Government,Improve reporting to Parliament.,President of the Treasury Board,Underway - on track,Increased transparency so that parliamentarians and all Canadians can more easily hold the Government to account.,"Part III of the Estimates (i.e., Departmental Plans and Departmental Results Reports) have been simplified and new features and data have been added to the online Infobase. In addition, the Government introduced and adopted changes to the Standing Orders to better ensure consistency across the Budget, Estimates and Public Accounts, and provide greater clarity in voting on appropriations. These changes will help parliamentarians and Canadians better examine government spending and allow for the timely flow of funding outlined in budget plans."
11/1/2017,121,,Fair and Open Government,Ensure that Agents of Parliament are properly funded and accountable only to Parliament.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Underway - on track,Agents of Parliament are independent and are properly funded.,"In June 2017, legislation was passed that established the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) as an independent agent of Parliament, reporting directly to Parliament. This legislation provides the PBO with the ability to request the funds from the Speakers of the House and Senate needed to fulfill their mandate. The Government will continue to work with Agents of Parliament to support their important work."
11/1/2017,122,,Fair and Open Government,Ensure that the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) is properly funded and independent of the Government.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,The Parliamentary Budget Officer is independent and properly funded to conduct analyses on behalf of Parliament.,"In June 2017, legislation was passed that established the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) as an independent agent of Parliament, reporting directly to Parliament. This legislation provides the PBO with the ability to request the funds from the Speakers of the House and Senate needed to fulfill their mandate. This is consistent with the practice for all other independent agents of Parliament. The PBO will also have greater access to relevant information within departments, agencies and Crown Corporations; will be appointed for a term of seven years and can only be removed with cause, subject to the approval of parliamentarians; and will be able to cost election platform proposals at the request of political parties."
11/1/2017,123,,Fair and Open Government,Strengthen Parliamentary committees so that they can better scrutinize legislation.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,Parliamentary committees are freer and better equipped to study legislation.,"The Government of Canada has strengthened parliamentary committees by giving them more funding through the Board of Internal Economy so they can undertake the appropriate research and engage with Canadians. The Government has also ensured that the practice of electing committee chairs by secret ballot has continued. In addition, the House of Commons adopted a motion that enables Parliamentary Secretaries to be non-voting members of committees, ensuring that they can no longer vote on committees that fall within their minister's mandate, helping assure the freedom and independence of House of Commons standing committees."
11/1/2017,124,,Fair and Open Government,Disclose the expenses of all Parliamentarians in detail each quarter.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Underway - on track,"Increased transparency through the quarterly, detailed disclosure of parliamentarians' expenses.",The Government of Canada has introduced legislation to codify in law that the expenses of all parliamentarians continue to be disclosed on a quarterly basis. Details are disclosed on the Parliament of Canada website in an accessible and easy-to-read format.
11/1/2017,125,,Fair and Open Government,Examine ways to make the House of Commons more family-friendly for Members of Parliament.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Underway - on track,"A House of Commons that is truly a modern, professional, family-friendly workplace for Members of Parliament and their staff.","The House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs released a report in June 2016 outlining ways to make the House of Commons more family-friendly for Members of Parliament and their staff. The Government is currently implementing the principal recommendations of this report, which include scheduling votes immediately following Question Period rather than later in the evening, and tabling the House sitting calendar prior to the summer adjournment so that Members and staff are able to better plan their schedules. The Board of Internal Economy has also taken steps to implement more family-friendly administrative practices, such as providing more flexible childcare services and making high chairs available in Parliamentary cafeterias. More needs to be done to ensure Parliament, as a workplace, fully recognizes the challenges and pressures of raising a family. The Government is fully committed to working with all parties to make this happen."
11/1/2017,126,,Exports and Investment,"Invest in an Agri-Food Investment Fund to attract investment and create good, well-paying jobs in food processing.",Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,Underway - on track,The agri-food sector is a leading area for economic growth over the next 10 years.,"The Government is increasing investment in the agri-food sector to increase and diversify exports to create good middle-class jobs. Budget 2017 identified agri-food as one of the six key sectors for future economic growth and set an ambitious objective of increasing annual agri-food exports to $75 billion by 2025. The Government announced a $1.26 billion five-year Strategic Innovation Fund to attract and support new high-quality business investments, including for agri-food value added processors. The Canadian Agricultural Partnership, which is expected to launch in April 2018, includes a commitment to facilitate the maintenance and expansion of both domestic and international agricultural and agri-food markets, as well as to enhance the ability of the agriculture and agri-food sector to diversify market opportunities."
11/1/2017,127,,Healthy Canadians,Develop a food policy that promotes healthy living and safe food.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,Underway - on track,A whole of government food policy that promotes Canadians' health and quality of life.,"In May 2017, the Government launched consultations to support the development of A Food Policy for Canada. This policy is intended to identify a vision and plan to address challenges such as increasing access to safe and nutritious food; improving health and food safety; conserving our soil, water and air; and growing more high-quality food. A national Food Summit was held in June 2017 and six regional roundtables were held in August and September 2017. An online survey was conducted, receiving 44,000 responses, and other grassroots engagement with Canadians was led by Members of Parliament, stakeholder groups and members of the public. These are just some of the many engagement activities conducted to inform the development of a food policy. The Government expects to launch A Food Policy for Canada in 2018."
11/1/2017,128,,Jobs and Innovation,Invest in agricultural research to support discovery science and innovation.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,Underway - on track,"Advance research in agricultural genomics, digitize nearly six million DNA specimens by 2022 and invest in discovery research in priority areas.","Over the next six years, the Government will accelerate DNA analysis, sequencing and digital recording of our taxonomic collections, completing the digitization of nearly six million specimens. In addition, Budget 2017 announced $70 million to further support agricultural discovery science and innovation, with a focus on addressing emerging priorities such as climate change and soil and water conservation."
11/1/2017,129,,Exports and Investment,Promote Canadian agricultural interests during trade negotiations.,Minister of International Trade;Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,On-going commitment,"Achieve the target of $75 billion annually in agri-food exports, and create more middle class jobs and higher incomes for the many rural and urban Canadians employed in the agri-food sector.","The Government has made agriculture and agri-food trade a priority in the trade expansion strategy. The Prime Minister and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Agriculture and Agri-Food have completed trade missions to Mexico, China, Japan, India, the European Union and the United States promoting agri-food. The Government has completed the Canadian-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement that expands market access for Canadian agri-food products. Canada has also signed a memorandum of understanding with China on canola and is working to ensure long-term access to the Indian market for Canadian pulse exports (e.g., peas, chickpeas, beans and lentils). The Government will continue to strongly defend the interests of its agricultural industries, including supply management, with all trading partners, including as we engage with the United States and Mexico in the modernization of North American Free Trade Agreement."
11/1/2017,130,,Government Services and Operations,Assess whether current farm income safety nets meet the needs of Canadian farmers.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,Underway - on track,"Implement a new agricultural policy framework, with updated business risk management programs, to support an agricultural and agri-food sector that is strong, innovative and resilient.","The Government of Canada is committed to an improved federal-provincial-territorial agricultural policy framework, the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. Consultations with stakeholders have been completed, including focused engagement sessions with Indigenous peoples, women and youth. A meeting of provincial and territorial Ministers of Agriculture took place in July 2017, where they reached agreement on key elements of the next policy framework and committed to review business risk management programs. The Government is currently engaged in bilateral negotiations with provinces and territories on the Partnership programs. The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is expected to launch in April 2018."
11/1/2017,131,,Environment and Climate Change,Help the agriculture sector adjust to climate change and better address water and soil conservation issues.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,Underway - on track,An agricultural food sector that succeeds in the face of a changing climate.,"The Government of Canada is implementing the Canadian Agricultural Partnership to support an agriculture and agri-food sector that is strong, innovative and resilient. The Government is negotiating bilateral agreements with provinces and territories on the Partnership, including on environment and climate change programming. The Government is also working on soil, water and climate change issues through: the Agriculture Clean Technology Program; A Food Policy for Canada; Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Program; the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change; the proposed Lake Erie Domestic Action Plan; and the re-accession of Canada to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Budget 2017 announced $70 million to support agricultural discovery science and innovation with a focus on addressing emerging priorities, including climate change and soil and water conservation."
11/1/2017,132,,Safety and Security,Ensure that the Canadian Armed Forces have the equipment they need.,Minister of National Defence;Minister of Public Services and Procurement,On-going commitment,"The Canadian Armed Forces receive the ships, fighter jets and other equipment that it needs over the next 20 years as planned for and funded in the new defence policy.","Canada's new defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—invests in the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces and delivers the standard of service and care that current and former members deserve. The Government is investing to expand the Regular and Reserve Forces, build 15 new surface combatant ships, expand the fighter jet fleet to 88 advanced planes, and develop new space capabilities and global communications in the Arctic, among other key projects."
11/1/2017,133,,Safety and Security,"Maintain current National Defence spending levels, including current planned increases.",Minister of National Defence,Underway - on track,The Government will exceed previous funding levels.,"Under Canada's new defence policy, annual spending will grow, on a cash-basis, from $18.9 billion in 2017-18 to $32.7 billion in 2026-27. Spending is allocated to ensure that it is delivered when the military needs it, meaning that funds for critical equipment can be spent and do not lapse."
11/1/2017,134,,Safety and Security,Maintain Canada's strong commitment to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).,Minister of National Defence,On-going commitment,North America is safe and secure and Canada remains a strong and responsible partner in NORAD.,"Canada is meeting its commitment to NORAD on an ongoing basis, focusing on four key areas: personnel, capabilities, infrastructure, and participation in key decision-making fora on the future of NORAD. The Government is also expanding the Royal Canadian Air Force fighter jet fleet in order to properly fulfill our NORAD and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) commitments."
11/1/2017,135,,Safety and Security,Conduct an open and transparent defence strategy review.,Minister of National Defence,Completed - fully met,Canada now has a new defence policy that was built on extensive input from Canadians and delivers the standard of service and care that current and former Canadian Armed Forces members deserve.,"On June 7, 2017, the Minister of National Defence launched Canada's new defence policy: Strong, Secure, Engaged. This followed extensive external consultations, including engagement with the Canadian public, Parliamentarians, defence experts, and allies and partners. The new policy will allocate realistic funding to projects that will keep our military running efficiently and effectively for years to come, and ensure Canada remains a trusted and capable ally. Through this plan, the Government will build an even stronger military and, most importantly, deliver the standard of service and care our women and men in uniform deserve."
11/1/2017,136,,Safety and Security,"Renew the focus on surveillance and control of Canadian territory, and approaches, particularly for our Arctic regions.",Minister of National Defence,Underway - on track,"The Canadian Armed Forces has developed the necessary capabilities to expand its presence in Canada's air, maritime, land, space, and cyber domains to protect our sovereignty and keep Canadians safe.","As outlined in Strong, Secure, Engaged; Canada's new defence policy, the Government will invest in new space capabilities and prioritize Arctic Joint Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance in defence research and innovation. The Canadian Armed Forces has expanded Operation LIMPID (which provides domestic surveillance and presence in Canada's air, maritime, land, space, and cyber domains) to include additional domains and all Joint Task Forces. The Department of Defence is investing in surveillance solutions that will support Canada's ability to exercise sovereignty in the North (RADARSAT Constellation Mission and Polar Epsilon 2, Enhanced Satellite Communications and Tactical Narrow Band Satellite Communications) and is conducting a binational study of alternatives for the North Warning System. The Arctic Offshore Patrol vessels will be at initial operating capacity in 2019."
11/1/2017,137,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that the Canadian Armed Forces are a workplace free from harassment and discrimination.,Minister of National Defence,Underway - on track,"The Chief of Defence Staff and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) senior leaders continue to lead the full implementation of recommendations made by the Deschamps report and in Operation HONOUR, the Canadian Armed Forces mission to eliminate harmful and inappropriate sexual behaviour in the military. CAF members have access to a full range of victim and survivor services, and harassment complaints are dealt with in a timely manner.","The new defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—has reaffirmed that the Government of Canada will not tolerate gender-based violence or workplace harassment. The CAF will continue to work on gender, diversity and inclusion initiatives to eliminate harmful behaviours and ensure a work environment free from harassment and discrimination."
11/1/2017,139,,Strong Middle Class,Repeal the recent changes made to the Employment Insurance (EI) system that have been punitive to unemployed workers.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Repealed the 2012 changes to Employment Insurance (EI) so that unemployed Canadians have better benefits and more opportunities for good quality jobs.,"In 2016, the Government of Canada reversed EI restrictions related to commute times and work type. Now, workers are no longer forced to accept lower-paying work that is far away from their homes. This change simplifies job search responsibilities, while maintaining the long-standing requirement to search for and accept available work."
11/1/2017,140,,Strong Middle Class,Reduce Employment Insurance (EI) premiums.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,"Employment Insurance (EI) premium rates have been reduced and a new, transparent EI premium rate setting process has been established so that revenues and costs remain in line over the long-term.","The EI premium rate was lowered from $1.88 in 2016 to $1.63 in 2017. The premium rate has been announced and set at $1.66 for 2018, which reflects important new supports for Canadian families and changing economic conditions. For the first time, beginning with the 2017 premium rate, the EI Commission has assumed responsibility for setting the annual EI premium rate."
11/1/2017,141,,Strong Middle Class,Improve the Employment Insurance (EI) system that currently leaves too many unemployed workers with no safety net.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Employment Insurance (EI) remains responsive over the long-term to the needs of workers and employers and reflects the diversity of needs across the country.,"In 2016, the Government reduced the waiting period for EI and made benefits more flexible, easier to access and more generous for workers who need it. For example, the New Entrants and Re-Entrants provision has been eliminated—which set higher eligibility requirements for youth, newcomers and other workers new to the labour market—enabling over 50,000 more Canadians annually to qualify in the event of job loss. In addition, extra weeks of benefits were provided to regions most affected by the commodities downturn and job search responsibilities were simplified. Over the last year, the Government has heard from Parliamentarians, stakeholders and experts as to how to further modernize EI. The Government will continue to look for ways to better serve Canadians as they deal with important life events."
11/1/2017,142,,Strong Middle Class,"Eliminate Employment Insurance (EI) discrimination against immigrants, younger workers and parents re-entering the workforce.","Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Canadian workers in the same economic region are now treated equally in the Employment Insurance (EI) system.,"In July 2016, the Government of Canada eliminated rules that limited access to EI for those new to the labour market or re-entering the labour market. Under the previous rules, workers who were entering the workforce or re-entering after being away for two years were required to have 910 hours of insurable employment, regardless of their actual work history prior to unemployment. Now, these workers are treated the same as other Canadians. This will help approximately 50,000 Canadians every year qualify for EI in the event of job loss, particularly immigrants, young workers and parents returning to the workforce."
11/1/2017,143,,Strong Middle Class,Reduce the wait time for new Employment Insurance (EI) recipients from two weeks to one week.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Canadians are able to access Employment Insurance (EI) benefits more quickly.,"On January 1, 2017, the EI waiting period was reduced from two weeks to one week. With this measure, claimants are now eligible to receive benefits starting one week earlier. This helps approximately 1.8 million EI claimants each year pay their bills during a time of unemployment and provides higher benefits at the beginning of the claim period."
11/1/2017,144,,Strong Middle Class,Improve Canadians' access to good quality job training.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,"Canada will have one of the most skilled, talented, creative and diverse workforces in the world, with more opportunities for all Canadians to get the education, skills, and work experience they need to participate fully in the workforce of today, as they—and their children—prepare for the jobs of tomorrow.","In Budget 2017, the Government of Canada announced several measures to help more Canadians get the education, skills and work experience they need to succeed today and prepare for the jobs of tomorrow. Some of the measures in the Government's Innovation and Skills Plan include: the creation of thousands of new job placements for students; increased eligibility for Canada Student Grants and Loans for part-time students as well as Canada Student Grants for students with dependants; introducing a pilot project to reduce the financial pressures of working adults who are considering going back to school; and greater flexibility for Canadians on Employment Insurance (EI) to get new certificates or training without fear of losing their benefits. The Government is also expanding workers' access to skills training and job supports, improving access to opportunities for lifelong learning, and increasing work experience opportunities for young Canadians. The Government is significantly expanding the federal investment provided to provinces and territories through labour market transfer agreements, and negotiating a new set of modern agreements that will apply over the next six years. Negotiations with the provinces and territories (PTs) are currently underway and are expected to conclude later this year."
11/1/2017,145,,Strong Middle Class,Rationalize and expand the intergovernmental agreements that support skills training.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Agreements with provinces and territories that expand and support skills training for Canadians.,"To help more Canadians get the skills they need, the Government of Canada provided funding to temporarily boost existing Labour Market Transfer Agreements in 2016. In 2017, the Government increased federal support for provinces and territories and amended the Employment Insurance Act to broaden eligibility for job training under the Labour Market Development Agreements. Work continues with provinces and territories to develop more effective training programs and share best practices. In addition, a new skills innovation organization is being established that will support provinces and territories, the private sector, educational institutions and not-for-profit organizations to address skills gaps and promote lifelong learning."
11/1/2017,146,,Strong Middle Class,Develop a framework to fund training facilities delivered in partnership with labour unions.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Establish a program to support union-based training centres that provide Canadians with the skills that are needed by employers.,"The Government of Canada has consulted with labour, industry and other stakeholders. The new Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) was launched in July 2017 with a call for proposals. Further details on projects are expected to be made available in the coming months. The program aims to strengthen training in the trades to better support a skilled, inclusive and productive trades workforce, including Indigenous peoples, women, people with disabilities and recent immigrants."
11/1/2017,148,,Strong Middle Class,"Change the Repayment Assistance Plan so that graduates are required to repay only once they earn at least $25,000 per year.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,"Recent graduates earning less than $25,000 are able to delay repayment of their Canada Student Loans until they are more financially secure.","Effective November 2016, thresholds for the Repayment Assistance Plan have been increased so that no borrower will have to repay their Canada Student Loan until they are earning at least $25,000 per year. An estimated 23,000 additional Canadians will be able to delay payment and many more will have lower payments until they can afford to pay back their debts."
11/1/2017,149,,Strong Middle Class,Increase take up rates of Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) and Canada Learning Bonds by making registration easier.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Increased number of low and middle income families using Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) and receiving Canada Learning Bonds so that more Canadians get access to post-secondary education.,"In 2016, 126,979 new beneficiaries received the Canada Learning Bond (CLB) for the first time, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to over 1 million. In addition, 293,000 new beneficiaries received the Canada Education Savings Grants for the first time, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to over 3.59 million. The Government of Canada is undertaking a pilot project this year to help more children from low income families benefit from the Canada Learning Bond. Under this pilot project, the Government is working with communities and businesses to develop new approaches to increase awareness and use of the Canada Learning Bond and related RESP incentives. The Canada Education Savings Act will also be amended to make it easier for families to apply for the Bond. The results of this initiative will help inform additional efforts that the Government will undertake to increase take-up of the CLB and RESP by low and middle income families."
11/1/2017,150,,Strong Middle Class,"Collaborate with provinces and territories on the Canada Student Loans Program, and compensate provinces and territories that do not participate in it.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,"Changes to the Canada Student Loans Program increase participation of low and middle income students, with accommodations for any province or territory that does not wish to participate.",Canada Student Loans Program (CSLP) funding is delivered in partnership with participating provinces and territories with costs being covered by the federal government. CSLP is working closely with provinces and territories to implement changes to the program announced in Budgets 2016 and 2017. The Government of Canada is committed to respecting existing arrangements for compensation with the provinces or territories that do not participate.
11/1/2017,151,,Strong Middle Class,Increase annual support to the Post-Secondary Student Support Program.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Indigenous Services",Underway - on track,"Indigenous students have greater access to financial support, boosting their post-secondary education participation and completion rates.","The Government of Canada has enhanced support for the Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP) for the next two years, which will help meet the financial needs of an additional 4,600 Indigenous students attending post-secondary education. This funding is an interim step while the Government undertakes a comprehensive review looking at all federal programs which support Indigenous students, and how to better support post-secondary education attendance and completion. This review is currently underway and is expected to finish next year. This will inform the long-term approach to supporting Indigenous students choosing to pursue post-secondary education. Also, starting in the 2017-2018 academic year, Indigenous students are more likely to be eligible for support under the Canada Student Loans Program since funds they receive through PSSSP will no longer be considered assets during their needs assessment."
11/1/2017,152,,Strong Middle Class,"Increase the number of good quality, permanent jobs for younger workers.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",On-going commitment,"Reduced youth unemployment, greater opportunities for work experience, and improved access to job supports for youth.","The Expert Panel on Youth Employment delivered a report in June 2017 outlining ways the Government of Canada can improve labour market outcomes for youth. These recommendations are currently being reviewed to determine possible areas for future action. In Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government significantly increased the number of summer jobs funded under the Youth Employment Strategy (YES) and has nearly doubled investments in YES overall. As a result, the number of jobs supported under Canada Summer Jobs increased from approximately 34,500 in 2015 to more than 65,500 in 2016. As part of larger investments being made in YES, the Government will help more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop skills to find work or go back to school, create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians, and over 1,600 new youth job opportunities in the heritage sector. The Government is also creating more opportunities for co-op and work integrated learning for students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, (STEM) and business programs through a new Student Work Placement initiative. This program will create up to 10,000 placements over four years. Changes have also been made to Employment Insurance (EI) to remove the discriminatory New Entrants and Re-Entrants requirement, ensuring that young workers are treated fairly when they need to access job support through EI."
11/1/2017,153,,Strong Middle Class,Increase our investment in the Youth Employment Strategy and improve the strategy's impact.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Increased investment in the Youth Employment Strategy helps more youth succeed in the labour market.,"Over a three year period, beginning in the summer of 2016, as part of the Youth Employment Strategy, the Government is nearly doubling the number of summer jobs supported under Canada Summer Jobs—an increase from approximately 34,500 in 2015 to more than 65,500 in 2016. The Government is investing an additional $395.5 million over three years, starting in 2017–18, for the Youth Employment Strategy. Combined with Budget 2016 measures, these investments will help more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop the skills they need to find work or go back to school; create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians; and provide over 1,600 new employment opportunities for youth in the heritage sector. Based on these incremental investments, as well as the investments made in the Canada Summer Jobs program, the total envelope for the YES program is $572.5M for 2017-18. This represents an increase of 67 per cent when compared to 2015-16."
11/1/2017,154,,Strong Middle Class,Develop or expand Pre-Apprenticeship Training Programs.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - with challenges,Increased pre-apprenticeship training and improved literacy and essential skills among incoming apprentices.,"Consultations with provincial and territorial officials and stakeholders, including post-secondary institutions, were completed in Fall 2016. Additional targeted consultations are taking place during Fall 2017 to discuss how best to meet this commitment. Given that this is an area delivered primarily by the provinces and territories, it is important that any federal initiative builds on best practices and is well aligned and coordinated with other government activity across the country. Progress has taken longer than expected but the Government believes the commitment can still be delivered before the end of the mandate."
11/1/2017,155,,Strong Middle Class,Respond to the recommendations of the Expert Panel on Youth Employment.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,The recommendations of the Expert Panel on Youth Employment will help inform future decisions on how best to help young Canadians succeed in the labour market.,"The Government created an Expert Panel on Youth Employment to examine the key barriers faced by youth in obtaining employment, and the main challenges faced by employers in hiring youth. The Panel delivered its final report in June 2017, which included recommendations on how to best help young Canadians succeed in the labour market. The Panel's report will inform ongoing work on the renewal of the Youth Employment Strategy. Through Budget 2017, the Government is investing an additional $395.5 million over three years, starting in 2017–18, for the Youth Employment Strategy. Combined with Budget 2016 measures, these investments will help more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop the skills they need to find work or go back to school; create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians; and provide over 1,600 new employment opportunities for youth in the heritage sector."
11/1/2017,156,,Strong Middle Class,Implement a modern Fair Wages Policy.,"Minister of Public Services and Procurement;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,"A new policy setting out fair wage practices for businesses receiving federal government contracts, creating good-paying middle class jobs.","Policy research and analysis on fair wages policies has been completed and options are currently being considered for a modernized fair wages policy, which is expected to be in place within the current mandate."
11/1/2017,157,,Strong Middle Class,Amend the Canada Labour Code to allow workers to formally request flexible work arrangements.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Federally regulated workers are now able to request flexible work arrangements.,"Budget 2017 aims to give federally regulated workers the right to request flexible work arrangements from their employer, such as flexible start and finish times and the ability to work from home and have unpaid leave to seek care if they are victims of family violence. Changes will also provide federally regulated workers with new unpaid leave for family responsibilities, to participate in traditional Indigenous practices, and to seek care if they are victims of family violence. Changes will also make bereavement leave more flexible. Legislation to implement these changes was tabled in Parliament on October 27, 2017."
11/1/2017,158,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Determine an appropriate apprenticeship target for federal infrastructure projects.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - with challenges,An appropriate apprenticeship target for federal infrastructure projects that leads to greater apprenticeship opportunities for Canadians.,"Progress continues to be made on this priority, but has taken longer than anticipated. The Government remains committed to leveraging federal projects as opportunities for training and skill development and is engaging a range of stakeholders, including provinces, territories, employers and unions on how best to support apprentices through these public investments. This commitment has taken longer to implement than anticipated."
11/1/2017,159,,Jobs and Innovation,"Create more co-op placements for students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and business programs.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Science",Underway - on track,"More co-op and work-integrated learning placements for students enrolled in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and business programs, to help students gain the necessary experience for the jobs of today and tomorrow.","The Government is creating more opportunities for co-op and work integrated learning for students in STEM and business programs through a new Student Work Placement initiative. The Government also announced expanded federal support for Mitacs, a not-for-profit organization that builds partnerships between industry and educational institutions. Together, these initiatives will create 60,000 placements over five years. In addition, the Government is investing in the PromoScience program, which will support STEM learning activities for youth."
11/1/2017,160,,Exports and Investment,Maintain constructive relations and deepen trade and commerce with the United States.,Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of International Trade,On-going commitment,"Strong economic growth and well-paying, middle-class jobs on both sides of the border.","The Government, in coordination with provinces and territories, continues to work with the United States (U.S.) administration, the U.S. Congress and officials at the state and local levels to grow Canada's economy, create well-paying middle class jobs, and address global challenges. Since the current Government was formed, the Prime Minister, Cabinet ministers, parliamentary secretaries, premiers and provincial and territorial ministers, Parliamentary committees and other Parliamentarians have cumulatively undertaken over 200 visits to the U.S. and engagements in Canada and abroad with senior U.S. officials. In February 2017, Canada and the U.S. announced the creation of the Canada-United States Council for Advancement of Women Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders to promote the growth of women-owned enterprises and to further contribute to our overall economic growth and competitiveness. Canada also continues to engage with its American partners to ensure trade in steel remains open and balanced, and to negotiate a durable softwood lumber agreement that will benefit our forestry industry and workers. The Government is engaged in the modernization of North American Free Trade Agreement to reflect new realities and to integrate progressive and fair approaches to trade and investment. The Government also regularly engages with the U.S. on areas for collaboration to respond to increasingly complex global security issues."
11/1/2017,161,,Exports and Investment,"Ensure border security and facilitate the movement of people, goods and services.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,"The Canada-United States border is secure and facilitates the safe and efficient movement of people, goods and services.","In February 2017, the Prime Minister visited Washington, D.C., where both countries confirmed their commitment to working together on border security. This joint effort includes preclearance and integrated cross-border law enforcement operations, full implementation of the Entry/Exit initiative, increased regulatory cooperation, and the expeditious construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge. In addition, both countries are committed to establishing preclearance operations for cargo, accelerating the completion of preclearance for additional cities, and continuing to expand this program. In December 2016, the United States preclearance legislation became law, a step forward for the new agreement with Canada. In June 2016, legislation was introduced in Parliament for Entry/Exit, as well as for the new Land, Rail, Marine and Air Preclearance Agreement (LRMA). These are both crucial to ensure security and facilitate movement at the border. In June 2017, LRMA implementing legislation was approved by the House of Commons and is at First Reading in the Senate. As of October 2017, Entry/Exit implementing legislation has passed Second Reading in the House of Commons and has been referred to Committee."
11/1/2017,162,,Canada in the World,Prepare for the North American Leaders Summit in Canada.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Completed - fully met,"Canada hosted the North American Leaders’ Summit on June 29, 2016.","The leaders from the three countries discussed key priorities of creating jobs, strengthening communities and building a clean growth economy for North America. The leaders also took important steps to create a more integrated, sustainable and globally competitive North American economy."
11/1/2017,163,,Canada in the World,"Ensure a close link between foreign, defence, development and trade policy.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canadian interests and values are effectively pursued through an integrated and comprehensive international approach.,"The Ministers of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, International Development, and National Defence have been working closely together on the Defence Policy, the Feminist International Assistance Policy, the Sustainable Development Goals, Canada's multinational North Atlantic Treaty Organization battlegroup in Latvia. The Government has put in place a whole-of-government approach to address the crisis in Iraq and Syria. In addition, the government has established the Peace and Stabilization Operations Program to provide a whole-of-government platform for preventing, mitigating and resolving violent conflict, crises and natural disasters abroad."
11/1/2017,164,,Canada in the World,Expand Canadian diplomacy and leadership on global issues and in international institutions.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canadian diplomatic activities advance Canadian interests and values abroad.,"Canada is active in multilateral forums and international institutions to pursue Canadian interests and values. Canadian-led initiatives—such as supporting humanitarian access and monitoring in Syria, addressing the violation of human rights in Iran, combatting violence against women, and promoting diversity and inclusion—secured widespread support in UN forums. The Government played a major role in the NATO Warsaw Summit by becoming the Framework Nation for the enhanced Forward Presence in Latvia. In addition, Canada is increasingly working with new partners including civil society and business to increase the effectiveness of our global initiatives. Canadian diplomatic network abroad continues to amplify Canada's role on the world stage and bolster Canadian reputation through proactive communication, stakeholder outreach and social media."
11/1/2017,166,,Environment and Climate Change,Make Canada a leader of international efforts to combat climate change.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,On-going commitment,Canada meaningfully advances international solutions to climate change.,"Canada is leading efforts under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to establish a platform for the engagement of Indigenous peoples and to advance gender-responsive policy development and women's participation. Canada is also delivering on its five-year, $2.65 billion commitment to help developing countries achieve sustained emissions reductions and build resilience against the adverse effects of climate change. In addition to advocating for and adopting the Paris Climate Agreement, Canada is engaged in key initiatives aimed at enhancing global ambition on climate change and clean growth, such as Mission Innovation, the World Bank’s Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition, the Global Methane Initiative and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition. Through the Arctic Council, Canada continues to highlight the serious impacts of climate change on the North. Canada and the United States also issued a joint statement in February 2017 confirming both countries' commitment to collaborate on energy innovation. In order to meet these commitments and drive action here at home, we are implementing the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change that was developed with the provinces and territories. This plan includes pricing carbon pollution and measures to reduce emissions across all sectors, as well as investments to drive innovation and ensure Canadian businesses are competitive in the global low-carbon economy."
11/1/2017,167,,Canada in the World,Accede to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canada implements the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).,"Legislation to accede to the ATT and further strengthen Canada’s export control regime, including by providing greater transparency and accountability in public reporting, is being considered in Parliament."
11/1/2017,168,,Strong Middle Class,Increase the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) by 10 per cent.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,"Nearly 900,000 low income, single seniors have greater financial security.","Starting in July 2016, the Government of Canada increased the Guaranteed Income Supplement by up to $947 per year for the most vulnerable single seniors. Over the past year, this has improved financial security for nearly 900,000 seniors—approximately 70 per cent of whom are women—and lifted an estimated 13,000 people out of poverty."
11/1/2017,169,,Strong Middle Class,Develop and implement a Poverty Reduction Strategy.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Fewer Canadians living in poverty.,"The Government of Canada continues to develop a Poverty Reduction Strategy. Meanwhile, several measures to reduce poverty across Canada have already been implemented. The new, tax-free, income-tested Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is lifting an estimated 300,000 children out of poverty, while an increase to the Guaranteed Income Supplement has improved financial security for nearly 900,000 seniors and lifted an estimated 13,000 individuals out of poverty, 70 per cent of whom were women. Through the Government's significant investments in affordable housing and the Homelessness Partnering Strategy, it is anticipated that the number of chronically homeless Canadians can be reduced by as much as 50 per cent. The October 2017 Fall Economic Statement announced the Government's intention to increase the Working Income Tax Benefit (WITB) to improve the financial security of low income working Canadians, as well as strengthening the CCB. The Government has conducted a nation-wide consultation process with businesses, community organizations, experts and those with lived experience of poverty. An advisory committee on poverty has been created to help identify the best ideas from the consultations and provide independent advice to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. A major milestone in the consultation process was the two day National Poverty Conference in September 2017 that brought back together many of the Canadians who participated in the consultation process to confirm what was heard. The Tackling Poverty Together Project examined poverty with case studies in six cities across Canada and a final report has been published."
11/1/2017,170,,Strong Middle Class,Create a housing strategy.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Infrastructure and Communities",Underway - on track,Hundreds of thousands more Canadians have access to affordable housing.,"The forthcoming National Housing Strategy will re-establish the federal government as a leader in the area of affordable housing. Working in collaboration with provinces, territories and local communities, the Strategy will leverage significant new capacity to build, repair and renew affordable housing across the country. As part of the Strategy, the new National Housing Fund will prioritize projects that have the greatest impact on communities and vulnerable populations, including seniors, persons with disabilities, victims fleeing violence, and Canadians with mental health issues, among others."
11/1/2017,171,,Strong Middle Class,Implement the middle class tax cut.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,The Government reduced the 22 percent federal personal income tax rate to 20.5 per cent to benefit millions of middle class Canadians.,"The middle class tax cut was announced on December 7, 2015, and came into effect as of January 1, 2016. Nearly nine million Canadians benefit from this tax cut. Single Canadians who benefit are saving an average of $330 each year and couples who benefit are saving an average of $540 each year."
11/1/2017,172,,Strong Middle Class,Cut taxes for small businesses.,Minister of Small Business and Tourism,Underway - on track,Lower tax rates for small businesses.,"The Government is working to build a fairer and more efficient tax system that benefits all Canadians. As one of its first actions, the Government raised taxes on the wealthiest one per cent in order to cut taxes for the middle class. As announced in October 2017, the Government intends to reduce taxes for small businesses so they can invest in new equipment, grow and create jobs. The Government intends to lower the small business tax rate to 10 per cent, effective January 1, 2018, and to nine per cent, effective January 1, 2019. This will help small businesses keep up to $7,500 of their hard earned money which they can use to grow and reinvest."
11/1/2017,173,,Strong Middle Class,"Cancel income splitting, while retaining income splitting of pensions for seniors.",Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"Cancelled income splitting for couples with children under 18, allowing for an increase in child benefits.","As the Canada Child Benefit was introduced, Budget 2016 eliminated income splitting for couples with children under 18. Pension income splitting was not affected by this change."
11/1/2017,174,,Strong Middle Class,Enhance the Canada Pension Plan to provide more income security to retired Canadians.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"When fully mature, maximum Canada Pension Plan (CPP) benefits will increase by as much as 50 per cent, helping more Canadians achieve their goal of a strong, stable and secure retirement.","Canada’s Ministers of Finance reached a historic agreement on June 20, 2016, to enhance the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). In March 2017, all necessary legislative requirements were met by Canada's nine CPP participating provinces to implement the agreed-upon enhancements. These changes will help provide a secure and stable retirement for more Canadians."
11/1/2017,175,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Create the Canada Infrastructure Bank.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Finance,Underway - on track,"Creation of an Infrastructure Bank, producing more large, transformative infrastructure projects that create good, well-paying middle-class jobs and support economic growth and prosperity for years to come.","In June 2017, the Government passed legislation to create the Canada Infrastructure Bank. As an arm’s-length organization that leverages the expertise and capital of the private sector, the Bank will support the transformational infrastructure that Canadian communities need now. It will make strategic investments with a focus on projects like green infrastructure, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and public transit, so Canadians can spend less time in traffic and more time with family and friends. The new Chair of the Canada Infrastructure Bank was named in July 2017. The directors of the board and new CEO will be selected in the fall. It is expect that the Bank will be starting operations in late 2017."
11/1/2017,177,,Environment and Climate Change,Develop proposals to limit Exploration Expenses tax deduction to unsuccessful projects.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,Successful exploration expenses incurred to develop discovery wells no longer benefit from favorable tax treatment.,"Budget 2017 announced changes that will ensure the costs of drilling discovery wells are deducted gradually over time as development expenses, rather than deducted immediately as exploration expenses. With these changes, Canadian exploration expense treatment will effectively be limited to unsuccessful exploration or cases where the linkage to success cannot reasonably be determined in the year the activity takes place."
11/1/2017,178,,Strong Middle Class,Restore the tax credit for labour-sponsored funds.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"Canadian companies have greater access to venture capital, with the support of labour unions.","To help Canadian companies grow, the Government of Canada restored the Labour-Sponsored Venture Capital Corporations (LSVCC) Tax Credit to 15 per cent for share purchases of provincially-registered LSVCCs for 2016 and subsequent tax years."
11/1/2017,179,,Strong Middle Class,Introduce a tax benefit to help teachers and early childhood educators with the cost of school supplies.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,Teachers and Early Childhood Educators are able to buy necessary supplies to help kids learn.,"The Government of Canada introduced a new, refundable Teacher and Early Childhood Educator School Supply Tax Credit for the 2016 and subsequent tax years, which will provide a benefit to teachers and early education educators to help cover the cost of school supplies."
11/1/2017,180,,Strong Middle Class,Enhance the Northern Residents Deduction to help with the high cost of living.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"Increased the Northern Residents Deduction to help approximately 225,000 Canadians with the high cost of living in northern and isolated communities.","Effective January 1, 2016, the Government of Canada increased the maximum daily residency deduction from $16.50 to $22 for residents in the Northern Zone and from $8.25 to $11 per day for residents in the Intermediate Zone. This measure is anticipated to put about $260 million back in the pockets of Canadians in northern and isolated communities over the 2015-16 to 2020-21 period and help these Canadians get the support they need."
11/1/2017,181,,Strong Middle Class,Repeal the Federal Balanced Budget Act.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,The Act has been repealed.,"Parliament repealed this Act, effective June 22, 2016."
11/1/2017,182,,Exports and Investment,Ratify and implement the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is fully implemented, creating jobs for Canadians across the country, giving consumers more choice, and increasing Canadian businesses' access to new customers.","The European Parliament approved CETA in February 2017. The implementing legislation of this progressive trade deal received Royal Assent in Canada in June 2017. Provisional application of the trade agreement took effect in September 2017 and all economically significant parts are now in force, e.g. tariff elimination on 98 per cent of European Union (EU) tariff lines for Canadian goods, increased quotas, services commitments, temporary entry commitments, and government procurement obligations. The Government has announced programs to help dairy farmers and processors adjust to increased European Union cheese access under CETA. The Government is also working with the Atlantic provinces to support Canada's seafood sector in capitalizing on new opportunities in the European market. With CETA's entry into force, Canadian exporters now enjoy improved access to more than 40 countries with nearly 1.2 billion of the world’s wealthiest consumers. The Parliamentary Budget Officer has estimated that CETA implementation could raise Canada's potential real gross domestic product by 0.4 percentage points."
11/1/2017,183,,Exports and Investment,Modernize agreements with Israel and Chile.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,Canada has modernized free trade agreements in force with Israel and Chile.,"Canada is working closely with Israel to further modernize the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement. In addition, Chile and Canada agreed in June 2017 to amend and modernize the Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement. The modernized Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement will now include a chapter dedicated to trade and gender—a first for Canada or any G20 nation. The updated agreement will also provide better mechanisms to address technical barriers to trade. The Government tabled the amended Agreement in Parliament on October 5, 2017."
11/1/2017,184,,Exports and Investment,Establish the Invest in Canada Hub.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"Canada attracts more global investment, creating well-paying, middle-class jobs. It is simpler and faster for businesses investing in Canada to use government programs.","Parliament passed legislation in spring of 2017 to establish the Invest in Canada Hub. This one-stop hub will provide a seamless concierge service between federal, provincial and municipal levels of government to make Canada a top of mind destination for potential global investors, which will create well-paying jobs and grow the middle class. As part of this initiative, the Government is increasing the number of investment-focused trade commissioners across key global markets. Increased foreign investment in Canada connects Canadian industries to global value chains and facilitates the transfer of knowledge and technology, increasing our competitiveness, stimulating innovation, and promoting the prosperity of Canadians. The Invest in Canada Hub will be operational by the end of 2017. The process to appoint the Chair of the Board of Directors and CEO is ongoing."
11/1/2017,186,,Exports and Investment,Promote trade and investment with emerging markets including China and India.,Minister of International Trade,On-going commitment,"Two-way trade and investment with China, India and other emerging economies is increased, creating good, middle class jobs, expanding opportunities for Canadian exports, and increasing access to goods for Canadian consumers.","The Government continues to engage China on a possible free trade agreement with China while working to implement the trade and investment commitments that were made by Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier Li of China in 2016. The Government is also working with India to reinvigorate negotiations on a Canada-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA). Canada is working with India to ensure Canadian pulse exports (e.g., peas, chickpeas, beans and lentils) can continue to enter India without regulatory barriers. Since October 2015, five FIPAs with emerging markets in Sub-Saharan Africa have also come into force. In addition, the Canada-Hong Kong FIPA came into force in September 2016, and the Canada-Mongolia FIPA came into force in February 2017."
11/1/2017,187,,Exports and Investment,Improve support to companies looking to export and help communities looking to attract investments.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"Double the number of high-growth firms in Canada by 2025; increase Canada's goods and services exports—from natural resources, advanced manufacturing, agri-food and others—by 30 per cent by 2025; increase global investment in Canada; and create more well-paying, middle-class jobs for Canadians.","The Government is encouraging global investment and promoting Canada's economic brand through the creation of the Invest in Canada Hub, which will be operational by the end of 2017. To support exports, the Government has established a new National Trade Corridors Fund to address urgent capacity constraints and freight bottlenecks at major ports of entry, and to better connect the rail and highway infrastructure that delivers economic growth across Canada. The Canada Infrastructure Bank will make additional funding available to address trade and transportation projects. The Government successfully implemented the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement that will give consumers more choice, boost Canadian businesses' access to new customers, create good, middle-class jobs and grow the economy. Provisional application of the trade agreement took effect in September 2017, immediately brought 98 per cent of the Agreement into force. CanExport, which provides direct financial assistance to Canadian small- and medium-sized enterprises seeking to develop new export opportunities and markets, has approved 800 projects. Budget 2017 announced $950 million to superclusters in highly innovative industries, created the Strategic Innovation Fund to boost investment in Canadian innovations, and created six Economic Strategy Tables to boost growth and exports from advanced manufacturing; agri-food; clean technology; digital industries; health and bio-sciences; and clean resources sectors."
11/1/2017,188,,Exports and Investment,Reduce administrative burden for investors and companies associated with international trade.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"Canadian businesses export and trade with international partners more easily and with less of an administrative burden, and international investors benefit from faster, clearer and more efficient engagement with government programs.","When launched later in 2017, the Invest in Canada Hub will increase cooperation between provinces, territories and municipalities to bolster trade promotion by providing companies with a one-stop-shop for investment in Canada. The new Global Skills Strategy, launched in June 2017, will make it easier for companies that are making large investments in Canada to bring in highly skilled global talent, while supporting well-paying, middle-class jobs for Canadians. Canadian companies will have access to an expedited review process lasting no more than a combined 20 business days from end to end, including reviews conducted by Employment and Social Development Canada and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Canada has worked closely with the United States (US), as part of the Canada-US Regulatory Cooperation Council, to facilitate greater alignment of regulatory systems where appropriate."
11/1/2017,189,,Indigenous peoples,"Improve essential infrastructure for Indigenous communities, including improving housing.",Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - with challenges,"Infrastructure on reserves is improved, schools on reserve are newer and in better condition; language and cultural knowledge is strengthened; more First Nations children graduate from high school and go on to post-secondary education; elimination of long-term drinking water advisories in Indigenous communities by 2021; enhanced access for First Nations, Métis and Inuit to affordable housing on-reserve and not on reserve.","In Budget 2016, the Government of Canada made an investment of $8.4 billion for Indigenous peoples, increasing funding significantly. Budget 2017 built on this momentum, with new, additional investments of $3.4 billion over five years in a range of critical areas, including infrastructure. The Government is improving primary and secondary education on reserve by building and renovating school facilities; enhancing the quality of language and cultural programs; expanding innovative pilot programs that have been proven to substantially increase literacy and numeracy rates among First Nations children; and empowering communities to establish First Nations' planned and led education systems. Early progress has been modest for schools, drinking water, and housing. More than $400 million is being invested in 2016/17 and 2017/18 to build/upgrade First Nations schools. This includes 63 new schools and 56 renovated/upgraded schools. As of June 30, 2017, nine of the 63 new schools have been constructed, and renovations/upgrades on three of the 56 schools have been completed. In Budget 2016, the Government announced significant new funding to end long-term drinking water advisories on reserves by 2021. The number of long-term drinking water advisories on public systems financially supported by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada has been reduced from 77 to 70 as of July 31, 2017. As of June 30, 2017, and since Budget 2016 announcement, 8,808 housing units are under construction, renovation/retrofit or servicing. Of that number, just over 50 per cent, (4,460 housing units) have been completed."
11/1/2017,190,,Indigenous peoples,Implement the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - with challenges,All Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action are implemented.,"The Truth and Reconciliation Commission identified 94 Calls to Action, 77 of which fall under federal or shared responsibility with other partners, implicating 22 federal entities. Work is currently underway on a majority of these Calls to Action. Important progress has already been made and will lead to greater and more equitable access to quality education, health care, clean water, housing and employment services for Indigenous peoples. This includes the announcement in May 2016 of Canada’s unequivocal support to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Government of Canada is moving forward with implementing the United Nations Declaration in partnership with First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation through the Working Group of Ministers on the Review of Laws and Policies, as well as other collaborative initiatives and actions. The Government of Canada will report on the status of each of these Calls to Action in the coming months. The Calls to Action are extensive and some require longer-term, transformative change. Many involve multiple parties and require significant consultation and coordination. The Government of Canada is also working with other jurisdictions and partners to advance implementation of those Calls to Action outside of the federal purview. The establishment of the National Council for Reconciliation will support these efforts and an interim Board is being put in place."
11/1/2017,191,,Indigenous peoples,Undertake a review of laws and policies to ensure the Crown is fulfilling its obligations and commitments to the recognition and implementation of Indigenous peoples' rights.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs;Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - on track,"Canada's laws and policies reflect the Government's commitment to advancing a nation-to-nation, government-to-government and Inuit-Crown relationship with Indigenous peoples.","A Working Group of Ministers, chaired by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, was established in February 2017 to examine relevant federal laws, policies, and operational practices that impact the rights of Indigenous peoples. The Working Group has begun to look at how the Crown can meet its constitutional obligations with respect to Aboriginal and treaty rights; ensure its adherence to international human rights standards, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; and support the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. The Working Group has completed its start-up phase and in July 2017 released Principles respecting the Government of Canada's relationship with Indigenous peoples that should guide the review. The Working Group will continue to work in partnership with Indigenous peoples in carrying out this review."
11/1/2017,192,,Indigenous peoples,Invest in First Nations education to ensure that First Nations children on reserve receive a quality education.,Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - with challenges,Literacy and numeracy rates are improved; language and cultural knowledge is strengthened; and more First Nations children graduate from high school and go on to post-secondary education.,"The Government of Canada committed a $2.6 billion increase for First Nations K-12 education and almost an additional $1 billion for education infrastructure. These investments will improve primary and secondary education on reserve by building and renovating school facilities; enhancing the quality of language and cultural programs; expanding innovative pilot programs that have been proven to substantially increase literacy and numeracy rates among First Nations children; and empowering communities to establish education systems planned and led by First Nations. In December 2016, the Government of Canada reached an agreement with Indigenous partners to create the Manitoba First Nations School System. As of this fall, students in this school system will receive education programs that are designed, delivered and run by First Nations and with funding that is comparable to provincial school boards. On August 16, 2017, the Anishinabek Nation Education Agreement was signed. It is the largest education self-government agreement in Canada, which enables the 23 Anishinabek First Nations in Ontario to develop culturally relevant and community-tailored education programs for the benefit of the Anishinabek students. The Government is engaged in discussions to establish similar initiatives in other regions of the country. Finally, as noted by the Parliamentary Budget Officer in November 2016, the Government's investments in education will, over the next several years, help fill critical and long-standing gaps in how on-reserve schools are funded compared to those under provincial jurisdiction. These investments will ensure that First Nations children get the best possible start in life and are able to achieve similar educational outcomes as non-Indigenous children."
11/1/2017,193,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Implement an Infrastructure Strategy that improves public transit.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Transport,Underway - on track,Canadians spend less time in traffic and have greater access to modern public transit.,"Through Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government has committed $28.7 billion to public transit projects over the next 10 years. Over 1,000 public transit projects have been approved to date under the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund that will expand transit systems across the country and transform the way Canadians live, move, and work by spending less time in traffic. Larger projects to improve access to public transit include: the Regional Express Rail project in the Greater Toronto Area, which will make commuting by GO faster than commuting by car, save 1.8 billion hours of commuter travel time and $14.7 billion in automobile operating savings over the lifetime of the project; the Ottawa Light Rail Transit project - Stage 2 (OLRT2) will contribute to increasing overall public transit modal share from 22% in 2011 to 25% by 2048, to reduce congestion and improve mobility and safety while reducing harmful emissions due to modal share increase in public transit use. It is expected that an overall incremental greenhouse gas emissions reduction of 115,000 tonnes will occur by 2048 due to the environmental benefits of the OLRT2 project."
11/1/2017,194,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Implement an Infrastructure Strategy that improves social infrastructure.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Canadian Heritage;Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Underway - on track,"More Canadians with access to affordable housing, child care and cultural and recreational infrastructure.","In Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government made investments in social infrastructure across Canada. To date, over 2,200 projects to retrofit or renovate social housing have been approved, helping improve energy and water efficiency in more than 80,000 existing social housing units. The forthcoming National Housing Strategy will re-establish the federal government as a leader in the area of affordable housing. Working in collaboration with provinces, territories and local communities, the Strategy will leverage significant new capacity to build, repair and renew affordable housing across the country. As part of the Strategy, the new National Housing Fund will prioritize projects that have the greatest impact on communities and vulnerable populations, including seniors, persons with disabilities, victims fleeing violence, and Canadians with mental health issues, among others. In addition, all National Housing Strategy initiatives will include accessibility requirements. It is anticipated the National Housing Strategy will reduce the number of Canadians in core housing need by as much as 500,000 compared to current levels. The investment of incremental resources in the Enabling Accessibility fund will support an estimated 1,846 additional projects to further improve the safety and accessibility of community spaces and workplaces, making it possible for Canadians with disabilities to participate more fully in their communities and in the labour market. The Government is also creating affordable, high-quality child care spaces for low- and modest-income families, with the goal of supporting up to 40,000 new subsidized child care spaces over the next three years. In addition, the Government will create a distinct Indigenous Framework on Early Learning and Child Care in cooperation with Indigenous partners to reflect the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children across Canada. To date, repairs and renovations have been undertaken in 210 First Nations and Inuit Child Care Initiative child care centers and in 63 Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve facilities. The Government is also supporting the improvement, renovation and construction of arts and heritage facilities, as well as the acquisition of specialized equipment and will make further investments in cultural infrastructure of $300 million in the next 10 years. Since March 2017, the Government has awarded over $140 million to support the improvement, renovation and construction of arts and heritage facilities, as well as the acquisition of specialized equipment. Further investments in cultural infrastructure in the amount of $300 million will be made over 10 years starting in 2018-19 through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund. The Government will also invest $80 million over 10 years starting in 2018-19 to support the construction of community educational infrastructure in official language minority communities through the Development of Official Language Communities program at Canadian Heritage."
11/1/2017,195,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Implement an Infrastructure Strategy that improves green infrastructure.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Transport;Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,"More infrastructure in place to ensure access to clean water, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and increased resilience against the impacts of climate change.","Through Budget 2016 and 2017, the Government of Canada is investing $26.9 billion in Green infrastructure over 12 years, including projects to improve access to clean water, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase protection against the impacts of climate change. These investments will lead to the expansion or rehabilitation of water/wastewater systems, and support the Lake Winnipeg and Lake St. Martin Outlet Channel Project—enabling more residents to return home following devastating floods in the region. In Budget 2016, the Government announced significant new funding to end boil water advisories on reserves by 2021. The number of long-term drinking water advisories on public systems financially supported by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada has been reduced from 77 to 70 as of July 31, 2017. Through the Canada Infrastructure Bank, at least $5 billion will be available for green infrastructure projects. As well, national “green” programs, totalling $2.8 billion, will be provided to address a number of priorities identified in the Pan-Canadian Framework. In addition, $2 billion is proposed for a Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund to support national, provincial, and municipal infrastructure to deal with the effects of a changing climate."
11/1/2017,196,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Invest in transportation infrastructure that helps get goods to market.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food;Minister of Transport,Underway - on track,"Get Canadian goods to markets more quickly and increase exports, including natural resources, manufactured goods and agri-food products, by 30 per cent by 2025.","The Government of Canada established a new National Trade Corridors Fund to address urgent capacity constraints and freight bottlenecks at major ports of entry, and to better connect the rail and highway infrastructure that delivers economic growth across Canada. Investments through this fund will target congestion and inefficiencies at marine ports, as well as along the busiest rail and highway corridors. The Canada Infrastructure Bank will make additional funding available to address trade and transportation projects. The Government is tracking transportation flows and will report publicly on how long it takes to get goods to market."
11/1/2017,197,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Establish bilateral agreements with provinces and territories on infrastructure investments.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities,Underway - on track,"Agreements with all provinces and territories that improve public transit, roads and bridges; increase access to affordable housing and child care; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; improve access to clean water, and enhance resilience in the face of a changing climate.","Infrastructure plays a central role in building strong communities, creating jobs and growing the economy. In Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government of Canada made investments in public transit, green infrastructure and social infrastructure across Canada. To date, over 1,000 public transit projects and 2,200 projects to retrofit or renovate social housing have been approved. Through the National Housing Strategy, the Government aims to reduce the number of Canadians in core housing need by as much as 500,000 by building, repairing and renewing affordable housing across the country. The Government is also creating affordable, high-quality child care spaces for low- and modest-income families, with the goal of supporting up to 40,000 new subsidized child care spaces over the next three years. In addition, the Government will create a distinct Indigenous Framework on Early Learning and Child Care in cooperation with Indigenous partners to reflect the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children across Canada. To date, repairs and renovations have been undertaken in 210 First Nations and Inuit Child Care Initiative child care centers and in 63 Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve facilities. The Government has also invested in a number of projects to improve access to clean water, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase protection against the impacts of climate change. These investments will lead to the expansion or rehabilitation of approximately 650 water/wastewater systems, and support the Lake Winnipeg and Lake St. Martin Outlet Channel Project—enabling more residents to return home following devastating floods in the region. In Budget 2016, the Government announced significant new funding to end boil water advisories on reserves by 2021. The number of long-term drinking water advisories on public systems financially supported by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada has been reduced from 77 to 70 as of July 31, 2017."
11/1/2017,198,,Indigenous peoples,"Incorporate Aboriginal and treaty rights, residential schools and Indigenous contributions into school curricula.",Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,"School curricula that is inclusive of Indigenous history and knowledge, resulting in improved knowledge and understanding.","The Government of Canada is helping provincial and territorial governments collaborate with Indigenous communities and organizations to revise school curricula so they reflect the history and contributions of Indigenous peoples. Through the Education Partnership Program, the Government is currently supporting new efforts between First Nations and provincial stakeholders in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick to review provincial curricula in those education systems. Similar initiatives with other provinces and territories are in the process of being developed. The Government provides financial support to the Office of the Treaty Commissioner in Saskatchewan and Treaty Relations Commissions of Manitoba to, among other things, provide materials and training to teachers in support of the delivery of K-12 treaty education curricula to all provincial school students. The organizations are also working with universities in their respective provinces to develop treaty curricula and courses that will be mandatory for every university student."
11/1/2017,199,,Indigenous peoples,Work with the Métis Nation to advance reconciliation and renew the relationship.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,A renewed relationship with the Métis Nation based on the principles of reconciliation.,"The Prime Minister and the Métis Nation signed the Canada-Métis Nation Accord in April 2017 establishing a permanent bilateral mechanism to develop policy on shared priorities. A Framework Agreement for Advancing Reconciliation with the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) was signed on November 2016. The Government of Canada is also engaged in rights-based discussions with the Métis Nation of Ontario and the Métis Nation of Alberta, and a Memorandum of Understanding on Reconciliation was signed with both organizations in early 2017. These frameworks inform work across government to engage Métis Nation and their governments in the development of distinctions-based policies, programs and services that advance goals of social and economic prosperity. In addition, the Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples (UPIP), launched in May 2017, provides funding to organizations that support urban Indigenous peoples in cities and urban areas, including a set-aside allocation under the Programs and Services stream for the Métis Nation."
11/1/2017,200,,Fair and Open Government,"Develop a non-partisan, merit-based process to advise the Prime Minister on Senate appointments.",Minister of Democratic Institutions,Completed - fully met,"An Independent Advisory Board has been established to provide a non-partisan, merit-based process of advice for recommending Senators, resulting in the appointment of 28 independent Senators thus far.","An Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments was established in January 2016 to provide advice to the Prime Minister on candidates for the Senate. As of July 7, 2016, Canadians were permitted, for the first time ever, to apply to be considered for appointment to the Senate through an open online application process. In the first application process, over 2,757 Canadians applied, demonstrating unprecedented engagement. A second open application process took place between December 2016 and January 2017. Twenty-eight non-partisan appointments to the Senate have been made under the new process so far. Thanks to these actions, a plurality of Senators is not affiliated with a political party."
11/1/2017,201,,Fair and Open Government,Establish a special parliamentary committee to consult on electoral reform.,Minister of Democratic Institutions,Not being pursued,A special parliamentary committee was established.,"A Special Committee, which included all five parties represented in the House of Commons, was established in June 2016 and presented its final report in December 2016. In addition to the consultation undertaken by the Special Committee, the Minister also consulted Members of Parliament of all parties, and oversaw an engagement process with 360,000 Canadians through mydemocracy.ca. Following extensive consultation with Canadians, it was determined that no clear preference for a new electoral system had emerged. The Government will not proceed with electoral reform."
11/1/2017,202,,Fair and Open Government,Make the Commissioner of Canada Elections more independent.,Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - on track,A truly independent Commissioner of Canada Elections who can pursue their work free from political or partisan direction.,"In November 2016, the Government introduced legislation to enhance the independence of the Commissioner of Canada Elections (CCE) by repealing changes that created a reporting relationship for the CCE with the Minister of Justice. This enhances the independent role that the CCE held for decades before it was altered in 2014."
11/1/2017,203,,Fair and Open Government,Bring forward options to create an independent commissioner to organize political party leaders' debates.,Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - on track,A new independent commissioner for political party leaders' debates to ensure debates serve the public interest rather than the interests of any one party.,"An initial analysis has been conducted on options to create an independent commissioner to organize political party leaders' debates during election campaigns. As a next step, the Government will consult stakeholders, including political parties and broadcasters."
11/1/2017,204,,Fair and Open Government,"Review limits that political and third parties can spend during elections, and propose measures to control spending between elections.",Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - on track,Political and third party spending is limited and controlled to help strengthen Canadian democracy.,"Initial analysis has been conducted on political party and third party spending limits during elections, and between them. Research is ongoing."
11/1/2017,205,,Fair and Open Government,"Allow charities to do their work free from political harassment, and modernize the rules governing the charitable and not-for-profit sectors.",Minister of Finance;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister of National Revenue,Underway - on track,A transparent and rules-based legal framework for Canada's charities is in place and charities in Canada are free from political harassment.,"In September 2016, the Government launched a consultation process with the charitable sector and the public to assist in clarifying the rules for the participation of charities in political activities. A consultation panel reviewed the submissions and presented the Minister of National Revenue with recommendations at the end of March 2017. The Government is carefully reviewing the Panel’s report to help inform regulation of charities going forward. As an immediate first step to respond to the Panel’s recommendations, the Government has suspended all action in relation to the remaining audits and objections that were part of the Political Activities Audit Program."
11/1/2017,206,,Environment and Climate Change,Make strategic investments in our clean technology sector.,"Minister of Natural Resources;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food;Minister of International Trade",Underway - on track,"The clean technology sector's contribution to Canada's Gross Domestic Product grows, creating more good-paying, middle class jobs and increasing the number of high-growth companies in Canada.","In Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government of Canada committed to several measures to support clean technology. The major focus of these investments is: building early-stage innovation, accelerating commercialization and growth, fostering greater adoption of clean technologies, and strengthening collaboration and metrics for success. Examples of key initiatives include: nearly $1.4 billion in new financing to help Canada's clean technology firms grow and expand; $400 million for Sustainable Development Technology Canada to develop and demonstrate new clean technologies; and $200 million to support research, development, demonstration and the adoption of clean technology in Canada's natural resources sectors."
11/1/2017,207,,Environment and Climate Change,Enhance Canada's tax measures to generate and attract more clean technology investments.,Minister of Finance;Minister of Natural Resources,Underway - on track,"The clean technology sector's contribution to Canada's Gross Domestic Product grows, creating more good-paying, middle class jobs and increasing the number of high-growth companies in Canada.",Budget 2016 changed Canadian tax rules to make certain electric vehicle charging stations and electrical energy storage equipment eligible for accelerated capital cost allowance treatment. Budget 2017 introduced further expansions of this tax treatment to geothermal projects and expenses. The Government will continue to work towards making Canada the world's most competitive tax jurisdiction for clean technology.
11/1/2017,208,,Safety and Security,Launch an open and transparent competition to replace the CF-18 fighter aircraft.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement;Minister of National Defence,Underway - with challenges,A new fighter fleet that allows the Canadian Armed Forces to do their job with the equipment they need.,"A modern fighter jet fleet is essential for defending Canada and Canadian sovereignty – especially in our northern skies. It is a vital contribution to our partnership with our most important ally, the United States, and for the protection of the continent that we share. It is also important for enabling Canada to fulfill its international commitments as an engaged and active member of NATO. Following consultation with governments and industry, the Government announced in November 2016 that it will launch an open and transparent competition, to replace the legacy fleet of CF-18 fighter aircraft with 88 advanced fighters. Canada is also actively exploring options to supplement the CF-18 fighter aircraft fleet until the transition to the permanent replacement aircraft is in place and fully operational. As the processes move along, the Government of Canada will provide regular public updates."
11/1/2017,209,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that all federal services are delivered in compliance with the Official Languages Act.,President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Canadian Heritage,Underway - on track,"More Canadians receive federal services and communications in their official language of choice, and a new Official Languages Plan is implemented to support English and French linguistic minorities across Canada.","The Government of Canada conducted the first review of the Official Languages Regulation in over twenty five years. The Government is committed to ensuring the public is served in their official language of choice. Currently, 86.5 per cent of federal institutions report that, where required by the Official Languages Act, the public is served in their language of choice in oral and written communications. The Government has set a target to achieve 90 per cent in 2017-2018."
11/1/2017,210,,Fair and Open Government,Improve access to information to enhance the openness of government.,President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - on track,Greater government transparency and more information available for Canadians to hold their government to account.,"Following an Interim Directive in May 2016 that eliminated all fees except for the application fee and confirmed the principle of ""open by default,"" the Government introduced Phase I reforms to modernize and expand the scope of the Access to Information Act. Legislation introduced in June 2017 proposes the creation of new requirements for proactive publication of a broad range of information and applies to more than 240 government institutions, as well as the Prime Minister's Office, ministers' offices and administrative bodies that support Parliament and the courts. The legislation would provide the Information Commissioner with the ability to order the release of documents. A review of the Act would also be required every five years to ensure that it remains current and continues to improve transparency for Canadians."
11/1/2017,211,,Strong Middle Class,Conduct a review of tax expenditures.,President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Finance,Underway - on track,"A simpler, more effective tax system.","Budget 2017 took initial action to implement changes resulting from the Government’s wide-ranging review of tax expenditures. The review identified opportunities to eliminate inefficient tax measures and make other existing tax measures more effective, equitable and accessible to Canadians. In this context, Budget 2017 included measures to improve tax relief for caregivers, students, and persons with disabilities."
11/1/2017,212,,Safety and Security,Improve marine safety.,"Minister of Transport;Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Underway - on track,Canadians are kept safe and our coasts are protected through evidence-based emergency preparedness and response.,"The Government announced the Oceans Protection Plan (OPP) which supports responsible shipping, restoring and preserving marine ecosystems; strengthens partnerships with Indigenous and coastal communities; and invests in evidence-based emergency preparedness and response to keep Canadians safe and our coasts protected."
11/1/2017,213,,Environment and Climate Change,Review the previous government's changes to the Fisheries Act and Navigable Waters Protection Act.,"Minister of Transport;Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Underway - on track,"Restore lost protections and incorporate modern safeguards into the revised Fisheries Act and Navigation Protection Act to better protect Canada's environment for future generations, advance reconciliation, and get resources to market.","The Government of Canada has engaged in extensive consultations with the public, stakeholder and Indigenous peoples on how to restore lost protections and incorporate modern safeguards into the revised Fisheries Act and Navigation Protection Act. The Government provided funding for 140 Indigenous groups to participate in the review and continue to consider all feedback in determining next steps. The Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans tabled a report on the review of the Fisheries Act in the House of Commons in February 2017; the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities tabled its finding on the review of the Navigation Protection Act in March 2017. In June 2017, the Government responses to the Standing Committee reports were tabled in Parliament. Changes to the acts will be introduced within the next year."
11/1/2017,214,,Indigenous peoples,Promote economic development and create jobs for Indigenous peoples.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Indigenous Services;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,Higher employment rates for Indigenous peoples and stronger economic growth in Indigenous communities.,"Working collaboratively with Indigenous peoples, the Government of Canada has invested in a number of areas to promote job creation and economic development in Indigenous communities. These investments will: help First Nations access long-term financing to undertake economic development projects in their communities ($20M), strengthen the First Nations and Inuit Summer Work Experience Program and the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program ($100M), grow Canada's Indigenous tourism industry ($8.6M), and improve Indigenous labour market programs through the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy ($50M). In addition, the Government of Canada has increased funding for the Post-Secondary Student Support program, which will help 4,600 First Nation students over a two-year period ($90M)."
11/1/2017,215,,Indigenous peoples,Undertake an inquiry into murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls in Canada.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister of Status of Women,Underway - with challenges,"Concrete solutions to address systemic causes of violence, resulting in increased safety of Indigenous women and girls in Canada.","The Government of Canada, with the governments of all provinces and territories, launched an independent national inquiry into murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls. The commissioners have been asked to examine and report on the systemic and historical social, economic, institutional and cultural factors—as well as practices, policies and institutions—that contribute to the violence that Indigenous women and girls face. The Commission is mandated to complete its work by December 31, 2018. Many legitimate concerns from families and stakeholders have been raised about the Inquiry's progress. The Government is closely monitoring the work of the independent Inquiry and is encouraging the Commissioners to listen and respond to concerns raised, and learn from families and survivors as the Inquiry continues its work."
11/1/2017,216,,Indigenous peoples,Improve services to Indigenous people and those with mental illness throughout the criminal justice system.,Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Underway - on track,"Improved services and increased support to make it easier for Indigenous peoples and those with mental illness to navigate the criminal justice system, and reverse the trend of Indigenous overrepresentation in the justice system.","The Government of Canada has made investments to help ensure that people from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, including Indigenous peoples and those with mental illness, have access to legal aid. The Government has also provided long-term and stable funding to the Indigenous Justice Program which provides funding for community-based programs that use restorative justice approaches as alternative mechanisms to the mainstream justice system. In addition, the Government is investing in the Indigenous Courtwork Program to ensure Indigenous peoples have the representation and services they need to navigate the criminal justice system. We are working to further identify strategies that will build on these investments."
11/1/2017,217,,Healthy Canadians,Legalize and strictly regulate marijuana.,Minister of Health;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,"Legalization and strict regulation of cannabis in Canada protects Canadian youth, keep profits out of the hands of criminals and responsibly manages the production and distribution of cannabis.","In April 2017, the Government introduced legislation to legalize, strictly regulate, and restrict access to cannabis, as well as crack down on impaired driving. This legislation will make it a specific criminal offence to sell cannabis to a minor and create significant penalties for those who engage young Canadians in cannabis-related offences. The Government is working with provinces and territories and intends to provide regulated and restricted access to cannabis no later than July 2018. Legislation was introduced following extensive consultation with law enforcement, health and safety experts, and the hard work of the Task Force on Cannabis Legalization and Regulation."
11/1/2017,218,,Safety and Security,Repeal problematic elements of Bill C-51 to balance security with rights and freedoms.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,Canadians' safety and security are strongly protected in a manner consistent with the rights and freedoms Canadians cherish.,"In June 2017, the Government introduced legislation covering a wide range of measures that were informed by the broad consultation with engaged citizens, stakeholders, experts, parliamentarians and others in Fall 2016. The proposed measures represent extensive and much-needed improvements to Canada’s national security framework, and will enhance accountability through a proposed National Security and Intelligence Review Agency and a new Intelligence Commissioner; fulfill the Government's commitment to address problematic elements of Bill C-51 through proposed revisions to threat reduction measures under the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Act, amendments to the Criminal Code, and revisions to the Security of Canada Information Sharing Act; and enhance transparency by introducing new safeguards and accountability measures, and by re-affirming compliance with the Charter."
11/1/2017,219,,Environment and Climate Change,Phase out inefficient fossil fuel industry subsidies over the medium-term.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Finance,Underway - on track,"Phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, consistent with Canada’s commitment with the G20 countries, building a strong, clean economy and preserving our planet for generations to come.","Budget 2016 announced that the accelerated capital cost allowance for facilities used to liquefy natural gas will be allowed to expire at the end of 2024. Budget 2017 proposed changes to rationalize the treatment of exploration expenses for oil and gas producers and phase out their ability to reclassify certain development expenses as more favourably treated exploration expenses. The Government will continue to review, report on and phase out fossil fuel subsidies in future budgets, as appropriate."
11/1/2017,220,,Environment and Climate Change,"Increase the proportion of Canada's marine and coastal areas that are protected to five percent by 2017, and ten percent by 2020.","Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Environment and Climate Change",Underway - on track,"Five per cent of Canada's marine and coastal areas are protected by 2017, and 10 per cent by 2020, protecting important habitats, maintaining and promoting tourism, and helping with climate change adaptation.","In October 2017, the Government achieved its commitment to protect five per cent of Canada's marine and coastal areas by 2017 and is now focused on achieving 10 per cent by 2020. In November 2016, the Government of Canada announced the designation of the Anguniaqvia niqiqyuam Marine Protected Area (MPA). In February 2017, the Government announced the designation of the Hecate Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound Glass Sponge Reefs MPA.In June 2017, the Government announced the designation of St. Anns Bank MPA. In August 2017, the federal Government, Nunavut and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association together announced the official boundary for a new national marine conservation area in Tallurutiup Imanga / Lancaster Sound -- which will be the biggest protected area ever established in Canada. In addition, the Government has allocated funding towards protecting the Last Ice Area in the Arctic. Internationally, Canada has secured broad support for its criteria for other effective conservation measures that contribute to marine biodiversity. These areas, known as marine refuges, have been established throughout our ocean to protect important species and ecosystem features and contribute to our targets. The Government will continue working with its planning partners to enhance the protection of Canada’s oceans."
11/1/2017,221,,Canada in the World,"Advance human rights, gender equality, peaceful pluralism and respect for diversity internationally.",Minister of International Development and La Francophonie;Minister of Foreign Affairs,On-going commitment,"Inclusive governance, human rights, gender equality, peaceful pluralism and respect for diversity are enhanced around the world.","Canada promotes, and defends human rights in every international relationship and at every opportunity. As a respected member of the United Nations, the Commonwealth, La Francophonie and other international bodies, the Government helps to strengthen and maintain international respect for human rights. The Government has expanded and reinvigorated its comprehensive approach to defending and promoting all human rights through the creation of the Office of Human Rights, Freedoms and Inclusion. In addition, the Government introduced guidelines for supporting human rights defenders—a practical tool for Canada’s diplomatic officials to empower human rights defenders as effective advocates and protect them from the threats they all too often face. Canada also became co-chair, with Chile, of the Equal Rights Coalition, the first global intergovernmental network focused on the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons. In March 2017, Canada led an 83-country Joint Statement on the Power of Inclusion and Benefits of Diversity at the UN Human Rights Council. The June 2017 launch of Canada's first Feminist International Assistance Policy emphasizes the empowerment of women and girls and positioning Canada as a leader on gender equality in aid programming. This new policy makes inclusive governance one of the key action areas for its international assistance. In September 2017, Canada successfully negotiated reference to inclusion and diversity and the enjoyment of all human rights online, including specific reference to Indigenous peoples, sexual orientation, gender identity and disability in the Community of Democracies’ Washington Declaration."
11/1/2017,222,,Canada in the World,Work on development financing issues.,Minister of Finance;Minister of International Development and La Francophonie;Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"Increased international investment, reduced poverty and improved economic development in developing countries.","In Budget 2017, the Government announced the creation of the new Development Finance Institute Canada (DFIC), which will be headquartered in Montreal. The DFIC will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Export Development Canada (EDC) and will be capitalized with $300 million over five years to support sustainable development and poverty reduction in developing countries."
11/1/2017,223,,Strong Middle Class,Develop and implement a Youth Service Program.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of International Development and La Francophonie",Underway - on track,"More young Canadians engaged in high quality public and community service, giving them the experience they need to succeed and make a positive contribution in their community.","The Government of Canada will launch a new Youth Service Initiative in the fall of 2017 that will give young Canadians greater opportunities to gain valuable experience while serving communities across Canada. This initiative will grow over time, creating more opportunities for youth who choose to serve."
11/1/2017,224,,Healthy Canadians,Raise awareness on concussion treatment.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities;Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"Consistent, coordinated Canadian concussion guidelines.","The Government is collaborating with provinces, territories and other key stakeholders on a coordinated pan-Canadian concussion strategy. In June 2016, a framework for the strategy was endorsed by federal, provincial and territorial ministers. Budget 2016 made investments to harmonize concussion management guidelines on prevention, early detection and treatment, with a focus on return-to-play and return-to-learn protocols for athletes and students. In July 2017, federal, provincial and territorial Ministers responsible for sport, physical activity and recreation agreed to a Framework for Action focusing on the areas of awareness, prevention, detection, management, and surveillance of concussions, which will further harmonize the collective approach across jurisdictions. At the same time, Parachute Canada, with the financial support of the Government of Canada, released its “Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport”."
11/1/2017,225,,Healthy Canadians,Update and expand the Nutrition North program.,Minister of Health;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,More affordable nutritious food for Canadians in the North.,"In Budget 2016, the Government increased funding to expand Nutrition North Canada. Nutrition North helps alleviate the high cost of food in 121 isolated northern communities by providing a subsidy on perishable nutritious food. To date, the full benefits of Nutrition North Canada have been expanded to 37 additional isolated northern communities. Nutrition education was also expanded to an additional 43 remote communities. The Government released a final report in April 2017 summarizing the feedback received during consultations with Northerners on the program. The Government will use this feedback to make further changes to how we support access to healthy, affordable food for northern Canadians."
11/1/2017,226,,Healthy Canadians,Develop a coordinated national action plan on post-traumatic stress disorder.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Underway - on track,Canada's public safety officers have better access to support for post-traumatic stress.,"The Government is developing a national action plan on post-traumatic stress injury in consultation with stakeholders. This plan will be evidenced-based and reflect the findings of the Fifth Report of the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security which recently studied this issue. The Government is supporting a study, to be conducted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and a yet to be determined service provider, on prevention, detection and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder among first responders. The Government will release further details on the proposed national action plan later in the mandate."
11/1/2017,227,,Indigenous peoples,Provide new funding to preserve and enhance Indigenous languages and cultures.,Minister of Canadian Heritage,Underway - on track,"An Indigenous Languages Act co-created with Indigenous peoples that preserves, protects, and revitalizes Indigenous languages in Canada, resulting in more people speaking Indigenous languages.","The Government of Canada will enact an Indigenous Languages Act, co-developed with Indigenous peoples, with the goal of ensuring the preservation, protection, and revitalization of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit languages in Canada. On June 15, 2017, Canadian Heritage, the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Métis Nation of Canada launched the co-development of Indigenous languages legislation and agreed on a collaborative engagement process. The Government is also helping digitize Indigenous languages and oral histories, and supporting community-based projects that facilitate communication in, and revitalization of, Indigenous languages. Budget 2017 invests $89.9 million over the next three years to support Indigenous languages and cultures."
11/1/2017,228,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Expand the network of shelters and transition houses for those fleeing domestic violence.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Indigenous Services;Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,More shelters available for those fleeing domestic violence.,"In Budget 2016, the Government of Canada made significant investments to boost the number of shelters and transition houses for victims of family violence and ensure that no one fleeing domestic violence is left without a place to go. To date, this funding has supported 3,116 projects, to assist 4,351 households. In Budget 2016, the Government also provided greater funding to renovate, construct and better support shelters serving victims of family violence in First Nations communities. The National Housing Strategy will further fund projects that support vulnerable Canadians, including homeless women and those fleeing family violence."
11/1/2017,229,,Government Services and Operations,Reduce complexity and strengthen partnerships between National Defence and Veterans Affairs.,Minister of Veterans Affairs;Minister of National Defence,Underway - on track,Simpler programs that give members of Canada's Armed Forces (CAF) the support they need as they transition from the Department of National Defence (DND) to Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC).,"DND/CAF and VAC will work collaboratively to review their programs to ensure our women and men in uniform can better transition from the Canadian Armed Forces to Veterans Affairs. A roadmap with key milestones of action will lead to simpler benefits and offer a streamlined, client centric process so Veterans have an easier time transitioning to civilian life."
11/1/2017,230,,Healthy Canadians,Develop a suicide prevention strategy for Canadian Armed Forces personnel and Veterans.,Minister of National Defence;Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,More Veterans and men and women in the Canadian Armed Forces receive the mental health care they need and suicides are reduced.,"Canada's new defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—invests in the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces and delivers the standard of service and care that current and former members deserve. The new policy will expand the number of Canada's military personnel and significantly invest in the health and welfare of those serving in uniform. As part of the policy, the Government will expand the Department of National Defence Medical Service Branch by 200 personnel to ensure serving members have better access to efficient and effective care anywhere they serve, in Canada or abroad. In October 2017, the Government announced the implementation of a joint Canadian Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Suicide Prevention Strategy composed of 160 different initiatives, programs and services, including the hiring of additional mental health professionals focused on preventing suicide across the entire military and Veteran community. The effectiveness of clinical interventions, training, education and other supports and services will be studied to assess progress in preventing suicide."
11/1/2017,231,,Safety and Security,Create a committee of Parliamentarians to review national security.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Underway - on track,"Parliamentarians have the information they need to oversee national security and ensure decisions find the right balance between protecting Canadians, protecting rights and freedoms and staying true to Canadian values.","An Act to establish the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians received Royal Assent on June 22, 2017. The new National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) is an important step towards increased accountability and transparency. The Committee's broad government-wide mandate to scrutinize any national security matter will help ensure the protection of the public and that the rights and freedoms of individual Canadians are upheld. The NSICOP can perform reviews of national security and intelligence activities, including ongoing operations, and strategic and systemic reviews of the legislative, regulatory, policy, expenditure and administrative frameworks under which these activities are conducted. It is expected that the Committee will be operational by the end of 2017."
11/1/2017,232,,Canada in the World,End Canada's combat mission in Iraq and Syria and refocus Canada's efforts on training and humanitarian support.,Minister of National Defence,Completed - fully met,"Canada ceased conducting fighter jet strikes in Iraq and Syria and adopted a more comprehensive approach with increased resources for stabilization, humanitarian assistance, and training.","Effective February 15, 2016, Canada ceased conducting strikes by CF-18 fighter jets on Daesh targets. On February 8, 2016, Canada announced an increased contribution to the training of Iraq Security Forces, as well as humanitarian and stabilization support. The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are contributing many capabilities to the multinational efforts to degrade and defeat Daesh, and up to 830 CAF personnel are assigned to Operation IMPACT, which has been extended until March 31, 2019."
11/1/2017,233,,Canada in the World,Renew Canada's commitment to United Nations peace operations.,Minister of National Defence;Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,"Canadian efforts enhance peace and security, protect human rights, promote stability, and help those most in need around the world.","In 2016, the Government adopted a strategic framework to guide Canadian efforts to support United Nations (UN) peace operations. The commitments included a pledge to provide up to 600 military personnel across a range of capabilities for UN peace operations and establishing a new Peace and Stabilization Operations Program at Global Affairs Canada. The Government deployed Canadian police personnel to the new UN mission Colombia, and additional personnel to the UN mission in Haiti; provided financial contributions to UN mediation, conflict prevention and peacebuilding efforts; and provided support for training and reform-related initiatives, including efforts to combat sexual exploitation and abuse and to implement the Women, Peace and Security agenda."
11/1/2017,234,,Strong Middle Class,Ensure that Employment Insurance (EI) contributions are only used to fund EI programs.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Finance",Completed - fully met,Improved sustainability of the Employment Insurance (EI) program to ensure the program is available to Canadians when they need it.,"The Government of Canada continues to make sure that EI contributions are only used to fund EI programs. In April 2016, the seven-year rate setting mechanism came into force, ensuring that the EI account will be balanced. This seven-year rate setting mechanism was implemented in 2017 and allowed the Government to reduce EI premiums for 2017 from $1.88 to $1.63 per $100 of insurable earnings. The 2018 premium rate has been set at $1.66 per $100 of insurable earnings, which reflects important new supports for Canadian families and changing economic conditions."
11/1/2017,235,,Indigenous peoples,Renew and improve the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,"Improved employment outcomes for participants accessing programs through the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS), and reduced employment gaps with non-Indigenous Canadians who use similar employment services.","Thanks to increased federal investment, approximately 1,700 additional Indigenous workers were supported through ASETS programs in 2016 compared to 2015. The Government has also made investments to increase capacity of service providers to meet the growing demand from Indigenous peoples for skills development and job training and provided an additional $50 million to ASETS in 2017. These programs now serve more clients and also focus on serving the most vulnerable clients and delivering longer-term assistance. Over the last year, the Government of Canada undertook extensive consultations with ASETS holders, Indigenous communities and leadership, and other stakeholders to seek feedback on how the ASETS structure and policy could be redesigned and improved. A proposed approach has been developed and in 2018 the Government will work with Indigenous partners on the implementation of the new approach."
11/1/2017,236,,Strong Middle Class,Provide a 12-month break on Employment Insurance (EI) premiums for firms that hire younger workers into permanent positions.,"Minister of Finance;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Not being pursued,See below,"Based on research conducted by the Department of Finance, it was determined that this was not the most effective or efficient way of spending public resources to create jobs for young people. Budgets 2016 and 2017 invested significantly in a Youth Employment Strategy, nearly doubling the Canada Summer Jobs program, which will help more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop the skills they need to find work, create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians and provide over 1,600 new employment opportunities for youth in the heritage sector. In addition, Budget 2016 announced the creation of an Expert Panel on Youth Employment to assess the barriers faced by vulnerable youth in finding and keeping jobs, and to examine innovative practices used by governments, non-governmental organizations and employers to improve job opportunities for vulnerable youth. The Government has received the Expert Panel's report and is studying its recommendations."
11/1/2017,237,,Strong Middle Class,Provide more generous and flexible leave for caregivers.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Caregivers of critically ill or injured Canadians receive greater support.,"As announced in Budget 2017, a new Employment Insurance caregiving benefit will assist eligible Canadians providing care and support to an adult family member who is critically ill or injured. The changes will also provide critically ill children with a wider support network that will include extended family members. Changes are being made to leave provisions under the Canada Labour Code to provide federally regulated workers with corresponding job protection. Canadians will have access to these supports once changes come into effect in late 2017."
11/1/2017,238,,Strong Middle Class,Develop a Social Innovation and Social Finance strategy.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,A government-wide strategy is established that facilitates new and innovative ways of addressing Canada's biggest social challenges.,"The Government of Canada recognizes that new and innovative approaches are needed to tackle persistent and complex social issues. In June 2017, the Government launched the Social Innovation and Social Finance Steering Group. Through consultations and engagement activities, the Steering Group will seek perspectives of industry, sector and community leaders to co-create a Social Innovation and Social Finance Strategy. Previous findings from government consultations and engagement activities related to social innovation and social finance will help the Steering Group identify policy solutions for the Strategy."
11/1/2017,239,,Strong Middle Class,Introduce the Canada Child Benefit (CCB).,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Finance",Completed - fully met,"A generous, fairer, tax-free monthly Canada Child Benefit (CCB) that gives nine out of ten Canadian families more money to help with the high cost of raising their children.","In Budget 2016, the Government introduced the new, tax-free, income-tested Canada Child Benefit (CCB). In its first year of implementation, over 3.3 million families received more than $23 billion in CCB payments. The CCB has helped lift an estimated 300,000 children out of poverty in Canada. The October 2017 Fall Economic Statement announced the Government's intention to strengthen the CCB by increasing the benefits annually to keep pace with the rising cost of living as of July 2018, two years ahead of schedule."
11/1/2017,240,,Strong Middle Class,"Develop a National Early Learning and Childcare Framework with provinces, territories and Indigenous peoples.","Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Indigenous Services;Minister of Status of Women",Underway - on track,"More high-quality, affordable child care spaces.","The Government of Canada is supporting the creation of affordable, high-quality child care spaces for low and modest income families, with the goal of supporting up to 40,000 new subsidized child care spaces over the next three years. The Federal, Provincial and Territorial Governments reached a historic agreement on a Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care Framework on June 12, 2017. The Government will work with each province and territory to enter into three-year bilateral agreements that will outline their unique early learning and child care needs to be addressed and the funding allocation for each jurisdiction. In addition, the Government will create a distinct Indigenous Framework on Early Learning and Child Care in cooperation with Indigenous partners to reflect the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children across Canada. To date, repairs and renovations have been undertaken in 210 First Nations and Inuit Child Care Initiative child care centers and in 63 Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve facilities."
11/1/2017,241,,Indigenous peoples,Establish a new fiscal relationship with First Nations communities and lift the two per cent cap.,Minister of Finance;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,Increased support for Indigenous communities consistent with needs and population growth rather than a fixed two per cent cap.,"In Budget 2016, the Government of Canada made an investment of $8.4 billion for Indigenous peoples, resulting in overall annual funding increases significantly above two per cent per year. Budget 2017 built on this momentum, with new, additional investments of $3.4 billion over five years in a range of critical areas, notably infrastructure and health care. By 2021-22, total federal government spending on Indigenous programs will increase from over $11 billion in 2015-16 to over $14 billion in 2021-22—an increase of 27 per cent over six years. The Government has also committed to a new fiscal relationship that is sufficient, sustainable and predictable. The Government of Canada is advancing a renewed fiscal relationship through two parallel initiatives. The first is with the Assembly of First Nations, through the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs (formerly Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada) and the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations in July 2016. The second is with Self-Governing Indigenous groups."
11/1/2017,242,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Develop a National Disabilities Act.,"Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Federal accessibility legislation promotes equality of opportunity and increases inclusion and participation of Canadians who have disabilities or functional limitations.,"From July 2016 to February 2017, the Government consulted Canadians, both in person, in 18 communities and online, to gather valuable information that will help create new accessibility legislation which will benefit us all. The Government also provided funding for five national disability partnerships and three national Indigenous organizations to provide input. In May 2017, a report summarizing what we heard from these discussions was released. Policy work is ongoing to incorporate public feedback into our plans for federal accessibility legislation, to be tabled in early 2018."
11/1/2017,244,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Ensure any unspent infrastructure funds are transferred to municipalities.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Finance,Underway - on track,Ensure infrastructure funding approved by Parliament does not lapse and is invested in municipal infrastructure projects.,"In March 2017, the Government of Canada announced that $30.2 million in potentially lapsing funding from a number of previously established funding programs would be transferred to municipalities through the federal Gas Tax Fund."
11/1/2017,245,,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Develop a 10-year infrastructure plan, improve governance and promote better data collection and asset management.",Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Transport,Underway - on track,"Agreements with all provinces and territories that improve public transit, roads and bridges; increase access to affordable housing and child care; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; improve access to clean water, and enhance resilience in the face of a changing climate.","Infrastructure plays a central role in building strong communities, creating jobs and growing the economy. Taking into account the investments made in Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government has developed a 12-year plan that will invest over $180 billion across Canada in public transit, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, rural and northern communities, and trade and transportation. As part of the Plan, the Government signed an agreement with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) to deliver an asset management program to support municipalities in making informed infrastructure investment decisions. The Government partnered with Statistics Canada and other stakeholders to launch an ambitious data initiative on Canadian infrastructure – Canada’s Core Public Infrastructure Survey (CCPI). Through the survey, the Government will better track, collect, use and share data on Canadian infrastructure, including tracking comparable data on infrastructure usage and demand across jurisdictions; tracking the impacts of infrastructure investments; and tracking the state and performance of public infrastructure across asset classes. These measures will help governments maximize taxpayer dollars and report back to Canadians on outcomes achieved."
11/1/2017,246,,Government Services and Operations,"Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency proactively contacts those who are entitled to, but are not receiving, tax benefits.",Minister of National Revenue,Underway - on track,"More Canadians receive the tax benefits and credits to which they are entitled, including vulnerable Canadians and Indigenous people on-reserve.","The Government of Canada has expanded the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program in order to help low-income Canadians, seniors and other vulnerable groups with tax filing. For the 2016 tax year, the Government has increased community partnerships by 18 per cent, and filed nearly 770,000 Canadians returns on behalf of Canadians so they can get the benefits they are entitled to. The CRA undertook a new initiative in 2016-2017 to proactively contact 260,000 Canadians who were potentially eligible for tax benefits but were not receiving them. The Government has also proactively promoted the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) in Indigenous communities to make sure Indigenous families have full access to this important benefit. By the end of January 2018, in-person visits will have been completed to more than 600 First Nations communities in order to promote the CCB and other benefits. The Government will continue to work to improve these results across all CRA administered benefit programs."
11/1/2017,247,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) offers to complete returns for lower-income Canadians whose financial situation is unchanged year-to-year.,Minister of National Revenue,Underway - on track,Simpler process for low-income Canadians to file their taxes when their financial situation hasn't changed much.,"This past year, through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, the Government filed nearly 770,000 returns on behalf of Canadians, many of whom are seniors, low-income Canadians and newcomers with simple tax situations. CRA is continuously looking at improvements so that low-income Canadians whose financial situation is unchanged year-to-year can easily file their returns and get the benefits that they are entitled to. The Government of Canada is looking at additional ways to improve these results for the 2017 and subsequent tax years, including allowing Canadians with simple tax situations, such as seniors and Social Assistance Recipients to file by telephone; and tax clinics to reach out to Canadians in remote and underserved communities."
11/1/2017,248,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency supports more Canadians who wish to file taxes using no paper forms.,Minister of National Revenue,Underway - on track,"More Canadians file their taxes online; and filing online is simple, easy and convenient for all CRA administered programs.","The Government of Canada has launched new services to help individuals, businesses and tax preparers submit their returns electronically. Launched in 2016, Auto-fill my return automatically pre-populates returns with data already available to CRA, making filing online simpler and easier. The amount of information available to Auto-fill continues to be expanded so that filing online is the best option for Canadians. To date, Canadians have used CRA’s Auto-fill my return eight million times to help them file their returns. The Government has also made it possible for tax preparers to amend their clients' returns electronically by using the new ReFILE service. In 2016-2017 alone, Canadians logged into CRA's secure online portal 51 million times, and 86 per cent of filings in 2016 occurred online—an increase of nearly 750,000 Canadians using this method over the prior year. The Government is currently redesigning CRA's secure portal to enable even more electronic interactions."
11/1/2017,249,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency delivers correspondence and other communications that are straightforward and easy to read.,Minister of National Revenue,Underway - on track,"Correspondence is simplified so that Canadians can better understand information they receive from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), leading to increased client satisfaction and fewer inquiries for routine information.","The Government of Canada simplified the correspondence CRA sends Canadians, making it easier to read and understand, including new, simple, and easy-to-read notices of assessment for businesses and individuals. As of October 2017, 85 per cent of the correspondence the CRA sends to Canadians will have been transformed in the new easy-to-read format. The CRA will have simplified virtually all correspondence by May 2019."
11/1/2017,250,,Fair and Open Government,"Enhance transparency in the political fundraising system for Cabinet members, party leaders and leadership candidates.",Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - on track,A more transparent political fundraising system is in place that strengthens trust and confidence in our democratic institutions.,"In May 2017, the Government introduced legislation to significantly enhance transparency in the political fundraising system for Cabinet members, party leaders and leadership candidates. This legislation will give Canadians more information than ever before: they will know who is going to fundraisers, when and where they are happening, and the amount required to attend."
11/1/2017,251,,Strong Middle Class,Update the Canada Labour Code to address emerging issues such as unpaid internships.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Stronger protections and employment standards that better protect workers and reflect the changing nature of the labour market.,"Budget 2017 aims to eliminate unpaid internships in federally regulated sectors where internships are not part of a formal educational program. In the case of unpaid internships that are part of an educational program, the Government will ensure standard labour protections apply, such as maximum hours of work, weekly days of rest and general holidays. Legislation to implement these changes will be tabled in the coming months. The Government has also launched consultations on proposed updates to the Canada Labour Code to ensure that Canadians enjoy strong labour protections and standards."
11/1/2017,252,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Increase the labour force participation of women and underrepresented groups.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,"Improved labour market participation and employment outcomes for groups traditionally under-represented in the labour market (women, youth, immigrants, persons with disabilities, racialized communities, and Indigenous peoples).","The Government has introduced several initiatives to help Canadians with the challenges they face when making decisions about pursuing work or going back to school. These initiatives will increase the number of high-quality, affordable child care spaces (up to 40,000 over the next three years), introduce flexible work arrangements, make parental leave more flexible, and expand opportunities for lifelong learning. These initiatives are expected to increase labour force participation among several under-represented groups, particularly mothers in low- and modest-income families. In addition, the Government has increased the number of work experience opportunities for young Canadians through the Youth Employment Strategy, and has also expanded access to job supports and skills training for all Canadians, with a particular focus on the needs of Indigenous peoples and other under-represented groups. The renewal of the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS), the introduction of a Targeted Employment Strategy for Newcomers and the introduction of a federal accessibility act will further support the unique needs of Indigenous peoples, newcomers and persons with disabilities."
11/1/2017,253,,Strong Middle Class,Help the unemployed and vulnerable workers before they become unemployed to get the skills they need.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Canadian workers have the skills they need to find and keep good quality jobs.,"The Government of Canada is establishing a new organization to identify the skills sought and required by Canadian employers, explore new and innovative approaches to skills development, and share information and analysis to help inform future skills investments and programming. The Government is working with provinces and territories, the private sector, educational institutions and not-for-profit organizations to design this organization. Implementation is tentatively planned for 2018-19 and will complement other significant investments and changes the Government is making to labour market transfer agreements in order to expand workers' access to skills training and job supports, to improve access to opportunities for lifelong learning, and to increase work experience opportunities for young Canadians."
11/1/2017,254,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Introduce proactive pay equity legislation for federally-regulated workers.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Status of Women",Underway - on track,Fair compensation systems in organizations in the federal jurisdiction that reduce the pay gap between women and men.,"The Government is replacing the current complaint-based approach to pay equity in the federal jurisdiction with a proactive system, as stated in the October 2016 Response to the Report of the Special Committee on Pay Equity. This new approach will be more effective at achieving equity for Canadian workers under federal jurisdiction. Work is underway to develop this new approach, which will be tabled in legislation in 2018."
11/1/2017,255,,Strong Middle Class,Restore a fair and balanced approach to organized labour.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Public Services and Procurement",Completed - fully met,A fair and balanced labour policy.,"In June 2017, Parliament repealed two proposed pieces of legislation which would have undermined the ability of workers to collectively bargain. This action was supported by both employers and unions, in recognition of the need by all parties for a policy framework that is governed by the principles of fairness and balance."
11/1/2017,256,,Healthy Canadians,Implement Canada's ban on asbestos.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,Canada comprehensively bans asbestos.,"In December 2016, the Government announced a set of comprehensive measures to ban asbestos and products containing asbestos by 2018. In July 2017, the Government brought into force changes to the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations to lower the exposure limit to as close to zero as possible for airborne chrysotile asbestos. These changes will protect federally regulated employees at risk."
11/1/2017,257,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Reduce the wage gap between men and women.,"Minister of Status of Women;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,A fair federal compensation system and a more flexible work environment to reduce the pay gap between women and men.,"The Government is replacing the current complaint-based approach to pay equity in the federal jurisdiction with a proactive system, as stated in the October 2016 Response to the Report of the Special Committee on Pay Equity. This new approach will be more effective at achieving equity for Canadian workers under federal jurisdiction. Work is underway to develop this new approach, which will be tabled in legislation in 2018. In addition, Budgets 2016 and 2017 include many measures to reduce the gender wage gap and encourage greater workforce participation among women, including investments in early learning and child care, a new Employment Insurance caregiving benefit, and the right to request flexible work arrangements for federally regulated employees."
11/1/2017,259,,Canada in the World,"Continue joint efforts to address global security threats, combat terrorism and defend our continent.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,On-going commitment,"Canada is protected from global threats and contributes to achieving a safer, more peaceful and prosperous world.","Canada's new defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—supports the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces and provides them with the necessary equipment and capabilities to defend Canada, protect North America and contribute to international peace and security. In addition, Canada is a core member of the Global Coalition Against Daesh and has taken a leadership role in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization by serving as the Framework Nation for the enhanced Forward Presence in Latvia. Furthermore, the Government is contributing comprehensive military, diplomatic and development assistance to Iraq and the immediate region and is leading efforts toward nuclear disarmament. Canada has also played a key role in driving international pressure on Syria, including supporting investigations into the use of chemical weapons, and is playing a leading role to deal with non-proliferation more generally through the G7-led Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction. Canada was also confirmed as co-chair (with Algeria) of the West Africa Working Group of the Global Counterterrorism Forum, an international forum of 29 Countries and the European Union with an overarching mission of reducing the vulnerability of people worldwide to terrorism by preventing, combating, and prosecuting terrorist acts and countering incitement and recruitment to terrorism."
11/1/2017,260,,Environment and Climate Change,Cooperate with the United States on energy security and energy infrastructure.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canada and the United States benefit from a secure and effective cross-border energy infrastructure.,"Collaboration on energy security and infrastructure was included in the February 13, 2017 Joint Statement from President Trump and PM Trudeau. Canada continues to support several major cross-border energy infrastructure projects, including: Keystone XL, Line 3 and Line 67, Northern Pass, New England Clean Power Link, and Great Northern Transmission Line. All projects are at different stages of review, investment, or approval. The U.S. State Department issued a presidential permit to TransCanada Pipelines in March 2017 for the construction of the Keystone XL project."
11/1/2017,261,,Environment and Climate Change,Advance shared action with the United States on environmental issues and climate change.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canada-U.S. collaboration leads to a cleaner shared environment and clean energy innovation.,"Canada and the United States issued a joint statement in February 2017 confirming both countries' commitment to collaborate closely in energy innovation, especially in the clean energy sphere; in energy cooperation, particularly along our border and at the Great Lakes; and to enhance the quality of our air and water. In recognition of a shared vision among Canada, the United States and Mexico, the three leaders committed to a North American Climate, Clean Energy, and Environment Partnership in June 2016. In December 2016, a Canada-United States Joint Arctic Leaders' Statement emphasized the importance of a strong, sustainable and viable Arctic economy and ecosystem."
11/1/2017,262,,Exports and Investment,Strengthen trilateral cooperation with the United States and Mexico to enhance North America's global competitiveness.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,On-going commitment,North America is strong and competitive in global markets.,"Canada hosted the North American Leaders' Summit in 2016, identifying North American economic prosperity as a key priority. The Government continues to actively engage Mexico and the United States in order to advance issues in our common interest, including through negotiations to modernize North American Free Trade Agreement. During trade negotiations, the Government of Canada is committed to creating the most favourable conditions for Canadian businesses to compete internationally. In addition to trade, North American cooperation continues in key areas such as energy, security and defence."
11/1/2017,263,,Canada in the World,"Strengthen relationships with key bilateral, regional and multilateral partners.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canadian interests and values are promoted through enhanced cooperation with key international partners.,"Canada has constructively contributed to multilateral forums to advance its priorities, including at the United Nations (UN); the African Union; Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation; Association of Southeast Asian Nations; the Pacific Alliance; the International Syria Support Group; the Lima Group on Venezuela (Canada is hosting the next meeting); and the Gulf Cooperation Council. The Government signed and provisionally applied the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and the Strategic Partnership Agreement with the European Union. The Government has also strengthened relationships with key bilateral, regional and multilateral partners in the Asia Pacific, Europe, Eastern Europe and Eurasia, Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and the Maghreb through high-level engagements, including 247 visits by the Prime Minister and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Development. Hosting the G7 in 2018 will further reinforce Canada's key international relationships."
11/1/2017,264,,Canada in the World,Seek leadership opportunities for Canada and Canadians in multilateral institutions.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canada and Canadians play a leading role in international organizations.,Canada is currently seeking a non-permanent seat on the United Nations (UN) Security Council for 2020-2021 and is leading one of the four North Atlantic Treaty Organization multinational enhanced Forward Presence battlegroups in Eastern Europe. An Action Plan for international staffing will ensure that more Canadians secure positions of influence in multilateral institutions. Several Canadians have recently been appointed to senior positons in the UN and the Government is working with civil society organizations to ensure strong Canadian candidates are on the UN's roster for the position of Special Representative.
11/1/2017,265,,Canada in the World,"Ensure that the deployment of the Armed Forces aligns with Canada's interests, our commitments and the government's policy.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,The deployment of the Canadian Armed Forces contributes to the achievement of Canada's broader international priorities.,"The Department of National Defence and Global Affairs Canada established a bi-weekly coordination mechanism to ensure greater policy coherence. The Government has also introduced new planning and policy development arrangements to ensure analysis of military deployments include foreign policy considerations and reflect broader government objectives. Approximately 1,800 Canadian Armed Forces personnel are currently deployed on 18 missions supporting Canada's international priorities."
11/1/2017,270,,Healthy Canadians,Introduce restrictions on the commercial marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,Commercial marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children is significantly reduced leading to better health outcomes for Canadian children.,"The Government launched the Healthy Eating Strategy in October 2016, with a focus on keeping children healthy. The Government has been working with experts and stakeholders on key policy issues, including the definition of unhealthy foods and drinks and possible marketing restrictions that should be pursued."
11/1/2017,271,,Healthy Canadians,Bring in tougher regulations to eliminate trans fats and reduce salt in processed foods.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"Industrially produced trans fats are eliminated from food products; the food and restaurant industries systematically reduce sodium levels in the food supply; and consumers are better able to identify foods high in sodium, sugar and saturated fat, resulting in improved public health.","Following public consultation, a ban on partially hydrogenated oils, the main source of industrial trans fat, was published in September 2017 and will take effect in one year. The Government held a Sodium Symposium in October 2016 with food and restaurant industries to discuss progress in meeting voluntary sodium reduction targets, and the Government is currently analyzing sodium levels in the Canadian food supply to inform future sodium reduction targets."
11/1/2017,272,,Healthy Canadians,Improve food labels to give more information on added sugars and artificial dyes.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"Canadians have the information, tools and resources to make healthy food choices, improving health outcomes.","Regulatory amendments were published in December 2016 updating the requirements for food labels, making them easier to understand. The Nutrition Facts table was also updated to indicate whether a food contains “a little” (less than five per cent of the recommended daily intake of a nutrient) or “a lot” (15 per cent or more of the recommended daily intake of a nutrient). The Front of Package labelling proposal will complement these changes by identifying prepackaged foods that contain 15 per cent or more of the recommended daily value of nutrients of public health concern—sodium, sugar and saturated fat."
11/1/2017,273,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Implement Canada's new immigration levels plans.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,"300,000 permanent residents are admitted to Canada in 2017, contributing to economic growth, family reunification and the Government's humanitarian commitment. Canada enjoys increased economic competitiveness through the attraction of global talent.","The Government continues its commitment to family reunification and refugee resettlement. In November 2017, the Government tabled an immigration levels plan with a target of welcoming 980,000 new permanent residents over the next three years. These targets will increase the number of permanent residents selected in economic programs, while maintaining a commitment to family reunification and resettlement of refugees. The Government is reducing application backlogs, improving the speed at which applications are processed and putting a greater focus on the attraction of highly skilled global talent."
11/1/2017,274,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Ensure the delivery of high-quality settlement services for newcomers, informed by rigorous outcomes data.","Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,"Improved, high-quality settlement services for newcomers to Canada, leading to improved outcomes for immigrants and their children.","The Government is increasing investments in pre-arrival services to help immigrants better prepare for a new life in Canada. Enhancements to service delivery for the settlement program are being informed by evaluation findings, pilot projects, and consultations with provincial and territorial partners and stakeholders. Potential longer-term changes to the delivery of settlement services will be informed by expanded reporting and analytic capabilities, beginning in 2017."
11/1/2017,275,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Continue to welcome refugees from Syria and elsewhere.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,"40,000 Syrian refugees have been welcomed to Canada as of February 2017.","The Government continues to welcome refugees from countries around the world and offer persons fleeing conflict and/or persecution a safe haven. This includes resettling persons from the Congo, Eritrea, and survivors of Daesh and their families, including Yazidi refugees. The 2017 immigration levels plan maintains a target of welcoming 40,000 refugees and protected persons to Canada from all parts of the world, including Syria. This figure remains among the highest in Canadian history, and double the number of refugees that were welcomed in 2015 and preceding years."
11/1/2017,276,,Canada in the World,Conduct a review of the visa policy framework.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,"An evidence-based visa policy framework that promotes Canada’s economic, foreign policy and cultural interests at the same time as protecting the safety and security of all Canadians.","The Government has initiated a review of Canada's visa policy framework to ensure it uses a robust, evidence based approach when making visa decisions. The Government is also reviewing policies for managing foreign nationals transiting through Canadian airports to increase Canada's air connections with the rest of the world while prioritizing the security of Canadians. In addition, the Government facilitated the travel of low-risk travellers from Romania, Bulgaria and Brazil, and has lifted previous visa restrictions that applied to visitors from Mexico."
11/1/2017,277,,Indigenous peoples,Make changes to the Oath of Canadian Citizenship to reflect the Truth and Reconciliation's Calls to Action.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,Updated Oath of Canadian Citizenship and Citizenship Test that reflect Canadian and Indigenous history.,"The Government of Canada is currently working with national Indigenous organizations to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's recommendations to incorporate recognition of treaties with Indigenous peoples into the Oath of Canadian Citizenship, update the citizenship test to reflect and guide a more inclusive history of Indigenous peoples, and provide information on the history of residential schools for newcomers. The Government will bring forward legislation to modify the Oath. Changes to the citizenship guide are currently being drafted."
11/1/2017,278,,Exports and Investment,Advance Canada's progressive trade agenda.,Minister of International Trade,On-going commitment,"Canadian workers are protected from unfair trade practices, trade agreements maintain or improve Canadian regulatory standards in key areas like employment and the environment, and Canada advances the rules-based international order and trading system.","The Government is making legislative changes to the trade remedy process to provide labour with a seat at the table. This will give a voice to workers in proceedings on unfair trade practices. The Government is also improving these processes to increase enforcement of trade remedy measures and better account for market and price distortions so that those who trade with Canada do so fairly. Canada's new progressive trade agenda will ensure Canada's trading partners meet their international labour obligations and encourage the establishment of new mechanisms for civil society consultation and advice on labour issues. The implementation of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement includes provisions protecting the environment, health and safety, and employment standards. The recently modernized Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement includes a chapter on trade and gender, a first for Canada and any G20 country. The Government will continue to develop and advance progressive approaches to trade through bilateral and multilateral engagement. Canada's recent implementation of International Labour Organization Convention 98, which affirms the fundamental right to collectively bargain, is one example of this approach."
11/1/2017,279,,Exports and Investment,Promote trade and investment with established markets such as Japan.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"Increased two-way trade and investment with Japan, supporting well-paying, middle-class jobs.","The Government is promoting Canada-Japan trade through multilateral engagement with provinces, territories and municipalities. Visits by the Prime Minister, key ministers, and provincial premiers have showcased trade and investment potential in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, agriculture, life sciences and clean tech. In the first half of 2017, nearly $1 billion in Japanese investment has been made in Canada, creating or supporting at least 300 jobs. Canada is working closely with Japan to explore ways to further deepen the bilateral trade and investment relationship."
11/1/2017,280,,Exports and Investment,Position Canada as a top destination for global investment and promote our economic brand.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"Canada ranks among the top developed economies in global rankings of investment competitiveness, attractiveness and brand.","The Government is encouraging global investment and promoting Canada's economic brand through the creation of the Invest in Canada Hub, which will launch later in 2017; the expansion of the trade commissioner service, starting in 2017, to increase our marketing presence in strategic markets abroad; and the acceleration of changes to the Investment Canada Act. The changes to the Act will lead to greater transparency of the guidelines used for national security reviews, and increase the threshold for review under the Act to transactions of $1 billion or greater as of 2017. The Government is also developing a comprehensive Trade and Investment Strategy which will bring forward additional measures to promote new job-creating investments in Canada. Recent global surveys by ARCADIS/NV Consulting, KPMG, and Ernst and Young have ranked Canada as: first among the G7 for potential infrastructure investment; the second least expensive jurisdiction among developed economies in which to locate a business; and fifth in the world among places global executives are considering to invest. Thomson Reuters' investment in a new technology hub and General Motors' announcement of new manufacturing capacity in Canada are just a few examples of successes to date. Overall, the Trade Commissioner Service facilitated 101 investment projects to Canada $2.25 billion in investments and 2,979 jobs in 2016-17."
11/1/2017,281,,Exports and Investment,Ensure alignment between Canada's export and innovation strategies.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"More Canadian businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, export their products and services.","The Government launched a new Innovation and Skills Plan to: retrain Canadians for the jobs of today and tomorrow; drive investments in six high-growth sectors of the Canadian economy; and to make it easier for businesses and innovators to access the support they need. The Government will ensure that the upcoming Trade and Investment Strategy aligns with the Innovation and Skills Plan, so that Canadian innovators and entrepreneurs better benefit from government programs."
11/1/2017,282,,Exports and Investment,Implement and expand Canada's Free Trade Agreements globally.,Minister of International Trade,On-going commitment,"Free Trade Agreements increase trade and investment, creating good middle-class jobs.","The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) entered into force in September 2017. The Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement entered into force in August 2017. The Government has entered into negotiations to modernize the North American Free Trade Agreement to reflect new realities and to integrate progressive, free, and fair approaches to trade and investment. In addition, Canada continues to engage China on a possible free trade agreement and is working with India to reinvigorate negotiations on a Canada-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement. Canada is working closely with Israel to further modernize the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement. The amended Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement, including a chapter on trade and gender, was tabled in Parliament on October 5, 2017. Consultations with Canadians have begun on potential free trade agreements with countries in the Pacific Alliance and MERCOSUR."
11/1/2017,283,,Strong Middle Class,"Improve Canadian competiveness, create jobs and generate economic growth.",Minister of International Trade,On-going commitment,Trade and investment boosts Canadian economic growth.,"The Canadian economy is seeing renewed strength—nearly 440,000 more Canadians are employed today than in October 2015. Annualized real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew 4.5 per cent between in the second quarter of 2017 (July-September). The value of Canadian goods exports increased six per cent over the past year (August 2016 to August 2017), representing the first major, sustained improvement in export performance since the recent downturn in global commodity markets. The Government recently launched a new Innovation and Skills Plan, an ambitious agenda to make Canada a centre of innovation, create well-paying, middle class jobs, and help more Canadians adapt to the changing economy. This plan will expand opportunities for skills training, drive investments in six high-growth sectors of the Canadian economy, and make it easier for businesses and innovators to access the support they need. Through the upcoming Trade and Investment Strategy, the Government will continue to take concrete steps to improve Canadian competiveness and generate long-term economic growth."
11/1/2017,285,,Canada in the World,Maintain Canada's strong commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).,Minister of National Defence,On-going commitment,The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) remains strong and Canada is a trusted partner in the alliance.,"Canada has substantially increased its commitment to NATO by renewing the mandate for Operation REASSURANCE and becoming a Framework Nation in Latvia in support of NATO's enhanced Forward Presence. Canada has also participated in NATO activities, programs, and decision-making, including the Warsaw Heads of State and Government Summit. Outside the NATO context but in close coordination with NATO Allies, Canada has continued its support to Ukraine, including renewal of the mandate for Operation UNIFIER (a military training and capacity building mission), until March 31, 2019."
11/1/2017,286,,Safety and Security,Increase the size of the Canadian Rangers.,Minister of National Defence,Underway - on track,"The Canadian Rangers have the numbers, equipment and training needed to do their job properly.","The Government is in the final stages of determining the resource requirements to increase the capability of the Canadian Rangers. Each Canadian Ranger Patrol Group across the country has had an opportunity to provide input. Canada's new defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—commits to following up with related improvements in equipment and training."
11/1/2017,287,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Review collection of gender statistics to evaluate programs and policies.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - with challenges,"More data available from Statistics Canada, disaggregated by gender, allowing more informed decision-making.","Status of Women Canada and Statistics Canada are developing a plan to improve the availability and use of gender-disaggregated data to inform programs and policies aimed at advancing gender equality. Budgets 2016 and 2017 include many measures to increase access to gender disaggregated data, including investments in the collection of new data related to gender-based violence and the release of existing data through new reports on Women in Canada. Given the multiple data sources and the need to ensure usability of products and platforms, the development of the plan has seen delays."
11/1/2017,288,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Integrate gender-based questions and content into government consultations.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,All government consultations include gender-based questions and content.,"The Government is developing guidelines for departments to ensure all consultations incorporate gender-based questions. Collecting diverse perspectives through these consultations will allow for the assessment of how diverse groups of women, men and non-binary individuals may experience policies, programs and initiatives."
11/1/2017,289,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Host a national Gender-Based Analysis roundtable in 2018.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,"Strengthened awareness of Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+), its potential use by governments, and opportunities for improvement.",Planning for this national event is now underway.
11/1/2017,290,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Build on the first Gender-based Analysis of Budget 2017 to improve future budgets.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,Comprehensive Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) is incorporated into all future budgets improving public policy.,"The Government is continuing to improve the quality and scope of GBA+ in federal budgets. This includes consultation with experts and key stakeholders during Spring 2017 and meetings with experts and leaders globally. The Government is committed to complete and publish a gender-based analysis of budgetary measures in all future budgets, and make better and more inclusive decisions in the years ahead."
11/1/2017,291,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) is incorporated into key government reports.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,"All major government reports include Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) considerations, improving their policy recommendations.","The Government has provided guidance to departments and agencies as to where and how GBA+ should be incorporated into their Results Frameworks and Reports on Results. The Government will build on these to provide guidance to departments in incorporating GBA+ into Departmental Plans for 2018/19. Once these guidelines are complete, the Government will examine how best to extend GBA+ to other key reports. As a relatively new mandate letter commitment, it is still at the early stages of development."
11/1/2017,292,,Fair and Open Government,Modernize the Communications Policy of the Government to reflect the modern digital environment.,President of the Treasury Board,Completed - fully met,Government communications that reflect the digital environment.,"The Government of Canada has transformed the communications policy to foster more coordinated communications within and across government departments through the use of innovative methods. This policy will help ensure the Government engages in activities that are timely, clear, cost-effective, in both official languages, accessible and non-partisan. In addition, the policy will help to ensure government communications are clearly branded, both in Canada and abroad."
11/1/2017,293,,Fair and Open Government,Take a more modern approach to comptrollership.,President of the Treasury Board,Completed - fully met,Modernized cost analysis for all Government programs and legislation.,The Government has launched a renewed financial management policy in April 2017. The Treasury Board Secretariat engaged key stakeholders through information sessions and developed guidelines to help federal organizations ensure that financial resources are well managed.
11/1/2017,294,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that a fixed percentage of funds is devoted to experimenting with new approaches to challenges and measure the impact of programs.,President of the Treasury Board,Underway - on track,"Innovation and experimentation are part of routine business of government, and new models are identified that improve outcomes for Canadians.","The Government has directed federal agencies and departments to allocate a percentage of program funding towards testing innovative policy solutions. This change has promoted the use of innovative transfer payment models, including incentive-based funding and challenges on a pilot basis. The new Impact Canada Fund will enable departments to test and experiment with new ideas to improve outcomes for Canadians. The Government is also creating a new procurement initiative, Innovative Solutions Canada, to match businesses offering early stage prototypes with departments in need of new products or services."
11/1/2017,295,,Fair and Open Government,Exercise due diligence regarding costing analysis prepared by departments for all proposed legislation and programs.,President of the Treasury Board,Underway - on track,Modernized costing informs all proposed legislation and programs.,"The Government issued new best practices for calculating program costs and commissioned a study to identify gaps in the existing costing approach, which will help inform future decisions. The Government is also undertaking a pilot project to better estimate future costing requirements for major procurement projects. This pilot project played a critical role in the development of the new defence policy: Strong, Secure, Engaged. These measures will help make sure solid costing information informs decision-making."
11/1/2017,296,,Environment and Climate Change,Restore annual federal funding for freshwater research and make new investments in Canada’s Experimental Lakes Area.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Completed - fully met,Restored annual federal funding for freshwater research and monitoring activities to keep our water safe.,"In April 2016, $197 million was committed to enhance ocean and freshwater science activities. In June 2016, the Government signed a contribution agreement with the International Institute of Sustainable Development (IISD), to support freshwater research at the Experimental Lakes Area. The Government is also conducting scientific research and monitoring activities in lakes and rivers, such as Lake Winnipeg and the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence watersheds. These measures will improve Canada's understanding of freshwater ecosystems and protect the environment we share."
11/1/2017,297,,Safety and Security,Implement a strategy against gender violence.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,"Reduced gender-based violence, greater awareness of gender-based violence and better support and services for survivors.","In June 2017, the Government launched It's Time: Canada's Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence, which takes a whole-of-government approach to gender-based violence (GBV). As part of the strategy, new programs will be established to engage youth, including men and boys, on violence prevention, and test new approaches that can be expanded to prevent GBV, child maltreatment and teen dating violence. The Government will establish a Gender-Based Violence Knowledge Centre to coordinate the collection and dissemination of better data and information, share best practices between governments and service providers, and report annually on the progress of the strategy. Next year, Statistics Canada will launch a new national survey to collect data on GBV, the first such survey in decades. The strategy builds on other initiatives the Government has undertaken to train judges on matters relating to gender and diversity, expand access to justice for vulnerable groups, build and repair shelters and transitional housing and provide leave under the Canada Labour Code for federally regulated workers who are fleeing violence."
11/1/2017,298,,Jobs and Innovation,"Help small- and medium-sized enterprises grow, become more innovative and export oriented.","Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Small Business and Tourism",Underway - on track,"Double the number of high-growth firms in Canada by 2025 to create good, middle class jobs, strengthen communities, and grow the economy.","Small business owners work hard to provide Canadians with quality goods and services while also creating job opportunities that strengthen communities across the country and grow the middle class. The Government is focused on helping small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) export and grow. Budget 2016 provided additional funding for the National Research Council’s Industrial Research Assistance Program that helped an additional 370 businesses innovate and develop new technologies. CanExport, which provides direct financial assistance to Canadian SMEs seeking to develop new export opportunities in 70 markets, has approved 800 projects. Budget 2017 announced $950 million to superclusters in highly innovative industries and highlighted six economic strategy tables in advanced manufacturing, agri-food, clean technology, digital industries, health/bio-sciences and clean resources. Internationally, Canada's combined small business corporate income tax rate is the lowest in the G7 and fourth lowest among OECD countries."
11/1/2017,299,,Strong Middle Class,Support regional economic growth strategies.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,Governments and key stakeholders in each region of Canada work together as part of a regional economic strategy that supports good middle class jobs and creates new economic opportunities.,"The Atlantic Growth Strategy was developed in close collaboration with all three orders of government, businesses and not-for-profits, and has resulted in the approval of 4,500 projects across all provinces, including a pan-Atlantic immigration pilot project to attract and retain newcomers to the region. Building off of the success of the new Atlantic Growth Strategy, the Government will undertake additional regional economic development strategies across Canada. These strategies will reflect opportunities and priorities in each region of the country and be facilitated through the Government's regional development agencies over the next several years."
11/1/2017,300,,Safety and Security,"Review the criminal justice system, including sentencing reforms, to ensure it keeps us safe and it is fair.",Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,"Crime rates are reduced, the justice system has the resources it needs, and all Canadians have access to justice through a fairer system.","The Government is undertaking a review of our criminal justice system, including sentencing reforms, to ensure that it keeps Canadians safe, while also addressing the overrepresentation of vulnerable groups in our prisons, including Indigenous people and those with mental illness. As this work continues, the Government has introduced bills to provide an exception to criminal fines for low-income Canadians facing undue hardship and to address outdated provisions in the law, including through legislation to clarify and strengthen the sexual assault provisions in the Criminal Code. The Government continues to work on the use of restorative justice in criminal matters. Budget 2016 and 2017 committed funding for more judges in Superior Courts, greater support programming on judicial education, ethics and conduct, further funding for court translation in both of Canada's official languages, and more legal aid services provided in the provinces and territories, including specialized services to Indigenous people, and those with mental illness. Additional representation and services will also be offered through the Indigenous Courtwork Program for Indigenous people to help them navigate the criminal justice system."
11/1/2017,305,,Strong Middle Class,"Eliminate the $1,000 Labour Market Impact Assessment fee to hire caregivers.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,Elimination of the Labour Market Impact Assessment fee to hire caregivers so those in need of assistance can meet their family caregiving responsibilities.,"The Government is eliminating the Labour Market Impact Assessment processing fee for families seeking to hire foreign caregivers to provide care for persons with high medical needs, and for middle class families with an income of less than $150,000 in annual income seeking to hire foreign caregivers to provide child care. These changes are expected to be fully implemented by the end of 2017, and will ensure that support is targeted at those most in need of assistance to meet their family caregiving responsibilities."
11/1/2017,307,,Strong Middle Class,Promote good quality jobs by developing the Global Skills Strategy.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,"Shorter processing times for employers seeking to attract highly skilled, in-demand global talent, leading to more investment and job creation in Canada.","In June 2017, as part of the Global Skills Strategy, the Government of Canada launched the new Global Talent Stream under the Temporary Foreign Worker program for a period of two years. This new Stream helps eligible companies attract highly-skilled global talent to scale up and remain globally competitive while creating good, middle class jobs in Canada. High-growth Canadian companies and global businesses making large investments in Canada can apply. Companies that apply have to demonstrate that the talent they wish to bring to Canada will provide labour market benefits for Canadians and that the position is in high-demand. They have access to an expedited review process lasting no more than a combined 20 business days from end to end, including reviews conducted by Employment and Social Development Canada and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada."
11/1/2017,308,,Government Services and Operations,Develop a strategy that aims to create a single online window for all government services.,President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Public Services and Procurement;Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - with challenges,Government of Canada services and programs are simpler and Canadians can access them more easily.,"The Government of Canada Service Strategy will be released through the Government's long-term plan to improve services to Canadians. This plan will include measures to improve service standards and create a simpler, more focused online window for services. This plan will also include targeted investments to improve specific services, which will lead to simpler and more online tax filing options; more online services from the Canadian Border Services Agency; more digital options and self-service capabilities for student loans; auto-enrollment to Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement benefits; shorter immigration processing times; better integration of Veterans services; improved access to Employment Insurance; and simpler, more integrated information sharing to reduce administration and red tape hindering access to business services. In Budget 2017, the Government announced the creation of the Canadian Digital Service, an initiative that will make it faster, simpler and easier for Canadians to access benefits or services online. Achieving integrated online government service delivery will take time due to required Government-wide IT transformation and legislative changes."
11/1/2017,309,,Government Services and Operations,Set transparent service standards for the delivery of Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,"Canadians making inquiries about Employment Insurance (EI) will receive answers more quickly, consistent with new, higher service standards.","As a result of two-year Budget 2016 investments, the EI Call Centre network significantly increased its capacity and improved its service accessibility. In May 2016, the Government launched the EI Service Quality Review (SQR). The SQR sought input from stakeholders and Canadians on ways Service Canada could improve the quality of EI services on the phone, online and in person. The final report provided ten recommendations on how to make EI service delivery more responsive to the needs of Canadians. Service Canada is using this input to review EI service standards, and is committed to complete the review by March 2018."
11/1/2017,311,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Improve the Temporary Foreign Worker Program so it meets the needs of Canadian workers and employers.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,"The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) contributes to sustained economic growth without displacing qualified Canadians, meets the needs of workers and employers and protects the vulnerable.","The Government has taken action in a number of areas to improve the TFWP guided, in part, by the 2016 recommendations of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons' with Disabilities study of the TFWP. Budget 2017 confirmed permanent funding for the risk-based, TFWP employer compliance inspection regime, an increase in on-site inspections in sectors with high volumes of vulnerable workers such as Primary Agriculture, and to support work with industry sectors that rely on Temporary Foreign Workers to develop comprehensive workforce development strategies in partnership with employers, organized labour and other stakeholders. To ensure that Canadians always have the first opportunity at available jobs, the Government introduced a number of changes to improve the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Changes include: ending the four year cumulative duration rule; introducing the new Global Talent Stream for high-skill to help high-growth Canadian companies attract specialized global talent that will create new jobs for Canadians; increasing the requirement of employers to recruit Canadians typically under-represented in our workforce; extending the low-wage cap for seasonal employment; increasing on-site inspections of workplaces that employ temporary foreign workers; committing to further develop pathways to permanent residency so that eligible newcomers are able to more fully contribute to Canadian society; and working with heavy users of the TFWP to create Canadian workforce development strategies in partnership with employers, organized labour and other stakeholders.
The International Mobility Program compliance regime received limited, one-year funding in order to allow that system to mature and demonstrate results before taking a decision on permanent funding. The Government continues to monitor the program and look at opportunities for further improvement."
11/1/2017,312,,Fair and Open Government,Make meetings of the Board of Internal Economy open by default.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,Improved transparency in the administration of Parliament.,"The House of Commons has adopted changes to ensure that meetings of the Board of Internal Economy are open by default, meaning they will be public unless it is necessary to deal with particular items in-camera, as outlined in the Parliament of Canada Act, or the by-laws of the Board. Unanimous consent of all members present at the meeting would be required should the Board wish to hold a closed meeting on any other issue. These changes will increase parliamentary transparency for Canadians."
11/1/2017,313,,Strong Middle Class,Make post-secondary education more affordable for low and middle income families.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Hundreds of thousands of students receive increased grant-based aid through Canada Student Grants and students are better able to manage student loan repayments upon graduation. The Government expects more low and middle income students to attend post-secondary education.,"In 2016, the Government increased Canada Student Grants (CSGs) by 50 per cent, helping over 360,000 students from low- and middle-income families to receive up to $1,000 more per year in grants. Starting in 2017-18, new CSG thresholds were introduced, meaning that over 400,000 students from low- and middle-income families are estimated to receive up to $3,000 in non-repayable financial aid each and every year, 46,000 of whom are newly eligible for grants. The Government also increased thresholds for the Repayment Assistance Plan so that no graduate will have to repay their Canada Student Loan until they earn at least $25,000 per year. This change has already helped about 23,000 Canadians delay their payments. Additional measures available in 2018-19 will: increase CSGs for students with dependent children, helping 13,000 students; increase eligibility thresholds for part-time students, helping 10,000 students; and better support the financial pressures of working adults who want to go back to school."
11/1/2017,315,,Strong Middle Class,Index Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) payments to a new Seniors' Price Index.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,The cost of living for seniors is better reflected in their Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) benefits through a Seniors' Price Index.,The Government of Canada is exploring options and international best practices for a new Seniors' Price Index to make sure support for seniors reflects their needs.
11/1/2017,316,,Strong Middle Class,Cancel the increase in age of eligibility for Old Age Security (OAS) from 65 to 67.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,The age of eligibility for Old Age Security (OAS) has been returned to 65 and provides greater financial security for our most vulnerable seniors.,"The Government of Canada cancelled the planned increase in age of eligibility for Old Age Security, so that eligibility is maintained at age 65. This will help ensure they benefit from a secure and dignified retirement."
11/1/2017,317,,Strong Middle Class,Coordinate programs to support low income seniors with provinces and territories.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",On-going commitment,"Federal, provincial and territorial governments collaborate so seniors get the full benefits to which they are entitled.",The Government of Canada implemented the increase to the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and engaged with provinces and territories (PT) to ensure that low income seniors who receive PT income supplements fully benefit from the increase. The Government will continue to seek new opportunities to work together to support our most vulnerable seniors and ensure that seniors receive the full benefit of the GIS.
11/1/2017,318,,Strong Middle Class,Prioritize affordable housing and seniors' housing.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",On-going commitment,The Canada Infrastructure Bank undertakes complementary projects that support the goals of the National Housing Strategy.,"With the Canada Infrastructure Bank, the Government will build on the long-term funding commitment to build, repair and maintain affordable housing. The Minister of Families, Children and Social Development will continue to work with the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities to ensure that the Bank, once fully established, supports and complements the goals of the National Housing Strategy."
11/1/2017,319,,Strong Middle Class,Provide support to maintain rent-geared-to-income subsidies in existing social housing.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Affordable housing remains accessible to Canadians who need it during the transition through the expiry of current operating agreements.,The Government will preserve billions in Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's (CMHC) funding baseline as operating agreements are set to expire over the next several years. The Government will further develop the use and design of this funding as part of the forthcoming National Housing Strategy. The strategy will include multiple tools to assist housing providers who face significant financial difficulties following the expiry of CMHC operating subsidies.
11/1/2017,320,,Strong Middle Class,Invest in Housing First to reduce homelessness.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Chronic and episodic homelessness is reduced by as much as 50 per cent compared to current levels.,"The Government invested $111.8 million through Budget 2016 in the Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) to support community efforts to address homelessness. In Budget 2017, the Government further committed $2.1 billion over 11 years to expand and extend the HPS. These increased investment levels are expected to reduce the number of Canadians who are chronically or episodically homeless by as much as 50 per cent compared to current levels. The Government has also been consulting with stakeholders, provinces, territories and Indigenous partners to redesign the program. These consultations are guided by the work of an Advisory Committee launched on June 22, 2017 and chaired by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. As part of the engagement process, an online consultation inviting Canadians to share their ideas on how to prevent and reduce homelessness took place and closed on September 15, 2017. A redesigned federal response to homelessness will be implemented starting April 1st, 2019."
11/1/2017,321,,Strong Middle Class,Remove all GST on new capital investments in affordable rental housing.,"Minister of Finance;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Not being pursued,See below,"All Canadians should have a safe and affordable place to call home. The Government concluded, based on research and evidence, that there were more effective ways of encouraging the construction of affordable rental housing. Budget 2016 introduced a targeted approach to stimulate the construction of affordable rental housing by providing funding to establish an Affordable Rental Housing Innovation Fund and a Rental Construction Financing Initiative. The Financing Initiative will offer more than $2.5 billion in low-cost loans to support the construction of new rental housing. Budget 2017 announced the investment of more than $11.2 billion over 11 years in various initiatives that will help build, renew and repair Canada’s affordable housing and make sure Canadians have affordable housing that meets their needs. The National Housing Strategy will include additional measures to stimulate the construction of affordable rental housing."
11/1/2017,322,,Strong Middle Class,Modernize the Home Buyers' Plan.,"Minister of Finance;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - with challenges,Canadians impacted by a sudden and significant life change are better able to manage the costs of finding a home or relocating.,"In considering this proposal, the Government is examining how best to balance support for Canadians who have had a change of circumstance, such as a divorce or a change in employment, with the need to preserve and maintain retirement savings (e.g. Registered Retirement Savings Plans). To date, the Government has made other changes to provide greater legal support for families facing divorce and training programs to help Canadians transitioning between jobs. The Government has also taken a number of steps to ensure Canada has a regulated and stable housing market, including: improving mortgage financing rules, creating the Affordable Housing Innovation Fund and Rental Construction Financing Initiative, and investing $11.2 billion over the next 11 years to help build, repair and maintain affordable housing across Canada. These measures will help address the challenges of housing affordability faced by Canadians in many large urban centres, encourage the creation of new rental housing construction and re-establish a long-term federal role in housing."
11/1/2017,324,,Strong Middle Class,Identify available federal lands that could be repurposed for affordable housing.,"Minister of Public Services and Procurement;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Increased available land to build new affordable housing and increased housing supply where it is needed.,"In the past year, the Government has conducted an inventory of surplus lands and buildings to identify those that could be repurposed for affordable housing. As part of the coming National Housing Strategy, the Government is creating a new Federal Lands initiative to make surplus federal lands and buildings available at low or no cost for new affordable housing. This initiative will also provide funding for remediation and repairs so that the buildings are suitable for use as housing."
11/1/2017,325,,Strong Middle Class,Review prices in high-priced housing markets and consider all policy tools that could keep home ownership within reach for more Canadians.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Federal policy tools are employed to help keep home ownership within reach for more Canadians.,"The Government has completed the first phase of the analysis of factors impacting house prices, including identifying important data gaps and strategies to reduce these gaps, as well as consultations with a number of industry, academic, provincial and municipal government stakeholders. The second phase, which includes additional data collection, deeper analysis and continued consultations, is underway and is expected to be completed by the end of 2017."
11/1/2017,326,,Strong Middle Class,Bring forward a proposal to prevent mortgage fraud.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Mortgage fraud is reduced.,"Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is currently conducting policy analysis and research on international practices to combat mortgage fraud. The results of this work will be considered for potential inclusion in the National Housing Strategy, which is to be released in late fall 2017."
11/1/2017,327,,Strong Middle Class,Use the best data available to make decisions on housing.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Better data and understanding of the housing market to inform policy decisions so that the Government can help Canadians secure good housing.,"The Government is developing a new Housing Statistics Framework that will be administered by Statistics Canada, and is investing to improve data collection and analytics through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). These investments will help track progress on the National Housing Strategy, better support informed policy decisions, and build on the reintroduction of the mandatory long-form census for 2016, which provides for more accurate collection of data on key things like housing."
11/1/2017,328,,Strong Middle Class,Raise taxes on the top one per cent of earners.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,A fairer tax system where the richest pay their share.,"On December 7, 2015, the Government of Canada announced it would create a new top personal income tax rate of 33 per cent for individual taxable incomes above $200,000, effective January 1, 2016 (increased from 29 per cent). The Government continues to explore other measures to ensure tax fairness."
11/1/2017,329,,Fair and Open Government,Repeal elements of the Fair Elections Act which make it harder for Canadians to vote.,Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - on track,Barriers are reduced to electoral participation for all Canadians and there is greater integrity in the electoral process.,"In November 2016, the Government of Canada introduced legislation to increase voter participation, improve the integrity of the electoral system, and repeal provisions in the previous Fair Elections Act that made it harder for Canadians to vote. The changes to the legislation reinstate the Voter Information Card as authorized identification (ID), restore vouching for those without proper ID, expand voting rights to more than 1 million Canadians living abroad, expand the Chief Electoral Officer’s ability to educate Canadians to improve civic literacy and knowledge and help future young voters participate in the electoral process by pre-registering youth aged 14-17 so they can more easily vote when they turn 18."
11/1/2017,330,,Fair and Open Government,Conduct a review of government spending to reduce poorly targeted and inefficient programs.,President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Finance,Underway - on track,Programs are effective and deliver measurable results for Canadians.,"Building on reviews undertaken beginning in 2016, the Government of Canada, as part of Budget 2017, launched reviews of three federal organizations, the Canada Border Services Agency, the Canada School of Public Service, and Health Canada, with a view to ensuring that departmental spending is aligned with priorities and delivers results. Horizontal reviews are also being conducted on business innovation programs, clean technology programs, and fixed assets, all with a view to generating greater value through improved management and governance. Updates on all of these reviews will be provided early in 2018."
11/1/2017,331,,Strong Middle Class,Provide more flexible parental leave.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Parents who want to spend more time at home with their children have the option of doing so with protected Employment Insurance parental benefits.,"With Budget 2017, the Government of Canada created more flexible maternity and parental leave benefits. The changes will allow parents to spread their parental benefit over a longer period of time (18 months), and give mothers the option to begin receiving Employment Insurance maternity benefits up to 12 weeks before their due date – up from eight weeks. The changes will take effect later this year and will give parents more support to spend time with their kids."
11/1/2017,332,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure the successful integration of refugees into Canadian society.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,Improved social and economic outcomes for refugees.,"The Government is currently studying how to deliver language training and employment services in a better, more collaborative way, as well as test innovative approaches, to improve the participation of newcomers in social, cultural, civic, and economic life in Canada."
11/1/2017,334,,Healthy Canadians,Ensure safety and non-discrimination in blood donation policies.,Minister of Health,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
11/1/2017,335,,Healthy Canadians,Facilitate collaboration on an organ and tissue donation and transplant system that gives Canadians timely access to care.,Minister of Health,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
11/1/2017,336,,Healthy Canadians,"Ensure Canada's response to the current opioid crisis is robust, well-coordinated and effective.",Minister of Health,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
11/1/2017,337,,Healthy Canadians,Ensure Canada has a solid surveillance system for monitoring and reporting overdoses and deaths related to opioids.,Minister of Health,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
11/1/2017,338,,Healthy Canadians,Review Canada's framework for dealing with public health emergencies.,Minister of Health,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
11/1/2017,339,,Healthy Canadians,"Curb opioid misuse by introducing prescribing guidelines, tracking prescriptions at the patient level, and increasing transparency in marketing.",Minister of Health,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
11/1/2017,340,,Healthy Canadians,Ensure communities can introduce effective opioid treatments and programs.,Minister of Health,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
11/1/2017,341,,Healthy Canadians,Promote the Canada Health Act to make absolutely clear that extra-billings and user fees are illegal.,Minister of Health,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
11/1/2017,342,,Healthy Canadians,Develop a new self-governed approach to delivering health services to Indigenous peoples and reduce health inequities between Indigenous peoples and non-Indigenous Canadians.,Minister of Health;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs;Minister of Indigenous Services,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
11/1/2017,343,,Government Services and Operations,Help Veterans gain skills to successfully transition to the civilian workforce.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
11/1/2017,344,,Government Services and Operations,"Implement the Caregiver Recognition Benefit, paid directly to Veterans' caregiver.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
11/1/2017,345,,Government Services and Operations,Implement the new Veteran Emergency Fund and Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
11/1/2017,346,,Government Services and Operations,"Streamline the suite of benefits, improve transparency and communications, and improve the experience of Veterans as their needs change throughout their lives.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
11/1/2017,347,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure public servants are paid accurately and promptly.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
11/1/2017,348,,Fair and Open Government,Increase the diversity of bidders on government contracts.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
11/1/2017,349,,Fair and Open Government,"Develop better tools to hold contractors accountable, particularly in large scale procurements.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
11/1/2017,350,,Fair and Open Government,"Publish clear metrics on the competitiveness, cost and timeliness of procurement.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
11/1/2017,351,,Fair and Open Government,Make more government data available to vendors participating in procurement bidding to encourage better bids.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
11/1/2017,352,,Fair and Open Government,Ensure prompt payment of contractors and sub-contractors.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
11/1/2017,353,,Government Services and Operations,"Improve the delivery of information technology within the Government, including the renewal of Shared Services Canada.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
11/1/2017,354,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure the timely and orderly transition of Parliamentary operations during the renewal of the Parliamentary precinct.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
11/1/2017,355,,Indigenous peoples,Develop a vision for a national space for Indigenous peoples at 100 Wellington.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs;Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
11/1/2017,356,,Government Services and Operations,"Enhance the quality of services provided by the Translation Bureau, and promote the vitality of Canada's translation and interpretation community.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
11/1/2017,357,,Jobs and Innovation,Develop the vision for the new federal science infrastructure.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
11/1/2017,358,,Jobs and Innovation,Use work on accessibility as a catalyst for new ideas and business strategies through technology and design.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
11/1/2017,359,,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Monitor federal allocations to improve public transit accessibility, and create reporting obligations on these expenditures.",Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
11/1/2017,360,,Indigenous peoples,Promote culturally relevant sport for Indigenous youth.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities;Minister of Indigenous Services,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
11/1/2017,361,,Healthy Canadians,Better support Canadian athletes through the Athlete Assistance Program.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
11/1/2017,362,,Indigenous peoples,"Dissolve Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, and create a new Department of Indigenous Services and a new Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs to better serve Indigenous peoples.",Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs;Minister of Indigenous Services,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
11/1/2017,363,,Indigenous peoples,"Lead a whole-of-government approach to renew the nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relationship with Indigenous people.",Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
11/1/2017,364,,Indigenous peoples,Include Indigenous representatives in a meaningful way in Canada's federal-provincial-territorial dialogues.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
11/1/2017,365,,Canada in the World,Develop a new Arctic Policy and a shared Arctic Leadership model for the government's work in the North.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
11/1/2017,366,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Advance devolution in Nunavut in collaboration with the government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
11/1/2017,367,,Indigenous peoples,Increase the number of comprehensive modern treaties and new self-government agreements for Indigenous communities.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
11/1/2017,368,,Indigenous peoples,Support Indigenous peoples in their work to advance self-determination.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
11/1/2017,369,,Indigenous peoples,Advance positions in co-operative dispute resolution processes that are consistent with the resolution of past wrongs toward Indigenous peoples.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
11/1/2017,370,,Indigenous peoples,"Ensure the implementation of pre-Confederation, historic, and modern treaties and agreements.",Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
11/1/2017,371,,Indigenous peoples,"Collaboratively, identify the best models for delivering improved services to Indigenous peoples, and improve accountability.",Minister of Indigenous Services,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
11/1/2017,372,,Indigenous peoples,"Continue to provide services to Indigenous peoples, including community infrastructure, emergency management, water, education, moneys and trusts, and registration.",Minister of Indigenous Services,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
11/1/2017,373,,Healthy Canadians,Eliminate all long-term boil water advisories by 2021.,Minister of Indigenous Services,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
11/1/2017,374,,Healthy Canadians,Improve the delivery of child welfare and health care under Jordan's Principle to focus on the best interests of the child.,Minister of Indigenous Services,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
11/1/2017,375,,Indigenous peoples,Implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in full partnership with Indigenous peoples.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
11/1/2017,376,,Safety and Security,Undertake modernization efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the criminal justice system.,Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,"Canadians are kept safer and offenders are held to account, the system shows greater compassion for victims, the needs of vulnerable populations are addressed and the criminal justice system is more efficient.","In addition to ongoing work being advanced through the Criminal Justice System Review, work is being done with the provinces and territories to assess new proposals that will improve efficiencies including updating the bail regime to address rising remand populations, overrepresentation, and criminal justice system inefficiencies."
11/1/2017,377,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Lead preparations for future international sporting events.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Underway - on track,Canadian athletes and national sport organizations are better prepared and supported for domestic and international events.,"The Government will continue to support Canadian athletes and national sport organizations in preparation for the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. Each year, Canada hosts more than 70 international single sport events that are supported through the Government's Hosting Program."
11/1/2017,101_1,,Government Services and Operations,Implement the Auditor General's recommendations on enhancing mental health service delivery to Veterans.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,Veterans who need mental health services know when they can expect care and get it quickly; there is improved performance management in the delivery of mental health services; and all recommendations of the Auditor General's 2014 report have been implemented.,"The Government of Canada has already implemented a majority of the recommendations from the Auditor General's 2014 report on mental health services for veterans, except for the opening of a satellite operational stress injury clinic in Montreal, and is making progress on the remaining items. An announcement on the opening of this clinic will be held shortly. In addition, a new information system has been implemented to better track operational stress injuries and mental health needs among Veterans. This system will address the quality and impact of service, help identify those at risk and provide recommendations for Veterans and their mental health service providers. The Government is also developing an online portal so that Veterans can access real-time information about clinic capacity and wait times when accessing specialized mental health services. These and other changes, reinforced by a new performance management framework, will improve the quality and effectiveness of how mental health services and outreach activities are delivered to Veterans."
11/1/2017,14_1,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and all other parts of the Public Safety portfolio are workplaces free from harassment and sexual violence.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Underway - on track,"Reduced incidents of harassment and sexual violence across Public Safety portfolio workplaces. Better training for staff at all levels, and implementation of all recommendations related to workplace safety and wellness at the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).","The Government is taking all necessary steps to ensure the RCMP is a workplace free from harassment and sexual violence. These steps include implementing all recommendations from the July 2016 Report on Allegations of Harassment and Sexual Misconduct at the RCMP's Canadian Police College Explosives Training Unit, providing $100 million for a settlement between the RCMP and female members and public service employees regarding gender and sexual orientation based harassment and discrimination, and establishing a senior executive responsible for Workforce Culture and Employee Engagement. The Government is also reviewing the report by Special Advisor Sheila Fraser on four cases of civil litigation against the RCMP regarding workplace harassment and the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission's comprehensive review of workplace harassment. Agencies in the Public Safety portfolio, including the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC), Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), have also put initiatives in place to address harassment and sexual violence in the workplace."
11/1/2017,175_1,,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Make sure the Infrastructure Bank supports the construction of new, affordable rental housing.","Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",On-going commitment,"Where relevant, the Canada Infrastructure Bank undertakes complementary projects that support the goals of the National Housing Strategy.","The Canada Infrastructure Bank was legally established in June 2017 as an arm’s length Crown corporation focused on making and attracting investments in revenue-generating infrastructure projects in the public interest. The Bank is responsible for investments of at least $35 billion over 11 years, focused on public transit, green infrastructure, and trade and transportation projects. In parallel, the Government is launching a National Housing Strategy which includes a new National Housing Co-investment Fund which will support initiatives designed to build, renew and repair Canada’s stock of affordable housing and ensure Canadians have greater access to affordable housing that meets their needs. The Bank may undertake projects in the future related to housing, and if so these will complement the National Housing Strategy. But, to avoid duplication, the construction of affordable rental housing is not likely to be part of the Bank's primary mandate."
11/1/2017,257_1,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Encourage an increase in the number of women in senior positions and on boards in Canada.,"Minister of Status of Women;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,More women occupy senior leadership positions in Canada.,"In his first act as Prime Minister, Prime Minister Trudeau appointed the first gender-balanced federal Cabinet. The Government has also adopted an open, transparent and merit-based approach to select candidates for federal appointments which, to-date, has selected approximately 60 per cent women for these important roles. In addition, the Government has announced a process to address the underrepresentation of women as Canada Research Chairs, and introduced legislative amendments to require corporations to publicly disclose the gender diversity of their senior management and boards, which was adopted in the House of Commons."
11/1/2017,257_2,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Increase women representation where they have been traditionally under-represented, such as in the skilled trades.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,"Increase representation of women in professions and sectors traditionally dominated by men, including the skilled trades.","Budget 2017 investments in the PromoScience Program and FuturPreneur Canada are aimed at increasing the participation of underrepresented groups, including women, in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields as well as in entrepreneurship. The Government is engaging stakeholders and provinces and territories on how to broaden the implementation of best practices for supporting women in participating and succeeding in the skilled trades."
11/1/2017,39_1,,Environment and Climate Change,"Implement the Pan-Canadian framework, including targeted federal funding and a flexible national carbon pricing policy.",Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Finance;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,"Reduction in Canada's greenhouse gas emissions and progress to Canada's 2030 emission reduction targets as committed to in the Paris Agreement, ensuring we leave a cleaner, more sustainable world for our children and generations to come.","In December 2016, First Ministers adopted the Pan-Canadian Framework (PCF) on Clean Growth and Climate Change. All provinces except Saskatchewan and Manitoba have agreed to implement a price on carbon pollution, which is one of the most efficient ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to stimulate innovation. A federal carbon pricing backstop system composed of a carbon levy and output-based pricing system is being developed, as well as enabling draft legislation. A Technical Discussion Paper outlining the proposed federal system was released for public comment in May 2017. The Government of Canada is working closely with the provinces and territories, Indigenous peoples, and Canadians to implement over 50 measures outlined in the PCF. These actions, supported by significant federal investments announced in Budget 2016 and Budget 2017, will address emission standards, air pollution, technology innovation and green infrastructure. Canada has made good progress in implementing a number of measures, including accelerating the phase out of coal-fired power generation by 2030, developing regulations to reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sector, and consulting on a clean fuel standard. In June 2017, the Government of Canada launched the $2 billion Low Carbon Economy Fund to support projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Bilateral tables are being launched to implement the Prime Minister's commitments with the National Indigenous Organizations."
11/1/2017,77_1,,Healthy Canadians,New Health Accord supports the delivery of more and better home care services.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,Improved access to home care services.,"The Government of Canada has reached agreement with all provinces and territories on collective priorities and 10-year funding to strengthen health care and will invest $6 billion over 10 years for provinces and territories to expand access to home and community care options, and better support the millions of Canadians who provide informal care to loved ones. The Government has also introduced a 15-week Employment Insurance benefit for those caring for critically ill or injured adult family members and created the new Canada Caregiving Credit to simplify and expand tax credits for caregivers."
11/1/2017,77_2,,Healthy Canadians,New Health Accord advances pan-Canadian collaboration on health innovation.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"More innovation within the health care system, including new digital and mobile technologies to improve results.","To support commitments related to health innovation in the Common Statement of Principles on Shared Health Priorities, Budget 2017 confirmed $300 million over five years for Canada Health Infoway to expand e-prescribing and virtual care initiatives. In addition, $53 million over five years, with $15.0 million per year ongoing, was committed for the Canadian Institute for Health Information to address health data gaps, support improved decision-making and strengthen health system performance reporting. The Budget also committed $51 million over three years, starting in 2019-20, with $17 million ongoing, for the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement to continue to accelerate innovations in all provinces and territories."
11/1/2017,77_3,,Healthy Canadians,New Health Accord improves access to necessary prescription medications.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,Canadians have access to lower cost prescription medications.,"The Government is working on enhancing the affordability, accessibility and appropriate use of prescription drugs in collaboration with provinces, territories and other partners. The Government joined the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance, which leverages combined federal-provincial-territorial purchasing power to make patented prescription drugs cheaper for public plans and lower prescription generic drug prices for all payers. In June 2017, Health Canada completed the first round of consultations with stakeholders and interested Canadians on potential changes to the Patented Medicines Regulations. Budget 2017 invested $140.3 million over five years and $18.2 million per year ongoing for Health Canada, the Patented Medicines Prices Review Board and the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health."
11/1/2017,77_4,,Healthy Canadians,New Health Accord makes high quality mental health services available.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"Improved access to mental health and addictions services, particularly for vulnerable populations and youth.","The Government of Canada has reached agreement with all provinces and territories on collective priorities and 10-year funding to strengthen health care and will invest $5 billion over 10 years to increase access to mental health and addictions services, including for young Canadians, where early interventions can significantly improve outcomes."
11/1/2017,90_1,,Strong Middle Class,Continue to reduce the federal debt-to-Gross Domestic Product ratio.,Minister of Finance,Underway - on track,A federal debt-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio that continues to go down.,"The Government is committed to building a strong middle class, making investments that lead to economic growth and reducing Canada’s already low debt-to-GDP ratio. In 2016-2017, federal debt was 31.2 per cent of GDP. As shown in the 2017 Fall Economic Statement, the debt-to-GDP ratio is projected to continue falling, reaching 29.9 per cent in 2019-2020 and declining even further thereafter. The Government will maintain this downward debt ratio track—preserving Canada's low-debt advantage for current and future generations. Economic growth is the strongest in the G7, youth unemployment is the lowest it has ever been, and Canada is maintaining its low-debt advantage. The Government's approach has received praise from organizations including the International Monetary Fund."
11/1/2017,95_1,,Government Services and Operations,Increase the value of the Disability Award.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"Increased the maximum Disability Award to $360,000 and indexed it to inflation so ill or injured Veterans receive better financial support.","The maximum Disability Award has been increased to a maximum of $360,000 for ill and injured Veterans in recognition of pain and suffering, commensurate with industry benchmarks and indexed to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This will provide support to Veterans and their families for an injury or illness resulting from military service. All Veterans who received a Disability Award since 2006 have already or will receive an additional lump-sum payment as a result of these changes."""
12/1/2017,1,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency is a client-focused agency.,Minister of National Revenue,On-going commitment,"Improved client satisfaction levels, reduced wait times for inquiries, and simplified and easy to use processes.","The Government of Canada has introduced new e-services, simplified letters and notices, and an expanded Community Volunteer Income Tax Program to help low-income Canadians file their taxes. The Government is undertaking consultations with businesses and other stakeholders on further possibilities to simplify and improve service delivery. The most common complaint CRA receives relates to the accessibility of its phone line services. The Government has increased call centre capacity since 2015-2016 and as a result, the number of attempts callers must make in order to receive service has been reduced by over 40%. There is still significant room for improvement and work is underway to further strengthen and improve the quality and timeliness of services for Canadians."
12/1/2017,2,,Strong Middle Class,Crack down on tax evaders.,Minister of National Revenue,Underway - on track,"A fairer tax system, and billions of dollars recovered from those who are evading taxes.","The Government of Canada is hiring more auditors to detect and investigate transactions involving offshore tax havens and promoters of tax avoidance schemes. It is also building its capacity to investigate potentially high-risk taxpayers including multinational corporations and wealthy individuals. The Government is also adding criminal law expertise to audit and investigative teams to ensure greater success in prosecuting criminal tax evasion. Work is underway with international partners to address issues raised in the Panama and Paradise Papers and the government is collaborating on recommendations of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Base Erosion and Profit Shifting initiative. With Budget 2016 and 2017 investments for cracking down on tax evasion and combatting tax avoidance, the Government expects to yield an additional revenue of $2.6 billion and $2.5 billion, respectively, over five years. To ensure Canadians know how effective the Canada Revenue Agency is at collecting taxes owed, the Government has begun to produce tax gap reports, which will improve transparency and set a benchmark for tax fairness."
12/1/2017,3,,Environment and Climate Change,Develop a Canadian energy strategy with provinces and territories.,Minister of Natural Resources,Underway - on track,"Greater energy conservation, greater inclusion of clean energy and innovative technologies in Canada's energy future, reduced diesel use in remote and off-grid communities, and effective market access for Canadian energy exports.","Federal, provincial and territorial Energy Ministers have agreed to a joint energy action plan focusing on shared goals to promote energy efficiency, develop new energy technology and innovations, and identify priority energy infrastructure and advance international energy collaboration. These initiatives will complement the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, which is meant to help Canada meet our emissions reduction target and grow the economy."
12/1/2017,4,,Environment and Climate Change,Modernize the National Energy Board.,Minister of Natural Resources,Underway - on track,"The National Energy Board (NEB) commissioners are more representative of Canada's regions and diversity and the NEB has greater expertise to undertake its responsibilities in considering environmental science, the knowledge and perspective of Indigenous peoples, and community development.","In November 2016, the Government appointed an independent NEB Modernization Expert Panel to engage Canadians, experts, stakeholders and Indigenous peoples on how the NEB should be modernized. In May 2017, the Panel delivered their final report. The Government is currently considering public comments received about that report, as well as comments on the Government's recent discussion paper outlining potential changes to the process for environmental and regulatory reviews. The feedback will be considered as we develop legislation and policy measures to modernize the NEB. In the coming months, we will announce changes to the NEB."
12/1/2017,5,,Environment and Climate Change,Develop a North American clean energy and environment agreement.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of Natural Resources,Completed - fully met,"Reduced greenhouse gas emissions, alignment of energy efficiency regulations and enhanced development of the clean technology sector in North America, setting the foundation for a stronger, more sustainable economy.","At the trilateral North American Leaders’ Summit in June 2016, an Action Plan for a North American Climate, Clean Energy, and Environment Partnership was publicly released. It announced ambitious targets to advance clean and secure energy, drive down short-lived climate pollutants, promote clean and efficient transportation, and show global leadership in addressing climate change. The February 13, 2017 Joint Statement from President Trump and Prime Minister Trudeau affirmed the importance of close collaboration on energy security, clean energy innovation and the environment, including clean air and water. Canada will continue to advance these priorities."
12/1/2017,6,,Government Services and Operations,Undertake a review of Canada Post to make sure it provides high-quality service at a reasonable price.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,"Canadians receive the services they expect from Canada Post at a reasonable price. In addition, Canada Post is able to effectively adapt to changes in technology and consumer preferences.","The Government of Canada put a moratorium on further conversion from door-to-door mail delivery to community mailboxes, which has saved nearly four million addresses from losing door-to-door service. Canada Post continues to be reviewed to ensure it delivers the services Canadians want and expect. This review has included two public reports from an Independent Task Force and the House of Commons Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates. Both are now complete, and include extensive input from Canadians and stakeholders and a thorough analysis of Canada Post's services and financial situation. The Government is considering the recommendations made in these reports and will bring forward a new vision for Canada Post, which is expected to be announced before the end of 2017."
12/1/2017,7,,Safety and Security,Renew the Canadian Coast Guard fleet and ensure the Royal Canadian Navy is able to operate as a true maritime force.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Public Services and Procurement;Minister of National Defence",Underway - on track,Improved equipment for the men and women in uniform; enhanced protection and improved safety of Canadians along Canada's coasts.,"Through the Oceans Protection Plan and significant re-investments in the Canadian Coast Guard, the Government has greatly enhanced support to the Coast Guard fleet. The Government is investing to: repair and modernize many of the Coast Guard's vessels with new towing equipment and technology, improve collaborations between the Coast Guard with Indigenous communities all along Canada's coasts; and harness cutting edge science and technology to understand ocean currents, real-time shipping movements and threat monitoring. Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy, the Government is renewing Canada's federal fleet and making sure needed vessels are delivered to the Royal Canadian Navy and the Coast Guard as quickly as possible. The construction of the first two Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships and all three Offshore Fisheries Science Vessels are progressing well. The National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS) is generating significant economic benefits across the country. It is estimated that contracts awarded up to 2016 through the NSS will contribute close to $7.7 billion to the gross domestic product. In 2016, 129 new Canadian firms were awarded $243.8M in NSS related contracts. Given the scope and complexity of the construction of vessels, delivering on time and on budget presents implementation challenges that must be closely monitored and managed, which is the purview of the Cabinet Committee on Defence Procurement."
12/1/2017,8,,Government Services and Operations,Modernize procurement practices.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - with challenges,"Government procurement is faster, simpler, more competitive, and more predictable in terms of cost. Businesses with innovative ideas are able to more easily sell to the Government, and procurement processes benefit Canadians and communities across Canada.","The Government of Canada is currently reviewing its procurement policies, processes and tools, and working with stakeholders to achieve the anticipated results. It enhanced its procurement platform to make it easier for suppliers to be notified of bidding opportunities and for government buyers to access streamlined procurement tools. The Government also made it easier for suppliers to compete by providing them with a second opportunity to comply with the mandatory requirements of bid solicitations. The Government has also announced the creation of Innovative Solutions Canada, which will dedicate a portion of procurement to match businesses offering early stage prototypes and research with departments in need of innovative products or new services.
While the Government of Canada has made progress in its effort to modernize procurement, fully meeting this commitment is taking longer than anticipated. This is due to the transformational nature of many of its projects, such as the new Electronic Procurement Solution, which require more human and financial resources than originally anticipated as well as changes to the organizational culture which require additional time."
12/1/2017,9,,Government Services and Operations,Establish new performance standards for government services and measure and report on performance.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Public Services and Procurement;Minister of Democratic Institutions",Underway - on track,Government services that better meet the needs of Canadians.,"The Government of Canada is reviewing all service standards to identify ways to improve government service delivery to Canadians. Among its initial achievements, the Government has: implemented new and better service standards for new clients applying for Canada Pension Plan Disability benefits; completed a Service Delivery Review for Veterans Affairs Canada to help drive wholesale change to delivering services and benefits to Veterans; re-opened nine Veterans Affairs Canada offices that were closed by the previous government, and opened a new tenth office; expanded auto-enrollment for Old Age Security benefits; and added new capacity for call centres handling inquiries related to EI and Canada Revenue Agency."
12/1/2017,10,,Fair and Open Government,Strengthen oversight on government advertising.,President of the Treasury Board,Underway - on track,Increased oversight of government advertising so that public dollars aren't spent on partisan advertising.,"In May 2016, an interim process was established so that advertising campaigns with budgets greater than $500,000 undergo independent, mandatory reviews. These reviews ensure the campaigns are non-partisan. The results of these reviews are posted online. Following consultations with parliamentarians and other stakeholders, the Government will entrench independent third-party oversight of federal advertising in law. The Office of the Auditor General of Canada has also committed to review the interim process."
12/1/2017,11,,Fair and Open Government,Improve the use of evidence in program evaluation.,President of the Treasury Board,Underway - on track,"Evidence-based reporting, measurement and evaluation of government activities are in place.","The Government established a new Policy on Results in July 2016 that aims to improve how government organizations measure, evaluate, and report results. The policy also seeks to improve how departments and agencies gather and use evidence to inform decisions. By September 2017, 14 departments fully adopted the new policy and the remaining departments are working to do so before November 2017."
12/1/2017,12,,Fair and Open Government,Make government data available digitally.,"President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,Digitized government data that are accessible to Canadians.,"The Government has made its open data portal, Open.Canada.ca, easier to navigate by creating a new inventory of datasets and information. In the last year, over 30,000 data sets have been published, which were accessed tens of thousands of times. New data sets continue to be made available regularly. The Government was recently elected to and agreed to co-chair the Steering Committee of the Open Government Partnership, an international initiative committed to making governments more open, accountable and responsive to citizens."
12/1/2017,13,,Fair and Open Government,Bargain in good faith with Canada's public sector unions.,President of the Treasury Board,Underway - on track,"Collective agreements with Canada's public sector unions are fair and reasonable for employees and Canadians, and are bargained in good faith.","The Government of Canada is committed to building a culture of respect for, and within, the federal public service. Through good-faith negotiations, we have reached 20 agreements with bargaining agents, representing close to 90 per cent of unionized employees in the core public administration. The Government will continue to bargain in good faith with public sector unions and remain committed to negotiating deals that are fair for public servants, and good for all Canadians."
12/1/2017,14,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that Parliament and federal institutions are free from harassment and sexual violence.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Status of Women;Leader of the Government in the House of Commons",Underway - on track,"To ensure that Parliament and federal institutions are free from harassment and sexual violence, strategies are informed by expert and stakeholder consultations and are supported by new proposals and legislation introduced in fall 2017.","In 2016 and 2017, the Government consulted experts and stakeholders to determine how to address violence and sexual harassment in workplaces under federal jurisdiction. The outcomes report, Harassment and Sexual Violence in the Workplace Public Consultations: What We Heard, released November 2, 2017, indicates that incidents of harassment and sexual violence are not only underreported, but also dealt with ineffectively. As part of its response, the Government introduced new legislation in November 2017 aimed at replacing the current patchwork of laws and policies that address violence and harassment in workplaces across the federal jurisdiction – including the federal public service, Parliament and Ministers’ offices - and enhancing prevention, protection and support when harassment and violence occurs. In parallel, with the November 2017 signing of an Agreement in Principle (AIP) by the Government of Canada and parties to the Todd Edwards Ross et al v. Her Majesty the Queen class action, a total of $110 million will be available to compensate class members — federal public servants, including members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who were directly impacted by anti-LGBTQ2 (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and two-spirit) policies and practices. The AIP also earmarks $15 million for remembrance to prevent future discrimination and for reconciliation with LGBTQ2 communities."
12/1/2017,15,,Safety and Security,Reinforce railway safety.,Minister of Transport,Underway - on track,"Stronger railway safety regulations, improved communication with Canadians and rail infrastructure that is safer and in better condition, leading to fewer accidents and injuries and reduced loss of life.","The Government has accelerated the review of the Railway Safety Act, a year ahead of schedule, to ensure Canadians have the strongest and most effective set of regulations. The review was launched in April 2017 and is being led by an independent Expert Panel who will engage with stakeholders, experts and Canadians over the next year. They will deliver a final report by May 2018. We are investing in improvements to railway crossings and infrastructure to make them safer, and removing from operation those which are unsafe. The Government has supported 527 projects across Canada to improve railway crossings and railway safety. In addition, collaboration is underway with local communities to improve the sharing of information for emergency responses and to educate the public about railway crossings and infrastructure in their communities. The Government has also revised the rules governing the transportation of dangerous goods by rail and introduced a mandatory minimum level of insurance for federal railways."
12/1/2017,16,,Exports and Investment,Undertake a full review of the Canadian grain transportation system to help farmers get their product to market.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food;Minister of Transport,Underway - on track,"A more transparent and fair grain transportation system is in place so Canadian farmers can get their products to market, both in Canada and internationally.","The Government has held consultations with grain sector stakeholders on rail transportation issues and the Canada Transportation Act Review, leading to the introduction of legislation that will advance a long-term agenda for a more transparent, balanced, efficient and reliable rail system to move Canadian goods, including grain, to global markets. Key measures include: new data reporting requirements for railways; a new Long-Haul Interswitching mechanism to provide captive shippers across multiple sectors and regions of Canada with access to a competing railway; a clear definition of “adequate and suitable” rail service; the ability for shippers to seek reciprocal financial penalties in their service agreements with railways; and more accessible and timely remedies for shippers. The Government is also renewing the western Grain Monitoring Program for three years."
12/1/2017,17,,Environment and Climate Change,Formalize a moratorium on crude oil tanker traffic on British Columbia's North Coast.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Transport",Underway - on track,"A moratorium is in place on crude oil tanker traffic on British Columbia's North Coast, protecting habitats and communities.","In May 2017, the Government of Canada introduced legislation to prohibit oil tankers carrying crude and persistent oils as cargo from stopping, loading or unloading at ports or marine installations in northern British Columbia. Vessels carrying less than 12,500 metric tonnes of crude or persistent oil as cargo will continue to be permitted in the moratorium area to ensure northern communities can receive critical shipments of heating oils and other products. The legislation proposes strong penalty provisions for contravention that could reach up to $5 million. The proposed Oil Tanker Moratorium Act is another action that we are taking as part of the Oceans Protection Plan."
12/1/2017,18,,Fair and Open Government,Restore the long-form census.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Completed - fully met,"Restored the long-form census so communities, governments, businesses and other organizations have the data they need to do their jobs.","Our country and economy depend on knowing about ourselves, and on having the data necessary to make informed decisions. That is why the Government of Canada reinstated the long-form census. The 2016 long-form census saw an unprecedented response rate of 97.8 per cent. The first set of data from the 2016 Census was released in February, 2017. The release of all Census-related data will be completed in November 2017, 10 months earlier than for the 2011 Census."
12/1/2017,19,,Fair and Open Government,Reinforce Statistics Canada independence.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,Statistics Canada meets international standards for the independence of a national statistics office.,"Data collected by Statistics Canada helps the private sector, government, not-for-profit groups, and researchers make better decisions. In December 2016, the Government introduced legislation that will reinforce Statistics Canada's independence. The legislation aligns with international standards for national statistical agencies and makes the Chief Statistician responsible for all operational decisions, statistical methodology and the communication of statistical products produced by Statistics Canada. The proposed amendments are consistent with the United Nations Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics and the OECD Recommendations on Good Statistical Practice."
12/1/2017,20,,Jobs and Innovation,Develop and implement an Innovation Agenda.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,"Improved programs support more skills training and life-long learning for Canadians, increased investment in high growth industries, and more high growth, innovative and trade-oriented companies.","Through the Innovation and Skills Plan, the Government will more than double the number of Canadians potentially eligible for employment support and skills training programs to as many as 1.4 million per year; expand programs to support up to 10,000 work integrated learning placements each year; provide more affordable and accessible broadband services for low-income Canadians and Canadians in remote communities through investments in broadband infrastructure and low-income support programs; encourage the development of assistive technologies that make it easier for persons with disabilities to participate in the digital economy; expand access to venture capital financing; support a series of superclusters that will promote innovation opportunities in high-growth industries. These and other supporting initiatives are at different stages of development and will be implemented and reported on over the course of the next several years. The Government is also leading a comprehensive review of government-led innovation programs so that Canadian innovators and entrepreneurs have better access to the support they need."
12/1/2017,21,,Exports and Investment,Implement a new Trade and Investment Strategy.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Small Business and Tourism;Minister of International Trade",Underway - on track,"Double the number of high-growth firms in Canada by 2025; increase Canada's goods and services exports—from natural resources, advance manufacturing, agri-food and others—by 30 per cent by 2025; increase global investment in Canada; more good-paying, middle class jobs for Canadians.","The Government is encouraging global investment and promoting our economic brand through the creation of the Invest in Canada Hub, which will launch later in 2017. To support exports, the Government has established a new National Trade Corridors Fund to address urgent capacity constraints and freight bottlenecks at major ports of entry, and to better connect the rail and highway infrastructure that delivers economic growth across Canada. The Canada Infrastructure Bank will make additional funding available to address trade and transportation projects. The Government has successfully completed the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. Provisional application of the trade agreement took effect in September 2017 and will give consumers more choice, boost Canadian businesses' access to new customers, create good, middle-class jobs and help grow the economy. Launched in 2016, CanExport, which provides direct financial assistance to Canadian small- and medium-sized enterprises seeking to develop new export opportunities in 70 markets, has approved 800 projects. Budget 2017 announced $950 million to superclusters in highly innovative industries, created the Strategic Innovation Fund to boost investment in Canadian innovations, and created six Economic Strategy Tables to boost growth and exports from advanced manufacturing; agri-food; clean technology; digital industries; health and bio-sciences; and clean resources sectors."
12/1/2017,22,,Exports and Investment,Prepare the auto sector for the potential participation of Canada in the Trans-Pacific Partnership.,"Minister of Finance;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,The Canadian auto sector is strengthened and is competitive in global markets.,"The Trans-Pacific Partnership has not moved forward. In Budget 2016, the Government extended the Automotive Innovation Fund through to the end of 2020-21 and made it more flexible. In Budget 2017, the Government subsequently reinforced these changes by launching the new Strategic Innovation Fund. The Government also established a new automotive investment attraction team to support the work of the Invest in Canada Hub. These changes have helped to secure an investment of $500 million by Honda of Canada Manufacturing and an investment of more than $1 billion by Ford Motor Company of Canada. The Ford investment includes a new Research and Engineering Centre that will drive innovation in self-driving cars and clean technologies and will secure jobs in Canada over the long term. Together, both companies employ over 10,000 Canadians in their manufacturing, research and development activities."
12/1/2017,23,,Jobs and Innovation,Increase high-speed broadband coverage and keep Canada at the leading edge of the digital economy.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,More Canadians have access to high-speed and ultra-high-speed broadband services.,"Greater availability and affordability for high-speed internet in rural and remote areas of Canada gives Canadians more opportunity to participate in the economy, democracy and connected way of life. Over the next five years, the Connect to Innovate program will bring high-speed internet to rural and remote communities in Canada by supporting new ""backbone"" infrastructure to connect institutions like schools and hospitals, and ""last-mile"" infrastructure to connect households and businesses. Applications closed at the end of April 2017, and the Government is starting announcements on project decisions. As of November 2017, eight projects under the $500M Connect to Innovate program have been announced. These projects have a total value of $237.3M and target 49 communities in Nunavut, Ontario and Quebec. Approximately 600 communities anticipated to benefit under CTI (doubling the initial target of 300) and receiving new and enhanced backbone connectivity. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is expanding competition on new fibre networks and examining how to further improve innovative wireless pricing options. In addition, the CRTC's new fund will expand much faster Internet speeds to rural and remote communities. Budget 2017 investments are also supporting affordable access to the internet for low-income families, digital literacy programming and better access to assistive devices."
12/1/2017,24,,Jobs and Innovation,Create a Chief Science Officer.,Minister of Science,Completed - fully met,"Following an open, transparent and merit-based process, the Chief Science Advisor, Dr. Mona Nemer, was appointed by the Government on September 26, 2017.","As the Chief Science Advisor, Dr. Nemer will help to improve dissemination and use of independent scientific information and strengthened evidence-based policy making within government. Dr. Nemer will also advise the Government on how to ensure that government science is fully available to the public, that scientists are able to speak freely about their work, and that scientific analyses are considered when the government makes decisions. Dr. Nemer will report to the Prime Minister and Minister of Science."
12/1/2017,25,,Jobs and Innovation,Re-insert scientific considerations into the heart of decision-making and investment choices.,Minister of Science,Underway - on track,"Government scientists are able to speak freely about their work, and the role of scientific information and empirical evidence is strengthened in government decision making.","The Government has updated the Communications Policy to ensure scientists are free to speak in an official capacity on subjects for which they have expertise, and have enshrined this provision into collective agreements covering 15,000 government scientists. The Government also reinstated the mandatory long-form census as well as the University and College Academic Staff System survey, which will provide accurate information about Canada's research community. To promote better use of science and evidence in government decision-making, the Government updated the guidance on preparing Memoranda to Cabinet. The Government is examining additional opportunities to improve the use of evidence and scientific information. The new Chief Science Advisor will advise the Government on how to ensure scientific evidence is considered when making decisions."
12/1/2017,26,,Jobs and Innovation,Establish new Canada Research Chairs in sustainable technologies.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Science",Underway - on track,Two new Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC) will be appointed to further research in clean and sustainable technology.,"Budget 2016 identified $20 million over eight years starting in 2018-19 for the creation of two additional Canada Excellence Research Chairs in fields related to clean and sustainable technology. On October 12, 2016, the Minister of Science announced the launch of a competition for these Chairs, in addition to nine others, which will be selected in 2018. To address the CERC gender imbalance, this competition will require institutions to include detailed equity plans and recruitment strategies that promote the participation of women and other underrepresented groups in the CERC program."
12/1/2017,27,,Jobs and Innovation,Strengthen support for fundamental research to support new discoveries.,Minister of Science,Underway - on track,"Modernized research infrastructure at post-secondary institutions, new research Chairs appointed in areas of strategic priority, and enhanced capacity for granting councils to support fundamental research.","Since 2016, the Government has approved and funded more than 300 projects to modernize research and training facilities on campuses across Canada. These investments will support key discovery research and facilitate the expansion of ongoing research efforts. The Government has also funded new Canada Excellence Research Chairs in the areas of clean and sustainable development technologies, and increased support for Canada's three granting councils. In 2017, the Government announced the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy, which will develop centres of expertise in Toronto-Waterloo, Montreal and Edmonton related to AI to train and attract key research talent in this emerging area of fundamental research. In August 2016, an independent review of federal funding for fundamental science, the most comprehensive review of its kind in 40 years, was launched. The Government is currently reviewing the independent panel's report."
12/1/2017,28,,Government Services and Operations,Align business support programs across governments.,Minister of Small Business and Tourism,Underway - on track,It is easier and simpler for Canadian innovators and entrepreneurs to access and benefit from government programs that help Canadian businesses grow.,"As of March 2017, the Accelerated Growth Service, originally announced in Budget 2016, has helped 150 high-impact firms to scale up and grow their businesses, with a broader goal of helping 1,000 firms expand and create more well-paying jobs. The Government is establishing Innovation Canada, a platform that will coordinate and simplify the support available to Canadian businesses. Currently, support services are spread across more than 70 different programs and located in various departments and agencies. Innovation Canada will help create economic growth strategies in six high-growth sectors, and undertake a whole-of-government review to consolidate business innovation programs into a simpler, less burdensome and more navigable system. The Government is also working with provinces to find co-delivery options for a variety of business support programs and services."
12/1/2017,29,,Exports and Investment,Increase tourism and strengthen the Canadian brand abroad.,Minister of Small Business and Tourism,Underway - on track,"30 per cent overall increase in tourism by 2021, increased tourism from the United States (U.S.) and China, and improved international ranking of Canada as a top tourist destination.","The Government has launched Canada’s New Tourism Vision to increase the number of international tourists to Canada by 30 per cent by 2021. This goal includes doubling the number of Chinese visitors by the same year, positioning Canada as a top 10 destination ranking by 2025, and attracting 680,000 additional visitors from the U.S. over the next three years. The Government also launched the Millennial Travel Program to encourage youth travel during Canada 150. Spending by international visitors to Canada rose almost 10 per cent in 2016, representing the largest annual growth since 1998. The New York Times, Lonely Planet and Condé Nast have all recognized Canada as a top international destination for 2017. The Canada-China Year of Tourism in 2018 will be an opportunity to increase visitation from China, which is being supported by the opening of new Visa Application Centres in China."
12/1/2017,30,,Government Services and Operations,Reduce the administrative burden on small business.,Minister of Small Business and Tourism,Underway - on track,"Reduced administrative burden and simpler, clearer, and faster online services to help small businesses.","In Fall 2016, the Canada Revenue Agency held extensive consultations with stakeholders and businesses on how to improve services for corporate taxpayers, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Based on that feedback, the Government is working on several measures to improve services for businesses, including: enhancing client service and online registration; reducing the time it takes to resolve an objection; expanding the availability of liaison officers who offer site visits; providing T4 information slips to SME employees; extending Auto-Fill services to T2 corporate returns so filing is faster and simpler; and providing dedicated call centre support to authorized tax preparers. As part of our overall digital strategy, the Government is integrating services online so they are easier and quicker for businesses. We have partnered with a number of provinces to pilot integrated tools, such as business registry search and name validation, so that incorporating and finding a business is easier. The Government is continuing to examine how the administrative burden faced by small businesses can be reduced across government."
12/1/2017,31,,Healthy Canadians,Respond to the Supreme Court of Canada decision regarding physician-assisted death.,Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Completed - fully met,Adult Canadians suffering from grievous and irremediable medical conditions and whose death is reasonably foreseeable are able to easily and effectively access medical assistance in dying if they so choose.,"On June 17, 2016, medical assistance in dying (MAID) became a reality in Canada following Royal Assent of the federal legal framework, which protects vulnerable persons while providing options to eligible Canadians to make an informed decision about the end of life. In December 2016, as required by the new law, the Government initiated independent study reports to consider in more detail three particularly complex types of requests for MAID. These include: requests by mature minors, advance requests, and requests where mental illness is the sole underlying medical condition. Independent expert panels, organized by the Council of Canadian Academies, are conducting these reviews. They will report on their results by the end of 2018. As of April 2017, Health Canada has begun to provide initial public reporting on the use of MAID across Canada."
12/1/2017,32,,Fair and Open Government,"Review the government litigation strategy and end appeals or positions that are not consistent with our commitments, the Charter or our values.",Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,"Legal positions taken by the Government are consistent with Government commitments, the Charter and our values.","To date, several early decisions have been made to end appeals and withdraw positions not consistent with Government commitments, the Charter, or Canadian values. For instance, the Government ended the appeal of the Federal Court's ruling that the 2012 cuts to the Interim Federal Health Program—reducing health coverage to refugees—were unconstitutional. The Government dropped the appeal of this decision and in April 2016 restored refugee health care coverage to pre-2012 levels. In August 2016, the Government of Canada created a new Cabinet Committee on Litigation Management to provide an ongoing review of the Government's litigation strategy and consideration of the policy, financial and legal implications of litigation involving the federal government. To promote increased transparency and track the results of this mandate commitment, we have begun publishing a Litigation Year in Review report."
12/1/2017,35,,Fair and Open Government,"Ensure that the appointment of Supreme Court Justices is transparent, inclusive and accountable to Canadians.",Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Completed - fully met,"Greater transparency, accountability and diversity in the appointment of Supreme Court Justices.","In August 2016, the Government of Canada announced a new, open and transparent process for filling vacancies on the Supreme Court of Canada. This new process includes: an open application process; the establishment of an Independent Advisory Board to assess all applications and prepare a shortlist; requiring functional bilingualism as an essential qualification for all shortlisted candidates; and ensuring there are consultations regarding the shortlist with key stakeholders, including members of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice. Justice Malcolm Rowe was the first Supreme Court Justice appointed under this new process in October 2016. The Government announced in July 2017, that this new process will again be applied to fill an upcoming vacancy on the Supreme Court."
12/1/2017,36,,Safety and Security,"Toughen criminal laws in cases of domestic assault, with the goal of keeping survivors and children safe.",Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,Greater protections for complainants and survivors of sexual assault and domestic assault.,"In June 2017, the Government introduced legislation to clarify and strengthen the sexual assault provisions in the Criminal Code. The legislation would clarify that an unconscious person, or otherwise incapacitated, is incapable of consenting; clarify the defence of mistaken belief to indicate that it cannot be relied upon if there is no evidence upon which the belief was founded; clarify rape shield provisions to explicitly include communications of a sexual nature or communications for a sexual purpose, so these types of communications cannot be used to suggest that the complainant was more likely to have consented or is less worth of belief; provide that a complainant has right to legal representation in rape shield proceedings; and create a regime to determine whether an accused can introduce a complainant's private records at trial that are in their possession. The Government will continue to work on additional options related to this commitment to address domestic abuse and intimate partner violence, which will be brought forward later in the mandate."
12/1/2017,37,,Jobs and Innovation,"Ensure tax measures are efficient and encourage innovation, trade and the growth of Canadian businesses.","Minister of Finance;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,"Tax measures encourage innovation, trade, and the growth of Canadian businesses.","The Government has also initiated a whole-of-government review of business innovation programs to ensure that they are simple and effective and best meet the needs of Canada’s innovators. The Government has also announced that it will be reducing the small business tax rate from 10.5% to 10% as of January 1, 2018 and to 9% as of January 1, 2019."
12/1/2017,38,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Add gender identity as a prohibited ground for discrimination under the Canadian Human Rights Act and add it to the list of characteristics of identifiable groups protected by the hate speech provisions of the Criminal Code.,Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Completed - fully met,Discrimination on the basis of gender identity and gender expression is now illegal.,"In June 2017, amendments to the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code received Royal Assent, ensuring the full protection of transgender people across Canada. These amendments formally add gender identity and gender expression to the Canadian Human Rights Act as prohibited grounds of discrimination, as well as amend the Criminal Code to deal with hate crimes related to gender identity and gender expression."
12/1/2017,39,,Environment and Climate Change,Ratify the Paris agreement and develop a Pan-Canadian framework for combating climate change.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Completed - fully met,Canada ratified the Paris Agreement and created the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change.,"Canada ratified the Paris Agreement on October 5th, 2016, following a vote in Parliament. The Paris Agreement entered into force on November 4th, 2016. In December 2016, First Ministers adopted the Pan-Canadian Framework (PCF) on Clean Growth and Climate Change, which is Canada’s comprehensive plan to reduce emissions across all sectors of the economy, accelerate clean economic growth and build resilience to the impacts of climate change. The PCF was developed with provinces and territories, in collaboration with Indigenous peoples, and was informed by input from Canadians across the country."
12/1/2017,41,,Environment and Climate Change,Improve protection and stewardship of our freshwater resources.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,"The protection of freshwater resources is improved, and water and wastewater infrastructure is in better repair.","Through research, assessment and regulation, the Government of Canada is working to ensure sustainable water management. The Government has taken action to protect the Great Lakes and Lake Winnipeg Basin by improving water quality, increasing conservation activities, addressing threats posed by invasive species, and improving collaboration with Indigenous peoples. The Government is collaborating with the United States to protect shared waters through the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, and has also established a Clean Water and Wastewater Fund to help provinces, territories and municipalities make immediate repairs to water and wastewater infrastructure. Work is also underway to enhance the Environmental Assessment process as it relates to freshwater areas."
12/1/2017,42,,Environment and Climate Change,Enhance protection of Canada's endangered species.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,Species at risk are protected.,"The Government of Canada has developed a three-year plan to address the backlog of 149 terrestrial species eligible for listing under the Species at Risk Act. In February 2017, a final decision was made on listing 18 terrestrial species. As of September 2017, 168 of the 192 overdue proposed recovery documents were completed and posted on the Species at Risk Public Registry. Parks Canada finalized multi-species action plans for 10 Parks Canada places, in total addressing 93 species at risk and more than 60 other species of conservation concern. In addition, the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers responsible for Conservation, Wildlife and Biodiversity met in February 2017 to discuss how to better collaborate to conserve Canada's species at risk. These measures will help make sure species at risk receive the protection they need."
12/1/2017,43,,Environment and Climate Change,Work with provinces and territories to set stronger air quality standards.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,"New national standards are adopted to reduce air pollutants from industrial sources, and recurring State of the Air reports demonstrate progress.","The Government of Canada is implementing a national Air Quality Management System (AQMS) with provinces and territories to improve air quality and protect the health of Canadians. As part of this system, new ambient air quality standards for sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide were published in the Canada Gazette on October 28 and December 9, 2017 respectively. A new State of the Air Report was launched at the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment in November 2017 to inform Canadians about air quality and air pollution. The Government is also establishing national standards to reduce air pollutants from industrial sources, including in the following sectors: iron and steel; aluminum; potash; pulp and paper; iron ore pellets; base-metals smelting; and stationary combustion turbines. In addition, the Government announced the acceleration of the transition from traditional coal power to clean energy by 2030. This will significantly improve air quality and the health of Canadians and will reduce Canada's greenhouse gas emissions by more than five megatonnes in 2030—equivalent to taking 1.3 million cars off the road."
12/1/2017,44,,Environment and Climate Change,Review Canada's environmental assessment processes.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Natural Resources;Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Science;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs",Underway - on track,"Environmental assessment processes that are fair to all parties, rely on scientific evidence, respect the rights of Indigenous peoples and protect the environment for generations to come.","The Government launched a review of Canada's environmental assessment processes in June 2016. The review is coordinated with reviews of the Fisheries Act, the Navigation Protection Act and the modernization of the National Energy Board to ensure a coordinated approach for the environmental and economic considerations of resource development. The Government has established an independent four-member Expert Panel to conduct the review. The Expert Panel engaged the public, Indigenous groups and stakeholders, both in person and online, and delivered a report with recommendations to the Minister in March 2017. From June to September 2017, the Government asked for comments on a discussion paper that outlines the changes the Government is considering to strengthen Canada’s environmental assessment and regulatory processes. The feedback gathered on the discussion paper, as well as input from Indigenous groups and stakeholders, will help inform potential legislative, regulatory and policy changes."
12/1/2017,45,,Environment and Climate Change,"Develop Canada's National Parks system, as well as manage and expand National Wildlife Areas and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries.",Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,Terrestrial areas and inland water are conserved through networks of protected areas.,"The Government of Canada continues to work to conserve and connect terrestrial areas. A comprehensive plan is being developed to conserve 17 per cent of terrestrial areas and inland water through networks of protected areas by 2020. Parks Canada and the Government of Alberta are leading a process to meet this challenging target and are gathering best advice from a broad spectrum of stakeholders through the establishment of the National Advisory Panel and the Indigenous Circle of experts. Work on expanding the system of National Parks includes the proposed Thaidene Nëné National Park Reserve. Negotiations with the Government of the Northwest Territories, Lutsël K’e Dene First Nation and Northwest Territories Metis are close to completion. The Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia and the Okanagan Nation announced re-engagement on a proposed national park reserve in the South Okanagan. Parks Canada has contacted the Manitoba Government to re-engage on a proposed national park in the Manitoba Lowlands. As part of the expansion of National Wildlife Areas and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries, the Government is working with the Dehcho First Nation and the Tlicho Government to establish the Edéhzhíe National Wildlife area in the Northwest Territories, which will protect over 1.4 million hectares of habitat for boreal caribou."
12/1/2017,46,,Environment and Climate Change,Develop Parks Canada services so that more Canadians can experience our National Parks.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,More Canadians visit and experience Parks Canada administered sites and the Trans Canada Trail is completed.,"The Government has taken steps to make sites more accessible and to improve overall visitor experiences by investing approximately $3.2 billion to renew infrastructure assets such as trails, heritage buildings, visitor centres, waterways and highways. The Government of Canada is improving bike and walking trails in national parks as well as highway access through Wood Buffalo National Park and Yoho National Park. The Government has also confirmed funding to complete the Trans Canada Trail in 2021. When complete, the Trail will provide 24,000 km of recreational trails within 30 minutes of about 29 million Canadians. The Government is working with Indigenous peoples and stakeholders to improve interpretation and heritage programming and make sites more accessible."
12/1/2017,47,,Environment and Climate Change,"Make admission to National Parks free for all in 2017 and, afterwards, free for children under 18 and new citizens.",Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,Free admission to National Parks in 2017; free admission for children under 18 and new citizens in future years.,"To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation, the Government of Canada is offering free admission to all national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas, as well as free passage through lock systems on all national historic canals. Over 8.3 million Discovery Passes have been ordered and distributed to Canadians and people in 200 countries. Free admission for youth under the age of 18 and new citizens will take effect next year. Canada 150 programs offered by Parks Canada included the expanded Aboriginal Day and Canada Day celebrations, the first annual Canada Historic Places Day with more than 60 sites participating, as well as hosting numerous Canada 150 signature projects."
12/1/2017,48,,Environment and Climate Change,Expand Learn to Camp programs.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,More low to middle-income families participate in Learn to Camp and have greater opportunity to experience Canada's outdoors.,"Parks Canada expanded the popular Learn to Camp Program this year so that more low- to middle-income families could experience Canada’s outdoors. New program components were developed for the Learn to Camp Program and piloted during the summer of 2016. In 2017, Parks Canada hosted 30 overnight Learn-to Camp events as well as over 500 other Learn-to events and activities across Canada."
12/1/2017,49,,Environment and Climate Change,Protect our National Parks by limiting development within them and help local eco-tourism industries.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Small Business and Tourism,Underway - on track,Development is limited within Canada's National Parks so future generations can experience their natural beauty.,A pillar of Canada's new Vision for Tourism is to distinguish Canada as a premier tourism destination through Canada's national parks. The Government is maintaining and restoring ecological integrity within Canada's national parks while continuing to provide meaningful services and experiences to visitors. The Government has established strict development limits to ensure ecological integrity in Canada's national parks. Parks Canada has put forward a rigorous development review and environmental assessment process to ensure all development proposals comply with park-wide ecological objectives and that the park's ecological integrity is maintained. Parks Canada is in the process of developing strategies to help grow local eco-tourism industries and create jobs.
12/1/2017,50,,Environment and Climate Change,Work with Ontario to enhance the country's first urban National Park: Rouge National Urban Park.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Completed - fully met,"Created Canada's first urban National Park, Rouge National Urban Park.","In June 2017, legislation was passed to expand the size of the Rouge National Urban Park and guide how the park will be managed. This legislation strengthens ecological protections and will ensure that ecological integrity is the first priority in the management of Canada's first national urban park, while recognizing its important cultural heritage and providing greater certainty for the continuation of park agriculture."
12/1/2017,51,,Environment and Climate Change,"Protect the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River Basin and the Lake Winnipeg Basin.","Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",On-going commitment,"Increased protection for the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River Basin and the Lake Winnipeg Basin so they can continue to be enjoyed by future generations.","Through Budget 2017, the Government is providing funding to protect Canada’s freshwater resources, including the Great Lakes and Lake Winnipeg basins. The Government is expanding efforts to address toxic and nuisance algae, as well as aquatic invasive species programming, which will further help address the threats posed by such species as Asian carp and sea lamprey. In June 2017, the governments of Canada and Quebec announced continued investment in the conservation and enhancement of the St. Lawrence River basin to enhance water quality, protect biodiversity and ensure its sustainable use."
12/1/2017,52,,Environment and Climate Change,Examine the implications of climate change on Arctic marine ecosystems.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Science",Underway - on track,Greater knowledge and understanding of the changes occurring in Canada's Arctic and a better understanding of how Canada might adapt to ensure the continued welfare of Canada's Arctic communities.,"Canada has committed to opening the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) later in 2017, which will significantly enhance Arctic research, including on the impacts of climate change. The Government of Canada is investing in the Aquatic Climate Change Adaptation Services Program to conduct the research and monitoring necessary to identify climate change impacts and vulnerabilities, develop adaptation tools, and improve ocean forecasting in vulnerable coastal regions to inform management decisions. As part of the Oceans Protection Plan, the Government will be working with Indigenous and coastal communities to collect baseline environmental information at six sites across Canada, including one in the Arctic. The Government has also concluded new international agreements to strengthen Arctic scientific cooperation. The Minister of Science attended the first White House Arctic Science Ministerial event in September 2016, helping to advance several joint international research projects. In Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government made significant investments to improve research of ecosystem stressors such as underwater noise pollution and micro-plastics on aquatic ecosystems. The Canadian Space Agency is collaborating on a US-France mission—Surface Water & Ocean Topography—that will provide the first global survey of earth surface water, ocean surface topography, ocean currents, and measure change over time. In addition, the Government of Canada has committed to work together in collaboration with northern partners to better understand the “Last Ice Area.” This region in the high Arctic is the only region that is expected to retain summer sea ice until 2050."
12/1/2017,53,,Canada in the World,Refocus Canada's development assistance on helping the most vulnerable and supporting fragile states.,Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,Underway - on track,Global poverty is reduced by investing in gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls and by focusing on the poorest and most vulnerable.,"In June 2017, the Government launched Canada's new Feminist International Assistance Policy to eradicate extreme poverty and build a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous world. Canada will invest in women's empowerment and gender equality as the best ways to achieve its objectives, grounded in the Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Canada is focusing its assistance on closing gaps and barriers faced by women and girls in a number of areas, including sexual and reproductive health and rights, education, governance, environment and climate adaptation, peace and security, and inclusive economic opportunity. By 2021-22, the Feminist International Assistance Policy commits to directing no less than 50 per cent of Canada's annual bilateral international development assistance under to sub-Saharan African countries and ensuring 95 per cent of bilateral aid enhances gender empowerment."
12/1/2017,54,,Canada in the World,"Create a new policy and funding framework to ensure that Canada's aid empowers people and supports broad-based, sustainable growth in the developing world.",Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,Completed - fully met,"A comprehensive, feminist international assistance policy is in place that will reduce global poverty by investing in gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls and by focusing on the poorest and most vulnerable.","After a year of consultations with over 15,000 people in 65 countries, Canada released its Feminist International Assistance Policy in June 2017. The Government engaged with people online and in person on how Canada's international assistance should be invested and focused. The consultation summary report was released in December 2016 and formed the basis of the new policy."
12/1/2017,55,,Canada in the World,"Support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by the United Nations in September 2015.",Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,Underway - on track,"Canada's international assistance helps countries make progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and helps to build a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous world.",Canada's Feminist International Assistance Policy is explicitly aligned with the United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure our investments are coordinated with the rest of the international community. Sustainable Development Goal 5—achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls—is the entry point for Canada’s international assistance to drive progress on all SDGs. The Government is also co-leading a group of United Nations member states to foster innovative financing solutions to achieve the SDGs. Canada is in the preliminary stages of developing a strategy to track and report on progress toward the SDGs.
12/1/2017,56,,Canada in the World,"Support the full range of reproductive health services and close the gap in the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Initiative.",Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,Underway - on track,"More women and girls are able to make informed reproductive health choices and assert control over their own bodies, saving the lives of women and children.","Over the course of the next three years, the Government will expand the number of assistance projects that give women access to quality health care, modern contraception, sexual education and prevention services so they can retain control over their bodies and exercise their rights. This will help reduce the number of women and girls around the world who have unmet needs for modern contraception, currently estimated to be 214 million. Consistent with Canada's new Feminist International Assistance Policy, the Government also now strongly encourages partners funded by the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health programs to integrate the full range of sexual and reproductive health services into their programming. Canada also joined the global partnerships, Family Planning 2020 and the Ouagadougou Partnership, which will help enable 120 million more women and girls to use family planning by 2020 and accelerate progress in the use of these services in West and Central Africa."
12/1/2017,57,,Canada in the World,"Support innovative, evidence-based approaches to development assistance.",Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,Underway - on track,More effective international assistance and more rigorous use of evidence-based practice and innovative solutions within decision-making processes.,"Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy, launched in June 2017, will provide more integrated and responsive assistance, support innovation and research, deliver better reporting on results, develop more effective partnerships, and concentrate on those regions of the world where Canada can make the greatest difference in reducing poverty and inequality, particularly for women and girls. Global Affairs Canada and its recipient partners will systematically measure progress and results, conduct gender-based analyses of programs and develop new programming mechanisms that enable innovative partnerships. To increase the transparency of Canada's international assistance, the Government expects to start publicly reporting the planned level of the International Assistance Envelope every year starting in 2018."
12/1/2017,58,,Canada in the World,Provide assistance to countries that are vulnerable to the destabilizing effects of climate change.,Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,Underway - on track,Countries receiving Canadian international assistance are better equipped to deal with the destabilizing effects of climate change.,"Canada is providing $2.65 billion over five years to help developing countries deal with the destabilizing effects of climate change and support them in adopting adaptation and mitigation strategies to build resilient communities. Canada's new Development Finance Institute (DFI), capitalized with $300 million over five years, will mobilize its resources to promote green economic growth, which in turn will provide access to clean technology and climate-resilient infrastructure to those people most affected by climate change."
12/1/2017,59,,Canada in the World,Ensure Canada's strong and sustained engagement in the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie.,Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,On-going commitment,Promotion of Canadian values of diversity and inclusion through La Francophonie and promotion of French Canadian culture globally.,"Canada has maintained strong and sustained commitment to La Francophonie and continues to use it as an important opportunity to engage the international community. At the 16th Francophonie Summit in Madagascar in November 2016, Canada led a resolution, adopted by member countries, promoting global action to address child marriages, early marriages and forced marriages. The Government has also announced support for projects in several Francophone countries, particularly in Haiti, Burkina Faso, Mali, Senegal and Benin, to address climate change and economic growth, especially for young people and women. With the help of New Brunswick and Quebec, Canada supported Ontario in its efforts to join the International Organization of La Francophonie and promote the important contributions of Franco-Ontarian culture to Canada and the world."
12/1/2017,60,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Resettle 25,000 refugees from Syria.","Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship;Minister of International Development and La Francophonie",Completed - modified,"The Government welcomed 26,172 Syrian refugees (government-assisted and privately sponsored) between November 4, 2015, and February 29, 2016.","As of January 29, 2017, Canada had welcomed 40,081 refugees from Syria: 21,876 government-assisted refugees, 3,931 blended visa office-referred refugees, and 14,274 privately sponsored refugees. Although the Government hit and surpassed its targets, it did so two months later than the initial timeline to ensure proper security and medical examinations and resettlement preparations."
12/1/2017,61,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Double the number of entry applications for parents and grandparents of immigrants to 10,000 a year.","Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,"The Government made reuniting families a top priority and doubled the number of parents and grandparents sponsorship applications accepted to 10,000 in 2016. The new cap of 10,000 per year will apply going forward.",
12/1/2017,62,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Give additional points under the Express Entry system to applicants who have Canadian siblings.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,"Changes to Canada's Express Entry program, including additional points for candidates with Canadian siblings and candidates who have strong French and/or English languages skills were implemented on June 6, 2017. This is increasing the number of eligible economic immigrants who have the support they need to more easily integrate into the labour market and contribute to the economic success of all Canadians.",
12/1/2017,63,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Increase the maximum age for dependents from 19 to 22 to allow more Canadians to bring their children to Canada.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,More family reunification.,"The Government has made reuniting families a top priority. Regulatory amendments to increase the maximum age of dependent children from 19 to 22 years of age came into force October 24, 2017."
12/1/2017,64,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Bring forward a proposal regarding permanent residency for new spouses entering Canada.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Sponsored spouses and partners no longer have to remain in abusive relationships for fear of losing their immigration status.,"To address concerns that some vulnerable sponsored spouses or partners were staying in abusive relationships out of fear of losing their permanent resident status, the Government repealed the requirement of conditional residency. This means sponsored spouses and partners are no longer required to live with their sponsor for two years in order to maintain their permanent resident status, thereby reducing vulnerability and dependence."
12/1/2017,65,,Government Services and Operations,"Improve client service delivery and immigration, refugees and citizenship application processing times.","Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,"Enhanced client service and timely processing of immigration, refugee and citizenship applications.","The Government is developing initiatives to reduce processing times in several programs and a client service strategy to enhance the client experience. In December 2016, spousal sponsorship was reformed to speed up processing and simplify the sponsorship process. Since then, the processing target of 80 per cent of new spousal applications within a 12-month time frame is on track. The Government also announced an intake management strategy for privately sponsored refugees and the goal of reducing wait times for new applications to 12 months. Service standards in other programs are being maintained: 80 per cent of citizenship grant applications received since April 2015 are processed within a 12-month timeframe, and Express Entry permanent residency applications are processed within a six-month timeframe. Since June 2017, the Global Skills Strategy continues to assist companies in getting workers to Canada faster, including through two-week processing time for 80 per cent of eligible work permit applications. The Dedicated Service Channel helps guide companies making significant, job-creating investments in Canada. Enhancements to the asylum system will be informed by upcoming findings of the independent review of the Immigration and Refugee Board."
12/1/2017,66,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Restore the Interim Federal Health Program that provides health benefits to refugees.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Improved access to necessary health care for refugees.,"In April 2016, the Government restored the Interim Federal Health Program for all eligible refugee beneficiaries. In addition, the Government eliminated the coverage expiry date to ensure refugee claimants remain covered until they are eligible for provincial/territorial health insurance. Coverage has also been expanded to cover certain services for accepted refugees before they arrive to Canada."
12/1/2017,67,,Canada in the World,Establish an expert human rights panel to help determine designated countries of origin and provide a right to appeal refugee decisions for citizens from these countries.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,"Canada upholds its commitment to welcoming those seeking refuge from conflict and war, while leveraging expertise and systems to strengthen program integrity and efficiency.","As of July 2015, claimants from Designated Countries of Origin - countries that do not normally produce refugees and do respect human rights and offer state protection - have had access to an appeal at the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. An independent review of the Immigration and Refugee Board and the asylum system is underway, and findings will inform how the Government will enhance the asylum system to achieve both efficiency and fairness for all claimants."
12/1/2017,68,,Environment and Climate Change,Work with stakeholders to better co-manage our three oceans.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",On-going commitment,"The new Oceans Protection Plan provides ongoing engagement and investment to protect oceans, marine mammals, and coastal communities.","The Oceans Protection Plan (OPP) includes new research on the effects of oil spills, measures to protect marine mammals, and increased emergency response capacity where coastal communities will play a greater role. The Government is engaging coastal communities, stakeholders and all orders of governments on the rollout of the OPP. The OPP is a key part of the Government's commitment to redefine its relationship with Indigenous peoples and engage in a meaningful and productive partnership with Indigenous communities."
12/1/2017,69,,Canada in the World,Facilitate the temporary entry of low risk travellers and lift the visa requirement for Mexico.,"Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,"Canada is a more open country that does not impose unnecessary barriers to business travellers, tourists and other visitors.","On December 1, 2016, Canada lifted the requirement for Mexican travellers to have a visa. To facilitate the temporary entry of low-risk travellers, the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) was put in place on November 10, 2016 for visa-exempt foreign nationals (other than U.S. citizens) boarding their flight to Canada. With a valid eTA, travellers can travel to Canada multiple times for short stays. On May 1, 2017, Canada expanded eTA to Brazil, Bulgaria and Romania to facilitate air travel for low-risk travellers. The visa requirement for Bulgaria and Romania was fully lifted on December 1, 2017."
12/1/2017,70,,Fair and Open Government,Repeal provisions in the Citizenship Act that give the government the right to strip citizenship from dual nationals.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Repealed provisions in the Citizenship Act that gave the Government the right to strip citizenship from dual nationals.,"In June 2017, legislation was passed that repealed the unfair elements of the Citizenship Act that applied only to Canadians with dual or multiple citizenships and allowed the government to strip them of their Canadian citizenship. This legislation also makes it easier for applicants to meet the requirements for citizenship, and helps immigrants obtain citizenship earlier and faster."
12/1/2017,72,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Make it easier for international students to stay in Canada after their studies.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Better outcomes for immigrants to Canada because those who become permanent residents and citizens have Canadian educational experience.,"It is now easier for international students to become permanent residents or Canadian citizens after completing their studies. The Government made changes to the Express Entry system that award more points to those who have studied in Canada, making it easier for international students to become permanent residents. As well, in October 2017, regulatory changes introduced by the Government came into force, providing greater flexibility for international students who want to become Canadian citizens."
12/1/2017,73,,Environment and Climate Change,Restore funding to support federal ocean science and monitoring programs.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Completed - fully met,"Restored funding to support the hiring of new scientific staff, the acquisition of new lab equipment, and added capacity for ocean science and monitoring.","The Government of Canada restored funding for federal ocean science and monitoring programs. In April 2016, $197 million was committed to fund ocean and freshwater science activities, which will help better understand aquatic ecosystems and support evidence-based management decisions. The Government is recruiting 135 new scientific staff and creating a new Partnership Fund to build capacity in the Canadian ocean and freshwater science community. The Government is also investing in high-performance lab equipment to mitigate life-cycle management concerns, procuring new state-of-the-art acoustic and remote sensing technology, and enhancing monitoring activities for various species of marine mammals, fish and invertebrates."
12/1/2017,74,,Environment and Climate Change,Use good scientific evidence when making decisions affecting fish stocks and ecosystem management.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Underway - on track,"A new, strong process that integrates scientific information in all major fish stock and ecosystem management decisions.",The Government of Canada has changed its internal processes to ensure that scientific information and advice are presented as part of decision making. The Government is currently developing a plan to implement the precautionary approach policy for all major fish stocks. The new Chief Science Advisor will provide guidance on this.
12/1/2017,75,,Environment and Climate Change,Act on recommendations of the Cohen Commission on restoring sockeye salmon stocks in the Fraser River.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Underway - on track,"A new Wild Salmon Policy to restore salmon stocks and support sustainable aquaculture is co-developed and implemented in collaboration with experts, regional stakeholders and Indigenous peoples.","In August 2016, the Government released its formal response to the final report of the Cohen Commission. In October 2016, the Government launched public consultations and met with Indigenous peoples on the development of an implementation plan for the conservation of wild salmon. In September, 2017, the Government provided a status update showing 64 out of the 75 recommendations from the Cohen Commission have now been acted on. The Government continues to engage with scientific experts and stakeholders and has begun to draft an implementation plan for Wild Salmon Policy in collaboration with partners."
12/1/2017,76,,Safety and Security,"Re-open the Maritime Rescue Sub-centre in St. John's, Newfoundland, and the Kitsilano Coast Guard Base in Vancouver.","Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Underway - on track,Kitsilano Coast Guard Base and St. John's Maritime Rescue Sub-centre are re-opened to restore search and rescue services and save lives.,"In May 2016, the Kitsilano Coast Guard Base in Vancouver was re-opened to provide 24/7 search and rescue services. In Summer 2018, the Maritime Rescue Sub-centre in St. John's will be re-opened to provide the same search and rescue capacity."
12/1/2017,77,,Healthy Canadians,Sign new Health Accord with the provinces and territories.,Minister of Health,Completed - fully met,"A new, multi-year agreement to strengthen health care has been reached between the Government of Canada and provinces and territories.","The Government of Canada has reached agreements with all provinces and territories on collective priorities and 10-year funding to strengthen health care. In August 2017, federal, provincial and territorial (F-P-T) governments reached agreement on a Common Statement of Principles on Shared Health Priorities, which outlines key priorities for federal investments to improve access to mental health and addictions services, as well as home and community care and a joint commitment to advance health innovation and prescription drugs. Budget 2017 confirmed a targeted investment of $11.5 billion over 10 years to support these priorities. F-P-T governments also committed to develop and report on a set of common metrics to ensure that these investments bring Canadians improved health outcomes."
12/1/2017,78,,Healthy Canadians,Increase rates of vaccination.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"By 2025, 95 per cent of children under the age of two have received all recommended vaccinations.","The Government is working with the provinces and territories to update vaccination coverage goals and vaccine-preventable disease reduction targets. The goals and targets are now in the process of being endorsed by the provinces and territories. In Budget 2016, and in partnership with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Government established a new research program to identify populations in Canada who are unvaccinated or under-vaccinated, with a special emphasis on the vulnerable populations and Indigenous peoples. This initial work will provide a foundation as the Government continues to monitor progress and consider further action."
12/1/2017,79,,Healthy Canadians,Introduce plain packaging requirements for tobacco products.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,New plain packaging requirements for tobacco products will contribute to continued decrease in use.,"In November 2016, the Government of Canada introduced the proposed Tobacco and Vaping Products Act, which includes measures to support plain packaging. Once passed, the legislation will allow Health Canada to develop regulations that implement a comprehensive approach to plain and standardized packaging."
12/1/2017,80,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Promote the celebration of Canada 150.,Minister of Canadian Heritage;Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Underway - on track,"Canadians come together to celebrate the best of Canada and to experience Canada’s rich cultural, linguistic, and geographical diversity.","Canada 150 celebrations are coming to a close. The Canada 150 Fund has funded hundreds of community projects and several pan-Canadian Signature projects, and has enabled the promotion of active living, sport and athleticism to students and communities across Canada. Canada 150 highlights diversity and inclusion, reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, the environment, and youth. The Government will celebrate the closing of Canada 150 in December 2017 with Skating Day across the country and a suite of community events that will bring Canadians together, emphasize the connection all Canadians share as a northern people and underscore the four major themes of Canada 150."
12/1/2017,81,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Restore and increase funding for CBC/Radio-Canada.,Minister of Canadian Heritage,Completed - fully met,"Increased funding for CBC/Radio-Canada, leading to the creation of new, high-quality content across all platforms.","In Budget 2016, the Government increased CBC/Radio-Canada funding by $675 million over five years. In 2017/18 one third of this funding will support CBC/Radio-Canada’s key programming and initiatives, and approximately half of the funding will go toward the creation of new, high-quality content, including local content, across all platforms, and support CBC/Radio-Canada's digital transformation. The remaining funds will support the continued development of existing services and the next generation of digital talent."
12/1/2017,82,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that the appointment process to the CBC/Radio-Canada Board of Directors is merit-based and independent.,Minister of Canadian Heritage,Completed - fully met,A new independent and merit-based appointment process has been established for selecting the CBC/Radio-Canada Board of Directors.,"The Government has appointed an independent and non-partisan Advisory Committee that will provide the Minister of Canadian Heritage with recommendations of qualified candidates for appointments to CBC/Radio-Canada. Published, merit-based criteria will guide the Advisory Committee as they identify Canadians who would make significant contributions to the work of the Board of Directors of CBC/Radio-Canada."
12/1/2017,83,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Double investment in the Canada Council for the Arts.,Minister of Canadian Heritage,Completed - fully met,The Government invested $550 million in the Canada Council for the Arts to foster the development of the arts in Canada.,"New investments are being made in the form of grants, services and awards to professional Canadian artists and arts organizations, as well as through scholarly awards. The Government of Canada's annual investment in the Council is doubling over the next five years, growing local economies and creating good middle-class jobs."
12/1/2017,84,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Increase funding for Telefilm Canada and the National Film Board.,Minister of Canadian Heritage,Completed - fully met,"Increased funding for Canada's film industry, creating growth and jobs in the creative industries.","The Government invested $22 million in Telefilm Canada to fund and promote programs dedicated to the cultural, commercial and industrial success of Canada’s audiovisual industry and provided the National Film Board of Canada with $13.5 million to create social issue documentaries, animation, and digital content."
12/1/2017,85,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Restore PromArt and Trade Routes international cultural promotion programs.,Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of Canadian Heritage;Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"Greater awareness of Canadian excellence in arts and culture, greater international demand for Canadian creators and more jobs in the creative industries.","Budget 2016 revived and merged two programs—PromArt and Trade Routes—and provided $35 million over two years to help artists and cultural industries kick start or promote their creative offerings abroad. The creation of the Mission Cultural Fund has enabled 84 Canadian missions abroad to support or coordinate 253 events showcasing Canadian artists on the world stage. The Government hired 16 culture and trade officers in Canadian missions located in priority markets—such as Mumbai, Shanghai, Tokyo and Los Angeles—to support Canadian artists and creative industries. The Government also expanded access to cultural trade data with the help of Statistics Canada to provide more accurate and up-to-date information that will help guide and focus Canadian creative exporters abroad. The Government recently announced a further investment of $125 million over five years for the Creative Export Strategy, helping Canada's creative industries seize business opportunities in key international markets. This initiative builds on the new Canadian trade and investment strategy in support of Canadian export businesses, notably the creative industries sector. Restoring the PromArt and Trade Routes cultural promotion programs also serves to revitalise Canada's public diplomacy and to increase Canada's interaction with the world through culture and education."
12/1/2017,86,,Strong Middle Class,"Increase funding to ""Young Canada Works"" to help prepare the next generation working in the heritage sector.",Minister of Canadian Heritage,Completed - fully met,More jobs for young Canadians in the heritage sector.,"The Government has increased jobs for young Canadians in the heritage sector. Investments in the Youth Employment Strategy helped to create over 1,600 new employment opportunities in the heritage sector in 2016-17. In addition, increased funding for the Young Canada Works initiative created 150 new internships for recent graduates in 2016-17. Budget 2017 confirmed an additional investment of $14.05 million over three years in funding in Young Canada Works Heritage programming. These new funds will enable the creation of over 1,500 more summer jobs and graduate internships for Canadian youth in Canadian museums and related heritage organizations."
12/1/2017,87,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Develop a multi-year Official Languages plan to support English and French linguistic minorities.,Minister of Canadian Heritage,Underway - on track,A new Official Languages plan will be implemented to support English and French linguistic minorities across Canada.,"The Minister of Canadian Heritage held extensive, nation-wide consultations in 2016 in support of a new multi-year Official Languages Plan. More than 350 community organizations participated in 22 roundtables across the country and 6,600 Canadians responded to an online questionnaire. A final plan is expected to take effect on April 1, 2018."
12/1/2017,88,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Establish a free, online service for learning and retaining English and French as second languages.",Minister of Canadian Heritage,Underway - with challenges,Free online services that help Canadians learn and retain English and French as second languages.,"Canadian Heritage has conducted consultations with industry to identify possible approaches for providing an e-learning tool for Canadians. Progress has required specific attention to technological challenges and the need for a mobile component. Project design, technological requirements and funding have yet to be determined."
12/1/2017,89,,Fair and Open Government,Restore a modern Court Challenges Program.,Minister of Canadian Heritage;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,Increased protection for human rights and official language rights through a modernized Court Challenges Program.,"The Government has reinstated a modernized Court Challenges Program to provide financial support to Canadians to access the courts for the litigation of test cases of national significance, to help clarify and assert certain constitutional and quasi-constitutional official language rights and human rights in Canada. In February 2017, the Government launched a process to select an independent body to implement and manage the modernized program. Interested parties had until March 6, 2017 to submit an application. On September 1, 2017, the Government announced that the University of Ottawa had been selected to manage the modernized program. It also announced the members of the Selection Committee who will assess potential candidates for the program's Official Languages Expert Panel and its Human Rights Expert Panel."
12/1/2017,90,,Strong Middle Class,Balance the budget in 2019/20.,Minister of Finance,Underway - with challenges,Balance the budget over the long-term and continue to reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio.,"As noted in the 2017 Fall Economic Statement, the fiscal framework does not forecast a balanced budget in 2019/20. Before the Government delivered the 2016 Budget, the baseline fiscal track weakened as a result of low oil prices and slow global economic growth. Important fiscal investments were made to kick-start the economy, support the middle class and address the long-term challenges that were limiting Canada's potential. Canada is now seeing the strongest economic growth in the G7 and increased consumer and business confidence. As a result, the current fiscal track shows steady improvements in the Government's budgetary position along with a continued decline in the federal debt-to-GDP ratio. The Government will maintain this downward deficit and debt ratio track—preserving Canada's low-debt advantage for current and future generations."
12/1/2017,91,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Lead preparations for the 2016 Rio Olympics and Paralympics.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Completed - fully met,Canadian athletes and national sport organizations were well prepared for and supported at a successful showing at the 2016 Rio Olympics and Paralympics.,"Canadian athletes excelled during the 2016 Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games. Nearly 15 per cent more Canadian athletes were able to attend the Games compared to 2012. Canadian athletes placed 10th in total Olympic medals, up from 14th in 2012 and Paralympians also had a very strong showing, bringing home 29 medals."
12/1/2017,92,,Healthy Canadians,Create greater links between our elite athletes and young Canadians to promote health and achievement among youth.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Underway - on track,Increased number of events organized to connect young Canadians and Canada's elite athletes.,"Last year, the Government organized a number of events both online and in person at schools across the country, to connect young Canadians with Canada's elite athletes. Approximately 250 Olympic and Paralympic athletes and coaches from the 2016 Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games participated in these events, reaching tens of thousands of students across Canada. The Government will continue to create these and other opportunities for young Canadians to learn from and be inspired by Canada's elite athletes."
12/1/2017,93,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Raise the quality of the Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) applied to Cabinet proposals.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) is effectively integrated into policy-making across government.,"Since 2016, proposals to Cabinet now require a full GBA+ that also includes analysis of the proposal's impact on diverse groups. Budget submissions also require a full GBA+ and, as in Cabinet documents, their quality is assessed. In addition, the Government released a gender statement in Budget 2017 and is committed to further integrating GBA+ within budget decision-making in subsequent budgets. The Government will continue to improve the quality of the analysis through new training tools and videos."
12/1/2017,94,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that the Government's senior appointments are merit-based and demonstrate gender parity.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,Greater representation of Canada's gender diversity in senior appointments.,"In 2016, the Government put in place a new open, transparent and merit-based approach to selecting candidates for some 1500 federal Governor in Council (GIC) appointments. This will help over time to close gaps in the representation of women in GIC positions. Since late 2015, the representation of women serving as GIC appointees has increased by more than 5 per cent and is now over 40 per cent. The Government has also announced a plan to address the underrepresentation of women as Canada Research Chairs."
12/1/2017,95,,Government Services and Operations,Help injured Veterans by re-establishing lifelong pensions and insuring that they all have access to financial advice and support.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,"Injured veterans have the option of taking a life-long pension, and are provided financial advice and support to assist them in determining the form of compensation that works best for them and their families.",The Government of Canada is currently reviewing existing benefits and programs and working closely with stakeholders on a way forward.
12/1/2017,96,,Government Services and Operations,Expand access to the Permanent Impairment Allowance to better support Veterans.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,More Veterans qualify for higher benefit amounts if they have had their career options limited by service-related illness or injury.,As of April 2017 the Government of Canada has replaced the outdated Permanent Impairment Allowance with the new Career Impact Allowance. This new measure provides broader eligibility to more generous benefit amounts for the most seriously ill and injured Veterans whose careers are impacted by service-related illness or injury. The benefit amount that a Veteran receives will depend on the unique circumstances of each case.
12/1/2017,97,,Government Services and Operations,"Provide injured veterans with 90 per cent of their pre-release salary, and index this benefit to inflation.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"Veterans now receive 90 per cent of their pre-release salary under the Earnings Loss Benefit (ELB), and benefits are indexed to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).","Canada's women and men in uniform put their lives at risk to protect the values that Canadians cherish most. In Budget 2016, the Government of Canada made significant investments to give more money to Veterans with injuries or illnesses incurred during military service. In particular, the ELB was increased in October 2016 from 75 per cent to 90 per cent of a Veteran's monthly military salary. This benefit provides financial support to injured Veterans while they are undergoing rehabilitation as a result of a service-related injury or illness. In addition, the previous cap of two per cent growth was removed, so this benefit will keep pace with CPI over time. As of June 30, 2017, a total of 12,461 Veterans have received an increase or are newly in receipt of benefits since changes to the ELB were made."
12/1/2017,98,,Government Services and Operations,Create a Veterans Education Benefit that supports the education costs of Canadian Forces Veterans after completion of service.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,More Veterans receive education and training upon release and get better jobs in civilian employment.,"The Government of Canada has developed a new Education and Training Benefit which will provide Veterans who have six years of eligible service with up to $40,000 for college, university or technical education. Veterans with 12 years of service will receive up to $80,000. This will help Veterans cover the cost of getting a new degree or certificate, which is often critical in making a successful transition to a good job in civilian life. The new benefit will begin in April 2018 for Veterans honourably released on or after April 1, 2006."
12/1/2017,99,,Government Services and Operations,Improve career and vocational assistance for Veterans.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,Improve career and vocational assistance for Veterans and ensure jobs for Veterans are included in federally-funded infrastructure projects.,"Through Budget 2017, the Government of Canada will provide $180 billion in infrastructure funding over 12 years to deliver clean, sustained economic growth; build stronger, more inclusive communities; and create more and better, middle class jobs. The Government is working with provinces and territories as part of infrastructure negotiations to ensure Community Benefits Agreements integrate jobs for Veterans into infrastructure projects. Enhanced Career Transition services will also ensure that Veterans have the knowledge, skills and abilities required to search for employment in the civilian work force so that they are more likely to gain employment and feel satisfaction in their employment."
12/1/2017,100,,Government Services and Operations,"Deliver a higher standard of service and care, and ensure that a ""one veteran, one standard"" approach is upheld.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,"Veterans and their families have seamless support as they transition out of the military, with simplified application processes, improved client services and reduced wait times to receive benefits.","The Government of Canada has increased staffing and is lowering case-management ratios from 40:1 to 25:1 in order to provide more in-depth, one-on-one service. The Government is actively working with Ministerial Advisory Committees to improve service standards for veterans and their families, and recently completed a service delivery review to assess how to achieve service excellence."
12/1/2017,101,,Government Services and Operations,Re-open the nine Veterans Affairs service offices recently closed.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"To improve services for Veterans, all Veterans Affairs Canada offices closed by the previous government have been re-opened and resources have been added in new areas not previously served.","All nine offices previously closed have been reopened and a new tenth office has been opened to serve the needs of veterans in Surrey, BC, and the Lower Mainland. In addition, the Government of Canada has expanded outreach to the territories and other northern communities to provide an enhanced level of service and outreach to Veterans and their families. As of April 2017, the Government has hired more than 460 new employees, including 180 new case managers, to improve services for veterans."
12/1/2017,102,,Government Services and Operations,"Create two centres of excellence in Veterans' care, including one specialized in mental health and post-traumatic stress disorder.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,Veterans and their caregivers and providers have better access to better knowledge and expertise to address the unique care needs of someone who previously served.,"Budget 2017 invested in the creation of the first centre of excellence that will focus on the creation and dissemination of knowledge on prevention, assessment and treatment of PTSD and related mental health conditions for Veterans and Canadian Armed Forces members. Plans for the second centre of excellence are at an early stage of development and consultation."
12/1/2017,103,,Government Services and Operations,Support families who are providing care and support to Veterans living with physical and/or mental health issues.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,Increased support for families who are providing care and support to Veterans living with physical and/or mental health issues.,"Military members who leave the service for medical reasons, as well as their families, will have access to a full range of support services at all of Canada's 32 Military Family Resource Centres as well as through services delivered over the phone and online. These changes will take effect as of April 2018. Further support will be offered to families by the new Caregiver Recognition Benefit which will provide a more generous non-taxable monthly benefit payable directly to caregivers of Veterans to better recognize and honour the vital role they play."
12/1/2017,104,,Government Services and Operations,End the time limit for surviving spouses applying for vocational rehabilitation and assistance services.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,Surviving spouses are able to receive vocational rehabilitation and assistance services whenever they need them.,The Government of Canada is enhancing support for survivors and common-law/spouses by eliminating the current one-year time limit on applications for Rehabilitation Services and Vocational Assistance. This change will allow survivors to apply for assistance whenever they are prepared to return to work and will come into effect in April 2018.
12/1/2017,105,,Government Services and Operations,Increase the Veteran survivor's pension amount from 50 per cent to 70 per cent.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,"Surviving spouses receive better support, and benefits are delivered in a more client-centred, streamlined fashion.","The Government of Canada is working to increase Veteran survivor pensions from 50 per cent to 70 per cent and to improve the delivery of benefits so surviving spouses are able to navigate a simpler system. This review is ongoing based on significant consultation with Veterans, stakeholders, benefit experts, and Ministerial Advisory Committees. Progress on this commitment has taken longer than anticipated."
12/1/2017,106,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that surviving spouses of Veterans receive appropriate benefits by eliminating the marriage after 60 clawback.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,Surviving spouses receive the same pension amounts as all other survivors regardless of the age at which they were married.,The Government of Canada is working to eliminate the pension clawback for spouses married to Veterans over the age of 60 at the time of marriage that currently exists in the Canadian Armed Forces Superannuation Act. Progress on this commitment has taken longer than anticipated.
12/1/2017,107,,Government Services and Operations,Double funding to the Last Post Fund to ensure that all veterans receive a dignified burial.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"Funding is doubled to the Last Post Fund, and more families qualify for a burial or marking benefit when a Veteran dies.","As of October 2016, the Government of Canada has enhanced the Last Post Fund so that more families can qualify for burial benefits. The Government has nearly tripled the current estate exemption from $12,000 to $35,000 and, going forward, this amount will be indexed annually."
12/1/2017,108,,Safety and Security,Create an Office of Community Outreach and Counter-radicalization Coordinator.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Underway - on track,Reduced radicalization and greater understanding of how to prevent radicalization.,"On June 26, 2017, the Government established the Canada Centre for Community Engagement and Prevention of Violence to help provide leadership on Canada's response to radicalization, coordinate domestic and international initiatives, and support community outreach. The Government is in the process of appointing a Special Advisor and Advisory Board. The Community Resilience Fund was also launched to provide financial assistance to organizations undertaking programming and research to address radicalization to violence in Canada."
12/1/2017,109,,Safety and Security,Protect Canadians and our critical infrastructure from cyber threats.,"Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of National Defence;Minister of Democratic Institutions",Underway - on track,"Increased cyber security for Canada's critical infrastructure, economy, and democratic institutions, resulting in better protection for Canadian businesses and individuals from cyber threats.","The Government has completed a consultation and review of current measures, and published the results in March 2017. The Government will do its part to enable Canadians to fully benefit from the digital world in a way that is safe and secure. The Government is developing a new approach to cyber security that is guided by the principles of resilience, cooperation, capability and innovation. Efforts have extended to the Canadian electoral process. The cyber hacking of elections is a growing issue around the world, and the Government will take proactive measures to identify potential threats and do what it can to protect against them."
12/1/2017,110,,Safety and Security,Strengthen controls on handguns and assault weapons.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,"Reduced gun violence through balanced, effective firearms measures.","The Government is developing effective firearms measures that prioritize public safety while ensuring law-abiding Canadians are not unduly impacted. To support this objective, the Government established a more representative Firearms Advisory Committee that includes representation from law enforcement, civilian firearms users, public health advocates, women’s groups, farmers, conservation organizations, and the legal community. The Government also reversed a ministerial directive that could have allowed gun manufacturers to determine the classification of their own products under certain conditions. On November 17, 2017, the Government announced up to $327.6 million over five years, and $100 million annually thereafter, in new funding for initiatives to reduce gun crime and criminal gang activities. It will also convene a Summit on Criminal Guns and Gangs in March 2018 to collaborate with partners on combating the deadly effects of gangs and illegal guns in communities across Canada. The Government will introduce legislation to advance our commitment to firearms safety in the near future. It will not recreate a federal long-gun registry."
12/1/2017,111,,Safety and Security,Enhance compensation for public safety officers who are permanently disabled or killed in the line of duty.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Underway - on track,"Public safety officers who are permanently disabled or killed in the line of duty, and their families, are appropriately compensated.","In March 2017, the Government announced the creation of a tax-free Community Heroes Benefit that will support the families of firefighters, police officers and paramedics who died in the line of duty. Further details will be announced in the coming months."
12/1/2017,112,,Safety and Security,Restore funding to provinces and territories to support Heavy Urban Search and Rescue teams.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Completed - fully met,"Search and rescue capacity across Canada is strengthened, helping save lives.","Last year, the Government restored funding of $15.5 million previously cut from the Heavy Urban Search and Rescue taskforces in Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, and across Manitoba. The Government is also providing support to build new heavy urban search and rescue capacity in Montreal and Halifax."
12/1/2017,113,,Safety and Security,"Develop a plan to better predict, prepare for, and respond to weather-related emergencies and natural disasters.",Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Underway - on track,"Canadians are quickly and effectively supported when natural disasters occur, and communities are better prepared for weather-related emergencies.","In collaboration with provinces and territories, and Indigenous peoples, the Government is working with stakeholders including municipalities, to develop a comprehensive plan to reduce disaster risk in Canada. The Government has begun a series of consultations on the development of a pan-Canadian Emergency Management Strategy, which includes weather-related events and natural disasters. The Government has responded quickly and effectively to support Canadians and communities affected by fires in northern Alberta, floods in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada, and recent wildfires in British Columbia. This has included partnerships with the Red Cross, payments to assist provincial governments, and the creation of ad hoc Cabinet committees to coordinate a response across government. Additionally, Canada is playing a leading role globally on the issues of disaster risk reduction, having hosted the United Nations Fifth Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in March 2017."
12/1/2017,114,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure strong and effective gender and culturally sensitive training policies for federal front-line law enforcement officers.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,Increased cultural competency and trauma-informed gender-based violence training across the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).,"Starting in 2018-19, all incoming officers recruited by the RCMP will receive mandatory gender and culturally-sensitive training. Training for incumbent officers is also being encouraged. The RCMP continues to develop this training in consultation with Status of Women Canada and other key experts."
12/1/2017,115,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Move forward on a toll-free replacement for the Champlain Bridge.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities,Underway - on track,New toll-free Champlain Bridge opened by December 2018.,"The Champlain Bridge is vital to local residents and commuters and plays an important role in the Canadian economy. The objective remains to open the new, toll-free bridge by December 2018. Construction of the new bridge is underway. Like all infrastructure projects of its size, the new bridge may face labour and logistical challenges that could delay the planned December 2018 completion date. The current bridge is safe and continuously monitored in real time."
12/1/2017,116,,Fair and Open Government,"Work with Parliamentarians to reform Question Period so that all ministers, including the Prime Minister, are held to greater account.",Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,"Increased accountability of all ministers, including the Prime Minister, during Question Period.","Since April 2017, the Prime Minister has adopted the practice of taking all questions during Wednesday sittings, as his schedule permits. In addition, when invited, ministers have participated in Senate Question Period."
12/1/2017,117,,Fair and Open Government,Promote free votes and limit the circumstances in which Liberal Members of Parliament will be required to vote with the Government.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,Members of Parliament are strong voices for their communities and there is greater accountability within Parliament.,"Since Fall 2015, all House of Commons votes have been free votes for Liberal Members of Parliament with the exception of those relating to: platform commitments, matters of confidence, and protections guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms."
12/1/2017,118,,Fair and Open Government,End the improper use of omnibus bills and prorogation.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,Measures are in place to end the improper use of omnibus bills and prorogation.,"In June 2017, the House of Commons adopted a Government motion that changed the Standing Orders to prevent the improper use of omnibus bills and prorogation. The motion gives the Speaker power to split omnibus bills for the purposes of voting except for budget implementation bills that contain only provisions that were announced in a budget presentation or in the budget documents. The motion also forces the Government to justify, in writing, the reasons for a prorogation and the House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs has the power to study the Government's justification."
12/1/2017,119,,Fair and Open Government,"Make government accounting and financial reporting more consistent, transparent and understandable to Canadians.",President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Finance;Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Underway - on track,"Government reporting is easier for Canadians to find, understand and use to hold the Government accountable.","The Government has introduced significant changes to improve accountability and make financial reporting more transparent and easier to understand. These changes include: making the Parliamentary Budget Officer an independent officer of Parliament with new powers and resources to more rigorously examine the country's finances; publishing fiscal decisions between budgets; publishing accrual versus cash reconciliation for the Estimates; and changing the Standing Orders of the House of Commons to allow Main Estimates to be published later in the calendar year, with the goal of having the Main Estimates reflect the federal budget."
12/1/2017,120,,Fair and Open Government,Improve reporting to Parliament.,President of the Treasury Board,Underway - on track,Increased transparency so that parliamentarians and all Canadians can more easily hold the Government to account.,"Part III of the Estimates (i.e., Departmental Plans and Departmental Results Reports) have been simplified and new features and data have been added to the online Infobase. In addition, the Government introduced and adopted changes to the Standing Orders to better ensure consistency across the Budget, Estimates and Public Accounts, and provide greater clarity in voting on appropriations. These changes will help parliamentarians and Canadians better examine government spending and allow for the timely flow of funding outlined in budget plans."
12/1/2017,121,,Fair and Open Government,Ensure that Agents of Parliament are properly funded and accountable only to Parliament.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Underway - on track,Agents of Parliament are independent and are properly funded.,"In June 2017, legislation was passed that established the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) as an independent agent of Parliament, reporting directly to Parliament. This legislation provides the PBO with the ability to request the funds from the Speakers of the House and Senate needed to fulfill their mandate. The Government will continue to work with Agents of Parliament to support their important work."
12/1/2017,122,,Fair and Open Government,Ensure that the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) is properly funded and independent of the Government.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,The Parliamentary Budget Officer is independent and properly funded to conduct analyses on behalf of Parliament.,"In June 2017, legislation was passed that established the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) as an independent agent of Parliament, reporting directly to Parliament. This legislation provides the PBO with the ability to request the funds from the Speakers of the House and Senate needed to fulfill their mandate. This is consistent with the practice for all other independent agents of Parliament. The PBO will also have greater access to relevant information within departments, agencies and Crown Corporations; will be appointed for a term of seven years and can only be removed with cause, subject to the approval of parliamentarians; and will be able to cost election platform proposals at the request of political parties."
12/1/2017,123,,Fair and Open Government,Strengthen Parliamentary committees so that they can better scrutinize legislation.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,Parliamentary committees are freer and better equipped to study legislation.,"The Government of Canada has strengthened parliamentary committees by giving them more funding through the Board of Internal Economy so they can undertake the appropriate research and engage with Canadians. The Government has also ensured that the practice of electing committee chairs by secret ballot has continued. In addition, the House of Commons adopted a motion that enables Parliamentary Secretaries to be non-voting members of committees, ensuring that they can no longer vote on committees that fall within their minister's mandate, helping assure the freedom and independence of House of Commons standing committees."
12/1/2017,124,,Fair and Open Government,Disclose the expenses of all Parliamentarians in detail each quarter.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Underway - on track,"Increased transparency through the quarterly, detailed disclosure of parliamentarians' expenses.",The Government of Canada has introduced legislation to codify in law that the expenses of all parliamentarians continue to be disclosed on a quarterly basis. Details are disclosed on the Parliament of Canada website in an accessible and easy-to-read format.
12/1/2017,125,,Fair and Open Government,Examine ways to make the House of Commons more family-friendly for Members of Parliament.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Underway - on track,"A House of Commons that is truly a modern, professional, family-friendly workplace for Members of Parliament and their staff.","The House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs released a report in June 2016 outlining ways to make the House of Commons more family-friendly for Members of Parliament and their staff. The Government is currently implementing the principal recommendations of this report, which include scheduling votes immediately following Question Period rather than later in the evening, and tabling the House sitting calendar prior to the summer adjournment so that Members and staff are able to better plan their schedules. The Board of Internal Economy has also taken steps to implement more family-friendly administrative practices, such as providing more flexible childcare services and making high chairs available in Parliamentary cafeterias. More needs to be done to ensure Parliament, as a workplace, fully recognizes the challenges and pressures of raising a family. The Government is fully committed to working with all parties to make this happen."
12/1/2017,126,,Exports and Investment,"Invest in an Agri-Food Investment Fund to attract investment and create good, well-paying jobs in food processing.",Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,Underway - on track,The agri-food sector is a leading area for economic growth over the next 10 years.,"The Government is increasing investment in the agri-food sector to increase and diversify exports to create good middle-class jobs. Budget 2017 identified agri-food as one of the six key sectors for future economic growth and set an ambitious objective of increasing annual agri-food exports to $75 billion by 2025. The Government announced a $1.26 billion five-year Strategic Innovation Fund to attract and support new high-quality business investments, including for agri-food value added processors. The Canadian Agricultural Partnership, which is expected to launch in April 2018, includes a commitment to facilitate the maintenance and expansion of both domestic and international agricultural and agri-food markets, as well as to enhance the ability of the agriculture and agri-food sector to diversify market opportunities."
12/1/2017,127,,Healthy Canadians,Develop a food policy that promotes healthy living and safe food.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,Underway - on track,A whole of government food policy that promotes Canadians' health and quality of life.,"In May 2017, the Government launched consultations to support the development of A Food Policy for Canada. This policy is intended to identify a vision and plan to address challenges such as increasing access to safe and nutritious food; improving health and food safety; conserving our soil, water and air; and growing more high-quality food. A national Food Summit was held in June 2017 and six regional roundtables were held in August and September 2017. An online survey was conducted, receiving 44,000 responses, and other grassroots engagement with Canadians was led by Members of Parliament, stakeholder groups and members of the public. These are just some of the many engagement activities conducted to inform the development of a food policy. The Government expects to launch A Food Policy for Canada in 2018."
12/1/2017,128,,Jobs and Innovation,Invest in agricultural research to support discovery science and innovation.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,Underway - on track,"Advance research in agricultural genomics, digitize nearly six million DNA specimens by 2022 and invest in discovery research in priority areas.","Over the next six years, the Government will accelerate DNA analysis, sequencing and digital recording of our taxonomic collections, completing the digitization of nearly six million specimens. In addition, Budget 2017 announced $70 million to further support agricultural discovery science and innovation, with a focus on addressing emerging priorities such as climate change and soil and water conservation."
12/1/2017,129,,Exports and Investment,Promote Canadian agricultural interests during trade negotiations.,Minister of International Trade;Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,On-going commitment,"Achieve the target of $75 billion annually in agri-food exports, and create more middle class jobs and higher incomes for the many rural and urban Canadians employed in the agri-food sector.","The Government has made agriculture and agri-food trade a priority in the trade expansion strategy. The Prime Minister and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Agriculture and Agri-Food have completed trade missions to Mexico, China, Japan, India, the European Union and the United States promoting agri-food. The Government has completed the Canadian-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement that expands market access for Canadian agri-food products. Canada has also signed a memorandum of understanding with China on canola and will continue to work to resolve regulatory and tariff issues with India to ensure long-term access to the Indian market for Canadian pulse exports (e.g., peas, chickpeas, beans and lentils). The Government will continue to strongly defend the interests of its agricultural industries, including supply management, with all trading partners, as the Government engages with the United States and Mexico in the modernization of North American Free Trade Agreement."
12/1/2017,130,,Government Services and Operations,Assess whether current farm income safety nets meet the needs of Canadian farmers.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,Underway - on track,"Implement a new agricultural policy framework, with updated business risk management programs, to support an agricultural and agri-food sector that is strong, innovative and resilient.","The Government of Canada is committed to an improved federal-provincial-territorial agricultural policy framework, the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. Consultations with stakeholders have been completed, including focused engagement sessions with Indigenous peoples, women and youth. A meeting of provincial and territorial Ministers of Agriculture took place in July 2017, where they reached agreement on key elements of the next policy framework and committed to review business risk management programs. The Government is currently engaged in bilateral negotiations with provinces and territories on the Partnership programs. The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is expected to launch in April 2018. On November 24, 2017, the Government announced the initiatives and priorities of the $1 billion federal investment under the $3 billion Canadian Agricultural Partnership, including the six federal programs: AgriMarketing, AgriCompetitiveness, AgriScience, AgriInnovate, AgriDiversity and AgriAssurance."
12/1/2017,131,,Environment and Climate Change,Help the agriculture sector adjust to climate change and better address water and soil conservation issues.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,Underway - on track,An agricultural food sector that succeeds in the face of a changing climate.,"The Government of Canada is implementing the Canadian Agricultural Partnership to support an agriculture and agri-food sector that is strong, innovative and resilient. The Government is negotiating bilateral agreements with provinces and territories on the Partnership, including on environment and climate change programming. The Government is also working on soil, water and climate change issues through: the Agriculture Clean Technology Program; A Food Policy for Canada; Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Program; the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change; the proposed Lake Erie Domestic Action Plan; and the re-accession of Canada to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Budget 2017 announced $70 million to support agricultural discovery science and innovation with a focus on addressing emerging priorities, including climate change and soil and water conservation."
12/1/2017,132,,Safety and Security,Ensure that the Canadian Armed Forces have the equipment they need.,Minister of National Defence;Minister of Public Services and Procurement,On-going commitment,"The Canadian Armed Forces receive the ships, fighter jets and other equipment that it needs over the next 20 years as planned for and funded in the new defence policy.","Canada's new defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—invests in the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces and delivers the standard of service and care that current and former members deserve. The Government is investing to expand the Regular and Reserve Forces, build 15 new surface combatant ships, expand the fighter jet fleet to 88 advanced planes, and develop new space capabilities and global communications in the Arctic, among other key projects."
12/1/2017,133,,Safety and Security,"Maintain current National Defence spending levels, including current planned increases.",Minister of National Defence,Underway - on track,The Government will exceed previous funding levels.,"Under Canada's new defence policy, annual spending will grow, on a cash-basis, from $18.9 billion in 2017-18 to $32.7 billion in 2026-27. Spending is allocated to ensure that it is delivered when the military needs it, meaning that funds for critical equipment can be spent and do not lapse."
12/1/2017,134,,Safety and Security,Maintain Canada's strong commitment to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).,Minister of National Defence,On-going commitment,North America is safe and secure and Canada remains a strong and responsible partner in NORAD.,"Canada is meeting its commitment to NORAD on an ongoing basis, focusing on four key areas: personnel, capabilities, infrastructure, and participation in key decision-making fora on the future of NORAD. The Government is also expanding the Royal Canadian Air Force fighter jet fleet in order to properly fulfill our NORAD and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) commitments."
12/1/2017,135,,Safety and Security,Conduct an open and transparent defence strategy review.,Minister of National Defence,Completed - fully met,Canada now has a new defence policy that was built on extensive input from Canadians and delivers the standard of service and care that current and former Canadian Armed Forces members deserve.,"On June 7, 2017, the Minister of National Defence launched Canada's new defence policy: Strong, Secure, Engaged. This followed extensive external consultations, including engagement with the Canadian public, Parliamentarians, defence experts, and allies and partners. The new policy will allocate realistic funding to projects that will keep our military running efficiently and effectively for years to come, and ensure Canada remains a trusted and capable ally. Through this plan, the Government will build an even stronger military and, most importantly, deliver the standard of service and care our women and men in uniform deserve."
12/1/2017,136,,Safety and Security,"Renew the focus on surveillance and control of Canadian territory, and approaches, particularly for our Arctic regions.",Minister of National Defence,Underway - on track,"The Canadian Armed Forces has developed the necessary capabilities to expand its presence in Canada's air, maritime, land, space, and cyber domains to protect our sovereignty and keep Canadians safe.","As outlined in Strong, Secure, Engaged; Canada's new defence policy, the Government will invest in new space capabilities and prioritize Arctic Joint Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance in defence research and innovation. The Canadian Armed Forces has expanded Operation LIMPID (which provides domestic surveillance and presence in Canada's air, maritime, land, space, and cyber domains) to include additional domains and all Joint Task Forces. The Department of Defence is investing in surveillance solutions that will support Canada's ability to exercise sovereignty in the North (RADARSAT Constellation Mission and Polar Epsilon 2, Enhanced Satellite Communications and Tactical Narrow Band Satellite Communications) and is conducting a binational study of alternatives for the North Warning System. The Arctic Offshore Patrol vessels will be at initial operating capacity in 2019."
12/1/2017,137,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that the Canadian Armed Forces are a workplace free from harassment and discrimination.,Minister of National Defence,Underway - on track,"The Chief of Defence Staff and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) senior leaders continue to lead the full implementation of recommendations made by the Deschamps report and in Operation HONOUR, the Canadian Armed Forces mission to eliminate harmful and inappropriate sexual behaviour in the military. CAF members have access to a full range of victim and survivor services, and harassment complaints are dealt with in a timely manner.","The new defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—has reaffirmed that the Government of Canada will not tolerate gender-based violence or workplace harassment. The CAF will continue to work on gender, diversity and inclusion initiatives to eliminate harmful behaviours and ensure a work environment free from harassment and discrimination. In January 2018, the Canadian Armed Forces will launch the Positive Space initiative to promote a safe and inclusive work environment for all employees regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. More broadly, with the November 2017 signing of an Agreement in Principle (AIP) by the Government of Canada and parties to the Todd Edwards Ross et al v. Her Majesty the Queen class action, a total of $110 million will be available to compensate class members — federal public servants, including members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who were directly impacted by anti-LGBTQ2 (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and two-spirit) policies and practices. The AIP also earmarks $15 million for remembrance to prevent future discrimination and for reconciliation with LGBTQ2 communities."
12/1/2017,139,,Strong Middle Class,Repeal the recent changes made to the Employment Insurance (EI) system that have been punitive to unemployed workers.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Repealed the 2012 changes to Employment Insurance (EI) so that unemployed Canadians have better benefits and more opportunities for good quality jobs.,"In 2016, the Government of Canada reversed EI restrictions related to commute times and work type. Now, workers are no longer forced to accept lower-paying work that is far away from their homes. This change simplifies job search responsibilities, while maintaining the long-standing requirement to search for and accept available work."
12/1/2017,140,,Strong Middle Class,Reduce Employment Insurance (EI) premiums.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,"Employment Insurance (EI) premium rates have been reduced and a new, transparent EI premium rate setting process has been established so that revenues and costs remain in line over the long-term.","The EI premium rate was lowered from $1.88 in 2016 to $1.63 in 2017. The premium rate has been announced and set at $1.66 for 2018, which reflects important new supports for Canadian families and changing economic conditions. For the first time, beginning with the 2017 premium rate, the EI Commission has assumed responsibility for setting the annual EI premium rate."
12/1/2017,141,,Strong Middle Class,Improve the Employment Insurance (EI) system that currently leaves too many unemployed workers with no safety net.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Employment Insurance (EI) remains responsive over the long-term to the needs of workers and employers and reflects the diversity of needs across the country.,"In 2016, the Government reduced the waiting period for EI and made benefits more flexible, easier to access and more generous for workers who need it. For example, the New Entrants and Re-Entrants provision has been eliminated—which set higher eligibility requirements for youth, newcomers and other workers new to the labour market—enabling over 50,000 more Canadians annually to qualify in the event of job loss. In addition, extra weeks of benefits were provided to regions most affected by the commodities downturn and job search responsibilities were simplified. Over the last year, the Government has heard from Parliamentarians, stakeholders and experts as to how to further modernize EI. The Government will continue to look for ways to better serve Canadians as they deal with important life events."
12/1/2017,142,,Strong Middle Class,"Eliminate Employment Insurance (EI) discrimination against immigrants, younger workers and parents re-entering the workforce.","Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Canadian workers in the same economic region are now treated equally in the Employment Insurance (EI) system.,"In July 2016, the Government of Canada eliminated rules that limited access to EI for those new to the labour market or re-entering the labour market. Under the previous rules, workers who were entering the workforce or re-entering after being away for two years were required to have 910 hours of insurable employment, regardless of their actual work history prior to unemployment. Now, these workers are treated the same as other Canadians. This will help approximately 50,000 Canadians every year qualify for EI in the event of job loss, particularly immigrants, young workers and parents returning to the workforce."
12/1/2017,143,,Strong Middle Class,Reduce the wait time for new Employment Insurance (EI) recipients from two weeks to one week.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Canadians are able to access Employment Insurance (EI) benefits more quickly.,"On January 1, 2017, the EI waiting period was reduced from two weeks to one week. With this measure, claimants are now eligible to receive benefits starting one week earlier. This helps approximately 1.8 million EI claimants each year pay their bills during a time of unemployment and provides higher benefits at the beginning of the claim period."
12/1/2017,144,,Strong Middle Class,Improve Canadians' access to good quality job training.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,"Canada will have one of the most skilled, talented, creative and diverse workforces in the world, with more opportunities for all Canadians to get the education, skills, and work experience they need to participate fully in the workforce of today, as they—and their children—prepare for the jobs of tomorrow.","In Budget 2017, the Government of Canada announced several measures to help more Canadians get the education, skills and work experience they need to succeed today and prepare for the jobs of tomorrow. Some of the measures in the Government's Innovation and Skills Plan include: the creation of thousands of new job placements for students; increased eligibility for Canada Student Grants and Loans for part-time students as well as Canada Student Grants for students with dependants; introducing a pilot project to reduce the financial pressures of working adults who are considering going back to school; and greater flexibility for Canadians on Employment Insurance (EI) to get new certificates or training without fear of losing their benefits. The Government is also expanding workers' access to skills training and job supports, improving access to opportunities for lifelong learning, and increasing work experience opportunities for young Canadians. The Government is significantly expanding the federal investment provided to provinces and territories through labour market transfer agreements, and negotiating a new set of modern agreements that will apply over the next six years. Negotiations with the provinces and territories (PTs) are currently underway and are expected to conclude later this year."
12/1/2017,145,,Strong Middle Class,Rationalize and expand the intergovernmental agreements that support skills training.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Agreements with provinces and territories that expand and support skills training for Canadians.,"To help more Canadians get the skills they need, the Government of Canada provided funding to temporarily boost existing Labour Market Transfer Agreements in 2016. In 2017, the Government increased federal support for provinces and territories and amended the Employment Insurance Act to broaden eligibility for job training under the Labour Market Development Agreements. Work continues with provinces and territories to develop more effective training programs and share best practices. In addition, a new skills innovation organization is being established that will support provinces and territories, the private sector, educational institutions and not-for-profit organizations to address skills gaps and promote lifelong learning."
12/1/2017,146,,Strong Middle Class,Develop a framework to fund training facilities delivered in partnership with labour unions.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Establish a program to support union-based training centres that provide Canadians with the skills that are needed by employers.,"The Government of Canada has consulted with labour, industry and other stakeholders. The new Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) was launched in July 2017 with a call for proposals. Further details on projects are expected to be made available in the coming months. The program aims to strengthen training in the trades to better support a skilled, inclusive and productive trades workforce, including Indigenous peoples, women, people with disabilities and recent immigrants."
12/1/2017,148,,Strong Middle Class,"Change the Repayment Assistance Plan so that graduates are required to repay only once they earn at least $25,000 per year.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,"Recent graduates earning less than $25,000 are able to delay repayment of their Canada Student Loans until they are more financially secure.","Effective November 2016, thresholds for the Repayment Assistance Plan have been increased so that no borrower will have to repay their Canada Student Loan until they are earning at least $25,000 per year. An estimated 23,000 additional Canadians will be able to delay payment and many more will have lower payments until they can afford to pay back their debts."
12/1/2017,149,,Strong Middle Class,Increase take up rates of Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) and Canada Learning Bonds by making registration easier.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Increased number of low and middle income families using Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) and receiving Canada Learning Bonds so that more Canadians get access to post-secondary education.,"In 2016, 126,979 new beneficiaries received the Canada Learning Bond (CLB) for the first time, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to over 1 million. In addition, 293,000 new beneficiaries received the Canada Education Savings Grants for the first time, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to over 3.59 million. The Government of Canada is undertaking a pilot project this year to help more children from low income families benefit from the Canada Learning Bond. Under this pilot project, the Government is working with communities and businesses to develop new approaches to increase awareness and use of the Canada Learning Bond and related RESP incentives. The Canada Education Savings Act will also be amended to make it easier for families to apply for the Bond. The results of this initiative will help inform additional efforts that the Government will undertake to increase take-up of the CLB and RESP by low and middle income families."
12/1/2017,150,,Strong Middle Class,"Collaborate with provinces and territories on the Canada Student Loans Program, and compensate provinces and territories that do not participate in it.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,"Changes to the Canada Student Loans Program increase participation of low and middle income students, with accommodations for any province or territory that does not wish to participate.",Canada Student Loans Program (CSLP) funding is delivered in partnership with participating provinces and territories with costs being covered by the federal government. CSLP is working closely with provinces and territories to implement changes to the program announced in Budgets 2016 and 2017. The Government of Canada is committed to respecting existing arrangements for compensation with the provinces or territories that do not participate.
12/1/2017,151,,Strong Middle Class,Increase annual support to the Post-Secondary Student Support Program.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Indigenous Services",Underway - on track,"Indigenous students have greater access to financial support, boosting their post-secondary education participation and completion rates.","The Government of Canada has enhanced support for the Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP) for the next two years, which will help meet the financial needs of an additional 4,600 Indigenous students attending post-secondary education. This funding is an interim step while the Government undertakes a comprehensive review looking at all federal programs which support Indigenous students, and how to better support post-secondary education attendance and completion. This review is currently underway and is expected to finish next year. This will inform the long-term approach to supporting Indigenous students choosing to pursue post-secondary education. Also, starting in the 2017-2018 academic year, Indigenous students are more likely to be eligible for support under the Canada Student Loans Program since funds they receive through PSSSP will no longer be considered assets during their needs assessment."
12/1/2017,152,,Strong Middle Class,"Increase the number of good quality, permanent jobs for younger workers.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",On-going commitment,"Reduced youth unemployment, greater opportunities for work experience, and improved access to job supports for youth.","The Expert Panel on Youth Employment delivered a report in June 2017 outlining ways the Government of Canada can improve labour market outcomes for youth. These recommendations are currently being reviewed to determine possible areas for future action. In Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government significantly increased the number of summer jobs funded under the Youth Employment Strategy (YES) and has nearly doubled investments in YES overall. As a result, the number of jobs supported under Canada Summer Jobs increased from approximately 34,500 in 2015 to more than 65,500 in 2016. As part of larger investments being made in YES, the Government will help more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop skills to find work or go back to school, create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians, and over 1,600 new youth job opportunities in the heritage sector. The Government is also creating more opportunities for co-op and work integrated learning for students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, (STEM) and business programs through a new Student Work Placement initiative. This program will create up to 10,000 placements over four years. Changes have also been made to Employment Insurance (EI) to remove the discriminatory New Entrants and Re-Entrants requirement, ensuring that young workers are treated fairly when they need to access job support through EI."
12/1/2017,153,,Strong Middle Class,Increase our investment in the Youth Employment Strategy and improve the strategy's impact.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Increased investment in the Youth Employment Strategy helps more youth succeed in the labour market.,"Over a three year period, beginning in the summer of 2016, as part of the Youth Employment Strategy, the Government is nearly doubling the number of summer jobs supported under Canada Summer Jobs—an increase from approximately 34,500 in 2015 to more than 65,500 in 2016. The Government is investing an additional $395.5 million over three years, starting in 2017–18, for the Youth Employment Strategy. Combined with Budget 2016 measures, these investments will help more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop the skills they need to find work or go back to school; create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians; and provide over 1,600 new employment opportunities for youth in the heritage sector. Based on these incremental investments, as well as the investments made in the Canada Summer Jobs program, the total envelope for the YES program is $572.5M for 2017-18. This represents an increase of 67 per cent when compared to 2015-16."
12/1/2017,154,,Strong Middle Class,Develop or expand Pre-Apprenticeship Training Programs.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - with challenges,Increased pre-apprenticeship training and improved literacy and essential skills among incoming apprentices.,"Consultations with provincial and territorial officials and stakeholders, including post-secondary institutions, were completed in Fall 2016. Additional targeted consultations are taking place during Fall 2017 to discuss how best to meet this commitment. Given that this is an area delivered primarily by the provinces and territories, it is important that any federal initiative builds on best practices and is well aligned and coordinated with other government activity across the country. Progress has taken longer than expected but the Government believes the commitment can still be delivered before the end of the mandate."
12/1/2017,155,,Strong Middle Class,Respond to the recommendations of the Expert Panel on Youth Employment.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,The recommendations of the Expert Panel on Youth Employment will help inform future decisions on how best to help young Canadians succeed in the labour market.,"The Government created an Expert Panel on Youth Employment to examine the key barriers faced by youth in obtaining employment, and the main challenges faced by employers in hiring youth. The Panel delivered its final report in June 2017, which included recommendations on how to best help young Canadians succeed in the labour market. The Panel's report will inform ongoing work on the renewal of the Youth Employment Strategy. Through Budget 2017, the Government is investing an additional $395.5 million over three years, starting in 2017–18, for the Youth Employment Strategy. Combined with Budget 2016 measures, these investments will help more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop the skills they need to find work or go back to school; create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians; and provide over 1,600 new employment opportunities for youth in the heritage sector."
12/1/2017,156,,Strong Middle Class,Implement a modern Fair Wages Policy.,"Minister of Public Services and Procurement;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,"A new policy setting out fair wage practices for businesses receiving federal government contracts, creating good-paying middle class jobs.","Policy research and analysis on fair wages policies has been completed and options are currently being considered for a modernized fair wages policy, which is expected to be in place within the current mandate."
12/1/2017,157,,Strong Middle Class,Amend the Canada Labour Code to allow workers to formally request flexible work arrangements.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Federally regulated workers are now able to request flexible work arrangements.,"Budget 2017 aims to give federally regulated workers the right to request flexible work arrangements from their employer, such as flexible start and finish times and the ability to work from home and have unpaid leave to seek care if they are victims of family violence. Changes will also provide federally regulated workers with new unpaid leave for family responsibilities, to participate in traditional Indigenous practices, and to seek care if they are victims of family violence. Changes will also make bereavement leave more flexible. Legislation to implement these changes was tabled in Parliament on October 27, 2017."
12/1/2017,158,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Determine an appropriate apprenticeship target for federal infrastructure projects.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - with challenges,An appropriate apprenticeship target for federal infrastructure projects that leads to greater apprenticeship opportunities for Canadians.,"Progress continues to be made on this priority, but has taken longer than anticipated. The Government remains committed to leveraging federal projects as opportunities for training and skill development and is engaging a range of stakeholders, including provinces, territories, employers and unions on how best to support apprentices through these public investments. This commitment has taken longer to implement than anticipated."
12/1/2017,159,,Jobs and Innovation,"Create more co-op placements for students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and business programs.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Science",Underway - on track,"More co-op and work-integrated learning placements for students enrolled in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and business programs, to help students gain the necessary experience for the jobs of today and tomorrow.","The Government is creating more opportunities for co-op and work integrated learning for students in STEM and business programs through a new Student Work Placement initiative. The Government also announced expanded federal support for Mitacs, a not-for-profit organization that builds partnerships between industry and educational institutions. Together, these initiatives will create 60,000 placements over five years. In addition, the Government is investing in the PromoScience program, which will support STEM learning activities for youth."
12/1/2017,160,,Exports and Investment,Maintain constructive relations and deepen trade and commerce with the United States.,Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of International Trade,On-going commitment,"Strong economic growth and well-paying, middle-class jobs on both sides of the border.","The Government, in coordination with provinces and territories, continues to work with the United States (U.S.) administration, the U.S. Congress and officials at the state and local levels to grow Canada's economy, create well-paying middle class jobs, and address global challenges. Since the current Government was formed, the Prime Minister, Cabinet ministers, parliamentary secretaries, premiers and provincial and territorial ministers, Parliamentary committees and other Parliamentarians have cumulatively undertaken over 200 visits to the U.S. and engagements in Canada and abroad with senior U.S. officials. In February 2017, Canada and the U.S. announced the creation of the Canada-United States Council for Advancement of Women Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders to promote the growth of women-owned enterprises and to further contribute to our overall economic growth and competitiveness. Canada also continues to engage with its American partners to ensure trade in steel remains open and balanced, and to negotiate a durable softwood lumber agreement that will benefit our forestry industry and workers. The Government is engaged in the modernization of North American Free Trade Agreement to reflect new realities and to integrate progressive and fair approaches to trade and investment. The Government also regularly engages with the U.S. on areas for collaboration to respond to increasingly complex global security issues."
12/1/2017,161,,Exports and Investment,"Ensure border security and facilitate the movement of people, goods and services.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,"The Canada-United States border is secure and facilitates the safe and efficient movement of people, goods and services.","In February 2017, the Prime Minister visited Washington, D.C., where both countries confirmed their commitment to working together on border security. This joint effort includes preclearance and integrated cross-border law enforcement operations, full implementation of the Entry/Exit initiative, increased regulatory cooperation, and the expeditious construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge. In addition, both countries are committed to establishing preclearance operations for cargo, accelerating the completion of preclearance for additional cities, and continuing to expand this program. In December 2016, the United States preclearance legislation became law, a step forward for the new agreement with Canada. In June 2016, legislation was introduced in Parliament for Entry/Exit, as well as for the new Land, Rail, Marine and Air Preclearance Agreement (LRMA). These are both crucial to ensure security and facilitate movement at the border. In June 2017, LRMA implementing legislation was approved by the House of Commons and is at First Reading in the Senate. As of October 2017, Entry/Exit implementing legislation has passed Second Reading in the House of Commons and has been referred to Committee."
12/1/2017,162,,Canada in the World,Prepare for the North American Leaders Summit in Canada.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Completed - fully met,"Canada hosted the North American Leaders’ Summit on June 29, 2016.","The leaders from the three countries discussed key priorities of creating jobs, strengthening communities and building a clean growth economy for North America. The leaders also took important steps to create a more integrated, sustainable and globally competitive North American economy."
12/1/2017,163,,Canada in the World,"Ensure a close link between foreign, defence, development and trade policy.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canadian interests and values are effectively pursued through an integrated and comprehensive international approach.,"The Ministers of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, International Development, and National Defence have been working closely together on the Defence Policy, the Feminist International Assistance Policy, the Sustainable Development Goals, Canada's multinational North Atlantic Treaty Organization battlegroup in Latvia. The Government has put in place a whole-of-government approach to address the crisis in Iraq and Syria. In addition, the government has established the Peace and Stabilization Operations Program to provide a whole-of-government platform for preventing, mitigating and resolving violent conflict, crises and natural disasters abroad."
12/1/2017,164,,Canada in the World,Expand Canadian diplomacy and leadership on global issues and in international institutions.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canadian diplomatic activities advance Canadian interests and values abroad.,"Canada is active in multilateral forums and international institutions to pursue Canadian interests and values. Canadian-led initiatives—such as supporting humanitarian access and monitoring in Syria, addressing the violation of human rights in Iran, combatting violence against women, and promoting diversity and inclusion—secured widespread support in UN forums. The Government played a major role in the NATO Warsaw Summit by becoming the Framework Nation for the enhanced Forward Presence in Latvia. In addition, Canada is increasingly working with new partners including civil society and business to increase the effectiveness of our global initiatives. Canadian diplomatic network abroad continues to amplify Canada's role on the world stage and bolster Canadian reputation through proactive communication, stakeholder outreach and social media."
12/1/2017,166,,Environment and Climate Change,Make Canada a leader of international efforts to combat climate change.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,On-going commitment,Canada meaningfully advances international solutions to climate change.,"Canada is leading efforts under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to establish a platform for the engagement of Indigenous peoples and to advance gender-responsive policy development and women's participation. Canada is also delivering on its five-year, $2.65 billion commitment to help developing countries achieve sustained emissions reductions and build resilience against the adverse effects of climate change. In addition to advocating for and adopting the Paris Climate Agreement, Canada is engaged in key initiatives aimed at enhancing global ambition on climate change and clean growth, such as Mission Innovation, the World Bank’s Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition, the Global Methane Initiative and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition. Through the Arctic Council, Canada continues to highlight the serious impacts of climate change on the North. Canada and the United States also issued a joint statement in February 2017 confirming both countries' commitment to collaborate on energy innovation. In order to meet these commitments and drive action here at home, we are implementing the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change that was developed with the provinces and territories. This plan includes pricing carbon pollution and measures to reduce emissions across all sectors, as well as investments to drive innovation and ensure Canadian businesses are competitive in the global low-carbon economy."
12/1/2017,167,,Canada in the World,Accede to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canada implements the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).,"Legislation to accede to the ATT and further strengthen Canada’s export control regime, including by providing greater transparency and accountability in public reporting, is being considered in Parliament."
12/1/2017,168,,Strong Middle Class,Increase the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) by 10 per cent.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,"Nearly 900,000 low income, single seniors have greater financial security.","Starting in July 2016, the Government of Canada increased the Guaranteed Income Supplement by up to $947 per year for the most vulnerable single seniors. Over the past year, this has improved financial security for nearly 900,000 seniors—approximately 70 per cent of whom are women—and lifted an estimated 13,000 people out of poverty."
12/1/2017,169,,Strong Middle Class,Develop and implement a Poverty Reduction Strategy.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Fewer Canadians living in poverty.,"The Government of Canada continues to develop a Poverty Reduction Strategy. Meanwhile, several measures to reduce poverty across Canada have already been implemented. The new, tax-free, income-tested Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is lifting an estimated 300,000 children out of poverty, while an increase to the Guaranteed Income Supplement has improved financial security for nearly 900,000 seniors and lifted an estimated 13,000 individuals out of poverty, 70 per cent of whom were women. Through the Government's significant investments in affordable housing and the Homelessness Partnering Strategy, it is anticipated that the number of chronically homeless Canadians can be reduced by as much as 50 per cent. The October 2017 Fall Economic Statement announced the Government's intention to increase the Working Income Tax Benefit (WITB) to improve the financial security of low income working Canadians, as well as strengthening the CCB. The Government has conducted a nation-wide consultation process with businesses, community organizations, experts and those with lived experience of poverty. An advisory committee on poverty has been created to help identify the best ideas from the consultations and provide independent advice to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. A major milestone in the consultation process was the two day National Poverty Conference in September 2017 that brought back together many of the Canadians who participated in the consultation process to confirm what was heard. The Tackling Poverty Together Project examined poverty with case studies in six cities across Canada and a final report has been published."
12/1/2017,170,,Strong Middle Class,Create a housing strategy.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Infrastructure and Communities",Underway - on track,Hundreds of thousands more Canadians have access to affordable housing.,"On November 24th, 2017 the Government released the National Housing Strategy. This Strategy is part of a long-term vision to strengthen the middle class and provide affordable housing to Canadians, and lift more Canadians out of poverty. The strategy sets clear goals to remove 530,000 Canadians from housing need and reduce chronic homelessness. The Strategy – funded through new and existing programs – follows a human rights-based approach, and includes a National Housing Co-Investment Fund, community housing initiatives, and the Canada Housing Benefit."
12/1/2017,171,,Strong Middle Class,Implement the middle class tax cut.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,The Government reduced the 22 percent federal personal income tax rate to 20.5 per cent to benefit millions of middle class Canadians.,"The middle class tax cut was announced on December 7, 2015, and came into effect as of January 1, 2016. Nearly nine million Canadians benefit from this tax cut. Single Canadians who benefit are saving an average of $330 each year and couples who benefit are saving an average of $540 each year."
12/1/2017,172,,Strong Middle Class,Cut taxes for small businesses.,Minister of Small Business and Tourism,Underway - on track,Lower tax rates for small businesses.,"The Government is working to build a fairer and more efficient tax system that benefits all Canadians. As one of its first actions, the Government raised taxes on the wealthiest one per cent in order to cut taxes for the middle class. As announced in October 2017, the Government intends to reduce taxes for small businesses so they can invest in new equipment, grow and create jobs. The Government intends to lower the small business tax rate to 10 per cent, effective January 1, 2018, and to nine per cent, effective January 1, 2019. This will help small businesses keep up to $7,500 of their hard earned money which they can use to grow and reinvest."
12/1/2017,173,,Strong Middle Class,"Cancel income splitting, while retaining income splitting of pensions for seniors.",Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"Cancelled income splitting for couples with children under 18, allowing for an increase in child benefits.","As the Canada Child Benefit was introduced, Budget 2016 eliminated income splitting for couples with children under 18. Pension income splitting was not affected by this change."
12/1/2017,174,,Strong Middle Class,Enhance the Canada Pension Plan to provide more income security to retired Canadians.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"When fully mature, maximum Canada Pension Plan (CPP) benefits will increase by as much as 50 per cent, helping more Canadians achieve their goal of a strong, stable and secure retirement.","Canada’s Ministers of Finance reached a historic agreement on June 20, 2016, to enhance the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). In March 2017, all necessary legislative requirements were met by Canada's nine CPP participating provinces to implement the agreed-upon enhancements. These changes will help provide a secure and stable retirement for more Canadians."
12/1/2017,175,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Create the Canada Infrastructure Bank.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Finance,Underway - on track,"Creation of an Infrastructure Bank, producing more large, transformative infrastructure projects that create good, well-paying middle-class jobs and support economic growth and prosperity for years to come.","In June 2017, the Government passed legislation to create the Canada Infrastructure Bank, a Crown corporation at arm’s-length from government that leverages the expertise and capital of the private sector. The Bank will support the transformational infrastructure that Canadian communities need now. It will make strategic investments with a focus on projects like green infrastructure, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and public transit, so Canadians can spend less time in traffic and more time with family and friends. The new Chair of the Canada Infrastructure Bank was named in July 2017 and the Board of Directors in November. The CEO process is underway. It is expected that the Bank will be starting operations in late 2017."
12/1/2017,177,,Environment and Climate Change,Develop proposals to limit Exploration Expenses tax deduction to unsuccessful projects.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,Successful exploration expenses incurred to develop discovery wells no longer benefit from favorable tax treatment.,"Budget 2017 announced changes that will ensure the costs of drilling discovery wells are deducted gradually over time as development expenses, rather than deducted immediately as exploration expenses. With these changes, Canadian exploration expense treatment will effectively be limited to unsuccessful exploration or cases where the linkage to success cannot reasonably be determined in the year the activity takes place."
12/1/2017,178,,Strong Middle Class,Restore the tax credit for labour-sponsored funds.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"Canadian companies have greater access to venture capital, with the support of labour unions.","To help Canadian companies grow, the Government of Canada restored the Labour-Sponsored Venture Capital Corporations (LSVCC) Tax Credit to 15 per cent for share purchases of provincially-registered LSVCCs for 2016 and subsequent tax years."
12/1/2017,179,,Strong Middle Class,Introduce a tax benefit to help teachers and early childhood educators with the cost of school supplies.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,Teachers and Early Childhood Educators are able to buy necessary supplies to help kids learn.,"The Government of Canada introduced a new, refundable Teacher and Early Childhood Educator School Supply Tax Credit for the 2016 and subsequent tax years, which will provide a benefit to teachers and early education educators to help cover the cost of school supplies."
12/1/2017,180,,Strong Middle Class,Enhance the Northern Residents Deduction to help with the high cost of living.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"Increased the Northern Residents Deduction to help approximately 225,000 Canadians with the high cost of living in northern and isolated communities.","Effective January 1, 2016, the Government of Canada increased the maximum daily residency deduction from $16.50 to $22 for residents in the Northern Zone and from $8.25 to $11 per day for residents in the Intermediate Zone. This measure is anticipated to put about $260 million back in the pockets of Canadians in northern and isolated communities over the 2015-16 to 2020-21 period and help these Canadians get the support they need."
12/1/2017,181,,Strong Middle Class,Repeal the Federal Balanced Budget Act.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,The Act has been repealed.,"Parliament repealed this Act, effective June 22, 2016."
12/1/2017,182,,Exports and Investment,Ratify and implement the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is fully implemented, creating jobs for Canadians across the country, giving consumers more choice, and increasing Canadian businesses' access to new customers.","The European Parliament approved CETA in February 2017. The implementing legislation of this progressive trade deal received Royal Assent in Canada in June 2017. Provisional application of the trade agreement took effect in September 2017 and all economically significant parts are now in force, e.g. tariff elimination on 98 per cent of European Union (EU) tariff lines for Canadian goods, increased quotas, services commitments, temporary entry commitments, and government procurement obligations. The Government has announced programs to help dairy farmers and processors adjust to increased European Union cheese access under CETA. The Government is also working with the Atlantic provinces to support Canada's seafood sector in capitalizing on new opportunities in the European market. With CETA's entry into force, Canadian exporters now enjoy improved access to more than 40 countries with nearly 1.2 billion of the world’s wealthiest consumers. The Parliamentary Budget Officer has estimated that CETA implementation could raise Canada's potential real gross domestic product by 0.4 percentage points."
12/1/2017,183,,Exports and Investment,Modernize agreements with Israel and Chile.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,Canada has modernized free trade agreements in force with Israel and Chile.,"Canada is working closely with Israel to further modernize the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement. In addition, Chile and Canada agreed in June 2017 to amend and modernize the Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement. The modernized Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement will now include a chapter dedicated to trade and gender—a first for Canada or any G20 nation. The updated agreement will also provide better mechanisms to address technical barriers to trade. The Government tabled the amended Agreement in Parliament on October 5, 2017."
12/1/2017,184,,Exports and Investment,Establish the Invest in Canada Hub.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"Canada attracts more global investment, creating well-paying, middle-class jobs. It is simpler and faster for businesses investing in Canada to use government programs.","Parliament passed legislation in spring of 2017 to establish the Invest in Canada Hub. This one-stop hub will provide a seamless concierge service between federal, provincial and municipal levels of government to make Canada a top of mind destination for potential global investors, which will create well-paying jobs and grow the middle class. As part of this initiative, the Government is increasing the number of investment-focused trade commissioners across key global markets. Increased foreign investment in Canada connects Canadian industries to global value chains and facilitates the transfer of knowledge and technology, increasing our competitiveness, stimulating innovation, and promoting the prosperity of Canadians. The Invest in Canada Hub will be operational by the end of 2017. The process to appoint the Chair of the Board of Directors and CEO is ongoing."
12/1/2017,186,,Exports and Investment,Promote trade and investment with emerging markets including China and India.,Minister of International Trade,On-going commitment,"Two-way trade and investment with China, India and other emerging economies is increased, creating good, middle class jobs, expanding opportunities for Canadian exports, and increasing access to goods for Canadian consumers.","The Government continues to engage China on a possible free trade agreement with China while working to implement the trade and investment commitments that were made by Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier Li of China in 2016. The Government is also working with India to reinvigorate negotiations on a Canada-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA). Canada will continue to work to resolve regulatory and tariff issues with India to ensure Canadian pulse exports (e.g., peas, chickpeas, beans and lentils) can continue to enter India without regulatory barriers. Since October 2015, five FIPAs with emerging markets in Sub-Saharan Africa have also come into force. In addition, the Canada-Hong Kong FIPA came into force in September 2016, and the Canada-Mongolia FIPA came into force in February 2017."
12/1/2017,187,,Exports and Investment,Improve support to companies looking to export and help communities looking to attract investments.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"Double the number of high-growth firms in Canada by 2025; increase Canada's goods and services exports—from natural resources, advanced manufacturing, agri-food and others—by 30 per cent by 2025; increase global investment in Canada; and create more well-paying, middle-class jobs for Canadians.","The Government is encouraging global investment and promoting Canada's economic brand through the creation of the Invest in Canada Hub, which will be operational by the end of 2017. To support exports, the Government has established a new National Trade Corridors Fund to address urgent capacity constraints and freight bottlenecks at major ports of entry, and to better connect the rail and highway infrastructure that delivers economic growth across Canada. The Canada Infrastructure Bank will make additional funding available to address trade and transportation projects. The Government successfully implemented the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement that will give consumers more choice, boost Canadian businesses' access to new customers, create good, middle-class jobs and grow the economy. Provisional application of the trade agreement took effect in September 2017, immediately brought 98 per cent of the Agreement into force. CanExport, which provides direct financial assistance to Canadian small- and medium-sized enterprises seeking to develop new export opportunities and markets, has approved 800 projects. Budget 2017 announced $950 million to superclusters in highly innovative industries, created the Strategic Innovation Fund to boost investment in Canadian innovations, and created six Economic Strategy Tables to boost growth and exports from advanced manufacturing; agri-food; clean technology; digital industries; health and bio-sciences; and clean resources sectors."
12/1/2017,188,,Exports and Investment,Reduce administrative burden for investors and companies associated with international trade.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"Canadian businesses export and trade with international partners more easily and with less of an administrative burden, and international investors benefit from faster, clearer and more efficient engagement with government programs.","When launched later in 2017, the Invest in Canada Hub will increase cooperation between provinces, territories and municipalities to bolster trade promotion by providing companies with a one-stop-shop for investment in Canada. The new Global Skills Strategy, launched in June 2017, will make it easier for companies that are making large investments in Canada to bring in highly skilled global talent, while supporting well-paying, middle-class jobs for Canadians. Canadian companies will have access to an expedited review process lasting no more than a combined 20 business days from end to end, including reviews conducted by Employment and Social Development Canada and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Canada has worked closely with the United States (US), as part of the Canada-US Regulatory Cooperation Council, to facilitate greater alignment of regulatory systems where appropriate."
12/1/2017,189,,Indigenous peoples,"Improve essential infrastructure for Indigenous communities, including improving housing.",Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - with challenges,"Infrastructure on reserves is improved, schools on reserve are newer and in better condition; language and cultural knowledge is strengthened; more First Nations children graduate from high school and go on to post-secondary education; elimination of long-term drinking water advisories in Indigenous communities by 2021; enhanced access for First Nations, Métis and Inuit to affordable housing on-reserve and not on reserve.","In Budget 2016, the Government of Canada made an investment of $8.4 billion for Indigenous peoples, increasing funding significantly. Budget 2017 built on this momentum, with new, additional investments of $3.4 billion over five years in a range of critical areas, including infrastructure. The Government is improving primary and secondary education on reserve by building and renovating school facilities; enhancing the quality of language and cultural programs; expanding innovative pilot programs that have been proven to substantially increase literacy and numeracy rates among First Nations children; and empowering communities to establish First Nations' planned and led education systems. Early progress has been modest for schools, drinking water, and housing. More than $400 million is being invested in 2016/17 and 2017/18 to build/upgrade First Nations schools. This includes 63 new schools and 56 renovated/upgraded schools. As of September 30, 2017, ten of the 63 new schools have been constructed, and renovations/upgrades on nine of the 56 schools have been completed. In Budget 2016, the Government announced significant new funding to end long-term drinking water advisories on reserves by 2021. The number of long-term drinking water advisories on public systems financially supported by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada has been reduced from 77 to 69 as of September 30, 2017. As of September 30, 2017, and since Budget 2016 announcement, 9,704 housing units are under construction, renovation/retrofit or servicing. Of that number, 53 per cent, (5,120 housing units) have been completed."
12/1/2017,190,,Indigenous peoples,Implement the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - with challenges,All Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action are implemented.,"The Truth and Reconciliation Commission identified 94 Calls to Action, 77 of which fall under federal or shared responsibility with other partners, implicating 22 federal entities. Work is currently underway on a majority of these Calls to Action. Important progress has already been made and will lead to greater and more equitable access to quality education, health care, clean water, housing and employment services for Indigenous peoples. This includes the announcement in May 2016 of Canada’s unequivocal support to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Government of Canada is moving forward with implementing the United Nations Declaration in partnership with First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation through the Working Group of Ministers on the Review of Laws and Policies, as well as other collaborative initiatives and actions. The Government of Canada will report on the status of each of these Calls to Action in the coming months. The Calls to Action are extensive and some require longer-term, transformative change. Many involve multiple parties and require significant consultation and coordination. The Government of Canada is also working with other jurisdictions and partners to advance implementation of those Calls to Action outside of the federal purview. The establishment of the National Council for Reconciliation will support these efforts and an interim Board is being put in place."
12/1/2017,191,,Indigenous peoples,Undertake a review of laws and policies to ensure the Crown is fulfilling its obligations and commitments to the recognition and implementation of Indigenous peoples' rights.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs;Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - on track,"Canada's laws and policies reflect the Government's commitment to advancing a nation-to-nation, government-to-government and Inuit-Crown relationship with Indigenous peoples.","A Working Group of Ministers, chaired by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, was established in February 2017 to examine relevant federal laws, policies, and operational practices that impact the rights of Indigenous peoples. The Working Group has begun to look at how the Crown can meet its constitutional obligations with respect to Aboriginal and treaty rights; ensure its adherence to international human rights standards, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; and support the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. The Working Group has completed its start-up phase and in July 2017 released Principles respecting the Government of Canada's relationship with Indigenous peoples that should guide the review. The Working Group will continue to work in partnership with Indigenous peoples in carrying out this review."
12/1/2017,192,,Indigenous peoples,Invest in First Nations education to ensure that First Nations children on reserve receive a quality education.,Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - with challenges,Literacy and numeracy rates are improved; language and cultural knowledge is strengthened; and more First Nations children graduate from high school and go on to post-secondary education.,"The Government of Canada committed a $2.6 billion increase for First Nations K-12 education and almost an additional $1 billion for education infrastructure. These investments will improve primary and secondary education on reserve by building and renovating school facilities; enhancing the quality of language and cultural programs; expanding innovative pilot programs that have been proven to substantially increase literacy and numeracy rates among First Nations children; and empowering communities to establish education systems planned and led by First Nations. In December 2016, the Government of Canada reached an agreement with Indigenous partners to create the Manitoba First Nations School System. As of this fall, students in this school system will receive education programs that are designed, delivered and run by First Nations and with funding that is comparable to provincial school boards. On August 16, 2017, the Anishinabek Nation Education Agreement was signed. It is the largest education self-government agreement in Canada, which enables the 23 Anishinabek First Nations in Ontario to develop culturally relevant and community-tailored education programs for the benefit of the Anishinabek students. The Government is engaged in discussions to establish similar initiatives in other regions of the country. Finally, as noted by the Parliamentary Budget Officer in November 2016, the Government's investments in education will, over the next several years, help fill critical and long-standing gaps in how on-reserve schools are funded compared to those under provincial jurisdiction. These investments will ensure that First Nations children get the best possible start in life and are able to achieve similar educational outcomes as non-Indigenous children."
12/1/2017,193,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Implement an Infrastructure Strategy that improves public transit.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Transport,Underway - on track,Canadians spend less time in traffic and have greater access to modern public transit.,"Through Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government of Canada has committed $28.7 billion to public transit projects over the next 10 years. Over 1,000 public transit projects have been approved to date under the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund that will expand transit systems across the country and transform the way Canadians live, move, and work by spending less time in traffic. Larger projects to improve access to public transit include: the Regional Express Rail project in the Greater Toronto Area, which will make commuting by GO faster than commuting by car, save 1.8 billion hours of commuter travel time and $14.7 billion in automobile operating savings over the lifetime of the project; and the Réseau électrique metropolitain project in Montreal that will create 34,000 direct and indirect jobs in its construction and reduce close to 35,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases in its first year of operation."
12/1/2017,194,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Implement an Infrastructure Strategy that improves social infrastructure.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Canadian Heritage;Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Underway - on track,"More Canadians with access to affordable housing, child care and cultural and recreational infrastructure.","In Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government made investments in social infrastructure across Canada. To date, over 2,200 projects to retrofit or renovate social housing have been approved, helping improve energy and water efficiency in more than 80,000 existing social housing units. The National Housing Strategy re-establishes the federal government as a leader in the area of affordable housing. Working in collaboration with provinces, territories and local communities, the Strategy leverages significant new capacity to build, repair and renew affordable housing across the country. As part of the Strategy, the new National Housing Fund prioritizes projects that have the greatest impact on communities and vulnerable populations, including seniors, persons with disabilities, victims fleeing violence, and Canadians with mental health issues, among others. In addition, all National Housing Strategy initiatives will include accessibility requirements. It is anticipated the National Housing Strategy will reduce the number of Canadians in housing need by 530,000 compared to current levels. The investment of incremental resources in the Enabling Accessibility fund will support an estimated 1,970 additional projects to further improve the safety and accessibility of community spaces and workplaces, making it possible for Canadians with disabilities to participate more fully in their communities and in the labour market. The Government is also creating affordable, high-quality child care spaces for low- and modest-income families, with the goal of supporting up to 40,000 new subsidized child care spaces over the next three years. In addition, the Government will create a distinct Indigenous Framework on Early Learning and Child Care in cooperation with Indigenous partners to reflect the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children across Canada. To date, repairs and renovations have been undertaken in 210 First Nations and Inuit Child Care Initiative child care centers and in 63 Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve facilities. The Government is also supporting the improvement, renovation and construction of arts and heritage facilities, as well as the acquisition of specialized equipment and will make further investments in cultural infrastructure of $300 million in the next 10 years. Since March 2017, the Government has awarded over $140 million to support the improvement, renovation and construction of arts and heritage facilities, as well as the acquisition of specialized equipment. Further investments in cultural infrastructure in the amount of $300 million will be made over 10 years starting in 2018-19 through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund. The Government will also invest $80 million over 10 years starting in 2018-19 to support the construction of community educational infrastructure in official language minority communities through the Development of Official Language Communities program at Canadian Heritage."
12/1/2017,195,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Implement an Infrastructure Strategy that improves green infrastructure.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Transport;Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,"More infrastructure in place to ensure access to clean water, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and increased resilience against the impacts of climate change.","Through Budget 2016 and 2017, the Government of Canada is investing $26.9 billion in Green infrastructure over 12 years, including projects to improve access to clean water, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase protection against the impacts of climate change. In Budget 2016, the Government announced significant new funding to end boil water advisories on reserves by 2021. The number of long-term drinking water advisories on public systems financially supported by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada has been reduced from 77 to 69 as of September 30, 2017. Through the Canada Infrastructure Bank, at least $5 billion will be available for green infrastructure projects. As well, national “green” programs, totalling $2.8 billion, will be provided to address a number of priorities identified in the Pan-Canadian Framework. An amount of $2 billion is proposed for a Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund to support national, provincial, and municipal infrastructure in dealing with the effects of a changing climate."
12/1/2017,196,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Invest in transportation infrastructure that helps get goods to market.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food;Minister of Transport,Underway - on track,"Get Canadian goods to markets more quickly and increase exports, including natural resources, manufactured goods and agri-food products, by 30 per cent by 2025.","The Government of Canada established a new National Trade Corridors Fund to address urgent capacity constraints and freight bottlenecks at major ports of entry, and to better connect the rail and highway infrastructure that delivers economic growth across Canada. Investments through this fund will target congestion and inefficiencies at marine ports, as well as along the busiest rail and highway corridors. The Canada Infrastructure Bank will make additional funding available to address trade and transportation projects. The Government is tracking transportation flows and will report publicly on how long it takes to get goods to market."
12/1/2017,197,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Establish bilateral agreements with provinces and territories on infrastructure investments.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities,Underway - on track,"Result Anticipated: Agreements with all provinces and territories that improve public transit; increase access to affordable housing and child care; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; improve access to clean water, and enhance resilience in the face of a changing climate.","Infrastructure plays a central role in building strong communities, creating jobs and growing the economy. In Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government of Canada made investments in public transit, green infrastructure and social infrastructure across Canada. To date, over 1,000 public transit projects and 2,200 projects to retrofit or renovate social housing have been approved. Through the National Housing Strategy, the Government aims to reduce the number of Canadians in core housing need by 530,000 by building, repairing and renewing affordable housing across the country. The Government is also creating affordable, high-quality child care spaces for low- and modest-income families, with the goal of supporting up to 40,000 new subsidized child care spaces over the next three years. In addition, the Government will create a distinct Indigenous Framework on Early Learning and Child Care in cooperation with Indigenous partners to reflect the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children across Canada. To date, repairs and renovations have been undertaken in 210 First Nations and Inuit Child Care Initiative child care centers and in 63 Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve facilities. The Government has also invested in a number of projects to improve access to clean water, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase protection against the impacts of climate change. These investments will lead to improvements in water/wastewater systems in 1,100 communities across the country. In Budget 2016, the Government announced significant new funding to end boil water advisories on reserves by 2021. The number of long-term drinking water advisories on public systems financially supported by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada has been reduced from 77 to 69 as of September 30, 2017."
12/1/2017,198,,Indigenous peoples,"Incorporate Aboriginal and treaty rights, residential schools and Indigenous contributions into school curricula.",Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,"School curricula that is inclusive of Indigenous history and knowledge, resulting in improved knowledge and understanding.","The Government of Canada is helping provincial and territorial governments collaborate with Indigenous communities and organizations to revise school curricula so they reflect the history and contributions of Indigenous peoples. Through the Education Partnership Program, the Government is currently supporting new efforts between First Nations and provincial stakeholders in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick to review provincial curricula in those education systems. Similar initiatives with other provinces and territories are in the process of being developed. The Government provides financial support to the Office of the Treaty Commissioner in Saskatchewan and Treaty Relations Commissions of Manitoba to, among other things, provide materials and training to teachers in support of the delivery of K-12 treaty education curricula to all provincial school students. The organizations are also working with universities in their respective provinces to develop treaty curricula and courses that will be mandatory for every university student."
12/1/2017,199,,Indigenous peoples,Work with the Métis Nation to advance reconciliation and renew the relationship.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,A renewed relationship with the Métis Nation based on the principles of reconciliation.,"The Prime Minister and the Métis Nation signed the Canada-Métis Nation Accord in April 2017 establishing a permanent bilateral mechanism to develop policy on shared priorities. A Framework Agreement for Advancing Reconciliation with the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) was signed on November 2016. The Government of Canada is also engaged in rights-based discussions with the Métis Nation of Ontario and the Métis Nation of Alberta, and a Memorandum of Understanding on Reconciliation was signed with both organizations in early 2017. These frameworks inform work across government to engage Métis Nation and their governments in the development of distinctions-based policies, programs and services that advance goals of social and economic prosperity. In addition, the Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples (UPIP), launched in May 2017, provides funding to organizations that support urban Indigenous peoples in cities and urban areas, including a set-aside allocation under the Programs and Services stream for the Métis Nation."
12/1/2017,200,,Fair and Open Government,"Develop a non-partisan, merit-based process to advise the Prime Minister on Senate appointments.",Minister of Democratic Institutions,Completed - fully met,"An Independent Advisory Board has been established to provide a non-partisan, merit-based process of advice for recommending Senators, resulting in the appointment of 28 independent Senators thus far.","An Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments was established in January 2016 to provide advice to the Prime Minister on candidates for the Senate. As of July 7, 2016, Canadians were permitted, for the first time ever, to apply to be considered for appointment to the Senate through an open online application process. In the first application process, over 2,757 Canadians applied, demonstrating unprecedented engagement. A second open application process took place between December 2016 and January 2017. Twenty-eight non-partisan appointments to the Senate have been made under the new process so far. Thanks to these actions, a plurality of Senators is not affiliated with a political party."
12/1/2017,201,,Fair and Open Government,Establish a special parliamentary committee to consult on electoral reform.,Minister of Democratic Institutions,Not being pursued,A special parliamentary committee was established.,"A Special Committee, which included all five parties represented in the House of Commons, was established in June 2016 and presented its final report in December 2016. In addition to the consultation undertaken by the Special Committee, the Minister also consulted Members of Parliament of all parties, and oversaw an engagement process with 360,000 Canadians through mydemocracy.ca. Following extensive consultation with Canadians, it was determined that no clear preference for a new electoral system had emerged. The Government will not proceed with electoral reform."
12/1/2017,202,,Fair and Open Government,Make the Commissioner of Canada Elections more independent.,Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - on track,A truly independent Commissioner of Canada Elections who can pursue their work free from political or partisan direction.,"In November 2016, the Government introduced legislation to enhance the independence of the Commissioner of Canada Elections (CCE) by repealing changes that created a reporting relationship for the CCE with the Minister of Justice. This enhances the independent role that the CCE held for decades before it was altered in 2014."
12/1/2017,203,,Fair and Open Government,Bring forward options to create an independent commissioner to organize political party leaders' debates.,Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - on track,A new independent commissioner for political party leaders' debates to ensure debates serve the public interest rather than the interests of any one party.,"An initial analysis has been conducted on options to create an independent commissioner to organize political party leaders' debates during election campaigns. As a next step, the Government will consult stakeholders, including political parties and broadcasters."
12/1/2017,204,,Fair and Open Government,"Review limits that political and third parties can spend during elections, and propose measures to control spending between elections.",Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - on track,Political and third party spending is limited and controlled to help strengthen Canadian democracy.,"Initial analysis has been conducted on political party and third party spending limits during elections, and between them. Research is ongoing."
12/1/2017,205,,Fair and Open Government,"Allow charities to do their work free from political harassment, and modernize the rules governing the charitable and not-for-profit sectors.",Minister of Finance;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister of National Revenue,Underway - on track,A transparent and rules-based legal framework for Canada's charities is in place and charities in Canada are free from political harassment.,"In September 2016, the Government launched a consultation process with the charitable sector and the public to assist in clarifying the rules for the participation of charities in political activities. A consultation panel reviewed the submissions and presented the Minister of National Revenue with recommendations at the end of March 2017. The Government is carefully reviewing the Panel’s report to help inform regulation of charities going forward. As an immediate first step to respond to the Panel’s recommendations, the Government has suspended all action in relation to the remaining audits and objections that were part of the Political Activities Audit Program."
12/1/2017,206,,Environment and Climate Change,Make strategic investments in our clean technology sector.,"Minister of Natural Resources;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food;Minister of International Trade",Underway - on track,"The clean technology sector's contribution to Canada's Gross Domestic Product grows, creating more good-paying, middle class jobs and increasing the number of high-growth companies in Canada.","In Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government of Canada committed to several measures to support clean technology. The major focus of these investments is: building early-stage innovation, accelerating commercialization and growth, fostering greater adoption of clean technologies, and strengthening collaboration and metrics for success. Examples of key initiatives include: nearly $1.4 billion in new financing to help Canada's clean technology firms grow and expand; $400 million for Sustainable Development Technology Canada to develop and demonstrate new clean technologies; and $200 million to support research, development, demonstration and the adoption of clean technology in Canada's natural resources sectors."
12/1/2017,207,,Environment and Climate Change,Enhance Canada's tax measures to generate and attract more clean technology investments.,Minister of Finance;Minister of Natural Resources,Underway - on track,"The clean technology sector's contribution to Canada's Gross Domestic Product grows, creating more good-paying, middle class jobs and increasing the number of high-growth companies in Canada.",Budget 2016 changed Canadian tax rules to make certain electric vehicle charging stations and electrical energy storage equipment eligible for accelerated capital cost allowance treatment. Budget 2017 introduced further expansions of this tax treatment to geothermal projects and expenses. The Government will continue to work towards making Canada the world's most competitive tax jurisdiction for clean technology.
12/1/2017,208,,Safety and Security,Launch an open and transparent competition to replace the CF-18 fighter aircraft.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement;Minister of National Defence,Underway - with challenges,A new fighter fleet that allows the Canadian Armed Forces to do their job with the equipment they need.,"A modern fighter jet fleet is essential for defending Canada and Canadian sovereignty – especially in our northern skies. It is a vital contribution to our partnership with our most important ally, the United States, and for the protection of the continent that we share. It is also important for enabling Canada to fulfill its international commitments as an engaged and active member of NATO. Following consultation with governments and industry, the Government announced in November 2016 that it will launch an open and transparent competition, to replace the legacy fleet of CF-18 fighter aircraft with 88 advanced fighters. Canada is also actively exploring options to supplement the CF-18 fighter aircraft fleet until the transition to the permanent replacement aircraft is in place and fully operational. As the processes move along, the Government of Canada will provide regular public updates."
12/1/2017,209,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that all federal services are delivered in compliance with the Official Languages Act.,President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Canadian Heritage,Underway - on track,"More Canadians receive federal services and communications in their official language of choice, and a new Official Languages Plan is implemented to support English and French linguistic minorities across Canada.","The Government of Canada conducted the first review of the Official Languages Regulation in over twenty five years. The Government is committed to ensuring the public is served in their official language of choice. Currently, 86.5 per cent of federal institutions report that, where required by the Official Languages Act, the public is served in their language of choice in oral and written communications. The Government has set a target to achieve 90 per cent in 2017-2018."
12/1/2017,210,,Fair and Open Government,Improve access to information to enhance the openness of government.,President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - on track,Greater government transparency and more information available for Canadians to hold their government to account.,"Following an Interim Directive in May 2016 that eliminated all fees except for the application fee and confirmed the principle of ""open by default,"" the Government introduced Phase I reforms to modernize and expand the scope of the Access to Information Act. Legislation introduced in June 2017 proposes the creation of new requirements for proactive publication of a broad range of information and applies to more than 240 government institutions, as well as the Prime Minister's Office, ministers' offices and administrative bodies that support Parliament and the courts. The legislation would provide the Information Commissioner with the ability to order the release of documents. A review of the Act would also be required every five years to ensure that it remains current and continues to improve transparency for Canadians."
12/1/2017,211,,Strong Middle Class,Conduct a review of tax expenditures.,President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Finance,Underway - on track,"A simpler, more effective tax system.","Budget 2017 took initial action to implement changes resulting from the Government’s wide-ranging review of tax expenditures. The review identified opportunities to eliminate inefficient tax measures and make other existing tax measures more effective, equitable and accessible to Canadians. In this context, Budget 2017 included measures to improve tax relief for caregivers, students, and persons with disabilities."
12/1/2017,212,,Safety and Security,Improve marine safety.,"Minister of Transport;Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Underway - on track,Canadians are kept safe and our coasts are protected through evidence-based emergency preparedness and response.,"The Government announced the Oceans Protection Plan (OPP) which supports responsible shipping, restoring and preserving marine ecosystems; strengthens partnerships with Indigenous and coastal communities; and invests in evidence-based emergency preparedness and response to keep Canadians safe and our coasts protected."
12/1/2017,213,,Environment and Climate Change,Review the previous government's changes to the Fisheries Act and Navigable Waters Protection Act.,"Minister of Transport;Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Underway - on track,"Restore lost protections and incorporate modern safeguards into the revised Fisheries Act and Navigation Protection Act to better protect Canada's environment for future generations, advance reconciliation, and get resources to market.","The Government of Canada has engaged in extensive consultations with the public, stakeholder and Indigenous peoples on how to restore lost protections and incorporate modern safeguards into the revised Fisheries Act and Navigation Protection Act. The Government provided funding for 140 Indigenous groups to participate in the review and continue to consider all feedback in determining next steps. The Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans tabled a report on the review of the Fisheries Act in the House of Commons in February 2017; the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities tabled its finding on the review of the Navigation Protection Act in March 2017. In June 2017, the Government responses to the Standing Committee reports were tabled in Parliament. Changes to the acts will be introduced within the next year."
12/1/2017,214,,Indigenous peoples,Promote economic development and create jobs for Indigenous peoples.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Indigenous Services;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,Higher employment rates for Indigenous peoples and stronger economic growth in Indigenous communities.,"Working collaboratively with Indigenous peoples, the Government of Canada has invested in a number of areas to promote job creation and economic development in Indigenous communities. These investments will: help First Nations access long-term financing to undertake economic development projects in their communities ($20M), strengthen the First Nations and Inuit Summer Work Experience Program and the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program ($100M), grow Canada's Indigenous tourism industry ($8.6M), and improve Indigenous labour market programs through the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy ($50M). In addition, the Government of Canada has increased funding for the Post-Secondary Student Support program, which will help 4,600 First Nation students over a two-year period ($90M)."
12/1/2017,215,,Indigenous peoples,Undertake an inquiry into murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls in Canada.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister of Status of Women,Underway - with challenges,"Concrete solutions to address systemic causes of violence, resulting in increased safety of Indigenous women and girls in Canada.","The Government of Canada, with the governments of all provinces and territories, launched an independent national inquiry into murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls. The commissioners have been asked to examine and report on the systemic and historical social, economic, institutional and cultural factors—as well as practices, policies and institutions—that contribute to the violence that Indigenous women and girls face. The Commission is mandated to complete its work by December 31, 2018. Many legitimate concerns from families and stakeholders have been raised about the Inquiry's progress. The Commission released their interim report on November 1, 2017. The report outlines progress to date, acknowledges challenges in establishing the Inquiry and makes some recommendations for immediate support to assist families that want to participate in the process, including a call to extend the timelines. The Government is closely monitoring the work of the independent Inquiry and is encouraging the Commissioners to listen and respond to concerns raised, and learn from families and survivors as the Inquiry continues its work."
12/1/2017,216,,Indigenous peoples,Improve services to Indigenous people and those with mental illness throughout the criminal justice system.,Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Underway - on track,"Improved services and increased support to make it easier for Indigenous peoples and those with mental illness to navigate the criminal justice system, and reverse the trend of Indigenous overrepresentation in the justice system.","The Government of Canada has made investments to help ensure that people from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, including Indigenous peoples and those with mental illness, have access to legal aid. The Government has also provided long-term and stable funding to the Indigenous Justice Program which provides funding for community-based programs that use restorative justice approaches as alternative mechanisms to the mainstream justice system. In addition, the Government is investing in the Indigenous Courtwork Program to ensure Indigenous peoples have the representation and services they need to navigate the criminal justice system. We are working to further identify strategies that will build on these investments."
12/1/2017,217,,Healthy Canadians,Legalize and strictly regulate marijuana.,Minister of Health;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,"Legalization and strict regulation of cannabis in Canada protects Canadian youth, keep profits out of the hands of criminals and responsibly manages the production and distribution of cannabis.","In April 2017, the Government introduced legislation to legalize, strictly regulate, and restrict access to cannabis, as well as crack down on impaired driving. This legislation will make it a specific criminal offence to sell cannabis to a minor and create significant penalties for those who engage young Canadians in cannabis-related offences. The Government is working with provinces and territories and intends to provide regulated and restricted access to cannabis no later than July 2018. Legislation was introduced following extensive consultation with law enforcement, health and safety experts, and the hard work of the Task Force on Cannabis Legalization and Regulation. The proposed Cannabis Act passed report stage and third reading in the House of Commons and now moves to the Senate."
12/1/2017,218,,Safety and Security,Repeal problematic elements of Bill C-51 to balance security with rights and freedoms.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,Canadians' safety and security are strongly protected in a manner consistent with the rights and freedoms Canadians cherish.,"In June 2017, the Government introduced legislation covering a wide range of measures that were informed by the broad consultation with engaged citizens, stakeholders, experts, parliamentarians and others in Fall 2016. The proposed measures represent extensive and much-needed improvements to Canada’s national security framework, and will enhance accountability through a proposed National Security and Intelligence Review Agency and a new Intelligence Commissioner; fulfill the Government's commitment to address problematic elements of Bill C-51 through proposed revisions to threat reduction measures under the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Act, amendments to the Criminal Code, and revisions to the Security of Canada Information Sharing Act; and enhance transparency by introducing new safeguards and accountability measures, and by re-affirming compliance with the Charter."
12/1/2017,219,,Environment and Climate Change,Phase out inefficient fossil fuel industry subsidies over the medium-term.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Finance,Underway - on track,"Phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, consistent with Canada’s commitment with the G20 countries, building a strong, clean economy and preserving our planet for generations to come.","Budget 2016 announced that the accelerated capital cost allowance for facilities used to liquefy natural gas will be allowed to expire at the end of 2024. Budget 2017 proposed changes to rationalize the treatment of exploration expenses for oil and gas producers and phase out their ability to reclassify certain development expenses as more favourably treated exploration expenses. The Government will continue to review, report on and phase out fossil fuel subsidies in future budgets, as appropriate."
12/1/2017,220,,Environment and Climate Change,"Increase the proportion of Canada's marine and coastal areas that are protected to five percent by 2017, and ten percent by 2020.","Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Environment and Climate Change",Underway - on track,"Five per cent of Canada's marine and coastal areas are protected by 2017, and 10 per cent by 2020, protecting important habitats, maintaining and promoting tourism, and helping with climate change adaptation.","In October 2017, the Government achieved its commitment to protect five per cent of Canada's marine and coastal areas by 2017 and is now focused on achieving 10 per cent by 2020. In November 2016, the Government of Canada announced the designation of the Anguniaqvia niqiqyuam Marine Protected Area (MPA). In February 2017, the Government announced the designation of the Hecate Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound Glass Sponge Reefs MPA.In June 2017, the Government announced the designation of St. Anns Bank MPA. In August 2017, the federal Government, Nunavut and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association together announced the official boundary for a new national marine conservation area in Tallurutiup Imanga / Lancaster Sound -- which will be the biggest protected area ever established in Canada. In addition, the Government has allocated funding towards protecting the Last Ice Area in the Arctic. Internationally, Canada has secured broad support for its criteria for other effective conservation measures that contribute to marine biodiversity. These areas, known as marine refuges, have been established throughout our ocean to protect important species and ecosystem features and contribute to our targets. The Government will continue working with its planning partners to enhance the protection of Canada’s oceans."
12/1/2017,221,,Canada in the World,"Advance human rights, gender equality, peaceful pluralism and respect for diversity internationally.",Minister of International Development and La Francophonie;Minister of Foreign Affairs,On-going commitment,"Inclusive governance, human rights, gender equality, peaceful pluralism and respect for diversity are enhanced around the world.","Canada promotes, and defends human rights in every international relationship and at every opportunity. As a respected member of the United Nations, the Commonwealth, La Francophonie and other international bodies, the Government helps to strengthen and maintain international respect for human rights. The Government has expanded and reinvigorated its comprehensive approach to defending and promoting all human rights through the creation of the Office of Human Rights, Freedoms and Inclusion. In addition, the Government introduced guidelines for supporting human rights defenders—a practical tool for Canada’s diplomatic officials to empower human rights defenders as effective advocates and protect them from the threats they all too often face. Canada also became co-chair, with Chile, of the Equal Rights Coalition, the first global intergovernmental network focused on the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons. In March 2017, Canada led an 83-country Joint Statement on the Power of Inclusion and Benefits of Diversity at the UN Human Rights Council. The June 2017 launch of Canada's first Feminist International Assistance Policy emphasizes the empowerment of women and girls and positioning Canada as a leader on gender equality in aid programming. This new policy makes inclusive governance one of the key action areas for its international assistance. In September 2017, Canada successfully negotiated reference to inclusion and diversity and the enjoyment of all human rights online, including specific reference to Indigenous peoples, sexual orientation, gender identity and disability in the Community of Democracies’ Washington Declaration."
12/1/2017,222,,Canada in the World,Work on development financing issues.,Minister of Finance;Minister of International Development and La Francophonie;Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"Increased international investment, reduced poverty and improved economic development in developing countries.","In Budget 2017, the Government announced the creation of the new Development Finance Institute Canada (DFIC), which will be headquartered in Montreal. The DFIC will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Export Development Canada (EDC) and will be capitalized with $300 million over five years to support sustainable development and poverty reduction in developing countries."
12/1/2017,223,,Strong Middle Class,Develop and implement a Youth Service Program.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of International Development and La Francophonie",Underway - on track,"More young Canadians engaged in high quality public and community service, giving them the experience they need to succeed and make a positive contribution in their community.","The Government of Canada will launch a new Youth Service Initiative in the fall of 2017 that will give young Canadians greater opportunities to gain valuable experience while serving communities across Canada. This initiative will grow over time, creating more opportunities for youth who choose to serve."
12/1/2017,224,,Healthy Canadians,Raise awareness on concussion treatment.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities;Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"Consistent, coordinated Canadian concussion guidelines.","The Government is collaborating with provinces, territories and other key stakeholders on a coordinated pan-Canadian concussion strategy. In June 2016, a framework for the strategy was endorsed by federal, provincial and territorial ministers. Budget 2016 made investments to harmonize concussion management guidelines on prevention, early detection and treatment, with a focus on return-to-play and return-to-learn protocols for athletes and students. In July 2017, federal, provincial and territorial Ministers responsible for sport, physical activity and recreation agreed to a Framework for Action focusing on the areas of awareness, prevention, detection, management, and surveillance of concussions, which will further harmonize the collective approach across jurisdictions. At the same time, Parachute Canada, with the financial support of the Government of Canada, released its “Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport”."
12/1/2017,225,,Healthy Canadians,Update and expand the Nutrition North program.,Minister of Health;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,More affordable nutritious food for Canadians in the North.,"In Budget 2016, the Government increased funding to expand Nutrition North Canada. Nutrition North helps alleviate the high cost of food in 121 isolated northern communities by providing a subsidy on perishable nutritious food. To date, the full benefits of Nutrition North Canada have been expanded to 37 additional isolated northern communities. Nutrition education was also expanded to an additional 43 remote communities. The Government released a final report in April 2017 summarizing the feedback received during consultations with Northerners on the program. The Government will use this feedback to make further changes to how we support access to healthy, affordable food for northern Canadians."
12/1/2017,226,,Healthy Canadians,Develop a coordinated national action plan on post-traumatic stress disorder.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Underway - on track,Canada's public safety officers have better access to support for post-traumatic stress.,"The Government is developing a national action plan on post-traumatic stress injury in consultation with stakeholders. This plan will be evidenced-based and reflect the findings of the Fifth Report of the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security which recently studied this issue. The Government is supporting a study, to be conducted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and a yet to be determined service provider, on prevention, detection and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder among first responders. The Government will release further details on the proposed national action plan later in the mandate."
12/1/2017,227,,Indigenous peoples,Provide new funding to preserve and enhance Indigenous languages and cultures.,Minister of Canadian Heritage,Underway - on track,"An Indigenous Languages Act co-created with Indigenous peoples that preserves, protects, and revitalizes Indigenous languages in Canada, resulting in more people speaking Indigenous languages.","The Government of Canada will enact an Indigenous Languages Act, co-developed with Indigenous peoples, with the goal of ensuring the preservation, protection, and revitalization of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit languages in Canada. On June 15, 2017, Canadian Heritage, the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Métis Nation of Canada launched the co-development of Indigenous languages legislation and agreed on a collaborative engagement process. The Government is also helping digitize Indigenous languages and oral histories, and supporting community-based projects that facilitate communication in, and revitalization of, Indigenous languages. Budget 2017 invests $89.9 million over the next three years to support Indigenous languages and cultures."
12/1/2017,228,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Expand the network of shelters and transition houses for those fleeing domestic violence.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Indigenous Services;Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,More shelters available for those fleeing domestic violence.,"In Budget 2016, the Government of Canada made significant investments to boost the number of shelters and transition houses for victims of family violence and ensure that no one fleeing domestic violence is left without a place to go. To date, this funding has supported 3,116 projects, to assist 4,351 households. In Budget 2016, the Government also provided greater funding to renovate, construct and better support shelters serving victims of family violence in First Nations communities. The National Housing Strategy will further fund projects that support vulnerable Canadians, including homeless women and those fleeing family violence."
12/1/2017,229,,Government Services and Operations,Reduce complexity and strengthen partnerships between National Defence and Veterans Affairs.,Minister of Veterans Affairs;Minister of National Defence,Underway - on track,Simpler programs that give members of Canada's Armed Forces (CAF) the support they need as they transition from the Department of National Defence (DND) to Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC).,"DND/CAF and VAC will work collaboratively to review their programs to ensure our women and men in uniform can better transition from the Canadian Armed Forces to Veterans Affairs. A roadmap with key milestones of action will lead to simpler benefits and offer a streamlined, client centric process so Veterans have an easier time transitioning to civilian life."
12/1/2017,230,,Healthy Canadians,Develop a suicide prevention strategy for Canadian Armed Forces personnel and Veterans.,Minister of National Defence;Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,More Veterans and men and women in the Canadian Armed Forces receive the mental health care they need and suicides are reduced.,"Canada's new defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—invests in the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces and delivers the standard of service and care that current and former members deserve. The new policy will expand the number of Canada's military personnel and significantly invest in the health and welfare of those serving in uniform. As part of the policy, the Government will expand the Department of National Defence Medical Service Branch by 200 personnel to ensure serving members have better access to efficient and effective care anywhere they serve, in Canada or abroad. In October 2017, the Government announced the implementation of a joint Canadian Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Suicide Prevention Strategy composed of 160 different initiatives, programs and services, including the hiring of additional mental health professionals focused on preventing suicide across the entire military and Veteran community. The effectiveness of clinical interventions, training, education and other supports and services will be studied to assess progress in preventing suicide."
12/1/2017,231,,Safety and Security,Create a committee of Parliamentarians to review national security.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Underway - on track,"Parliamentarians have the information they need to oversee national security and ensure decisions find the right balance between protecting Canadians, protecting rights and freedoms and staying true to Canadian values.","An Act to establish the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians received Royal Assent on June 22, 2017. The new National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) is an important step towards increased accountability and transparency. The Committee's broad government-wide mandate to scrutinize any national security matter will help ensure the protection of the public and that the rights and freedoms of individual Canadians are upheld. The NSICOP can perform reviews of national security and intelligence activities, including ongoing operations, and strategic and systemic reviews of the legislative, regulatory, policy, expenditure and administrative frameworks under which these activities are conducted. It is expected that the Committee will be operational by the end of 2017."
12/1/2017,232,,Canada in the World,End Canada's combat mission in Iraq and Syria and refocus Canada's efforts on training and humanitarian support.,Minister of National Defence,Completed - fully met,"Canada ceased conducting fighter jet strikes in Iraq and Syria and adopted a more comprehensive approach with increased resources for stabilization, humanitarian assistance, and training.","Effective February 15, 2016, Canada ceased conducting strikes by CF-18 fighter jets on Daesh targets. On February 8, 2016, Canada announced an increased contribution to the training of Iraq Security Forces, as well as humanitarian and stabilization support. The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are contributing many capabilities to the multinational efforts to degrade and defeat Daesh, and up to 830 CAF personnel are assigned to Operation IMPACT, which has been extended until March 31, 2019."
12/1/2017,233,,Canada in the World,Renew Canada's commitment to United Nations peace operations.,Minister of National Defence;Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,"Canadian efforts enhance peace and security, protect human rights, promote stability, and help those most in need around the world.","In 2016, the Government adopted a strategic framework to guide Canadian efforts to support United Nations (UN) peace operations. Canada continues to intensify and expand its support for the UN including hosting a high-level UN peacekeeping conference in Vancouver in November 2017. During this conference, the Prime Minister unveiled the main elements of Canada’s new approach to peace support operations and announced four types of contributions Canada will make: the launch of the Vancouver Principles on Child Soldiers; the Elsie Initiative on increasing the role and number of women deployed on peace operations; new training support for the UN; and the offer of high-end military capabilities for deployment within a five-year timeframe. Canada will work with the UN as well as potential partner and host nations to identify locations where Canada’s military capabilities and training can fill key gaps and bring the most value to UN peace operations."
12/1/2017,234,,Strong Middle Class,Ensure that Employment Insurance (EI) contributions are only used to fund EI programs.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Finance",Completed - fully met,Improved sustainability of the Employment Insurance (EI) program to ensure the program is available to Canadians when they need it.,"The Government of Canada continues to make sure that EI contributions are only used to fund EI programs. In April 2016, the seven-year rate setting mechanism came into force, ensuring that the EI account will be balanced. This seven-year rate setting mechanism was implemented in 2017 and allowed the Government to reduce EI premiums for 2017 from $1.88 to $1.63 per $100 of insurable earnings. The 2018 premium rate has been set at $1.66 per $100 of insurable earnings, which reflects important new supports for Canadian families and changing economic conditions."
12/1/2017,235,,Indigenous peoples,Renew and improve the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,"Improved employment outcomes for participants accessing programs through the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS), and reduced employment gaps with non-Indigenous Canadians who use similar employment services.","Thanks to increased federal investment, approximately 1,700 additional Indigenous workers were supported through ASETS programs in 2016 compared to 2015. The Government has also made investments to increase capacity of service providers to meet the growing demand from Indigenous peoples for skills development and job training and provided an additional $50 million to ASETS in 2017. These programs now serve more clients and also focus on serving the most vulnerable clients and delivering longer-term assistance. Over the last year, the Government of Canada undertook extensive consultations with ASETS holders, Indigenous communities and leadership, and other stakeholders to seek feedback on how the ASETS structure and policy could be redesigned and improved. A proposed approach has been developed and in 2018 the Government will work with Indigenous partners on the implementation of the new approach."
12/1/2017,236,,Strong Middle Class,Provide a 12-month break on Employment Insurance (EI) premiums for firms that hire younger workers into permanent positions.,"Minister of Finance;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Not being pursued,See below,"Based on research conducted by the Department of Finance, it was determined that this was not the most effective or efficient way of spending public resources to create jobs for young people. Budgets 2016 and 2017 invested significantly in a Youth Employment Strategy, nearly doubling the Canada Summer Jobs program, which will help more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop the skills they need to find work, create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians and provide over 1,600 new employment opportunities for youth in the heritage sector. In addition, Budget 2016 announced the creation of an Expert Panel on Youth Employment to assess the barriers faced by vulnerable youth in finding and keeping jobs, and to examine innovative practices used by governments, non-governmental organizations and employers to improve job opportunities for vulnerable youth. The Government has received the Expert Panel's report and is studying its recommendations."
12/1/2017,237,,Strong Middle Class,Provide more generous and flexible leave for caregivers.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Caregivers of critically ill or injured Canadians receive greater support.,"Effective December 3, 2017, the new Family Caregiver benefit for adults will be available to help families care for a critically ill adult. This benefit will allow eligible caregivers to take up to 15 weeks off work to care for or support an adult family member who is critically ill or injured. Eligible caregivers are family members or individuals that the critically ill or injured adult considers to be like family."
12/1/2017,238,,Strong Middle Class,Develop a Social Innovation and Social Finance strategy.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,A government-wide strategy is established that facilitates new and innovative ways of addressing Canada's biggest social challenges.,"The Government of Canada recognizes that new and innovative approaches are needed to tackle persistent and complex social issues. In June 2017, the Government launched the Social Innovation and Social Finance Steering Group. Through consultations and engagement activities, the Steering Group will seek perspectives of industry, sector and community leaders to co-create a Social Innovation and Social Finance Strategy. Previous findings from government consultations and engagement activities related to social innovation and social finance will help the Steering Group identify policy solutions for the Strategy."
12/1/2017,239,,Strong Middle Class,Introduce the Canada Child Benefit (CCB).,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Finance",Completed - fully met,"A generous, fairer, tax-free monthly Canada Child Benefit (CCB) that gives nine out of ten Canadian families more money to help with the high cost of raising their children.","In Budget 2016, the Government introduced the new, tax-free, income-tested Canada Child Benefit (CCB). In its first year of implementation, over 3.3 million families received more than $23 billion in CCB payments. The CCB has helped lift an estimated 300,000 children out of poverty in Canada. The October 2017 Fall Economic Statement announced the Government's intention to strengthen the CCB by increasing the benefits annually to keep pace with the rising cost of living as of July 2018, two years ahead of schedule."
12/1/2017,240,,Strong Middle Class,"Develop a National Early Learning and Childcare Framework with provinces, territories and Indigenous peoples.","Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Indigenous Services;Minister of Status of Women",Underway - on track,"More high-quality, affordable child care spaces.","The Government of Canada is supporting the creation of affordable, high-quality child care spaces for low and modest income families, with the goal of supporting up to 40,000 new subsidized child care spaces over the next three years. The Federal, Provincial and Territorial Governments reached a historic agreement on a Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care Framework on June 12, 2017. The Government will work with each province and territory to enter into three-year bilateral agreements that will outline their unique early learning and child care needs to be addressed and the funding allocation for each jurisdiction. In addition, the Government will create a distinct Indigenous Framework on Early Learning and Child Care in cooperation with Indigenous partners to reflect the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children across Canada. To date, repairs and renovations have been undertaken in 210 First Nations and Inuit Child Care Initiative child care centers and in 63 Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve facilities."
12/1/2017,241,,Indigenous peoples,Establish a new fiscal relationship with First Nations communities and lift the two per cent cap.,Minister of Finance;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,Increased support for Indigenous communities consistent with needs and population growth rather than a fixed two per cent cap.,"In Budget 2016, the Government of Canada made an investment of $8.4 billion for Indigenous peoples, resulting in overall annual funding increases significantly above two per cent per year. Budget 2017 built on this momentum, with new, additional investments of $3.4 billion over five years in a range of critical areas, notably infrastructure and health care. By 2021-22, total federal government spending on Indigenous programs will increase from over $11 billion in 2015-16 to over $14 billion in 2021-22—an increase of 27 per cent over six years. The Government has also committed to a new fiscal relationship that is sufficient, sustainable and predictable. The Government of Canada is advancing a renewed fiscal relationship through two parallel initiatives. The first is with the Assembly of First Nations, through the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs (formerly Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada) and the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations in July 2016. The second is with Self-Governing Indigenous groups."
12/1/2017,242,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Develop a National Disabilities Act.,"Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Federal accessibility legislation promotes equality of opportunity and increases inclusion and participation of Canadians who have disabilities or functional limitations.,"From July 2016 to February 2017, the Government consulted Canadians, both in person, in 18 communities and online, to gather valuable information that will help create new accessibility legislation which will benefit us all. The Government also provided funding for five national disability partnerships and three national Indigenous organizations to provide input. In May 2017, a report summarizing what we heard from these discussions was released. Policy work is ongoing to incorporate public feedback into our plans for federal accessibility legislation, to be tabled in early 2018."
12/1/2017,244,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Ensure any unspent infrastructure funds are transferred to municipalities.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Finance,Underway - on track,Ensure infrastructure funding approved by Parliament does not lapse and is invested in municipal infrastructure projects.,"In March 2017, the Government of Canada announced that $30.2 million in potentially lapsing funding from a number of previously established funding programs would be transferred to municipalities through the federal Gas Tax Fund."
12/1/2017,245,,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Develop a 10-year infrastructure plan, improve governance and promote better data collection and asset management.",Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Transport,Underway - on track,"Agreements with all provinces and territories that improve public transit, roads and bridges; increase access to affordable housing and child care; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; improve access to clean water, and enhance resilience in the face of a changing climate.","Infrastructure plays a central role in building strong communities, creating jobs and growing the economy. Taking into account the investments made in Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government has developed a 12-year plan that will invest over $180 billion across Canada in public transit, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, rural and northern communities, and trade and transportation. As part of the Plan, the Government signed an agreement with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) to deliver an asset management program to support municipalities in making informed infrastructure investment decisions. The Government partnered with Statistics Canada and other stakeholders to launch an ambitious data initiative on Canadian infrastructure – Canada’s Core Public Infrastructure Survey (CCPI). Through the survey, the Government will better track, collect, use and share data on Canadian infrastructure, including tracking comparable data on infrastructure usage and demand across jurisdictions; tracking the impacts of infrastructure investments; and tracking the state and performance of public infrastructure across asset classes. These measures will help governments maximize taxpayer dollars and report back to Canadians on outcomes achieved."
12/1/2017,246,,Government Services and Operations,"Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency proactively contacts those who are entitled to, but are not receiving, tax benefits.",Minister of National Revenue,Underway - on track,"More Canadians receive the tax benefits and credits to which they are entitled, including vulnerable Canadians and Indigenous people on-reserve.","The Government of Canada has expanded the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program in order to help low-income Canadians, seniors and other vulnerable groups with tax filing. For the 2016 tax year, the Government has increased community partnerships by 18 %, and filed nearly 770,000 returns on behalf of Canadians so they can get the benefits they are entitled to. The CRA undertook a new initiative in 2016-2017 to proactively contact 260,000 Canadians who were potentially eligible for tax benefits but were not receiving them. The Government has also proactively promoted the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) in Indigenous communities to make sure Indigenous families have full access to this important benefit. By the end of January 2018, in-person visits will have been completed to more than 600 First Nations communities in order to promote the CCB and other benefits. The Government will continue to work to improve these results across all CRA administered benefit programs."
12/1/2017,247,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) offers to complete returns for lower-income Canadians whose financial situation is unchanged year-to-year.,Minister of National Revenue,Underway - on track,Simpler process for low-income Canadians to file their taxes when their financial situation hasn't changed much.,"This past year, through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, the Government filed nearly 770,000 returns on behalf of Canadians, many of whom are seniors, low-income Canadians and newcomers with simple tax situations. CRA is continuously looking at improvements so that low-income Canadians whose financial situation is unchanged year-to-year can easily file their returns and get the benefits that they are entitled to. The Government of Canada is looking at additional ways to improve these results for the 2017 and subsequent tax years, including allowing Canadians with simple tax situations, such as seniors and Social Assistance Recipients to file by telephone; and tax clinics to reach out to Canadians in remote and underserved communities."
12/1/2017,248,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency supports more Canadians who wish to file taxes using no paper forms.,Minister of National Revenue,Underway - on track,"More Canadians file their taxes online; and filing online is simple, easy and convenient for all CRA administered programs.","The Government of Canada has launched new services to help individuals, businesses and tax preparers submit their returns electronically. Launched in 2016, Auto-fill my return automatically pre-populates returns with data already available to CRA, making filing online simpler and easier. The amount of information available to Auto-fill continues to be expanded so that filing online is the best option for Canadians. To date, Canadians have used CRA’s Auto-fill my return eight million times to help them file their returns. The Government has also made it possible for tax preparers to amend their clients' returns electronically by using the new ReFILE service. In 2016-2017 alone, Canadians logged into CRA's secure online portal 51 million times, and 86 per cent of filings in 2016 occurred online—an increase of nearly 750,000 Canadians using this method over the prior year. The Government is currently redesigning CRA's secure portal to enable even more electronic interactions."
12/1/2017,249,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency delivers correspondence and other communications that are straightforward and easy to read.,Minister of National Revenue,Underway - on track,"Correspondence is simplified so that Canadians can better understand information they receive from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), leading to increased client satisfaction and fewer inquiries for routine information.","The Government of Canada simplified the correspondence CRA sends Canadians, making it easier to read and understand, including new, simple, and easy-to-read notices of assessment for businesses and individuals. As of October 2017, 85 per cent of the correspondence the CRA sends to Canadians has been transformed in the new easy-to-read format. The CRA will have simplified virtually all correspondence by May 2019."
12/1/2017,250,,Fair and Open Government,"Enhance transparency in the political fundraising system for Cabinet members, party leaders and leadership candidates.",Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - on track,A more transparent political fundraising system is in place that strengthens trust and confidence in our democratic institutions.,"In May 2017, the Government introduced legislation to significantly enhance transparency in the political fundraising system for Cabinet members, party leaders and leadership candidates. This legislation will give Canadians more information than ever before: they will know who is going to fundraisers, when and where they are happening, and the amount required to attend."
12/1/2017,251,,Strong Middle Class,Update the Canada Labour Code to address emerging issues such as unpaid internships.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Stronger protections and employment standards that better protect workers and reflect the changing nature of the labour market.,"Budget 2017 aims to eliminate unpaid internships in federally regulated sectors where internships are not part of a formal educational program. In the case of unpaid internships that are part of an educational program, the Government will ensure standard labour protections apply, such as maximum hours of work, weekly days of rest and general holidays. Legislation to implement these changes will be tabled in the coming months. The Government has also launched consultations on proposed updates to the Canada Labour Code to ensure that Canadians enjoy strong labour protections and standards."
12/1/2017,252,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Increase the labour force participation of women and underrepresented groups.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,"Improved labour market participation and employment outcomes for groups traditionally under-represented in the labour market (women, youth, immigrants, persons with disabilities, racialized communities, and Indigenous peoples).","The Government has introduced several initiatives to help Canadians with the challenges they face when making decisions about pursuing work or going back to school. These initiatives will increase the number of high-quality, affordable child care spaces (up to 40,000 over the next three years), introduce flexible work arrangements, make parental leave more flexible, and expand opportunities for lifelong learning. These initiatives are expected to increase labour force participation among several under-represented groups, particularly mothers in low- and modest-income families. In addition, the Government has increased the number of work experience opportunities for young Canadians through the Youth Employment Strategy, and has also expanded access to job supports and skills training for all Canadians, with a particular focus on the needs of Indigenous peoples and other under-represented groups. The renewal of the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS), the introduction of a Targeted Employment Strategy for Newcomers and the introduction of a federal accessibility act will further support the unique needs of Indigenous peoples, newcomers and persons with disabilities."
12/1/2017,253,,Strong Middle Class,Help the unemployed and vulnerable workers before they become unemployed to get the skills they need.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Canadian workers have the skills they need to find and keep good quality jobs.,"The Government of Canada is establishing a new organization to identify the skills sought and required by Canadian employers, explore new and innovative approaches to skills development, and share information and analysis to help inform future skills investments and programming. The Government is working with provinces and territories, the private sector, educational institutions and not-for-profit organizations to design this organization. Implementation is tentatively planned for 2018-19 and will complement other significant investments and changes the Government is making to labour market transfer agreements in order to expand workers' access to skills training and job supports, to improve access to opportunities for lifelong learning, and to increase work experience opportunities for young Canadians."
12/1/2017,254,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Introduce proactive pay equity legislation for federally-regulated workers.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Status of Women",Underway - on track,Fair compensation systems in organizations in the federal jurisdiction that reduce the pay gap between women and men.,"The Government is replacing the current complaint-based approach to pay equity in the federal jurisdiction with a proactive system, as stated in the October 2016 Response to the Report of the Special Committee on Pay Equity. This new approach will be more effective at achieving equity for Canadian workers under federal jurisdiction. Work is underway to develop this new approach, which will be tabled in legislation in 2018."
12/1/2017,255,,Strong Middle Class,Restore a fair and balanced approach to organized labour.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Public Services and Procurement",Completed - fully met,A fair and balanced labour policy.,"In June 2017, Parliament repealed two proposed pieces of legislation which would have undermined the ability of workers to collectively bargain. This action was supported by both employers and unions, in recognition of the need by all parties for a policy framework that is governed by the principles of fairness and balance."
12/1/2017,256,,Healthy Canadians,Implement Canada's ban on asbestos.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,Canada comprehensively bans asbestos.,"In December 2016, the Government announced a set of comprehensive measures to ban asbestos and products containing asbestos by 2018. In July 2017, the Government brought into force changes to the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations to lower the exposure limit to as close to zero as possible for airborne chrysotile asbestos. These changes will protect federally regulated employees at risk."
12/1/2017,257,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Reduce the wage gap between men and women.,"Minister of Status of Women;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,A fair federal compensation system and a more flexible work environment to reduce the pay gap between women and men.,"The Government is replacing the current complaint-based approach to pay equity in the federal jurisdiction with a proactive system, as stated in the October 2016 Response to the Report of the Special Committee on Pay Equity. This new approach will be more effective at achieving equity for Canadian workers under federal jurisdiction. Work is underway to develop this new approach, which will be tabled in legislation in 2018. In addition, Budgets 2016 and 2017 include many measures to reduce the gender wage gap and encourage greater workforce participation among women, including investments in early learning and child care, a new Employment Insurance caregiving benefit, and the right to request flexible work arrangements for federally regulated employees."
12/1/2017,259,,Canada in the World,"Continue joint efforts to address global security threats, combat terrorism and defend our continent.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,On-going commitment,"Canada is protected from global threats and contributes to achieving a safer, more peaceful and prosperous world.","Canada's new defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—supports the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces and provides them with the necessary equipment and capabilities to defend Canada, protect North America and contribute to international peace and security. In addition, Canada is a core member of the Global Coalition Against Daesh and has taken a leadership role in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization by serving as the Framework Nation for the enhanced Forward Presence in Latvia. Furthermore, the Government is contributing comprehensive military, diplomatic and development assistance to Iraq and the immediate region and is leading efforts toward nuclear disarmament. Canada has also played a key role in driving international pressure on Syria, including supporting investigations into the use of chemical weapons, and is playing a leading role to deal with non-proliferation more generally through the G7-led Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction. Canada was also confirmed as co-chair (with Algeria) of the West Africa Working Group of the Global Counterterrorism Forum, an international forum of 29 Countries and the European Union with an overarching mission of reducing the vulnerability of people worldwide to terrorism by preventing, combating, and prosecuting terrorist acts and countering incitement and recruitment to terrorism."
12/1/2017,260,,Environment and Climate Change,Cooperate with the United States on energy security and energy infrastructure.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canada and the United States benefit from a secure and effective cross-border energy infrastructure.,"Collaboration on energy security and infrastructure was included in the February 13, 2017 Joint Statement from President Trump and PM Trudeau. Canada continues to support several major cross-border energy infrastructure projects, including: Keystone XL, Line 3 and Line 67, Northern Pass, New England Clean Power Link, and Great Northern Transmission Line. All projects are at different stages of review, investment, or approval. The U.S. State Department issued a presidential permit to TransCanada Pipelines in March 2017 for the construction of the Keystone XL project."
12/1/2017,261,,Environment and Climate Change,Advance shared action with the United States on environmental issues and climate change.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canada-U.S. collaboration leads to a cleaner shared environment and clean energy innovation.,"Canada and the United States issued a joint statement in February 2017 confirming both countries' commitment to collaborate closely in energy innovation, especially in the clean energy sphere; in energy cooperation, particularly along our border and at the Great Lakes; and to enhance the quality of our air and water. In recognition of a shared vision among Canada, the United States and Mexico, the three leaders committed to a North American Climate, Clean Energy, and Environment Partnership in June 2016. In December 2016, a Canada-United States Joint Arctic Leaders' Statement emphasized the importance of a strong, sustainable and viable Arctic economy and ecosystem."
12/1/2017,262,,Exports and Investment,Strengthen trilateral cooperation with the United States and Mexico to enhance North America's global competitiveness.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,On-going commitment,North America is strong and competitive in global markets.,"Canada hosted the North American Leaders' Summit in 2016, identifying North American economic prosperity as a key priority. The Government continues to actively engage Mexico and the United States in order to advance issues in our common interest, including through negotiations to modernize North American Free Trade Agreement. During trade negotiations, the Government of Canada is committed to creating the most favourable conditions for Canadian businesses to compete internationally. In addition to trade, North American cooperation continues in key areas such as energy, security and defence."
12/1/2017,263,,Canada in the World,"Strengthen relationships with key bilateral, regional and multilateral partners.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canadian interests and values are promoted through enhanced cooperation with key international partners.,"Canada has constructively contributed to multilateral forums to advance its priorities, including at the United Nations (UN); the African Union; Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation; Association of Southeast Asian Nations; the Pacific Alliance; the International Syria Support Group; the Lima Group on Venezuela (Canada is hosting the next meeting); and the Gulf Cooperation Council. The Government signed and provisionally applied the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and the Strategic Partnership Agreement with the European Union. The Government has also strengthened relationships with key bilateral, regional and multilateral partners in the Asia Pacific, Europe, Eastern Europe and Eurasia, Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and the Maghreb through high-level engagements, including 247 visits by the Prime Minister and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Development. Hosting the G7 in 2018 will further reinforce Canada's key international relationships."
12/1/2017,264,,Canada in the World,Seek leadership opportunities for Canada and Canadians in multilateral institutions.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canada and Canadians play a leading role in international organizations.,Canada is currently seeking a non-permanent seat on the United Nations (UN) Security Council for 2020-2021 and is leading one of the four North Atlantic Treaty Organization multinational enhanced Forward Presence battlegroups in Eastern Europe. An Action Plan for international staffing will ensure that more Canadians secure positions of influence in multilateral institutions. Several Canadians have recently been appointed to senior positons in the UN and the Government is working with civil society organizations to ensure strong Canadian candidates are on the UN's roster for the position of Special Representative.
12/1/2017,265,,Canada in the World,"Ensure that the deployment of the Armed Forces aligns with Canada's interests, our commitments and the government's policy.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,The deployment of the Canadian Armed Forces contributes to the achievement of Canada's broader international priorities.,"The Department of National Defence and Global Affairs Canada established a bi-weekly coordination mechanism to ensure greater policy coherence. The Government has also introduced new planning and policy development arrangements to ensure analysis of military deployments include foreign policy considerations and reflect broader government objectives. Approximately 1,800 Canadian Armed Forces personnel are currently deployed on 18 missions supporting Canada's international priorities."
12/1/2017,270,,Healthy Canadians,Introduce restrictions on the commercial marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,Commercial marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children is significantly reduced leading to better health outcomes for Canadian children.,"The Government launched the Healthy Eating Strategy in October 2016, with a focus on keeping children healthy. The Government has been working with experts and stakeholders on key policy issues, including the definition of unhealthy foods and drinks and possible marketing restrictions that should be pursued."
12/1/2017,271,,Healthy Canadians,Bring in tougher regulations to eliminate trans fats and reduce salt in processed foods.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"Industrially produced trans fats are eliminated from food products; the food and restaurant industries systematically reduce sodium levels in the food supply; and consumers are better able to identify foods high in sodium, sugar and saturated fat, resulting in improved public health.","Following public consultation, a ban on partially hydrogenated oils, the main source of industrial trans fat, was published in September 2017 and will take effect in one year. The Government held a Sodium Symposium in October 2016 with food and restaurant industries to discuss progress in meeting voluntary sodium reduction targets, and the Government is currently analyzing sodium levels in the Canadian food supply to inform future sodium reduction targets."
12/1/2017,272,,Healthy Canadians,Improve food labels to give more information on added sugars and artificial dyes.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"Canadians have the information, tools and resources to make healthy food choices, improving health outcomes.","Regulatory amendments were published in December 2016 updating the requirements for food labels, making them easier to understand. The Nutrition Facts table was also updated to indicate whether a food contains “a little” (less than five per cent of the recommended daily intake of a nutrient) or “a lot” (15 per cent or more of the recommended daily intake of a nutrient). The Front of Package labelling proposal will complement these changes by identifying prepackaged foods that contain 15 per cent or more of the recommended daily value of nutrients of public health concern—sodium, sugar and saturated fat."
12/1/2017,273,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Implement Canada's new immigration levels plans.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,"300,000 permanent residents are admitted to Canada in 2017, contributing to economic growth, family reunification and the Government's humanitarian commitment. Canada enjoys increased economic competitiveness through the attraction of global talent.","The Government continues its commitment to family reunification and refugee resettlement. In November 2017, the Government tabled an immigration levels plan with a target of welcoming 980,000 new permanent residents over the next three years. These targets will increase the number of permanent residents selected in economic programs, while maintaining a commitment to family reunification and resettlement of refugees. The Government is reducing application backlogs, improving the speed at which applications are processed and putting a greater focus on the attraction of highly skilled global talent."
12/1/2017,274,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Ensure the delivery of high-quality settlement services for newcomers, informed by rigorous outcomes data.","Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,"Improved, high-quality settlement services for newcomers to Canada, leading to improved outcomes for immigrants and their children.","The Government is helping immigrants better prepare for a new life in Canada. Enhancements to service delivery for the settlement program are being informed by evaluation findings, pilot projects, and consultations with provincial and territorial partners and stakeholders. Potential longer-term changes to the delivery of settlement services will be informed by expanded reporting and analytic capabilities, beginning in 2017."
12/1/2017,275,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Continue to welcome refugees from Syria and elsewhere.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,"40,000 Syrian refugees have been welcomed to Canada as of February 2017.","The Government continues to welcome refugees from countries around the world and offer persons fleeing conflict and/or persecution a safe haven. This includes resettling persons from the Congo, Eritrea, and survivors of Daesh and their families, including Yazidi refugees. The 2017 immigration levels plan maintains a target of welcoming 40,000 refugees and protected persons to Canada from all parts of the world, including Syria. This figure remains among the highest in Canadian history, and double the number of refugees that were welcomed in 2015 and preceding years."
12/1/2017,276,,Canada in the World,Conduct a review of the visa policy framework.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,"An evidence-based visa policy framework that promotes Canada’s economic, foreign policy and cultural interests at the same time as protecting the safety and security of all Canadians.","The Government has initiated a review of Canada's visa policy framework to ensure it uses a robust, evidence based approach when making visa decisions. The Government is also reviewing policies for managing foreign nationals transiting through Canadian airports to increase Canada's air connections with the rest of the world while prioritizing the security of Canadians. In addition, the Government facilitated the travel of low-risk travellers from Brazil, and has lifted previous visa restrictions that applied to visitors from Romania, Bulgaria and Mexico."
12/1/2017,277,,Indigenous peoples,Make changes to the Oath of Canadian Citizenship to reflect the Truth and Reconciliation's Calls to Action.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,Updated Oath of Canadian Citizenship and Citizenship Test that reflect Canadian and Indigenous history.,"The Government of Canada is currently working with national Indigenous organizations to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's recommendations to incorporate recognition of treaties with Indigenous peoples into the Oath of Canadian Citizenship, update the citizenship test to reflect and guide a more inclusive history of Indigenous peoples, and provide information on the history of residential schools for newcomers. The Government will bring forward legislation to modify the Oath. Changes to the citizenship guide are currently being drafted."
12/1/2017,278,,Exports and Investment,Advance Canada's progressive trade agenda.,Minister of International Trade,On-going commitment,"Canadian workers are protected from unfair trade practices, trade agreements maintain or improve Canadian regulatory standards in key areas like employment and the environment, and Canada advances the rules-based international order and trading system.","The Government is making legislative changes to the trade remedy process to provide labour with a seat at the table. This will give a voice to workers in proceedings on unfair trade practices. The Government is also improving these processes to increase enforcement of trade remedy measures and better account for market and price distortions so that those who trade with Canada do so fairly. Canada's new progressive trade agenda will ensure Canada's trading partners meet their international labour obligations and encourage the establishment of new mechanisms for civil society consultation and advice on labour issues. The implementation of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement includes provisions protecting the environment, health and safety, and employment standards. The recently modernized Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement includes a chapter on trade and gender, a first for Canada and any G20 country. The Government will continue to develop and advance progressive approaches to trade through bilateral and multilateral engagement. Canada's recent implementation of International Labour Organization Convention 98, which affirms the fundamental right to collectively bargain, is one example of this approach."
12/1/2017,279,,Exports and Investment,Promote trade and investment with established markets such as Japan.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"Increased two-way trade and investment with Japan, supporting well-paying, middle-class jobs.","The Government is promoting Canada-Japan trade through multilateral engagement with provinces, territories and municipalities. Visits by the Prime Minister, key ministers, and provincial premiers have showcased trade and investment potential in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, agriculture, life sciences and clean tech. In the first half of 2017, nearly $1 billion in Japanese investment has been made in Canada, creating or supporting at least 300 jobs. Canada is working closely with Japan to explore ways to further deepen the bilateral trade and investment relationship."
12/1/2017,280,,Exports and Investment,Position Canada as a top destination for global investment and promote our economic brand.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"Canada ranks among the top developed economies in global rankings of investment competitiveness, attractiveness and brand.","The Government is encouraging global investment and promoting Canada's economic brand through the creation of the Invest in Canada Hub, which will launch later in 2017; the expansion of the trade commissioner service, starting in 2017, to increase our marketing presence in strategic markets abroad; and the acceleration of changes to the Investment Canada Act. The changes to the Act will lead to greater transparency of the guidelines used for national security reviews, and increase the threshold for review under the Act to transactions of $1 billion or greater as of 2017. The Government is also developing a comprehensive Trade and Investment Strategy which will bring forward additional measures to promote new job-creating investments in Canada. Recent global surveys by ARCADIS/NV Consulting, KPMG, and Ernst and Young have ranked Canada as: first among the G7 for potential infrastructure investment; the second least expensive jurisdiction among developed economies in which to locate a business; and fifth in the world among places global executives are considering to invest. Thomson Reuters' investment in a new technology hub and General Motors' announcement of new manufacturing capacity in Canada are just a few examples of successes to date. Overall, the Trade Commissioner Service facilitated 101 investment projects to Canada $2.25 billion in investments and 2,979 jobs in 2016-17."
12/1/2017,281,,Exports and Investment,Ensure alignment between Canada's export and innovation strategies.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"More Canadian businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, export their products and services.","The Government launched a new Innovation and Skills Plan to: retrain Canadians for the jobs of today and tomorrow; drive investments in six high-growth sectors of the Canadian economy; and to make it easier for businesses and innovators to access the support they need. The Government will ensure that the upcoming Trade and Investment Strategy aligns with the Innovation and Skills Plan, so that Canadian innovators and entrepreneurs better benefit from government programs."
12/1/2017,282,,Exports and Investment,Implement and expand Canada's Free Trade Agreements globally.,Minister of International Trade,On-going commitment,"Free Trade Agreements increase trade and investment, creating good middle-class jobs.","The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) entered into force in September 2017. The Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement entered into force in August 2017. The Government has entered into negotiations to modernize the North American Free Trade Agreement to reflect new realities and to integrate progressive, free, and fair approaches to trade and investment. In addition, Canada continues to engage China on a possible free trade agreement and is working with India to reinvigorate negotiations on a Canada-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement. Canada is working closely with Israel to further modernize the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement. The amended Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement, including a chapter on trade and gender, was tabled in Parliament on October 5, 2017. Consultations with Canadians have begun on potential free trade agreements with countries in the Pacific Alliance and MERCOSUR."
12/1/2017,283,,Strong Middle Class,"Improve Canadian competiveness, create jobs and generate economic growth.",Minister of International Trade,On-going commitment,Trade and investment boosts Canadian economic growth.,"The Canadian economy is seeing renewed strength—nearly 440,000 more Canadians are employed today than in October 2015. Annualized real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew 4.5 per cent between in the second quarter of 2017 (July-September). The value of Canadian goods exports increased six per cent over the past year (August 2016 to August 2017), representing the first major, sustained improvement in export performance since the recent downturn in global commodity markets. The Government recently launched a new Innovation and Skills Plan, an ambitious agenda to make Canada a centre of innovation, create well-paying, middle class jobs, and help more Canadians adapt to the changing economy. This plan will expand opportunities for skills training, drive investments in six high-growth sectors of the Canadian economy, and make it easier for businesses and innovators to access the support they need. Through the upcoming Trade and Investment Strategy, the Government will continue to take concrete steps to improve Canadian competiveness and generate long-term economic growth."
12/1/2017,285,,Canada in the World,Maintain Canada's strong commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).,Minister of National Defence,On-going commitment,The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) remains strong and Canada is a trusted partner in the alliance.,"Canada has substantially increased its commitment to NATO by renewing the mandate for Operation REASSURANCE and becoming a Framework Nation in Latvia in support of NATO's enhanced Forward Presence. Canada has also participated in NATO activities, programs, and decision-making, including the Warsaw Heads of State and Government Summit. Outside the NATO context but in close coordination with NATO Allies, Canada has continued its support to Ukraine, including renewal of the mandate for Operation UNIFIER (a military training and capacity building mission), until March 31, 2019."
12/1/2017,286,,Safety and Security,Increase the size of the Canadian Rangers.,Minister of National Defence,Underway - on track,"The Canadian Rangers have the numbers, equipment and training needed to do their job properly.","The Government is in the final stages of determining the resource requirements to increase the capability of the Canadian Rangers. Each Canadian Ranger Patrol Group across the country has had an opportunity to provide input. Canada's new defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—commits to following up with related improvements in equipment and training."
12/1/2017,287,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Review collection of gender statistics to evaluate programs and policies.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - with challenges,"More data available from Statistics Canada, disaggregated by gender, allowing more informed decision-making.","Status of Women Canada and Statistics Canada are developing a plan to improve the availability and use of gender-disaggregated data to inform programs and policies aimed at advancing gender equality. Budgets 2016 and 2017 include many measures to increase access to gender disaggregated data, including investments in the collection of new data related to gender-based violence and the release of existing data through new reports on Women in Canada. Given the multiple data sources and the need to ensure usability of products and platforms, the development of the plan has seen delays."
12/1/2017,288,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Integrate gender-based questions and content into government consultations.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,All government consultations include gender-based questions and content.,"The Government is developing guidelines for departments to ensure all consultations incorporate gender-based questions. Collecting diverse perspectives through these consultations will allow for the assessment of how diverse groups of women, men and non-binary individuals may experience policies, programs and initiatives."
12/1/2017,289,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Host a national Gender-Based Analysis roundtable in 2018.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,"Strengthened awareness of Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+), its potential use by governments, and opportunities for improvement.",Planning for this national event is now underway.
12/1/2017,290,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Build on the first Gender-based Analysis of Budget 2017 to improve future budgets.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,Comprehensive Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) is incorporated into all future budgets improving public policy.,"The Government is continuing to improve the quality and scope of GBA+ in federal budgets. This includes consultation with experts and key stakeholders during Spring 2017 and meetings with experts and leaders globally. The Government is committed to complete and publish a gender-based analysis of budgetary measures in all future budgets, and make better and more inclusive decisions in the years ahead."
12/1/2017,291,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) is incorporated into key government reports.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,"All major government reports include Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) considerations, improving their policy recommendations.","The Government has provided guidance to departments and agencies as to where and how GBA+ should be incorporated into their Results Frameworks and Reports on Results. The Government will build on these to provide guidance to departments in incorporating GBA+ into Departmental Plans for 2018/19. Once these guidelines are complete, the Government will examine how best to extend GBA+ to other key reports. As a relatively new mandate letter commitment, it is still at the early stages of development."
12/1/2017,292,,Fair and Open Government,Modernize the Communications Policy of the Government to reflect the modern digital environment.,President of the Treasury Board,Completed - fully met,Government communications that reflect the digital environment.,"The Government of Canada has transformed the communications policy to foster more coordinated communications within and across government departments through the use of innovative methods. This policy will help ensure the Government engages in activities that are timely, clear, cost-effective, in both official languages, accessible and non-partisan. In addition, the policy will help to ensure government communications are clearly branded, both in Canada and abroad."
12/1/2017,293,,Fair and Open Government,Take a more modern approach to comptrollership.,President of the Treasury Board,Completed - fully met,Modernized cost analysis for all Government programs and legislation.,The Government has launched a renewed financial management policy in April 2017. The Treasury Board Secretariat engaged key stakeholders through information sessions and developed guidelines to help federal organizations ensure that financial resources are well managed.
12/1/2017,294,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that a fixed percentage of funds is devoted to experimenting with new approaches to challenges and measure the impact of programs.,President of the Treasury Board,Underway - on track,"Innovation and experimentation are part of routine business of government, and new models are identified that improve outcomes for Canadians.","The Government has directed federal agencies and departments to allocate a percentage of program funding towards testing innovative policy solutions. This change has promoted the use of innovative transfer payment models, including incentive-based funding and challenges on a pilot basis. The new Impact Canada Fund will enable departments to test and experiment with new ideas to improve outcomes for Canadians. The Government is also creating a new procurement initiative, Innovative Solutions Canada, to match businesses offering early stage prototypes with departments in need of new products or services."
12/1/2017,295,,Fair and Open Government,Exercise due diligence regarding costing analysis prepared by departments for all proposed legislation and programs.,President of the Treasury Board,Underway - on track,Modernized costing informs all proposed legislation and programs.,"The Government issued new best practices for calculating program costs and commissioned a study to identify gaps in the existing costing approach, which will help inform future decisions. The Government is also undertaking a pilot project to better estimate future costing requirements for major procurement projects. This pilot project played a critical role in the development of the new defence policy: Strong, Secure, Engaged. These measures will help make sure solid costing information informs decision-making."
12/1/2017,296,,Environment and Climate Change,Restore annual federal funding for freshwater research and make new investments in Canada’s Experimental Lakes Area.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Completed - fully met,Restored annual federal funding for freshwater research and monitoring activities to keep our water safe.,"In April 2016, $197 million was committed to enhance ocean and freshwater science activities. In June 2016, the Government signed a contribution agreement with the International Institute of Sustainable Development (IISD), to support freshwater research at the Experimental Lakes Area. The Government is also conducting scientific research and monitoring activities in lakes and rivers, such as Lake Winnipeg and the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence watersheds. These measures will improve Canada's understanding of freshwater ecosystems and protect the environment we share."
12/1/2017,297,,Safety and Security,Implement a strategy against gender violence.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,"Reduced gender-based violence, greater awareness of gender-based violence and better support and services for survivors.","In June 2017, the Government launched It's Time: Canada's Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence, which takes a whole-of-government approach to gender-based violence (GBV). As part of the strategy, new programs will be established to engage youth, including men and boys, on violence prevention, and test new approaches that can be expanded to prevent GBV, child maltreatment and teen dating violence. The Government will establish a Gender-Based Violence Knowledge Centre to coordinate the collection and dissemination of better data and information, share best practices between governments and service providers, and report annually on the progress of the strategy. Next year, Statistics Canada will launch a new national survey to collect data on GBV, the first such survey in decades. The strategy builds on other initiatives the Government has undertaken to train judges on matters relating to gender and diversity, expand access to justice for vulnerable groups, build and repair shelters and transitional housing and provide leave under the Canada Labour Code for federally regulated workers who are fleeing violence."
12/1/2017,298,,Jobs and Innovation,"Help small- and medium-sized enterprises grow, become more innovative and export oriented.","Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Small Business and Tourism",Underway - on track,"Double the number of high-growth firms in Canada by 2025 to create good, middle class jobs, strengthen communities, and grow the economy.","Small business owners work hard to provide Canadians with quality goods and services while also creating job opportunities that strengthen communities across the country and grow the middle class. The Government is focused on helping small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) export and grow. Budget 2016 provided additional funding for the National Research Council’s Industrial Research Assistance Program that helped an additional 370 businesses innovate and develop new technologies. CanExport, which provides direct financial assistance to Canadian SMEs seeking to develop new export opportunities in 70 markets, has approved 800 projects. Budget 2017 announced $950 million to superclusters in highly innovative industries and highlighted six economic strategy tables in advanced manufacturing, agri-food, clean technology, digital industries, health/bio-sciences and clean resources. Internationally, Canada's combined small business corporate income tax rate is the lowest in the G7 and fourth lowest among OECD countries."
12/1/2017,299,,Strong Middle Class,Support regional economic growth strategies.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,Governments and key stakeholders in each region of Canada work together as part of a regional economic strategy that supports good middle class jobs and creates new economic opportunities.,"The Atlantic Growth Strategy was developed in close collaboration with all three orders of government, businesses and not-for-profits, and has resulted in the approval of 4,500 projects across all provinces, including a pan-Atlantic immigration pilot project to attract and retain newcomers to the region. Building off of the success of the new Atlantic Growth Strategy, the Government will undertake additional regional economic development strategies across Canada. These strategies will reflect opportunities and priorities in each region of the country and be facilitated through the Government's regional development agencies over the next several years."
12/1/2017,300,,Safety and Security,"Review the criminal justice system, including sentencing reforms, to ensure it keeps us safe and it is fair.",Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,"Crime rates are reduced, the justice system has the resources it needs, and all Canadians have access to justice through a fairer system.","The Government is undertaking a review of our criminal justice system, including sentencing reforms, to ensure that it keeps Canadians safe, while also addressing the overrepresentation of vulnerable groups in our prisons, including Indigenous people and those with mental illness. As this work continues, the Government has introduced bills to provide an exception to criminal fines for low-income Canadians facing undue hardship and to address outdated provisions in the law, including through legislation to clarify and strengthen the sexual assault provisions in the Criminal Code. The Government continues to work on the use of restorative justice in criminal matters. Budget 2016 and 2017 committed funding for more judges in Superior Courts, greater support programming on judicial education, ethics and conduct, further funding for court translation in both of Canada's official languages, and more legal aid services provided in the provinces and territories, including specialized services to Indigenous people, and those with mental illness. Additional representation and services will also be offered through the Indigenous Courtwork Program for Indigenous people to help them navigate the criminal justice system."
12/1/2017,305,,Strong Middle Class,"Eliminate the $1,000 Labour Market Impact Assessment fee to hire caregivers.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,Elimination of the Labour Market Impact Assessment fee to hire caregivers so those in need of assistance can meet their family caregiving responsibilities.,"The Government is eliminating the Labour Market Impact Assessment processing fee for families seeking to hire foreign caregivers to provide care for persons with high medical needs, and for middle class families with an income of less than $150,000 in annual income seeking to hire foreign caregivers to provide child care. These changes are expected to be fully implemented by the end of 2017, and will ensure that support is targeted at those most in need of assistance to meet their family caregiving responsibilities."
12/1/2017,307,,Strong Middle Class,Promote good quality jobs by developing the Global Skills Strategy.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,"Shorter processing times for employers seeking to attract highly skilled, in-demand global talent, leading to more investment and job creation in Canada.","In June 2017, as part of the Global Skills Strategy, the Government of Canada launched the new Global Talent Stream under the Temporary Foreign Worker program for a period of two years. This new Stream helps eligible companies attract highly-skilled global talent to scale up and remain globally competitive while creating good, middle class jobs in Canada. High-growth Canadian companies and global businesses making large investments in Canada can apply. Companies that apply have to demonstrate that the talent they wish to bring to Canada will provide labour market benefits for Canadians and that the position is in high-demand. They have access to an expedited review process lasting no more than a combined 20 business days from end to end, including reviews conducted by Employment and Social Development Canada and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada."
12/1/2017,308,,Government Services and Operations,Develop a strategy that aims to create a single online window for all government services.,President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Public Services and Procurement;Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - with challenges,Government of Canada services and programs are simpler and Canadians can access them more easily.,"The Government of Canada Service Strategy will be released through the Government's long-term plan to improve services to Canadians. This plan will include measures to improve service standards and create a simpler, more focused online window for services. This plan will also include targeted investments to improve specific services, which will lead to simpler and more online tax filing options; more online services from the Canadian Border Services Agency; more digital options and self-service capabilities for student loans; auto-enrollment to Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement benefits; shorter immigration processing times; better integration of Veterans services; improved access to Employment Insurance; and simpler, more integrated information sharing to reduce administration and red tape hindering access to business services. In Budget 2017, the Government announced the creation of the Canadian Digital Service, an initiative that will make it faster, simpler and easier for Canadians to access benefits or services online. Achieving integrated online government service delivery will take time due to required Government-wide IT transformation and legislative changes."
12/1/2017,309,,Government Services and Operations,Set transparent service standards for the delivery of Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,"Canadians making inquiries about Employment Insurance (EI) will receive answers more quickly, consistent with new, higher service standards.","As a result of two-year Budget 2016 investments, the EI Call Centre network significantly increased its capacity and improved its service accessibility. In May 2016, the Government launched the EI Service Quality Review (SQR). The SQR sought input from stakeholders and Canadians on ways Service Canada could improve the quality of EI services on the phone, online and in person. The final report provided ten recommendations on how to make EI service delivery more responsive to the needs of Canadians. Service Canada is using this input to review EI service standards, and is committed to complete the review by March 2018."
12/1/2017,311,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Improve the Temporary Foreign Worker Program so it meets the needs of Canadian workers and employers.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,"The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) contributes to sustained economic growth without displacing qualified Canadians, meets the needs of workers and employers and protects the vulnerable.","The Government has taken action in a number of areas to improve the TFWP guided, in part, by the 2016 recommendations of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons' with Disabilities study of the TFWP. Budget 2017 confirmed permanent funding for the risk-based, TFWP employer compliance inspection regime, an increase in on-site inspections in sectors with high volumes of vulnerable workers such as Primary Agriculture, and to support work with industry sectors that rely on Temporary Foreign Workers to develop comprehensive workforce development strategies in partnership with employers, organized labour and other stakeholders. To ensure that Canadians always have the first opportunity at available jobs, the Government introduced a number of changes to improve the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Changes include: ending the four year cumulative duration rule; introducing the new Global Talent Stream for high-skill to help high-growth Canadian companies attract specialized global talent that will create new jobs for Canadians; increasing the requirement of employers to recruit Canadians typically under-represented in our workforce; extending the low-wage cap for seasonal employment; increasing on-site inspections of workplaces that employ temporary foreign workers; committing to further develop pathways to permanent residency so that eligible newcomers are able to more fully contribute to Canadian society; and working with heavy users of the TFWP to create Canadian workforce development strategies in partnership with employers, organized labour and other stakeholders.
The International Mobility Program compliance regime received limited, one-year funding in order to allow that system to mature and demonstrate results before taking a decision on permanent funding. The Government continues to monitor the program and look at opportunities for further improvement."
12/1/2017,312,,Fair and Open Government,Make meetings of the Board of Internal Economy open by default.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,Improved transparency in the administration of Parliament.,"The House of Commons has adopted changes to ensure that meetings of the Board of Internal Economy are open by default, meaning they will be public unless it is necessary to deal with particular items in-camera, as outlined in the Parliament of Canada Act, or the by-laws of the Board. Unanimous consent of all members present at the meeting would be required should the Board wish to hold a closed meeting on any other issue. These changes will increase parliamentary transparency for Canadians."
12/1/2017,313,,Strong Middle Class,Make post-secondary education more affordable for low and middle income families.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Hundreds of thousands of students receive increased grant-based aid through Canada Student Grants and students are better able to manage student loan repayments upon graduation. The Government expects more low and middle income students to attend post-secondary education.,"In 2016, the Government increased Canada Student Grants (CSGs) by 50 per cent, helping over 360,000 students from low- and middle-income families to receive up to $1,000 more per year in grants. Starting in 2017-18, new CSG thresholds were introduced, meaning that over 400,000 students from low- and middle-income families are estimated to receive up to $3,000 in non-repayable financial aid each and every year, 46,000 of whom are newly eligible for grants. The Government also increased thresholds for the Repayment Assistance Plan so that no graduate will have to repay their Canada Student Loan until they earn at least $25,000 per year. This change has already helped about 23,000 Canadians delay their payments. Additional measures available in 2018-19 will: increase CSGs for students with dependent children, helping 13,000 students; increase eligibility thresholds for part-time students, helping 10,000 students; and better support the financial pressures of working adults who want to go back to school."
12/1/2017,315,,Strong Middle Class,Index Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) payments to a new Seniors' Price Index.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,The cost of living for seniors is better reflected in their Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) benefits through a Seniors' Price Index.,The Government of Canada is exploring options and international best practices for a new Seniors' Price Index to make sure support for seniors reflects their needs.
12/1/2017,316,,Strong Middle Class,Cancel the increase in age of eligibility for Old Age Security (OAS) from 65 to 67.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,The age of eligibility for Old Age Security (OAS) has been returned to 65 and provides greater financial security for our most vulnerable seniors.,"The Government of Canada cancelled the planned increase in age of eligibility for Old Age Security, so that eligibility is maintained at age 65. This will help ensure they benefit from a secure and dignified retirement."
12/1/2017,317,,Strong Middle Class,Coordinate programs to support low income seniors with provinces and territories.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",On-going commitment,"Federal, provincial and territorial governments collaborate so seniors get the full benefits to which they are entitled.",The Government of Canada implemented the increase to the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and engaged with provinces and territories (PT) to ensure that low income seniors who receive PT income supplements fully benefit from the increase. The Government will continue to seek new opportunities to work together to support our most vulnerable seniors and ensure that seniors receive the full benefit of the GIS.
12/1/2017,318,,Strong Middle Class,Prioritize affordable housing and seniors' housing.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",On-going commitment,The Canada Infrastructure Bank undertakes complementary projects that support the goals of the National Housing Strategy.,"With the Canada Infrastructure Bank, the Government will build on the long-term funding commitment to build, repair and maintain affordable housing. The Minister of Families, Children and Social Development will continue to work with the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities to ensure that the Bank, once fully established, supports and complements the goals of the National Housing Strategy."
12/1/2017,319,,Strong Middle Class,Provide support to maintain rent-geared-to-income subsidies in existing social housing.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Affordable housing remains accessible to Canadians who need it during the transition through the expiry of current operating agreements.,The Government will preserve billions in Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's (CMHC) funding baseline as operating agreements are set to expire over the next several years. The Government will further develop the use and design of this funding as part of the National Housing Strategy. The strategy includes multiple tools to assist housing providers who face significant financial difficulties following the expiry of CMHC operating subsidies.
12/1/2017,320,,Strong Middle Class,Invest in Housing First to reduce homelessness.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Chronic and episodic homelessness is reduced by as much as 50 per cent compared to current levels.,"The Government invested $111.8 million through Budget 2016 in the Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) to support community efforts to address homelessness. In Budget 2017, the Government further committed $2.1 billion over 11 years to expand and extend the HPS. These increased investment levels are expected to reduce the number of Canadians who are chronically or episodically homeless by as much as 50 per cent compared to current levels. The Government has also been consulting with stakeholders, provinces, territories and Indigenous partners to redesign the program. These consultations are guided by the work of an Advisory Committee launched on June 22, 2017 and chaired by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. As part of the engagement process, an online consultation inviting Canadians to share their ideas on how to prevent and reduce homelessness took place and closed on September 15, 2017. A redesigned federal response to homelessness will be implemented starting April 1st, 2019."
12/1/2017,321,,Strong Middle Class,Remove all GST on new capital investments in affordable rental housing.,"Minister of Finance;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Not being pursued,See below,"All Canadians should have a safe and affordable place to call home. The Government concluded, based on research and evidence, that there were more effective ways of encouraging the construction of affordable rental housing. Budget 2016 introduced a targeted approach to stimulate the construction of affordable rental housing by providing funding to establish an Affordable Rental Housing Innovation Fund and a Rental Construction Financing Initiative. The Financing Initiative will offer more than $2.5 billion in low-cost loans to support the construction of new rental housing. Budget 2017 announced the investment of more than $11.2 billion over 11 years in various initiatives that will help build, renew and repair Canada’s affordable housing and make sure Canadians have affordable housing that meets their needs. The National Housing Strategy include additional measures to stimulate the construction of affordable rental housing."
12/1/2017,322,,Strong Middle Class,Modernize the Home Buyers' Plan.,"Minister of Finance;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - with challenges,Canadians impacted by a sudden and significant life change are better able to manage the costs of finding a home or relocating.,"In considering this proposal, the Government is examining how best to balance support for Canadians who have had a change of circumstance, such as a divorce or a change in employment, with the need to preserve and maintain retirement savings (e.g. Registered Retirement Savings Plans). To date, the Government has made other changes to provide greater legal support for families facing divorce and training programs to help Canadians transitioning between jobs. The Government has also taken a number of steps to ensure Canada has a regulated and stable housing market, including: improving mortgage financing rules, creating the Affordable Housing Innovation Fund and Rental Construction Financing Initiative, and investing $11.2 billion over the next 11 years to help build, repair and maintain affordable housing across Canada. These measures will help address the challenges of housing affordability faced by Canadians in many large urban centres, encourage the creation of new rental housing construction and re-establish a long-term federal role in housing."
12/1/2017,324,,Strong Middle Class,Identify available federal lands that could be repurposed for affordable housing.,"Minister of Public Services and Procurement;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Increased available land to build new affordable housing and increased housing supply where it is needed.,"In the past year, the Government has conducted an inventory of surplus lands and buildings to identify those that could be repurposed for affordable housing. As part of the National Housing Strategy, the Government is creating a new Federal Lands initiative to make surplus federal lands and buildings available at low or no cost for new affordable housing. This initiative will also provide funding for remediation and repairs so that the buildings are suitable for use as housing."
12/1/2017,325,,Strong Middle Class,Review prices in high-priced housing markets and consider all policy tools that could keep home ownership within reach for more Canadians.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Federal policy tools are employed to help keep home ownership within reach for more Canadians.,"The Government has completed the first phase of the analysis of factors impacting house prices, including identifying important data gaps and strategies to reduce these gaps, as well as consultations with a number of industry, academic, provincial and municipal government stakeholders. The second phase, which includes additional data collection, deeper analysis and continued consultations, is underway and is expected to be completed by the end of 2017."
12/1/2017,326,,Strong Middle Class,Bring forward a proposal to prevent mortgage fraud.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Mortgage fraud is reduced.,"Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is currently conducting policy analysis and research on international practices to combat mortgage fraud. The results of this work will be considered for potential inclusion in the National Housing Strategy, which is to be released in late fall 2017."
12/1/2017,327,,Strong Middle Class,Use the best data available to make decisions on housing.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Better data and understanding of the housing market to inform policy decisions so that the Government can help Canadians secure good housing.,"The Government is developing a new Housing Statistics Framework that will be administered by Statistics Canada, and is investing to improve data collection and analytics through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). These investments will help track progress on the National Housing Strategy, better support informed policy decisions, and build on the reintroduction of the mandatory long-form census for 2016, which provides for more accurate collection of data on key things like housing."
12/1/2017,328,,Strong Middle Class,Raise taxes on the top one per cent of earners.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,A fairer tax system where the richest pay their share.,"On December 7, 2015, the Government of Canada announced it would create a new top personal income tax rate of 33 per cent for individual taxable incomes above $200,000, effective January 1, 2016 (increased from 29 per cent). The Government continues to explore other measures to ensure tax fairness."
12/1/2017,329,,Fair and Open Government,Repeal elements of the Fair Elections Act which make it harder for Canadians to vote.,Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - on track,Barriers are reduced to electoral participation for all Canadians and there is greater integrity in the electoral process.,"In November 2016, the Government of Canada introduced legislation to increase voter participation, improve the integrity of the electoral system, and repeal provisions in the previous Fair Elections Act that made it harder for Canadians to vote. The changes to the legislation reinstate the Voter Information Card as authorized identification (ID), restore vouching for those without proper ID, expand voting rights to more than 1 million Canadians living abroad, expand the Chief Electoral Officer’s ability to educate Canadians to improve civic literacy and knowledge and help future young voters participate in the electoral process by pre-registering youth aged 14-17 so they can more easily vote when they turn 18."
12/1/2017,330,,Fair and Open Government,Conduct a review of government spending to reduce poorly targeted and inefficient programs.,President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Finance,Underway - on track,Programs are effective and deliver measurable results for Canadians.,"Building on reviews undertaken beginning in 2016, the Government of Canada, as part of Budget 2017, launched reviews of three federal organizations, the Canada Border Services Agency, the Canada School of Public Service, and Health Canada, with a view to ensuring that departmental spending is aligned with priorities and delivers results. Horizontal reviews are also being conducted on business innovation programs, clean technology programs, and fixed assets, all with a view to generating greater value through improved management and governance. Updates on all of these reviews will be provided early in 2018."
12/1/2017,331,,Strong Middle Class,Provide more flexible parental leave.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Parents who want to spend more time at home with their children have the option of doing so with protected Employment Insurance parental benefits.,"With Budget 2017, the Government of Canada created more flexible maternity and parental leave benefits. The changes allow parents to spread their parental benefit over a longer period of time (18 months), and give mothers the option to begin receiving Employment Insurance maternity benefits up to 12 weeks before their due date – up from eight weeks. The changes took effect December 3rd and give parents more support to spend time with their kids."
12/1/2017,332,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure the successful integration of refugees into Canadian society.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,Improved social and economic outcomes for refugees.,"The Government is currently studying how to deliver language training and employment services in a better, more collaborative way, as well as test innovative approaches, to improve the participation of newcomers in social, cultural, civic, and economic life in Canada."
12/1/2017,334,,Healthy Canadians,Ensure safety and non-discrimination in blood donation policies.,Minister of Health,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
12/1/2017,335,,Healthy Canadians,Facilitate collaboration on an organ and tissue donation and transplant system that gives Canadians timely access to care.,Minister of Health,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
12/1/2017,336,,Healthy Canadians,"Ensure Canada's response to the current opioid crisis is robust, well-coordinated and effective.",Minister of Health,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
12/1/2017,337,,Healthy Canadians,Ensure Canada has a solid surveillance system for monitoring and reporting overdoses and deaths related to opioids.,Minister of Health,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
12/1/2017,338,,Healthy Canadians,Review Canada's framework for dealing with public health emergencies.,Minister of Health,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
12/1/2017,339,,Healthy Canadians,"Curb opioid misuse by introducing prescribing guidelines, tracking prescriptions at the patient level, and increasing transparency in marketing.",Minister of Health,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
12/1/2017,340,,Healthy Canadians,Ensure communities can introduce effective opioid treatments and programs.,Minister of Health,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
12/1/2017,341,,Healthy Canadians,Promote the Canada Health Act to make absolutely clear that extra-billings and user fees are illegal.,Minister of Health,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
12/1/2017,342,,Healthy Canadians,Develop a new self-governed approach to delivering health services to Indigenous peoples and reduce health inequities between Indigenous peoples and non-Indigenous Canadians.,Minister of Health;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs;Minister of Indigenous Services,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
12/1/2017,343,,Government Services and Operations,Help Veterans gain skills to successfully transition to the civilian workforce.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
12/1/2017,344,,Government Services and Operations,"Implement the Caregiver Recognition Benefit, paid directly to Veterans' caregiver.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
12/1/2017,345,,Government Services and Operations,Implement the new Veteran Emergency Fund and Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
12/1/2017,346,,Government Services and Operations,"Streamline the suite of benefits, improve transparency and communications, and improve the experience of Veterans as their needs change throughout their lives.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
12/1/2017,347,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure public servants are paid accurately and promptly.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
12/1/2017,348,,Fair and Open Government,Increase the diversity of bidders on government contracts.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
12/1/2017,349,,Fair and Open Government,"Develop better tools to hold contractors accountable, particularly in large scale procurements.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
12/1/2017,350,,Fair and Open Government,"Publish clear metrics on the competitiveness, cost and timeliness of procurement.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
12/1/2017,351,,Fair and Open Government,Make more government data available to vendors participating in procurement bidding to encourage better bids.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
12/1/2017,352,,Fair and Open Government,Ensure prompt payment of contractors and sub-contractors.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
12/1/2017,353,,Government Services and Operations,"Improve the delivery of information technology within the Government, including the renewal of Shared Services Canada.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
12/1/2017,354,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure the timely and orderly transition of Parliamentary operations during the renewal of the Parliamentary precinct.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
12/1/2017,355,,Indigenous peoples,Develop a vision for a national space for Indigenous peoples at 100 Wellington.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs;Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
12/1/2017,356,,Government Services and Operations,"Enhance the quality of services provided by the Translation Bureau, and promote the vitality of Canada's translation and interpretation community.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
12/1/2017,357,,Jobs and Innovation,Develop the vision for the new federal science infrastructure.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
12/1/2017,358,,Jobs and Innovation,Use work on accessibility as a catalyst for new ideas and business strategies through technology and design.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
12/1/2017,359,,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Monitor federal allocations to improve public transit accessibility, and create reporting obligations on these expenditures.",Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
12/1/2017,360,,Indigenous peoples,Promote culturally relevant sport for Indigenous youth.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities;Minister of Indigenous Services,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
12/1/2017,361,,Healthy Canadians,Better support Canadian athletes through the Athlete Assistance Program.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
12/1/2017,362,,Indigenous peoples,"Dissolve Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, and create a new Department of Indigenous Services and a new Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs to better serve Indigenous peoples.",Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs;Minister of Indigenous Services,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
12/1/2017,363,,Indigenous peoples,"Lead a whole-of-government approach to renew the nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relationship with Indigenous people.",Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
12/1/2017,364,,Indigenous peoples,Include Indigenous representatives in a meaningful way in Canada's federal-provincial-territorial dialogues.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
12/1/2017,365,,Canada in the World,Develop a new Arctic Policy and a shared Arctic Leadership model for the government's work in the North.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
12/1/2017,366,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Advance devolution in Nunavut in collaboration with the government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
12/1/2017,367,,Indigenous peoples,Increase the number of comprehensive modern treaties and new self-government agreements for Indigenous communities.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
12/1/2017,368,,Indigenous peoples,Support Indigenous peoples in their work to advance self-determination.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
12/1/2017,369,,Indigenous peoples,Advance positions in co-operative dispute resolution processes that are consistent with the resolution of past wrongs toward Indigenous peoples.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
12/1/2017,370,,Indigenous peoples,"Ensure the implementation of pre-Confederation, historic, and modern treaties and agreements.",Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
12/1/2017,371,,Indigenous peoples,"Collaboratively, identify the best models for delivering improved services to Indigenous peoples, and improve accountability.",Minister of Indigenous Services,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
12/1/2017,372,,Indigenous peoples,"Continue to provide services to Indigenous peoples, including community infrastructure, emergency management, water, education, moneys and trusts, and registration.",Minister of Indigenous Services,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
12/1/2017,373,,Healthy Canadians,Eliminate all long-term boil water advisories by 2021.,Minister of Indigenous Services,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
12/1/2017,374,,Healthy Canadians,Improve the delivery of child welfare and health care under Jordan's Principle to focus on the best interests of the child.,Minister of Indigenous Services,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
12/1/2017,375,,Indigenous peoples,Implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in full partnership with Indigenous peoples.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Additional commitment,Additional commitment,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in October 2017. The status of and progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
12/1/2017,376,,Safety and Security,Undertake modernization efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the criminal justice system.,Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,"Canadians are kept safer and offenders are held to account, the system shows greater compassion for victims, the needs of vulnerable populations are addressed and the criminal justice system is more efficient.","In addition to ongoing work being advanced through the Criminal Justice System Review, work is being done with the provinces and territories to assess new proposals that will improve efficiencies including updating the bail regime to address rising remand populations, overrepresentation, and criminal justice system inefficiencies."
12/1/2017,377,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Lead preparations for future international sporting events.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Underway - on track,Canadian athletes and national sport organizations are better prepared and supported for domestic and international events.,"The Government will continue to support Canadian athletes and national sport organizations in preparation for the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. Each year, Canada hosts more than 70 international single sport events that are supported through the Government's Hosting Program."
12/1/2017,101_1,,Government Services and Operations,Implement the Auditor General's recommendations on enhancing mental health service delivery to Veterans.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,Veterans who need mental health services know when they can expect care and get it quickly; there is improved performance management in the delivery of mental health services; and all recommendations of the Auditor General's 2014 report have been implemented.,"The Government of Canada has already implemented a majority of the recommendations from the Auditor General's 2014 report on mental health services for veterans, except for the opening of a satellite operational stress injury clinic in Montreal, and is making progress on the remaining items. An announcement on the opening of this clinic will be held shortly. In addition, a new information system has been implemented to better track operational stress injuries and mental health needs among Veterans. This system will address the quality and impact of service, help identify those at risk and provide recommendations for Veterans and their mental health service providers. The Government is also developing an online portal so that Veterans can access real-time information about clinic capacity and wait times when accessing specialized mental health services. These and other changes, reinforced by a new performance management framework, will improve the quality and effectiveness of how mental health services and outreach activities are delivered to Veterans."
12/1/2017,14_1,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and all other parts of the Public Safety portfolio are workplaces free from harassment and sexual violence.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Underway - on track,"Reduced incidents of harassment and sexual violence across Public Safety portfolio workplaces. Better training for staff at all levels, and implementation of all recommendations related to workplace safety and wellness at the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).","The Government is taking all necessary steps to ensure the RCMP is a workplace free from harassment and sexual violence. These steps include implementing all recommendations from the July 2016 Report on Allegations of Harassment and Sexual Misconduct at the RCMP's Canadian Police College Explosives Training Unit, providing $100 million for a settlement between the RCMP and female members and public service employees regarding gender and sexual orientation based harassment and discrimination, and establishing a senior executive responsible for Workforce Culture and Employee Engagement. The Government is also reviewing the report by Special Advisor Sheila Fraser on four cases of civil litigation against the RCMP regarding workplace harassment and the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission's comprehensive review of workplace harassment. Agencies in the Public Safety portfolio, including the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC), Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), have also put initiatives in place to address harassment and sexual violence in the workplace. As well, with the November 2017 signing of an Agreement in Principle (AIP) by the Government of Canada and parties to the Todd Edwards Ross et al v. Her Majesty the Queen class action, a total of $110 million will be available to compensate class members — federal public servants, including members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who were directly impacted by anti-LGBTQ2 (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and two-spirit) policies and practices. The AIP also earmarks $15 million for remembrance to prevent future discrimination and for reconciliation with LGBTQ2 communities."
12/1/2017,175_1,,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Make sure the Infrastructure Bank supports the construction of new, affordable rental housing.","Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",On-going commitment,"Where relevant, the Canada Infrastructure Bank undertakes complementary projects that support the goals of the National Housing Strategy.","The Canada Infrastructure Bank was legally established in June 2017 as an arm’s length Crown corporation focused on making and attracting investments in revenue-generating infrastructure projects in the public interest. The Bank is responsible for investments of at least $35 billion over 11 years, focused on public transit, green infrastructure, and trade and transportation projects. In parallel, the Government launched the National Housing Strategy which includes a new National Housing Co-investment Fund which will support initiatives designed to build, renew and repair Canada’s stock of affordable housing and ensure Canadians have greater access to affordable housing that meets their needs. The Bank may undertake projects in the future related to housing, and if so these will complement the National Housing Strategy. But, to avoid duplication, the construction of affordable rental housing is not likely to be part of the Bank's primary mandate."
12/1/2017,257_1,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Encourage an increase in the number of women in senior positions and on boards in Canada.,"Minister of Status of Women;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,More women occupy senior leadership positions in Canada.,"In his first act as Prime Minister, Prime Minister Trudeau appointed the first gender-balanced federal Cabinet. The Government has also adopted an open, transparent and merit-based approach to select candidates for federal appointments which, to-date, has selected approximately 60 per cent women for these important roles. In addition, the Government has announced a process to address the underrepresentation of women as Canada Research Chairs, and introduced legislative amendments to require corporations to publicly disclose the gender diversity of their senior management and boards, which was adopted in the House of Commons."
12/1/2017,257_2,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Increase women representation where they have been traditionally under-represented, such as in the skilled trades.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,"Increase representation of women in professions and sectors traditionally dominated by men, including the skilled trades.","Budget 2017 investments in the PromoScience Program and FuturPreneur Canada are aimed at increasing the participation of underrepresented groups, including women, in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields as well as in entrepreneurship. The Government is engaging stakeholders and provinces and territories on how to broaden the implementation of best practices for supporting women in participating and succeeding in the skilled trades."
12/1/2017,39_1,,Environment and Climate Change,"Implement the Pan-Canadian framework, including targeted federal funding and a flexible national carbon pricing policy.",Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Finance;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,"Reduction in Canada's greenhouse gas emissions and progress to Canada's 2030 emission reduction targets as committed to in the Paris Agreement, ensuring we leave a cleaner, more sustainable world for our children and generations to come.","In December 2016, First Ministers adopted the Pan-Canadian Framework (PCF) on Clean Growth and Climate Change. All provinces except Saskatchewan have agreed to implement a price on carbon pollution, which is one of the most efficient ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to stimulate innovation. A federal carbon pricing backstop system composed of a carbon levy and output-based pricing system is being developed, as well as enabling draft legislation. A Technical Discussion Paper outlining the proposed federal system was released for public comment in May 2017. The Government of Canada is working closely with the provinces and territories, Indigenous peoples, and Canadians to implement over 50 measures outlined in the PCF. These actions, supported by significant federal investments announced in Budget 2016 and Budget 2017, will address emission standards, air pollution, technology innovation and green infrastructure. Canada has made good progress in implementing a number of measures, including accelerating the phase out of coal-fired power generation by 2030, developing regulations to reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sector, and consulting on a clean fuel standard. In June 2017, the Government of Canada launched the $2 billion Low Carbon Economy Fund to support projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Bilateral tables are being launched to implement the Prime Minister's commitments with the National Indigenous Organizations."
12/1/2017,77_1,,Healthy Canadians,New Health Accord supports the delivery of more and better home care services.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,Improved access to home care services.,"The Government of Canada has reached agreement with all provinces and territories on collective priorities and 10-year funding to strengthen health care and will invest $6 billion over 10 years for provinces and territories to expand access to home and community care options, and better support the millions of Canadians who provide informal care to loved ones. The Government has also introduced a 15-week Employment Insurance benefit for those caring for critically ill or injured adult family members and created the new Canada Caregiving Credit to simplify and expand tax credits for caregivers."
12/1/2017,77_2,,Healthy Canadians,New Health Accord advances pan-Canadian collaboration on health innovation.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"More innovation within the health care system, including new digital and mobile technologies to improve results.","To support commitments related to health innovation in the Common Statement of Principles on Shared Health Priorities, Budget 2017 confirmed $300 million over five years for Canada Health Infoway to expand e-prescribing and virtual care initiatives. In addition, $53 million over five years, with $15.0 million per year ongoing, was committed for the Canadian Institute for Health Information to address health data gaps, support improved decision-making and strengthen health system performance reporting. The Budget also committed $51 million over three years, starting in 2019-20, with $17 million ongoing, for the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement to continue to accelerate innovations in all provinces and territories."
12/1/2017,77_3,,Healthy Canadians,New Health Accord improves access to necessary prescription medications.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,Canadians have access to lower cost prescription medications.,"The Government is working on enhancing the affordability, accessibility and appropriate use of prescription drugs in collaboration with provinces, territories and other partners. The Government joined the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance, which leverages combined federal-provincial-territorial purchasing power to make patented prescription drugs cheaper for public plans and lower prescription generic drug prices for all payers. In June 2017, Health Canada completed the first round of consultations with stakeholders and interested Canadians on potential changes to the Patented Medicines Regulations. Budget 2017 invested $140.3 million over five years and $18.2 million per year ongoing for Health Canada, the Patented Medicines Prices Review Board and the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health."
12/1/2017,77_4,,Healthy Canadians,New Health Accord makes high quality mental health services available.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"Improved access to mental health and addictions services, particularly for vulnerable populations and youth.","The Government of Canada has reached agreement with all provinces and territories on collective priorities and 10-year funding to strengthen health care and will invest $5 billion over 10 years to increase access to mental health and addictions services, including for young Canadians, where early interventions can significantly improve outcomes."
12/1/2017,90_1,,Strong Middle Class,Continue to reduce the federal debt-to-Gross Domestic Product ratio.,Minister of Finance,Underway - on track,A federal debt-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio that continues to go down.,"The Government is committed to building a strong middle class, making investments that lead to economic growth and reducing Canada’s already low debt-to-GDP ratio. In 2016-2017, federal debt was 31.2 per cent of GDP. As shown in the 2017 Fall Economic Statement, the debt-to-GDP ratio is projected to continue falling, reaching 29.9 per cent in 2019-2020 and declining even further thereafter. The Government will maintain this downward debt ratio track—preserving Canada's low-debt advantage for current and future generations. Economic growth is the strongest in the G7, youth unemployment is the lowest it has ever been, and Canada is maintaining its low-debt advantage. The Government's approach has received praise from organizations including the International Monetary Fund."
12/1/2017,95_1,,Government Services and Operations,Increase the value of the Disability Award.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"Increased the maximum Disability Award to $360,000 and indexed it to inflation so ill or injured Veterans receive better financial support.","The maximum Disability Award has been increased to a maximum of $360,000 for ill and injured Veterans in recognition of pain and suffering, commensurate with industry benchmarks and indexed to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This will provide support to Veterans and their families for an injury or illness resulting from military service. All Veterans who received a Disability Award since 2006 have already or will receive an additional lump-sum payment as a result of these changes."""
1/31/2018,1,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency is a client-focused agency.,Minister of National Revenue,On-going commitment,"Improved client satisfaction levels, reduced wait times for inquiries, and simplified and easy to use processes.","The Government of Canada has introduced new e-services, simplified letters and notices, and an expanded Community Volunteer Income Tax Program to help low-income Canadians file their taxes. The Government is undertaking consultations with businesses and other stakeholders on further possibilities to simplify and improve service delivery. The most common complaint CRA receives relates to the accessibility of its phone line services. The Government has increased call centre capacity since 2015-2016 and as a result, the number of attempts callers must make in order to receive service has been reduced by over 40%. There is still significant room for improvement and work is underway to further strengthen and improve the quality and timeliness of services for Canadians."
1/31/2018,2,,Strong Middle Class,Crack down on tax evaders.,Minister of National Revenue,Underway - on track,"A fairer tax system, and billions of dollars recovered from those who are evading taxes.","The Government of Canada is hiring more auditors to detect and investigate transactions involving offshore tax havens and promoters of tax avoidance schemes. It is also building its capacity to investigate potentially high-risk taxpayers including multinational corporations and wealthy individuals. The Government is also adding criminal law expertise to audit and investigative teams to ensure greater success in prosecuting criminal tax evasion. Work is underway with international partners to address issues raised in the Panama and Paradise Papers and the government is collaborating on recommendations of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Base Erosion and Profit Shifting initiative. With Budget 2016 and 2017 investments for cracking down on tax evasion and combatting tax avoidance, the Government expects to yield an additional revenue of $2.6 billion and $2.5 billion, respectively, over five years. To ensure Canadians know how effective the Canada Revenue Agency is at collecting taxes owed, the Government has begun to produce tax gap reports, which will improve transparency and set a benchmark for tax fairness."
1/31/2018,3,,Environment and Climate Change,Develop a Canadian energy strategy with provinces and territories.,Minister of Natural Resources,Underway - on track,"Greater energy conservation, greater inclusion of clean energy and innovative technologies in Canada's energy future, reduced diesel use in remote and off-grid communities, and effective market access for Canadian energy exports.","Federal, provincial and territorial Energy Ministers have agreed to a joint energy action plan focusing on shared goals to promote energy efficiency, develop new energy technology and innovations, and identify priority energy infrastructure and advance international energy collaboration. These initiatives will complement the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, which is meant to help Canada meet our emissions reduction target and grow the economy."
1/31/2018,4,,Environment and Climate Change,Modernize the National Energy Board.,Minister of Natural Resources,Underway - on track,"The National Energy Board (NEB) commissioners are more representative of Canada's regions and diversity and the NEB has greater expertise to undertake its responsibilities in considering environmental science, the knowledge and perspective of Indigenous peoples, and community development.","As announced in February 2018, the Government is proposing to create the Canadian Energy Regulator (CER), a new and modern federal energy regulator with the required independence and the proper accountability to oversee a strong, safe and sustainable Canadian energy sector in the 21st century. The legislation and policy measures to modernize the National Energy Board were informed by an Expert Panel report, a federal discussion paper, parliamentary studies, and almost two years of consultations with Indigenous peoples, industry, provinces and territories, non-government organizations, academia and the public."
1/31/2018,5,,Environment and Climate Change,Develop a North American clean energy and environment agreement.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of Natural Resources,Completed - fully met,"Reduced greenhouse gas emissions, alignment of energy efficiency regulations and enhanced development of the clean technology sector in North America, setting the foundation for a stronger, more sustainable economy.","At the trilateral North American Leaders’ Summit in June 2016, an Action Plan for a North American Climate, Clean Energy, and Environment Partnership was publicly released. It announced ambitious targets to advance clean and secure energy, drive down short-lived climate pollutants, promote clean and efficient transportation, and show global leadership in addressing climate change. The February 13, 2017 Joint Statement from President Trump and Prime Minister Trudeau affirmed the importance of close collaboration on energy security, clean energy innovation and the environment, including clean air and water. Canada will continue to advance these priorities."
1/31/2018,6,,Government Services and Operations,Undertake a review of Canada Post to make sure it provides high-quality service at a reasonable price.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,"Canadians receive the services they expect from Canada Post at a reasonable price. In addition, Canada Post is able to effectively adapt to changes in technology and consumer preferences.","On January 24, 2018, the Government announced a new vision for Canada Post that puts service to Canadians front and centre. In support of the new vision, the Government outlined concrete actions and provided guidance for implementation of the renewal of Canada Post.
In particular, the Government terminated the program to convert home delivery to community mailboxes, building on the previously announced moratorium. Additionally, to help those who have difficulty accessing community mailboxes, Canada Post will significantly expand its accessibility program. This will help seniors and others with reduced mobility access their mail, and result in better service for tens of thousands of Canadians. The government is asking Canada Post to set up a panel of experts and advocates for seniors and people with disabilities to advise on the development, implementation and promotion of an enhanced accessibility program."
1/31/2018,7,,Safety and Security,Renew the Canadian Coast Guard fleet and ensure the Royal Canadian Navy is able to operate as a true maritime force.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Public Services and Procurement;Minister of National Defence",Underway - on track,Improved equipment for the men and women in uniform; enhanced protection and improved safety of Canadians along Canada's coasts.,"Through the Oceans Protection Plan and significant re-investments in the Canadian Coast Guard, the Government has greatly enhanced support to the Coast Guard fleet. The Government is investing to: repair and modernize many of the Coast Guard's vessels with new towing equipment and technology, improve collaborations between the Coast Guard with Indigenous communities all along Canada's coasts; and harness cutting edge science and technology to understand ocean currents, real-time shipping movements and threat monitoring. Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), the Government is renewing Canada's federal fleet and making sure needed vessels are delivered to the Royal Canadian Navy and the Coast Guard as quickly as possible. The construction of the first three Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships and all three Offshore Fisheries Science Vessels are progressing well. The Government of Canada has also invested in 20 new Search and Rescue (SAR) lifeboats to ensure that the Canadian Coast Guard has the equipment they need to keep Canadians and Canadian waterways safe. The second SAR Lifeboat, CCGS Pennant Bay, was delivered in December 2017. The NSS is generating significant economic benefits across the country. It is estimated that contracts awarded up to 2017 through the NSS will contribute close to $8.9 billion to the gross domestic product, and approximately 8,800 jobs per year on average will be created or maintained between 2012 and 2022. Given the scope and complexity of the construction of vessels, delivering on time and on budget presents implementation challenges that must be closely monitored and managed, which is the purview of the Cabinet Committee on Defence Procurement."
1/31/2018,8,,Government Services and Operations,Modernize procurement practices.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - with challenges,"Government procurement is faster, simpler, more competitive, and more predictable in terms of cost. Businesses with innovative ideas are able to more easily sell to the Government, and procurement processes benefit Canadians and communities across Canada.","The Government of Canada is currently reviewing its procurement policies, processes and tools, working with stakeholders to achieve the anticipated results. We have enhanced the procurement platform to make it easier for suppliers to know about bidding opportunities and for government buyers to access streamlined procurement tools.
The Government has also made it easier for suppliers to compete by providing them with a second opportunity to comply with the mandatory requirements of bid solicitations. The Government announced the new Innovative Solutions Canada, which will match businesses offering early-stage prototypes and research with federal departments in need of innovative products or services. The Government has made progress in modernizing procurement, however fully meeting this commitment is taking longer than anticipated due to the transformational nature of projects such as the proposed Electronic Procurement Solution, which require more human and financial resources than originally anticipated."
1/31/2018,9,,Government Services and Operations,Establish new performance standards for government services and measure and report on performance.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Public Services and Procurement;Minister of Democratic Institutions",Underway - on track,Government services that better meet the needs of Canadians.,"The Government of Canada is assessing its service standards to ensure that they are comprehensive and meaningful. Among its initial achievements, the Government has: implemented new and better service standards for new clients applying for Canada Pension Plan Disability benefits; completed a Service Delivery Review for Veterans Affairs Canada to help drive wholesale change to delivering services and benefits to Veterans; re-opened nine Veterans Affairs Canada offices that were closed by the previous government, and opened a new tenth office; expanded auto-enrollment for Old Age Security benefits; and added new capacity for call centres handling inquiries related to EI and Canada Revenue Agency."
1/31/2018,10,,Fair and Open Government,Strengthen oversight on government advertising.,President of the Treasury Board,Underway - on track,Increased oversight of government advertising so that public dollars aren't spent on partisan advertising.,"In May 2016, an interim process was established so that advertising campaigns with budgets greater than $500,000 undergo independent, mandatory reviews. These reviews ensure the campaigns are non-partisan. The results of these reviews are posted online. Following consultations with parliamentarians and other stakeholders, the Government will entrench independent third-party oversight of federal advertising in law. The Office of the Auditor General of Canada has also committed to review the interim process."
1/31/2018,11,,Fair and Open Government,Improve the use of evidence in program evaluation.,President of the Treasury Board,Underway - on track,"Evidence-based reporting, measurement and evaluation of government activities are in place.","The Government established a new Policy on Results in July 2016 that aims to improve how government organizations measure, evaluate, and report results. The policy also seeks to improve how departments and agencies gather and use evidence to inform decisions. As of January 26, 2018, 65 departments have fully adopted the new policy and the remaining departments are working to do so before March 2018.
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1/31/2018,12,,Fair and Open Government,Make government data available digitally.,"President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,Digitized government data that are accessible to Canadians.,"The Government has improved the Open Government portal, Open.canada.ca, by adding content from across the Government of Canada and by simplifying the process for users to search. In addition, the Government of Canada added the Open by Default Pilot section to the portal, which gives Canadians early access to select draft and working documents from participating departments.
The Government has increased the number of participating federal entities from 45 in 2014 to 66 as of January 2018. In the last year, over 30,000 new data sets have been published, which were accessed hundreds of thousands of times. New data sets continue to be made available regularly.
The Government of Canada was recognized for its leadership on open government, achieving the position of government co-chair of the Open Government Partnership, which is the global organization that coordinates open government. Finally, Canada ranked 2nd globally on the World Wide Web Foundation’s Open Data Barometer.
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1/31/2018,13,,Fair and Open Government,Bargain in good faith with Canada's public sector unions.,President of the Treasury Board,Underway - on track,"Collective agreements with Canada's public sector unions are fair and reasonable for employees and Canadians, and are bargained in good faith.","The Government of Canada is committed to building a culture of respect for, and within, the federal public service. Through good-faith negotiations, the Government has reached 21 agreements with bargaining agents, representing over 90% of unionized employees in the core public administration. The Government will continue to bargain in good faith with public sector unions and remain committed to negotiating deals that are fair for public servants, and good for all Canadians."
1/31/2018,14,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that Parliament and federal institutions are free from harassment and sexual violence.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Status of Women;Leader of the Government in the House of Commons",Underway - on track,"To ensure that Parliament and federal institutions are free from harassment and sexual violence, strategies are informed by expert and stakeholder consultations and are supported by new proposals and legislation introduced in fall 2017.","In 2016 and 2017, the Government consulted experts and stakeholders to determine how to address violence and sexual harassment in workplaces under federal jurisdiction. The outcomes report, Harassment and Sexual Violence in the Workplace Public Consultations: What We Heard, released November 2, 2017, indicates that incidents of harassment and sexual violence are not only underreported, but are also dealt with ineffectively. As part of its response, the Government introduced new legislation in November 2017 aimed at replacing the current patchwork of laws and policies that address violence and harassment in workplaces across the federal jurisdiction – including the federal public service, Parliament and Ministers’ offices - and enhancing prevention, protection and support when harassment and violence occurs. In parallel, with the November 2017 signing of an Agreement in Principle (AIP) by the Government of Canada and parties to the Todd Edwards Ross et al v. Her Majesty the Queen class action, a total of $110 million will be available to compensate class members — federal public servants, including members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who were directly impacted by anti-LGBTQ2 (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and two-spirit) policies and practices. The AIP also earmarks $15 million for remembrance to prevent future discrimination and for reconciliation with LGBTQ2 communities. Additionally, the Joint Union/Management Task Force on Diversity and Inclusion in the Public Service released its final report in December 2017, which includes 44 recommendations for action in the areas of people management, leadership and accountability, education and awareness, and applying the diversity and inclusion lens."
1/31/2018,15,,Safety and Security,Reinforce railway safety.,Minister of Transport,Underway - on track,"Stronger railway safety regulations, improved communication with Canadians and rail infrastructure that is safer and in better condition, leading to fewer accidents and injuries and reduced loss of life.","The Government has accelerated the review of the Railway Safety Act, a year ahead of schedule, to ensure Canadians have the strongest and most effective set of regulations. The review was launched in April 2017 and is being led by an independent Expert Panel who will engage with stakeholders, experts and Canadians over the next year. They will deliver a final report by May 2018. We are investing in improvements to railway crossings and infrastructure to make them safer, and removing from operation those which are unsafe. The Government has supported 527 projects across Canada to improve railway crossings and railway safety. In addition, collaboration is underway with local communities to improve the sharing of information for emergency responses and to educate the public about railway crossings and infrastructure in their communities. The Government has also revised the rules governing the transportation of dangerous goods by rail and introduced a mandatory minimum level of insurance for federal railways. The Government of Canada has proposed amendments to the Railway Safety Act through the Transportation Modernization Act, that will improve rail safety through the introduction of locomotive voice and video recorders. The Government has also developed a strategy for addressing fatigue in the rail industry that includes the publication of a Notice of Intent in the Canada Gazette, Part I on November 11, 2017, communicating to Canadians and interested stakeholders its most current policy direction with respect to the management of fatigue in the rail industry."
1/31/2018,16,,Exports and Investment,Undertake a full review of the Canadian grain transportation system to help farmers get their product to market.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food;Minister of Transport,Underway - on track,"A more transparent and fair grain transportation system is in place so Canadian farmers can get their products to market, both in Canada and internationally.","The Government has held consultations with grain sector stakeholders on rail transportation issues and the Canada Transportation Act Review, leading to the introduction of legislation that will advance a long-term agenda for a more transparent, balanced, efficient and reliable rail system to move Canadian goods, including grain, to global markets. Key measures include: new data reporting requirements for railways; a new Long-Haul Interswitching mechanism to provide captive shippers across multiple sectors and regions of Canada with access to a competing railway; a clear definition of “adequate and suitable” rail service; the ability for shippers to seek reciprocal financial penalties in their service agreements with railways; and more accessible and timely remedies for shippers. The Government is also renewing the western Grain Monitoring Program for three years."
1/31/2018,17,,Environment and Climate Change,Formalize a moratorium on crude oil tanker traffic on British Columbia's North Coast.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Transport",Underway - on track,"A moratorium is in place on crude oil tanker traffic on British Columbia's North Coast, protecting habitats and communities.","In May 2017, the Government of Canada introduced legislation to prohibit oil tankers carrying crude and persistent oils as cargo from stopping, loading or unloading at ports or marine installations in northern British Columbia. Vessels carrying less than 12,500 metric tonnes of crude or persistent oil as cargo will continue to be permitted in the moratorium area to ensure northern communities can receive critical shipments of heating oils and other products. The legislation proposes strong penalty provisions for contravention that could reach up to $5 million. The proposed Oil Tanker Moratorium Act is part of the Oceans Protection Plan. The draft legislation is expected to proceed to third reading stage in the House of Commons in 2018."
1/31/2018,18,,Fair and Open Government,Restore the long-form census.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Completed - fully met,"Restored the long-form census so communities, governments, businesses and other organizations have the data they need to do their jobs.","Our country and economy depend on knowing about ourselves, and on having the data necessary to make informed decisions. That is why the Government of Canada reinstated the long-form census. The 2016 long-form census saw an unprecedented response rate of 97.8%. The first set of data from the 2016 Census was released in February, 2017. The release of all Census-related data was completed in November 2017, 10 months earlier than for the 2011 Census."
1/31/2018,19,,Fair and Open Government,Reinforce Statistics Canada's independence.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Completed - fully met,Statistics Canada meets international standards for the independence of a national statistics office.,"Data collected by Statistics Canada helps the private sector, government, not-for-profit groups, and researchers make better decisions. In December 2016, the Government introduced legislation that will reinforce Statistics Canada's independence. The legislation aligns with international standards for national statistical agencies and makes the Chief Statistician responsible for all operational decisions, statistical methodology and the communication of statistical products produced by Statistics Canada. The amended legislation is consistent with the United Nations Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics and the OECD Recommendations on Good Statistical Practice. Bill C-36 to amend the Statistics Act received Royal Assent on December 12, 2017."
1/31/2018,20,,Jobs and Innovation,Develop and implement an Innovation Agenda.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,"Improved programs support more skills training and life-long learning for Canadians, increased investment in high growth industries, and more high growth, innovative and trade-oriented companies.","Through the Innovation and Skills Plan, the Government will more than double the number of Canadians potentially eligible for employment support and skills training programs to as many as 1.4 million per year; expand programs to support up to 10,000 work integrated learning placements each year; provide more affordable and accessible broadband services for low-income Canadians and Canadians in remote communities through investments in broadband infrastructure and low-income support programs; encourage the development of assistive technologies that make it easier for persons with disabilities to participate in the digital economy; expand access to venture capital financing; support a series of superclusters that will promote innovation opportunities in high-growth industries. These and other supporting initiatives are at different stages of development and will be implemented and reported on over the course of the next several years. The Government is also leading a comprehensive review of government-led innovation programs so that Canadian innovators and entrepreneurs have better access to the support they need."
1/31/2018,21,,Exports and Investment,Implement a new Trade and Investment Strategy.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Small Business and Tourism;Minister of International Trade",Underway - on track,"Double the number of high-growth firms in Canada by 2025; increase Canada's goods and services exports—from natural resources, advance manufacturing, agri-food and others—by 30% by 2025; increase global investment in Canada; more good-paying, middle class jobs for Canadians.","The Government is encouraging global investment and promoting our economic brand through the creation of the Invest in Canada Hub, which will launch in 2018. To support exports, the Government has established a new National Trade Corridors Fund to address urgent capacity constraints and freight bottlenecks at major ports of entry, and to better connect the rail and highway infrastructure that delivers economic growth across Canada. The Canada Infrastructure Bank will make additional funding available to address trade and transportation projects. The Government has successfully completed the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. Provisional application of the trade agreement took effect in September 2017 and will give consumers more choice, boost Canadian businesses' access to new customers, create good, middle-class jobs and help grow the economy. Launched in 2016, CanExport, which provides direct financial assistance to Canadian small- and medium-sized enterprises seeking to develop new export opportunities, has approved 895 projects in 78 markets. Budget 2017 announced $950 million to superclusters in highly innovative industries, created the Strategic Innovation Fund to boost investment in Canadian innovations, and created six Economic Strategy Tables to boost growth and exports from advanced manufacturing; agri-food; clean technology; digital industries; health and bio-sciences; and clean resources sectors."
1/31/2018,22,,Exports and Investment,Prepare the auto sector for the potential participation of Canada in the Trans-Pacific Partnership.,"Minister of Finance;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,Greater access to growing markets under conditions that are fair to Canadian workers.,"On January 23, Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership trade negotiators reached agreement on the parameters of a deal. It is anticipated that the Government will sign the agreement on March 8, 2018. In Budget 2016, the Government extended the Automotive Innovation Fund through to the end of 2020-21 and made it more flexible. In Budget 2017, the Government subsequently reinforced these changes by launching the new Strategic Innovation Fund. The Government also established a new automotive investment attraction team to support the work of the Invest in Canada Hub. These changes have helped to secure an investment of $500 million by Honda of Canada Manufacturing and an investment of more than $1 billion by Ford Motor Company of Canada. The Ford investment includes a new Research and Engineering Centre that will drive innovation in self-driving cars and clean technologies and will secure jobs in Canada over the long term. Together, both companies employ over 10,000 Canadians in their manufacturing, research and development activities."
1/31/2018,23,,Jobs and Innovation,Increase high-speed broadband coverage and keep Canada at the leading edge of the digital economy.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,More Canadians have access to high-speed and ultra-high-speed broadband services.,"Greater availability and affordability for high-speed internet in rural and remote areas of Canada gives Canadians more opportunity to participate in the economy, democracy and connected way of life. The Connect to Innovate program will bring high-speed internet to rural and remote communities in Canada by supporting new ""backbone"" infrastructure to connect institutions like schools and hospitals, and ""last-mile"" infrastructure to connect households and businesses. Applications closed at the end of April 2017, and the Government is starting announcements on project decisions. As of January 2018, 121 projects under the $500 million Connect to Innovate program have been announced representing a federal investment to date of $268 million and targeting 673 communities, (doubling the initial target of 300) and receiving new and enhanced backbone connectivity. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is expanding competition on new fibre networks and examining how to further improve innovative wireless pricing options. In addition, the CRTC's new fund will expand much faster Internet speeds to rural and remote communities. Budget 2017 investments are also supporting affordable access to the internet for low-income families, digital literacy programming and better access to assistive devices."
1/31/2018,24,,Jobs and Innovation,Create a Chief Science Officer.,Minister of Science,Completed - fully met,"Following an open, transparent and merit-based process, the Chief Science Advisor, Dr. Mona Nemer, was appointed by the Government on September 26, 2017.","As the Chief Science Advisor, Dr. Nemer will help to improve dissemination and use of independent scientific information and strengthened evidence-based policy making within government. Dr. Nemer will also advise the Government on how to ensure that government science is fully available to the public, that scientists are able to speak freely about their work, and that scientific analyses are considered when the government makes decisions. Dr. Nemer will report to the Prime Minister and Minister of Science."
1/31/2018,25,,Jobs and Innovation,Re-insert scientific considerations into the heart of decision-making and investment choices.,Minister of Science,Underway - on track,"Government scientists are able to speak freely about their work, and the role of scientific information and empirical evidence is strengthened in government decision making.","The Government has updated the Communications Policy to ensure scientists are free to speak in an official capacity on subjects for which they have expertise, and have enshrined this provision into collective agreements covering 15,000 government scientists. The Government also reinstated the mandatory long-form census as well as the University and College Academic Staff System survey, which will provide accurate information about Canada's research community. To promote better use of science and evidence in government decision-making, the Government updated the guidance on preparing Memoranda to Cabinet. The Government is examining additional opportunities to improve the use of evidence and scientific information. The new Chief Science Advisor will advise the Government on how to ensure scientific evidence is considered when making decisions."
1/31/2018,26,,Jobs and Innovation,Establish new Canada Research Chairs in sustainable technologies.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Science",Underway - on track,Two new Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC) will be appointed to further research in clean and sustainable technology.,"Budget 2016 identified $20 million over eight years starting in 2018-19 for the creation of two new Canada Excellence Research Chairs in fields related to clean and sustainable technology. On October 12, 2016, the Minister of Science announced the launch of a competition for these Chairs, in addition to nine others, which will be selected in 2019. In December 2017 the Phase 1 results of the competition were announced. Two institutions were invited to submit nominees in fields related to clean and sustainable technology: Concordia University (Smart, Sustainable and Resilient Communities and Cities) and University of Manitoba (Arctic Sea Ice, Freshwater-Marine Coupling, and Climate Change). To address the CERC gender imbalance, this competition will require institutions to include detailed equity plans and recruitment strategies that promote the participation of women and other underrepresented groups in the CERC program."
1/31/2018,27,,Jobs and Innovation,Strengthen support for fundamental research to support new discoveries.,Minister of Science,Underway - on track,"Modernized research infrastructure at post-secondary institutions, new research Chairs appointed in areas of strategic priority, and enhanced capacity for granting councils to support fundamental research.","Since 2016, the Government has approved and funded more than 300 projects to modernize research and training facilities on campuses across Canada. These investments will support key discovery research and facilitate the expansion of ongoing research efforts. The Government has also funded new Canada Excellence Research Chairs in the areas of clean and sustainable development technologies, and increased support for Canada's three granting councils. In 2017, the Government announced the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy, which will develop centres of expertise in Toronto, Montreal and Edmonton related to AI to train and attract key research talent in this emerging area of fundamental research. The final report of an independent review of federal funding for higher education was published in April 2017. A number of actions have already been taken in response to this report, for example, placing a limit on Tier 1 Canada Research Chair renewal to enhance opportunities for broad pools of qualified candidates and to strengthen equity, diversity and inclusion in research."
1/31/2018,28,,Government Services and Operations,Align business support programs across governments.,Minister of Small Business and Tourism,Underway - on track,It is easier and simpler for Canadian innovators and entrepreneurs to access and benefit from government programs that help Canadian businesses grow.,"Since 2016, the Accelerated Growth Service has helped 322 firms to scale up and grow their businesses, with a broader goal of helping 1,000 firms expand and create more well-paying jobs. The Government has established Innovation Canada, a platform that coordinates and simplifies the support available to Canadian businesses. The new Innovation Canada platform (launched in January 2018) is a one-stop-shop for Canada’s innovators and entrepreneurs so they no longer need to spend time figuring out which department to go to or which program best meets their needs. The website is able to quickly match users with the federal and provincial/territorial programs and services to help them innovate, create jobs and grow Canada's economy. Innovation Canada will help create economic growth strategies in six high-growth sectors. The Government is also working with provinces to find co-delivery options for a variety of business support programs and services."
1/31/2018,29,,Exports and Investment,Increase tourism and strengthen the Canadian brand abroad.,Minister of Small Business and Tourism,Underway - on track,"30% overall increase in tourism by 2021, increased tourism from the United States (U.S.) and China, and improved international ranking of Canada as a top tourist destination.","The Government has launched Canada’s New Tourism Vision to increase the number of international tourists to Canada by 30% by 2021. This goal includes doubling the number of Chinese visitors by the same year, positioning Canada as a top 10 destination ranking by 2025, and attracting 680,000 additional visitors from the U.S over the next three years. The Government also launched the Millennial Travel Program to encourage youth travel during Canada 150. Spending by international visitors to Canada rose almost 10.8% in 2016, representing the largest annual growth since 2004. Canada is on pace to set a new record high number of tourist arrivals in 2017. The New York Times, Lonely Planet and Condé Nast have all recognized Canada as a top international destination for 2017. The Canada-China Year of Tourism in 2018 will be an opportunity to increase visitation from China, which is being supported by the opening of new Visa Application Centres in China."
1/31/2018,30,,Government Services and Operations,Reduce the administrative burden on small business.,Minister of Small Business and Tourism,Underway - on track,"Reduced administrative burden and simpler, clearer, and faster online services to help small businesses.","The new Innovation Canada platform launched in January 2018 is a one-stop-shop for Canada’s innovators and entrepreneurs so they no longer need to spend time figuring out which department to go to or which program best meets their needs. The website is able to quickly match users with the federal and provincial/territorial programs and services to help them innovate, create jobs and grow Canada's economy.
Federally, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada continues to drive the use of the Business Number (BN) by all departments as the standard identifier for business clients. More than half of the Department’s own services already use the Business Number. The BN is a key component of digital identity for business, and its adoption across the Government of Canada will enable more seamless service delivery. The Government has partnered with a number of provinces to pilot integrated tools, such as a business registries search and data exchanges between registries, so that registering and finding a business is easier."
1/31/2018,31,,Healthy Canadians,Respond to the Supreme Court of Canada decision regarding physician-assisted death.,Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Completed - fully met,Adult Canadians suffering from grievous and irremediable medical conditions and whose death is reasonably foreseeable are able to easily and effectively access medical assistance in dying if they so choose.,"On June 17, 2016, medical assistance in dying (MAID) became a reality in Canada following Royal Assent of the federal legal framework, which protects vulnerable persons while providing options to eligible Canadians to make an informed decision about the end of life. In December 2016, as required by the new law, the Government initiated independent study reports to consider in more detail three particularly complex types of requests for MAID. These include: requests by mature minors, advance requests, and requests where mental illness is the sole underlying medical condition. Independent expert panels, organized by the Council of Canadian Academies, are conducting these reviews. They will report on their results by the end of 2018. As of April 2017, Health Canada has begun to provide initial public reporting on the use of MAID across Canada."
1/31/2018,32,,Fair and Open Government,"Review the government litigation strategy and end appeals or positions that are not consistent with our commitments, the Charter or our values.",Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,"Legal positions taken by the Government are consistent with Government commitments, the Charter and our values.","To date, several early decisions have been made to end appeals and withdraw positions not consistent with Government commitments, the Charter, or Canadian values. For instance, the Government ended the appeal of the Federal Court's ruling that the 2012 cuts to the Interim Federal Health Program—reducing health coverage to refugees—were unconstitutional. The Government dropped the appeal of this decision and in April 2016 restored refugee health care coverage to pre-2012 levels. In August 2016, the Government of Canada created a new Cabinet Committee on Litigation Management to provide an ongoing review of the Government's litigation strategy and consideration of the policy, financial and legal implications of litigation involving the federal government. To promote increased transparency and track the results of this mandate commitment, we have begun publishing a Litigation Year in Review report."
1/31/2018,35,,Fair and Open Government,"Ensure that the appointment of Supreme Court Justices is transparent, inclusive and accountable to Canadians.",Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Completed - fully met,"Greater transparency, accountability and diversity in the appointment of Supreme Court Justices.","In August 2016, the Government of Canada announced a new, open and transparent process for filling vacancies on the Supreme Court of Canada. This new process includes: an open application process; the establishment of an Independent Advisory Board to assess all applications and prepare a shortlist; requiring functional bilingualism as an essential qualification for all shortlisted candidates; and ensuring there are consultations regarding the shortlist with key stakeholders, including members of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice. Justice Malcolm Rowe was the first Supreme Court Justice appointed under this new process in October 2016. The Government announced in July 2017, that this new process will again be applied to fill an upcoming vacancy on the Supreme Court."
1/31/2018,36,,Safety and Security,"Toughen criminal laws in cases of domestic assault, with the goal of keeping survivors and children safe.",Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,Greater protections for complainants and survivors of sexual assault and domestic assault.,"In June 2017, the Government introduced legislation to clarify and strengthen the sexual assault provisions in the Criminal Code. The legislation would clarify that an unconscious person, or otherwise incapacitated, is incapable of consenting; clarify the defence of mistaken belief to indicate that it cannot be relied upon if there is no evidence upon which the belief was founded; clarify rape shield provisions to explicitly include communications of a sexual nature or communications for a sexual purpose, so these types of communications cannot be used to suggest that the complainant was more likely to have consented or is less worth of belief; provide that a complainant has right to legal representation in rape shield proceedings; and create a regime to determine whether an accused can introduce a complainant's private records at trial that are in their possession. The Government will continue to work on additional options related to this commitment to address domestic abuse and intimate partner violence, which will be brought forward later in the mandate."
1/31/2018,37,,Jobs and Innovation,"Ensure tax measures are efficient and encourage innovation, trade and the growth of Canadian businesses.","Minister of Finance;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,"Tax measures encourage innovation, trade, and the growth of Canadian businesses.","The Government has also initiated a whole-of-government review of business innovation programs to ensure that they are simple and effective and best meet the needs of Canada’s innovators. The Government has also announced that it will be reducing the small business tax rate from 10.5% to 10% as of January 1, 2018 and to 9% as of January 1, 2019."
1/31/2018,38,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Add gender identity as a prohibited ground for discrimination under the Canadian Human Rights Act and add it to the list of characteristics of identifiable groups protected by the hate speech provisions of the Criminal Code.,Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Completed - fully met,Discrimination on the basis of gender identity and gender expression is now illegal.,"In June 2017, amendments to the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code received Royal Assent, ensuring the full protection of transgender people across Canada. These amendments formally add gender identity and gender expression to the Canadian Human Rights Act as prohibited grounds of discrimination, as well as amend the Criminal Code to deal with hate crimes related to gender identity and gender expression."
1/31/2018,39,,Environment and Climate Change,Ratify the Paris agreement and develop a Pan-Canadian framework for combating climate change.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Completed - fully met,Canada ratified the Paris Agreement and created the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change.,"The Government of Canada ratified the Paris Agreement on October 5, 2016, following a vote in Parliament. The Paris Agreement entered into force on November 4, 2016 and Canada continues to work with all countries on its implementation. In December 2016, First Ministers adopted the Pan-Canadian Framework (PCF) on Clean Growth and Climate Change, which is Canada’s comprehensive plan to reduce emissions across all sectors of the economy, accelerate clean economic growth and build resilience to the impacts of climate change. The PCF was developed with provinces and territories, in collaboration with Indigenous peoples, and was informed by input from Canadians across the country. The first annual synthesis report on the status of implementation was published in December 2017."
1/31/2018,41,,Environment and Climate Change,Improve protection and stewardship of our freshwater resources.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,"The protection of freshwater resources is improved, and water and wastewater infrastructure is in better repair.","Through research, assessment and regulation, the Government of Canada is working to ensure sustainable water management. The Government has taken action to protect the Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg Basin and the St. Lawrence River by improving water quality, increasing conservation activities, addressing threats posed by invasive species, and improving collaboration with Indigenous peoples. As announced in Budget 2017, the Government is investing $44.84 million to protect Great Lakes water quality, and $25.7 million for the Lake Winnipeg Basin Program. The Government is collaborating with the United States to protect shared waters through the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, and has also established a Clean Water and Wastewater Fund to help provinces, territories and municipalities make immediate repairs to water and wastewater infrastructure. Work is also underway to enhance the Environmental Assessment process as it relates to freshwater areas."
1/31/2018,42,,Environment and Climate Change,Enhance protection of Canada's endangered species.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,Species at risk are protected.,"The Government of Canada has developed a three-year plan to address the backlog of 149 terrestrial species eligible for listing under the Species at Risk Act. Since February 2017, final listing decisions were made for 44 of these species and proposed listing decisions were published for another 45 species. The Government of Canada has posted three-year plans (2014-15 to 2016-17) to address the backlog of overdue recovery documents for terrestrial species on the Species at Risk Public Registry.
As of January 2018, Parks Canada has completed and posted 21 multi-species action plans for 10 Parks Canada places, addressing 174 species at risk occurring across 42 Parks Canada places in total, on the Species at Risk Public Registry. These measures will help make sure species at risk receive the protection they need."
1/31/2018,43,,Environment and Climate Change,Work with provinces and territories to set stronger air quality standards.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,"New national standards are adopted to reduce air pollutants from industrial sources, and recurring State of the Air reports demonstrate progress.","The Government of Canada is implementing a national Air Quality Management System (AQMS) with provinces and territories to improve air quality and protect the health of Canadians and the environment. As part of this system, new ambient air quality standards for sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide were published in the Canada Gazette on October 28 and December 9, 2017 respectively. A review of the existing ambient air quality standards for ozone has been initiated. A new State of the Air Report was launched at the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment in November 2017 to inform Canadians about air quality and air pollution. The Government is also establishing national standards to reduce air pollutants from industrial sources, including in the following sectors: iron and steel; aluminum; potash; pulp and paper; iron ore pellets; base-metals smelting; and stationary combustion turbines. In addition, the Government announced the acceleration of the transition from traditional coal power to clean energy by 2030. This will significantly improve air quality and the health of Canadians and will reduce Canada's greenhouse gas emissions by more than five megatonnes in 2030—equivalent to taking 1.3 million cars off the road."
1/31/2018,44,,Environment and Climate Change,Review Canada's environmental assessment processes.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Natural Resources;Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Science;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs",Underway - on track,"Environmental assessment processes that are fair to all parties, rely on scientific evidence, respect the rights of Indigenous peoples and protect the environment for generations to come.","Following an extensive review of Canada's environmental assessment processes, the government tabled new legislation in February 2018 that will build a new impact assessment and regulatory system for Canada. This new system is fair, based on science, respects the rights of Indigenous peoples, provides certainty to businesses and protects our environment and human health for generations to come. Its development was informed by four Expert Panels and Parliamentary Committee reports, a federal discussion paper, parliamentary studies, and almost two years of consultations with Indigenous peoples, industry, provinces and territories, non-government organizations, academia and the public. These reforms are based on the guiding principles of predictable processes that build on what works, partnership with Indigenous peoples at every stage of the process, early and inclusive public engagement; timely, evidence-based decisions reflecting the best available science and Indigenous knowledge; and one assessment for one project, with the scale of assessment aligned with the scale of the potential impacts of the project."
1/31/2018,45,,Environment and Climate Change,"Develop Canada's National Parks system, as well as manage and expand National Wildlife Areas and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries.",Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,Terrestrial areas and inland water are conserved through networks of protected areas.,"The Government of Canada continues to work to conserve and connect terrestrial areas. A comprehensive plan is being developed to conserve 17% of terrestrial areas and inland water through networks of protected and conserved areas by 2020. Parks Canada and Alberta Environment and Parks are leading a process to meet this target and are gathering best advice from a National Advisory Panel and an Indigenous Circle of Experts. Work on expanding the system of National Parks includes the proposed Thaidene Nëné National Park Reserve. Negotiations with the Government of the Northwest Territories, Lutsël K’e Dene First Nation and Northwest Territories Metis are close to completion. The Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia and the Sylix/Okanagan Nation announced re-engagement on a proposed national park reserve in the South Okanagan. Parks Canada has contacted the Manitoba Government to re-engage on a proposed national park in the Manitoba Lowlands. As part of the expansion of National Wildlife Areas and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries, the Government is working closely with Indigenous peoples, Provinces, Territories, and stakeholders to secure new protected areas by the end of 2020. The Government of Canada is working with the Dehcho First Nation and the Tlicho Government to establish the Edéhzhíe National Wildlife Area in the Northwest Territories, which will protect over 1.4 million hectares of habitat for boreal caribou. The proposed Scott Islands Marine National Wildlife Area will conserve 1.2 million hectares for the benefit of sea birds in the Pacific Ocean. Important Prairie Habitat in South West Saskatchewan will be conserved with the transfer of the Govenlock Community Pasture to Environment and Climate Change Canada in 2019."
1/31/2018,46,,Environment and Climate Change,Develop Parks Canada services so that more Canadians can experience our National Parks.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,More Canadians visit and experience Parks Canada administered sites and the Trans Canada Trail is completed.,"The Government has taken steps to make sites more accessible and to improve overall visitor experiences by investing approximately $3.6 billion, including an additional $364 million announced in Budget 2017 to renew infrastructure assets such as trails, heritage buildings, visitor centres, waterways and highways. The Government of Canada is improving bike and walking trails in national parks as well as highway access through Wood Buffalo National Park and Yoho National Park. The Government will also contribute $30 million over five years to enhance and maintain the Great Trail (formerly known as the Trans Canada Trail). When complete in 2021, the Trail will provides 24,000 km of recreational trails within 30 minutes of about 29 million Canadians. The Government is working with Indigenous peoples and stakeholders to improve interpretation and heritage programming and make sites more accessible."
1/31/2018,47,,Environment and Climate Change,"Make admission to National Parks free for all in 2017 and, afterwards, free for children under 18 and new citizens.",Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Completed - fully met,Free admission to National Parks in 2017; free admission for children under 18 and new citizens in future years.,"To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation, the Government of Canada offered free admission to all national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas, as well as free passage through lock systems on all national historic canals. More than 8.5 million Discovery Passes were ordered and distributed to Canadians and people in 200 countries. Parks Canada welcomed over 27.2 million visitors in 2017, an 11% increase from 2016. Canada 150 programs offered by Parks Canada included the expanded Aboriginal Day and Canada Day celebrations, the first annual Canada Historic Places Day with more than 60 sites participating, as well as hosting numerous Canada 150 signature projects. Starting in 2018, admission for children under 18 is free for national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas. Parks Canada is also continuing to offer free admission for one year to new Canadian citizens through the Institute for Canadian Citizenship’s Cultural Access Pass Program."
1/31/2018,48,,Environment and Climate Change,Expand Learn to Camp programs.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Completed - fully met,More low to middle-income families participate in Learn to Camp and have greater opportunity to experience Canada's outdoors.,"In 2017, Parks Canada expanded the popular Learn-to Camp Program so that more low- to middle-income families could experience Canada’s outdoors. Throughout the year, Parks Canada hosted 30 overnight Learn-to Camp events as well as over 500 other Learn-to events and activities across Canada, reaching more than 70,000 Canadians."
1/31/2018,49,,Environment and Climate Change,Protect our National Parks by limiting development within them and help local eco-tourism industries.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Small Business and Tourism,Underway - on track,Development is limited within Canada's National Parks so future generations can experience their natural beauty.,One pillar of Canada's new Vision for Tourism is to distinguish Canada as a premier tourism destination through Canada's national parks. The Government is maintaining and restoring ecological integrity within Canada's national parks while continuing to provide meaningful services and experiences to visitors. The Government has established strict development limits to ensure ecological integrity in Canada's national parks. Parks Canada has put forward a rigorous environmental assessment process which applies to development proposals to ensure compliance with park-wide ecological objectives and maintenance of ecological integrity. Parks Canada is in the process of developing strategies to help grow local eco-tourism industries and create jobs.
1/31/2018,50,,Environment and Climate Change,Work with Ontario to enhance the country's first urban National Park: Rouge National Urban Park.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Completed - fully met,"Created Canada's first urban National Park, Rouge National Urban Park.","In June 2017, legislation was passed to expand the size of the Rouge National Urban Park and guide how the park will be managed. This legislation strengthens ecological protections and will ensure that ecological integrity is the first priority in the management of Canada's first national urban park, while recognizing its important cultural heritage and providing greater certainty for the continuation of park agriculture. In October 2017, the Government of Ontario transferred 6.5 square km of land to Parks Canada for inclusion in the Park."
1/31/2018,51,,Environment and Climate Change,"Protect the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River Basin and the Lake Winnipeg Basin.","Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",On-going commitment,"Increased protection for the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River Basin and the Lake Winnipeg Basin so they can continue to be enjoyed by future generations.","Through Budget 2017, the Government is providing funding to protect Canada’s freshwater resources, including the Great Lakes and Lake Winnipeg basins. The Government is expanding efforts to address toxic and nuisance algae, as well as aquatic invasive species programming, which will further help address the threats posed by such species as Asian carp and sea lamprey. As announced in Budget 2017, the Government is investing $44.84 million to protect Great Lakes water quality, and $25.7 million for the Lake Winnipeg Basin Program. In June 2017, the governments of Canada and Quebec announced continued investment in the conservation and enhancement of the St. Lawrence River basin to enhance water quality, protect biodiversity and ensure its sustainable use."
1/31/2018,52,,Environment and Climate Change,Examine the implications of climate change on Arctic marine ecosystems.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Science",Underway - on track,Greater knowledge and understanding of the changes occurring in Canada's Arctic and a better understanding of how Canada might adapt to ensure the continued welfare of Canada's Arctic communities.,"The official opening of the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) will significantly enhance Arctic research, including on the impacts of climate change. The Government of Canada is also investing in the Aquatic Climate Change Adaptation Services Program to conduct the research and monitoring necessary to identify climate change impacts and vulnerabilities, develop adaptation tools, and improve ocean forecasting in vulnerable coastal regions to inform management decisions. This Program has supported ocean chemistry monitoring, fisheries vulnerability assessments and predictive modelling activities in the Arctic. As part of the Oceans Protection Plan, the Government will be working with Indigenous and coastal communities to collect baseline environmental information at six sites across Canada, including one in the Arctic. The Government has also concluded new international agreements to strengthen Arctic scientific cooperation. The Minister of Science attended the first White House Arctic Science Ministerial event in September 2016, helping to advance several joint international research projects. The Canadian Space Agency is collaborating on a US-France mission—Surface Water & Ocean Topography—that will provide the first global survey of earth surface water, ocean surface topography, ocean currents, and measure change over time. In addition, the Government of Canada has committed to work together in collaboration with northern partners to better understand the “Last Ice Area.” This region in the high Arctic is the only region that is expected to retain summer sea ice until 2050."
1/31/2018,53,,Canada in the World,Refocus Canada's development assistance on helping the most vulnerable and supporting fragile states.,Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,Underway - on track,Global poverty is reduced by investing in gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls and by focusing on the poorest and most vulnerable.,"In June 2017, the Government launched Canada's new Feminist International Assistance Policy to eradicate extreme poverty and build a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous world. Canada will invest in women's empowerment and gender equality as the best ways to achieve its objectives, grounded in the Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Canada is focusing its assistance on closing gaps and barriers faced by women and girls in a number of areas, including sexual and reproductive health and rights, education, humanitarian action, inclusive governance, environment and climate action adaptation, peace and security, and growth that works for everyone inclusive economic opportunity. By 2021-22, the Feminist International Assistance Policy commits to directing no less than 50% of Canada's annual bilateral international development assistance under to sub-Saharan African countries and ensuring 95% of bilateral aid enhances gender equality empowerment."
1/31/2018,54,,Canada in the World,"Create a new policy and funding framework to ensure that Canada's aid empowers people and supports broad-based, sustainable growth in the developing world.",Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,Completed - fully met,"A comprehensive, feminist international assistance policy is in place that will reduce global poverty by investing in gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls and by focusing on the poorest and most vulnerable.","After a year of consultations with over 15,000 people in 65 countries, Canada released its Feminist International Assistance Policy in June 2017. The Government engaged with people online and in person on how Canada's international assistance should be invested and focused. The consultation summary report was released in December 2016 and formed the basis of the new policy."
1/31/2018,55,,Canada in the World,"Support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by the United Nations in September 2015.",Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,Underway - on track,"Canada's international assistance helps countries make progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and helps to build a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous world.",Canada's Feminist International Assistance Policy is explicitly aligned with the United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure our investments are coordinated with the rest of the international community. Sustainable Development Goal 5—achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls—is the entry point for Canada’s international assistance to drive progress on all SDGs and to eradicate poverty. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is a core guiding principle of the Government's approach to work with all civil society organizations to maximize the impact of Canada’s international assistance. The Government is also co-leading a group of United Nations member states to foster innovative financing solutions to achieve the SDGs. Canada is in the preliminary stages of developing a strategy to track and report on progress toward the SDGs.
1/31/2018,56,,Canada in the World,"Support the full range of reproductive health services and close the gap in the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Initiative.",Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,Underway - on track,"More women and girls are able to make informed reproductive health choices and assert control over their own bodies, saving the lives of women and children.","Over the course of the next three years, the Government will focus on providing comprehensive sexual education and reproductive health services (e.g. family planning, contraceptives and safe, legal abortion), and on preventing and responding to violence against women and girls, including child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation. This will help reduce the number of women and girls around the world who have unmet needs for modern contraception, currently estimated to be 214 million. Consistent with Canada's new Feminist International Assistance Policy, the Government also now strongly encourages partners funded by the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health programs to integrate the full range of sexual and reproductive health services into their programming. Canada also joined the key global partnerships, such as Family Planning 2020, which will help enable up to 120 million more women and girls to access family planning by 2020, as well as the Ouagadougou Partnership, which will accelerate the use of these services in nine countries in West Africa."
1/31/2018,57,,Canada in the World,"Support innovative, evidence-based approaches to development assistance.",Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,Underway - on track,More effective international assistance and more rigorous use of evidence-based practice and innovative solutions within decision-making processes.,"
Guided by the Feminist International Assistance Policy, launched in June 2017, Canada will provide more integrated and responsive assistance, support innovation and research, provide better reporting on results, develop more effective partnerships, and concentrate on those regions of the world where Canada can make the greatest difference in reducing poverty and inequality, particularly for women and girls. Global Affairs Canada and its recipient partners will systematically measure progress and results, conduct gender-based and human rights-based analyses of programs, and implement new programming mechanisms to support innovative partnerships. The Small and Medium Organizations for Impact and Innovation initiative aims to attract new partners to Global Affairs Canada and encourage innovation in international development that is aligned with the Feminist International Assistance Policy commitment. To increase the transparency of Canada's international assistance, the Government expects to start publicly reporting the planned level of the International Assistance Envelope every year starting in 2018."
1/31/2018,58,,Canada in the World,Provide assistance to countries that are vulnerable to the destabilizing effects of climate change.,Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,Underway - on track,Countries receiving Canadian international assistance are better equipped to deal with the destabilizing effects of climate change.,"Canada is providing $2.65 billion over five years to help developing countries deal with the destabilizing effects of climate change and support them in adopting adaptation and mitigation strategies to build resilient communities. Canada's new Development Finance Institute (DFI), capitalized with $300 million over five years, will mobilize its resources to promote green economic growth, which in turn will provide access to clean technology and climate-resilient infrastructure to those people most affected by climate change."
1/31/2018,59,,Canada in the World,Ensure Canada's strong and sustained engagement in the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie.,Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,On-going commitment,Promotion of Canadian values of diversity and inclusion through La Francophonie and promotion of French Canadian culture globally.,"Canada has maintained strong and sustained commitment to La Francophonie and continues to use it as an important opportunity to engage the international community. At the 16th Francophonie Summit in Madagascar in November 2016, Canada led a resolution, adopted by member countries, promoting global action to address child marriages, early marriages and forced marriages. The Government has also announced support for projects in several Francophone countries, particularly in Haiti, Burkina Faso, Mali, Senegal and Benin, to address climate change and economic growth, especially for young people and women. With the help of New Brunswick and Quebec, Canada supported Ontario in its efforts to join the International Organization of La Francophonie and promote the important contributions of Franco-Ontarian culture to Canada and the world."
1/31/2018,60,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Resettle 25,000 refugees from Syria.","Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship;Minister of International Development and La Francophonie",Completed - modified,"The Government welcomed 26,172 Syrian refugees (government-assisted and privately sponsored) between November 4, 2015, and February 29, 2016.","As of January 29, 2017, Canada had welcomed 40,081 refugees from Syria: 21,876 government-assisted refugees, 3,931 blended visa office-referred refugees, and 14,274 privately sponsored refugees. Although the Government hit and surpassed its targets, it did so two months later than the initial timeline to ensure proper security and medical examinations and resettlement preparations."
1/31/2018,61,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Double the number of entry applications for parents and grandparents of immigrants to 10,000 a year.","Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,"The Government made reuniting families a top priority and doubled the number of parents and grandparents sponsorship applications accepted to 10,000 in 2016. The new cap of 10,000 per year will apply going forward.",
1/31/2018,62,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Give additional points under the Express Entry system to applicants who have Canadian siblings.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,"Changes to Canada's Express Entry program, including additional points for candidates with Canadian siblings and candidates who have strong French and/or English languages skills were implemented on June 6, 2017. This is increasing the number of eligible economic immigrants who have the support they need to more easily integrate into the labour market and contribute to the economic success of all Canadians.",
1/31/2018,63,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Increase the maximum age for dependents from 19 to 22 to allow more families to stay together and bring their children to Canada.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,More family reunification.,"The Government has made reuniting families a top priority. Regulatory amendments to increase the maximum age of dependent children from 19 to 22 years of age came into force October 24, 2017."
1/31/2018,64,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Bring forward a proposal regarding permanent residency for new spouses entering Canada.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Sponsored spouses and partners no longer have to remain in abusive relationships for fear of losing their immigration status.,"To address concerns that some vulnerable sponsored spouses or partners were staying in abusive relationships out of fear of losing their permanent resident status, the Government repealed the requirement of conditional residency. This means sponsored spouses and partners are no longer required to live with their sponsor for two years in order to maintain their permanent resident status, thereby reducing vulnerability and dependence."
1/31/2018,65,,Government Services and Operations,"Improve client service delivery and immigration, refugees and citizenship application processing times.","Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,"Enhanced client service and timely processing of immigration, refugee and citizenship applications.","The Government is developing initiatives to reduce processing times in several programs and a client service strategy to enhance the client experience. In December 2016, spousal sponsorship was reformed to speed up processing and simplify the sponsorship process. Since then, the processing target of 80% of new spousal applications within a 12-month time frame is on track. The Government also announced an intake management strategy for privately sponsored refugees and the goal of reducing wait times for new applications to 12 months. Service standards in other programs are being maintained: 80% of citizenship grant applications received since April 2015 are processed within a 12-month timeframe, and Express Entry permanent residency applications are processed within a six-month timeframe. Since June 2017, the Global Skills Strategy continues to assist companies in getting workers to Canada faster, including through two-week processing time for 80% of eligible work permit applications. The Dedicated Service Channel helps guide companies making significant, job-creating investments in Canada. Enhancements to the asylum system will be informed by upcoming findings of the independent review of the Immigration and Refugee Board."
1/31/2018,66,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Restore the Interim Federal Health Program that provides health benefits to refugees.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Improved access to necessary health care for refugees.,"In April 2016, the Government restored the Interim Federal Health Program for all eligible refugee beneficiaries. In addition, the Government eliminated the coverage expiry date to ensure refugee claimants remain covered until they are eligible for provincial/territorial health insurance. Coverage has also been expanded to cover certain services for accepted refugees before they arrive to Canada."
1/31/2018,67,,Canada in the World,Establish an expert human rights panel to help determine designated countries of origin and provide a right to appeal refugee decisions for citizens from these countries.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,"Canada upholds its commitment to welcoming those seeking refuge from conflict and war, while leveraging expertise and systems to strengthen program integrity and efficiency.","As of July 2015, claimants from Designated Countries of Origin - countries that do not normally produce refugees and do respect human rights and offer state protection - have had access to an appeal at the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. An independent review of the Immigration and Refugee Board and the asylum system is underway, and findings will inform how the Government will enhance the asylum system to achieve both efficiency and fairness for all claimants."
1/31/2018,68,,Environment and Climate Change,Work with stakeholders to better co-manage our three oceans.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",On-going commitment,"Better planning, management and protection of oceans, marine mammals, and coastal communities.","The Oceans Protection Plan (OPP) includes new research on the effects of oil spills, measures to protect marine mammals, and increased emergency response capacity where coastal communities will play a greater role. The Government is engaging coastal communities, stakeholders and all orders of governments on the rollout of the OPP. The OPP is a key part of the Government's commitment to redefine its relationship with Indigenous peoples and engage in a meaningful and productive partnership with Indigenous communities. In addition to the OPP, the Government has officially endorsed the Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Plan with the Province of British Columbia and Pacific North Coast First Nations, explored partnerships with land claims organizations in the North to advance Canada’s marine conservation agenda, and signed a statement of intent between Canada and the Nunatsiavut Government to work together on oceans management in northern Labrador."
1/31/2018,69,,Canada in the World,Facilitate the temporary entry of low risk travellers and lift the visa requirement for Mexico.,"Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,"Canada is a more open country that does not impose unnecessary barriers to business travellers, tourists and other visitors.","On December 1, 2016, Canada lifted the requirement for Mexican travellers to have a visa. To facilitate the temporary entry of low-risk travellers, the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) was put in place on November 10, 2016 for visa-exempt foreign nationals (other than U.S. citizens) boarding their flight to Canada. With a valid eTA, travellers can travel to Canada multiple times for short stays. On May 1, 2017, Canada expanded eTA to Brazil, Bulgaria and Romania to facilitate air travel for low-risk travellers. The visa requirement for Bulgaria and Romania was fully lifted on December 1, 2017."
1/31/2018,70,,Fair and Open Government,Repeal provisions in the Citizenship Act that give the government the right to strip citizenship from dual nationals.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Repealed provisions in the Citizenship Act that gave the Government the right to strip citizenship from dual nationals.,"In June 2017, legislation was passed that repealed the unfair elements of the Citizenship Act that applied only to Canadians with dual or multiple citizenships and allowed the government to strip them of their Canadian citizenship. This legislation also makes it easier for applicants to meet the requirements for citizenship, and helps immigrants obtain citizenship earlier and faster."
1/31/2018,72,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Make it easier for international students to stay in Canada after their studies.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Better outcomes for immigrants to Canada because those who become permanent residents and citizens have Canadian educational experience.,"It is now easier for international students to become permanent residents or Canadian citizens after completing their studies. The Government made changes to the Express Entry system that award more points to those who have studied in Canada, making it easier for international students to become permanent residents. As well, in October 2017, regulatory changes introduced by the Government came into force, providing greater flexibility for international students who want to become Canadian citizens."
1/31/2018,73,,Environment and Climate Change,Restore funding to support federal ocean science and monitoring programs.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Completed - fully met,"Restored funding to support the hiring of new scientific staff, the acquisition of new lab equipment, and added capacity for ocean science and monitoring.","The Government of Canada restored funding for federal ocean science and monitoring programs. In April 2016, $197 million was committed to fund ocean and freshwater science activities, which will help better understand aquatic ecosystems and support evidence-based management decisions. The Government is recruiting 135 new scientific staff and creating a new Partnership Fund to build capacity in the Canadian ocean and freshwater science community. The Government is also investing in high-performance lab equipment to mitigate life-cycle management concerns, procuring new state-of-the-art acoustic and remote sensing technology, and enhancing monitoring activities for various species of marine mammals, fish and invertebrates."
1/31/2018,74,,Environment and Climate Change,Use good scientific evidence when making decisions affecting fish stocks and ecosystem management.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Underway - on track,"A new, strong process that integrates scientific information in all major fish stock and ecosystem management decisions.",The Government of Canada has changed its internal processes to ensure that scientific information and advice are presented as part of decision making. The Government is currently developing a plan to implement the precautionary approach policy for all major fish stocks. The new Chief Science Advisor will provide guidance on this.
1/31/2018,75,,Environment and Climate Change,Act on recommendations of the Cohen Commission on restoring sockeye salmon stocks in the Fraser River.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Underway - on track,"A new Wild Salmon Policy to restore salmon stocks and support sustainable aquaculture is co-developed and implemented in collaboration with experts, regional stakeholders and Indigenous peoples.","In August 2016, the Government released its formal response to the final report of the Cohen Commission. In October 2016, the Government launched public consultations and met with Indigenous peoples on the development of an implementation plan for the conservation of wild salmon. In September 2017, the Government provided a status update showing that 64 out of the 75 recommendations from the Cohen Commission have been acted on. The Government continues to engage with scientific experts and stakeholders to further act upon many of the Commission's 75 recommendations.
Extensive engagement with Indigenous peoples, stakeholders and the general public has informed a draft five-year Wild Salmon Policy (WSP) implementation plan. More than 32 consultation sessions occurred across British Columbia and the Yukon. Feedback from these sessions, as well as hundreds of electronic submissions, are now being incorporated into the draft plan. A final WSP implementation plan is expected in 2018."
1/31/2018,76,,Safety and Security,"Re-open the Maritime Rescue Sub-centre in St. John's, Newfoundland, and the Kitsilano Coast Guard Base in Vancouver.","Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Underway - on track,Kitsilano Coast Guard Base and St. John's Maritime Rescue Sub-centre are re-opened to restore search and rescue services and save lives.,"In May 2016, the Kitsilano Coast Guard Base in Vancouver was re-opened to provide 24/7 search and rescue services. The base accepted delivery of a new Search and Rescue Vessel, Response Boat Medium in December 2017. The Maritime Rescue Sub-centre in St. John's will be re-opened, in Summer 2018, to provide the same search and rescue capacity."
1/31/2018,77,,Healthy Canadians,Sign new Health Accord with the provinces and territories.,Minister of Health,Completed - fully met,"A new, multi-year agreement to strengthen health care has been reached between the Government of Canada and provinces and territories.","The Government of Canada has reached agreements with all provinces and territories on collective priorities and 10-year funding to strengthen health care. In August 2017, federal, provincial and territorial governments reached agreement on a Common Statement of Principles on Shared Health Priorities, which outlines key priorities for federal investments to improve access to mental health and addictions services, as well as home and community care and a joint commitment to advance health innovation and prescription drugs. Budget 2017 confirmed a targeted investment of $11 billion over 10 years to support these priorities. Governments also committed to develop and report on a set of common metrics to ensure that these investments bring Canadians improved health outcomes.
The federal government is now in the process of developing bilateral agreements with each province and territory that will set out details of how each jurisdiction will use federal funding in future years, based on the priority areas of action outlined in the Common Statement. The Canadian Institute for Health Information is leading a process with federal, provincial and territorial officials to develop a focused set of common indicators in home care and mental health to enable Canadians to assess progress on shared priorities."
1/31/2018,78,,Healthy Canadians,Increase rates of vaccination.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"By 2025, 95% of children under the age of two have received all recommended vaccinations.","The Government of Canada, with provincial and territorial partners, has updated the national vaccination coverage goals and vaccine preventable disease reduction targets; which have been endorsed by all jurisdictions. The Government also enhanced its Childhood National Immunization Coverage Survey to better estimate vaccination coverage and measure vaccine hesitancy. The new Survey was launched in fall 2017 and initial reporting is expected in 2019."
1/31/2018,79,,Healthy Canadians,Introduce plain packaging requirements for tobacco products.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,New plain packaging requirements for tobacco products will contribute to continued decrease in use.,"In November 2016, the Government of Canada introduced the proposed Tobacco and Vaping Products Act, which includes measures to support plain packaging. Once passed, the legislation will allow Health Canada to develop regulations that implement a comprehensive approach to plain and standardized packaging."
1/31/2018,80,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Promote the celebration of Canada 150.,Minister of Canadian Heritage;Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Completed - fully met,"Canadians came together to celebrate the best of Canada and to experience Canada’s rich cultural, linguistic, and geographical diversity.","Canada 150 celebrations came to a close. The Canada 150 Fund supported over six hundred community projects and thirty eight pan-Canadian Signature projects through non-governmental organizations. Canada 150 enabled the promotion of active living, sport and athleticism to students and communities across Canada, and it highlighted diversity and inclusion, reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, the environment, and youth. More than 31 million people participated in Canada 150 events. Programming included an investment of more than $1 million into the 2017 Canada Summer Games and an accompanying cultural festival. The closing of Canada 150 in December 2017 included Skating Day, one of a suite of community events supported by micro-grants that brought Canadians together, emphasized the connection all Canadians share as a northern people, and underscored Canada 150’s four major themes."
1/31/2018,81,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Restore and increase funding for CBC/Radio-Canada.,Minister of Canadian Heritage,Completed - fully met,"Increased funding for CBC/Radio-Canada, leading to the creation of new, high-quality content across all platforms.","In Budget 2016, the Government increased CBC/Radio-Canada funding by $675 million over five years. In 2017/18, this funding was directed toward CBC/Radio-Canada’s key programming and initiatives; the creation of new, high-quality content, including local content, across all platforms; digital transformation, and continued development of both its existing services and the next generation of digital talent."
1/31/2018,82,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that the appointment process to the CBC/Radio-Canada Board of Directors is merit-based and independent.,Minister of Canadian Heritage,Completed - fully met,A new independent and merit-based appointment process has been established for selecting the CBC/Radio-Canada Board of Directors.,"The Government has appointed an independent and non-partisan Advisory Committee that will provide the Minister of Canadian Heritage with recommendations of qualified candidates for appointments to CBC/Radio-Canada. Published, merit-based criteria will guide the Advisory Committee as they identify Canadians who would make significant contributions to the work of the Board of Directors of CBC/Radio-Canada. On December 18, 2017, the Minister of Canadian Heritage announced the appointment of five directors to the CBC/RC Board of Directors."
1/31/2018,83,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Double investment in the Canada Council for the Arts.,Minister of Canadian Heritage,Completed - fully met,The Government invested $550 million in the Canada Council for the Arts to foster the development of the arts in Canada.,"New investments are being made in the form of grants, services and awards to professional Canadian artists and arts organizations, as well as through scholarly awards. The Government of Canada's annual investment in the Council is doubling over the next five years, growing local economies and creating good middle-class jobs."
1/31/2018,84,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Increase funding for Telefilm Canada and the National Film Board.,Minister of Canadian Heritage,Completed - fully met,"Increased funding for Canada's film industry, creating growth and jobs in the creative industries.","The Government invested $22 million in Telefilm Canada to fund and promote programs dedicated to the cultural, commercial and industrial success of Canada’s audiovisual industry and provided the National Film Board of Canada with $13.5 million to create social issue documentaries, animation, and digital content."
1/31/2018,85,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Restore PromArt and Trade Routes international cultural promotion programs.,Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of Canadian Heritage;Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"Greater awareness of Canadian excellence in arts and culture, greater international demand for Canadian creators and more jobs in the creative industries.","In fall 2017 the Government announced an investment of $125 million over five years towards the implementation of a new Creative Export Strategy. This initiative will help Canada's creative industries seize business opportunities abroad and increase Canada’s interactions with the world through culture, supporting cultural diplomacy efforts. Building on the $35 million committed in Budget 2016, the Strategy provides improved measures and redesigned cultural programs. Based on former PromArt and Trade Routes, it will help artists and creative industries kick start or promote their creative offerings abroad. This will include more support from Canadian missions abroad to coordinate events showcasing Canadian artists on the world stage, as well as direct on-the-ground support from Canadian Trade Commissioners in key markets including London, Paris, Los Angeles, New York and China. With this support, Canadian creative industries will be able to better navigate export markets, meet key foreign contacts, and conclude business deals abroad. The Government also expanded access to cultural trade data through Statistics Canada to provide more accurate and up-to-date information to help guide and focus Canadian creative exporters abroad."
1/31/2018,86,,Strong Middle Class,"Increase funding to ""Young Canada Works"" to help prepare the next generation working in the heritage sector.",Minister of Canadian Heritage,Completed - fully met,More jobs for young Canadians in the heritage sector.,"The Government has increased jobs for young Canadians in the heritage sector. Investments in the Youth Employment Strategy helped to create over 1,600 new employment opportunities in the heritage sector in 2016-17. In addition, increased funding for the Young Canada Works initiative created 150 new internships for recent graduates in 2016-17. Budget 2017 confirmed an additional investment of $14.05 million over three years in funding in Young Canada Works Heritage programming. These new funds will enable the creation of over 1,500 more summer jobs and graduate internships for Canadian youth in Canadian museums and related heritage organizations."
1/31/2018,87,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Develop a multi-year Official Languages plan to support English and French linguistic minorities.,Minister of Canadian Heritage,Underway - on track,A new Official Languages plan will be implemented to support English and French linguistic minorities across Canada.,"The Minister of Canadian Heritage held extensive, nation-wide consultations in 2016 in support of a new multi-year Official Languages Plan. More than 350 community organizations participated in 22 roundtables across the country and 6,600 Canadians responded to an online questionnaire. A final plan is expected to take effect on April 1, 2018."
1/31/2018,88,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Establish a free, online service for learning and retaining English and French as second languages.",Minister of Canadian Heritage,Underway - with challenges,Free online services that help Canadians learn and retain English and French as second languages.,"Canadian Heritage has conducted consultations with industry to identify possible approaches for providing an e-learning tool for Canadians. Progress has required specific attention to technological challenges and the need for a mobile component. Project design, technological requirements and funding have yet to be determined."
1/31/2018,89,,Fair and Open Government,Restore a modern Court Challenges Program.,Minister of Canadian Heritage;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,Increased protection for human rights and official language rights through a modernized Court Challenges Program.,"The Government has reinstated a modernized Court Challenges Program to provide financial support to Canadians to access the courts for the litigation of test cases of national significance, to help clarify and assert certain constitutional and quasi-constitutional official language rights and human rights in Canada. In February 2017, the Government launched a process to select an independent body to implement and manage the modernized program. Interested parties had until March 6, 2017 to submit an application. On September 1, 2017, the Government announced that the University of Ottawa had been selected to manage the modernized program. It also announced the members of the Selection Committee who will assess potential candidates for the program's Official Languages Expert Panel and its Human Rights Expert Panel. Canadian Heritage has issued a call for applicants and is working to establish the panels."
1/31/2018,90,,Strong Middle Class,Balance the budget in 2019/20.,Minister of Finance,Underway - with challenges,Balance the budget over the long-term and continue to reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio.,"As noted in the 2017 Fall Economic Statement, the fiscal framework does not forecast a balanced budget in 2019/20. Before the Government delivered the 2016 Budget, the baseline fiscal track weakened as a result of low oil prices and slow global economic growth. Important fiscal investments were made to kick-start the economy, support the middle class and address the long-term challenges that were limiting Canada's potential. Canada is now seeing the strongest economic growth in the G7 and increased consumer and business confidence. As a result, the current fiscal track shows steady improvements in the Government's budgetary position along with a continued decline in the federal debt-to-GDP ratio. The Government will maintain this downward deficit and debt ratio track—preserving Canada's low-debt advantage for current and future generations."
1/31/2018,91,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Lead preparations for the 2016 Rio Olympics and Paralympics.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Completed - fully met,Canadian athletes and national sport organizations were well prepared for and supported at a successful showing at the 2016 Rio Olympics and Paralympics.,"Canadian athletes excelled during the 2016 Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games. Nearly 15% more Canadian athletes were able to attend the Games compared to 2012. Canadian athletes placed 10th in total Olympic medals, up from 14th in 2012 and Paralympians also had a very strong showing, bringing home 29 medals."
1/31/2018,92,,Healthy Canadians,Create greater links between our elite athletes and young Canadians to promote health and achievement among youth.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Underway - on track,Increased number of events organized to connect young Canadians and Canada's elite athletes.,"Last year, the Government organized a number of events both online and in person at schools across the country, to connect young Canadians with Canada's elite athletes. Approximately 250 Olympic and Paralympic athletes and coaches from the 2016 Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games participated in these events, reaching tens of thousands of students across Canada. The Government will continue to create these and other opportunities for young Canadians to learn from and be inspired by Canada's elite athletes."
1/31/2018,93,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Raise the quality of the Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) applied to Cabinet proposals.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) is effectively integrated into policy-making across government.,"Since 2016, proposals to Cabinet now require a full GBA+ that also includes analysis of the proposal's impact on diverse groups. Budget submissions also require a full GBA+ and, as in Cabinet documents, their quality is assessed. In addition, the Government released a gender statement in Budget 2017 and is committed to further integrating GBA+ within budget decision-making in subsequent budgets. The Government will continue to improve the quality of the analysis through new training tools and videos."
1/31/2018,94,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that the Government's senior appointments are merit-based and demonstrate gender parity.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,Greater representation of Canada's gender diversity in senior appointments.,"In 2016, the Government put in place a new open, transparent and merit-based approach to selecting candidates for some 1500 federal Governor in Council (GIC) appointments. This will help over time to close gaps in the representation of women in GIC positions. Since late 2015, the representation of women serving as GIC appointees has increased by more than 5% and is now over 40%. The Government has also announced a plan to address the underrepresentation of women as Canada Research Chairs."
1/31/2018,95,,Government Services and Operations,Help injured Veterans by re-establishing lifelong pensions and insuring that they all have access to financial advice and support.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,"Injured Veterans have the option of taking a monthly, tax free payment for life and are provided financial advice and support to assist them in determining the form of compensation that works best for them and their families.","The Government of Canada recently introduced the Pension for Life (PFL) that contains adjustments to the benefits available to members and Veterans. PFL includes three new benefits that will recognize and compensate Veterans for disability resulting from service-related injury and/or illness. Pension for life includes three key components.
1) For all Veterans, the Income Replacement Benefit (IRB) is a monthly benefit designed to provide income support to Veterans who are experiencing barriers to re-establishment due to a health problem resulting primarily from service. The benefit is available to Veterans and survivors, for life, and orphans, should they need it. For Veterans who have not yet served a full career in the military, the IRB will be increased by 1% every year until the Veteran reaches what would have been 20 years of service or age 60. The IRB combines four pre-existing benefits (i.e. Earnings Loss Benefit Extended Earnings Loss Benefit, Supplementary Retirement Benefit and Retirement Income Security Benefit) into one, simpler benefit.
2) For injured Veterans, the Pain and Suffering Compensation (PSC) recognizes pain and suffering that have been caused by a disability resulting from a service-related injury and/or illness. The PSC replaces the lump sum Disability Award announced in 2006. It delivers a maximum of $1,150 per month for the life of the serving member or Veteran, or it can be provided in a lump sum payment. The highest possible lump sum payment of the PSC would be the same as the maximum Disability Award payment on the day before coming into force.
3) Some injured Veterans will also benefit from Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation (APSC). This benefit provides additional support to Veterans who are experiencing barriers to re-establishment in post-service life due to a severe and permanent impairment. Depending on the extent of the Veteran’s impairment, the monthly payment would be $500, $1,000 or $1,500. This benefit is not intended to replace lost earnings and so is tax-free.
"
1/31/2018,96,,Government Services and Operations,Expand access to the Permanent Impairment Allowance to better support Veterans.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,More Veterans qualify for higher benefit amounts if they have had their career options limited by service-related illness or injury.,As of April 2017 the Government of Canada has replaced the outdated Permanent Impairment Allowance with the new Career Impact Allowance. This new measure provides broader eligibility to more generous benefit amounts for the most seriously ill and injured Veterans whose careers are impacted by service-related illness or injury. The benefit amount that a Veteran receives will depend on the unique circumstances of each case.
1/31/2018,97,,Government Services and Operations,"Provide injured veterans with 90% of their pre-release salary, and index this benefit to inflation.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"Veterans now receive 90 per cent of their pre-release salary under the Earnings Loss Benefit (ELB), and benefits are indexed to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).","Canada's women and men in uniform put their lives at risk to protect the values that Canadians cherish most. In Budget 2016, the Government of Canada made significant investments to give more money to Veterans with disabilities primarily resulting from military service. In particular, in October 2016 ELB eligibility was increased from 75% to 90% of a Veteran's monthly pre-release military salary. This benefit provides financial support to injured Veterans while they are undergoing rehabilitation as a result of a service-related disability or up to age 65 if they are determined to have a diminished earning capacity. In addition, the previous cap of two per cent growth was removed, so this benefit will now increase with CPI over time. As of June 30, 2017, a total of 12,461 Veterans have received an increase or are newly in receipt of benefits since changes to the ELB were made. Effective, April 1, 2019, the Earnings Loss Benefit will be consolidated as part of the new Income Replacement Benefit announced under Pension for Life. All eligible Veterans will continue to receive 90% of their pre-release salary, indexed to CPI during rehabilitation and for life if they are found to have a diminished earning capacity."
1/31/2018,98,,Government Services and Operations,Create a Veterans Education Benefit that supports the education costs of Canadian Forces Veterans after completion of service.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,More Veterans receive education and training upon release and get better jobs in civilian employment.,"The Government of Canada has developed a new Education and Training Benefit which will provide Veterans who have six years of eligible service with up to $40,000 for college, university or technical education. Veterans with 12 years of service will receive up to $80,000. This will help Veterans cover the cost of getting a new degree or certificate, which is often critical in making a successful transition to a good job in civilian life. The new benefit will begin in April 2018 for Veterans honourably released on or after April 1, 2006."
1/31/2018,99,,Government Services and Operations,Improve career and vocational assistance for Veterans.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,Improve career and vocational assistance for Veterans and ensure jobs for Veterans are included in federally-funded infrastructure projects.,"Through Budget 2017, the Government of Canada will provide $180 billion in infrastructure funding over 12 years to deliver clean, sustained economic growth; build stronger, more inclusive communities; and create more and better, middle class jobs. The Government is working with provinces and territories as part of infrastructure negotiations to ensure Community Benefits Agreements integrate jobs for Veterans into infrastructure projects. Enhanced Career Transition services will also ensure that Veterans have the knowledge, skills and abilities required to search for employment in the civilian work force so that they are more likely to gain employment and feel satisfaction in their employment."
1/31/2018,100,,Government Services and Operations,"Deliver a higher standard of service and care, and ensure that a ""one veteran, one standard"" approach is upheld.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,"Veterans and their families have seamless support as they transition out of the military, with simplified application processes, improved client services and reduced wait times to receive benefits.","The Government of Canada has increased staffing and is lowering case-management ratios from 40:1 to 25:1 in order to provide more in-depth, one-on-one service. The Government is actively working with Ministerial Advisory Committees to improve service standards for veterans and their families, and recently completed a service delivery review to assess how to achieve service excellence."
1/31/2018,101,,Government Services and Operations,Re-open the nine Veterans Affairs service offices recently closed.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"To improve services for Veterans, all Veterans Affairs Canada offices closed by the previous government have been re-opened and resources have been added in new areas not previously served.","All nine offices previously closed have been reopened and a new tenth office has been opened to serve the needs of veterans in Surrey, BC, and the Lower Mainland. In addition, the Government of Canada has expanded outreach to the territories and other northern communities to provide an enhanced level of service and outreach to Veterans and their families. As of April 2017, the Government has hired more than 460 new employees, including 180 new case managers, to improve services for veterans."
1/31/2018,102,,Government Services and Operations,"Create two centres of excellence in Veterans' care, including one specialized in mental health and post-traumatic stress disorder.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,Veterans and their caregivers and providers have better access to better knowledge and expertise to address the unique care needs of someone who previously served.,"Budget 2017 invested in the creation of the first centre of excellence that will focus on the creation and dissemination of knowledge on prevention, assessment and treatment of PTSD and related mental health conditions for Veterans and Canadian Armed Forces members. Plans for the second centre of excellence are at an early stage of development and consultation."
1/31/2018,103,,Government Services and Operations,Support families who are providing care and support to Veterans living with physical and/or mental health issues.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,Increased support for families who are providing care and support to Veterans living with physical and/or mental health issues.,"Military members who leave the service for medical reasons, as well as their families, will have access to a full range of support services at all of Canada's 32 Military Family Resource Centres as well as through services delivered over the phone and online. These changes will take effect as of April 2018. Further support will be offered to families by the new Caregiver Recognition Benefit which will provide a more generous non-taxable monthly benefit payable directly to caregivers of Veterans to better recognize and honour the vital role they play."
1/31/2018,104,,Government Services and Operations,End the time limit for surviving spouses applying for vocational rehabilitation and assistance services.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,Surviving spouses are able to receive vocational rehabilitation and assistance services whenever they need them.,The Government of Canada is enhancing support for survivors and common-law/spouses by eliminating the current one-year time limit on applications for Rehabilitation Services and Vocational Assistance. This change will allow survivors to apply for assistance whenever they are prepared to return to work and will come into effect in April 2018.
1/31/2018,105,,Government Services and Operations,Increase the Veteran survivor's pension amount from 50% to 70%.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,"Surviving spouses receive better support, and benefits are delivered in a more client-centred, streamlined fashion.","On December 20, 2017 as part of Pension for Life initiative, the Government of Canada announced that Veteran Survivor Pensions will increase from 50% to 70%. This measure will improve the delivery of benefits so that surviving spouses and their families have a simpler system to navigate. Effective April 1, 2019, changes proposed under Pension for Life will be made available to survivors. Support for eligible spouses will increase from 50% to 70% of the Veteran’s Income Replacement Benefit, providing them with enhanced financial security."
1/31/2018,106,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that surviving spouses of Veterans receive appropriate benefits by eliminating the marriage after 60 clawback.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,Surviving spouses receive the same pension amounts as all other survivors regardless of the age at which they were married.,The Government of Canada is working to eliminate the pension clawback for spouses married to Veterans over the age of 60 at the time of marriage that currently exists in the Canadian Armed Forces Superannuation Act. Progress on this commitment has taken longer than anticipated.
1/31/2018,107,,Government Services and Operations,Double funding to the Last Post Fund to ensure that all veterans receive a dignified burial.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"Funding is doubled to the Last Post Fund, and more families qualify for a burial or marking benefit when a Veteran dies.","As of October 2016, the Government of Canada has enhanced the Last Post Fund so that more families can qualify for burial benefits. The Government has nearly tripled the current estate exemption from $12,000 to $35,000 and, going forward, this amount will be indexed annually."
1/31/2018,108,,Safety and Security,Create an Office of Community Outreach and Counter-radicalization Coordinator.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Underway - on track,Reduced radicalization and greater understanding of how to prevent radicalization.,"On June 26, 2017, the Government established the Canada Centre for Community Engagement and Prevention of Violence to help provide leadership on Canada's response to radicalization, coordinate domestic and international initiatives, and support community outreach. The Government is in the process of appointing a Special Advisor and Advisory Board. The Community Resilience Fund was also launched to provide financial assistance to organizations undertaking programming and research to address radicalization to violence in Canada."
1/31/2018,109,,Safety and Security,Protect Canadians and our critical infrastructure from cyber threats.,"Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of National Defence;Minister of Democratic Institutions",Underway - on track,"Increased cyber security for Canada's critical infrastructure, economy, and democratic institutions, resulting in better protection for Canadian businesses and individuals from cyber threats.","The Government has completed a consultation and review of current measures, and published the results in March 2017. The Government will do its part to enable Canadians to fully benefit from the digital world in a way that is safe and secure. The Government is developing a new approach to cyber security that is guided by the principles of resilience, cooperation, capability and innovation. Efforts have extended to the Canadian electoral process. The cyber hacking of elections is a growing issue around the world, and the Government will take proactive measures to identify potential threats and do what it can to protect against them."
1/31/2018,110,,Safety and Security,Strengthen controls on handguns and assault weapons.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,"Reduced gun violence through balanced, effective firearms measures.","The Government is developing effective firearms measures that prioritize public safety while ensuring law-abiding Canadians are not unduly impacted. To support this objective, the Government established a more representative Firearms Advisory Committee that includes representation from law enforcement, civilian firearms users, public health advocates, women’s groups, farmers, conservation organizations, and the legal community. The Government also reversed a ministerial directive that could have allowed gun manufacturers to determine the classification of their own products under certain conditions. On November 17, 2017, the Government announced up to $327.6 million over five years, and $100 million annually thereafter, in new funding for initiatives to reduce gun crime and criminal gang activities. It will also convene a Summit on Criminal Guns and Gangs in March 2018 to collaborate with partners on combating the deadly effects of gangs and illegal guns in communities across Canada. The Government will introduce legislation to advance our commitment to firearms safety in the near future. It will not recreate a federal long-gun registry."
1/31/2018,111,,Safety and Security,Enhance compensation for public safety officers who are permanently disabled or killed in the line of duty.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Underway - on track,"Public safety officers who are permanently disabled or killed in the line of duty, and their families, are appropriately compensated.","In March 2017, the Government announced the creation of a tax-free Community Heroes Benefit that will support the families of firefighters, police officers and paramedics who died in the line of duty. Further details will be announced in the coming months."
1/31/2018,112,,Safety and Security,Restore funding to provinces and territories to support Heavy Urban Search and Rescue teams.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Completed - fully met,"Search and rescue capacity across Canada is strengthened, helping save lives.","Last year, the Government restored funding of $15.5 million previously cut from the Heavy Urban Search and Rescue taskforces in Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, and across Manitoba. The Government is also providing support to build new heavy urban search and rescue capacity in Montreal and Halifax."
1/31/2018,113,,Safety and Security,"Develop a plan to better predict, prepare for, and respond to weather-related emergencies and natural disasters.",Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Underway - on track,"Canadians are quickly and effectively supported when natural disasters occur, and communities are better prepared for weather-related emergencies.","In collaboration with provinces and territories, and Indigenous peoples, the Government is working with stakeholders including municipalities, to develop a comprehensive plan to reduce disaster risk in Canada. The Government has begun a series of consultations on the development of a pan-Canadian Emergency Management Strategy, which includes weather-related events and natural disasters. The Government has responded quickly and effectively to support Canadians and communities affected by fires in northern Alberta, floods in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada, and recent wildfires in British Columbia. This has included partnerships with the Red Cross, payments to assist provincial governments, and the creation of ad hoc Cabinet committees to coordinate a response across government. Additionally, Canada is playing a leading role globally on the issues of disaster risk reduction, having hosted the United Nations Fifth Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in March 2017."
1/31/2018,114,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure strong and effective gender and culturally sensitive training policies for federal front-line law enforcement officers.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,Increased cultural competency and trauma-informed gender-based violence training across the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).,"Starting in 2018-19, all incoming officers recruited by the RCMP will receive mandatory gender and culturally-sensitive training. Training for incumbent officers is also being encouraged. The RCMP continues to develop this training in consultation with Status of Women Canada and other key experts."
1/31/2018,115,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Move forward on a toll-free replacement for the Champlain Bridge.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities,Underway - on track,New toll-free Champlain Bridge opened by December 2018.,"The Champlain Bridge is vital to local residents and commuters and plays an important role in the Canadian economy. The objective remains to open the new, toll-free bridge by December 2018. Construction of the new bridge is underway. Like all infrastructure projects of its size, the new bridge may face labour and logistical challenges that could delay the planned December 2018 completion date. The current bridge is safe and continuously monitored in real time."
1/31/2018,116,,Fair and Open Government,"Work with Parliamentarians to reform Question Period so that all ministers, including the Prime Minister, are held to greater account.",Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,"Increased accountability of all ministers, including the Prime Minister, during Question Period.","Since April 2017, the Prime Minister has adopted the practice of taking all questions during Wednesday sittings, as his schedule permits. In addition, when invited, ministers have participated in Senate Question Period."
1/31/2018,117,,Fair and Open Government,Promote free votes and limit the circumstances in which Liberal Members of Parliament will be required to vote with the Government.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,Members of Parliament are strong voices for their communities and there is greater accountability within Parliament.,"Since Fall 2015, all House of Commons votes have been free votes for Liberal Members of Parliament with the exception of those relating to: platform commitments, matters of confidence, and protections guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms."
1/31/2018,118,,Fair and Open Government,End the improper use of omnibus bills and prorogation.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,Measures are in place to end the improper use of omnibus bills and prorogation.,"In June 2017, the House of Commons adopted a Government motion that changed the Standing Orders to prevent the improper use of omnibus bills and prorogation. The motion gives the Speaker power to split omnibus bills for the purposes of voting except for budget implementation bills that contain only provisions that were announced in a budget presentation or in the budget documents. The motion also forces the Government to justify, in writing, the reasons for a prorogation and the House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs has the power to study the Government's justification."
1/31/2018,119,,Fair and Open Government,"Make government accounting and financial reporting more consistent, transparent and understandable to Canadians.",President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Finance;Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Underway - on track,"Government reporting is easier for Canadians to find, understand and use to hold the Government accountable.","The Government has introduced significant changes to improve accountability and make financial reporting more transparent and easier to understand. These changes include: making the Parliamentary Budget Officer an independent officer of Parliament with new powers and resources to more rigorously examine the country's finances; publishing fiscal decisions between budgets; publishing accrual versus cash reconciliation for the Estimates; and changing the Standing Orders of the House of Commons to allow Main Estimates to be published later in the calendar year, with the goal of having the Main Estimates reflect the federal budget."
1/31/2018,120,,Fair and Open Government,Improve reporting to Parliament.,President of the Treasury Board,Underway - on track,Increased transparency so that parliamentarians and all Canadians can more easily hold the Government to account.,"Part III of the Estimates (i.e., Departmental Plans and Departmental Results Reports) have been simplified and new features and data have been added to the online GC InfoBase. In addition, the Government introduced and adopted changes to the Standing Orders to better ensure consistency across the Budget, Estimates and Public Accounts, and provide greater clarity in voting on appropriations. These changes will help parliamentarians and Canadians better examine government spending and allow for the timely flow of funding outlined in budget plans."
1/31/2018,121,,Fair and Open Government,Ensure that Agents of Parliament are properly funded and accountable only to Parliament.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Underway - on track,Agents of Parliament are independent and are properly funded.,"In June 2017, legislation was passed that established the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) as an independent agent of Parliament, reporting directly to Parliament. This legislation provides the PBO with the ability to request the funds from the Speakers of the House and Senate needed to fulfill their mandate. The Government will continue to work with Agents of Parliament to support their important work."
1/31/2018,122,,Fair and Open Government,Ensure that the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) is properly funded and independent of the Government.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,The Parliamentary Budget Officer is independent and properly funded to conduct analyses on behalf of Parliament.,"In June 2017, legislation was passed that established the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) as an independent agent of Parliament, reporting directly to Parliament. This legislation provides the PBO with the ability to request the funds from the Speakers of the House and Senate needed to fulfill their mandate. This is consistent with the practice for all other independent agents of Parliament. The PBO will also have greater access to relevant information within departments, agencies and Crown Corporations; will be appointed for a term of seven years and can only be removed with cause, subject to the approval of parliamentarians; and will be able to cost election platform proposals at the request of political parties."
1/31/2018,123,,Fair and Open Government,Strengthen Parliamentary committees so that they can better scrutinize legislation.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,Parliamentary committees are freer and better equipped to study legislation.,"The Government of Canada has strengthened parliamentary committees by giving them more funding through the Board of Internal Economy so they can undertake the appropriate research and engage with Canadians. The Government has also ensured that the practice of electing committee chairs by secret ballot has continued. In addition, the House of Commons adopted a motion that enables Parliamentary Secretaries to be non-voting members of committees, ensuring that they can no longer vote on committees that fall within their minister's mandate, helping assure the freedom and independence of House of Commons standing committees."
1/31/2018,124,,Fair and Open Government,Disclose the expenses of all Parliamentarians in detail each quarter.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Underway - on track,"Increased transparency through the quarterly, detailed disclosure of parliamentarians' expenses.",The Government of Canada has introduced legislation to codify in law that the expenses of all parliamentarians continue to be disclosed on a quarterly basis. Details are disclosed on the Parliament of Canada website in an accessible and easy-to-read format.
1/31/2018,125,,Fair and Open Government,Examine ways to make the House of Commons more family-friendly for Members of Parliament.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Underway - on track,"A House of Commons that is truly a modern, professional, family-friendly workplace for Members of Parliament and their staff.","The House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs released a report in June 2016 outlining ways to make the House of Commons more family-friendly for Members of Parliament and their staff. The Government is currently implementing the principal recommendations of this report, which include scheduling votes immediately following Question Period rather than later in the evening, and tabling the House sitting calendar prior to the summer adjournment so that Members and staff are able to better plan their schedules. The Board of Internal Economy has also taken steps to implement more family-friendly administrative practices, such as providing more flexible childcare services and making high chairs available in Parliamentary cafeterias. More needs to be done to ensure Parliament, as a workplace, fully recognizes the challenges and pressures of raising a family. The Government is fully committed to working with all parties to make this happen."
1/31/2018,126,,Exports and Investment,"Invest in an Agri-Food Investment Fund to attract investment and create good, well-paying jobs in food processing.",Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,Underway - on track,The agri-food sector is a leading area for economic growth over the next 10 years.,"The Government is increasing investment in the agri-food sector to increase and diversify exports to create good middle-class jobs. Budget 2017 identified agri-food as one of the six key sectors for future economic growth and set an ambitious objective of increasing annual agri-food exports to $75 billion by 2025. The Government announced a $1.26 billion five-year Strategic Innovation Fund to attract and support new high-quality business investments, including for agri-food value added processors. The Canadian Agricultural Partnership, which is expected to launch in April 2018, includes a commitment to facilitate the maintenance and expansion of both domestic and international agricultural and agri-food markets, as well as to enhance the ability of the agriculture and agri-food sector to diversify market opportunities."
1/31/2018,127,,Healthy Canadians,Develop a food policy that promotes healthy living and safe food.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,Underway - on track,A whole of government food policy that promotes Canadians' health and quality of life.,"In May 2017, the Government launched consultations to support the development of A Food Policy for Canada. This policy is intended to identify a vision and plan to address challenges such as increasing access to safe and nutritious food; improving health and food safety; conserving our soil, water and air; and growing more high-quality food. A national Food Summit was held in June 2017 and six regional roundtables were held in August and September 2017. An online survey was conducted, receiving 44,000 responses, and other grassroots engagement with Canadians was led by Members of Parliament, stakeholder groups and members of the public. These are just some of the many engagement activities conducted to inform the development of a food policy. The Government expects to launch A Food Policy for Canada in 2018."
1/31/2018,128,,Jobs and Innovation,Invest in agricultural research to support discovery science and innovation.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,Underway - on track,"Advance research in agricultural genomics, digitize nearly six million DNA specimens by 2022 and invest in discovery research in priority areas.","Over the next six years, the Government will accelerate DNA analysis, sequencing and digital recording of our taxonomic collections, completing the digitization of nearly six million specimens. In addition, Budget 2017 announced $70 million to further support agricultural discovery science and innovation, with a focus on addressing emerging priorities such as climate change and soil and water conservation."
1/31/2018,129,,Exports and Investment,Promote Canadian agricultural interests during trade negotiations.,Minister of International Trade;Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,On-going commitment,"Achieve the target of $75 billion annually in agri-food exports, and create more middle class jobs and higher incomes for the many rural and urban Canadians employed in the agri-food sector.","The Government has made agriculture and agri-food trade a priority in the trade expansion strategy. The Prime Minister and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Agriculture and Agri-Food have completed trade missions to Mexico, China, Japan, India, the European Union and the United States promoting agri-food. The Government has completed the Canadian-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement that expands opportunities for Canadian agri-food products with 94% of agricultural tariff lines now duty free. Canada has also signed a memorandum of understanding with China on canola and will continue to work to resolve regulatory and tariff issues with India to ensure long-term access to the Indian market for Canadian pulse exports (e.g., peas, chickpeas, beans and lentils). The Government will continue to strongly defend the interests of its agricultural industries, including supply management, with all trading partners, including as the Government engages with the United States and Mexico in the modernization of North American Free Trade Agreement."
1/31/2018,130,,Government Services and Operations,Assess whether current farm income safety nets meet the needs of Canadian farmers.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,Underway - on track,"Implement a new agricultural policy framework, with updated business risk management programs, to support an agricultural and agri-food sector that is strong, innovative and resilient.","The Government of Canada is committed to an improved federal-provincial-territorial agricultural policy framework, the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. Consultations with stakeholders have been completed, including focused engagement sessions with Indigenous peoples, women and youth. A meeting of provincial and territorial Ministers of Agriculture took place in July 2017, where they reached agreement on key elements of the next policy framework and committed to review business risk management programs. The Government is currently engaged in bilateral negotiations with provinces and territories on the Partnership programs. The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is expected to launch in April 2018. On November 24, 2017, the Government announced the initiatives and priorities of the $1 billion federal investment under the $3 billion Canadian Agricultural Partnership, including the six federal programs: AgriMarketing, AgriCompetitiveness, AgriScience, AgriInnovate, AgriDiversity and AgriAssurance."
1/31/2018,131,,Environment and Climate Change,Help the agriculture sector adjust to climate change and better address water and soil conservation issues.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,Underway - on track,An agricultural food sector that succeeds in the face of a changing climate.,"The Government of Canada is implementing the Canadian Agricultural Partnership to support an agriculture and agri-food sector that is strong, innovative and resilient. The Government is negotiating bilateral agreements with provinces and territories on the Partnership, including on environment and climate change programming. The Government is also working on soil, water and climate change issues through: the Agriculture Clean Technology Program; A Food Policy for Canada; Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Program; the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change; the proposed Lake Erie Domestic Action Plan; and the re-accession of Canada to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. Budget 2017 announced $70 million to support agricultural discovery science and innovation with a focus on addressing emerging priorities, including climate change and soil and water conservation."
1/31/2018,132,,Safety and Security,Ensure that the Canadian Armed Forces have the equipment they need.,Minister of National Defence;Minister of Public Services and Procurement,On-going commitment,"The Canadian Armed Forces receive the ships, fighter jets and other equipment that it needs over the next 20 years as planned for and funded in the new defence policy.","Canada's new defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—invests in the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces and delivers the standard of service and care that current and former members deserve. The Government is investing to expand the Regular and Reserve Forces, build 15 new surface combatant ships, expand the fighter jet fleet to 88 advanced planes, and develop new space capabilities and global communications in the Arctic, among other key projects."
1/31/2018,133,,Safety and Security,"Maintain current National Defence spending levels, including current planned increases.",Minister of National Defence,Underway - on track,The Government will exceed previous funding levels.,"Under Canada's new defence policy, annual spending will grow, on a cash-basis, from $18.9 billion in 2017-18 to $32.7 billion in 2026-27. Spending is allocated to ensure that it is delivered when the military needs it, meaning that funds for critical equipment can be spent and do not lapse."
1/31/2018,134,,Safety and Security,Maintain Canada's strong commitment to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).,Minister of National Defence,On-going commitment,North America is safe and secure and Canada remains a strong and responsible partner in NORAD.,"Canada is meeting its commitment to NORAD on an ongoing basis, focusing on four key areas: personnel, capabilities, infrastructure, and participation in key decision-making fora on the future of NORAD. The Government is also expanding the Royal Canadian Air Force fighter jet fleet in order to properly fulfill our NORAD and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) commitments."
1/31/2018,135,,Safety and Security,Conduct an open and transparent defence strategy review.,Minister of National Defence,Completed - fully met,Canada now has a new defence policy that was built on extensive input from Canadians and delivers the standard of service and care that current and former Canadian Armed Forces members deserve.,"On June 7, 2017, the Minister of National Defence launched Canada's new defence policy: Strong, Secure, Engaged. This followed extensive external consultations, including engagement with the Canadian public, Parliamentarians, defence experts, and allies and partners. The new policy will allocate realistic funding to projects that will keep our military running efficiently and effectively for years to come, and ensure Canada remains a trusted and capable ally. Through this plan, the Government will build an even stronger military and, most importantly, deliver the standard of service and care our women and men in uniform deserve."
1/31/2018,136,,Safety and Security,"Renew the focus on surveillance and control of Canadian territory, and approaches, particularly for our Arctic regions.",Minister of National Defence,Underway - on track,"The Canadian Armed Forces has developed the necessary capabilities to expand its presence in Canada's air, maritime, land, space, and cyber domains to protect our sovereignty and keep Canadians safe.","As outlined in Strong, Secure, Engaged; Canada's new defence policy, the Government will invest in new space capabilities and prioritize Arctic Joint Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance in defence research and innovation. The Canadian Armed Forces has expanded Operation LIMPID (which provides domestic surveillance and presence in Canada's air, maritime, land, space, and cyber domains) to include additional domains and all Joint Task Forces. The Department of Defence is investing in surveillance solutions that will support Canada's ability to exercise sovereignty in the North (RADARSAT Constellation Mission and Polar Epsilon 2, Enhanced Satellite Communications and Tactical Narrow Band Satellite Communications) and is conducting a binational study of alternatives for the North Warning System. The Arctic Offshore Patrol vessels will be at initial operating capacity in 2019."
1/31/2018,137,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that the Canadian Armed Forces are a workplace free from harassment and discrimination.,Minister of National Defence,Underway - on track,"The Chief of Defence Staff and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) senior leaders continue to lead the full implementation of recommendations made by the Deschamps report and in Operation HONOUR, the Canadian Armed Forces mission to eliminate harmful and inappropriate sexual behaviour in the military. CAF members have access to a full range of victim and survivor services, and harassment complaints are dealt with in a timely manner.","The new defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—has reaffirmed that the Government of Canada will not tolerate gender-based violence or workplace harassment. The CAF will continue to work on gender, diversity and inclusion initiatives to eliminate harmful behaviours and ensure a work environment free from harassment and discrimination. In January 2018, the Canadian Armed Forces will launch the Positive Space initiative to promote a safe and inclusive work environment for all employees regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. More broadly, with the November 2017 signing of an Agreement in Principle (AIP) by the Government of Canada and parties to the Todd Edwards Ross et al v. Her Majesty the Queen class action, a total of $110 million will be available to compensate class members — federal public servants, including members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who were directly impacted by anti-LGBTQ2 (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and two-spirit) policies and practices. The AIP also earmarks $15 million for remembrance to prevent future discrimination and for reconciliation with LGBTQ2 communities."
1/31/2018,139,,Strong Middle Class,Repeal the recent changes made to the Employment Insurance (EI) system that have been punitive to unemployed workers.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Repealed the 2012 changes to Employment Insurance (EI) so that unemployed Canadians have better benefits and more opportunities for good quality jobs.,"In 2016, the Government of Canada reversed EI restrictions related to commute times and work type. Now, workers are no longer forced to accept lower-paying work that is far away from their homes. This change simplifies job search responsibilities, while maintaining the long-standing requirement to search for and accept available work."
1/31/2018,140,,Strong Middle Class,Reduce Employment Insurance (EI) premiums.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,"Employment Insurance (EI) premium rates have been reduced and a new, transparent EI premium rate setting process has been established so that revenues and costs remain in line over the long-term.","The EI premium rate was lowered from $1.88 in 2016 to $1.63 in 2017. The premium rate has been announced and set at $1.66 for 2018, which reflects important new supports for Canadian families and changing economic conditions. For the first time, beginning with the 2017 premium rate, the EI Commission has assumed responsibility for setting the annual EI premium rate."
1/31/2018,141,,Strong Middle Class,Improve the Employment Insurance (EI) system that currently leaves too many unemployed workers with no safety net.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Employment Insurance (EI) remains responsive over the long-term to the needs of workers and employers and reflects the diversity of needs across the country.,"In 2016, the Government reduced the waiting period for EI and made benefits more flexible, easier to access and more generous for workers who need it. For example, the New Entrants and Re-Entrants provision has been eliminated—which set higher eligibility requirements for youth, newcomers and other workers new to the labour market—enabling over 50,000 more Canadians annually to qualify in the event of job loss. In addition, extra weeks of benefits were provided to regions most affected by the commodities downturn and job search responsibilities were simplified. Over the last year, the Government has heard from Parliamentarians, stakeholders and experts as to how to further modernize EI. The Government will continue to look for ways to better serve Canadians as they deal with important life events."
1/31/2018,142,,Strong Middle Class,"Eliminate Employment Insurance (EI) discrimination against immigrants, younger workers and parents re-entering the workforce.","Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Canadian workers in the same economic region are now treated equally in the Employment Insurance (EI) system.,"In July 2016, the Government of Canada eliminated rules that limited access to EI for those new to the labour market or re-entering the labour market. Under the previous rules, workers who were entering the workforce or re-entering after being away for two years were required to have 910 hours of insurable employment, regardless of their actual work history prior to unemployment. Now, these workers are treated the same as other Canadians. This will help approximately 50,000 Canadians every year qualify for EI in the event of job loss, particularly immigrants, young workers and parents returning to the workforce."
1/31/2018,143,,Strong Middle Class,Reduce the wait time for new Employment Insurance (EI) recipients from two weeks to one week.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Canadians are able to access Employment Insurance (EI) benefits more quickly.,"On January 1, 2017, the EI waiting period was reduced from two weeks to one week. With this measure, claimants are now eligible to receive benefits starting one week earlier. This helps approximately 1.8 million EI claimants each year pay their bills during a time of unemployment and provides higher benefits at the beginning of the claim period."
1/31/2018,144,,Strong Middle Class,Improve Canadians' access to good quality job training.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,"Canada will have one of the most skilled, talented, creative and diverse workforces in the world, with more opportunities for all Canadians to get the education, skills, and work experience they need to participate fully in the workforce of today, as they—and their children—prepare for the jobs of tomorrow.","In Budget 2017, the Government of Canada announced several measures to help more Canadians get the education, skills and work experience they need to succeed today and prepare for the jobs of tomorrow. Some of the measures in the Government's Innovation and Skills Plan include: the creation of thousands of new job placements for students; increased eligibility for Canada Student Grants and Loans for part-time students as well as Canada Student Grants for students with dependants; introducing a pilot project to reduce the financial pressures of working adults who are considering going back to school; and greater flexibility for Canadians on Employment Insurance (EI) to get new certificates or training without fear of losing their benefits. The Government is also expanding workers' access to skills training and job supports, improving access to opportunities for lifelong learning, and increasing work experience opportunities for young Canadians. The Government is significantly expanding the federal investment that will be provided to provinces and territories over the next six years through the labour market transfer agreements, and negotiating a new set of modern agreements. Negotiations with the provinces and territories (PTs) are currently underway and are expected to conclude later this year."
1/31/2018,145,,Strong Middle Class,Rationalize and expand the intergovernmental agreements that support skills training.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Agreements with provinces and territories that expand and support skills training for Canadians.,"To help more Canadians get the skills they need, the Government of Canada provided funding to temporarily boost existing Labour Market Transfer Agreements in 2016. In 2017, the Government increased federal support for provinces and territories and amended the Employment Insurance Act to broaden eligibility for job training under the Labour Market Development Agreements. Work continues with provinces and territories to develop more effective training programs and share best practices. In addition, a new skills innovation organization is being established that will support provinces and territories, the private sector, educational institutions and not-for-profit organizations to address skills gaps and promote lifelong learning."
1/31/2018,146,,Strong Middle Class,Develop a framework to fund training facilities delivered in partnership with labour unions.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Establish a program to support union-based training centres that provide Canadians with the skills that are needed by employers.,"The Government of Canada has consulted with labour, industry and other stakeholders. The new Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) was launched in July 2017 with a call for proposals. Further details on projects are expected to be made available in the coming months. The program aims to strengthen training in the trades to better support a skilled, inclusive and productive trades workforce, including Indigenous peoples, women, people with disabilities and recent immigrants."
1/31/2018,148,,Strong Middle Class,"Change the Repayment Assistance Plan so that graduates are required to repay only once they earn at least $25,000 per year.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,"Recent graduates earning less than $25,000 are able to delay repayment of their Canada Student Loans until they are more financially secure.","Effective November 2016, thresholds for the Repayment Assistance Plan have been increased so that no borrower will have to repay their Canada Student Loan until they are earning at least $25,000 per year. An estimated 23,000 additional Canadians will be able to delay payment and many more will have lower payments until they can afford to pay back their debts."
1/31/2018,149,,Strong Middle Class,Increase take up rates of Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) and Canada Learning Bonds by making registration easier.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Increased number of low and middle income families using Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) and receiving Canada Learning Bonds so that more Canadians get access to post-secondary education.,"In 2016, 126,979 children received the Canada Learning Bond (CLB) for the first time, and the total number of children receiving the CLB reached 1 million in May 2017. In addition, 293,000 new beneficiaries received the Canada Education Savings Grants for the first time, bringing the total to over 3.59 million.
The Government of Canada is exploring new approaches to increase awareness and take-up of the CLB and launched a call for ideas in November 2017. Proposals will be considered for funding under three themes:
• Support for Indigenous peoples;
• Facilitated Access; and
• Research and Innovation.
Funding to successful projects will begin in 2018-19. The findings from these projects will help inform additional efforts that the Government will undertake to increase take-up of the CLB and RESP by low and middle income families.
In addition, the Canada Education Savings Act was amended to make it easier for Canadians to access the CLB and the additional amount of the Canada Education Savings Grant for their children, allowing the cohabitating spouse or common-law partner of the primary caregiver to request the education savings incentives on behalf of an eligible child."
1/31/2018,150,,Strong Middle Class,"Collaborate with provinces and territories on the Canada Student Loans Program, and compensate provinces and territories that do not participate in it.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,"Changes to the Canada Student Loans Program increase participation of low and middle income students, with accommodations for any province or territory that does not wish to participate.",Canada Student Loans Program (CSLP) funding is delivered in partnership with participating provinces and territories with costs being covered by the federal government. CSLP is working closely with provinces and territories to implement changes to the program announced in Budgets 2016 and 2017. The Government of Canada is committed to respecting existing arrangements for compensation with the provinces or territories that do not participate.
1/31/2018,151,,Strong Middle Class,Increase annual support to the Post-Secondary Student Support Program.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Indigenous Services",Underway - on track,"Indigenous students have greater access to financial support, boosting their post-secondary education participation and completion rates.","The Government of Canada has enhanced support for the Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP) for the next two years, which will help meet the financial needs of an additional 4,600 Indigenous students attending post-secondary education. This funding is an interim step while the Government undertakes a review of federal support for Indigenous students pursuing a post-secondary education credential, in order to develop student-centered solutions to improve access and attainment. The Government of Canada is working with Indigenous partners and stakeholders to inform the review and the future approach. Also, starting in the 2017-18 academic year, Indigenous students are more likely to be eligible for support under the Canada Student Loans Program since funds they receive through PSSSP are no longer considered assets during their assessment.
Changes have been made to the PSSSP and University and College Entrance Preparation Program reflecting early engagement with the Assembly of First Nations and consistent with Budget 2016 and Budget 2017 commitments. These changes improve program flexibility by:
• Increasing maximum amounts payable to individual students, to better respond to rising tuition costs;
• Expanding eligible expenditures to include transcript and application fees;
• Allowing students more time to complete their programs of study, by removing or adjusting limitations on duration of financial assistance; and
• Providing greater flexibility for students who wish to pursue more than one certificate or degree program."
1/31/2018,152,,Strong Middle Class,"Increase the number of good quality, permanent jobs for younger workers.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",On-going commitment,"Reduced youth unemployment, greater opportunities for work experience, and improved access to job supports for youth.","The Expert Panel on Youth Employment delivered a report in June 2017 outlining ways the Government of Canada can improve labour market outcomes for youth. These recommendations are currently being reviewed to determine possible areas for future action. In Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government significantly increased the number of summer jobs funded under the Youth Employment Strategy (YES) and has nearly doubled investments in YES overall. As a result, the number of jobs supported under Canada Summer Jobs increased from approximately 34,500 in 2015 to more than 65,500 in 2016. As part of larger investments being made in YES, the Government will help more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop skills to find work or go back to school, create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians, and over 1,600 new youth job opportunities in the heritage sector. The Government is also creating more opportunities for co-op and work integrated learning for students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, (STEM) and business programs through a new Student Work Placement initiative. This program will create up to 10,000 placements over four years. Changes have also been made to Employment Insurance (EI) to remove the discriminatory New Entrants and Re-Entrants requirement, ensuring that young workers are treated fairly when they need to access job support through EI."
1/31/2018,153,,Strong Middle Class,Increase our investment in the Youth Employment Strategy and improve the strategy's impact.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Increased investment in the Youth Employment Strategy helps more youth succeed in the labour market.,"Over a three year period, beginning in the summer of 2016, as part of the Youth Employment Strategy, the Government is nearly doubling the number of summer jobs supported under Canada Summer Jobs—an increase from approximately 34,500 in 2015 to more than 65,500 in 2016. The Government is investing an additional $395.5 million over three years, starting in 2017–18, for the Youth Employment Strategy. Combined with Budget 2016 measures, these investments will help more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop the skills they need to find work or go back to school; create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians; and provide over 1,600 new employment opportunities for youth in the heritage sector. Based on these incremental investments, as well as the investments made in the Canada Summer Jobs program, the total envelope for the YES program is $572.5M for 2017-18. This represents an increase of 67% when compared to 2015-16."
1/31/2018,154,,Strong Middle Class,Develop or expand Pre-Apprenticeship Training Programs.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - with challenges,Increased pre-apprenticeship training and improved literacy and essential skills among incoming apprentices.,"Consultations with provincial and territorial officials and stakeholders, including post-secondary institutions, were completed in Fall 2016. Additional targeted consultations are taking place during Fall 2017/Winter 2018 to discuss how best to meet this commitment. Given that this is an area delivered primarily by the provinces and territories, it is important that any federal initiative builds on best practices and is well aligned and coordinated with other government activity across the country. Progress has taken longer than expected but the Government believes the commitment can still be delivered before the end of the mandate."
1/31/2018,155,,Strong Middle Class,Respond to the recommendations of the Expert Panel on Youth Employment.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,The recommendations of the Expert Panel on Youth Employment will help inform future decisions on how best to help young Canadians succeed in the labour market.,"The Government created an Expert Panel on Youth Employment to examine the key barriers faced by youth in obtaining employment, and the main challenges faced by employers in hiring youth. The Panel delivered its final report in June 2017, which included recommendations on how to best help young Canadians succeed in the labour market. The Panel's report will inform ongoing work on the renewal of the Youth Employment Strategy. Through Budget 2017, the Government is investing an additional $395.5 million over three years, starting in 2017–18, for the Youth Employment Strategy. Combined with Budget 2016 measures, these investments will help more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop the skills they need to find work or go back to school; create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians; and provide over 1,600 new employment opportunities for youth in the heritage sector."
1/31/2018,156,,Strong Middle Class,Implement a modern Fair Wages Policy.,"Minister of Public Services and Procurement;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Businesses receiving federal government contracts adopt policy setting out fair wage practices to create good-paying middle class jobs.,The government has completed its policy research and analysis on fair wages policies. The Government is now considering options for a modernized fair wages policy to be in place within the current mandate.
1/31/2018,157,,Strong Middle Class,Amend the Canada Labour Code to allow workers to formally request flexible work arrangements.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,Federally regulated workers are now able to request flexible work arrangements.,"Budget 2017 aims to give federally regulated workers the right to request flexible work arrangements from their employer, such as flexible start and finish times and the ability to work from home. Changes will also provide federally regulated workers with new unpaid leave for family responsibilities, to participate in traditional Indigenous practices, and to seek care if they are victims of family violence. Changes will also make bereavement leave more flexible. Legislation to implement these changes was tabled in Parliament on October 27, 2017, as part of the Budget Implementation Act, 2017, No. 2, and received Royal Assent on December 14, 2017."
1/31/2018,158,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Determine an appropriate apprenticeship target for federal infrastructure projects.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - with challenges,An appropriate apprenticeship target for federal infrastructure projects that leads to greater apprenticeship opportunities for Canadians.,"Progress continues to be made on this priority, but has taken longer than anticipated. The Government remains committed to leveraging federal projects as opportunities for training and skill development and is engaging a range of stakeholders, including provinces, territories, employers and unions on how best to support apprentices through these public investments. This commitment has taken longer to implement than anticipated."
1/31/2018,159,,Jobs and Innovation,"Create more co-op placements for students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and business programs.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Science",Underway - on track,"More co-op and work-integrated learning placements for students enrolled in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and business programs, to help students gain the necessary experience for the jobs of today and tomorrow.","The Government is creating more opportunities for co-op and work integrated learning for students in STEM and business programs through a new Student Work Placement initiative. The Government also announced expanded federal support for Mitacs, a not-for-profit organization that builds partnerships between industry and educational institutions. Together, these initiatives will create 60,000 placements over five years. In addition, the Government is investing in the PromoScience program, which will support STEM learning activities for youth."
1/31/2018,160,,Exports and Investment,Maintain constructive relations and deepen trade and commerce with the United States.,Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of International Trade,On-going commitment,"Strong economic growth and well-paying, middle-class jobs on both sides of the border.","The Government, in coordination with provinces and territories, continues to work with the United States (U.S.) administration, the U.S. Congress and officials at the state and local levels to grow Canada's economy, create well-paying middle class jobs, and address global challenges. Since the current Government was formed, the Prime Minister, Cabinet ministers, parliamentary secretaries, premiers and provincial and territorial ministers, Parliamentary committees and other Parliamentarians have cumulatively undertaken over 245 visits to the U.S. and engagements in Canada and abroad with senior U.S. officials. In February 2017, Canada and the U.S. announced the creation of the Canada-United States Council for Advancement of Women Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders to promote the growth of women-owned enterprises and to further contribute to our overall economic growth and competitiveness. The Government is actively engaged in the modernization of the North American Free Trade Agreement to reflect new realities and to integrate progressive and fair approaches to trade and investment. Canada continues to advocate against protectionist policies to maintain an open market. In cases where the U.S. has imposed unfair duties, Canada is forcefully challenging such duties under international disputes settlement processes (e.g. softwood lumber, paper products). The Government also regularly engages with the U.S. on areas for collaboration to respond to increasingly complex global security issues."
1/31/2018,161,,Exports and Investment,"Ensure border security and facilitate the movement of people, goods and services.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,"The Canada-United States border is secure and facilitates the safe and efficient movement of people, goods and services.","In February 2017, the Prime Minister visited Washington, D.C., where both countries confirmed their commitment to working together on border security. This joint effort includes preclearance and integrated cross-border law enforcement operations, full implementation of the Entry/Exit initiative, increased regulatory cooperation, and the expeditious construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge. In addition, both countries are committed to establishing preclearance operations for cargo, accelerating the completion of preclearance for additional cities, and continuing to expand this program. In December 2016, the United States preclearance legislation became law, a step forward for the new agreement with Canada. In June 2016, legislation was introduced in Parliament for Entry/Exit, as well as for the new Land, Rail, Marine and Air Preclearance Agreement (LRMA). These are both crucial to ensure security and facilitate movement at the border. The Entry/Exit implementing legislation has passed Second Reading in the House of Commons and has been referred to Committee. In December 2017, the LRMA legislation received Royal Assent."
1/31/2018,162,,Canada in the World,Prepare for the North American Leaders Summit in Canada.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Completed - fully met,"Canada hosted the North American Leaders’ Summit on June 29, 2016.","The leaders from the three countries discussed key priorities of creating jobs, strengthening communities and building a clean growth economy for North America. The leaders also took important steps to create a more integrated, sustainable and globally competitive North American economy."
1/31/2018,163,,Canada in the World,"Ensure a close link between foreign, defence, development and trade policy.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canadian interests and values are effectively pursued through an integrated and comprehensive international approach.,"The Ministers of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, International Development, and National Defence have been working closely together on the Defence Policy, the Feminist International Assistance Policy, the Sustainable Development Goals, Canada's multinational North Atlantic Treaty Organization battlegroup in Latvia. The Government has put in place a whole-of-government approach to address the crisis in Iraq and Syria. In addition, the government has established the Peace and Stabilization Operations Program to provide a whole-of-government platform for preventing, mitigating and resolving violent conflict, crises and natural disasters abroad."
1/31/2018,164,,Canada in the World,Expand Canadian diplomacy and leadership on global issues and in international institutions.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canadian diplomatic activities advance Canadian interests and values abroad.,"Canada is active in multilateral fora and international institutions to pursue Canadian interests and values. Canadian-led initiatives—such as supporting humanitarian access and monitoring in Syria, addressing the violation of human rights in Iran, combatting violence against women, supporting compliance with international law, and promoting diversity and inclusion—secured widespread support in UN fora. Canada is active in coordinating hemispheric response to the crisis in Venezuela and hosted the third Ministerial meeting of the Lima Group in Toronto on October 26, 2017. Canada has successfully advocated for new language about the online dimension of violence against women and girls, including female human rights defenders at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the UN. The Government played a major role in the NATO Warsaw Summit by becoming the Framework Nation for the enhanced Forward Presence in Latvia. In addition, Canada is increasingly working with new partners including civil society and business to increase the effectiveness of our global initiatives. Canadian diplomatic network abroad continues to amplify Canada's role on the world stage and bolster Canadian reputation through proactive communication, stakeholder outreach and social media."
1/31/2018,166,,Environment and Climate Change,Make Canada a leader of international efforts to combat climate change.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,On-going commitment,Canada meaningfully advances international solutions to climate change.,"Canada is leading efforts under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to establish a platform for the engagement of Indigenous peoples and to advance gender-responsive policy development and women's participation. Canada is also delivering on its five-year, $2.65 billion commitment to help developing countries achieve sustained emissions reductions and build resilience against the adverse effects of climate change. In addition to advocating for and adopting the Paris Climate Agreement, Canada is engaged in key initiatives aimed at enhancing global ambition on climate change and clean growth, such as Mission Innovation, the World Bank’s Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition, the Global Methane Initiative, the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, G7, Montreal Protocol, the Powering Past Coal Alliance, and the One Planet Summit. Through the Arctic Council, Canada continues to highlight the serious impacts of climate change on the North. Canada and the United States also issued a joint statement in February 2017 confirming both countries' commitment to collaborate on energy innovation. In order to meet these commitments and drive action here at home, the Government is implementing the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change that was developed with the provinces and territories. This plan includes pricing carbon pollution and measures to reduce emissions across all sectors, as well as investments to drive innovation and ensure Canadian businesses are competitive in the global low-carbon economy."
1/31/2018,167,,Canada in the World,Accede to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canada implements the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).,"Legislation to accede to the ATT and further strengthen Canada’s export control regime, including by providing greater transparency and accountability in public reporting, is being considered in Parliament."
1/31/2018,168,,Strong Middle Class,Increase the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) by 10%.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,"Nearly 900,000 low income, single seniors have greater financial security.","Starting in July 2016, the Government of Canada increased the Guaranteed Income Supplement by up to $947 per year for the most vulnerable single seniors. Over the past year, this has improved financial security for nearly 900,000 seniors—approximately 70% of whom are women—and lifted an estimated 13,000 people out of poverty."
1/31/2018,169,,Strong Middle Class,Develop and implement a Poverty Reduction Strategy.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Fewer Canadians living in poverty.,"The Government of Canada continues to develop a Poverty Reduction Strategy. Meanwhile, several measures to reduce poverty across Canada have already been implemented. The new, tax-free, income-tested Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is lifting an estimated 300,000 children out of poverty, while an increase to the Guaranteed Income Supplement has improved financial security for nearly 900,000 seniors and lifted an estimated 13,000 individuals out of poverty, 70% of whom were women. Through the Government's significant investments in affordable housing and the Homelessness Partnering Strategy, it is anticipated that the number of chronically homeless Canadians can be reduced by as much as 50%. The October 2017 Fall Economic Statement announced the Government's intention to increase the Working Income Tax Benefit (WITB) to improve the financial security of low income working Canadians, as well as strengthening the CCB. The Government has conducted a nation-wide consultation process with businesses, community organizations, experts and those with lived experience of poverty. An advisory committee on poverty has been created to help identify the best ideas from the consultations and provide independent advice to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. A major milestone in the consultation process was the two day National Poverty Conference in September 2017 that brought back together many of the Canadians who participated in the consultation process to confirm what was heard. The Tackling Poverty Together Project examined poverty with case studies in six cities across Canada and a final report has been published."
1/31/2018,170,,Strong Middle Class,Create a housing strategy.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Infrastructure and Communities",Underway - on track,Hundreds of thousands more Canadians have access to affordable housing.,"On November 22, 2017 the Government announced a 10-year, $40 billion National Housing Strategy that will help reduce homelessness and improve the availability and quality of housing for Canadians in need. This Strategy is part of a long-term vision to strengthen the middle class and provide affordable housing to Canadians, and lift more Canadians out of poverty. The strategy sets clear goals to remove 530,000 Canadians from housing need and reduce chronic homelessness. The Strategy – funded through new and existing programs – follows a human rights-based approach, and includes a National Housing Co-Investment Fund, community housing initiatives, and the Canada Housing Benefit."
1/31/2018,171,,Strong Middle Class,Implement the middle class tax cut.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,The Government reduced the 22 percent federal personal income tax rate to 20.5 per cent to benefit millions of middle class Canadians.,"The middle class tax cut was announced on December 7, 2015, and came into effect as of January 1, 2016. Nearly nine million Canadians benefit from this tax cut. Single Canadians who benefit are saving an average of $330 each year and couples who benefit are saving an average of $540 each year."
1/31/2018,172,,Strong Middle Class,Cut taxes for small businesses.,Minister of Small Business and Tourism,Underway - on track,Lower tax rates for small businesses.,"The Government is working to build a fairer and more efficient tax system that benefits all Canadians. As one of its first actions, the Government raised taxes on the wealthiest one per cent in order to cut taxes for the middle class. As announced in October 2017, the Government intends to reduce taxes for small businesses so they can invest in new equipment, grow and create jobs. The Government intends to lower the small business tax rate to 10%, effective January 1, 2018, and to 9%, effective January 1, 2019. This will help small businesses keep up to $7,500 of their hard earned money which they can use to grow and reinvest."
1/31/2018,173,,Strong Middle Class,"Cancel income splitting, while retaining income splitting of pensions for seniors.",Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"Cancelled income splitting for couples with children under 18, allowing for an increase in child benefits.","As the Canada Child Benefit was introduced, Budget 2016 eliminated income splitting for couples with children under 18. Pension income splitting was not affected by this change."
1/31/2018,174,,Strong Middle Class,Enhance the Canada Pension Plan to provide more income security to retired Canadians.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"When fully mature, maximum Canada Pension Plan (CPP) benefits will increase by as much as 50 per cent, helping more Canadians achieve their goal of a strong, stable and secure retirement.","Canada’s Ministers of Finance reached a historic agreement on June 20, 2016, to enhance the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). In March 2017, all necessary legislative requirements were met by Canada's nine CPP participating provinces to implement the agreed-upon enhancements. Canada's Finance Ministers also agreed to further improvements in December 2017 to increase benefits for parents of young children and persons with disabilities. These CPP enhancements, which will begin in January 2019, will help provide a secure and stable retirement for more Canadians."
1/31/2018,175,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Create the Canada Infrastructure Bank.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Finance,Underway - on track,"Creation of an Infrastructure Bank, producing more large, transformative infrastructure projects that create good, well-paying middle-class jobs and support economic growth and prosperity for years to come.","In June 2017, the Government passed legislation to create the Canada Infrastructure Bank, a Crown corporation at arm’s-length from government that leverages the expertise and capital of the private sector. The Bank will support the transformational infrastructure that Canadian communities need now. It will make strategic investments with a focus on projects like green infrastructure, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and public transit, so Canadians can spend less time in traffic and more time with family and friends. The Bank is now operational, with its headquarters in Toronto. The CEO search is ongoing with the recently appointed Board of Directors taking a more active role in the process. The Chairperson is exercising the powers of the CEO until a permanent appointment is made. An interim Chief Investment Officer was appointed in December and is engaging with stakeholders, investors and project proponents."
1/31/2018,177,,Environment and Climate Change,Develop proposals to limit Exploration Expenses tax deduction to unsuccessful projects.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,Successful exploration expenses incurred to develop discovery wells no longer benefit from favorable tax treatment.,"Budget 2017 announced changes that will ensure the costs of drilling discovery wells are deducted gradually over time as development expenses, rather than deducted immediately as exploration expenses. With these changes, Canadian exploration expense treatment will effectively be limited to unsuccessful exploration or cases where the linkage to success cannot reasonably be determined in the year the activity takes place."
1/31/2018,178,,Strong Middle Class,Restore the tax credit for labour-sponsored funds.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"Canadian companies have greater access to venture capital, with the support of labour unions.","To help Canadian companies grow, the Government of Canada restored the Labour-Sponsored Venture Capital Corporations (LSVCC) Tax Credit to 15% for share purchases of provincially-registered LSVCCs for 2016 and subsequent tax years."
1/31/2018,179,,Strong Middle Class,Introduce a tax benefit to help teachers and early childhood educators with the cost of school supplies.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,Teachers and Early Childhood Educators are able to buy necessary supplies to help kids learn.,"The Government of Canada introduced a new, refundable Teacher and Early Childhood Educator School Supply Tax Credit for the 2016 and subsequent tax years, which will provide a benefit to teachers and early education educators to help cover the cost of school supplies."
1/31/2018,180,,Strong Middle Class,Enhance the Northern Residents Deduction to help with the high cost of living.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"Increased the Northern Residents Deduction to help approximately 225,000 Canadians with the high cost of living in northern and isolated communities.","Effective January 1, 2016, the Government of Canada increased the maximum daily residency deduction from $16.50 to $22 for residents in the Northern Zone and from $8.25 to $11 per day for residents in the Intermediate Zone. This measure is anticipated to put about $260 million back in the pockets of Canadians in northern and isolated communities over the 2015-16 to 2020-21 period and help these Canadians get the support they need."
1/31/2018,181,,Strong Middle Class,Repeal the Federal Balanced Budget Act.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,The Act has been repealed.,"Parliament repealed this Act, effective June 22, 2016."
1/31/2018,182,,Exports and Investment,Ratify and implement the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is now implemented, creating jobs for Canadians across the country, giving consumers more choice, and increasing Canadian businesses' access to new customers.","The European Parliament approved CETA in February 2017. The implementing legislation of this progressive trade deal received Royal Assent in Canada in June 2017. Provisional application of the trade agreement took effect in September 2017 and all economically significant parts are now in force, e.g. tariff elimination on 98% of European Union (EU) tariff lines for Canadian goods, increased quotas, services commitments, temporary entry commitments, and government procurement obligations. The Government has announced programs to help dairy farmers and processors adjust to increased European Union cheese access under CETA. The Government is also working with the Atlantic provinces to support Canada's seafood sector in capitalizing on new opportunities in the European market. With CETA's entry into force, Canadian exporters now enjoy improved access to more than 40 countries with nearly 1.2 billion of the world’s wealthiest consumers. The Parliamentary Budget Officer has estimated that CETA implementation could raise Canada's potential real gross domestic product by 0.4 percentage points."
1/31/2018,183,,Exports and Investment,Modernize agreements with Israel and Chile.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,Canada has modernized free trade agreements in force with Israel and Chile.,"Canada is working closely with Israel to further modernize the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement. In addition, Chile and Canada agreed in June 2017 to amend and modernize the Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement. The modernized Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement now includes a chapter dedicated to trade and gender—a first for Canada or any G20 nation. The updated agreement will also provide better mechanisms to address technical barriers to trade. The Government tabled the amended Agreement in Parliament on October 5, 2017."
1/31/2018,184,,Exports and Investment,Establish the Invest in Canada Hub.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"Canada attracts more global investment, creating well-paying, middle-class jobs by making it simpler and faster for businesses to invest in Canada.","Parliament passed legislation in the spring of 2017 to establish the Invest in Canada Hub, which will help bring together all levels of government to provide seamless service to help global investors navigate Canada’s investment landscape. Increased foreign investment in Canada connects Canadian industries to global value chains and facilitates the transfer of knowledge and technology, increasing our competitiveness, stimulating innovation, and promoting the prosperity of Canadians. As part of this initiative, the Government is also increasing the number of investment-focused trade commissioners across key global markets. The process to appoint the Chair of the Board of Directors and CEO is ongoing. While the Invest in Canada Hub was meant to be operational in 2017, it will now become gradually operational in 2018."
1/31/2018,186,,Exports and Investment,Promote trade and investment with emerging markets including China and India.,Minister of International Trade,On-going commitment,"Two-way trade and investment with China, India and other emerging economies is increased, creating good, middle class jobs, expanding opportunities for Canadian exports, and increasing access to goods for Canadian consumers.","The Government continues to engage China on a possible free trade agreement while working to implement the trade and investment commitments that were made by Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier Li of China in 2016 and 2017. The Government is also working with India to reinvigorate negotiations on a Canada-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA). Canada will continue to work to resolve regulatory and tariff issues with India to ensure Canadian pulse exports (e.g., peas, chickpeas, beans and lentils) can continue to enter India without regulatory barriers. Since October 2015, five FIPAs with emerging markets in Sub-Saharan Africa have also come into force. In addition, the Canada-Hong Kong FIPA came into force in September 2016, and the Canada-Mongolia FIPA came into force in February 2017. On January 23, 2018, the Government concluded negotiations with the ten remaining parties to the Trans-Pacific Partnership, including emerging markets such as Vietnam and Malaysia, for a new agreement called the Comprehensive and Progress Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. Preparations are under way for signing of the agreement on March 8, 2018 in Santiago, Chile."
1/31/2018,187,,Exports and Investment,Improve support to companies looking to export and help communities looking to attract investments.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"Double the number of high-growth firms in Canada by 2025; increase Canada's goods and services exports—from natural resources, advanced manufacturing, agri-food and others—by 30 per cent by 2025; increase global investment in Canada; and create more well-paying, middle-class jobs for Canadians.","The Government is encouraging global investment and promoting Canada's economic brand through the creation of the Invest in Canada Hub, which will be operational in 2018. To support exports, the Government has established a new National Trade Corridors Fund to address urgent capacity constraints and freight bottlenecks at major ports of entry, and to better connect the rail and highway infrastructure that delivers economic growth across Canada. The Canada Infrastructure Bank will make additional funding available to address trade and transportation projects. The Government successfully implemented the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement that will give consumers more choice, boost Canadian businesses' access to new customers, create good, middle-class jobs and grow the economy. Provisional application of the trade agreement took effect in September 2017, immediately brought 98% of the Agreement into force. CanExport, which provides direct financial assistance to Canadian small- and medium-sized enterprises seeking to develop new export opportunities and markets, has approved 895 projects in 78 markets. In 2017, the Invest Canada-Community Initiatives (ICCI) program, which provides support to communities to improve their capacity to attract, retain and expand foreign direct investment, funded 166 projects from 77 communities to attract job-creating investment. Budget 2017 announced $950 million to superclusters in highly innovative industries, created the Strategic Innovation Fund to boost investment in Canadian innovations, and created six Economic Strategy Tables to boost growth and exports from advanced manufacturing; agri-food; clean technology; digital industries; health and bio-sciences; and clean resources sectors."
1/31/2018,188,,Exports and Investment,Reduce administrative burden for investors and companies associated with international trade.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"Canadian businesses export and trade with international partners more easily and with less of an administrative burden, and international investors benefit from faster, clearer and more efficient engagement with government programs.","When launched later in 2018, the Invest in Canada Hub will increase cooperation between provinces, territories and municipalities to bolster trade promotion by providing companies with a one-stop-shop for investment in Canada. The new Global Skills Strategy, launched in June 2017, will make it easier for companies that are making large investments in Canada to bring in highly skilled global talent, while supporting well-paying, middle-class jobs for Canadians. Canadian companies will have access to an expedited review process lasting no more than a combined 20 business days from end to end, including reviews conducted by Employment and Social Development Canada and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Canada has worked closely with the United States (US), as part of the Canada-US Regulatory Cooperation Council, to facilitate greater alignment of regulatory systems where appropriate."
1/31/2018,189,,Indigenous peoples,"Improve essential infrastructure for Indigenous communities, including improving housing.",Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - with challenges,"Infrastructure on reserves is improved, schools on reserve are newer and in better condition; language and cultural knowledge is strengthened; more First Nations children graduate from high school and go on to post-secondary education; elimination of long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve by 2021; enhanced access for First Nations, Inuit and Métisto affordable housing on-reserve and not on reserve.","In Budget 2016, the Government of Canada made an investment of $4.6 billion over five years to support infrastructure development in communities to improve the quality of life of the people who live in them. Budget 2017 built on this momentum, with new, additional investments of $4 billion over ten years to build and improve housing, water treatment systems, health facilities and other community infrastructure. As of September 30, 2017, and since the Budget 2016 announcement, more than $2 billion of targeted funds has been allocated towards 2,899 on-reserve community infrastructure projects across all asset classes. The Government is also improving primary and secondary education on reserve by building and renovating school facilities; enhancing the quality of language and cultural programs; expanding innovative pilot programs that have been proven to substantially increase literacy and numeracy rates among First Nations children; and empowering communities to establish First Nations' planned and led education systems. More than $300 million is being invested in 2016/17 and 2017/18 to build/upgrade First Nations schools. This includes 74 new schools and 85 renovated/upgraded schools. As of December 31, 2017, 11 of the 74 new schools have been constructed, and renovations/upgrades on 10 of the 85 schools have been completed. In Budget 2016, the Government announced significant new funding to end long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserves by 2021. As of December 31, 2017, and since the Budget 2016 announcement, more than $750 million was invested to support 420 projects to strengthen on-reserve water infrastructure. On January 23, 2018 an expansion of the number of drinking water systems on public systems on reserve that will be supported by the Government was announced. Taking this expansion into account, as of February 12, 2018 there are 81 long-term drinking water advisories in effect, down from 105 in November 2015. Since November 2015, 52 long-term drinking water advisories have been lifted, while 28 have been added. The Government is improving on-reserve housing conditions while engaging with First Nations and other partners to develop an effective long term strategy. As of December 31, 2017, and since the Budget 2016 announcement, 13,093 housing units were under construction, renovation/retrofit or being serviced. Of these 10,093 units, 42% (5,536 housing units) have been completed. With respect to Inuit housing, 193 housing units are expected to build/renovate in 2016/17 and 2017/18. The Government is also improving health facilities. As of December 31, 2017, investments have been made in more than 127 First Nations infrastructure projects to build and renovate health facilities for which 39 (31%) of these projects are complete."
1/31/2018,190,,Indigenous peoples,Implement the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - with challenges,All Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action are implemented.,"The Truth and Reconciliation Commission identified 94 Calls to Action, 76 of which fall under federal or shared responsibility with other partners, implicating 25 federal departments or agencies. Of the 76 Calls to Action within federal purview, 6 are in the final stages of delivery (including 3 that were concluded), 19 are fully underway and 51 are in the early stages of planning and implementation. Important progress has already been made and will lead to greater and more equitable access to quality education, health care, clean water, housing and employment services for Indigenous peoples. This includes the announcement in May 2016 of Canada’s unequivocal support to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples, of which implementation is a Call to Actions. The Calls to Action are extensive and some require longer-term, transformative change. Many involve multiple parties and require significant consultation and coordination. Taking into account the scope of the task and the wide range of partners involved, it will take time to ensure it is done right, with careful consideration of how best to support ongoing healing. The Government of Canada is also working with other jurisdictions and partners to advance implementation of those 18 Calls to Action outside of the federal purview. The establishment of the National Council for Reconciliation will support the efforts to advance the Calls to Action. To this end, on December 14, 2017, the Government of Canada announced the creation of a six member interim board that will provide advice on the establishment of the Council, the scope and scale of its proposed mandate, and will undertake independent engagement. The Interim Board is expected to submit a final report, with recommendations, in June 2018.
"
1/31/2018,191,,Indigenous peoples,Undertake a review of laws and policies to ensure the Crown is fulfilling its obligations and commitments to the recognition and implementation of Indigenous peoples' rights.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs;Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - on track,"Canada's laws and policies reflect the Government's commitment to advancing a nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown and government-to-governmentrelationship with Indigenous peoples.","A Working Group of Ministers, chaired by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, was established in February 2017 to examine relevant federal laws, policies, and operational practices to help ensure the Crown is meeting its constitutional obligations with respect to Aboriginal and treaty rights; adhering to international human rights standards, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; and supporting the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. The Working Group has completed its start-up phase and in July 2017 released Principles respecting the Government of Canada's relationship with Indigenous peoples that should guide the review. The Working Group will continue to work in partnership with Indigenous peoples in carrying out this review. Working with other Ministers, the Working Group is looking at Canada’s laws, policies and operational practices to align them with its constitutional duties and its international commitments, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, with respect to the recognition of Indigenous Peoples and the implementation of Indigenous rights. The Working Group will provide an integrated whole-of-government approach to fulfil the promise of section-35 as a fundamental element of renewing the nation-to-nation relationship."
1/31/2018,192,,Indigenous peoples,Invest in First Nations education to ensure that First Nations children on reserve receive a quality education.,Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - with challenges,Literacy and numeracy rates are improved; language and cultural knowledge is strengthened; and more First Nations children graduate from high school and go on to post-secondary education.,"The Government of Canada committed a $2.6 billion increase for First Nations K-12 education and almost an additional $1 billion for education infrastructure. These investments will improve primary and secondary education on reserve by building and renovating school facilities; enhancing the quality of language and cultural programs; expanding innovative pilot programs that have been proven to substantially increase literacy and numeracy rates among First Nations children; increasing special education support; and empowering communities to establish education systems planned and led by First Nations. After reaching an agreement with the Government of Canada, the Manitoba First Nations School System officially began operating in July 2017. As of September 2017 students in this school system began receiving education programs that are designed, delivered and run by First Nations with funding that is comparable to provincial school boards with enhancements that meets their specific needs. On August 16, 2017, the Anishinabek Nation Education Agreement was signed and will come into effect on April 1, 2018. It is the largest education self-government agreement in Canada, which enables the 23 Anishinabek First Nations in Ontario to develop culturally relevant and community-tailored education programs for the benefit of the Anishinabek students. The Government is engaged in discussions to establish similar initiatives in other regions of the country. Finally, as noted by the Parliamentary Budget Officer in November 2016, the Government's investments in education will, over the next several years, help fill critical and long-standing gaps in how on-reserve schools are funded compared to those under provincial jurisdiction. These investments will ensure that First Nations children get the best possible start in life and see an improvement in educational outcomes."
1/31/2018,193,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Implement an Infrastructure Strategy that improves public transit.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Transport,Underway - on track,Canadians spend less time in traffic and have greater access to modern public transit.,"Through Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government of Canada has committed $28.7 billion to public transit projects over the next 10 years. Over 1,000 public transit projects have been approved to date under the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund that will expand transit systems across the country and transform the way Canadians live, move, and work by spending less time in traffic. Larger projects to improve access to public transit include: the Regional Express Rail project in the Greater Toronto Area, which will make commuting by GO faster than commuting by car, save 1.8 billion hours of commuter travel time and $14.7 billion in automobile operating savings over the lifetime of the project; and the Réseau électrique metropolitain project in Montreal that will create 34,000 direct and indirect jobs in its construction and reduce close to 35,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases in its first year of operation."
1/31/2018,194,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Implement an Infrastructure Strategy that improves social infrastructure.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Canadian Heritage;Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Underway - on track,"More Canadians with access to affordable housing, child care, cultural and recreational infrastructure.","In Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government made investments in social infrastructure across Canada. To date, over 2,200 projects to retrofit or renovate social housing have been approved, helping improve energy and water efficiency in more than 80,000 existing social housing units. The National Housing Strategy re-establishes the federal government as a leader in the area of affordable housing. Working in collaboration with provinces, territories and local communities, the Strategy leverages significant new capacity to build, repair and renew affordable housing across the country. As part of the Strategy, the new National Housing Co-investment Fund prioritizes projects that have the greatest impact on communities and vulnerable populations, including seniors, persons with disabilities, survivors fleeing family violence, Indigenous peoples, newcomers, and Canadians with mental health issues, among others. In addition, all National Housing Strategy federal initiatives will include accessibility requirements. It is anticipated the National Housing Strategy will reduce the number of Canadians in housing need by as much as 530,000 compared to current levels. The investment of incremental resources in the Enabling Accessibility Fund will support an estimated 1,970 additional projects to further improve the safety and accessibility of community spaces and workplaces, making it possible for Canadians with disabilities to participate more fully in their communities and in the labour market. The Government is also creating affordable, high-quality child care spaces for low- and modest-income families, with the goal of supporting up to 40,000 new subsidized child care spaces over the next three years. In addition, the Government will create a distinct Indigenous Framework on Early Learning and Child Care in cooperation with Indigenous partners to reflect the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children across Canada. To date, repairs and renovations have been undertaken in 210 First Nations and Inuit Child Care Initiative child care centers and in 63 Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve facilities. The Government is also supporting the improvement, renovation and construction of arts and heritage facilities, as well as the acquisition of specialized equipment and will make further investments in cultural infrastructure of $300 million in the next 10 years.
Since April 2016, the Government has awarded over $140 million to support the improvement, renovation and construction of arts and heritage facilities, as well as the acquisition of specialized equipment under the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund. Further cultural infrastructure investments in the amount of $300 million are planned to be made through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund. Further investments in cultural infrastructure in the amount of $300 million will be made over 10 years starting in 2018-19 through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund. The Government will also invest $80 million over 10 years starting in 2018-19 to support the construction of community educational infrastructure in official language minority communities through the Development of Official Language Communities program at Canadian Heritage. Recreational infrastructure will be covered through Federal/Provincial/Territorial bi-lateral agreements."
1/31/2018,195,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Implement an Infrastructure Strategy that improves green infrastructure.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Transport;Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,"More infrastructure in place to ensure access to clean water, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and increased resilience against the impacts of climate change.","Through Budget 2016 and 2017, the Government of Canada is investing $26.9 billion in Green infrastructure over 12 years, including projects to improve access to clean water, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase protection against the impacts of climate change. In Budget 2016, the Government announced significant new funding to end boil water advisories on reserves by 2021. The number of long-term drinking water advisories on public systems financially supported by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada has been reduced from 77 to 69 as of September 30, 2017. Through the Canada Infrastructure Bank, at least $5 billion will be available for green infrastructure projects. As well, national “green” programs, totalling $2.8 billion, will be provided to address a number of priorities identified in the Pan-Canadian Framework. An amount of $2 billion is proposed for a Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund to support national, provincial, and municipal infrastructure in dealing with the effects of a changing climate."
1/31/2018,196,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Invest in transportation infrastructure that helps get goods to market.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food;Minister of Transport,Underway - on track,"Get Canadian goods to markets more quickly and increase exports, including natural resources, manufactured goods and agri-food products, by 30 per cent by 2025.","The Government of Canada established a new $2 billion National Trade Corridors Fund (NTCF) to address urgent capacity constraints and freight bottlenecks at major ports of entry, and to better connect the rail and highway infrastructure that delivers economic growth across Canada. Investments through this fund will target congestion and inefficiencies at marine ports, as well as along the busiest rail and highway corridors. The Canada Infrastructure Bank will make at least $5 billion in additional funding available to address trade and transportation projects. The Government is tracking transportation flows and will report publicly on how long it takes to get goods to market.
The Government of Canada formally launched the first call for proposals under the NTCF on July 4, 2017. Eligible projects were invited to submit Comprehensive Project Proposals, and the Government is evaluating 133 complete project proposals, seeking a total of $4.4 billion in NTCF funding. It is expected that project recommendations and funding decisions will be made in Spring 2018."
1/31/2018,197,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Establish bilateral agreements with provinces and territories on infrastructure investments.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities,Underway - on track,"Agreements with all provinces and territories that improve public transit; increase access to affordable housing and child care; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; improve access to clean water, and enhance resilience in the face of a changing climate.","Infrastructure plays a central role in building strong communities, creating jobs and growing the economy. In Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government of Canada made investments in public transit, green infrastructure and social infrastructure across Canada. To date, over 1,000 public transit projects and 2,200 projects to retrofit or renovate social housing have been approved. Through the National Housing Strategy, the Government aims to reduce the number of Canadians in core housing need by 530,000 by building, repairing and renewing affordable housing across the country. The Government is also creating affordable, high-quality child care spaces for low- and modest-income families, with the goal of supporting up to 40,000 new subsidized child care spaces over the next three years. In addition, the Government will create a distinct Indigenous Framework on Early Learning and Child Care in cooperation with Indigenous partners to reflect the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children across Canada. To date, repairs and renovations have been undertaken in 210 First Nations and Inuit Child Care Initiative child care centers and in 63 Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve facilities. The Government has also invested in a number of projects to improve access to clean water, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase protection against the impacts of climate change. These investments will lead to improvements in water/wastewater systems in 1,100 communities across the country. In Budget 2016, the Government announced significant new funding to end boil water advisories on reserves by 2021. The number of long-term drinking water advisories on public systems financially supported by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada has been reduced from 77 to 69 as of September 30, 2017."
1/31/2018,198,,Indigenous peoples,"Incorporate Aboriginal and treaty rights, residential schools and Indigenous contributions into school curricula.",Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,"School curricula that is inclusive of Indigenous history and knowledge, resulting in improved knowledge and understanding.","The Government of Canada is helping provincial and territorial governments collaborate with Indigenous communities and organizations to revise school curricula so they reflect the history and contributions of Indigenous peoples. Through the Education Partnership Program, the Government is currently supporting new efforts between First Nations and provincial stakeholders in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick to review provincial curricula in those education systems. Similar initiatives with other provinces and territories are in the process of being developed. The Government provides financial support to the Office of the Treaty Commissioner in Saskatchewan and Treaty Relations Commissions of Manitoba to, among other things, provide materials and training to teachers in support of the delivery of K-12 treaty education curricula to all provincial school students. The organizations are also working with universities in their respective provinces to develop treaty curricula and courses that will be mandatory for every university student. The Government of Canada is continuing to work with the Council of Ministers of Education to enhance the knowledge and awareness of teachers, students, and school leaders on the history and culture of Indigenous peoples across Canada."
1/31/2018,199,,Indigenous peoples,Work with the Métis Nation to advance reconciliation and renew the relationship.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,A renewed relationship with the Métis Nation based on the principles of reconciliation.,"The Prime Minister and the Métis Nation signed the Canada-Métis Nation Accord in April 2017 establishing a permanent bilateral mechanism to develop policy on shared priorities. The President of the Métis National Council and its Governing Members’ Presidents (“the Leaders”), met with key federal Ministers on September 21, 2017 to discuss progress in advancing and implementing the priorities of the Accord. Leaders and Ministers agreed that early learning and child care, housing, and skills and employment training are three areas in need of urgent action and investment. They also had an opportunity to discuss other priority areas, including Métis Veterans, education, health, new fiscal relations, as well as economic development. The Leaders and Ministers reaffirmed the value of the Permanent Bilateral Mechanism process and their ongoing commitment to undertaking joint work and policy co-development in the priority areas set out in the Accord. To this end, a joint communiqué was signed and released on September 21, 2017. Canada has engaged in Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussion with each of the governing members of the Métis National Council as well as the Metis Settlements General Council. To date, Canada has signed Framework Agreements with: Manitoba Metis Federation (November 2016), Métis Nation of Ontario (December 2017), Métis Nation of Alberta (November 2017), and a Memorandums of Understanding with the Metis Settlement General Council (December 2017). Discussions have begun with the Métis Nation - Saskatchewan and Métis Nation British Columbia to develop Memorandum of Understanding. In addition, the Urban Programming for Indigenous peoples, launched in May 2017, provides funding to organizations that support urban Indigenous peoples in cities and urban areas, including a set-aside allocation under the Programs and Services stream for the Métis Nation."
1/31/2018,200,,Fair and Open Government,"Develop a non-partisan, merit-based process to advise the Prime Minister on Senate appointments.",Minister of Democratic Institutions,Completed - fully met,"An Independent Advisory Board has been established to provide a non-partisan, merit-based process of advice for recommending Senators, resulting in the appointment of 30 independent Senators thus far.","An Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments was established in January 2016 to provide advice to the Prime Minister on candidates for the Senate. As of July 7, 2016, Canadians were permitted, for the first time ever, to apply to be considered for appointment to the Senate through an open online application process. In the first application process, over 2,757 Canadians applied, demonstrating unprecedented engagement. A second open application process took place between December 2016 and January 2017. Thirty-two non-partisan appointments to the Senate have been made under the new process so far. Thanks to these actions, a plurality of Senators is not affiliated with a political party."
1/31/2018,201,,Fair and Open Government,Establish a special parliamentary committee to consult on electoral reform.,Minister of Democratic Institutions,Not being pursued,A special parliamentary committee was established.,"A Special Committee, which included all five parties represented in the House of Commons, was established in June 2016 and presented its final report in December 2016. In addition to the consultation undertaken by the Special Committee, the Minister also consulted Members of Parliament of all parties, and oversaw an engagement process with 360,000 Canadians through mydemocracy.ca. Following extensive consultation with Canadians, it was determined that no clear preference for a new electoral system had emerged. The Government will not proceed with electoral reform."
1/31/2018,202,,Fair and Open Government,Make the Commissioner of Canada Elections more independent.,Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - on track,A truly independent Commissioner of Canada Elections who can pursue their work free from political or partisan direction.,"In November 2016, the Government introduced legislation to enhance the independence of the Commissioner of Canada Elections (CCE) by repealing changes that created a reporting relationship for the CCE with the Minister of Justice. This enhances the independent role that the CCE held for decades before it was altered in 2014."
1/31/2018,203,,Fair and Open Government,Bring forward options to create an independent commissioner to organize political party leaders' debates.,Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - on track,A new independent commission or commissioner for political party leaders' debates to ensure debates serve the public interest rather than the interests of any one party.,"In January 2018, the Government consulted Canadians through online consultations and cross-country roundtable discussions with stakeholders. The information gathered during consultations will be used to help inform policy decisions, with the goal of having an independent commission or commissioner in place in advance of the next federal election campaign."
1/31/2018,204,,Fair and Open Government,"Review limits that political and third parties can spend during elections, and propose measures to control spending between elections.",Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - on track,Political and third party spending is limited and controlled to help strengthen Canadian democracy.,"Initial analysis has been conducted on political party and third party spending limits during elections, and between them. Research is ongoing."
1/31/2018,205,,Fair and Open Government,"Allow charities to do their work free from political harassment, and modernize the rules governing the charitable and not-for-profit sectors.",Minister of Finance;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister of National Revenue,Underway - on track,A transparent and rules-based legal framework for Canada's charities is in place and charities in Canada are free from political harassment.,"In September 2016, the Government launched a consultation process with the charitable sector and the public to assist in clarifying the rules for the participation of charities in political activities. A consultation panel reviewed the submissions and presented the Minister of National Revenue with recommendations at the end of March 2017. The Government is carefully reviewing the Panel’s report to help inform regulation of charities going forward. As an immediate first step to respond to the Panel’s recommendations, the Government has suspended all action in relation to the remaining audits and objections that were part of the Political Activities Audit Program."
1/31/2018,206,,Environment and Climate Change,Make strategic investments in our clean technology sector.,"Minister of Natural Resources;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food;Minister of International Trade",Underway - on track,"The clean technology sector's contribution to Canada's Gross Domestic Product grows, creating more good-paying, middle class jobs and increasing the number of high-growth companies in Canada.","In Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government of Canada committed to several measures to support clean technology. The major focus of these investments is: building early-stage innovation, accelerating commercialization and growth, fostering greater adoption of clean technologies, increasing exports of clean technologies and processes, and strengthening collaboration and metrics for success. Examples of key initiatives include: nearly $1.4 billion in new financing to help Canada's clean technology firms grow and expand; $400 million for Sustainable Development Technology Canada to develop and demonstrate new clean technologies; $200 million to support research, development, demonstration and the adoption of clean technology in Canada's natural resources sectors, and $822 million for next-generation clean energy infrastructure projects.
The Clean Growth Hub officially launched in January 2018 as a whole-of-government focal point for clean technology focused on supporting companies and projects, coordinating programs and tracking results. These initiatives support the Clean Technology and Innovation pillar of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change and are part of the Innovation and Skills Plan."
1/31/2018,207,,Environment and Climate Change,Enhance Canada's tax measures to generate and attract more clean technology investments.,Minister of Finance;Minister of Natural Resources,Underway - on track,"The clean technology sector's contribution to Canada's Gross Domestic Product grows, creating more good-paying, middle class jobs and increasing the number of high-growth companies in Canada.",Budget 2016 changed Canadian tax rules to make certain electric vehicle charging stations and electrical energy storage equipment eligible for accelerated capital cost allowance treatment. Budget 2017 introduced further expansions of this tax treatment to geothermal projects and expenses. The Government will continue to work towards making Canada the world's most competitive tax jurisdiction for clean technology.
1/31/2018,208,,Safety and Security,Launch an open and transparent competition to replace the CF-18 fighter aircraft.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement;Minister of National Defence,Underway - on track,A new fighter fleet that allows the Canadian Armed Forces to do their job with the equipment they need.,"A modern fighter jet fleet is essential for defending Canada and Canadian sovereignty – especially in our northern skies. It is a vital contribution to our partnership with our most important ally, the United States, and for the protection of the continent that we share. It is also important for enabling Canada to fulfill its international commitments as an engaged and active member of NATO. On December 12, 2017, the Government launched an open and transparent competition to replace the legacy fleet of CF-18 fighter aircraft. As outlined in Strong, Secure, Engaged, Canada's defence policy, Canada will purchase 88 advanced fighter aircraft to protect the safety and security of Canadians and to meet international defence obligations. A contract award is anticipated in 2022 and the first replacement aircraft delivery in 2025. Until permanent replacement aircraft are in place and fully operational, Canada must ensure the Canadian Armed Forces has the equipment it needs to continue to deliver its missions. As a result, on 12 December 2017, the Government announced that it will purchase F-18 aircraft from Australia. This will supplement the current fleet until the permanent replacement aircraft is in place and fully operational. An Industry Day in January 2018 provided details about the planned fighter aircraft procurement process and estimated schedule, high-level operational objectives of the fighter aircraft, as well as the approach to maintenance and repair and leveraging economic benefits. The Government of Canada will continue to provide regular public updates as the process moves along."
1/31/2018,209,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that all federal services are delivered in compliance with the Official Languages Act.,President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Canadian Heritage,Underway - on track,"More Canadians receive federal services and communications in their official language of choice, and a new Official Languages Plan is implemented to support English and French linguistic minorities across Canada.","The Government of Canada conducted the first review of the Official Languages Regulations in over twenty five years. The Government is committed to ensuring the public is served in their official language of choice. Currently, 86.5% of federal institutions report that, where required by the Official Languages Act, the public is served in their language of choice in oral and written communications. The Government has set a target to achieve 90% in 2017-2018."
1/31/2018,210,,Fair and Open Government,Improve access to information to enhance the openness of government.,President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - on track,Greater government transparency and more information available for Canadians to hold their government to account.,"Following an Interim Directive in May 2016 that eliminated all fees except for the application fee and confirmed the principle of ""open by default"", the Government introduced Phase I reforms to modernize and expand the scope of the Access to Information Act. Legislation introduced in June 2017 proposes new requirements for the proactive publication of a broad range of information and would apply to more than 240 federal institutions, as well as the Prime Minister's Office, ministers' offices and administrative bodies that support Parliament and the courts. The legislation would also provide the Information Commissioner with the ability to order the release of documents. In the future, a review of the Act would also be required every five years to ensure that it remains current and continues to improve transparency for Canadians. The first review would be initiated within one year of the legislation coming into force."
1/31/2018,211,,Strong Middle Class,Conduct a review of tax expenditures.,President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"A simpler, fairer tax system.","The Government of Canada has taken action to reduce poorly targeted, complex and inefficient tax measures, including tax credits, that were not available to families with the lowest incomes. Budget 2016 introduced a new Canada Child Benefit (CCB) that is simpler, tax-free, more generous and better targeted than the previous system of federal child benefits. The CCB replaced five tax credits and benefits, provides 9 out of 10 families with more generous benefits and lifts hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty. Budget 2016 also replaced poorly targeted transit tax credits with significant new long-term investments directly in public transit, and replaced tax deductions for text books with measures to significantly improve the affordability of post-secondary education for low- and middle-income families.
Budget 2017 took further action to implement changes resulting from the Government’s review of tax expenditures. The review identified opportunities to eliminate inefficient tax measures and make other existing tax measures more effective, equitable and accessible to Canadians. In this context, Budget 2017 included measures to improve tax relief for caregivers, students, and persons with disabilities. While the formal component of the tax expenditures review has concluded, the results of the review will continue to inform the Government’s ongoing work to make the tax system simpler, fairer and more efficient."
1/31/2018,212,,Safety and Security,Improve marine safety.,"Minister of Transport;Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Underway - on track,Canadians are kept safe and our coasts are protected through evidence-based emergency preparedness and response.,"The Government announced the Oceans Protection Plan (OPP) which supports responsible shipping, restoring and preserving marine ecosystems; strengthens partnerships with Indigenous and coastal communities; and invests in evidence-based emergency preparedness and response to keep Canadians safe and our coasts protected. The Government of Canada has announced initiatives valuing over $500 million, including $80 million in new science funding for new partnerships, improved knowledge and new technologies that will help mitigate and prevent marine incidents such as oil spills. The Government of Canada has launched the Let's Talk OPP Portal to consult on OPP initiatives, and is committed to a coordinated national approach for engagement and building regional Indigenous partnerships to deliver on OPP results. Arctic marine oversight has been increased: the Government added 500 hours of surveillance under the National Aerial Surveillance Program; completed 76 vessel inspections; signed a contribution agreement with the sole provider of marine-related training in the North (Nunavut Fisheries and Marine Training Consortium) so they can expand their existing training program; updated the Small Vessel Regulations (flares and paddle boards); and updated the Arctic Shipping Safety and Pollution Regulations to implement the international Polar Code for ships operating in polar waters. A key initiative under the OPP is the modernization of the Coast Guard’s current suite of ER assets. This includes the purchase and deployment of approximately 285 assets for the containment, recovery and storage of oil. To date, a number of Requests for Proposals for equipment such as new Curtain Booms, Sweep Systems and Portable Skimmers have been issued.
The first of seven new Search and Rescue lifeboat stations under the OPP was announced in Old Perlican, Newfoundland and Labrador, in January 2018 and the refurbishment of the Coast Guard St. Anthony’s base is also expected to commence in 2017-18. Through the creation of an Inshore Rescue Boat station in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, search and rescue capabilities in the region will be enhanced. In support of building stronger working relationships with northern communities, the station will be operated by local Indigenous students."
1/31/2018,213,,Environment and Climate Change,Review the previous government's changes to the Fisheries Act and Navigable Waters Protection Act.,"Minister of Transport;Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Underway - on track,"Restore lost protections and incorporate modern safeguards into the revised Fisheries Act and Navigation Protection Act to better protect Canada's environment for future generations, advance reconciliation, and get resources to market.","In February 2018, the government introduced legislation to restore lost protections and incorporate modern safeguards into the Fisheries Act and the Navigation Protection Act. The proposed legislative, regulatory and policy measures to modernize the Fisheries Act and the Navigation Protection Act were informed by a federal discussion paper, parliamentary studies, and almost two years of consultations with Indigenous peoples, industry, provinces and territories, non-government organizations, academia and the public."
1/31/2018,214,,Indigenous peoples,Promote economic development and create jobs for Indigenous peoples.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Indigenous Services;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - with challenges,Higher employment rates for Indigenous peoples and stronger economic growth in Indigenous communities.,"The Government of Canada supports a suite of economic development and land management programs that are increasing the participation of Indigenous communities in the Canadian economy and enabling Indigenous people to pursue opportunities for employment, income, and wealth creation. Investments in commercial infrastructure, capacity development and partnerships within the federal government, provinces and the private sector are leading to major developments on and off reserve including commercial initiatives. For examples, these investments will: help First Nations access long-term financing to undertake economic development projects in their communities ($20M), strengthen the First Nations and Inuit Summer Work Experience Program and the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program ($100M), grow Canada's Indigenous tourism industry ($8.6M), and improve Indigenous labour market programs through the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy ($50M). In addition, the Government of Canada has increased funding for the Post-Secondary Student Support Program, which will help 4,600 First Nation students over a two-year period ($90M)."
1/31/2018,215,,Indigenous peoples,Undertake an inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in Canada.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister of Status of Women,Underway - with challenges,"Concrete solutions to address systemic causes of violence, resulting in increased safety of Indigenous women and girls in Canada.","
The Government of Canada, with the governments of all provinces and territories, launched an independent National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The Commissioners have been asked to examine and report on the systemic and historical social, economic, institutional and cultural factors—as well as practices, policies and institutions—that contribute to the violence that Indigenous women and girls face. The Commission is mandated to complete its work by December 31, 2018. Many legitimate concerns from families and stakeholders have been raised about the Inquiry's progress. The Commission released their interim report on November 1, 2017. The report outlines progress to date, acknowledges challenges in establishing the Inquiry and makes some recommendations for immediate support to assist families that want to participate in the process, including a call to extend the timelines. The Government of Canada is reviewing the interim recommendations and is developing a response to the Interim Report. A working group has been established to work with the Commission to address its administrative challenges and is meeting regularly. The Government is closely monitoring the work of the Inquiry and is encouraging the Commissioners to listen and respond to concerns raised, and to learn from families and survivors as the Commission continues its work. The Government of Canada has standing at all phases of the National Inquiry and looks forward to participating in the anticipated Institutional and Expert hearings."
1/31/2018,216,,Indigenous peoples,Improve services to Indigenous people and those with mental illness throughout the criminal justice system.,Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Underway - on track,"Improved services and increased support to make it easier for Indigenous peoples and those with mental illness to navigate the criminal justice system, and reverse the trend of Indigenous overrepresentation in the justice system.","The Government of Canada has made investments to help ensure that people from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, including Indigenous peoples and those with mental illness, have access to legal aid. The Government has also provided long-term and stable funding to the Indigenous Justice Program which provides funding for community-based programs that use restorative justice approaches as alternative mechanisms to the mainstream justice system. In addition, the Government is investing in the Indigenous Courtwork Program to ensure Indigenous peoples have the representation and services they need to navigate the criminal justice system. We are working to further identify strategies that will build on these investments. The Government is also exploring changes to the jury selection process to ensure that this process is fair and transparent.
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1/31/2018,217,,Healthy Canadians,Legalize and strictly regulate cannabis.,Minister of Health;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - with challenges,"Legalization and strict regulation of cannabis in Canada protects Canadian youth, keep profits out of the hands of criminals and responsibly manages the production and distribution of cannabis.","In April 2017, the Government introduced legislation to legalize, strictly regulate, and restrict access to cannabis, as well as crack down on impaired driving. This legislation will make it a specific criminal offence to sell cannabis to a minor and will create significant penalties for those who use young persons to commit cannabis-related offences. The legislation will maintain the existing prohibition against importing or exporting cannabis and cannabis products without a valid exemption or permit issued by the Government of Canada.
Legislation was introduced following extensive consultation with law enforcement, health and safety experts, and the hard work of the Task Force on Cannabis Legalization and Regulation. In November 2017, the proposed Cannabis Act passed report stage and third reading in the House of Commons, and moved to the Senate, where it is currently at second reading stage.
Senate leaders have agreed to a legislative timetable that will lead to a final vote on Bill C-45 on or before June 7. The Government understands that a minimum period of 8 to 12 weeks is necessary for the orderly movement of cannabis products from federally licensed producers to provincially or territorially authorized distributors and retailers. The Government also appreciates that time is required for public education activities to inform Canadians of the new rules and ensure that law enforcement is also informed and ready to enforce the new rules."
1/31/2018,218,,Safety and Security,Repeal problematic elements of Bill C-51 to balance security with rights and freedoms.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,Canadians' safety and security are strongly protected in a manner consistent with the rights and freedoms Canadians cherish.,"In June 2017, the Government introduced legislation covering a wide range of measures that were informed by the broad consultation with engaged citizens, stakeholders, experts, parliamentarians and others in Fall 2016. The proposed measures represent extensive and much-needed improvements to Canada’s national security framework, and will enhance accountability through a proposed National Security and Intelligence Review Agency and a new Intelligence Commissioner; fulfill the Government's commitment to address problematic elements of Bill C-51 through proposed revisions to threat reduction measures under the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Act, amendments to the Criminal Code, and revisions to the Security of Canada Information Sharing Act; and enhance transparency by introducing new safeguards and accountability measures, and by re-affirming compliance with the Charter."
1/31/2018,219,,Environment and Climate Change,Phase out inefficient fossil fuel industry subsidies over the medium-term.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Finance,Underway - on track,"Phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, consistent with Canada’s commitment with the G20 countries, building a strong, clean economy and preserving our planet for generations to come.","Budget 2016 announced that the accelerated capital cost allowance for facilities used to liquefy natural gas will be allowed to expire at the end of 2024. Budget 2017 proposed changes to rationalize the treatment of exploration expenses for oil and gas producers and phase out their ability to reclassify certain development expenses as more favourably treated exploration expenses. The Government will continue to review, report on and phase out fossil fuel subsidies in future budgets, as appropriate."
1/31/2018,220,,Environment and Climate Change,"Increase the proportion of Canada's marine and coastal areas that are protected to five percent by 2017, and ten percent by 2020.","Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Environment and Climate Change",Underway - on track,"Five per cent of Canada's marine and coastal areas are protected by 2017, and 10 per cent by 2020, protecting important habitats, maintaining and promoting tourism, and helping with climate change adaptation.","In October 2017, the Government achieved its commitment to protect 5% of Canada's marine and coastal areas by 2017. Since then, seven new marine refuges have been established off the coasts of Nunavut and Newfoundland and Labrador that will contribute an additional 145,598 square km of protected ocean area to Canada’s coasts. This represents an additional 2.53% of protected ocean, bringing Canada’s current total to 7.75%. The government is aiming to achieve 10% by 2020. In November 2016, the Government of Canada announced the designation of the Anguniaqvia niqiqyuam Marine Protected Area (MPA). In February 2017, the Government announced the designation of the Hecate Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound Glass Sponge Reefs MPA. In June 2017, the Government announced the designation of St. Anns Bank MPA. In August 2017, the federal Government, Nunavut and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association together announced the official boundary for the new Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area in Lancaster Sound -- which will be the biggest protected area ever established in Canada. In addition, the Government allocated funding towards exploring with Indigenous and Northern partners the protection of the Last Ice Area in the Arctic. In October 2017, Canada signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nunatsiavut Government opening the door for consideration of marine protected areas offshore northern Labrador, and held discussions with the Cree Nation Government about a potential national marine conservation area in Eastern James Bay.
Internationally, Canada has secured broad support for its criteria for other effective conservation measures that contribute to marine biodiversity. These areas, known as marine refuges, have been established throughout our ocean to protect important species and ecosystem features and contribute to our targets. The Government will continue working with its partners to enhance the protection of Canada’s oceans."
1/31/2018,221,,Canada in the World,"Advance human rights, gender equality, peaceful pluralism and respect for diversity internationally.",Minister of International Development and La Francophonie;Minister of Foreign Affairs,On-going commitment,"Inclusive governance, human rights, gender equality, peaceful pluralism and respect for diversity are enhanced around the world.","The Government of Canada promotes, and defends inclusive governance, human rights, gender equality, inclusion and respect for diversity in every international relationship and at every opportunity. As a respected member of the United Nations, the Commonwealth, La Francophonie and other international bodies, Canada helps to strengthen and maintain international norms related to these values. The Government has expanded and reinvigorated its comprehensive approach to defending and promoting all human rights through the creation of the Office of Human Rights, Freedoms and Inclusion. In addition, the Government introduced guidelines for supporting human rights defenders—a practical tool for Canada’s diplomatic officials to empower human rights defenders as effective advocates and protect them from the threats they all too often face. Canada chairs the Community of Democracies' Working Group on Enabling and Protecting Civil Society to promote and protect democratic values. Canada also became co-chair, with Chile, of the Equal Rights Coalition, the first global intergovernmental network focused on the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons. In March 2017, Canada led an 83-country Joint Statement on the Power of Inclusion and Benefits of Diversity at the UN Human Rights Council. Canada's Feminist International Assistance Policy emphasizes the empowerment of women and girls and positioning Canada as a leader on gender equality in aid programming. This new policy makes inclusive governance one of the key action areas and commits to making Canada's international assistance human rights based. Canada successfully negotiated reference to inclusion and diversity and the enjoyment of all human rights online, including specific reference to indigenous people, sexual orientation, gender identity and disability in the Community of Democracies’ Washington Declaration in September 2017. The Government also added language on inclusion and respect for diversity into five resolutions and made statements on the issue at the UN General Assembly in autumn 2017. In October 2017, Canada adopted the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act and amendments to the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA) to take action to respond to cases of human rights violations and acts of corruption globally. Canada will have the ability to impose asset freezes and travel bans on those responsible for these reprehensible acts or their accomplices. From October to December 2017, Canada’s leadership was instrumental in advancing key human rights priorities in a number of resolutions at the UN General Assembly, including leading efforts to ensure the successful adoption of the resolution on the human rights situation in Iran. It also succeeded at adding language related to inclusion and respect for diversity into 5 resolutions at the UN General Assembly Third Committee, as well as making numerous statements emphasizing the importance of this priority for Canada. Canada also co-chairs, with Switzerland, the OECD Development Assistance Committee Network on Governance which aims to improve development assistance policies and practice in support of effective, accountable and participatory institutions of state and civil society."
1/31/2018,222,,Canada in the World,Work on development financing issues.,Minister of Finance;Minister of International Development and La Francophonie;Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"Increased international investment, reduced poverty and improved economic development in developing countries.","Budget 2017 confirmed the Government’s decision to launch Canada's new Development Finance Institute Canada (DFI Canada), capitalized at $300 million to support poverty reduction in developing countries. DFI Canada will launch operations this winter."
1/31/2018,223,,Strong Middle Class,Develop and implement a Youth Service Program.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of International Development and La Francophonie",Underway - on track,"More young Canadians engaged in high quality public and community service, and through this service, gaining valuable skills that will benefit them in life and work.","On January 16, 2018, the Government launched the design phase of the Canada Service Corps, Canada’s new national youth service initiative.
Canada Service Corps will encourage young Canadians to get involved in service to their communities and gain valuable skills and experience that will benefit them in every aspect of life. This initiative will grow over time, creating more opportunities for youth who wish to serve.
During the design phase, the Government of Canada will engage youth directly to find out more about their motivations and interests, and to explore what service means to them. Their input will directly shape the initiative, ensuring that it meets the needs and priorities of young people once it is fully implemented in early 2019.
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1/31/2018,224,,Healthy Canadians,Raise awareness on concussion treatment.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities;Minister of Health,Completed - fully met,"Consistent, coordinated Canadian guidelines on concussion in sport and return-to-learn and return-to-play protocols.","The Government is working in partnership with provinces, territories and other key stakeholders on a coordinated pan-Canadian concussion strategy. In June 2016, a framework for the strategy was endorsed by federal, provincial and territorial ministers. Budget 2016 made investments to harmonize concussion management guidelines on prevention, early detection and treatment, with a focus on return-to-play and return-to-learn protocols for athletes and students. In July 2017, federal, provincial and territorial Ministers responsible for sport, physical activity and recreation agreed to a Framework for Action focusing on the areas of awareness, prevention, detection, management, and surveillance of concussions, which will further harmonize the collective approach across jurisdictions. At the same time, Parachute Canada, with the financial support of the Government of Canada, released its “Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport”.
The Government will direct funds to the Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC) for a national awareness campaign. SIRC will work collaboratively with NSOs on an awareness and implementation campaign regarding the sport specific protocols for concussions.
The Government has also partnered with the private sector to launch two new projects in 2017-18. The SCHOOLFirst project, led by Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, will provide access to up-to-date information for teachers and school boards on concussion practices to support youth who are returning to school after experiencing a concussion. The Progress Activation and Concussion Education (PACE) app will help parents guide the management of their child’s concussion by identifying symptoms or visual clues that should trigger intervention by them at home and in school."
1/31/2018,225,,Healthy Canadians,Update and expand the Nutrition North program.,Minister of Health;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,More affordable nutritious food for Canadians in the North.,"In Budget 2016, the Government increased funding to expand Nutrition North Canada. Nutrition North helps alleviate the high cost of food in 121 isolated northern communities by providing a subsidy on perishable nutritious food. To date, the full benefits of Nutrition North Canada have been expanded to 37 additional isolated northern communities. Nutrition education was also expanded to an additional 43 remote communities. The Government released a final report in April 2017 summarizing the feedback received during consultations with Northerners on the program. The Government will use this feedback to make further changes to how we support access to healthy, affordable food for northern Canadians."
1/31/2018,226,,Healthy Canadians,Develop a coordinated national action plan on post-traumatic stress disorder.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Underway - on track,Canada's public safety officers have better access to support for post-traumatic stress.,The Government is developing a national action plan on post-traumatic stress injury in consultation with stakeholders. This plan will be evidenced-based and reflect the findings of the Fifth Report of the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security which recently studied this issue. The Government will release further details on the proposed national action plan later in the mandate. The Government has also provided funding to the University of Regina to conduct a study on the effects of policing on the mental health of Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers.
1/31/2018,227,,Indigenous peoples,Provide new funding to preserve and enhance Indigenous languages and cultures.,Minister of Canadian Heritage,Underway - on track,"An Indigenous Languages Act co-created with Indigenous peoples that preserves, protects, and revitalizes Indigenous languages in Canada, resulting in more people speaking Indigenous languages.","Budget 2017 invested $89.9 million to support Indigenous languages and cultures. These investments are supporting community-based projects that facilitate communication in, and revitalization of, Indigenous languages and are also helping to digitize Indigenous languages and oral histories.
On December 6, 2016 the Prime Minister announced that the Government of Canada will enact an Indigenous Languages Act, co-developed with Indigenous peoples, with the goal of ensuring the preservation, protection, and revitalization of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit languages in Canada. On June 15, 2017, Canadian Heritage, the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Métis Nation of Canada launched the co-development of Indigenous languages legislation and agreed on a collaborative engagement process."
1/31/2018,228,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Expand the network of shelters and transition houses for those fleeing domestic violence.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Indigenous Services;Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,More shelters available for those fleeing domestic violence.,"In Budget 2016, the Government of Canada made significant investments to boost the number of shelters and transition houses for victims of family violence and ensure that no one fleeing domestic violence is left without a place to go. To date, this funding has supported 3,174 projects, to assist 4,848 households. In Budget 2016, the Government also provided greater funding to renovate, construct and better support shelters serving victims of family violence in First Nation communities. Five communities (in five different provinces) have been identified for the construction of new shelters, and planning and construction activities have begun. Two projects (Ontario and Manitoba) began construction in December 2017. The British Columbia and Saskatchewan projects plan to start construction in the Spring of 2018. Due the far northern location of the shelter in Quebec, the project can only begin construction in July 2018. All projects will be completed by March 31, 2019, and integrated into the existing network of 41 shelters serving women and children living on-reserve. The National Housing Strategy will further fund projects that support vulnerable Canadians, including homeless women and those fleeing family violence.
In Budget 2017, the Government announced $100.9 million and $20.7 million per year thereafter to establish a National Strategy to Address Gender-Based Violence; $11.2 billion over 10 years in a variety of affordable housing (e.g., homelessness, shelters and transition homes) initiatives that will constitute the National Housing Strategy. The National Housing Strategy, including Budget 2016 investments, will target at least 7,000 shelter spaces created or repaired for survivors of family violence and also commit at least 25% of all investments to support projects that specifically target women and girls. Inclusive of Budget 2016 and Budget 2017, the Government of Canada and the provinces and territories will make available over $40 billion for affordable housing during the next 10 years."
1/31/2018,229,,Government Services and Operations,Reduce complexity and strengthen partnerships between National Defence and Veterans Affairs.,Minister of Veterans Affairs;Minister of National Defence,Underway - on track,Simpler programs that give members of Canada's Armed Forces (CAF) the support they need as they transition from the Department of National Defence (DND) to Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC).,"DND/CAF and VAC will work collaboratively to review their programs to ensure our women and men in uniform can better transition from the Canadian Armed Forces to Veterans Affairs. A roadmap with key milestones of action will lead to simpler benefits and offer a streamlined, client centric process so Veterans have an easier time transitioning to civilian life."
1/31/2018,230,,Healthy Canadians,Develop a suicide prevention strategy for Canadian Armed Forces personnel and Veterans.,Minister of National Defence;Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,More Veterans and men and women in the Canadian Armed Forces receive the mental health care they need and suicides are reduced.,"Canada's new defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—invests in the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces and delivers the standard of service and care that current and former members deserve. The new policy will expand the number of Canada's military personnel and significantly invest in the health and welfare of those serving in uniform. As part of the policy, the Government will expand the Department of National Defence Medical Service Branch by 200 personnel to ensure serving members have better access to efficient and effective care anywhere they serve, in Canada or abroad. In October 2017, the Government announced the implementation of a joint Canadian Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Suicide Prevention Strategy composed of 160 different initiatives, programs and services, including the hiring of additional mental health professionals focused on preventing suicide across the entire military and Veteran community. The effectiveness of clinical interventions, training, education and other supports and services will be studied to assess progress in preventing suicide."
1/31/2018,231,,Safety and Security,Create a committee of Parliamentarians to review national security.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Underway - on track,Parliamentarians have the information they need to ensure Canada's national security framework and activities are effective and protect rights and freedoms and Canadian values.,"The law establishing the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) has been brought into force, funding has been allocated, members have been appointed, a chair designated, and an Executive Director has been appointed. The new NSICOP is an important step towards increased accountability and transparency. The Committee's broad government-wide mandate to scrutinize any national security matter will help ensure the protection of the public and that the rights and freedoms of individual Canadians are upheld. The NSICOP can perform reviews of national security and intelligence activities, including ongoing operations, and strategic and systemic reviews of the legislative, regulatory, policy, expenditure and administrative frameworks under which these activities are conducted."
1/31/2018,232,,Canada in the World,End Canada's combat mission in Iraq and Syria and refocus Canada's efforts on training and humanitarian support.,Minister of National Defence,Completed - fully met,"Canada ceased conducting fighter jet strikes in Iraq and Syria and adopted a more comprehensive approach with increased resources for stabilization, humanitarian assistance, and training.","Effective February 15, 2016, Canada ceased conducting strikes by CF-18 fighter jets on Daesh targets. On February 8, 2016, Canada announced an increased contribution to the training of Iraq Security Forces, as well as humanitarian and stabilization support. The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are contributing many capabilities to the multinational efforts to degrade and defeat Daesh, and up to 830 CAF personnel are assigned to Operation IMPACT, which has been extended until March 31, 2019."
1/31/2018,233,,Canada in the World,Renew Canada's commitment to United Nations peace operations.,Minister of National Defence;Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,"Canadian efforts enhance peace and security, protect human rights, promote stability, and help those most in need around the world.","In 2016, the Government adopted a strategic framework to guide Canadian efforts to support United Nations (UN) peace operations. Since 2016, the Government has committed $95.9 million in support of UN peace and security activities. Canada continues to intensify and expand its support for the UN including hosting a high-level UN peacekeeping conference in Vancouver in November 2017. During this conference, the Prime Minister unveiled the main elements of Canada’s new approach to peace support operations and announced four types of contributions Canada will make: the launch of the Vancouver Principles on Child Soldiers; the Elsie Initiative on increasing the meaningful participation of women deployed on peace operations; new training support for the UN; and the offer of high-end military capabilities for deployment - within a five-year timeframe. Canada will work with the UN as well as potential partner and host nations to identify locations where Canada’s military capabilities and training can fill key gaps and bring the most value to UN peace operations. Also in November 2017, Canada launched its second National Action Plan for the Implementation of the UN Security Council Resolutions on Women, Peace and Security 2017-2022. Through this, Canada will take a leadership role to implement global objectives that will support the integration of the women, peace and security agenda in initiatives related to fragile and conflict-affected states."
1/31/2018,234,,Strong Middle Class,Ensure that Employment Insurance (EI) contributions are only used to fund EI programs.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Finance",Completed - fully met,Improved sustainability of the Employment Insurance (EI) program to ensure the program is available to Canadians when they need it.,"The Government of Canada continues to make sure that EI contributions are only used to fund EI programs. In April 2016, the seven-year rate setting mechanism came into force, ensuring that the EI account will be balanced. This seven-year rate setting mechanism was implemented in 2017 and allowed the Government to reduce EI premiums for 2017 from $1.88 to $1.63 per $100 of insurable earnings. The 2018 premium rate has been set at $1.66 per $100 of insurable earnings, which reflects important new supports for Canadian families and changing economic conditions."
1/31/2018,235,,Indigenous peoples,Renew and improve the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,"Improved employment outcomes for participants accessing programs through the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS), and reduced employment gaps with non-Indigenous Canadians who use similar employment services.","Thanks to increased federal investment, approximately 1,700 additional Indigenous people were supported through the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS) in 2016 compared to 2015. The Government has also made investments to increase capacity of service providers to meet the growing demand from Indigenous peoples for skills development and job training and provided an additional $50 million to ASETS in 2017. These programs now serve more clients and also focus on serving the most vulnerable clients and delivering longer-term assistance. Over the last year, the Government of Canada undertook extensive consultations with ASETS holders, Indigenous communities and leadership, and other stakeholders to seek feedback on how the ASETS structure and policy could be redesigned and improved. A proposed approach has been developed and in 2018 the Government will work with Indigenous partners on the implementation of the new approach."
1/31/2018,236,,Strong Middle Class,Provide a 12-month break on Employment Insurance (EI) premiums for firms that hire younger workers into permanent positions.,"Minister of Finance;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Not being pursued,See below,"Based on research conducted by the Department of Finance, it was determined that this was not the most effective or efficient way of spending public resources to create jobs for young people. Budgets 2016 and 2017 invested significantly in a Youth Employment Strategy, nearly doubling the Canada Summer Jobs program, which will help more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop the skills they need to find work, create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians and provide over 1,600 new employment opportunities for youth in the heritage sector. In addition, Budget 2016 announced the creation of an Expert Panel on Youth Employment to assess the barriers faced by vulnerable youth in finding and keeping jobs, and to examine innovative practices used by governments, non-governmental organizations and employers to improve job opportunities for vulnerable youth. The Government has received the Expert Panel's report and is studying its recommendations."
1/31/2018,237,,Strong Middle Class,Provide more generous and flexible leave for caregivers.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Caregivers of critically ill or injured Canadians receive greater support.,"Effective December 3, 2017, the new Family Caregiver benefit for adults will be available to help families care for a critically ill adult. This benefit will allow eligible caregivers to take up to 15 weeks off work to care for or support an adult family member who is critically ill or injured. Eligible caregivers are family members or individuals that the critically ill or injured adult considers to be like family."
1/31/2018,238,,Strong Middle Class,Develop a Social Innovation and Social Finance strategy.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,A government-wide strategy is established that facilitates new and innovative ways of addressing Canada's biggest social challenges.,"The Government of Canada recognizes that new and innovative approaches are needed to tackle persistent and complex social issues. In June 2017, the Government launched the Social Innovation and Social Finance Steering Group. Through consultations and engagement activities, the Steering Group will seek perspectives of industry, sector and community leaders to co-create a Social Innovation and Social Finance Strategy. Previous findings from government consultations and engagement activities related to social innovation and social finance will help the Steering Group identify policy solutions for the Strategy."
1/31/2018,239,,Strong Middle Class,Introduce the Canada Child Benefit (CCB).,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Finance",Completed - fully met,"A generous, fairer, tax-free monthly Canada Child Benefit (CCB) that gives nine out of ten Canadian families more money to help with the high cost of raising their children.","In Budget 2016, the Government introduced the new, tax-free, income-tested Canada Child Benefit (CCB). In its first year of implementation, over 3.3 million families received more than $23 billion in CCB payments. The CCB has helped lift an estimated 300,000 children out of poverty in Canada. The October 2017 Fall Economic Statement announced the Government's intention to strengthen the CCB by increasing the benefits annually to keep pace with the rising cost of living as of July 2018, two years ahead of schedule."
1/31/2018,240,,Strong Middle Class,"Develop a National Early Learning and Childcare Framework with provinces, territories and Indigenous peoples.","Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Indigenous Services;Minister of Status of Women",Underway - on track,"More high-quality, affordable child care spaces.","The Government of Canada is supporting the creation of affordable, high-quality child care spaces for low and modest income families, with the goal of supporting up to 40,000 new subsidized child care spaces over the next three years. The Federal, Provincial and Territorial Governments reached a historic agreement on a Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care Framework on June 12, 2017. The Government will work with each province and territory to enter into three-year bilateral agreements that will outline their unique early learning and child care needs to be addressed and the funding allocation for each jurisdiction. To date, bilateral agreements with Ontario, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nunavut, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia have been reached.
In addition, the Government will create a distinct Indigenous Framework on Early Learning and Child Care in cooperation with Indigenous partners to reflect the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children across Canada. The Framework will inform additional investments of at least $130 million a year for 10 years for early learning and childcare programs for Indigenous children on and off reserve. To date, repairs and renovations have been undertaken in 210 child care centers used by First Nations and Inuit Child Care Initiative, and a total of 93 Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve facilities projects have received funding to undertake repairs and renovations, and of these, 53 have been completed."
1/31/2018,241,,Indigenous peoples,Establish a new fiscal relationship with First Nations communities and lift the 2% cap.,Minister of Finance;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,Increased support for Indigenous communities consistent with needs and population growth rather than a fixed 2% cap.,"By 2021-22, total federal government spending on Indigenous programs will increase from over $11 billion in 2015-16 to over $14 billion in 2021-22—an increase of 27% over six years. The Government has also committed to a new fiscal relationship that is sufficient, sustainable and predictable. The Government of Canada is advancing a renewed fiscal relationship through two parallel initiatives. The first is with the Assembly of First Nations, through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in July 2016. The first phase of this collaboration with the Assembly of First Nations produced a report, ""A New Approach: Co-development of a New Fiscal Relationship Between Canada and First Nation,"" that was submitted to the National Chief and the Minister of Indigenous Services in December 2017. In response to the report, the Minister committed to: create 10-year grants for qualified First Nations targeting a minimum of 100 First Nations getting grants by April 1, 2019; replace the Default Prevention and Management Policy; and establish a permanent advisory committee to support ongoing co-development. The second collaborative process on fiscal policy is focused on Self-Governing Indigenous groups. The Government of Canada and self-governing Indigenous groups are co-developing a new self-government fiscal policy framework. A report and a draft policy proposal were completed in December 2017. Work will continue on further elaborating funding methodologies throughout 2018."
1/31/2018,242,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Develop a National Disabilities Act.,"Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Federal accessibility legislation that promotes equality of opportunity and increases inclusion and participation of Canadians who have disabilities or functional limitations.,"The Government of Canada completed an extensive nine-month consultation with Canadians in-person and online on February 28, 2017 to inform the development of new federal accessibility legislation. The consultation included 18 public engagement sessions in cities across the country, 9 roundtable discussions (which brought together disability stakeholders, academic experts and industry representatives), as well as a National Youth Forum and an online questionnaire. The Government also allocated funding to help disability stakeholder organizations engage their members on the planned legislation. Funding is being provided for 5 partnerships with national disability organizations and 3 Indigenous organizations to undertake various activities to engage their members and communities. In May 2017, a report summarizing what we learned from these discussions was released. It is anticipated that new federal accessibility legislation will be introduced to Parliament in spring 2018."
1/31/2018,244,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Ensure any unspent infrastructure funds are transferred to municipalities.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Finance,Underway - on track,Ensure infrastructure funding approved by Parliament does not lapse and is invested in municipal infrastructure projects.,"In March 2017, the Government of Canada announced that $30.2 million in potentially lapsing funding from a number of previously established funding programs would be transferred to municipalities through the federal Gas Tax Fund."
1/31/2018,245,,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Develop a 10-year infrastructure plan, improve governance and promote better data collection and asset management.",Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Transport,Underway - on track,"Agreements with all provinces and territories that improve public transit, roads and bridges; increase access to affordable housing and child care; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; improve access to clean water, and enhance resilience in the face of a changing climate.","Infrastructure plays a central role in building strong communities, creating jobs and growing the economy. Taking into account the investments made in Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government has developed a 12-year plan that will invest over $180 billion across Canada in public transit, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, rural and northern communities, and trade and transportation. As part of the Plan, the Government signed an agreement with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) to deliver an asset management program to support municipalities in making informed infrastructure investment decisions. The Government partnered with Statistics Canada and other stakeholders to launch an ambitious data initiative on Canadian infrastructure – Canada’s Core Public Infrastructure Survey (CCPI). Through the survey, the Government will better track, collect, use and share data on Canadian infrastructure, including tracking comparable data on infrastructure usage and demand across jurisdictions; tracking the impacts of infrastructure investments; and tracking the state and performance of public infrastructure across asset classes. These measures will help governments maximize taxpayer dollars and report back to Canadians on outcomes achieved."
1/31/2018,246,,Government Services and Operations,"Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency proactively contacts those who are entitled to, but are not receiving, tax benefits.",Minister of National Revenue,Underway - on track,"More Canadians receive the tax benefits and credits to which they are entitled, including vulnerable Canadians and Indigenous people on-reserve.","The Government of Canada has expanded the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program in order to help low-income Canadians, seniors and other vulnerable groups with tax filing. For the 2016 tax year, the Government has increased community partnerships by 18%, and filed nearly 770,000 returns on behalf of Canadians so they can get the benefits they are entitled to. The CRA undertook a new initiative in 2016-2017 to proactively contact 260,000 Canadians who were potentially eligible for tax benefits but were not receiving them. The Government has also proactively promoted the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) in Indigenous communities to make sure Indigenous families have full access to this important benefit. In-person visits have been completed with more than 600 First Nations communities in order to promote the CCB and other benefits. The Government will continue to work to improve these results across all CRA administered benefit programs."
1/31/2018,247,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) offers to complete returns for lower-income Canadians whose financial situation is unchanged year-to-year.,Minister of National Revenue,Underway - on track,Simpler process for low-income Canadians to file their taxes when their financial situation hasn't changed much.,"This past year, through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, the Government filed nearly 770,000 returns on behalf of Canadians, many of whom are seniors, low-income Canadians and newcomers with simple tax situations. CRA is continuously looking at improvements so that low-income Canadians whose financial situation is unchanged year-to-year can easily file their returns and get the benefits that they are entitled to. The Government of Canada is looking at additional ways to improve these results for the 2017 and subsequent tax years, including allowing Canadians with simple tax situations, such as seniors and Social Assistance Recipients to file by telephone; and tax clinics to reach out to Canadians in remote and underserved communities."
1/31/2018,248,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency supports more Canadians who wish to file taxes using no paper forms.,Minister of National Revenue,Underway - on track,"More Canadians file their taxes online; and filing online is simple, easy and convenient for all CRA administered programs.","The Government of Canada has launched new services to help individuals and authorized representatives submit their returns electronically. Launched in 2015, Auto-fill my return helps fill in parts of the T1 return with data already available to CRA, making filing online simpler and easier. The amount of information available to Auto-fill continues to be expanded so that filing online is the best option for Canadians. To date, Canadians have used CRA’s Auto-fill my return over 8 million times to help them file their returns. The Government has also made it possible for tax preparers to amend their clients' returns electronically by using the new ReFILE service. In 2016-2017 alone, Canadians logged into CRA's secure online portal 51 million times, and 86% of filings in 2016 occurred online—an increase of nearly 750,000 Canadians using this method over the prior year. The Government is currently redesigning CRA's secure portal to enable even more electronic interactions."
1/31/2018,249,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency delivers correspondence and other communications that are straightforward and easy to read.,Minister of National Revenue,Underway - on track,"Correspondence is simplified so that Canadians can better understand information they receive from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), leading to increased client satisfaction and fewer inquiries for routine information.","The Government of Canada simplified the correspondence CRA sends Canadians, making it easier to read and understand, including new, simple, and easy-to-read notices of assessment for businesses and individuals. As of October 2017, 85% of the correspondence the CRA sends to Canadians has been transformed in the new easy-to-read format. The CRA will have simplified virtually all correspondence by May 2019."
1/31/2018,250,,Fair and Open Government,"Enhance transparency in the political fundraising system for Cabinet members, party leaders and leadership candidates.",Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - on track,A more transparent political fundraising system is in place that strengthens trust and confidence in our democratic institutions.,"In May 2017, the Government introduced legislation to significantly enhance transparency in the political fundraising system for Cabinet members, party leaders and leadership candidates. This legislation will give Canadians more information than ever before: they will know who is going to fundraisers, when and where they are happening, and the amount required to attend."
1/31/2018,251,,Strong Middle Class,Update the Canada Labour Code to address emerging issues such as unpaid internships and ensure modern federal employment standards.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Stronger protections and employment standards that better protect workers and reflect the changing nature of the labour market.,"Budget 2017 aims to eliminate unpaid internships in federally regulated sectors where internships are not part of a formal educational program. In the case of unpaid internships that are part of an educational program, the Government will ensure standard labour protections apply, such as maximum hours of work, weekly days of rest and general holidays. Legislation to implement these changes was tabled in Parliament on October 27, 2017, as part of the Budget Implementation Act, 2017, No. 2 received Royal Assent December 14, 2017.
The Government has also launched consultations on proposed updates to the Canada Labour Code to ensure that Canadians enjoy strong labour protections and standards."
1/31/2018,252,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Increase the labour force participation of women and underrepresented groups.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,"Improved labour market participation and employment outcomes for groups traditionally under-represented in the labour market (women, youth, immigrants, persons with disabilities, racialized communities, and Indigenous peoples).","The Government has introduced several initiatives to help Canadians with the challenges they face when making decisions about pursuing work or going back to school. These initiatives will increase the number of high-quality, affordable child care spaces (up to 40,000 over the next three years), introduce flexible work arrangements, make parental leave more flexible, and expand opportunities for lifelong learning. These initiatives are expected to increase labour force participation among several under-represented groups, particularly mothers in low- and modest-income families. In addition, the Government has increased the number of work experience opportunities for young Canadians through the Youth Employment Strategy, and has also expanded access to job supports and skills training for all Canadians, with a particular focus on the needs of Indigenous peoples and other under-represented groups. The renewal of the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS), the introduction of a Targeted Employment Strategy for Newcomers and the introduction of a federal accessibility act will further support the unique needs of Indigenous peoples, newcomers and persons with disabilities."
1/31/2018,253,,Strong Middle Class,"Develop further initiatives to equip Canadians with the skills needed for the jobs of today and tomorrow, and to better assist workers getting help before becoming unemployed.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Canadian workers have the skills they need to find and keep good quality jobs.,"The Government of Canada is working with employers, unions, provinces, territories and educational institutions to ensure that Canadians are equipped to adapt to rapidly changing skills requirements and make successful job transitions. There is a particular focus throughout the suite of government investments in training, education and work experiences on addressing the skills needs of those at risk of being left furthest behind, such as Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, newcomers and vulnerable youth.
To ensure Canadian workers have the skills they need to find and keep good quality jobs, the Government is significantly increasing investment in labour market transfer agreements with provinces and territories and expanding their inclusiveness and scope to improve workers' access to skills training and job supports. The Federal Government is also making post-secondary education more affordable for low- and modest income families, increasing opportunities for graduates to gain work-ready skills for smoother school-to-work transitions and improving access to opportunities for adult upskilling and lifelong learning. The Government is also enhancing supports for skilled trades and apprenticeships, with an increasing focus on women and groups that have traditionally been underrepresented in the labour market.
To ensure skills training is relevant to the jobs of today and tomorrow, the Government of Canada is also establishing a new organization to identify the skills sought and required by Canadian employers, explore new and innovative approaches to skills development, and share information and analysis to help inform future skills investments and programming. The Government is working with provinces and territories, the private sector, educational institutions and not-for-profit organizations to design this organization. Implementation is tentatively planned for 2018-19.
"
1/31/2018,254,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Introduce proactive pay equity legislation for federally-regulated workers.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Status of Women",Underway - on track,"Equal pay for work of equal value in federally regulated sectors. Proactive pay equity is expected to contribute to:
• reducing the gender wage gap by addressing the undervaluation of work traditionally performed by women; and
• fairness in the workplace.","The Government is replacing the current complaint-based approach to pay equity in the federal jurisdiction with a proactive system, as stated in the October 2016 Response to the Report of the Special Committee on Pay Equity. This new approach will be more effective at achieving pay equity for Canadian workers under federal jurisdiction. In 2017, stakeholder consultations were held with employer, employee and advocacy groups as well as experts on the design elements of a proactive pay equity system. Work is underway, with new legislation expected to be introduced in 2018."
1/31/2018,255,,Strong Middle Class,Restore a fair and balanced approach to organized labour.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Public Services and Procurement",Completed - fully met,A fair and balanced labour policy.,"In June 2017, Parliament repealed measures enacted by 2 pieces of legislation which would have undermined the ability of workers to collectively bargain. This action was supported by both employers and unions, in recognition of the need by all parties for a policy framework that is governed by the principles of fairness and balance."
1/31/2018,256,,Healthy Canadians,Implement Canada's ban on asbestos.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,Canada comprehensively bans asbestos.,"In December 2016, the Government announced a set of comprehensive measures to ban asbestos and products containing asbestos by 2018. In July 2017, the Government brought into force changes to the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations to lower the exposure limit to as close to zero as possible for airborne chrysotile asbestos. These changes will protect federally regulated employees at risk."
1/31/2018,257,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Reduce the wage gap between men and women.,"Minister of Status of Women;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Fair compensation systems in organizations under federal jurisdiction and a more flexible work environment to reduce the pay gap between women and men.,"Proactive pay equity is expected to contribute to fairness in the workplace by reducing the gender wage gap by addressing the undervaluation of work traditionally performed by women.
On October 5, 2016, in its Response to the Special Committee on Pay Equity report titled It’s Time to Act, the Government of Canada made a commitment to table new, proactive pay equity legislation in federally regulated sectors before the end of 2018. Work is underway to achieve this objective.
In addition, Budgets 2016 and 2017 include many measures to reduce the gender wage gap and encourage greater workforce participation among women, including investments in early learning and child care, a new Employment Insurance caregiving benefit, and the right to request flexible work arrangements for federally regulated employees.
Other measures include expanding eligibility for Canada Student Grants for part-time students and students with dependent children and supporting the creation of more work-integrated learning opportunities, including co-ops, for post-secondary students and in particular women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) and business programs through a new Student Work-Integrated Learning Program."
1/31/2018,259,,Canada in the World,"Continue joint efforts to address global security threats, combat terrorism and defend our continent.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,On-going commitment,"Canada is protected from global threats and contributes to achieving a safer, more peaceful and prosperous world.","Canada's new defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—supports the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces and provides them with the necessary equipment and capabilities to defend Canada, protect North America and contribute to international peace and security. In addition, Canada is a core member of the Global Coalition Against Daesh and has taken a leadership role in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization by serving as the Framework Nation for the enhanced Forward Presence in Latvia. On North Korea, Canada is supporting enhanced sanctions implementation and has co-hosted with the US a foreign ministers’ meeting to strengthen diplomatic efforts toward a secure and denuclearized Korean peninsula. Furthermore, the Government is contributing comprehensive military, diplomatic and international assistance in the Middle East and has also played a key role in driving international pressure on Syria, including supporting investigations into the use of chemical weapons and other war crimes. Canada is leading efforts toward nuclear disarmament and is playing a leading role to deal with non-proliferation more generally through the G7-led Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction. Canada was also confirmed as co-chair (with Algeria) of the West Africa Working Group of the Global Counterterrorism Forum, an international forum of 29 Countries and the European Union with an overarching mission of reducing the vulnerability of people worldwide to terrorism by preventing, combating, and prosecuting terrorist acts and countering incitement and recruitment to terrorism. In Latin America, Canada is strongly supporting Colombia’s efforts towards the implementation of the peace process with a view to bringing the longest-running conflict in the Western Hemisphere to a peaceful end. In Haiti, Canada is supporting, including through the deployment of Canadian police and correctional agents, the new UN mission for Justice Support, launched in October 2017 and focused on assisting the Haitian government in strengthening rule of law institutions, further supporting and developing the Haitian National Police, and engaging in human rights monitoring, reporting and analysis."
1/31/2018,260,,Environment and Climate Change,Cooperate with the United States on energy security and energy infrastructure.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canada and the United States benefit from a secure and effective cross-border energy infrastructure.,"Collaboration on energy security and infrastructure was included in the February 13, 2017 Joint Statement from President Trump and Prime Minister Trudeau. Canada continues to support several major cross-border energy infrastructure projects, including: Keystone XL, Line 3 and Line 67, Northern Pass, New England Clean Power Link, and Great Northern Transmission Line. All projects are at different stages of review, investment, or approval. The U.S. State Department issued a presidential permit to TransCanada Pipelines in March 2017 for the construction of the Keystone XL project. A North American Energy Ministerial meeting took place in November 2017, and identified further areas for North American collaboration, including facilitating cross-border energy infrastructure projects."
1/31/2018,261,,Environment and Climate Change,Advance shared action with the United States on environmental issues and climate change.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canada-U.S. collaboration leads to a cleaner shared environment and clean energy innovation.,"Canada and the United States issued a joint statement in February 2017 confirming both countries' commitment to collaborate closely in energy innovation, especially in the clean energy sphere; in energy cooperation, particularly along our border and at the Great Lakes; and to enhance the quality of our air and water. In recognition of a shared vision among Canada, the United States and Mexico, the three leaders committed to a North American Climate, Clean Energy, and Environment Partnership in June 2016. In December 2016, a Canada-United States Joint Arctic Leaders' Statement emphasized the importance of a strong, sustainable and viable Arctic economy and ecosystem. In November 2017, Canada, Mexico and the state-driven U.S. Climate Alliance (a bipartisan coalition of 15 U.S. Governors) launched the North American Climate Leadership Dialogue to address clean technology, clean power and carbon pricing initiatives."
1/31/2018,262,,Exports and Investment,Strengthen trilateral cooperation with the United States and Mexico to enhance North America's global competitiveness.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,On-going commitment,North America is strong and competitive in global markets.,"Canada hosted the North American Leaders' Summit in 2016, identifying North American economic prosperity as a key priority. The Government continues to actively engage Mexico and the United States in order to advance issues in our common interest, including through negotiations to modernize North American Free Trade Agreement. During trade negotiations, the Government of Canada is committed to creating the most favourable conditions for Canadian businesses to compete internationally. In addition to trade, North American cooperation continues in key areas such as energy, security and defence."
1/31/2018,263,,Canada in the World,"Strengthen relationships with key bilateral, regional and multilateral partners.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canadian interests and values are promoted through enhanced cooperation with key international partners.,"Canada has constructively contributed to multilateral fora to advance its priorities, including at the United Nations (UN); the African Union; the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE); Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation; Association of Southeast Asian Nations; the Pacific Alliance; the International Syria Support Group; the Lima Group on Venezuela (Canada hosted the October 2017 meeting); and the Gulf Cooperation Council. The Government signed and provisionally applied the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and the Strategic Partnership Agreement with the European Union. The Government has also strengthened relationships with key bilateral, regional and multilateral partners in the Asia Pacific, Europe, Eastern Europe and Eurasia, Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and the Maghreb through high-level engagements, including 255 visits by the Prime Minister and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Development. Hosting the G7 in 2018 will further reinforce and amplify Canada's ability to promote its interests and values through key international relationships. Moreover, acknowledging that many issues related to advancing Canadian interests and values require multi-stakeholder engagement, Canada has expanded its networks and working relationships with non-state actors, including through the Freedom Online Coalition, the Internet Governance Forum, and the Community of Democracies."
1/31/2018,264,,Canada in the World,Seek leadership opportunities for Canada and Canadians in multilateral institutions.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canada and Canadians play a leading role in international organizations.,"Canada is currently seeking a non-permanent seat on the United Nations (UN) Security Council for 2020-2021 and is leading one of the four North Atlantic Treaty Organization multinational enhanced Forward Presence battlegroups in Eastern Europe. An Action Plan for international staffing will ensure that more Canadians secure positions of influence in multilateral institutions. Several Canadians have recently been appointed to senior positons in the UN and the Government is working with civil society organizations to ensure strong Canadian candidates are on the UN's roster for the position of Special Representative. For example, Canadian Kim Prost was elected to a nine year term as a judge on the International Criminal Court in December 2017."
1/31/2018,265,,Canada in the World,"Ensure that the deployment of the Armed Forces aligns with Canada's interests, our commitments and the government's policy.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,The deployment of the Canadian Armed Forces contributes to the achievement of Canada's broader international priorities.,"The Department of National Defence and Global Affairs Canada established a bi-weekly coordination mechanism to ensure greater policy coherence. The Government has also introduced new planning and policy development arrangements to ensure analysis of military deployments include foreign policy considerations and reflect broader government objectives. Approximately 1,800 Canadian Armed Forces personnel are currently deployed on 18 missions supporting Canada's international priorities."
1/31/2018,270,,Healthy Canadians,Introduce restrictions on the commercial marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,Commercial marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children is significantly reduced leading to better health outcomes for Canadian children.,"The Government launched the Healthy Eating Strategy in October 2016. The Government is working with experts and stakeholders on key issues, including the definition of unhealthy foods and drinks and possible marketing restrictions that should be pursued. During the summer of 2017, Health Canada conducted a public consultation on a proposed policy approach for restricting marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children, and published a report summarizing the comments in December 2017. Health Canada is refining its proposed approach based on feedback received during consultations."
1/31/2018,271,,Healthy Canadians,Bring in tougher regulations to eliminate trans fats and reduce salt in processed foods.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"Industrially produced trans fats are eliminated from food products; the food and restaurant industries systematically reduce sodium levels in the food supply; and consumers are better able to identify foods high in sodium, sugar and saturated fat, resulting in improved public health.","The Government launched the Healthy Eating Strategy in October 2016. As part of this Strategy, a ban on partially hydrogenated oils, the main source of industrial trans fat, was published in September 2017 and will take effect in one year. In addition, a report evaluating industry's efforts to reduce sodium levels in foods was published in January 2018. The Government will continue to work with stakeholders to identify the best ways to further reduce sodium in packaged foods."
1/31/2018,272,,Healthy Canadians,Improve food labels to give more information on added sugars and artificial dyes.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"Canadians have the information, tools and resources to make healthy food choices, improving health outcomes.","The Government launched the Healthy Eating Strategy in October 2016, with the goal of making ""the healthy choice the easy choice."" As part of this Strategy, regulatory amendments were published in December 2016 updating the requirements for nutrition information on food labels, making them easier to understand. This includes making serving sizes more consistent, new information on how to use the % Daily Value, and more information on sugars and food colours in the Nutrition Facts table and list of ingredients. The Front of Package labelling proposal will complement these changes by identifying prepackaged foods that contain high amounts of sodium, sugar and saturated fat."
1/31/2018,273,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Implement Canada's new immigration levels plans.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,"310,000 permanent residents are admitted to Canada in 2018, contributing to economic growth, family reunification and the Government's humanitarian commitments. Canada enjoys increased economic competitiveness through the attraction of global talent.","While the admissions planning range of between 280,000 and 320,000 permanent residents was achieved in 2017, preliminary data indicate that admissions fell short of the 300,000 target by less than 5%. Final admissions data for 2017 will be released in early spring.
The Government continues its commitment to family reunification and refugee resettlement. In November 2017, the Government tabled an immigration levels plan with a target of welcoming 980,000 new permanent residents over the next three years. These targets will increase the number of permanent residents selected in economic programs, while maintaining a commitment to family reunification and resettlement of refugees. The Government is reducing application backlogs, improving the speed at which applications are processed and putting a greater focus on the attraction of highly skilled global talent."
1/31/2018,274,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Ensure the delivery of high-quality settlement services for newcomers, informed by rigorous outcomes data.","Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,"Improved, high-quality settlement services for newcomers to Canada, leading to improved outcomes for immigrants and their children.","The Government is helping immigrants better prepare for a new life in Canada. Enhancements to service delivery for the settlement program are being informed by evaluation findings, pilot projects, and consultations with provincial and territorial partners and stakeholders. Potential longer-term changes to the delivery of settlement services will be informed by expanded reporting and analytic capabilities, beginning in 2017."
1/31/2018,275,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Continue to welcome refugees from Syria and elsewhere.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,"The Government continues to welcome refugees from countries around the world and offer persons fleeing conflict and/or persecution a safe haven. Between January 2015 and December 31, 2017, approximately 51,000 Syrian refugees, and close to 94,000 refugees in total, have been resettled to Canada.","Refugees welcomed to Canada include resettled persons from the Congo, Eritrea, and survivors of Daesh and their families, including Yazidi refugees. The 2018 immigration levels plan increases the target of welcoming refugees and protected persons to Canada from 40,000 to 43,000. This figure remains among the highest in Canadian history, and double the number of refugees that were welcomed in 2015 and preceding years."
1/31/2018,276,,Canada in the World,Conduct a review of the visa policy framework.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,"An evidence-based visa policy framework that promotes Canada’s economic, foreign policy and cultural interests at the same time as protecting the safety and security of all Canadians.","The Government has initiated a review of Canada's visa policy framework to ensure it uses a robust, evidence based approach when making visa decisions. The Government is also reviewing policies for managing foreign nationals transiting through Canadian airports to increase Canada's air connections with the rest of the world while prioritizing the security of Canadians. In addition, the Government facilitated the travel of low-risk travellers from Brazil, and has lifted previous visa restrictions that applied to visitors from Romania, Bulgaria and Mexico."
1/31/2018,277,,Indigenous peoples,Make changes to the Oath of Canadian Citizenship to reflect the Truth and Reconciliation's Calls to Action.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,Updated Oath of Canadian Citizenship and Citizenship Test that reflect Canadian and Indigenous history.,"The Government of Canada is currently working with national Indigenous organizations to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's recommendations to incorporate recognition of treaties with Indigenous peoples into the Oath of Canadian Citizenship, update the citizenship test to reflect and guide a more inclusive history of Indigenous peoples, and provide information on the history of residential schools for newcomers. The Government will bring forward legislation to modify the Oath. Changes to the citizenship guide are currently being drafted."
1/31/2018,278,,Exports and Investment,Advance Canada's progressive trade agenda.,Minister of International Trade,On-going commitment,"Canadian workers are protected from unfair trade practices, trade agreements maintain or improve Canadian levels of protection in key areas like employment and the environment, and Canada advances the rules-based international order and trading system.","The Government recognizes that labour unions have an important perspective to bring to trade so it is making changes to its trade remedy system to ensure that unions can participate in trade remedy proceedings. This will give a voice to workers and allow them to fully defend their interests in proceedings on unfair trade practices. Canada's new progressive trade agenda will ensure Canada's trading partners meet their international labour obligations and encourage the establishment of new mechanisms for civil society consultation and advice on labour issues. Canada will also seek enhanced environment provisions in free trade agreements. The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement includes provisions on protecting the environment, health and safety, and employment standards. The recently modernized Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement includes a chapter on trade and gender, a first for Canada and any G20 country. The Government will continue to develop and advance progressive approaches to trade through bilateral and multilateral engagement and play a leadership role in international fora. Canada's recent implementation of International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 98 in June 2017, which affirms the fundamental right to collectively bargain, is one example of this approach. Canada has now ratified all eight of the ILO Core conventions."
1/31/2018,279,,Exports and Investment,Promote trade and investment with established markets such as Japan.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"Increased two-way trade and investment with Japan, supporting well-paying, middle-class jobs.","The Government is promoting Canada-Japan trade through multilateral engagement with provinces, territories and municipalities. Visits by the Prime Minister, key ministers, and provincial premiers have showcased trade and investment potential in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, agriculture, life sciences and clean tech. In the first half of 2017, over $500 million in Japanese investment has been made in Canada, creating more than 130 jobs. Canada is working closely with Japan to explore ways to further deepen the bilateral trade and investment relationship."
1/31/2018,280,,Exports and Investment,Position Canada as a top destination for global investment and promote our economic brand.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"Canada ranks among the top developed economies in global rankings of investment competitiveness, attractiveness and brand.","The Government is encouraging global investment and promoting Canada's economic brand through the creation of the Invest in Canada Hub, which will launch later in 2018; the expansion of the Trade Commissioner Service to increase our presence in strategic markets abroad; and the acceleration of changes to the Investment Canada Act. The changes to the Act will lead to greater transparency of the guidelines used for national security reviews, and increase the threshold for review under the Act to transactions of $1 billion or greater as of 2017. The Government is also developing a comprehensive Trade and Investment Strategy which will bring forward additional measures to promote new job-creating investments in Canada. Recent global surveys continue to ranked Canada as a top place to do business. For example, the Economic Intelligence Unit has ranked Canada first in G20 for doing business over 2017-2021; KPMG has ranked Canada as the most tax competitive country in G7 with the lowest overall business costs in G7; OECD shows that Canada leads G20 in R&D spending in higher education as share of GDP with the best tax incentives in G7 and the most educated talent pool among member nations. Examples of successes to date include NOVA Chemicals (Mubadala) expansion of a new world-scale polyethylene plant in Sarnia, Ontario and Erwin Hymer’s new manufacturing facility in Cambridge, Ontario. Thomson Reuters' investment in a new technology hub and General Motors' announcement of new manufacturing capacity in Canada are just a few examples of successes to date. To date in 2017-2018, the Trade Commissioner Service has reported 65 wins representing approximately $2.7 billion and 3,000 new jobs."
1/31/2018,281,,Exports and Investment,Ensure alignment between Canada's export and innovation strategies.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"More Canadian businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, export their products and services.","
The Government launched a new Innovation and Skills Plan to: retrain Canadians for the jobs of today and tomorrow; drive investments in six high-growth sectors of the Canadian economy; and to make it easier for businesses and innovators to access the support they need. The Government will ensure that the upcoming Trade and Investment Strategy and the Innovation and Skills Plan will be aligned to: focus on free trade agreement promotion, support exporters and grow global firms by Canadian innovators and entrepreneurs, strengthen investment attraction and support a progressive trade policy agenda."
1/31/2018,282,,Exports and Investment,Implement and expand Canada's Free Trade Agreements globally.,Minister of International Trade,On-going commitment,"Free Trade Agreements increase trade and investment, creating good middle-class jobs.","The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement entered into force in September 2017. The Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement entered into force in August 2017. On January 23, 2018, the Government concluded negotiations with the ten remaining parties to the Trans-Pacific Partnership for a new agreement called the Comprehensive and Progress Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. Preparations are under way for signing of the agreement on March 8, 2018 in Santiago, Chile. The Government has entered into negotiations to modernize the North American Free Trade Agreement to reflect new realities and to integrate progressive, free, and fair approaches to trade and investment. Canada also started negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Pacific Alliance in October 2017. In addition, Canada continues to engage China on a possible FTA free trade agreement and is working with India to reinvigorate negotiations on a Canada-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement. Canada is working closely with Israel to further modernize the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement. In September 2017, Canada and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations agreed to launch exploratory discussions on the potential FTA. The amended Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement, including a chapter on trade and gender, was tabled in Parliament on October 5, 2017. Canada and MERCOSUR concluded the exploratory process for a potential FTA in November 2017."
1/31/2018,283,,Strong Middle Class,"Improve Canadian competiveness, create jobs and generate economic growth.",Minister of International Trade,On-going commitment,Trade and investment boosts Canadian economic growth.,"The Canadian economy is seeing renewed strength—nearly 440,000 more Canadians are employed today than in October 2015. The Canadian unemployment rate reached a historic low in December 2017. Annualized real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew 4.5% between in the second quarter of 2017 (July-September). From January to November 2017, Canadian merchandise exports were up 6.0% compared to the same period last year. The Government recently launched a new Innovation and Skills Plan, an ambitious agenda to make Canada a centre of innovation, create well-paying, middle class jobs, and help more Canadians adapt to the changing economy. This plan will expand opportunities for skills training, drive investments in six high-growth sectors of the Canadian economy, and make it easier for businesses and innovators to access the support they need. Through the upcoming Trade and Investment Strategy, the Government will continue to take concrete steps to improve Canadian competiveness and generate long-term economic growth."
1/31/2018,285,,Canada in the World,Maintain Canada's strong commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).,Minister of National Defence,On-going commitment,The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) remains strong and Canada is a trusted partner in the alliance.,"Canada has substantially increased its commitment to NATO by renewing the mandate for Operation REASSURANCE and becoming a Framework Nation in Latvia in support of NATO's enhanced Forward Presence. Canada has also participated in NATO activities, programs, and decision-making, including the Warsaw Heads of State and Government Summit. Outside the NATO context but in close coordination with NATO Allies, Canada has continued its support to Ukraine, including renewal of the mandate for Operation UNIFIER (a military training and capacity building mission), until March 31, 2019."
1/31/2018,286,,Safety and Security,Increase the size of the Canadian Rangers.,Minister of National Defence,Underway - on track,"The Canadian Rangers have the numbers, equipment and training needed to do their job properly.","The Government is in the final stages of determining the resource requirements to increase the capability of the Canadian Rangers. Each Canadian Ranger Patrol Group across the country has had an opportunity to provide input. Canada's new defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—commits to following up with related improvements in equipment and training."
1/31/2018,287,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Review collection of gender statistics to evaluate programs and policies.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - with challenges,"More data available from Statistics Canada, disaggregated by gender, allowing more informed decision-making.","Status of Women Canada and Statistics Canada are developing a plan to improve the availability and use of gender-disaggregated data to inform programs and policies aimed at advancing gender equality. Budgets 2016 and 2017 include many measures to increase access to gender disaggregated data, including investments in the collection of new data related to gender-based violence and the release of existing data through new reports on Women in Canada. Given the multiple data sources and the need to ensure usability of products and platforms, the development of the plan has seen delays."
1/31/2018,288,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Integrate gender-based questions and content into government consultations.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,All government consultations include gender-based questions and content.,"The Government is developing guidelines for departments to ensure all consultations incorporate gender-based questions. Collecting diverse perspectives through these consultations will allow for the assessment of how diverse groups of women, men and non-binary individuals may experience policies, programs and initiatives."
1/31/2018,289,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Host a national Gender-Based Analysis roundtable in 2018.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,"Strengthened awareness of Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+), its potential use by governments, and opportunities for improvement.",Planning for this national event is now underway.
1/31/2018,290,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Build on the first Gender-based Analysis of Budget 2017 to improve future budgets.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,Comprehensive Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) is incorporated into all future budgets improving public policy.,"The Government is continuing to improve the quality and scope of GBA+ in federal budgets. This includes consultation with experts and key stakeholders during the pre-budget consultations process and meetings with experts and leaders globally. The Government is committed to completing and publishing a gender-based analysis of budgetary measures in all future budgets, and making better and more inclusive decisions in the years ahead."
1/31/2018,291,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) is incorporated into key government reports.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,"All major government reports include Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) considerations, improving their policy recommendations.","The Government has provided guidance to departments and agencies as to where and how GBA+ should be incorporated into their Results Frameworks and Reports on Results. The Government will build on these to provide guidance to departments in incorporating GBA+ into Departmental Plans for 2018/19. Once these guidelines are complete, the Government will examine how best to extend GBA+ to other key reports. As a relatively new mandate letter commitment, it is still at the early stages of development."
1/31/2018,292,,Fair and Open Government,Modernize the Communications Policy of the Government to reflect the modern digital environment.,President of the Treasury Board,Completed - fully met,Government communications that reflect the digital environment.,"The Government of Canada has transformed the communications policy to foster more coordinated communications within and across government departments through the use of innovative methods. This policy will help ensure the Government engages in activities that are timely, clear, cost-effective, in both official languages, accessible and non-partisan. In addition, the policy will help to ensure government communications are clearly branded, both in Canada and abroad."
1/31/2018,293,,Fair and Open Government,Take a more modern approach to comptrollership.,President of the Treasury Board,Completed - fully met,Modernized cost analysis for all Government programs and legislation.,The Government has launched a renewed financial management policy in April 2017. The Treasury Board Secretariat engaged key stakeholders through information sessions and developed guidelines to help federal organizations ensure that financial resources are well managed.
1/31/2018,294,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that a fixed percentage of funds is devoted to experimenting with new approaches to challenges and measure the impact of programs.,President of the Treasury Board,Underway - on track,"Innovation and experimentation are part of routine business of government, and new models are identified that improve outcomes for Canadians.","Ethical and rigorous experimentation is central to the Government’s focus on evidence-based policy-making. By testing program options, departments can generate evidence to learn what works and inform decision-making.
The Government has directed federal agencies and departments to allocate a percentage of program funding towards experimenting with new approaches, measuring impact and delivering better results to Canadians. In December 2016, Federal Deputy Ministers were given guidance on experimentation and the use of new and innovative approaches, including user-centred design and outcomes-based funding. In April 2017, the Government provided federal departments with new structures that allow departments to distribute grants and contributions more flexibly under the Treasury Board Policy on Transfer Payments.
More recently, the Impact Canada Initiative was launched to use outcomes-based funding experiments, innovative financing approaches and new partnership models to achieve better results for Canadians. The Clerk of the Privy Council also recently endorsed the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Declaration on Public Sector innovation which calls for more experimentation within programs. The Government is also creating a new procurement initiative, Innovative Solutions Canada, to match businesses offering early stage prototypes with departments in need of new products or services.
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1/31/2018,295,,Fair and Open Government,Exercise due diligence regarding costing analysis prepared by departments for all proposed legislation and programs.,President of the Treasury Board,Underway - on track,Modernized costing informs all proposed legislation and programs.,"The Government issued new best practices for calculating program costs and commissioned a study to identify gaps in the existing costing approach, which will help inform future decisions. The Government is also undertaking a pilot project to better estimate future costing requirements for major procurement projects. This pilot project played a critical role in the development of the new defence policy: Strong, Secure, Engaged. These measures will help make sure solid costing information informs decision-making."
1/31/2018,296,,Environment and Climate Change,Restore annual federal funding for freshwater research and make new investments in Canada’s Experimental Lakes Area.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Completed - fully met,Restored annual federal funding for freshwater research and monitoring activities to keep our water safe.,"In April 2016, $197 million was committed to enhance ocean and freshwater science activities. In June 2016, the Government signed a contribution agreement with the International Institute of Sustainable Development (IISD), to support freshwater research at the Experimental Lakes Area. The Government is also conducting scientific research and monitoring activities in lakes and rivers, such as Lake Winnipeg and the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence watersheds. These measures will improve Canada's understanding of freshwater ecosystems and protect the environment we share."
1/31/2018,297,,Safety and Security,Implement a strategy against gender violence.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,"Reduced gender-based violence, greater awareness of gender-based violence and better support and services for survivors.","In June 2017, the Government launched It's Time: Canada's Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence, which takes a whole-of-government approach to gender-based violence (GBV). As part of the strategy, new programs will be established to engage youth, including men and boys, on violence prevention, and test new approaches that can be expanded to prevent GBV, child maltreatment and teen dating violence. The Government will establish a Gender-Based Violence Knowledge Centre to coordinate the collection and dissemination of better data and information, share best practices between governments and service providers, and report annually on the progress of the strategy. In 2018, Statistics Canada will launch a new national survey to collect data on GBV, the first such survey in decades. The strategy builds on other initiatives the Government has undertaken to train judges on matters relating to gender and diversity, expand access to justice for vulnerable groups, build and repair shelters and transitional housing and provide leave under the Canada Labour Code for federally regulated workers who are fleeing violence. In January 2018, the Government launched a call for concepts to test promising practices to address gaps in support for Indigenous and other underserved groups of survivors in Canada. This includes LGBTQ2 communities and people of all genders, non-status/refugee/immigrant women, seniors, women living in an official language minority community, women living in northern, rural and remote communities, and women living with a disability."
1/31/2018,298,,Jobs and Innovation,"Help small- and medium-sized enterprises grow, become more innovative and export oriented.","Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Small Business and Tourism",Underway - on track,"Double the number of high-growth firms in Canada by 2025 to create good, middle class jobs, strengthen communities, and grow the economy.","Small business owners work hard to provide Canadians with quality goods and services while also creating job opportunities that strengthen communities across the country and grow the middle class. The Government is focused on helping small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) export and grow. The Government’s Innovation and Skills Plan, introduced in Budget 2017, introduced a suite of initiatives to help Canadian innovators and entrepreneurs grow their companies. The Strategic Innovation Fund, launched in July 2017, is a $1.26 billion fund designed to help companies from across sectors of the economy access regional and global supply chains and support growth through innovation to create new, good, well-paying jobs. Innovative Solutions Canada, launched in December 2017, is a new program with over $100 million dedicated to supporting the scale up and growth of Canada’s innovators and entrepreneurs by having the federal government act as a first customer. The Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative (VCCI) will make $400 million available through the Business Development Bank of Canada to increase late-stage venture capital funding for Canadian firms looking to grow, expand and compete globally. The call for proposals for VCCI support was launched in December 2017. The Innovation Canada digital platform was launched in January 2018 and provides simplified and customized access to the business innovation support programs that are most appropriate for companies depending on their sector, stage of growth and innovation support needs. These new initiatives complement existing programs such as the Industrial Research Assistance Program and the CanExport Program."
1/31/2018,299,,Strong Middle Class,Support regional economic growth strategies.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,Governments and key stakeholders in each region of Canada work together as part of a regional economic strategy that supports good middle class jobs and creates new economic opportunities.,"The Atlantic Growth Strategy sets an ambitious vision to grow Atlantic Canada's economy by aligning resources and working across jurisdictions to maximize economic opportunities. The strategy targets joint areas of priority including: innovation, trade & investment, skills/immigration, clean growth and infrastructure. Building off of the success of the new Atlantic Growth Strategy, the Government will undertake additional regional economic development strategies across Canada. These strategies will reflect opportunities and priorities in each region of the country and be facilitated through the Government's regional development agencies over the next several years."
1/31/2018,300,,Safety and Security,"Review the criminal justice system, including sentencing reforms, to ensure it keeps us safe and it is fair.",Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,"Crime rates are reduced, the justice system has the resources it needs, and all Canadians have access to justice through a fairer system.","The Government is undertaking a review of our criminal justice system, including sentencing reforms, to ensure that it keeps Canadians safe, while also addressing the overrepresentation of vulnerable groups in our prisons, including Indigenous people and those with mental illness. Using various platforms, such as in-person meetings and online discussion fora, Canadians had an opportunity to share their views on what can be done to improve the Criminal Justice System. The public consultation closed on January 31, 2018. The final consultation report is scheduled for spring 2018. This followed a program of broad engagement with justice system partners, stakeholders from diverse perspectives and various sectors. The Government has introduced bills to provide an exception to criminal fines for low-income Canadians facing undue hardship and to address outdated provisions in the law, including through legislation to clarify and strengthen the sexual assault provisions in the Criminal Code. The Government continues to work on the use of restorative justice in criminal matters. Budget 2016 and 2017 committed funding for more judges in Superior Courts, greater support programming on judicial education, ethics and conduct, further funding for court translation in both of Canada's official languages, and more legal aid services provided in the provinces and territories, including specialized services to Indigenous people, and those with mental illness. Additional representation and services will also be offered through the Indigenous Courtwork Program for Indigenous people to help them navigate the criminal justice system."
1/31/2018,305,,Strong Middle Class,"Eliminate the $1,000 Labour Market Impact Assessment fee to hire caregivers.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Elimination of the Labour Market Impact Assessment fee to hire caregivers so those in need of assistance can meet their family caregiving responsibilities.,"Effective December 8, 2017, the Government eliminated the Labour Market Impact Assessment processing fee for families seeking to hire foreign caregivers to provide care for persons with high medical needs, and for families with an income of less than $150,000 in annual income seeking to hire foreign caregivers to provide child care. These changes will ensure that support is targeted at those most in need of assistance to meet their family caregiving responsibilities."
1/31/2018,307,,Strong Middle Class,Promote good quality jobs by developing the Global Skills Strategy.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,"Shorter processing times for employers seeking to attract highly skilled, in-demand global talent, leading to more investment and job creation in Canada.","In June 2017, as part of the Global Skills Strategy, the Government of Canada launched the new Global Talent Stream under the Temporary Foreign Worker program for a period of two years. This new Stream helps eligible companies attract highly-skilled global talent to scale up and remain globally competitive while creating good, middle class jobs in Canada. High-growth Canadian companies and global businesses making large investments in Canada can apply. Companies that apply have to demonstrate that the talent they wish to bring to Canada will provide labour market benefits for Canadians and that the position is in high-demand. They have access to an expedited review process lasting no more than a combined 20 business days from end to end, including reviews conducted by Employment and Social Development Canada and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada."
1/31/2018,308,,Government Services and Operations,Develop a strategy that aims to create a single online window for all government services.,President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Public Services and Procurement;Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - with challenges,Government of Canada services and programs are simpler and Canadians can access them more easily.,"The Government of Canada Service Strategy will be released through the Government's long-term plan to improve services to Canadians. This plan will include measures to improve service standards and create a simpler, more focused online window for services. This plan will also include targeted investments to improve specific services, which will lead to simpler and more online tax filing options; more online services from the Canadian Border Services Agency; more digital options and self-service capabilities for student loans; auto-enrollment to Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement services; shorter immigration processing times; better integration of Veterans services; improved access to Employment Insurance; and simpler, more integrated information sharing to reduce administration and red tape hindering access to business services. In keeping with its Budget 2017 commitment to use technology to better serve Canadians, the Government has also established the Canadian Digital Service (CDS). The CDS is working with departments to make it faster, simpler and easier for Canadians to access benefits and services online. Achieving integrated online government service delivery will take time due to required Government-wide IT transformation and legislative changes."
1/31/2018,309,,Government Services and Operations,Set transparent service standards for the delivery of Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,"Canadians making inquiries about Employment Insurance (EI) will receive answers more quickly, consistent with new, higher service standards.","As a result of two-year Budget 2016 investments, the EI Call Centre network significantly increased its capacity and improved its service accessibility. In May 2016, the Government launched the EI Service Quality Review (SQR). The SQR sought input from stakeholders and Canadians on ways Service Canada could improve the quality of EI services on the phone, online and in person. The final report provided ten recommendations on how to make EI service delivery more responsive to the needs of Canadians. Service Canada is using this input to review EI service standards, and is committed to complete the review by March 2018."
1/31/2018,311,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Improve the Temporary Foreign Worker Program so it meets the needs of Canadian workers and employers.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,"The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) contributes to sustained economic growth without displacing qualified Canadians, meets the needs of workers and employers and protects the vulnerable.","The Government has taken action in a number of areas to improve the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) guided, in part, by the 2016 recommendations of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons' with Disabilities study of the TFWP. Budget 2017 confirmed permanent funding for the risk-based, TFWP employer compliance inspection regime, an increase in on-site inspections in sectors with high volumes of vulnerable workers such as Primary Agriculture, and to support work with industry sectors that rely on Temporary Foreign Workers to develop comprehensive workforce development strategies in partnership with employers, organized labour and other stakeholders. To ensure that Canadians always have the first opportunity at available jobs, the Government introduced a number of changes to improve the TFWP. Changes include: ending the four year cumulative duration rule; introducing the new Global Talent Stream for high-skill to help high-growth Canadian companies attract specialized global talent that will create new jobs for Canadians; increasing the requirement of employers to recruit Canadians typically under-represented in our workforce; extending the low-wage cap for seasonal employment; increasing on-site inspections of workplaces that employ temporary foreign workers; committing to further develop pathways to permanent residency so that eligible newcomers are able to more fully contribute to Canadian society; and working with heavy users of the TFWP to create Canadian workforce development strategies in partnership with employers, organized labour and other stakeholders. The Government is collaborating with stakeholders across the country to improve migrant workers’ experience. Recently, the Government announced funding for the Migrant Workers’ Dignity Association to help migrant workers become better informed about their rights as workers in Canada through the development of workshops, information tools and other materials aimed at informing TFWs on topics such as housing, health care, access to special benefits, and other rights. The International Mobility Program compliance regime received limited, one-year funding in order to allow that system to mature and demonstrate results before taking a decision on permanent funding. The Government continues to monitor the program and look at opportunities for further improvement."
1/31/2018,312,,Fair and Open Government,Make meetings of the Board of Internal Economy open by default.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,Improved transparency in the administration of Parliament.,"The House of Commons has adopted changes to ensure that meetings of the Board of Internal Economy are open by default, meaning they will be public unless it is necessary to deal with particular items in-camera, as outlined in the Parliament of Canada Act, or the by-laws of the Board. Unanimous consent of all members present at the meeting would be required should the Board wish to hold a closed meeting on any other issue. These changes will increase parliamentary transparency for Canadians."
1/31/2018,313,,Strong Middle Class,Make post-secondary education more affordable for low and middle income families.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,Hundreds of thousands of students receive increased grant-based aid through Canada Student Grants and students are better able to manage student loan repayments upon graduation. The Government expects more low and middle income students to attend post-secondary education.,"In 2016, the Government increased Canada Student Grants (CSGs) by 50%, helping over 360,000 students from low- and middle-income families to receive up to $1,000 more per year in grants. Starting in 2017-18, new CSG thresholds were introduced, meaning that over 400,000 students from low- and middle-income families are estimated to receive up to $3,000 in non-repayable financial aid each and every year, 46,000 of whom are newly eligible for grants.
The Government also increased thresholds for the Repayment Assistance Plan so that no graduate will have to repay their Canada Student Loan until they earn at least $25,000 per year. This change has already helped about 23,000 Canadians delay their payments.
Additional measures available in 2018-19 will: increase eligibility thresholds for CSGs for students with dependent children, helping an additional 13,000 students; increase eligibility thresholds for part-time students, helping an additional 10,000 students; and introduce a three-year pilot project to reduce the financial pressures of working adults who want to go back to school."
1/31/2018,315,,Strong Middle Class,Index Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) payments to a new Seniors' Price Index.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,The cost of living for seniors is better reflected in their Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) benefits through a Seniors' Price Index.,The Government of Canada is exploring options and international best practices for a new Seniors' Price Index to make sure support for seniors reflects their needs.
1/31/2018,316,,Strong Middle Class,Cancel the increase in age of eligibility for Old Age Security (OAS) from 65 to 67.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,The age of eligibility for Old Age Security (OAS) has been returned to 65 and provides greater financial security for our most vulnerable seniors.,"The Government of Canada cancelled the planned increase in age of eligibility for Old Age Security, so that eligibility is maintained at age 65. This will help ensure they benefit from a secure and dignified retirement."
1/31/2018,317,,Strong Middle Class,Coordinate programs to support low income seniors with provinces and territories.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",On-going commitment,"Federal, provincial and territorial governments collaborate so seniors get the full benefits to which they are entitled.",The Government of Canada implemented the increase to the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and engaged with provinces and territories (PT) to ensure that low income seniors who receive PT income supplements fully benefit from the increase. The Government will continue to seek new opportunities to work together to support our most vulnerable seniors and ensure that seniors receive the full benefit of the GIS.
1/31/2018,318,,Strong Middle Class,Prioritize affordable housing and seniors' housing as part of the National Housing Strategy.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",On-going commitment,"Reduced housing need for seniors through rental support to reduce the cost of housing and enable seniors to age in place, and increased supply of affordable housing units specifically targeted towards seniors.","On November 22, 2017 the Government announced a 10-year, $40 billion National Housing Strategy that will help reduce homelessness and improve the availability and quality of housing for Canadians in need. This Strategy is part of a long-term vision to strengthen the middle class and provide affordable housing to Canadians, and lift more Canadians out of poverty. The strategy sets clear goals to remove 530,000 Canadians from housing need and reduce chronic homelessness, prioritizing the most vulnerable Canadians including seniors.
Budget 2016 provided investments of $200.7 million over two years to increase affordable housing for seniors and improve their housing conditions, to be delivered by provinces and territories through the Investment in Affordable Housing. The National Housing Strategy re-establishes the federal government as a leader in the area of affordable housing. Working in collaboration with provinces, territories and local communities, the Strategy will leverage significant new capacity to build, repair and renew affordable housing across the country. As part of the Strategy, the new National Housing Co-Investment Fund will prioritize projects that have the greatest impact on communities and vulnerable populations, including seniors. As a result of these investments, at least 12,000 new affordable units will be created for seniors.
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1/31/2018,319,,Strong Middle Class,Provide support to maintain rent-geared-to-income subsidies in existing social housing.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Affordable housing remains accessible to Canadians who need it during the transition through the expiry of current operating agreements.,"Community housing has been the backbone of Canada’s response to housing challenges for more than 60 years and provides an affordable place to live for thousands of Canadians. Federal investments have supported the creation of community housing for low- and modest-income families and individuals. About 80% of all community housing is administered by the provinces and territories. As long-term social housing operating agreements expire, the Government will renew its investments in provinces and territories to protect low-income households and stabilize the operations of housing providers. The Government is deeply committed to ensuring that Canada’s existing community housing stock remains affordable and in good repair well into the future.
On November 22, 2017 the Government announced a 10-year, $40 billion National Housing Strategy that will help reduce homelessness and improve the availability and quality of housing for Canadians in need. This Strategy is part of a long-term vision to strengthen the middle class and provide affordable housing to Canadians, and lift more Canadians out of poverty. The strategy sets clear goals to remove 530,000 Canadians from housing need and reduce chronic homelessness, prioritizing the most vulnerable Canadians including seniors.
As part of the National Housing Strategy, the Government will support the provinces and territories as they protect and build a sustainable community-based housing sector, through a $4.3-billion Canada Community Housing Initiative. Additionally, to protect tenants living in federally administered community housing as operating agreements expire and to stabilize the operations of housing providers, the federal government will implement a new 10-year, $500-million Federal Community Housing Initiative. This initiative will put in place new operating agreements as old social housing operating agreements expire. As a result of these investments, 385,000 households will be protected from losing an affordable home."
1/31/2018,320,,Strong Middle Class,Invest in Housing First to reduce homelessness.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Chronic and episodic homelessness is reduced by as much as 50% compared to current levels.,"On November 22, 2017 the Government announced a 10-year, $40 billion National Housing Strategy that will help reduce homelessness and improve the availability and quality of housing for Canadians in need. This Strategy is part of a long-term vision to strengthen the middle class and provide affordable housing to Canadians, and lift more Canadians out of poverty. The strategy sets clear goals to remove 530,000 Canadians from housing need and reduce chronic homelessness, and to reduce chronic homelessness by half.
As part of the National Housing Strategy, the Government announced a total investment of $2.2 billion for homelessness over 10 years, building on Budget 2016 funding of $111.8 million over two years (2016-2017 and 2017-2018). By 2021-22, this will nearly double the investments made in 2015-16. These increased investment levels are expected to reduce the number of Canadians who are chronically or episodically homeless by as much as 50% compared to current levels. The Government has also been consulting with stakeholders, provinces, territories and Indigenous partners to redesign the program. These consultations are guided by the work of an Advisory Committee launched on June 22, 2017 and chaired by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. As part of the engagement process, an online consultation inviting Canadians to share their ideas on how to prevent and reduce homelessness took place and closed on September 15, 2017. A What We Heard report is expected to be made public in spring 2018. A redesigned federal response to homelessness will be implemented starting April 1, 2019."
1/31/2018,321,,Strong Middle Class,Remove all GST on new capital investments in affordable rental housing.,"Minister of Finance;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Not being pursued,See below,"All Canadians should have a safe and affordable place to call home. The Government concluded, based on research and evidence, that there were more effective ways of encouraging the construction of affordable rental housing. Budget 2016 introduced a targeted approach to stimulate the construction of affordable rental housing by providing funding to establish an Affordable Rental Housing Innovation Fund and a Rental Construction Financing Initiative. The Financing Initiative will offer more than $2.5 billion in low-cost loans to support the construction of new rental housing. Budget 2017 announced the investment of more than $11.2 billion over 11 years in various initiatives that will help build, renew and repair Canada’s affordable housing and make sure Canadians have affordable housing that meets their needs. The National Housing Strategy, launched on November 22, 2017, includes additional measures to stimulate the construction of affordable rental housing.
Through the National Housing Strategy, the federal government is re-engaging in affordable housing by investing in the growth of livable communities and the resilience of the community housing sector. To ensure existing rental housing is not lost to disrepair and to develop new, high-performing affordable housing integrated with supports and services, the federal government is creating a $15.9-billion federally managed National Housing Co-Investment Fund. The National Housing Co-Investment Fund alone is expected to create up to 60,000 new units of housing and repair up to 240,000 units of existing affordable and community housing. The Fund will consist of nearly $4.7 billion in financial contributions and $11.2 billion in low interest loans. The Government’s recently announced Rental Construction Financing Initiative will be integrated into the National Housing Co-Investment Fund, as will the Government’s recently created Affordable Rental Innovation Fund. Applications for the National Housing Co-Investment Fund will be accepted starting April 1, 2018."
1/31/2018,322,,Strong Middle Class,Modernize the Home Buyers' Plan.,"Minister of Finance;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - with challenges,Canadians impacted by a sudden and significant life change are better able to manage the costs of finding a home or relocating.,"In considering this proposal, the Government is examining how best to balance support for Canadians who have had a change of circumstance, such as a divorce or a change in employment, with the need to preserve and maintain retirement savings (e.g. Registered Retirement Savings Plans). To date, the Government has made other changes to provide greater legal support for families facing divorce and training programs to help Canadians transitioning between jobs. The Government has also taken a number of steps to ensure Canada has a regulated and stable housing market, including: improving mortgage financing rules, creating the Affordable Housing Innovation Fund and Rental Construction Financing Initiative, and investing $11.2 billion over the next 11 years to help build, repair and maintain affordable housing across Canada. These measures will help address the challenges of housing affordability faced by Canadians in many large urban centres, encourage the creation of new rental housing construction and re-establish a long-term federal role in housing."
1/31/2018,324,,Strong Middle Class,Identify available federal lands that could be repurposed for affordable housing.,"Minister of Public Services and Procurement;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Increased available land to build new affordable housing and increased housing supply where it is needed.,"In the past year, the Government has conducted an inventory of surplus lands and buildings to identify those that could be repurposed for affordable housing. As part of the National Housing Strategy, under the National Housing Co-Investment Fund, the Government will combine contributions and loans with the transfer of federal lands to community and affordable housing providers. Over the next 10 years, up to $200 million in federal lands will be transferred to housing providers to encourage the development of sustainable, accessible, mixed-income, mixed-use developments and communities. Starting in 2018-19, this initiative will also provide funding for renovations or retrofits and environmental remediation to ensure surplus federal buildings are suitable for use as housing."
1/31/2018,325,,Strong Middle Class,Review prices in high-priced housing markets and consider all policy tools that could keep home ownership within reach for more Canadians.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Federal policy tools are employed to help keep home ownership within reach for more Canadians.,"The Government has completed the first phase of the analysis of factors impacting house prices, including identifying important data gaps and strategies to reduce these gaps, as well as consultations with a number of industry, academic, provincial and municipal government stakeholders. The second phase, which includes additional data collection, deeper analysis and continued consultations, is underway and is expected to be completed early in 2018."
1/31/2018,326,,Strong Middle Class,Bring forward a proposal to prevent mortgage fraud.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Mortgage fraud is reduced.,"Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has developed an Action Plan with measures to mitigate and prevent mortgage fraud, and is engaging industry stakeholders to implement the plan.
As of January 1, 2018, CMHC has joined the Citadel fraud management consortium operated by Equifax. CMHC will participate in the Competition Bureau’s Fraud Prevention Month program with announcements on fraud prevention activities and efforts to raise public awareness of issues related to mortgage fraud. CMHC is also co-sponsoring a fraud prevention conference in Quebec City, hosted by École nationale d’administration publique (ENAC), in September 2018."
1/31/2018,327,,Strong Middle Class,Use the best data available to make decisions on housing.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",On-going commitment,Better data and understanding of the housing market to inform policy decisions so that the Government can help Canadians secure good housing.,"The Government is developing a new Housing Statistics Framework that will be administered by Statistics Canada, and is investing to improve data collection and analytics through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). These investments will help track progress on the National Housing Strategy, better support informed policy decisions, and build on the reintroduction of the mandatory long-form census for 2016, which provides for more accurate collection of data on key things like housing."
1/31/2018,328,,Strong Middle Class,Raise taxes on the top 1% of earners.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,A fairer tax system where the richest pay their share.,"On December 7, 2015, the Government of Canada announced it would create a new top personal income tax rate of 33% for individual taxable incomes above $200,000, effective January 1, 2016 (increased from 29%). The Government continues to explore other measures to ensure tax fairness."
1/31/2018,329,,Fair and Open Government,Repeal elements of the Fair Elections Act which make it harder for Canadians to vote.,Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - on track,Barriers are reduced to electoral participation for all Canadians and there is greater integrity in the electoral process.,"In November 2016, the Government of Canada introduced legislation to increase voter participation, improve the integrity of the electoral system, and repeal provisions in the previous Fair Elections Act that made it harder for Canadians to vote. The changes to the legislation reinstate the Voter Information Card as authorized identification (ID), restore vouching for those without proper ID, expand voting rights to more than 1 million Canadians living abroad, expand the Chief Electoral Officer’s ability to educate Canadians to improve civic literacy and knowledge and help future young voters participate in the electoral process by pre-registering youth aged 14-17 so they can more easily vote when they turn 18."
1/31/2018,330,,Fair and Open Government,Conduct a review of government spending to reduce poorly targeted and inefficient programs.,President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Finance,Underway - on track,Programs are effective and deliver measurable results for Canadians.,"Building on reviews undertaken in 2016, the Government of Canada, as part of Budget 2017, launched reviews of three federal organizations: the Canada Border Services Agency, the Canada School of Public Service, and Health Canada, with a view to ensuring that departmental spending is aligned with priorities and delivers results. Budget 2017 also announced two horizontal reviews. The first review, which is being finalized, focuses on business innovation and clean technology programs across government. The second horizontal review focuses on fixed assets across government. This is being conducted in phases and is expected to be completed in 2019-20."
1/31/2018,331,,Strong Middle Class,Provide more flexible parental leave.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Parents who want to spend more time at home with their children have the option of doing so with protected Employment Insurance parental benefits.,"With Budget 2017, the Government of Canada created more flexible maternity and parental leave benefits. The changes allow parents to spread their parental benefit over a longer period of time (18 months), and give mothers the option to begin receiving Employment Insurance maternity benefits up to 12 weeks before their due date – up from eight weeks. The changes took effect December 3rd and give parents more support to spend time with their kids."
1/31/2018,332,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure the successful integration of refugees into Canadian society.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,Improved social and economic outcomes for refugees.,"The Government is currently studying how to deliver language training and employment services in a better, more collaborative way, as well as test innovative approaches, to improve the participation of newcomers in social, cultural, civic, and economic life in Canada."
1/31/2018,334,,Healthy Canadians,Ensure safety and non-discrimination in blood donation policies.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"An evidence-based, safe and non-discriminatory approach to ensuring an adequate blood supply.","A safe and effective blood system is a cornerstone of health care delivery. In June 2016, Health Canada (HC) approved a request from Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec to reduce the blood donation ineligibility period for men who have sex with men (MSM) from five years to one year. This change was based on scientific evidence brought forward by the blood operators and brought Canada in line with other global regulators, such as the United States, France, Australia and the Netherlands. At the same time, the Government of Canada provided $3 million to Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec to conduct behavioural research and organize an international seminar. In 2017, a research competition was completed which resulted in funding eleven research projects, which will inform further changes that could be undertaken to implement an evidence-based, safe and non-discriminatory approach to MSM donations."
1/31/2018,335,,Healthy Canadians,Facilitate collaboration on an organ and tissue donation and transplant system that gives Canadians timely access to care.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,An increase in the supply of organs and tissue available so that Canadians get timely and effective access to care.,"Since April 2008, the Government has worked collaboratively with provinces and territories to improve the Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplant system in Canada. This includes better collaboration, public education and use of best practices to increase donations and ultimately an increase in the supply of organs and tissue so that Canadians are able to access them when needed.
According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, a total of 2,835 lifesaving transplants were performed in Canada (including Quebec) in 2016, a 32% increase since 2007. Over the last 10 years, the rate of deceased donation has increased 42% but the rate of living donation has decreased 11%. There were 4,500 patients on organ waitlists at the end of 2016, and 260 patients died in 2016 while waiting for a transplant."
1/31/2018,336,,Healthy Canadians,"Ensure Canada's response to the current opioid crisis is robust, well-coordinated and effective.",Minister of Health,Underway - with challenges,"Federal opioid response is evidence-based, collaborative and comprehensive, and the harm caused by opioid use—including overdoses and accidental deaths—is reduced.","Opioid addiction and overdose is currently a crisis in Canada, causing devastation to individuals, families and communities. The Government of Canada is deeply concerned about the growing number of opioid-related overdoses and deaths and is committed to taking strong action. Despite early efforts, evidence suggests that the opioid crisis is intensifying and spreading.
The federal government is working with all partners to confront this crisis and develop a pan-Canadian response. On November 19, 2016, a Joint Statement of Action to Address the Opioid Crisis was announced and included key actions by the federal health portfolio, provincial/territorial governments and national health organizations. Federal Government actions include coordinating the opioid response with provincial and territorial counterparts through the Special Advisory Committee on the Epidemic of Opioid Overdoses and the Problematic Substance Use and Harms Committee. Budget 2017 committed $100 million over five years to support the federal response to the crisis focused in four areas: public education, harm reduction, addiction treatment and counselling, and law enforcement.
The Government of Canada also regularly engages non-government partners, including people who use drugs and people with lived and living experience, through regular multisector discussions, Ministerial roundtables, consultations, working meetings, and other mechanisms. Federal efforts are focused on working with provinces and territories to increase access to treatment, supporting innovative approaches to address the crisis, and addressing stigma related to opioid use. The Government is also working towards finding new approaches to reduce opioid-related deaths and prevent future tragedies. An Impact Canada Challenge is currently being designed to encourage the development of opioid detection and testing technologies to better protect first responders and help reduce harm to those who use drugs."
1/31/2018,337,,Healthy Canadians,Ensure Canada has a solid surveillance system for monitoring and reporting overdoses and deaths related to opioids.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,Effective monitoring and reporting of overdoses and deaths related to opioids.,"The Government is committed to releasing updated data on a quarterly basis, in collaboration with provinces and territories. The Government is also working with provinces and territories to collect additional data on opioid use and harms. In December 2017, the Government issued its third national release of data on apparent opioid-related deaths."
1/31/2018,338,,Healthy Canadians,Review Canada's framework for dealing with public health emergencies.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"Public health emergencies and events are prevented, detected, and responded to effectively","The Public Health Agency of Canada is working with Health Portfolio partners and Public Safety Canada to assess its processes, mechanisms and tools to ensure timely and effective response to ?public health emergencies."
1/31/2018,339,,Healthy Canadians,"Curb opioid misuse by introducing prescribing guidelines, tracking prescriptions at the patient level, and increasing transparency in marketing and promotion of therapies.",Minister of Health,Underway - with challenges,"A reduction in inappropriate prescription of opioids, improved tracking of prescriptions, and better management of transitions where opioids are no longer required so as to reduce opioid dependency.","The Government is working with provinces, territories, and partners to address prescribing practices and prescription monitoring in Canada. The Canadian Institutes of Health Research is funding the Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse to develop a national guideline for medication-assisted treatment of opioid use disorder. The Government is collaborating with provinces and territories through the Problematic Substance Use and Harms Committee to share lessons learned and best practices in prescription monitoring.
In January 2018, Health Canada hosted a working session with provinces and territories to develop national standards for prescription monitoring programs. The Government is also exploring options to increase transparency in the marketing of therapies, and will be engaging with provinces and territories and other stakeholders in the coming months."
1/31/2018,340,,Healthy Canadians,Ensure communities can introduce effective opioid treatments and programs.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,Canadians have access to community-based opioid treatments and programs that are effective in reducing harm.,"Treatment is the key to moving people from using drugs to recovery. The federal government has used its regulatory powers to make naloxone more widely available and to expedite approval of the nasal spray version. Further, the Government published regulations allowing the import of drugs for opioid use disorder treatments not yet approved in Canada. In fall 2017, the Government consulted on other potential regulatory barriers to accessing treatment, such as the unique regulatory requirements currently imposed on methadone and diacetylmorphine-assisted treatment, and is determining a path forward."
1/31/2018,341,,Healthy Canadians,Promote the Canada Health Act to make absolutely clear that extra-billings and user fees are illegal and reporting is improved.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"Canadians have access to publicly funded health care, without financial barriers at point of service.","Progress is being made on this commitment. The Government of Canada is engaging with provinces and territories where patients are inappropriately charged for publicly insured services. A comprehensive approach to administering the Canada Health Act has been developed and will be implemented in the coming months.
Canadians pay for their health care through their taxes and should not have to pay again when they need care because of illness or injury. Patient charges, if left unchecked, have the potential to create a two-tiered system in which access is based on the ability and willingness to pay."
1/31/2018,342,,Healthy Canadians,Develop a new self-governed approach to delivering health services to Indigenous peoples and reduce health inequities between Indigenous peoples and non-Indigenous Canadians.,Minister of Health;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs;Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - on track,"New co-developed approaches to Indigenous health services that will be client-centred, culturally relevant and sustainable, resulting in healthier children, families and improved community wellness.","The Government is in the process of formally creating a new Department of Indigenous Services to focus on improving service delivery to Indigenous Canadians. This new department includes the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch.
Budget 2017 is investing an additional $828 Million over 5 years (starting in 2017-18) to improve a range of health outcomes. The Government is currently working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis to co-develop distinctions-based approaches to the delivery of health care. The Government's goal is to support capacity building in Indigenous communities so that they are able to manage their own health services.
First Nations are leading processes (in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec) to develop models for self-determination in health service-delivery. In addition to the ongoing implementation of the historic British Colombia Tripartite Framework Agreement, which transferred operational control of health programs and services to the British Columbia First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), the Government is also facilitating a dialogue with the FNHA on how they might address the wider social determinants of health (initial focus on mental wellness and addictions)."
1/31/2018,343,,Government Services and Operations,Help Veterans gain skills to successfully transition to the civilian workforce.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,"More Veterans, Canadian Armed Forces members, and their spouses/common-law partners successfully transition to the civilian labour market. The Government hires more veterans into meaningful work.","As of April 2018, eligible Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans, survivors and their spouses/common-law partners will be able to apply for a new, modernized set of career transition services, delivered consistently across Canada. Services will be delivered by qualified career support professionals who understand military life and culture. Career and transition services will also continue to be available throughout a person's post service working life, meaning they can get help when and where needed.
The Government of Canada provides access to hiring opportunities in the public service for certain serving and former members of the Canadian Armed Forces who are released for medical reasons. Priority for public service jobs is given to these member over all other individuals."
1/31/2018,344,,Government Services and Operations,"Implement the Caregiver Recognition Benefit, paid directly to Veterans' caregivers.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,Increased recognition and support for caregivers of ill and injured Veterans so that Veterans get better care.,"The Government of Canada introduced the new Caregiver Recognition Benefit, replacing the Family Caregiver Relief Benefit. This new benefit will provide a generous non-taxable $1,000 monthly benefit payable directly to caregivers of Veterans to better recognize and honour the vital role they play in supporting CAF members and Veterans."
1/31/2018,345,,Government Services and Operations,Implement the new Veteran Emergency Fund and Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,Improve the quality of life of Veterans and their families.,"Announced in Budget 2017, the Veterans Emergency Fund will provide funds ($13.9 million over 4 years beginning April 1, 2018) to assist Veterans and their families during times of crisis or when facing emergency financial situations that threaten their health and well-being. The Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund ($3.5 million a year ongoing) will provide funding to organizations to conduct research, develop and implement innovative programs that improve the quality of life of Veterans and their families."
1/31/2018,346,,Government Services and Operations,"Streamline the suite of benefits, improve transparency and communications, and improve the experience of Veterans as their needs change throughout their lives.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,"A streamlined, client-centric process that is easier to navigate, provides timely service and helps Veterans transition to civilian life.","Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) is streamlining its suite of benefits with the goal of reducing overlap and administrative burden to ensure a positive client experience for Veterans both as they transition to civilian life and as their needs change throughout their lives. A three-year communications and outreach strategy was launched to ensure that Veterans and their families are well-informed of the range of supports and services available to them. On December 20, 2017, the Government announced its Pension for Life plan, which will consolidate six existing income support programs into a single financial benefit – the Income Replacement Benefit (IRB) - to simplify and streamline access to VAC programs and services. Specifically, the new IRB will replace the Earnings Loss Benefit; Extended Earnings Loss Benefit, Retirement Income Security Benefit, Supplementary Retirement Benefit, the Career Impact Allowance and Career Impact Allowance Supplement. This will reduce the burden on the Veteran and their Caregivers as there will be one application form where there used to be six."
1/31/2018,347,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure public servants are paid accurately and promptly.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - with challenges,Public servants are paid in a timely manner and without errors.,"
The ongoing public service pay problems are unacceptable, creating emotional and financial hardships, as well as unnecessary stress for many employees and their families.
The Government of Canada will ensure that employees receive timely and accurate pay and benefits, and we are working hard to resolve issues as quickly as possible, but there are no quick fixes. We are committed to doing better.
The Clerk of the Privy Council Office instructed Deputy Ministers to take a personal interest in seeing that employees are paid accurately and on time. Employees should not feel that they are facing these difficulties alone.
Measures to stabilize the pay system have been developed and are being tracked, which have been informed by recommendations from the Office of Auditor General of Canada as well as the Standing Committee on Public Accounts. Progress will be reported regularly through a monthly, publically available Dashboard, a Pay Bulletin and other online content, ensuring ongoing transparency and accountability."
1/31/2018,348,,Fair and Open Government,Increase the diversity of bidders on government contracts.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,"The diversity of bidders and contractors will increase, including participation by businesses owned by women and Indigenous peoples.","The Government has held 853 outreach events across Canada (April-Sept 2017), including 5,800 individuals belonging to under-represented communities (for instance, Indigenous peoples) to promote how to do business with the Government of Canada. The diversity of bidders and contractors is expected to increase, including looking to accessibility participation by businesses owned by women and Indigenous peoples."
1/31/2018,349,,Fair and Open Government,"Develop better tools to hold contractors accountable, particularly in large scale procurements.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,"Suppliers will be accountable for their contractual performance, which is expected to improve procurement results.","Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) created a Supplier Relationships and Performance Management Office.
Shared Services Canada (SSC) created a vendor management office to oversee the commercial relationships with large contractors to favour a positive working relationship and hold them accountable if there is poor performance.
PSPC has conducted an extensive environmental scan of existing vendor performance management practices in Canada and abroad to establish a baseline of best practices. PSPC is developing a draft suite of policy instruments that aligns with the best practices and expects to consult with key stakeholders, including Government of Canada departments and agencies and industry within the coming months.
PSPC is leading the development of a Government-wide approach to vendor performance management. PSPC is developing the initiative in close collaboration and consultation with representatives from central departments and agencies, including SSC and the largest Government of Canada purchasers.
SSC is developing a vendor performance program that aligns with the broader PSPC initiative. SSC has also created a vendor management office responsible for managing the overall strategic relationship with key vendors."
1/31/2018,350,,Fair and Open Government,"Publish clear metrics on the competitiveness, cost and timeliness of procurement.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,The Government of Canada will make more informed contract decisions based on feedback obtained from comprehensive data and sampling of procurement activities and surveys.,"
Metrics on competitiveness, cost and timeliness are published in the annual Departmental Plans and Departmental Results Reports, as well as in Our Services, Standards and Results. The Government has developed a data strategy to increase the number of metrics available to clients, suppliers and Canadians, including competitiveness, cost and timeliness"
1/31/2018,351,,Fair and Open Government,Make more government data available to vendors participating in procurement bidding to encourage better bids.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,Vendors and government decision makers have access to modern analytics to better understand Government of Canada procurement. This will help vendors decide when and how to compete in order to encourage more and better bids.,The Government is developing a data strategy to improve the contract data provided to suppliers and decision makers. It is expected that the Government will begin the implementation of the strategy in summer 2018.
1/31/2018,352,,Fair and Open Government,Ensure prompt payment of contractors and sub-contractors.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,Barriers to accessing government contracts are reduced and small and medium enterprises require less working capital (cash flow) to do business with the Government of Canada because they get paid more quickly for work they've done.,"The Government is looking at options for paying invoices for original contracts valued at under $100,000 within a shorter timeframe than the current 30 days. This will mean that small and medium-sized enterprises will require less working capital (cash flow) to do business with the Government. This initiative will also remove barriers to accessing government contracts."
1/31/2018,353,,Government Services and Operations,"Improve the delivery of information technology within the Government, including the renewal of Shared Services Canada.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,"An agile, reliable and secure information technology platform to support the delivery of digital services to Canadians.","Shared Services Canada has completed broad-based consultations with industry, Canadians and federal departments on the best approaches for managing the Government of Canada's information technology assets and services. The Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat has also released the independent review of Shared Services Canada commissioned from Gartner Canada Co. Results of the review and feedback from the consultations are informing the way forward for information technology that enables the digital delivery of Government of Canada programs and services, including a new governance structure under the Government of Canada Chief Information Officer to help set direction and priorities across government."
1/31/2018,354,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure the timely and orderly transition of Parliamentary operations during the renewal of the Parliamentary precinct.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,"The Government of Canada is restoring and modernizing the Parliamentary Precinct for current and future generations of Canadians, and to provide Parliament with the accommodations it needs to operate effectively and safely in a modern, connected and sustainable world. ","The transition of parliamentary operations from the Centre Block and the start of its major restoration is a major milestone in this effort. The Government has completed the restoration of the 180 Wellington building in 2016 and is poised to complete the West Block, Visitor Welcome Centre and Government Conference Centre in the next several months to enable a smooth transition of Parliamentary operations in Fall 2018, enabling the restoration of the Centre Block to begin.
A new Deputy Minister oversight committee has been established for the move from Centre to West Block. Membership includes Public Services and Procurement Canada, the House of Commons, the Senate, the Library of Parliament, Protective Services, the RCMP and the National Security Advisor. As well, a task team has been established at PCO that will coordinate the move."
1/31/2018,355,,Indigenous peoples,Develop a vision for a national space for Indigenous peoples at 100 Wellington.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs;Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,"100 Wellington will provide a concrete marker of the importance of Indigenous peoples to this country's past, present, and future. Its location and close proximity to Parliament Hill will facilitate and promote ongoing dialogue and partnership with the Government in advancing the priorities that matter most to Indigenous peoples.","On June 21, 2017, the Government announced that a new space for Indigenous peoples will be established at 100 Wellington Street in the National Capital Region that reflects the vision of Indigenous peoples and the spirit of reconciliation. To advance this project, an interim working group has been established with representatives from the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the Métis National Council and the Government of Canada to recommend next steps to ensure 100 Wellington becomes an inclusive space. Next steps will include identifying the process for comprehensive engagement to ensure that Indigenous peoples shape the future use of the building and are full partners in leading the project."
1/31/2018,356,,Government Services and Operations,"Enhance the quality and capacity of services provided by the Translation Bureau, and promote the economic vitality of Canada's translation and interpretation community.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,The Government of Canada has access to high quality linguistic services that enable it to operate and to serve Canadians in both official languages.,"In October 2017, the Government hired a Chief Quality Officer at the Translation Bureau to structure all of the Bureau’s quality initiatives. It will hire over 50 students at the Translation Bureau per year over the next 5 years to train the next generation of language specialists. In 2017-2018, more than 100 students were hired. To promote the economic vitality of Canada's translation and interpretation community, the Government has created a new panel to improve collaboration with the interpretation industry and facilitate the implementation of a new procurement tool for conference interpretation. In order to reposition the Translation Bureau as a centre of excellence, the Government is now implementing a new vision which includes various projects that seek to improve quality of services, strengthen relationships with professional associations, universities and clients, ensure effective resource management and planning and guarantee that linguistic tools meet the needs of employees.
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1/31/2018,357,,Jobs and Innovation,Develop the vision for the new federal science infrastructure.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,A modern science infrastructure that fosters collaboration to achieve policy goals and protects the safety and security and health of Canadians.,"The Government committed to developing a new federal infrastructure strategy, review existing investments in federal science infrastructure, and provide a roadmap for future investments. The strategy will offer a more integrated and effective approach to federal labs, information technology and human resources to ensure that federal scientists have access to work class infrastructure, equipment and computer networks to produce the best results for Canadians."
1/31/2018,358,,Jobs and Innovation,Use work on accessibility as a catalyst for new ideas and business strategies through technology and design.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Underway - on track,Canadians with disabilities are participating more in the digital economy with the help of assistive and adaptive digital devices and technologies.,"The Accessible Technology Program will help fill the gap in support for the development of assistive and adaptive digital devices and technologies that enable persons with disabilities to fully participate in society. It will help remove barriers to Internet access and other digital services for Canadians with disabilities, will help them gain the digital skills they need for good jobs, and enable them to fully participate in the digital economy."
1/31/2018,359,,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Monitor federal allocations to improve public transit accessibility, and create reporting obligations on these expenditures.",Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Underway - on track,"Improved reliability, efficiency, safety and accessibility of public transit systems in Canada.","Canadian cities have been growing at a rapid rate, but investment in public transit has not kept pace and investments have not always considered accessibility issues. To improve public transit systems across Canada and make them more accessible, Budget 2016 announced immediate federal investments of up to $3.4 billion in public transit, starting in 2016–17 to be provided through a new Public Transit Infrastructure Fund. These investments are helping to improve commutes, cut air pollution, strengthen communities and grow Canada's economy. Public Transit Infrastructure funding is being provided to support the rehabilitation of public transit systems, the planning of future system improvements and expansions, enhanced asset management, and system optimization and modernization."
1/31/2018,360,,Indigenous peoples,Promote culturally relevant sport for Indigenous youth.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities;Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - on track,Increased and sustained participation of Indigenous children and youth in culturally relevant sport programming.,"In 2017-18, approximately $4.85 million was provided to eleven national organizations to pilot physical activity and sport projects in 61 First Nation communities across the country. At present, 6,145 First Nation students, 595 parents/community members, 364 on reserve teachers, and 212 Elders are participating in the ongoing pilot projects. All pilots are ongoing until March 31, 2018, and each organization will submit a final project report in May, 2018. The most successful programs will be identified with the goal of increasing Indigenous participation in culturally relevant sports and recreation and to improve the health and well-being of Indigenous communities through sport participation.
The Government has been working with the Aboriginal Sport Circle to promote culturally relevant sport programming in Indigenous communities and has supported the North American Indigenous Games in Toronto from July 16 to 23, 2017. It is now working to establish stable, ongoing funding for this largest youth sporting and cultural gathering of Indigenous peoples in North America.
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1/31/2018,361,,Healthy Canadians,Better support Canadian athletes through the Athlete Assistance Program.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Underway - on track,High-performance Canadian athletes are better able to focus on training for world class performances due to greater financial support.,"The Government committed to investing an additional $25 million over 5 years through Budget 2017, with $5 million per year ongoing, to the Athlete Assistance Program. This investment represents an 18 percent increase over existing funding levels. New investments will be distributed in the following way: $4.25 million for the living and training allowance, $250,000 for tuition support and $500,000 for supplementary support. This new investment will directly assist approximately 1,900 athletes across Canada and enable them to continue to combine their sport and academic or working careers while training intensively in pursuit of world-class performance."
1/31/2018,362,,Indigenous peoples,"Dissolve Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, and create a new Department of Indigenous Services and a new Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs to better serve Indigenous peoples.",Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs;Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - on track,"Improved delivery and quality of day-to-day services for First Nations, Inuit and Métis. An improved nation-to-nation relationship and greater self-determination for Indigenous peoples who rightfully want and need to control service delivery for their own people.","The Government of Canada announced the creation of the Department of Indigenous Services Canada in early December 2017. The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs has been mandated to lead consultations on the structure of two new departments.
A national engagement strategy being led by the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs is being undertaken which will inform the introduction of legislation concerning the formal establishment of the two new departments.
On January 23, 2018, the Minister of Indigenous Services presented some of the priorities of the new department, including quality education, children and families together, reliable infrastructure, a new fiscal relationship and improved health outcomes."
1/31/2018,363,,Indigenous peoples,"Lead a whole-of-government approach to renew the nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relationship with Indigenous people.",Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,"A renewed relationship with Indigenous peoples based on co-developed policies that support strong and effective nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relationships that consider and respond to the unique realities of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.","Three permanent bilateral mechanisms have been created, with the Prime Minister, the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and the Métis National Council, to jointly set priorities and oversee outcomes. On February 9, 2017, the Prime Minister and Inuit leaders signed a declaration to create the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee, demonstrating the shared commitment to a renewed Inuit-Crown relationship between Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Government of Canada. The first Métis Nation-Crown Summit took place on April 13, 2017, where the Prime Minister and the President of the Métis National Council and its Governing Members signed the Canada-Métis Nation Accord. On June 12, 2017, the Prime Minister and the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations signed a Memorandum of Understanding during the first Assembly of First Nations-Crown meeting. Over the past year, regular meetings at the Ministerial and senior official level have helped guide the substantive work underway in the co-developed joint priorities. As progress continues on the joint priorities, preparations are ongoing to plan the second annual meetings between the Prime Minister and leaders of the National Indigenous Organizations.
A successful Canada-Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations Forum, chaired by the Prime Minister and attended by 23 Indigenous Leaders was held on November 1, 2017. At this historic Forum, the Prime Minister committed to holding an annual Forum to discuss progress.
Through Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions, the Government is working with Indigenous people to co-develop mandates and policies that better address their needs and priorities. These discussions also provide a forum for the Government to support the reconstitution of Indigenous nations, as well as self-determination and self-government. Over 50 of these discussions are underway with Indigenous communities, representing 323 communities and a population of approximately 600,000 people."
1/31/2018,364,,Indigenous peoples,Include Indigenous representatives in a meaningful way in Canada's federal-provincial-territorial dialogues.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - with challenges,A consensus based approach to meaningful and collaborative engagement with Indigenous representatives in federal-provincial-territorial dialogues.,"Indigenous organizations and stakeholders have been active participants in ongoing federal-provincial-territorial (FPT) dialogues in policy areas that matter most to Indigenous peoples. In October 2017, national Indigenous organizations met with First Ministers to discuss measures to promote the inclusion of Indigenous peoples in an economic growth agenda and the connection to the broader reconciliation agenda. Most recently, Indigenous leaders and stakeholders met with FPT Ministers responsible for Family and Child Services to discuss a plan for addressing the critical challenges being faced regarding Indigenous children in care. Throughout 2017, Indigenous organizations, leaders, and stakeholders have been actively involved in FPT meetings and have played a key role in identifying priorities and shaping the path forward in a number of areas, including justice and public safety, health, culture and heritage, sport and recreation, and early learning and childcare."
1/31/2018,365,,Canada in the World,Develop a new Arctic Policy and a shared Arctic Leadership model for the government's work in the North.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,"Strong, resilient Arctic communities, sustainable and diversified Arctic economies and comprehensive Arctic infrastructure. Environmental sustainability and conservation of Arctic biodiversity.","In November 2017, the Government launched public engagement to support the development of an Arctic Policy Framework for Canada. This Framework is intended to identify a vision and plan to guide federal activities in the region. Public engagement is underway, including roundtables with business, youth, non-governmental organizations and researchers. The Federal, Provincial, Territorial governments, and Indigenous partners are collaborating closely on the framework.
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1/31/2018,366,,Indigenous peoples,Advance devolution in Nunavut in collaboration with the government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,"Greater control for Nunavut over their lands and resources, leading to increased investment and economic growth, more job opportunities and lower unemployment, and increased revenues for the Government of Nunavut. Devolution will also contribute to the broader goal of reconciliation and will be a key result under a new Arctic Policy Framework.","On July 9, 2016, the Government appointed a new Chief Federal Negotiator for Nunavut devolution. The Chief Federal Negotiator is meeting on specific issues to build common ground and facilitate the achievement of an Agreement-in-Principle. The Agreement-in-Principle will lead to a devolution agreement which would provide for the transfer of responsibilities for land and resource management to the Government of Nunavut."
1/31/2018,367,,Indigenous peoples,Increase the number of comprehensive modern treaties and new self-government agreements for Indigenous communities.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - with challenges,"An increased number of modern treaties (comprehensive land claim agreements, self-government agreements) that supports Indigenous peoples' self-determination, self-government and nation rebuilding.","The Government is working with negotiating partners and other stakeholders to reform section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, related policies and processes to address concerns expressed by Indigenous partners. For example, through Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions and the Collaborative Fiscal Policy Development Process with Self-Governing Indigenous Governments, the Government is working with Indigenous people to co-develop agreements that lead to greater self-determination. In British Columbia, the Government is working in partnership with the province of British Columbia and the First Nations Summit to implement the proposals in the report on the ""Multilateral Engagement Process to Improve and Expedite Treaty Negotiations in British Columbia"" that was endorsed by the Principals to the British Columbia treaty process in May 2016."
1/31/2018,368,,Indigenous peoples,Support Indigenous peoples in their work to advance self-determination.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - with challenges,"Indigenous peoples will have sufficient capacity and resources to work towards rebuilding and reconstituting their nations, advancing self-determination, and, for First Nations, facilitating transitions away from the Indian Act and toward self-government.","The Government continues to support Indigenous peoples as they reconstitute their nations and advance self-determination and self-government. This is being accomplished through nation-level dialogues and community-level processes that are exploring the rights and priorities of Indigenous peoples and working towards their implementation in ways that make sense for Indigenous communities. For example, the Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions allow for the co-development of flexible negotiation mandates so that key issues can be appropriately prioritized and addressed. Over 50 of these discussions are underway with Indigenous communities and 18 preliminary agreements have been signed. The Government is also continuing to reform laws, policies and operational practices to better support Indigenous self-determination across the country."
1/31/2018,369,,Indigenous peoples,Advance positions in co-operative dispute resolution processes that are consistent with the resolution of past wrongs toward Indigenous peoples.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - with challenges,"Resolution of past grievances through collaborative, trusted, mutually respectful processes consistent with the Government's commitment to a renewed nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown and government-to-government relationship.","Recent legal settlement agreements between the Government of Canada and Indigenous peoples signify progress on this commitment. This includes the Newfoundland and Labrador residential schools settlement agreement (September 2016), and the Sixties Scoop Final Agreement, which was signed on November 30, 2017. Pending approval of the Agreement by the Courts, joint development of the parameters of the Sixties Scoop Foundation is underway. Led by Ministerial Special Representative Tom Isaac, Canada engaged in exploratory discussions to support future resolution of the Gottfriedson class action, which respects the experience of day scholars at ?Indian Residential Schools. As a result of these discussions, the parties will soon commence negotiations for settlement.
The Government is also advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples through symbolic Ministerial statements of exoneration and/or pardon that address historical incidents of cultural conflict and misunderstanding. These posthumous exonerations will stand as an important symbol of the Government of Canada's commitment to reconciliation. For example, the following requests to exonerate are currently moving forward:
• The six Tsilhqot'in Chiefs who led the Tsilhqot’in war effort in 1864 in response to a colonial road crew attempting to build a road through Tsilhqot'in territory without the agreement of the Tsilhqot'in Nation, and were executed in 1864 and 1865; and,
• Chief Poundmaker who was wrongly convicted for treason against the Crown as one of the leaders of a community that had been involved in armed conflict against the Canadian Expeditionary Force following the looting of Battleford in 1855 (present day Saskatchewan).
Canada is engaged in over 50 Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities across the country. These discussions seek to advance, in partnership, community-identified priorities. Several Indigenous groups have entered into discussions in response to or as an alternative to litigation. By entering into these flexible discussions with Canada, groups seek to settle litigation through out of court settlements.
Specific claims are claims made by a First Nation against the Government of Canada which relate to the administration of land and other First Nation assets and to the fulfilment of pre-1975 treaties. An Assembly of First Nations – Canada Joint Technical Working Group on Specific Claims, which includes representatives from a number of First Nation organizations is currently developing concrete proposals to improve the process for resolving specific claims. The resolution of these historic grievances is key to the recognition of First Nations’ rights, respect and advancing reconciliation.
Further efforts in reconciliation have been made. For example, the Government has been working with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) and Inuit land Claims on the Nanilavut Initiative, which concerns the Government’s role in the past tuberculosis epidemic among Inuit. The Nanilavut Initiative is included in the work plan of the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee under the Reconciliation Measures Theme. Discussions are underway with ITK and Inuit Land Claims for the launch of the Nanilavut Initiative.
The Government is also working on the Qikiqtani Truth Commission (QTC) Final Report (2013) as a member of the Saimaqatiqiingniq Working Group which provides a space where partners can discuss ways to implement the QTC’s 25 recommendations. Discussions to date have focused on quantifying the size and scope of the recommendations and determining the best way to implement them."
1/31/2018,370,,Indigenous peoples,"Ensure the implementation of pre-Confederation, historic, and modern treaties and agreements.",Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,On-going commitment,"Strengthened Crown-Indigenous relationships, greater autonomy, and improved social and economic outcomes for Indigenous peoples.","Collaborative work with Indigenous partners is ongoing, such as through the Inuit Crown Partnership Committee Permanent Bilateral Mechanism and the annual Canada-Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations Forum (the first forum was chaired by the Prime Minister in November 2017). Issue areas addressed through these fora include: renewing the fiscal relationship with self-governing Indigenous governments, structures of governments, and furthering shared priorities through participation and engagement, and improving treaty implementation. The treaty relationship is maintained through various policies, mechanisms and processes including treaty discussion tables and treaty commissions. A number of historic treaty groups have positioned or re-positioned themselves to engage Canada in discussions toward reinvigorating the treaty relationship and exploring reconciliation-focused approaches to address treaty-related interests. The Government is also supporting the implementation of the Additions to Reserve Policy Directive to ensure Canada meets its historic treaty obligations and to improve access to community lands and resources.
An annual forum with the Prime Minister was committed to at the November 1, 2017, Canada-Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations Forum. The Inuit Crown Partnership Committee has also identified land claims implementation as a priority issue and is pursuing recommendations echoed at the November 1, 2017 forum. First meetings were held in 2017 with the Prime Minister and Indigenous leaders, and these processes are expected to be ongoing. Other ongoing engagement, including with respect to departmental transformation, and with modern treaty and self-governing groups will be essential to positively advancing implementation of treaties and agreements.
Canada and Indigenous governments continue to engage in respectful and collaborative government-to-government discussions at regular meetings dedicated to the effective implementation of modern treaties and self-government agreements, with 43 having taken place to date in 2017-18."
1/31/2018,371,,Indigenous peoples,"Collaboratively, identify the best models for delivering improved services to Indigenous peoples, and improve accountability.",Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - with challenges,"Co-creation of new and meaningful partnership models that strengthen service delivery for Indigenous peoples, resulting in improved outcomes in key areas including health, education, child welfare and community infrastructure.","The Government will identify the best models for delivering services to Indigenous peoples and improve accountability to Indigenous peoples for the quality of services delivered. This will be achieved by enhancing engagement practices, supporting service devolution and leveraging the ingenuity of Indigenous peoples. The Government will also work with Indigenous peoples to measure and monitor progress and improve service delivery on an ongoing basis.
The Government continues to work collaboratively with the First Nations Fiscal Management Act institutions, the First Nations Finance Authority, the First Nations Financial Management Board and the First Nations Tax Commission, who provide direct services to First Nations and a legislative and institutional framework to exercise jurisdiction over core fiscal and governance matters, including the financing of infrastructure and economic development projects through the issuance of bonds on capital markets. For an example of some of the results achieved, the First Nations Finance Authority’s October 2017 debenture issuance on the financial markets added an additional $126 million to the existing debentures and bringing the total to $376 million. These debentures allow for investments in infrastructure and socio-economic development projects including water treatment, roads, housing, schools, health, security and emergency services, renewable energy and aquaculture. In addition to the high quality services that they provide, these institutions are working collaboratively with the Government and other First Nation partners to lead the way on innovative initiatives that support a renewed nation-to-nation relationship, such as a proposed First Nation infrastructure institution, under the umbrella of a New Fiscal Relationship and 10 year grants, and exploring the potential to monetize federal capital transfers."
1/31/2018,372,,Indigenous peoples,"Continue to provide services to Indigenous peoples, including community infrastructure, emergency management, water, education, moneys and trusts, and registration.",Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - with challenges,"Indigenous communities will have access to and benefit from quality community infrastructure including housing, water, schools and other forms of community infrastructure, and services (moneys and trusts, and registration).","Water: In January 2018, the scope of the commitment to resolve additional long-term drinking water advisories (LT-DWAs) was expanded. Between November 2015 and February 12, 2018, the total number of LT-DWAs on public systems on reserve declined from 105 to 81.
Housing: Investments in Indigenous housing from Budget 2016 are expected to build/renovate/lot service 13,093 units in First Nation communities and 193 units in Inuit communities in 2016/17 and 2017/18. As of December 31, 2017, 5,536 of the planned 13,093 housing units (42%) have been completed.
Schools: A total of $412 million is being invested in schools in 2016/17 and 2017/18. This includes 74 new schools and 85 renovated/upgraded schools. As of December 31, 2017, 11 out of the 74 new school projects have been completed, and renovations/upgrades on 10 of the 85 schools have been completed.
Health facilities: As of December 31, 2017, investments have been made in more than 127 First Nations infrastructure projects to build and renovate health facilities such as nursing stations, health centres, acute care facilities, drug and alcohol treatment centres, as well as facilities hosting Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve programming. 39 (31%) of these projects are complete.
Emergency Management: In 2016/17, the Emergency Management Assistance Program invested $115.68 million to support First Nations in their efforts to prepare for, mitigate against, respond to and recover from emergency disasters. There were 118 emergency events affecting First Nation communities of which 37 caused evacuations involving approximately 6,386 evacuees (99.6% of whom have returned to their communities).
In 2017-18, to date, the Emergency Management Assistance Program has invested $109.7 million to support First Nations in their efforts to prepare for, mitigate against, respond to, and recover from emergencies. There have been 136 emergency events of which 53 have caused evacuations involving approximately 13,857 evacuees (99.3 % of whom have returned to their communities).
Registration: On December 22, 2017, the Indian Act was amended in response to the Superior Court of Quebec decision in Descheneaux v. Canada (Procureur général). Amendments to address the specific issues raised by the Court will immediately correct sex-based inequities in Indian registration going back to 1951. Broader amendments that will remove sex-based inequities back to 1869 will come into force at a later date after Canada has consulted with First Nations and other parties on how to implement the changes."
1/31/2018,373,,Healthy Canadians,Eliminate all long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve by March 2021.,Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - with challenges,"Continued progress in eliminating long-term drinking water advisories in First Nations communities, leading to the elimination of all long-term advisories by March 2021.","In January 2018, the scope of the commitment to resolve additional long-term drinking water advisories (LT-DWAs) was expanded. Between November 2015 and February 12, 2018, the number of LT-DWAs on public systems in First Nations communities has declined from 105 to 81. Over this period, 52 LT-DWAs were lifted, and 28 new LT-DWAs were added. Work is ongoing in partnership with First Nation communities and an action plan is in place to address all 80 LT-DWAs currently in effect.
To support this commitment, the Government of Canada is investing in First Nation water infrastructure projects, assisting First Nation communities in monitoring the quality of drinking water and advising on issues related to drinking water safety. Through joint efforts, First Nations communities have access to trained personnel, including community-based water monitoring, to sample and test drinking water quality. This increased capacity means water is being monitored more often, and potential problems can now be identified sooner.
Real time results on eliminating LT-DWAs are available by clicking on the link below."
1/31/2018,374,,Healthy Canadians,Improve the delivery of child welfare and health care under Jordan's Principle to focus on the best interests of the child.,Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - on track,"First Nations children have access to the health and social supports they need when they need them, no matter where they live.","As of December 2017, Canada has approved over 33,000 products, supports and services for First Nations children and youth under Jordan's Principle.
Significant progress has been made in recent months in the provision of health, educational and social supports:
• From July 2016 to March 2017, there were about 5,000 approved product/service requests totalling $11 million.
• From April 2017 to December 2017, there were more than 28,000 approved product/service requests totalling $132.9 million in approved funding.
Efforts are being undertaken to support this commitment, including:
• Increasing awareness of Jordan's Principle amongst First Nations families, health providers and provincial/territorial stakeholders through a proactive and multi-faceted communications and marketing approach (e.g. social media, radio advertisements, APTN Public Service Announcements, targeted mailouts to Child and Family Service agencies, educational institutions, etc);
• Co-developing the future direction of Jordan's Principle with First Nations partners, through a national engagement process to inform Cabinet decision making in fall 2018;
• Creating an additional toll free 1-800 line which will be accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to assist in improving access to health and social services supports for First Nations children; and
• Ongoing monitoring and tracking of Jordan's Principle processes to comply with Canadian Human Right's Tribunal orders.
Work is underway in partnership with the Assembly of First Nations and other First Nations stakeholders through the Jordan's Principle Action Table (sub-committee of the National Advisory Committee). The Action Table is currently undertaking national engagement with stakeholders across Canada to co-develop long-term policy options.
The Government has been responding to immediate pressures to deliver health, education, and social services by implementing Budget 2016 commitments for First Nations Child and Family Services. These commitments address pressures by rolling out prevention-based funding in all regions, providing additional investments for agency budgets and obtaining feedback from agency needs assessments."
1/31/2018,375,,Indigenous peoples,Implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in full partnership with Indigenous peoples.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - with challenges,"Strengthened relationships between the Government and Indigenous peoples, and alignment of federal laws and policies related to Indigenous peoples with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).","The Government has created a Working Group of Ministers on the Review of Laws and Policies Related to Indigenous peoples to identify opportunities to amend federal laws and policies to align with the spirit and intent of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. As of November 2017, Canada is engaged in over 50 Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions, which are an opportunity for the Government to work collaboratively with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities to advance their rights, needs and interests through flexible approaches. These discussions are guided by the spirit and intent of the UN Declaration and by the Principles Respecting the Government of Canada's Relationship with Indigenous peoples. What is heard through these discussions will help inform forthcoming reforms to section-35 related policies to align with a recognition of rights approach and Indigenous self-determination as expressed in the UN Declaration.
The Government of Canada is also fulfilling its commitment to implement the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples by:
• Supporting Private Member’s Bill C-262: The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, as a strong first step in the process of implementation. More legislation will be needed in order to fully implement the Declaration in Canada;
• Co-developing Indigenous Languages legislation with national First Nation, Inuit, and Métis leaders;
• Establishing the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls;
• Undertaking major changes to the machinery of government through the creation of the new Department of Indigenous Services and Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, to be better partners in new, recognition-based, nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relations;
• Working with Indigenous self-governments to review our financing policies as a first step to support Indigenous governance, self-sufficiency and economic development; and
• Creating new pathways to self-determination in health and education, including concluding significant education agreements, like the Anishnabek Nation Education Agreement, that recognizes Anishnabek control over education for 23 participating First Nations, and the opening of the Manitoba First Nations School System."
1/31/2018,376,,Safety and Security,Undertake modernization efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the criminal justice system.,Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,"Canadians are kept safer and offenders are held to account, the system shows greater compassion for victims, the needs of vulnerable populations are addressed and the criminal justice system is more efficient.","In addition to ongoing work being advanced through the Criminal Justice System Review, work is being done with the provinces and territories to assess new proposals that will improve efficiencies including updating the bail regime to address rising remand populations, overrepresentation, and criminal justice system inefficiencies."
1/31/2018,377,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Lead preparations for future international sporting events.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Underway - on track,Canadian athletes and national sport organizations are better prepared and supported for domestic and international events.,"The Government will continue to support Canadian athletes and national sport organizations in preparation for the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. Each year, Canada hosts more than 70 international single sport events that are supported through the Government's Hosting Program."
1/31/2018,101_1,,Government Services and Operations,Implement the Auditor General's recommendations on enhancing mental health service delivery to Veterans.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,Veterans have increased awareness of available mental health services so that they know when they can expect care and get it quickly; there is improved performance management in the delivery of mental health services; and all recommendations of the Auditor General's 2014 report have been implemented.,"The Government of Canada has fully implemented the recommendations from the Auditor General's 2014 report on mental health services for Veterans, with the opening of a satellite operational stress injury clinic in Montreal on January 8, 2018. In addition, a new information system has been implemented to better track operational stress injuries and mental health needs among Veterans. This system will address the quality and impact of service, help identify those at risk and provide recommendations for Veterans and their mental health service providers. These and other changes, reinforced by a new performance management framework, will improve the quality and effectiveness of how mental health services and outreach activities are delivered to Veterans. Lastly, Veterans Affairs Canada is continuously communicating about mental health services amongst the Veteran community to ensure those requiring assistance can access it."
1/31/2018,14_1,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and all other parts of the Public Safety portfolio are workplaces free from harassment and sexual violence.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Underway - on track,"Reduced incidents of harassment and sexual violence across Public Safety portfolio workplaces. Better training for staff at all levels, and implementation of all recommendations related to workplace safety and wellness at the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).","The Government is taking all necessary steps to ensure the RCMP is a workplace free from harassment and sexual violence. These steps include implementing all recommendations from the July 2016 Report on Allegations of Harassment and Sexual Misconduct at the RCMP's Canadian Police College Explosives Training Unit, providing $100 million for a settlement between the RCMP and female members and public service employees regarding gender and sexual orientation based harassment and discrimination, and establishing a senior executive responsible for Workforce Culture and Employee Engagement. The Government is also reviewing the report by Special Advisor Sheila Fraser on four cases of civil litigation against the RCMP regarding workplace harassment and the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission's comprehensive review of workplace harassment. Agencies in the Public Safety portfolio, including the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC), Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), have also put initiatives in place to address harassment and sexual violence in the workplace. As well, with the November 2017 signing of an Agreement in Principle (AIP) by the Government of Canada and parties to the Todd Edwards Ross et al v. Her Majesty the Queen class action, a total of $110 million will be available to compensate class members — federal public servants, including members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who were directly impacted by anti-LGBTQ2 (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and two-spirit) policies and practices. The AIP also earmarks $15 million for remembrance to prevent future discrimination and for reconciliation with LGBTQ2 communities."
1/31/2018,175_1,,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Make sure the Infrastructure Bank supports the construction of new, affordable rental housing.","Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",On-going commitment,"Where relevant, the Canada Infrastructure Bank undertakes complementary projects that support the goals of the National Housing Strategy.","The Canada Infrastructure Bank was legally established in June 2017 as an arm’s length Crown corporation focused on making and attracting investments in revenue-generating infrastructure projects in the public interest. The Bank is responsible for investments of at least $35 billion over 11 years, focused on public transit, green infrastructure, and trade and transportation projects. In parallel, the Government launched the National Housing Strategy which includes a new National Housing Co-investment Fund which will support initiatives designed to build, renew and repair Canada’s stock of affordable housing and ensure Canadians have greater access to affordable housing that meets their needs. The Bank may undertake projects in the future related to housing, and if so these will complement the National Housing Strategy. But, to avoid duplication, the construction of affordable rental housing is not likely to be part of the Bank's primary mandate."
1/31/2018,257_1,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Encourage an increase in the number of women in senior positions and on boards in Canada.,"Minister of Status of Women;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,More women occupy senior leadership positions in Canada.,"In his first act as Prime Minister, Prime Minister Trudeau appointed the first gender-balanced federal Cabinet. The Government has also adopted an open, transparent and merit-based approach to select candidates for federal appointments which, to-date, has selected approximately 60% women for these important roles. In addition, the Government has announced a process to address the underrepresentation of women as Canada Research Chairs, and introduced legislative amendments to require corporations to publicly disclose the gender diversity of their senior management and boards, which was adopted in the House of Commons. Proposed legislation, introduced in September 2016 and currently before the Senate, would require publicly-traded, federally-incorporated companies to disclose annually information on the diversity makeup of their boards and senior management, as well as their diversity policies (or explain why they do not have one)."
1/31/2018,257_2,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Increase women representation where they have been traditionally under-represented, such as in the skilled trades.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,"Increase representation of women in professions and sectors traditionally dominated by men, including the skilled trades.","Budget 2017 investments in the PromoScience Program and FuturPreneur Canada are aimed at increasing the participation of underrepresented groups, including women, in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields as well as in entrepreneurship. The Government is engaging stakeholders and provinces and territories on how to broaden the implementation of best practices for supporting women in participating and succeeding in the skilled trades."
1/31/2018,39_1,,Environment and Climate Change,"Implement the Pan-Canadian framework, including targeted federal funding and a flexible national carbon pricing policy.",Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Finance;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,"Reduction in Canada's greenhouse gas emissions and progress to Canada's 2030 emission reduction targets as committed to in the Paris Agreement, ensuring we leave a cleaner, more sustainable world for our children and generations to come.","In December 2016, First Ministers adopted the Pan-Canadian Framework (PCF) on Clean Growth and Climate Change. The Government of Canada is working closely with the provinces and territories, Indigenous peoples, and Canadians to implement over 50 measures outlined in the PCF. These actions, supported by significant federal investments announced in Budget 2016 and Budget 2017, will decrease emissions, reduce air pollution, advance technology innovation and increase resilience across the broad range of impacts of climate change.
In December 2017, the first annual report on progress made in implementing the PCF was released. This report highlights significant federal, provincial and territorial accomplishments of the past year under all four pillars of the Framework.
In January 2018, the Government released draft legislative proposals and a regulatory framework paper related to a pan-Canadian approach for pricing carbon pollution. Several provinces already have carbon pricing systems in place and a federal carbon pricing backstop system will apply in jurisdictions that request it or that do not have a carbon pricing system in place in 2018 that meets the benchmark. The federal system would take effect January 1, 2019.
Canada is also working on regulations to accelerate the phase out of coal-fired power generation by 2030, regulations to reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sector, a regulatory framework for the clean fuel standard, a full suite of adaptation programs, codes and standards for climate resilience, a Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund, investments of $21.9 billion in green infrastructure funding (including $9.2 billion for bilateral agreements with provinces and territories), establishment of the Canadian Centre for Climate Services, and $2 billion for a Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund.
In addition, the Government of Canada – working in partnership with the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and the Métis National Council – has launched three separate senior-level tables to engage with First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation in the implementation of the PCF."
1/31/2018,77_1,,Healthy Canadians,New Health Accord supports the delivery of more and better home care services.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,Improved access to home care services.,"The Government of Canada has reached agreement with all provinces and territories on collective priorities and 10-year funding to strengthen health care and will invest $6 billion over 10 years for provinces and territories to expand access to home and community care options, and better support the millions of Canadians who provide informal care to loved ones. Bilateral funding agreements are being negotiated, and have been signed with two provinces (New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador). The Government has also introduced a 15-week Employment Insurance benefit for those caring for critically ill or injured adult family members and created the new Canada Caregiving Credit to simplify and expand tax credits for caregivers."
1/31/2018,77_2,,Healthy Canadians,New Health Accord advances pan-Canadian collaboration on health innovation.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"More innovation within the health care system, including new digital and mobile technologies to improve results.","To support health innovation, Budget 2017 confirmed $300 million over five years for Canada Health Infoway to expand e-prescribing and virtual care initiatives. In addition, Budget 2017 committed $53 million over five years, with $15.0 million per year ongoing, to the Canadian Institute for Health Information to address health data gaps, support improved decision-making and strengthen health system performance reporting. Budget 2017 also committed $51 million over three years, starting in 2019-20, with $17 million ongoing, to the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement to continue to accelerate innovations in all provinces and territories."
1/31/2018,77_3,,Healthy Canadians,New Health Accord improves access to necessary prescription medications.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,Canadians have access to lower cost prescription medications.,"The Government is working on enhancing the affordability, accessibility and appropriate use of prescription drugs in collaboration with provinces, territories and other partners. The Government has joined the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance, which leverages combined federal-provincial-territorial purchasing power to make patented prescription drugs cheaper for public plans and lower prescription generic drug prices for all payers. Following an initial consultation in Spring 2017, proposed amendments tothe Patented Medicines Regulations were published in Canada Gazette I on December 20, 2017, launching a 75-day period during which stakeholders and interested Canadians are invited to provide feedback. Budget 2017 invested $140.3 million over five years and $18.2 million per year ongoing for Health Canada, the Patented Medicines Prices Review Board and the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health."
1/31/2018,77_4,,Healthy Canadians,New Health Accord makes high quality mental health services available.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"Improved access to mental health and addictions services, particularly for vulnerable populations and youth.","The Government of Canada has reached agreement with all provinces and territories on collective priorities and 10-year funding to strengthen health care and will invest $5 billion over 10 years to increase access to mental health and addictions services, including for young Canadians, where early interventions can significantly improve outcomes."
1/31/2018,90_1,,Strong Middle Class,Continue to reduce the federal debt-to-Gross Domestic Product ratio.,Minister of Finance,Underway - on track,A federal debt-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio that continues to go down.,"The Government is committed to building a strong middle class, making investments that lead to economic growth and reducing Canada’s already low debt-to-GDP ratio. In 2016-2017, federal debt was 31.2 per cent of GDP. As shown in the 2017 Fall Economic Statement, the debt-to-GDP ratio is projected to continue falling, reaching 29.9 per cent in 2019-2020 and declining even further thereafter. The Government will maintain this downward debt ratio track—preserving Canada's low-debt advantage for current and future generations. Economic growth is the strongest in the G7, the youth unemployment rate is the lowest it has ever been, and Canada is maintaining its low-debt advantage. The Government's approach has received praise from organizations including the International Monetary Fund."
1/31/2018,95_1,,Government Services and Operations,Increase the value of the Disability Award.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"Increased the maximum Disability Award to $360,000 and indexed it to inflation so ill or injured Veterans receive better financial support.","The maximum Disability Award has been increased to a maximum of $360,000 for ill and injured Veterans in recognition of pain and suffering, commensurate with industry benchmarks and indexed to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This will provide support to Veterans and their families for an injury or illness resulting from military service. All Veterans who received a Disability Award since 2006 have already or will receive an additional lump-sum payment as a result of these changes."
2/28/2018,1,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency is a client-focused agency.,Minister of National Revenue,On-going commitment,"Improved client satisfaction levels, reduced wait times for inquiries, and simplified and easy to use processes.","To improve client service at the CRA, the Government of Canada has introduced new e-services and simplified letters and notices.
The new Direct Deposit Sharing Initiative is a consent-based service that will make it easier for Canada Pension Plan recipients to update and share their direct deposit banking information quickly and safely between the CRA and Employment and Social Development Canada. The CRA has expanded the Liaison Officer service, and small businesses can now request free in-person help from a CRA liaison officer. Individuals can now make payments in person at any Canada Post retail outlet using cash or debit card by using the personalized quick response (QR) code found on individual remittance vouchers mailed to taxpayers or by creating a QR code online. Following consultations with northern residents, the CRA has committed to improving the services it offers to northern Canadians, as indicated in the ""Serving You Better"" report.
To ensure that Indigenous Peoples are able to fully participate in the Canadian tax and benefit system, the CRA conducted research with Indigenous communities to identify issues and challenges related to tax filing. The CRA intends to use the research findings to develop outreach programs and communication products to help individuals access benefits and credits available through the tax system, including the new, non-taxable, Canada Child Benefit.
Budget 2018 committed to a more client-centered approach. To effect systematic change, the Government will undertake a comprehensive departmental review of the CRA’s service model. While this review is underway, Budget 2018 announced $206 million over five years and $33.6 million in ongoing funding to address commitments to service excellence in three key areas. First, to improve telephone service the budget proposes additional funding to enhance telephone technology and hire more agents. Second, there will be additional training for agents. Budget 2018 proposes doubling the size of the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, to help more individuals complete their taxes and access the benefits they are entitled to. Finally, Budget 2018 announced investments to update and modernize the CRA’s information technology infrastructure to deliver a more user-friendly experience that will allow Canadians to more easily find the tax and benefit information they need. "
2/28/2018,2,,Strong Middle Class,Crack down on tax evaders.,Minister of National Revenue,Underway - on track,"A fairer tax system, and billions of dollars recovered from those who are evading taxes.","In recent years, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has implemented transformational changes to its compliance programs. By targeting non-compliance in the highest-risk areas, including wealthy individuals with offshore accounts, the CRA is able to more effectively limit tax evasion and avoidance. These efforts are showing concrete results for Canadians. Over the last two fiscal years, the Government reviewed all large money transfers between Canada and eight countries of concern—a total of 187,000 transactions worth a total of over $177 billion that merited closer scrutiny. Working closely with partners in Canada and around the world, there are now over 1,000 offshore audits, and more than 40 criminal investigations with links to offshore transactions underway. The Government is also aggressively going after those who promote tax avoidance schemes, and so far has imposed $44 million in penalties on these third parties. To further combat tax evasion and tax avoidance, the Government will invest an additional $90.6 million over five years to address additional cases that have been identified through enhanced risk assessment systems, both domestically and internationally.
Work is currently underway with international partners and the government is collaborating on recommendations of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Base Erosion and Profit Sharing initiative. "
2/28/2018,3,,Environment and Climate Change,Develop a Canadian energy strategy with provinces and territories.,Minister of Natural Resources,Underway - on track,"Greater energy conservation, greater inclusion of clean energy and innovative technologies in Canada's energy future, reduced diesel use in remote and off-grid communities, and effective market access for Canadian energy exports.","Federal, provincial and territorial Energy Ministers are taking joint action under the Canadian Energy Strategy on shared goals to promote energy efficiency, develop new energy technology and innovations, and identify priority energy infrastructure and advance international energy collaboration. These initiatives complement the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, which is meant to help Canada meet our emissions reduction target and grow the economy."
2/28/2018,4,,Environment and Climate Change,Modernize the National Energy Board.,Minister of Natural Resources,Underway - on track,"Canada has a modern energy regulator that is more representative of Canada's regions and diversity and has greater expertise to undertake its responsibilities in considering environmental science, the knowledge and perspective of Indigenous peoples, and community development.","As announced in February 2018, the Government is proposing to create the Canadian Energy Regulator (CER), a new and modern federal energy regulator with the required independence and the proper accountability to oversee a strong, safe and sustainable Canadian energy sector in the 21st century. The legislation and policy measures to modernize the National Energy Board were informed by an Expert Panel report, a federal discussion paper, parliamentary studies, and almost two years of consultations with Indigenous peoples, industry, provinces and territories, non-government organizations, academia and the public."
2/28/2018,5,,Environment and Climate Change,Develop a North American clean energy and environment agreement.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of Natural Resources,Completed - fully met,"Reduced greenhouse gas emissions, alignment of energy efficiency regulations and enhanced development of the clean technology sector in North America, setting the foundation for a stronger, more sustainable economy.","At the trilateral North American Leaders’ Summit in June 2016, an Action Plan for a North American Climate, Clean Energy, and Environment Partnership was publicly released. It announced ambitious targets to advance clean and secure energy, drive down short-lived climate pollutants, promote clean and efficient transportation, and show global leadership in addressing climate change. The February 13, 2017 Joint Statement from President Trump and Prime Minister Trudeau affirmed the importance of close collaboration on energy security, clean energy innovation and the environment, including clean air and water. Canada will continue to advance these priorities, including by working with Mexico and sub-national governments in the United States in the context of the North American Climate Leaders’ process."
2/28/2018,6,,Government Services and Operations,Undertake a review of Canada Post to make sure it provides high-quality service at a reasonable price.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,"Canadians receive the services they expect from Canada Post at a reasonable price. In addition, Canada Post is able to effectively adapt to changes in technology and consumer preferences.","The Canada Post Review has produced two public reports from an Independent Task Force and the House of Commons Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates. On January 24, 2018, the Government completed the Review and announced:
• the Government’s service-focused vision for renewal at Canada Post;
• concrete measures including the end of the program to convert from door-to-door to community mailboxes, an enhanced accessible delivery program to seniors and better promotion of remittance services; and
• guidance to the Board of Directors for the renewal of Canada Post.
Filling vacant leadership positions: A new Chair was appointed in December 2017; CEO and Board Member processes underway."
2/28/2018,7,,Safety and Security,Renew the Canadian Coast Guard fleet and ensure the Royal Canadian Navy is able to operate as a true maritime force.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Public Services and Procurement;Minister of National Defence",Underway - on track,Improved equipment for the men and women in uniform; enhanced protection and improved safety of Canadians along Canada's coasts.,"Through the Oceans Protection Plan and significant re-investments in the Canadian Coast Guard, the Government has greatly enhanced support to the Coast Guard fleet. The Government is investing to: repair and modernize many of the Coast Guard's vessels with new towing equipment and technology, improve collaborations between the Coast Guard with Indigenous communities all along Canada's coasts, and harness cutting edge science and technology to understand ocean currents, real-time shipping movements and threat monitoring. Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), the Government has started renewing Canada's federal fleet so that needed vessels are delivered to the Royal Canadian Navy and the Coast Guard as quickly as possible. The construction of the first three Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships and all three Offshore Fisheries Science Vessels is underway. The Canadian Surface Combatant competitive procurement for the warship design and design team is progressing well; multiple bids were received in November 2017 and the warship design and design team selected as a result of the competitive procurement is expected to be announced in 2018. The interim auxiliary oiler replenishment vessel, the M/V Asterix, entered into service in January 2018. Following extensive industry engagement, the Government has begun discussions with Chantier Davie on options to fulfill the Canadian Coast Guard’s interim icebreaking requirements. The Government of Canada has also invested in 20 new Search and Rescue (SAR) lifeboats to ensure that the Canadian Coast Guard has the SAR lifeboats they need to keep Canadians and Canadian waterways safe. The first two SAR lifeboats were delivered in November and December 2017. The NSS continues to generate significant economic benefits across the country. Approximately $1.3 billion of NSS contracts were awarded in 2017. It is estimated that these contracts will contribute close to $8.9 billion of gross domestic product, and create or maintain approximately 8,800 jobs during the period of 2012 and 2022 in the Canadian economy. NSS shipyards also continue to engage with small and medium Canadian enterprises by awarding contracts for NSS related projects. Given the scope and complexity of the construction of vessels, delivering on time and on budget presents implementation challenges that must be closely monitored and managed, which is the purview of the Cabinet Committee on Defence Procurement."
2/28/2018,8,,Government Services and Operations,Modernize procurement practices.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - with challenges,"Government procurement is faster, simpler, more competitive, and more predictable in terms of cost. Businesses with innovative ideas are able to more easily sell to the Government, and procurement processes benefit Canadians and communities across Canada.","The Government of Canada is currently reviewing its procurement policies, processes and tools, working with stakeholders to achieve the anticipated results. We have enhanced the procurement platform to make it easier for suppliers to know about bidding opportunities and for government buyers to access streamlined procurement tools.
The Government has also made it easier for suppliers to compete by providing them with a second opportunity to comply with the mandatory requirements of bid solicitations. The Government announced the new Innovative Solutions Canada, which will match businesses offering early-stage prototypes and research with federal departments in need of innovative products or services. Budget 2018 also announced $196.8 million over five years to establish a new electronic procurement platform.
The Government has made progress in modernizing procurement, but fully meeting this committment is taking longer than anticipated due to the transformational nature of projects."
2/28/2018,9,,Government Services and Operations,Establish new performance standards for government services and measure and report on performance.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Public Services and Procurement;Minister of Democratic Institutions",Underway - on track,Government services that better meet the needs of Canadians.,"The Government of Canada is assessing its service standards to ensure that they are comprehensive and meaningful. Among its initial achievements, the Government has: implemented new and better service standards for new clients applying for Canada Pension Plan Disability benefits; completed a Service Delivery Review for Veterans Affairs Canada to help drive wholesale change to delivering services and benefits to Veterans; re-opened nine Veterans Affairs Canada offices that were closed by the previous government, and opened a new tenth office; expanded auto-enrollment for Old Age Security benefits; and added new capacity for call centres handling inquiries related to EI and Canada Revenue Agency."
2/28/2018,10,,Fair and Open Government,Strengthen oversight on government advertising.,President of the Treasury Board,Underway - on track,Increased oversight of government advertising so that public dollars aren't spent on partisan advertising.,"In May 2016, an interim process was established so that advertising campaigns with budgets greater than $500,000 undergo independent, mandatory reviews. These reviews ensure the campaigns are non-partisan. The results of these reviews are posted online. Following consultations with parliamentarians and other stakeholders, the Government will entrench independent third-party oversight of federal advertising in law. The Office of the Auditor General of Canada has also committed to review the interim process."
2/28/2018,11,,Fair and Open Government,Improve the use of evidence in program evaluation.,President of the Treasury Board,Underway - on track,"Evidence-based reporting, measurement and evaluation of government activities are in place.","The Government established a new Policy on Results in July 2016 that aims to improve how government organizations measure, evaluate, and report results. The policy also seeks to improve how departments and agencies gather and use evidence to inform decisions. As of January 26, 2018, 65 departments have fully adopted the new policy and the remaining departments are working to do so before March 2018."
2/28/2018,12,,Fair and Open Government,Make government data available digitally.,"President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,Digitized government data that are accessible to Canadians.,"The Government has improved the Open Government portal, Open.canada.ca, by adding content from across the Government of Canada and by simplifying the process for users to search. In addition, the Government of Canada added the Open by Default Pilot section to the portal, which gives Canadians early access to select draft and working documents from participating departments.
The Government has increased the number of participating federal entities from 45 in 2014 to 66 as of February 2018. In the last year, over 30,000 new data sets have been published, which were accessed hundreds of thousands of times. New data sets continue to be made available regularly.
The Government also continues to strengthen the quality, accessibility, and searchability of open data.
The Government of Canada was recognized for its leadership on open government, achieving the position of government co-chair of the Open Government Partnership, which is the global organization that coordinates open government. Budget 2018 also announced an investment of $1 million for the Treasury Board Secretariat in support of Canada’s co-chairmanship of the Open Government Partnership. Finally, Canada ranked 2nd globally on the World Wide Web Foundation’s Open Data Barometer."
2/28/2018,13,,Fair and Open Government,Bargain in good faith with Canada's public sector unions.,President of the Treasury Board,Underway - on track,"Collective agreements with Canada's public sector unions are fair and reasonable for employees and Canadians, and are bargained in good faith.","The Government of Canada is committed to building a culture of respect for, and within, the federal public service. Through good-faith negotiations, the Government has reached 22 agreements with bargaining agents, representing over 90% of unionized employees in the core public administration. The Government will continue to bargain in good faith with public sector unions and remain committed to negotiating deals that are fair for public servants, and good for all Canadians."
2/28/2018,14,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that Parliament and federal institutions are free from harassment and sexual violence.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Status of Women;Leader of the Government in the House of Commons",Underway - on track,"To ensure that Parliament and federal institutions are free from harassment and sexual violence, strategies are informed by expert and stakeholder consultations and are supported by new proposals and legislation introduced in fall 2017.","In 2016 and 2017, the Government consulted experts and stakeholders to determine how to address violence and sexual harassment in workplaces under federal jurisdiction. The outcomes report, Harassment and Sexual Violence in the Workplace Public Consultations: What We Heard, released November 2, 2017, indicates that incidents of harassment and sexual violence are not only underreported, but are also dealt with ineffectively. As part of its response, the Government introduced new legislation in November 2017 (Bill C-65) aimed at replacing the current patchwork of laws and policies that address violence and harassment in workplaces across the federal jurisdiction – including the federal public service, Parliament and Ministers’ offices - and enhancing prevention, protection and support when harassment and violence occurs. Budget 2018 proposed $34.9 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, with $7.4 million per year ongoing, to support the legislation. This includes the establishment of a Centre of Diversity, Inclusion and Wellness within the public service that will have, as part of its mandate, to better support public servants in dealing with sexual harassment in the workplace. In parallel, with the November 2017 signing of an Agreement in Principle (AIP) by the Government of Canada and parties to the Todd Edwards Ross et al v. Her Majesty the Queen class action, a total of $110 million will be available to compensate class members — federal public servants, including members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who were directly impacted by anti-LGBTQ2 (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and two-spirit) policies and practices. The AIP also earmarks $15 million for remembrance to prevent future discrimination and for reconciliation with LGBTQ2 communities. Additionally, the Joint Union/Management Task Force on Diversity and Inclusion in the Public Service released its final report in December 2017, which includes 44 recommendations for action in the areas of people management, leadership and accountability, education and awareness, and applying the diversity and inclusion lens."
2/28/2018,15,,Safety and Security,Reinforce railway safety.,Minister of Transport,Underway - on track,"Stronger railway safety regulations, improved communication with Canadians and rail infrastructure that is safer and in better condition, leading to fewer accidents and injuries and reduced loss of life.","The Government has accelerated the review of the Railway Safety Act, a year ahead of schedule, to ensure Canadians have the strongest and most effective set of regulations. The review was launched in April 2017 and is being led by an independent Expert Panel which has been engaging with stakeholders, experts and Canadians over the next year. The Panel will deliver a final report by May 2018. The Government of Canada is investing in improvements to railway crossings and infrastructure to make them safer, and removing from operation those which are unsafe. The Government has supported 527 projects across Canada to improve railway crossings and railway safety. In addition, collaboration is underway with local communities to improve the sharing of information for emergency responses and to educate the public about railway crossings and infrastructure in their communities. The Government has also revised the rules governing the transportation of dangerous goods by rail, introduced a mandatory minimum level of insurance for federal railways and accelerated the timeline to phase out the DOT-111 tank cars for crude oil service. The Government of Canada has proposed amendments to the Railway Safety Act through the Transportation Modernization Act, which will improve rail safety by requiring the mandatory installation of recording instruments on locomotives. The Government has also developed a strategy for addressing fatigue in the rail industry that includes the publication of a Notice of Intent in the Canada Gazette, Part I on November 11, 2017, communicating to Canadians and interested stakeholders its most current policy direction on the management of fatigue in the rail industry."
2/28/2018,16,,Exports and Investment,Undertake a full review of the Canadian grain transportation system to help farmers get their product to market.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food;Minister of Transport,Underway - on track,"A more transparent and fair grain transportation system is in place so Canadian farmers can get their products to market, both in Canada and internationally.","The Government has held consultations with grain sector stakeholders on rail transportation issues and the Canada Transportation Act Review, leading to the introduction of legislation that will advance a long-term agenda for a more transparent, balanced, efficient and reliable rail system to move Canadian goods, including grain, to global markets. Key measures include: new data reporting requirements for railways; a new Long-Haul Interswitching mechanism to provide captive shippers across multiple sectors and regions of Canada with access to a competing railway; a clear definition of “adequate and suitable” rail service; the ability for shippers to seek reciprocal financial penalties in their service agreements with railways; and more accessible and timely remedies for shippers. The Government is also renewing the western Grain Monitoring Program for three years."
2/28/2018,17,,Environment and Climate Change,Formalize a moratorium on crude oil tanker traffic on British Columbia's North Coast.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Transport",Underway - on track,"A moratorium is in place on crude oil tanker traffic on British Columbia's North Coast, protecting habitats and communities.","In May 2017, the Government of Canada introduced legislation to prohibit oil tankers carrying crude and persistent oils as cargo from stopping, loading or unloading at ports or marine installations in northern British Columbia. Vessels carrying less than 12,500 metric tonnes of crude or persistent oil as cargo will continue to be permitted in the moratorium area to ensure northern communities can receive critical shipments of heating oils and other products. The legislation proposes strong penalty provisions for contravention that could reach up to $5 million. The proposed Oil Tanker Moratorium Act is part of the Oceans Protection Plan. The draft legislation is expected to proceed to third reading stage in the House of Commons in 2018."
2/28/2018,18,,Fair and Open Government,Restore the long-form census.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Completed - fully met,"Restored the long-form census so communities, governments, businesses and other organizations have the data they need to do their jobs.","Our country and economy depend on knowing about ourselves, and on having the data necessary to make informed decisions. That is why the Government of Canada reinstated the long-form census. The 2016 long-form census saw an unprecedented response rate of 97.8%. The first set of data from the 2016 Census was released in February, 2017. The release of all Census-related data was completed in November 2017, 10 months earlier than for the 2011 Census."
2/28/2018,19,,Fair and Open Government,Reinforce Statistics Canada's independence.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Completed - fully met,Statistics Canada meets international standards for the independence of a national statistics office.,"Data collected by Statistics Canada helps the private sector, government, not-for-profit groups, and researchers make better decisions. In December 2016, the Government introduced legislation that will reinforce Statistics Canada's independence. The legislation aligns with international standards for national statistical agencies and makes the Chief Statistician responsible for all operational decisions, statistical methodology and the communication of statistical products produced by Statistics Canada. The amended legislation is consistent with the United Nations Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics and the OECD Recommendations on Good Statistical Practice. Bill C-36 to amend the Statistics Act received Royal Assent on December 12, 2017."
2/28/2018,20,,Jobs and Innovation,Develop and implement an Innovation Agenda.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,"Improved programs support more skills training and life-long learning for Canadians, increased investment in high growth industries, and more high growth, innovative and trade-oriented companies.","Through the Innovation and Skills Plan, the Government will more than double the number of Canadians potentially eligible for employment support and skills training programs to as many as 1.4 million per year; expand programs to support up to 10,000 work integrated learning placements each year; provide more affordable and accessible broadband services for low-income Canadians and Canadians in remote communities through investments in broadband infrastructure and low-income support programs; encourage the development of assistive technologies that make it easier for persons with disabilities to participate in the digital economy; expand access to venture capital financing; support a series of superclusters that will promote innovation opportunities in high-growth industries. These and other supporting initiatives are at different stages of development and will be implemented and reported on over the course of the next several years. The Government is also leading a comprehensive review of government-led innovation programs so that Canadian innovators and entrepreneurs have better access to the support they need."
2/28/2018,21,,Exports and Investment,Implement a new Trade and Investment Strategy.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Small Business and Tourism;Minister of International Trade",Underway - on track,"Double the number of high-growth firms in Canada by 2025; increase Canada's goods and services exports—from natural resources, advance manufacturing, agri-food and others—by 30% by 2025; increase global investment in Canada; more good-paying, middle class jobs for Canadians.","The Government is encouraging global investment and promoting our economic brand through the creation of the Invest in Canada Agency. The Government has successfully completed the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. Provisional application of the trade agreement took effect in September 2017 and will give consumers more choice, boost Canadian businesses' access to new customers, create good, middle-class jobs and help grow the economy. The Government also recently signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Launched in 2016, CanExport, which provides direct financial assistance to Canadian small- and medium-sized enterprises seeking to develop new export opportunities, has approved 895 projects in 78 markets. Budget 2017 announced $950 million to superclusters in highly innovative industries, created the Strategic Innovation Fund to boost investment in Canadian innovations, and created six Economic Strategy Tables to boost growth and exports from advanced manufacturing; agri-food; clean technology; digital industries; health and bio-sciences; and clean resources sectors. To support Canadian firms and increase exports to new markets, Budget 2018 provides up to $75 million to build a stronger diplomatic presence and Trade Commissioner Service salesforce in China and Asia, as well as other initiatives to open market opportunities in the region."
2/28/2018,22,,Exports and Investment,Prepare the auto sector for the potential participation of Canada in the Trans-Pacific Partnership.,"Minister of Finance;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,Greater access to growing markets under conditions that are fair to Canadian workers.,"The Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership, a new free trade agreement between Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam, was signed on March 8, 2018. In Budget 2016, the Government extended the Automotive Innovation Fund through to the end of 2020-21 and made it more flexible. In Budget 2017, the Government subsequently reinforced these changes by launching the new Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF).
The Government also established a new automotive investment attraction team (2016) to support the work of the Invest in Canada Hub Agency (launched in March 2018). These changes have helped to secure investments of $500 million by Honda of Canada Manufacturing, more than $1 billion by Ford Motor Company of Canada, and $750 million from Linamar Corp., among other recent automotive investments. These investments have created and secured thousands of long term jobs in manufacturing and research and development, fostering innovation in self-driving cars and clean technologies and positioning Canada to lead on the ""car of the future""."
2/28/2018,23,,Jobs and Innovation,Increase high-speed broadband coverage and keep Canada at the leading edge of the digital economy.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,More Canadians have access to high-speed and ultra-high-speed broadband services.,"Greater availability and affordability for high-speed internet in rural and remote areas of Canada gives Canadians more opportunity to participate in the economy, democracy and connected way of life. The Connect to Innovate program will bring high-speed internet to rural and remote communities in Canada by supporting new ""backbone"" infrastructure to connect institutions like schools and hospitals, and ""last-mile"" infrastructure to connect households and businesses. Applications closed at the end of April 2017, and the Government is starting announcements on project decisions. As of March 2018, 121 projects under the $500 million Connect to Innovate program have been announced representing a federal investment to date of $268 million and targeting 673 communities, (doubling the initial target of 300) and receiving new and enhanced backbone connectivity. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is expanding competition on new fibre networks and examining how to further improve innovative wireless pricing options. In addition, the CRTC's new fund will expand much faster Internet speeds to rural and remote communities. Budget 2017 investments are also supporting affordable access to the internet for low-income families, digital literacy programming and better access to assistive devices. Budget 2018 proposes funding of $100 million over five years for the Strategic Innovation Fund, with a particular focus on supporting projects that relate to Low-Earth Orbit satellites and next generation rural broadband. "
2/28/2018,24,,Jobs and Innovation,Create a Chief Science Officer.,Minister of Science,Completed - fully met,"Following an open, transparent and merit-based process, the Chief Science Advisor, Dr. Mona Nemer, was appointed by the Government on September 26, 2017.","As the Chief Science Advisor, Dr. Nemer will help to improve dissemination and use of independent scientific information and strengthened evidence-based policy making within government. Dr. Nemer will also advise the Government on how to ensure that government science is fully available to the public, that scientists are able to speak freely about their work, and that scientific analyses are considered when the government makes decisions. Dr. Nemer will report to the Prime Minister and Minister of Science."
2/28/2018,25,,Jobs and Innovation,Re-insert scientific considerations into the heart of decision-making and investment choices.,Minister of Science,Underway - on track,"Government scientists are able to speak freely about their work, and the role of scientific information and empirical evidence is strengthened in government decision making.","The Government has updated the Communications Policy to ensure scientists are free to speak in an official capacity on subjects for which they have expertise, and have enshrined this provision into collective agreements covering 15,000 government scientists. The Government also reinstated the mandatory long-form census as well as the University and College Academic Staff System survey, which will provide accurate information about Canada's research community. To promote better use of science and evidence in government decision-making, the Government updated the guidance on preparing Memoranda to Cabinet. The Government is examining additional opportunities to improve the use of evidence and scientific information. The new Chief Science Advisor will advise the Government on how to ensure scientific evidence is considered when making decisions. In addition, to ensure the Government continues to have access to world-class, independent scientific assessments to inform policy development in priority areas, Budget 2018 proposed $9 million for the Council of Canadian Academies, a not-for-profit research organization. "
2/28/2018,26,,Jobs and Innovation,Establish new Canada Research Chairs in sustainable technologies.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Science",Underway - on track,Two new Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC) will be appointed to further research in clean and sustainable technology.,"Budget 2016 identified $20 million over eight years starting in 2018-19 for the creation of two new Canada Excellence Research Chairs in fields related to clean and sustainable technology. On October 12, 2016, the Minister of Science announced the launch of a competition for these Chairs, in addition to nine others, which will be selected in 2019. In December 2017 the Phase 1 results of the competition were announced. Two institutions were invited to submit nominees in fields related to clean and sustainable technology: Concordia University (Smart, Sustainable and Resilient Communities and Cities) and University of Manitoba (Arctic Sea Ice, Freshwater-Marine Coupling, and Climate Change). To address the CERC gender imbalance, this competition will require institutions to include detailed equity plans and recruitment strategies that promote the participation of women and other underrepresented groups in the CERC program."
2/28/2018,27,,Jobs and Innovation,Strengthen support for fundamental research to support new discoveries.,Minister of Science,Underway - on track,"Modernized research infrastructure at post-secondary institutions, new research Chairs appointed in areas of strategic priority, and enhanced capacity for granting councils to support fundamental research.","Since 2016, the Government has approved and funded more than 300 projects to modernize research and training facilities on campuses across Canada. These investments will support key discovery research and facilitate the expansion of ongoing research efforts. The Government has also funded new Canada Excellence Research Chairs in the areas of clean and sustainable development technologies, and increased support for Canada's three granting councils. In 2017, the Government announced the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy, which will develop centres of expertise in Toronto, Montreal and Edmonton related to AI to train and attract key research talent in this emerging area of fundamental research. The final report of an independent review of federal funding for higher education was published in April 2017. A number of actions have already been taken in response to this report, for example, placing a limit on Tier 1 Canada Research Chair renewal to enhance opportunities for broad pools of qualified candidates and to strengthen equity, diversity and inclusion in research. Budget 2018 proposes to provide $572.5 million over five years, with $52 million per year ongoing, to implement a Digital Research Infrastructure Strategy that will deliver more open and equitable access to advanced computing and big data resources to researchers across Canada."
2/28/2018,28,,Government Services and Operations,Align business support programs across governments.,Minister of Small Business and Tourism,Underway - on track,It is easier and simpler for Canadian innovators and entrepreneurs to access and benefit from government programs that help Canadian businesses grow.,"Since 2016, the Accelerated Growth Service has helped 322 firms to scale up and grow their businesses, with a broader goal of helping 1,000 firms expand and create more well-paying jobs. The Government has established Innovation Canada, a platform that coordinates and simplifies the support available to Canadian businesses. The new Innovation Canada platform (launched in January 2018) is a one-stop-shop for Canada’s innovators and entrepreneurs so they no longer need to spend time figuring out which department to go to or which program best meets their needs. The website is able to quickly match users with the federal and provincial/territorial programs and services to help them innovate, create jobs and grow Canada's economy. Innovation Canada will help create economic growth strategies in six high-growth sectors. The Government is also working with provinces to find co-delivery options for a variety of business support programs and services."
2/28/2018,29,,Exports and Investment,Increase tourism and strengthen the Canadian brand abroad.,Minister of Small Business and Tourism,Underway - on track,"30% overall increase in tourism by 2021, increased tourism from the United States (U.S.) and China, and improved international ranking of Canada as a top tourist destination.","The Government has launched Canada’s New Tourism Vision to increase the number of international tourists to Canada by 30% by 2021. This goal includes doubling the number of Chinese visitors by the same year and positioning Canada as a top 10 destination ranking by 2025. The Government also launched the Millennial Travel Program to encourage youth travel during Canada 150. Spending by international visitors to Canada rose almost 10.8% in 2016, representing the largest annual growth since 2004. Canada set a new record high number of tourist arrivals in 2017 of 20.8 million. The New York Times, Lonely Planet and Condé Nast have all recognized Canada as a top international destination to visit in 2017. The Canada-China Year of Tourism in 2018 will be an opportunity to increase visitation from China, which is being supported by the opening of new Visa Application Centres in China."
2/28/2018,30,,Government Services and Operations,Reduce the administrative burden on small business.,Minister of Small Business and Tourism,Underway - on track,"Reduced administrative burden and simpler, clearer, and faster online services to help small businesses.","The new Innovation Canada platform launched in January 2018 is a one-stop-shop for Canada’s innovators and entrepreneurs so they no longer need to spend time figuring out which department to go to or which program best meets their needs. The website is able to quickly match users with the federal and provincial/territorial programs and services to help them innovate, create jobs and grow Canada's economy.
Federally, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada continues to drive the use of the Business Number (BN) by all departments as the standard identifier for business clients. More than half of the Department’s own services already use the Business Number. The BN is a key component of digital identity for business, and its adoption across the Government of Canada will enable more seamless service delivery. The Government has partnered with a number of provinces to pilot integrated tools, such as a business registries search and data exchanges between registries, so that registering and finding a business is easier."
2/28/2018,31,,Healthy Canadians,Respond to the Supreme Court of Canada decision regarding physician-assisted death.,Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Completed - fully met,Adult Canadians suffering from grievous and irremediable medical conditions and whose death is reasonably foreseeable are able to easily and effectively access medical assistance in dying if they so choose.,"On June 17, 2016, medical assistance in dying (MAID) became a reality in Canada following Royal Assent of the federal legal framework, which protects vulnerable persons while providing options to eligible Canadians to make an informed decision about the end of life. In December 2016, as required by the new law, the Government initiated independent study reports to consider in more detail three particularly complex types of requests for MAID. These include: requests by mature minors, advance requests, and requests where mental illness is the sole underlying medical condition. Independent expert panels, organized by the Council of Canadian Academies, are conducting these reviews. They will report on their results by the end of 2018. As of April 2017, Health Canada has begun to provide initial public reporting on the use of MAID across Canada."
2/28/2018,32,,Fair and Open Government,"Review the government litigation strategy and end appeals or positions that are not consistent with our commitments, the Charter or our values.",Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,"Legal positions taken by the Government are consistent with Government commitments, the Charter and our values.","To date, several early decisions have been made to end appeals and withdraw positions not consistent with Government commitments, the Charter, or Canadian values. For instance, the Government ended the appeal of the Federal Court's ruling that the 2012 cuts to the Interim Federal Health Program—reducing health coverage to refugees—were unconstitutional. The Government dropped the appeal of this decision and in April 2016 restored refugee health care coverage to pre-2012 levels. In August 2016, the Government of Canada created a new Cabinet Committee on Litigation Management to provide an ongoing review of the Government's litigation strategy and consideration of the policy, financial and legal implications of litigation involving the federal government. To promote increased transparency and track the results of this mandate commitment, we have begun publishing a Litigation Year in Review report."
2/28/2018,35,,Fair and Open Government,"Ensure that the appointment of Supreme Court Justices is transparent, inclusive and accountable to Canadians.",Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Completed - fully met,"Greater transparency, accountability and diversity in the appointment of Supreme Court Justices.","In August 2016, the Government of Canada announced a new, open and transparent process for filling vacancies on the Supreme Court of Canada. This new process includes: an open application process; the establishment of an Independent Advisory Board to assess all applications and prepare a shortlist; requiring functional bilingualism as an essential qualification for all shortlisted candidates; and ensuring there are consultations regarding the shortlist with key stakeholders, including members of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice. Justice Malcolm Rowe was the first Supreme Court Justice appointed under this new process in October 2016. The Government announced in July 2017, that this new process will again be applied to fill an upcoming vacancy on the Supreme Court."
2/28/2018,36,,Safety and Security,"Toughen criminal laws in cases of domestic assault, with the goal of keeping survivors and children safe.",Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,Greater protections for complainants and survivors of sexual assault and domestic assault.,"In June 2017, the Government introduced legislation to clarify and strengthen the sexual assault provisions in the Criminal Code. The legislation would clarify that an unconscious person, or otherwise incapacitated, is incapable of consenting; clarify the defence of mistaken belief to indicate that it cannot be relied upon if there is no evidence upon which the belief was founded; clarify rape shield provisions to explicitly include communications of a sexual nature or communications for a sexual purpose, so these types of communications cannot be used to suggest that the complainant was more likely to have consented or is less worth of belief; provide that a complainant has right to legal representation in rape shield proceedings; and create a regime to determine whether an accused can introduce a complainant's private records at trial that are in their possession. The Government will continue to work on additional options related to this commitment to address domestic abuse and intimate partner violence."
2/28/2018,37,,Jobs and Innovation,"Ensure tax measures are efficient and encourage innovation, trade and the growth of Canadian businesses.","Minister of Finance;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,"Tax measures encourage innovation, trade, and the growth of Canadian businesses.","The Government initiated a whole-of-government review of business innovation programs to ensure that they are simple and effective and best meet the needs of Canada’s innovators. The Government is also proposing to reduce the small business tax rate from 10.5% to 10% as of January 1, 2018 and to 9% as of January 1, 2019."
2/28/2018,38,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Add gender identity as a prohibited ground for discrimination under the Canadian Human Rights Act and add it to the list of characteristics of identifiable groups protected by the hate speech provisions of the Criminal Code.,Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Completed - fully met,Discrimination on the basis of gender identity and gender expression is now illegal.,"In June 2017, amendments to the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code received Royal Assent, ensuring the full protection of transgender people across Canada. These amendments formally add gender identity and gender expression to the Canadian Human Rights Act as prohibited grounds of discrimination, as well as amend the Criminal Code to deal with hate crimes related to gender identity and gender expression."
2/28/2018,39,,Environment and Climate Change,Ratify the Paris agreement and develop a Pan-Canadian framework for combating climate change.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Completed - fully met,Canada ratified the Paris Agreement and created the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change.,"The Government of Canada ratified the Paris Agreement on October 5, 2016, following a vote in Parliament. The Paris Agreement entered into force on November 4, 2016 and Canada continues to work with all countries on its implementation. In December 2016, First Ministers adopted the Pan-Canadian Framework (PCF) on Clean Growth and Climate Change, which is Canada’s comprehensive plan to reduce emissions across all sectors of the economy, accelerate clean economic growth and build resilience to the impacts of climate change. The PCF was developed with provinces and territories, in collaboration with Indigenous peoples, and was informed by input from Canadians across the country. The first annual synthesis report on the status of implementation was published in December 2017. To support and complement its commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Canada ratified the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on November 3, 2017, which will phase down hydrofluorocarbons (powerful greenhouse gases), and was instrumental in achieving the required number of ratifications at the Montreal Protocol meeting in Montreal in November which will allow the Kigali Amendment to come into force in January 2019. On November 16, 2017, Canada launched the Powering Past Coal Alliance with the United Kingdom to accelerate the global phase-out of traditionally coal-fired electricity."
2/28/2018,41,,Environment and Climate Change,Improve protection and stewardship of our freshwater resources.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,"The protection of freshwater resources is improved, and water and wastewater infrastructure is in better repair.","Through research, assessment and regulation, the Government of Canada is working to ensure sustainable water management. The Government has taken action to protect the Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg Basin and the St. Lawrence River by improving water quality, increasing conservation activities, addressing threats posed by invasive species, and improving collaboration with Indigenous peoples. As announced in Budget 2017, the Government is investing $44.84 million to protect Great Lakes water quality, and $25.7 million for the Lake Winnipeg Basin Program. The Government is collaborating with the United States to protect shared waters through the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, and has also established a Clean Water and Wastewater Fund to help provinces, territories and municipalities make immediate repairs to water and wastewater infrastructure. Work is also underway to enhance the Environmental Assessment process as it relates to freshwater areas."
2/28/2018,42,,Environment and Climate Change,Enhance protection of Canada's endangered species.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,Species at risk are protected.,"The Government of Canada has developed a three-year plan to address the backlog of 149 terrestrial species eligible for listing under the Species at Risk Act. Since February 2017, final listing decisions were made for 76 of these species and proposed listing decisions were published for another 13 species. The Government of Canada has posted three-year plans (2014-15 to 2016-17) to address the backlog of overdue recovery documents for terrestrial species on the Species at Risk Public Registry. As of February 2018, 174 of the 192 overdue proposed recovery documents were completed and posted on the Species at Risk Public Registry. Parks Canada has completed and posted 21 multi-species action plans, addressing 174 species at risk occurring across 42 Parks Canada places in total, on the Species at Risk Public Registry. These measures will help make sure species at risk receive the protection they need.
As announced in Budget 2018, to support Canada's biodiversity and protect species at risk, the Government proposes to make historic investments totalling $1.3 billion over five years, one of the most significant investments in nature conservation in Canadian history.
This investment will contribute $500 million from the federal government to create a new $1 billion Nature Fund in partnership with corporate, not?for-profit, provincial, territorial and other partners. In collaboration with partners, the Nature Fund will make it possible to secure private land, support provincial and territorial species protection efforts, and help build Indigenous capacity to conserve land and species, for our benefit and the benefit of future generations."
2/28/2018,43,,Environment and Climate Change,Work with provinces and territories to set stronger air quality standards.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,"New national standards are put in place to improve air quality and reduce air pollutants from key sources, with progress demonstrated in recurring State of the Air reports.","The Government of Canada is implementing a national Air Quality Management System (AQMS) with provinces and territories to improve air quality and protect the health of Canadians and the environment. As part of this system, new ambient air quality standards for sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide were published in the Canada Gazette on October 28 and December 9, 2017 respectively. A review of the existing ambient air quality standards for ozone has been initiated. A new State of the Air Report was launched at the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment in November 2017 to inform Canadians about air quality and air pollution. The Government is also establishing national standards to reduce air pollutants from industrial sources, including in the following sectors: iron and steel; aluminum; potash; pulp and paper; iron ore pellets; base-metals smelting; and stationary combustion turbines. In February 2018, Canada published two proposed regulations to limit carbon dioxide emissions: one amendment to accelerate the phase-out of coal-fired power by 2030, and the other to set emission performance standards for new natural gas-fired electricity generation and coal boilers converted to run on natural gas. This will significantly improve air quality and the health of Canadians and will reduce Canada's greenhouse gas emissions by more than five megatonnes in 2030—equivalent to taking 1.3 million cars off the road."
2/28/2018,44,,Environment and Climate Change,Review Canada's environmental assessment processes.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Natural Resources;Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Science;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs",Underway - on track,"Environmental assessment processes that are fair to all parties, rely on scientific evidence, respect the rights of Indigenous peoples and protect the environment for generations to come.","Following an extensive review of Canada's environmental assessment processes, the government tabled new legislation in February 2018 that will build a new impact assessment and regulatory system for Canada. This new system is fair, based on science, respects the rights of Indigenous peoples, provides certainty to businesses and protects our environment and human health for generations to come. Its development was informed by Expert Panels and Parliamentary Committee reports, a federal discussion paper, parliamentary studies, and almost two years of consultations with Indigenous peoples, industry, provinces and territories, non-government organizations, academia and the public. These reforms are based on the guiding principles of predictable processes that build on what works, partnership with Indigenous peoples at every stage of the process, early and inclusive public engagement; timely, evidence-based decisions reflecting the best available science and Indigenous knowledge; and one assessment for one project, with the scale of assessment aligned with the scale of the potential impacts of the project.
The Government also announced that it will invest about $1 billion over five years to support the proposed new impact assessment system and Canadian Energy Regulator, increase federal scientific capacity, implement the changes required to protect water, fish and navigation, and increase Indigenous and public participation."
2/28/2018,45,,Environment and Climate Change,"Develop Canada's National Parks system, as well as manage and expand National Wildlife Areas and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries.",Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,Terrestrial areas and inland water are conserved through networks of protected areas.,"The Government of Canada continues to work to conserve and connect terrestrial areas. A comprehensive plan is being developed to conserve 17% of terrestrial areas and inland water through networks of protected and conserved areas by 2020. Parks Canada and Alberta Environment and Parks are leading a process to meet this target and are gathering best advice from a National Advisory Panel and an Indigenous Circle of Experts. Work on expanding the system of National Parks includes the proposed Thaidene Nëné National Park Reserve. Negotiations with the Government of the Northwest Territories, Lutsël K’e Dene First Nation and Northwest Territories Metis are close to completion. The Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia and the Sylix/Okanagan Nation announced re-engagement on a proposed national park reserve in the South Okanagan. Parks Canada has contacted the Manitoba Government to re-engage on a proposed national park in the Manitoba Lowlands. As part of the expansion of National Wildlife Areas and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries, the Government is working closely with Indigenous peoples, Provinces, Territories, and stakeholders to secure new protected areas by the end of 2020. The Government of Canada is working with the Dehcho First Nation and the Tlicho Government to establish the Edéhzhíe National Wildlife Area in the Northwest Territories, which will protect over 1.4 million hectares of habitat for boreal caribou. The proposed Scott Islands Marine National Wildlife Area will conserve 1.2 million hectares for the benefit of sea birds in the Pacific Ocean. Important Prairie Habitat in South West Saskatchewan will be conserved with the transfer of the Govenlock Community Pasture to Environment and Climate Change Canada in 2019.
As announced in Budget 2018, to support Canada’s biodiversity and protect species at risk, the Government of Canada is making historic investments totalling $1.3 billion over five years, one of the most significant investments in nature conservation in Canadian history.
This investment will contribute $500 million from the federal government to create a new $1 billion Nature Fund in partnership with corporate, not?for-profit, provincial, territorial and other partners. In collaboration with partners, the Nature Fund will make it possible to secure private land, support provincial and territorial species protection efforts, and help build Indigenous capacity to conserve land and species, for our benefit and the benefit of future generations."
2/28/2018,46,,Environment and Climate Change,Develop Parks Canada services so that more Canadians can experience our National Parks.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,More Canadians visit and experience Parks Canada administered sites and the Trans Canada Trail is completed.,"The Government has taken steps to make sites more accessible and to improve overall visitor experiences by investing approximately $3.6 billion, including an additional $364 million announced in Budget 2017 to renew infrastructure assets such as trails, heritage buildings, visitor centres, waterways and highways. The Government of Canada is improving bike and walking trails in national parks as well as highway access through Wood Buffalo National Park and Yoho National Park. The Government will also contribute $30 million over five years to enhance and maintain the Great Trail (formerly known as the Trans Canada Trail). This funding will improve trail safety, accessibility, and sustainability. Since completion in 2017, the Trail provides 24,000 km of recreational trails within 30 minutes of about 29 million Canadians. The Government is working with Indigenous peoples and stakeholders to improve interpretation and heritage programming and make sites more accessible."
2/28/2018,47,,Environment and Climate Change,"Make admission to National Parks free for all in 2017 and, afterwards, free for children under 18 and new citizens.",Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Completed - fully met,Free admission to National Parks in 2017; free admission for children under 18 and new citizens in future years.,"To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation, the Government of Canada offered free admission to all national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas, as well as free passage through lock systems on all national historic canals. More than 8.5 million Discovery Passes were ordered and distributed to Canadians and people in 200 countries. Parks Canada welcomed over 27.2 million visitors in 2017, an 11% increase from 2016. Canada 150 programs offered by Parks Canada included the expanded Aboriginal Day and Canada Day celebrations, the first annual Canada Historic Places Day with more than 60 sites participating, as well as hosting numerous Canada 150 signature projects. Starting in 2018, admission for children under 18 is free for national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas. Parks Canada is also continuing to offer free admission for one year to new Canadian citizens through the Institute for Canadian Citizenship’s Cultural Access Pass Program."
2/28/2018,48,,Environment and Climate Change,Expand Learn to Camp programs.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Completed - fully met,More low to middle-income families participate in Learn to Camp and have greater opportunity to experience Canada's outdoors.,"In 2017, Parks Canada expanded the popular Learn-to Camp Program so that more low- to middle-income families could experience Canada’s outdoors. Throughout the year, Parks Canada hosted 30 overnight Learn-to Camp events as well as over 500 other Learn-to events and activities across Canada, reaching more than 70,000 Canadians."
2/28/2018,49,,Environment and Climate Change,Protect our National Parks by limiting development within them and help local eco-tourism industries.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Small Business and Tourism,Underway - on track,Development is limited within Canada's National Parks so future generations can experience their natural beauty.,"One pillar of Canada's new Vision for Tourism is to distinguish Canada as a premier tourism destination through Canada's national parks. A number of initiatives have been developed to enhance visitation of Parks Canada places. One initiative starting in 2018 is to provide free admission to youth 17 and under to all national parks, national historic sites, and national marine conservation areas operated by Parks Canada. The Government is maintaining and restoring ecological integrity within Canada's national parks while continuing to provide meaningful services and experiences to visitors. The Government has established strict development limits to ensure ecological integrity in Canada's national parks. Parks Canada has put forward a rigorous environmental assessment process which applies to development proposals to ensure compliance with park-wide ecological objectives and maintenance of ecological integrity. Parks Canada is in the process of developing strategies to help grow local eco-tourism industries and create jobs."
2/28/2018,50,,Environment and Climate Change,Work with Ontario to enhance the country's first urban National Park: Rouge National Urban Park.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Completed - fully met,"Created Canada's first urban National Park, Rouge National Urban Park.","In June 2017, legislation was passed to expand the size of the Rouge National Urban Park and guide how the park will be managed. This legislation strengthens ecological protections and will ensure that ecological integrity is the first priority in the management of Canada's first national urban park, while recognizing its important cultural heritage and providing greater certainty for the continuation of park agriculture. In October 2017, the Government of Ontario transferred 6.5 square km of land to Parks Canada for inclusion in the Park."
2/28/2018,51,,Environment and Climate Change,"Protect the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River Basin and the Lake Winnipeg Basin.","Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",On-going commitment,"Increased protection for the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River Basin and the Lake Winnipeg Basin so they can continue to be enjoyed by future generations.","Through Budget 2017, the Government is providing funding to protect Canada’s freshwater resources, including the Great Lakes and Lake Winnipeg basins. The Government is expanding efforts to address toxic and nuisance algae, as well as aquatic invasive species programming, which will further help address the threats posed by such species as Asian Carps and Sea Lamprey. As announced in Budget 2017, the Government is investing $44.84 million to protect Great Lakes water quality, and $25.7 million for the Lake Winnipeg Basin Program. The Asian Carp Program received funding as part of this investment, which has allowed the Department to improve early detection capabilities and increase the number of sites being monitored for Asian Carp on the Great Lakes. The Department is also adding additional outreach to assist Canadians with identifying, responding and properly reporting any invasive species they catch. In June 2017, the governments of Canada and Quebec announced continued investment in the conservation and enhancement of the St. Lawrence River basin to enhance water quality, protect biodiversity and ensure its sustainable use."
2/28/2018,52,,Environment and Climate Change,Examine the implications of climate change on Arctic marine ecosystems.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Science",Underway - on track,Greater knowledge and understanding of the changes occurring in Canada's Arctic and a better understanding of how Canada might adapt to ensure the continued welfare of Canada's Arctic communities.,"The official opening of the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) will significantly enhance Arctic research, including on the impacts of climate change. The Government of Canada is also investing in the Aquatic Climate Change Adaptation Services Program to conduct the research and monitoring necessary to identify climate change impacts and vulnerabilities, develop adaptation tools, and improve ocean forecasting in vulnerable coastal regions to inform management decisions. This Program has supported ocean chemistry monitoring, fisheries vulnerability assessments and predictive modelling activities in the Arctic. As part of the Oceans Protection Plan, the Government will be working with Indigenous and coastal communities to collect baseline environmental information at six sites across Canada, including one in the Arctic. The Government has also concluded new international agreements to strengthen Arctic scientific cooperation. The Minister of Science attended the first White House Arctic Science Ministerial event in September 2016, helping to advance several joint international research projects. The Canadian Space Agency is collaborating on a US-France mission—Surface Water & Ocean Topography—that will provide the first global survey of earth surface water, ocean surface topography, ocean currents, and measure change over time. In addition, the Government of Canada has committed to work together in collaboration with northern partners to better understand the “Last Ice Area.” This region in the high Arctic is the only region that is expected to retain summer sea ice until 2050."
2/28/2018,53,,Canada in the World,Refocus Canada's development assistance on helping the most vulnerable and supporting fragile states.,Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,Underway - on track,Global poverty is reduced by investing in gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls and by focusing on the poorest and most vulnerable.,"In June 2017, the Government launched Canada's new Feminist International Assistance Policy to eradicate extreme poverty and build a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous world. Canada will invest in women's empowerment and gender equality as the best ways to achieve its objectives, grounded in the Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Canada is focusing its assistance on closing gaps and barriers faced by women and girls in a number of areas, including sexual and reproductive health and rights, education, humanitarian action, inclusive governance, environment and climate action adaptation, peace and security, and growth that works for everyone inclusive economic opportunity. By 2021-22, the Feminist International Assistance Policy commits to directing no less than 50% of Canada's annual bilateral international development assistance under to sub-Saharan African countries and ensuring 95% of bilateral aid enhances gender equality empowerment. To support the Feminist International Assistance Policy, the Government is providing up to $2 billion in new resources in Budget 2018. This is the largest increase to Canadian International Assistance since 2002. "
2/28/2018,54,,Canada in the World,"Create a new policy and funding framework to ensure that Canada's aid empowers people and supports broad-based, sustainable growth in the developing world.",Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,Completed - fully met,"A comprehensive, feminist international assistance policy is in place that will reduce global poverty by investing in gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls and by focusing on the poorest and most vulnerable.","After a year of consultations with over 15,000 people in 65 countries, Canada released its Feminist International Assistance Policy in June 2017. The Government engaged with people online and in person on how Canada's international assistance should be invested and focused. The consultation summary report was released in December 2016 and formed the basis of the new policy."
2/28/2018,55,,Canada in the World,"Support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by the United Nations in September 2015.",Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,Underway - on track,"Canada's international assistance helps countries make progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and helps to build a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous world.",Canada's Feminist International Assistance Policy is explicitly aligned with the United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure our investments are coordinated with the rest of the international community. Sustainable Development Goal 5—achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls—is at the heart of Canada's approach to implement the SDGs because it will help to drive progress on all other SDGs and to eradicate poverty. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is a core guiding principle of the Government's approach to work with all civil society organizations to maximize the impact of Canada’s international assistance. The Government is co-leading groups of United Nations member states to foster innovative financing solutions to achieve the SDGs. Canada is in the preliminary stages of developing a strategy to track and report on progress toward the SDGs.
2/28/2018,56,,Canada in the World,"Support the full range of reproductive health services and close the gap in the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Initiative.",Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,Underway - on track,"More women and girls are able to make informed reproductive health choices and assert control over their own bodies, saving the lives of women and children.","Over the course of the next three years, the Government will focus on providing comprehensive sexual education and reproductive health services (e.g. family planning, contraceptives and safe, legal abortion), and on preventing and responding to sexual and gender-based violence including child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation. This will help reduce the number of women and girls around the world who have unmet needs for modern contraception, currently estimated to be 214 million. Consistent with Canada's new Feminist International Assistance Policy, the Government also now strongly encourages partners funded by the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health programs to integrate the full range of sexual and reproductive health services into their programming. Canada also joined key global partnerships, such as Family Planning 2020, which will help enable up to 120 million more women and girls to access family planning by 2020, as well as the Ouagadougou Partnership, which will accelerate the use of these services in nine countries in West Africa. Canada will continue to promote sexual and reproductive health rights and will host the 2019 Women Deliver 5th Global Conference in Vancouver in June 2018. "
2/28/2018,57,,Canada in the World,"Support innovative, evidence-based approaches to development assistance.",Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,Underway - on track,More effective international assistance and more rigorous use of evidence-based practice and innovative solutions within decision-making processes.,"Guided by the Feminist International Assistance Policy, launched in June 2017, Canada will provide more integrated and responsive assistance, support innovation and research, provide better reporting on results, develop more effective partnerships, and concentrate on those regions of the world where Canada can make the greatest difference in reducing poverty and inequality, particularly for women and girls. In 2017, the Government collaborated with the Canadian Council for International Co-operation, the Canadian Association for the Study of International Development and the International Development Research Centre to enhance innovative multi-stakeholder approaches to global development research. This initiative included the launch of an online searchable tool of more than 500 Canadian international development researchers from universities, colleges, institutes, think-tanks, and civil society organizations. Also, the Government launched the International Policy Ideas Challenge, in which early career and graduate researchers in Canada were selected to conduct and present innovative research on a foreign policy, international trade and international development issues. Global Affairs Canada and its recipient partners will systematically measure progress and results, conduct gender-based and human rights-based analyses of programs, and implement new programming mechanisms to support innovative partnerships. The Small and Medium Organizations for Impact and Innovation initiative aims to attract new partners to Global Affairs Canada and encourage innovation in international development that is aligned with the Feminist International Assistance Policy commitment. To increase the transparency of Canada's international assistance, the Government expects to start publicly reporting the planned level of the International Assistance Envelope every year starting in 2018. To support innovation in Canada’s international assistance, the Government is providing up to $1.5 billion over five years and $492.7 million per year ongoing to the International Assistance Innovation Program and the Sovereign Loans Program."
2/28/2018,58,,Canada in the World,Provide assistance to countries that are vulnerable to the destabilizing effects of climate change.,Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,Underway - on track,Countries receiving Canadian international assistance are better equipped to deal with the destabilizing effects of climate change.,"Canada is providing $2.65 billion over five years to help developing countries deal with the destabilizing effects of climate change and support them in adopting adaptation and mitigation strategies to build resilient communities. To date, the federal government has announced more than $900 million in funding contributions. This includes $200 million to the Asian Development Bank to catalyze private investments for climate action in Asia and the Pacific and $39 million to help build the resilience of farming households in Senegal, with a particular emphasis on women and young people. Canada also recently pledged $100 million to support reconstruction and climate resilience initiatives across the Caribbean over the next five years, part of which will contribute to Canada's overall climate finance commitments. Canada's new Development Finance Institute, capitalized with $300 million over five years, will mobilize its resources to promote green economic growth, which in turn will provide access to clean technology and climate-resilient infrastructure to those people most affected by climate change."
2/28/2018,59,,Canada in the World,Ensure Canada's strong and sustained engagement in the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie.,Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,On-going commitment,Promotion of Canadian values of diversity and inclusion through La Francophonie and promotion of French Canadian culture globally.,"Canada has maintained strong and sustained commitment to La Francophonie and continues to use it as an important opportunity to engage the international community. At the 16th Francophonie Summit in Madagascar in November 2016, Canada led a resolution, adopted by member countries, promoting global action to address child marriages, early marriages and forced marriages. The Government has also announced support for projects in several Francophone countries, particularly in Haiti, Burkina Faso, Mali, Senegal and Benin, to address climate change and economic growth, especially for young people and women. With the help of New Brunswick and Quebec, Canada supported Ontario in its efforts to join the International Organization of La Francophonie and promote the important contributions of Franco-Ontarian culture to Canada and the world."
2/28/2018,60,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Resettle 25,000 refugees from Syria.","Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship;Minister of International Development and La Francophonie",Completed - modified,"The Government welcomed 26,172 Syrian refugees (government-assisted and privately sponsored) between November 4, 2015, and February 29, 2016.","As of January 29, 2017, Canada had welcomed 40,081 refugees from Syria: 21,876 government-assisted refugees, 3,931 blended visa office-referred refugees, and 14,274 privately sponsored refugees. Although the Government hit and surpassed its targets, it did so two months later than the initial timeline to ensure proper security and medical examinations and resettlement preparations."
2/28/2018,61,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Double the number of entry applications for parents and grandparents of immigrants to 10,000 a year.","Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,"The Government made reuniting families a top priority and doubled the number of parents and grandparents sponsorship applications accepted to 10,000 in 2016. The new cap of 10,000 per year will apply going forward.","Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has formally increased the number of applications it will take in through its Parent and Grandparent (PGP) Program."
2/28/2018,62,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Give additional points under the Express Entry system to applicants who have Canadian siblings.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,"Changes to Canada's Express Entry program, including additional points for candidates with Canadian siblings and candidates who have strong French and/or English languages skills were implemented on June 6, 2017. This is increasing the number of eligible economic immigrants who have the support they need to more easily integrate into the labour market and contribute to the economic success of all Canadians.","Changes to Canada's Express Entry program were implemented on June 6, 2017"
2/28/2018,63,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Increase the maximum age for dependents from 19 to 22 to allow more families to stay together and bring their children to Canada.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,More family reunification.,"The Government has made reuniting families a top priority. Regulatory amendments to increase the maximum age of dependent children from 19 to 22 years of age came into force October 24, 2017."
2/28/2018,64,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Bring forward a proposal regarding permanent residency for new spouses entering Canada.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Sponsored spouses and partners no longer have to remain in abusive relationships for fear of losing their immigration status.,"To address concerns that some vulnerable sponsored spouses or partners were staying in abusive relationships out of fear of losing their permanent resident status, the Government repealed the requirement of conditional residency. This means sponsored spouses and partners are no longer required to live with their sponsor for two years in order to maintain their permanent resident status, thereby reducing vulnerability and dependence."
2/28/2018,65,,Government Services and Operations,"Improve client service delivery and immigration, refugees and citizenship application processing times.","Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,"Enhanced client service and timely processing of immigration, refugee and citizenship applications.","The Government is developing initiatives to reduce processing times in several programs and a client service strategy to enhance the client experience. In December 2016, spousal sponsorship was reformed to speed up processing and simplify the sponsorship process. Since then, the processing target of 80% of new spousal applications within a 12-month time frame is on track. The Government also announced an intake management strategy for privately sponsored refugees and the goal of reducing wait times for new applications to 12 months. Service standards in other programs are being maintained: 80% of citizenship grant applications received since April 2015 are processed within a 12-month timeframe, and Express Entry permanent residency applications are processed within a six-month timeframe. Since June 2017, the Global Skills Strategy continues to assist companies in getting workers to Canada faster, including through two-week processing time for 80% of eligible work permit applications. The Dedicated Service Channel helps guide companies making significant, job-creating investments in Canada. Enhancements to the asylum system will be informed by upcoming findings of the independent review of the Immigration and Refugee Board."
2/28/2018,66,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Restore the Interim Federal Health Program that provides health benefits to refugees.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Improved access to necessary health care for refugees.,"In April 2016, the Government restored the Interim Federal Health Program for all eligible refugee beneficiaries. In addition, the Government eliminated the coverage expiry date to ensure refugee claimants remain covered until they are eligible for provincial/territorial health insurance. "
2/28/2018,67,,Canada in the World,Establish an expert human rights panel to help determine designated countries of origin and provide a right to appeal refugee decisions for citizens from these countries.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,"Canada upholds its commitment to welcoming those seeking refuge from conflict and war, while leveraging expertise and systems to strengthen program integrity and efficiency.","As of July 2015, claimants from Designated Countries of Origin - countries that do not normally produce refugees and do respect human rights and offer state protection - have had access to an appeal at the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. An independent review of the Immigration and Refugee Board and the asylum system is underway, and findings will inform how the Government will enhance the asylum system to achieve both efficiency and fairness for all claimants."
2/28/2018,68,,Environment and Climate Change,Work with stakeholders to better co-manage our three oceans.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",On-going commitment,"Better planning, management and protection of oceans, marine mammals, and coastal communities.","The Oceans Protection Plan (OPP) includes new research on the effects of oil spills, measures to protect marine mammals, and increased emergency response capacity where coastal communities will play a greater role. The Government is engaging coastal communities, stakeholders and all orders of governments on the rollout of the OPP. The OPP is a key part of the Government's commitment to redefine its relationship with Indigenous peoples and engage in a meaningful and productive partnership with Indigenous communities. In addition to the OPP, the Government has officially endorsed the Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Plan with the Province of British Columbia and Pacific North Coast First Nations, explored partnerships with land claims organizations in the North to advance Canada’s marine conservation agenda, and signed a statement of intent between Canada and the Nunatsiavut Government to work together on oceans management in northern Labrador."
2/28/2018,69,,Canada in the World,Facilitate the temporary entry of low risk travellers and lift the visa requirement for Mexico.,"Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,"Canada is a more open country that does not impose unnecessary barriers to business travellers, tourists and other visitors.","On December 1, 2016, Canada lifted the requirement for Mexican travellers to have a visa. To facilitate the temporary entry of low-risk travellers, the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) was put in place on November 10, 2016 for visa-exempt foreign nationals (other than U.S. citizens) boarding their flight to Canada. With a valid eTA, travellers can travel to Canada multiple times for short stays. On May 1, 2017, Canada expanded eTA to Brazil, Bulgaria and Romania to facilitate air travel for low-risk travellers. The visa requirement for Bulgaria and Romania was fully lifted on December 1, 2017."
2/28/2018,70,,Fair and Open Government,Repeal provisions in the Citizenship Act that give the government the right to strip citizenship from dual nationals.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Repealed provisions in the Citizenship Act that gave the Government the right to strip citizenship from dual nationals.,"In June 2017, legislation was passed that repealed the unfair elements of the Citizenship Act that applied only to Canadians with dual or multiple citizenships and allowed the government to strip them of their Canadian citizenship. This legislation also makes it easier for applicants to meet the requirements for citizenship, and helps immigrants obtain citizenship earlier and faster."
2/28/2018,72,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Make it easier for international students to stay in Canada after their studies.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Better outcomes for immigrants to Canada because those who become permanent residents and citizens have Canadian educational experience.,"It is now easier for international students to become permanent residents or Canadian citizens after completing their studies. The Government made changes to the Express Entry system that award more points to those who have studied in Canada, making it easier for international students to become permanent residents. As well, in October 2017, regulatory changes introduced by the Government came into force, providing greater flexibility for international students who want to become Canadian citizens."
2/28/2018,73,,Environment and Climate Change,Restore funding to support federal ocean science and monitoring programs.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Completed - fully met,"Restored funding to support the hiring of new scientific staff, the acquisition of new lab equipment, and added capacity for ocean science and monitoring.","The Government of Canada restored funding for federal ocean science and monitoring programs. In April 2016, $197 million was committed to fund ocean and freshwater science activities, which will help better understand aquatic ecosystems and support evidence-based management decisions. The Government is recruiting 135 new scientific staff and creating a new Partnership Fund to build capacity in the Canadian ocean and freshwater science community. The Government is also investing in high-performance lab equipment to mitigate life-cycle management concerns, procuring new state-of-the-art acoustic and remote sensing technology, and enhancing monitoring activities for various species of marine mammals, fish and invertebrates."
2/28/2018,74,,Environment and Climate Change,Use good scientific evidence when making decisions affecting fish stocks and ecosystem management.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Underway - on track,"A new, strong process that integrates scientific information in all major fish stock and ecosystem management decisions.",The Government of Canada has changed its internal processes to ensure that scientific information and advice are presented as part of decision making. The Government is currently developing a plan to implement the precautionary approach policy for all major fish stocks. The new Chief Science Advisor will provide guidance on this.
2/28/2018,75,,Environment and Climate Change,Act on recommendations of the Cohen Commission on restoring sockeye salmon stocks in the Fraser River.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Underway - on track,"A new Wild Salmon Policy implementation plan to restore and maintain salmon stock which highlights measures for sustainable aquaculture, is co-developed and implemented in collaboration with experts, regional stakeholders and Indigenous peoples.","In August 2016, the Government released its formal response to the final report of the Cohen Commission. In October 2016, the Government launched public consultations and met with Indigenous peoples on the development of an implementation plan for the conservation of wild salmon. In September 2017, the Government provided a status update showing that 64 out of the 75 recommendations from the Cohen Commission have been acted on. The Government continues to engage with scientific experts and stakeholders to further act upon many of the Commission's 75 recommendations.
Extensive engagement with Indigenous peoples, stakeholders and the general public has informed a draft five-year Wild Salmon Policy (WSP) implementation plan. More than 32 consultation sessions occurred across British Columbia and the Yukon in fall 2017. Feedback from these sessions, as well as hundreds of electronic submissions, are now being incorporated. A final WSP implementation plan is expected in 2018."
2/28/2018,76,,Safety and Security,"Re-open the Maritime Rescue Sub-centre in St. John's, Newfoundland, and the Kitsilano Coast Guard Base in Vancouver.","Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Underway - on track,Kitsilano Coast Guard Base and St. John's Maritime Rescue Sub-centre are re-opened to restore search and rescue services and save lives.,"In May 2016, the Kitsilano Coast Guard Base in Vancouver was re-opened to provide 24/7 search and rescue services. The base accepted delivery of a new Search and Rescue Vessel, Response Boat Medium in December 2017. The Maritime Rescue Sub-centre in St. John's will be re-opened, in Summer 2018, to provide the same search and rescue capacity."
2/28/2018,77,,Healthy Canadians,Sign new Health Accord with the provinces and territories.,Minister of Health,Completed - fully met,"A new, multi-year agreement to strengthen health care has been reached between the Government of Canada and provinces and territories.","The Government of Canada has reached agreements with all provinces and territories on collective priorities and 10-year funding to strengthen health care. In August 2017, federal, provincial and territorial governments reached agreement on a Common Statement of Principles on Shared Health Priorities, which outlines key priorities for federal investments to improve access to mental health and addictions services, as well as home and community care and a joint commitment to advance health innovation and prescription drugs. Budget 2017 confirmed a targeted investment of $11 billion over 10 years to support these priorities. Governments also committed to develop and report on a set of common metrics to ensure that these investments bring Canadians improved health outcomes.
The federal government is now in the process of developing bilateral agreements with each province and territory that will set out details of how each jurisdiction will use federal funding in future years, based on the priority areas of action outlined in the Common Statement. The Canadian Institute for Health Information is leading a process with federal, provincial and territorial officials to develop a focused set of common indicators in home care and mental health to enable Canadians to assess progress on shared priorities."
2/28/2018,78,,Healthy Canadians,Increase rates of vaccination.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"By 2025, 95% of children under the age of two have received all recommended vaccinations.","The Government of Canada, with provincial and territorial partners, has updated the national vaccination coverage goals and vaccine preventable disease reduction targets; which have been endorsed by all jurisdictions. The Government also enhanced its Childhood National Immunization Coverage Survey to better estimate vaccination coverage and measure vaccine hesitancy. The new Survey was launched in fall 2017 and initial reporting is expected in 2019."
2/28/2018,79,,Healthy Canadians,Introduce plain packaging requirements for tobacco products.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,New plain packaging requirements for tobacco products will contribute to continued decrease in use.,"In November 2016, the Government of Canada introduced the proposed Tobacco and Vaping Products Act, which includes measures to support plain packaging. Once passed, the legislation will allow Health Canada to develop regulations that implement a comprehensive approach to plain and standardized packaging."
2/28/2018,80,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Promote the celebration of Canada 150.,Minister of Canadian Heritage;Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Completed - fully met,"Canadians came together to celebrate the best of Canada and to experience Canada’s rich cultural, linguistic, and geographical diversity.","Canada 150 celebrations came to a close. The Canada 150 Fund supported over six hundred community projects and thirty eight pan-Canadian Signature projects through non-governmental organizations. Canada 150 enabled the promotion of active living, sport and athleticism to students and communities across Canada, and it highlighted diversity and inclusion, reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, the environment, and youth. More than 31 million people participated in Canada 150 events. Programming included an investment of more than $1 million into the 2017 Canada Summer Games and an accompanying cultural festival. The closing of Canada 150 in December 2017 included Skating Day, one of a suite of community events supported by micro-grants that brought Canadians together, emphasized the connection all Canadians share as a northern people, and underscored Canada 150’s four major themes."
2/28/2018,81,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Restore and increase funding for CBC/Radio-Canada.,Minister of Canadian Heritage,Completed - fully met,"Increased funding for CBC/Radio-Canada, leading to the creation of new, high-quality content across all platforms.","In Budget 2016, the Government increased CBC/Radio-Canada funding by $675 million over five years. In 2017/18, this funding was directed toward CBC/Radio-Canada’s key programming and initiatives; the creation of new, high-quality content, including local content, across all platforms; digital transformation, and continued development of both its existing services and the next generation of digital talent."
2/28/2018,82,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that the appointment process to the CBC/Radio-Canada Board of Directors is merit-based and independent.,Minister of Canadian Heritage,Completed - fully met,A new independent and merit-based appointment process has been established for selecting the CBC/Radio-Canada Board of Directors.,"The Government has appointed an independent and non-partisan Advisory Committee that will provide the Minister of Canadian Heritage with recommendations of qualified candidates for appointments to CBC/Radio-Canada. Published, merit-based criteria will guide the Advisory Committee as they identify Canadians who would make significant contributions to the work of the Board of Directors of CBC/Radio-Canada. On December 18, 2017, the Minister of Canadian Heritage announced the appointment of five directors to the CBC/RC Board of Directors."
2/28/2018,83,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Double investment in the Canada Council for the Arts.,Minister of Canadian Heritage,Completed - fully met,The Government invested $550 million in the Canada Council for the Arts to foster the development of the arts in Canada.,"New investments are being made in the form of grants, services and awards to professional Canadian artists and arts organizations, as well as through scholarly awards. The Government of Canada's annual investment in the Council is doubling over the next five years, growing local economies and creating good middle-class jobs."
2/28/2018,84,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Increase funding for Telefilm Canada and the National Film Board.,Minister of Canadian Heritage,Completed - fully met,"Increased funding for Canada's film industry, creating growth and jobs in the creative industries.","The Government invested $22 million in Telefilm Canada to fund and promote programs dedicated to the cultural, commercial and industrial success of Canada’s audiovisual industry and provided the National Film Board of Canada with $13.5 million to create social issue documentaries, animation, and digital content."
2/28/2018,85,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Restore PromArt and Trade Routes international cultural promotion programs.,Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of Canadian Heritage;Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"Greater awareness of Canadian excellence in arts and culture, greater international demand for Canadian creators and more jobs in the creative industries.","In fall 2017 the Government announced an investment of $125 million over five years towards the implementation of a new Creative Export Strategy. This initiative will help Canada's creative industries seize business opportunities abroad and increase Canada’s interactions with the world through culture, supporting cultural diplomacy efforts. Building on the $35 million committed in Budget 2016, the Strategy provides improved measures and redesigned cultural programs. Based on former PromArt and Trade Routes, it will help artists and creative industries kick start or promote their creative offerings abroad. This will include more support from Canadian missions abroad to coordinate events showcasing Canadian artists on the world stage, as well as direct on-the-ground support from Canadian Trade Commissioners in key markets including London, Paris, Los Angeles, New York and China. With this support, Canadian creative industries will be able to better navigate export markets, meet key foreign contacts, and conclude business deals abroad. The Government also expanded access to cultural trade data through Statistics Canada to provide more accurate and up-to-date information to help guide and focus Canadian creative exporters abroad."
2/28/2018,86,,Strong Middle Class,"Increase funding to ""Young Canada Works"" to help prepare the next generation working in the heritage sector.",Minister of Canadian Heritage,Completed - fully met,More jobs for young Canadians in the heritage sector.,"The Government has increased jobs for young Canadians in the heritage sector. Investments in the Youth Employment Strategy helped to create over 1,600 new employment opportunities in the heritage sector in 2016-17. In addition, increased funding for the Young Canada Works initiative created 150 new internships for recent graduates in 2016-17. Budget 2017 confirmed an additional investment of $14.05 million over three years in funding in Young Canada Works Heritage programming. These new funds will enable the creation of over 1,500 more summer jobs and graduate internships for Canadian youth in Canadian museums and related heritage organizations."
2/28/2018,87,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Develop a multi-year Official Languages plan to support English and French linguistic minorities.,Minister of Canadian Heritage,Underway - on track,A new Official Languages plan will be implemented to support English and French linguistic minorities across Canada.,"The Minister of Canadian Heritage held extensive, nation-wide consultations in 2016 in support of a new multi-year Official Languages Plan. More than 350 community organizations participated in 22 roundtables across the country and 6,600 Canadians responded to an online questionnaire. Budget 2018 included a new investment of $400 million over five years to support Canada’s Official Languages starting in 2018-19 as well as $88.4 million per year in ongoing support for the Action Plan for Official Languages 2018-2023. The new plan is expected to take effect on April 1, 2018."
2/28/2018,88,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Establish a free, online service for learning and retaining English and French as second languages.",Minister of Canadian Heritage,Underway - with challenges,Free online services that help Canadians learn and retain English and French as second languages.,Canadian Heritage has conducted consultations with industry to identify possible approaches for providing an e-learning tool for Canadians. Progress has required specific attention to technological challenges and the need for a mobile component. Project design and technological requirements have yet to be determined. Budget 2018 confirmed that funding for the online service is included in the Action Plan for Official Languages 2018-2023. A formal request for proposal process is being prepared for the spring of 2018.
2/28/2018,89,,Fair and Open Government,Restore a modern Court Challenges Program.,Minister of Canadian Heritage;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,Increased protection for human rights and official language rights through a modernized Court Challenges Program.,"The Government has reinstated a modernized Court Challenges Program to provide financial support to Canadians to access the courts for the litigation of test cases of national significance, to help clarify and assert certain constitutional and quasi-constitutional official language rights and human rights in Canada. In February 2017, the Government launched a process to select an independent body to implement and manage the modernized program. Interested parties had until March 6, 2017 to submit an application. On September 1, 2017, the Government announced that the University of Ottawa had been selected to manage the modernized program. It also announced the members of the Selection Committee who will assess potential candidates for the program's Official Languages Expert Panel and its Human Rights Expert Panel. Canadian Heritage has issued a call for applicants and is working to establish the panels."
2/28/2018,90,,Strong Middle Class,Balance the budget in 2019/20.,Minister of Finance,Underway - with challenges,Balance the budget over the long-term and continue to reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio.,"Budget 2018 shows that the fiscal framework does not forecast a balanced budget in 2019/20. Before the Government delivered the 2016 Budget, the baseline fiscal track weakened as a result of low oil prices and slow global economic growth. Important fiscal investments were made to kick-start the economy, support the middle class and address the long-term challenges that were limiting Canada's potential. Canada continues to have the strongest economic growth in the G7 and increased consumer and business confidence. As a result, the current fiscal track shows steady improvements in the Government's budgetary position along with a continued decline in the federal debt-to-GDP ratio. In fact, the Budget 2018 fiscal track continues to show steady improvements in the Government’s annual budgetary balance, which is nearly $7 billion lower annually, on average, than projected in Budget 2017. The budgetary deficit is on track to fall to 0.5% of GDP by 2022-23. The Government will maintain this downward deficit and debt ratio track—preserving Canada's low-debt advantage for current and future generations."
2/28/2018,91,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Lead preparations for the 2016 Rio Olympics and Paralympics.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Completed - fully met,Canadian athletes and national sport organizations were well prepared for and supported at a successful showing at the 2016 Rio Olympics and Paralympics.,"Canadian athletes excelled during the 2016 Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games. Nearly 15% more Canadian athletes were able to attend the Games compared to 2012. Canadian athletes placed 10th in total Olympic medals, up from 14th in 2012 and Paralympians also had a very strong showing, bringing home 29 medals."
2/28/2018,92,,Healthy Canadians,Create greater links between our elite athletes and young Canadians to promote health and achievement among youth.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Underway - on track,Increased number of events organized to connect young Canadians and Canada's elite athletes.,"Last year, the Government organized a number of events both online and in person at schools across the country, to connect young Canadians with Canada's elite athletes. Approximately 250 Olympic and Paralympic athletes and coaches from the 2016 Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games participated in these events, reaching tens of thousands of students across Canada. The Government will continue to create these and other opportunities for young Canadians to learn from and be inspired by Canada's elite athletes."
2/28/2018,93,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Raise the quality of the Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) applied to Cabinet proposals.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) is effectively integrated into policy-making across government.,"Since 2016, proposals to Cabinet now require a full GBA+ analysis, which includes an analysis of the proposal's impact on diverse groups of people. Budget submissions also require a full GBA+ analysis. The Government will continue to improve the quality of the analysis through new training tools and videos. In addition, to ensure that gender remains a key consideration for future governments, Budget 2018 announced that the Government will introduce new GBA+ legislation to make gender budgeting a permanent part of the federal budget-making process."
2/28/2018,94,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that the Government's senior appointments are merit-based and demonstrate gender parity.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,Greater representation of Canada's gender diversity in senior appointments.,"In 2016, the Government put in place a new open, transparent and merit-based approach to selecting candidates for some 1500 federal Governor in Council (GIC) appointments. This will help over time to close gaps in the representation of women in GIC positions. Since late 2015, the representation of women serving as GIC appointees has increased by 10 percent and is now at 44 per cent. Budget 2018 also proposed a new investment of $210 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, for the Canada Research Chairs Program to better support early-career researchers and increase diversity, including increasing the number of women who are nominated for Canada Research Chairs. "
2/28/2018,95,,Government Services and Operations,Help injured Veterans by re-establishing lifelong pensions and insuring that they all have access to financial advice and support.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,"Injured Veterans have the option of taking a monthly, tax free payment for life and are provided financial advice and support to assist them in determining the form of compensation that works best for them and their families.","The recently introduced Pension for Life initiative is a combination of benefits that provide recognition, income support and better overall stability to Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and Veterans who are living with a disability due to a service-related injury and/or illness.
Pension for Life will provide a holistic package that reintroduces lifelong monthly pain and suffering payments, implement a new recognition benefit, and consolidate six existing income-related financial benefits.
The resulting Pension for Life benefits package includes: The Pain and Suffering Compensation, Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation, and the Income Replacement Benefit.
1) The Income Replacement Benefit (IRB) is a monthly benefit designed to provide income support to Veterans who are experiencing barriers to re-establishment due to a health problem resulting primarily from service. The benefit is available to Veterans and survivors, for life, and orphans, should they need it. For Veterans who have not yet served a full career in the military, the IRB will be increased by 1% every year until the Veteran reaches what would have been 20 years of service or age 60. The IRB combines six pre-existing benefits (i.e. Earnings Loss, Benefit, Extended Earnings Loss Benefit, Career Impact Allowance, Career Impact Allowance Supplement, Supplementary Retirement Benefit and Retirement Income Security Benefit) into one, simpler benefit. Veterans who wish to join the workforce may also earn up to $20,000 from employment before any reduction will be made to their IRB payment.
2) For injured Veterans, the Pain and Suffering Compensation (PSC) recognizes pain and suffering caused by a disability resulting from a service-related injury and/or illness. The PSC replaces the lump sum Disability Award announced in 2006. It delivers a maximum of $1,150 per month for the life of the serving member or Veteran, or it can be cashed out for a lump sum payment that will be equal to the lump sum offered less any monthly payments already paid. The maximum lump sum cash out for the PSC will be equivalent to maximum lump sum payment available under the Disability Award, which is being replaced by PSC.
3) Some injured Veterans will also benefit from Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation (APSC). This benefit provides additional support to Veterans who are experiencing barriers to re-establishment in post-service life due to a severe and permanent impairment. Depending on the extent of the Veteran’s impairment, the monthly payment would be $500, $1,000 or $1,500. This benefit is not intended to replace lost earnings and so is tax-free."
2/28/2018,96,,Government Services and Operations,Expand access to the Permanent Impairment Allowance to better support Veterans.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,More Veterans qualify for higher benefit amounts if they have had their career options limited by service-related illness or injury.,As of April 2017 the Government of Canada has replaced the outdated Permanent Impairment Allowance with the new Career Impact Allowance. This new measure provides broader eligibility to more generous benefit amounts for the most seriously ill and injured Veterans whose careers are impacted by service-related illness or injury. The benefit amount that a Veteran receives will depend on the unique circumstances of each case.
2/28/2018,97,,Government Services and Operations,"Provide injured veterans with 90% of their pre-release salary, and index this benefit to inflation.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"Veterans now receive 90 per cent of their pre-release salary under the Earnings Loss Benefit (ELB), and benefits are indexed to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).","Canada's women and men in uniform put their lives at risk to protect the values that Canadians cherish most. In Budget 2016, the Government of Canada made significant investments to give more money to Veterans with disabilities primarily resulting from military service. In particular, in October 2016 ELB eligibility was increased from 75% to 90% of a Veteran's monthly pre-release military salary. This benefit provides financial support to injured Veterans while they are undergoing rehabilitation as a result of a service-related disability or up to age 65 if they are determined to have a diminished earning capacity. In addition, the previous cap of two per cent growth was removed, so this benefit will now increase with CPI over time. As of June 30, 2017, a total of 12,461 Veterans have received an increase or are newly in receipt of benefits since changes to the ELB were made. Effective, April 1, 2019, the Earnings Loss Benefit will be consolidated as part of the new Income Replacement Benefit announced under Pension for Life. All eligible Veterans will continue to receive 90% of their pre-release salary, indexed to CPI during rehabilitation and for life if they are found to have a diminished earning capacity."
2/28/2018,98,,Government Services and Operations,Create a Veterans Education Benefit that supports the education costs of Canadian Forces Veterans after completion of service.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,More Veterans receive education and training upon release and get better jobs in civilian employment.,"The Government of Canada has developed a new Education and Training Benefit which will provide Veterans who have six years of eligible service with up to $40,000 for college, university or technical education. Veterans with 12 years of service will receive up to $80,000. This will help Veterans cover the cost of getting a new degree or certificate, which is often critical in making a successful transition to a good job in civilian life. The new benefit will begin in April 2018 for Veterans honourably released on or after April 1, 2006."
2/28/2018,99,,Government Services and Operations,Improve career and vocational assistance for Veterans.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,Improve career and vocational assistance for Veterans and ensure jobs for Veterans are included in federally-funded infrastructure projects.,"Through Budget 2017, the Government of Canada will provide $180 billion in infrastructure funding over 12 years to deliver clean, sustained economic growth; build stronger, more inclusive communities; and create more and better, middle class jobs. The Government is working with provinces and territories as part of infrastructure negotiations to ensure Community Benefits Agreements integrate jobs for Veterans into infrastructure projects. Enhanced Career Transition services will also ensure that Veterans have the knowledge, skills and abilities required to search for employment in the civilian work force so that they are more likely to gain employment and feel satisfaction in their employment."
2/28/2018,100,,Government Services and Operations,"Deliver a higher standard of service and care, and ensure that a ""one veteran, one standard"" approach is upheld.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,"Veterans and their families have seamless support as they transition out of the military, with simplified application processes, improved client services and reduced wait times to receive benefits.","The Government of Canada has increased staffing and is lowering case-management ratios from 40:1 to 25:1 in order to provide more in-depth, one-on-one service. The Government is actively working with Ministerial Advisory Committees to improve service standards for veterans and their families, and recently completed a service delivery review to assess how to achieve service excellence."
2/28/2018,101,,Government Services and Operations,Re-open the nine Veterans Affairs service offices recently closed.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"To improve services for Veterans, all Veterans Affairs Canada offices closed by the previous government have been re-opened and resources have been added in new areas not previously served.","All nine offices previously closed have been reopened and a new tenth office has been opened to serve the needs of veterans in Surrey, BC, and the Lower Mainland. In addition, the Government of Canada has expanded outreach to the territories and other northern communities to provide an enhanced level of service and outreach to Veterans and their families. As of April 2017, the Government has hired more than 460 new employees, including 180 new case managers, to improve services for veterans."
2/28/2018,102,,Government Services and Operations,"Create two centres of excellence in Veterans' care, including one specialized in mental health and post-traumatic stress disorder.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,Veterans and their caregivers and providers have better access to better knowledge and expertise to address the unique care needs of someone who previously served.,"Budget 2017 invested in the creation of the first centre of excellence that will focus on the creation and dissemination of knowledge on prevention, assessment and treatment of PTSD and related mental health conditions for Veterans and Canadian Armed Forces members. Plans for the second centre of excellence are at an early stage of development and consultation."
2/28/2018,103,,Government Services and Operations,Support families who are providing care and support to Veterans living with physical and/or mental health issues.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,Increased support for families who are providing care and support to Veterans living with physical and/or mental health issues.,"Military members who leave the service for medical reasons, as well as their families, will have access to a full range of support services at all of Canada's 32 Military Family Resource Centres as well as through services delivered over the phone and online. These changes will take effect as of April 2018. Further support will be offered to families by the new Caregiver Recognition Benefit which will provide a more generous non-taxable monthly benefit payable directly to caregivers of Veterans to better recognize and honour the vital role they play."
2/28/2018,104,,Government Services and Operations,End the time limit for surviving spouses applying for vocational rehabilitation and assistance services.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,Surviving spouses are able to receive vocational rehabilitation and assistance services whenever they need them.,The Government of Canada is enhancing support for survivors and common-law/spouses by eliminating the current one-year time limit on applications for Rehabilitation Services and Vocational Assistance. This change will allow survivors to apply for assistance whenever they are prepared to return to work and will come into effect in April 2018.
2/28/2018,105,,Government Services and Operations,Increase the Veteran survivor's pension amount from 50% to 70%.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,"Surviving spouses receive better support, and benefits are delivered in a more client-centred, streamlined fashion.","Announced on December 20, 2017 as part of the Pension for Life initiative, support for eligible spouses will increase from 50% to 70% of the Veteran’s Income Replacement Benefit, providing them with enhanced financial security when they need it most. This measure, effective April 1, 2019, will improve the delivery of benefits so that surviving spouses and their families have a simpler system to navigate."
2/28/2018,106,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that surviving spouses of Veterans receive appropriate benefits by eliminating the marriage after 60 clawback.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,Surviving spouses receive the same pension amounts as all other survivors regardless of the age at which they were married.,The Government of Canada is working to eliminate the pension clawback for spouses married to Veterans over the age of 60 at the time of marriage that currently exists in the Canadian Armed Forces Superannuation Act. Progress on this commitment has taken longer than anticipated.
2/28/2018,107,,Government Services and Operations,Double funding to the Last Post Fund to ensure that all veterans receive a dignified burial.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"Funding is doubled to the Last Post Fund, and more families qualify for a burial or marking benefit when a Veteran dies.","As of October 2016, the Government of Canada has enhanced the Last Post Fund so that more families can qualify for burial benefits. The Government has nearly tripled the current estate exemption from $12,000 to $35,000 and, going forward, this amount will be indexed annually."
2/28/2018,108,,Safety and Security,Create an Office of Community Outreach and Counter-radicalization Coordinator.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Underway - on track,Reduced radicalization and greater understanding of how to prevent radicalization.,"On June 26, 2017, the Government established the Canada Centre for Community Engagement and Prevention of Violence to help provide leadership on Canada's response to radicalization, coordinate domestic and international initiatives, and support community outreach. The Government is in the process of appointing a Special Advisor and Advisory Board. The Community Resilience Fund was also launched to provide financial assistance to organizations undertaking programming and research to address radicalization to violence in Canada."
2/28/2018,109,,Safety and Security,Protect Canadians and our critical infrastructure from cyber threats.,"Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of National Defence;Minister of Democratic Institutions",Underway - on track,"Increased cyber security for Canada's critical infrastructure, economy, and democratic institutions, resulting in better protection for Canadian businesses and individuals from cyber threats.","The Government has completed a consultation and review of current measures, and published the results in March 2017. To strengthen Canada’s cyber security and the cyber resilience of Canadians, including protecting their privacy, Budget 2018 commits $507.7 million over five years, and $108.8 million per year thereafter. The Government proposes to provide $236.5 million over five years, and $41.2 million per year ongoing, to further support a new National Cyber Security Strategy guided by the principles of resilience, collaboration, capability and innovation. The investment includes $155.2 million over five years, and $44.5 million per year ongoing, to create a new Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, which will consolidate expertise from across the federal government into a single point of contact for expert advice, guidance, services and support. It also includes $116.0 million over five years, and $23.2 million per year ongoing, to the RCMP to support the creation of the National Cybercrime Coordination Unit. As well, the Government will help businesses improve their cyber security approach through the creation of a voluntary cyber certification program. Furthermore, the cyber hacking of elections is a growing issue around the world, and the Government will take proactive measures to identify and mitigate against potential threats."
2/28/2018,110,,Safety and Security,Strengthen controls on handguns and assault weapons.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,"Reduced gun violence through balanced, effective firearms measures.","The Government is developing effective firearms measures that prioritize public safety while ensuring law-abiding Canadians are not unduly impacted. To support this objective, the Government established a more representative Firearms Advisory Committee that includes representation from law enforcement, civilian firearms users, public health advocates, women’s groups, farmers, conservation organizations, and the legal community. The Government also reversed a ministerial directive that could have allowed gun manufacturers to determine the classification of their own products under certain conditions. On November 17, 2017, the Government announced up to $327.6 million over five years, and $100 million annually thereafter, in new funding for initiatives to reduce gun crime and criminal gang activities. A Summit on Gun and Gang Violence was held in March 2018 to bring together stakeholders to share information on the realities, issues and best practices to combat criminal gun and gang violence. On March 20, 2018, the Government introduced legislation that prioritizes public safety and effective police work, while respecting law-abiding firearms owners. It will not recreate a federal long-gun registry."
2/28/2018,111,,Safety and Security,Enhance compensation for public safety officers who are permanently disabled or killed in the line of duty.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Underway - on track,"Public safety officers who are permanently disabled or killed in the line of duty, and their families, are appropriately compensated.","In March 2017, the Government announced the creation of a tax-free Community Heroes Benefit that will support the families of firefighters, police officers and paramedics who died in the line of duty. Further details will be announced in the coming months."
2/28/2018,112,,Safety and Security,Restore funding to provinces and territories to support Heavy Urban Search and Rescue teams.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Completed - fully met,"Search and rescue capacity across Canada is strengthened, helping save lives.","Last year, the Government restored funding of $15.5 million previously cut from the Heavy Urban Search and Rescue taskforces in Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, and across Manitoba. The Government is also providing support to build new heavy urban search and rescue capacity in Montreal and Halifax."
2/28/2018,113,,Safety and Security,"Develop a plan to better predict, prepare for, and respond to weather-related emergencies and natural disasters.",Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Underway - on track,"Canadians are quickly and effectively supported when natural disasters occur, and communities are better prepared for weather-related emergencies.","In collaboration with provinces and territories, and Indigenous peoples, the Government is working with stakeholders including municipalities, to develop a comprehensive plan to reduce disaster risk in Canada. The Government has begun a series of consultations on the development of a pan-Canadian Emergency Management Strategy, which includes weather-related events and natural disasters. The Government has responded quickly and effectively to support Canadians and communities affected by fires in northern Alberta, floods in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada, and recent wildfires in British Columbia. This has included partnerships with the Red Cross, payments to assist provincial governments, and the creation of ad hoc Cabinet committees to coordinate a response across government. Additionally, Canada is playing a leading role globally on the issues of disaster risk reduction, having hosted the United Nations Fifth Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in March 2017."
2/28/2018,114,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure strong and effective gender and culturally sensitive training policies for federal front-line law enforcement officers.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,Increased cultural competency and trauma-informed gender-based violence training across the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).,"In 2018-19, the RCMP will be developing cultural competency and gender-based violence (GBV) training that will be offered to RCMP employees starting in 2019-20. Through this training, there will be an improved capacity across the RCMP to effectively respond to GBV, including violence against Indigenous women and girls, in a gender and culturally sensitive manner. All training material will be examined using the GBA+ tool. "
2/28/2018,115,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Move forward on a toll-free replacement for the Champlain Bridge.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities,Underway - on track,New toll-free Champlain Bridge opened by December 2018.,"The Champlain Bridge is vital to local residents and commuters and plays an important role in the Canadian economy. The objective remains to open the new, toll-free bridge by December 2018. Construction of the new bridge is underway. Like all infrastructure projects of its size, the new bridge may face labour and logistical challenges that could delay the planned December 2018 completion date. The current bridge is safe and continuously monitored in real time."
2/28/2018,116,,Fair and Open Government,"Work with Parliamentarians to reform Question Period so that all ministers, including the Prime Minister, are held to greater account.",Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,"Increased accountability of all ministers, including the Prime Minister, during Question Period.","Since April 2017, the Prime Minister has adopted the practice of taking all questions during Wednesday sittings, as his schedule permits. In addition, when invited, ministers have participated in Senate Question Period."
2/28/2018,117,,Fair and Open Government,Promote free votes and limit the circumstances in which Liberal Members of Parliament will be required to vote with the Government.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,Members of Parliament are strong voices for their communities and there is greater accountability within Parliament.,"Since Fall 2015, all House of Commons votes have been free votes for Liberal Members of Parliament with the exception of those relating to: platform commitments, matters of confidence, and protections guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms."
2/28/2018,118,,Fair and Open Government,End the improper use of omnibus bills and prorogation.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,Measures are in place to end the improper use of omnibus bills and prorogation.,"In June 2017, the House of Commons adopted a Government motion that changed the Standing Orders to prevent the improper use of omnibus bills and prorogation. The motion gives the Speaker power to split omnibus bills for the purposes of voting except for budget implementation bills that contain only provisions that were announced in a budget presentation or in the budget documents. The motion also forces the Government to justify, in writing, the reasons for a prorogation and the House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs has the power to study the Government's justification."
2/28/2018,119,,Fair and Open Government,"Make government accounting and financial reporting more consistent, transparent and understandable to Canadians.",President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Finance;Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Underway - on track,"Government reporting is easier for Canadians to find, understand and use to hold the Government accountable.","The Government has introduced significant changes to improve accountability and make financial reporting more transparent and easier to understand. These changes include: making the Parliamentary Budget Officer an independent officer of Parliament with new powers and resources to more rigorously examine the country's finances; publishing fiscal decisions between budgets; publishing accrual versus cash reconciliation for the Estimates; and changing the Standing Orders of the House of Commons to allow Main Estimates to be published later in the calendar year, with the goal of having the Main Estimates reflect the federal budget. For the first time, in Budget 2018, the Government presented a detailed reconciliation between accrual expenses forecasted in the budget and planned Estimates (2018-19)."
2/28/2018,120,,Fair and Open Government,Improve reporting to Parliament.,President of the Treasury Board,Underway - on track,Increased transparency so that parliamentarians and all Canadians can more easily hold the Government to account.,"Part III of the Estimates (i.e., Departmental Plans and Departmental Results Reports) have been simplified and new features and data have been added to the online GC InfoBase. In addition, the Government introduced and adopted changes to the Standing Orders to better ensure consistency across the Budget, Estimates and Public Accounts, and provide greater clarity in voting on appropriations. These changes will help parliamentarians and Canadians better examine government spending and allow for the timely flow of funding outlined in budget plans."
2/28/2018,121,,Fair and Open Government,Ensure that Agents of Parliament are properly funded and accountable only to Parliament.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Underway - on track,Agents of Parliament are independent and are properly funded.,"In June 2017, legislation was passed that established the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) as an independent agent of Parliament, reporting directly to Parliament. This legislation provides the PBO with the ability to request the funds from the Speakers of the House and Senate needed to fulfill their mandate. The Government will continue to work with Agents of Parliament to support their important work."
2/28/2018,122,,Fair and Open Government,Ensure that the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) is properly funded and independent of the Government.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,The Parliamentary Budget Officer is independent and properly funded to conduct analyses on behalf of Parliament.,"In June 2017, legislation was passed that established the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) as an independent agent of Parliament, reporting directly to Parliament. This legislation provides the PBO with the ability to request the funds from the Speakers of the House and Senate needed to fulfill their mandate. This is consistent with the practice for all other independent agents of Parliament. The PBO will also have greater access to relevant information within departments, agencies and Crown Corporations; will be appointed for a term of seven years and can only be removed with cause, subject to the approval of parliamentarians; and will be able to cost election platform proposals at the request of political parties."
2/28/2018,123,,Fair and Open Government,Strengthen Parliamentary committees so that they can better scrutinize legislation.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,Parliamentary committees are freer and better equipped to study legislation.,"The Government of Canada has strengthened parliamentary committees by giving them more funding through the Board of Internal Economy so they can undertake the appropriate research and engage with Canadians. The Government has also ensured that the practice of electing committee chairs by secret ballot has continued. In addition, the House of Commons adopted a motion that enables Parliamentary Secretaries to be non-voting members of committees, ensuring that they can no longer vote on committees that fall within their minister's mandate, helping assure the freedom and independence of House of Commons standing committees."
2/28/2018,124,,Fair and Open Government,Disclose the expenses of all Parliamentarians in detail each quarter.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Underway - on track,"Increased transparency through the quarterly, detailed disclosure of parliamentarians' expenses.",The Government of Canada has introduced legislation to codify in law that the expenses of all parliamentarians continue to be disclosed on a quarterly basis. Details are disclosed on the Parliament of Canada website in an accessible and easy-to-read format.
2/28/2018,125,,Fair and Open Government,Examine ways to make the House of Commons more family-friendly for Members of Parliament.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Underway - on track,"A House of Commons that is truly a modern, professional, family-friendly workplace for Members of Parliament and their staff.","The House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs released a report in June 2016 outlining ways to make the House of Commons more family-friendly for Members of Parliament and their staff. The Government is currently implementing the principal recommendations of this report, which include scheduling votes immediately following Question Period rather than later in the evening, and tabling the House sitting calendar prior to the summer adjournment so that Members and staff are able to better plan their schedules. The Board of Internal Economy has also taken steps to implement more family-friendly administrative practices, such as providing more flexible childcare services and making high chairs available in Parliamentary cafeterias. More needs to be done to ensure Parliament, as a workplace, fully recognizes the challenges and pressures of raising a family. The Government is fully committed to working with all parties to make this happen."
2/28/2018,126,,Exports and Investment,"Invest in an Agri-Food Investment Fund to attract investment and create good, well-paying jobs in food processing.",Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,Underway - on track,The agri-food sector is a leading area for economic growth over the next 10 years.,"The Government is increasing investment in the agri-food sector to increase and diversify exports to create good middle-class jobs. Budget 2017 identified agri-food as one of the six key sectors for future economic growth and set an ambitious objective of increasing annual agri-food exports to $75 billion by 2025. The Government announced a $1.26 billion five-year Strategic Innovation Fund to attract and support new high-quality business investments, including for agri-food value added processors. The Canadian Agricultural Partnership, which is expected to launch in April 2018, includes a commitment to facilitate the maintenance and expansion of both domestic and international agricultural and agri-food markets, as well as to enhance the ability of the agriculture and agri-food sector to diversify market opportunities."
2/28/2018,127,,Healthy Canadians,Develop a food policy that promotes healthy living and safe food.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,Underway - on track,A whole of government food policy that promotes Canadians' health and quality of life.,"In May 2017, the Government launched consultations to support the development of a Food Policy for Canada. This policy is intended to identify a vision and plan to address challenges such as increasing access to safe and nutritious food; improving health and food safety; conserving our soil, water and air; and growing more high-quality food. A national Food Summit was held in June 2017 and six regional roundtables were held in August and September 2017. An online survey was conducted, receiving 44,000 responses, and other grassroots engagement with Canadians was led by Members of Parliament, stakeholder groups and members of the public. These are just some of the many engagement activities being conducted to inform the development of a food policy. The Government is working towards launching a Food Policy for Canada. "
2/28/2018,128,,Jobs and Innovation,Invest in agricultural research to support discovery science and innovation.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,Underway - on track,"Advance research in agricultural genomics, digitize nearly six million DNA specimens by 2022 and invest in discovery research in priority areas.","Over the next six years, the Government will accelerate DNA analysis, sequencing and digital recording of our taxonomic collections, completing the digitization of nearly six million specimens. In addition, Budget 2017 announced $70 million to further support agricultural discovery science and innovation, with a focus on addressing emerging priorities such as climate change and soil and water conservation."
2/28/2018,129,,Exports and Investment,Promote Canadian agricultural interests during trade negotiations.,Minister of International Trade;Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,On-going commitment,"Achieve the target of $75 billion annually in agri-food exports, and create more middle class jobs and higher incomes for the many rural and urban Canadians employed in the agri-food sector.","The Government has made agriculture and agri-food trade a priority in the trade expansion strategy. The Prime Minister and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Agriculture and Agri-Food have completed trade missions to Mexico, China, Japan, India, the European Union and the United States promoting agri-food. The Government has completed the Canadian-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement that expands opportunities for Canadian agri-food products with 94% of agricultural tariff lines now duty free. Canada has also signed a memorandum of understanding with China on canola and will continue to work to resolve regulatory and tariff issues with India to ensure long-term access to the Indian market for Canadian pulse exports (e.g., peas, chickpeas, beans and lentils). The Government will continue to strongly defend the interests of its agricultural industries, including supply management, with all trading partners, including as the Government engages with the United States and Mexico in the modernization of North American Free Trade Agreement."
2/28/2018,130,,Government Services and Operations,Assess whether current farm income safety nets meet the needs of Canadian farmers.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,Underway - on track,"Implement a new agricultural policy framework, with updated business risk management programs, to support an agricultural and agri-food sector that is strong, innovative and resilient.","The Government of Canada is committed to a progressive federal-provincial-territorial agricultural policy framework, the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. Consultations with stakeholders have been completed, including focused engagement sessions with Indigenous peoples, women and youth. A meeting of provincial and territorial Ministers of Agriculture took place in July 2017, where they reached agreement on key elements of the next policy framework and committed to review business risk management programs. On November 24, 2017, the Government announced the initiatives and priorities of the $1 billion federal investment under the $3 billion Canadian Agricultural Partnership, including the six federal programs: AgriMarketing, AgriCompetitiveness, AgriScience, AgriInnovate, AgriDiversity and AgriAssurance. Federal program details were announced on February 13, 2018 and application forms are now available. The Government is currently engaged in bilateral negotiations with provinces and territories on the $2-billion in federal, provincial and territorial cost-shared initiatives. Programming under the Partnership will be available as of April 1, 2018.
"
2/28/2018,131,,Environment and Climate Change,Help the agriculture sector adjust to climate change and better address water and soil conservation issues.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,Underway - on track,An agricultural food sector that succeeds in the face of a changing climate.,"The Government of Canada is implementing the Canadian Agricultural Partnership to support an agriculture and agri-food sector that is strong, innovative and resilient. The Government is negotiating bilateral agreements with provinces and territories on the Partnership, including on environment and climate change programming. The Government is also working on soil, water and climate change issues through: the Agriculture Clean Technology Program; A Food Policy for Canada; Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Program; the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change; the proposed Lake Erie Domestic Action Plan; and the re-accession of Canada to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. Budget 2017 announced $70 million to support agricultural discovery science and innovation with a focus on addressing emerging priorities, including climate change and soil and water conservation."
2/28/2018,132,,Safety and Security,Ensure that the Canadian Armed Forces have the equipment they need.,Minister of National Defence;Minister of Public Services and Procurement,On-going commitment,"The Canadian Armed Forces receive the ships, fighter jets and other equipment that it needs over the next 20 years as planned for and funded in the new defence policy.","Canada's new defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—invests in the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces and delivers the standard of service and care that current and former members deserve. The Government is investing to expand the Regular and Reserve Forces, build 15 new surface combatant ships, expand the fighter jet fleet to 88 advanced planes, and develop new space capabilities and global communications in the Arctic, among other key projects."
2/28/2018,133,,Safety and Security,"Maintain current National Defence spending levels, including current planned increases.",Minister of National Defence,Underway - on track,The Government will exceed previous funding levels.,"Under Canada's new defence policy, annual spending will grow, on a cash-basis, from $18.9 billion in 2017-18 to $32.7 billion in 2026-27. Spending is allocated to ensure that it is delivered when the military needs it, meaning that funds for critical equipment can be spent and do not lapse."
2/28/2018,134,,Safety and Security,Maintain Canada's strong commitment to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).,Minister of National Defence,On-going commitment,North America is safe and secure and Canada remains a strong and responsible partner in NORAD.,"Canada is meeting its commitment to NORAD on an ongoing basis, focusing on four key areas: personnel, capabilities, infrastructure, and participation in key decision-making fora on the future of NORAD. The Government is also expanding the Royal Canadian Air Force fighter jet fleet in order to properly fulfill our NORAD and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) commitments."
2/28/2018,135,,Safety and Security,Conduct an open and transparent defence strategy review.,Minister of National Defence,Completed - fully met,Canada now has a new defence policy that was built on extensive input from Canadians and delivers the standard of service and care that current and former Canadian Armed Forces members deserve.,"On June 7, 2017, the Minister of National Defence launched Canada's new defence policy: Strong, Secure, Engaged. This followed extensive external consultations, including engagement with the Canadian public, Parliamentarians, defence experts, and allies and partners. The new policy will allocate realistic funding to projects that will keep our military running efficiently and effectively for years to come, and ensure Canada remains a trusted and capable ally. Through this plan, the Government will build an even stronger military and, most importantly, deliver the standard of service and care our women and men in uniform deserve."
2/28/2018,136,,Safety and Security,"Renew the focus on surveillance and control of Canadian territory, and approaches, particularly for our Arctic regions.",Minister of National Defence,Underway - on track,"The Canadian Armed Forces has developed the necessary capabilities to expand its presence in Canada's air, maritime, land, space, and cyber domains to protect our sovereignty and keep Canadians safe.","As outlined in Strong, Secure, Engaged; Canada's new defence policy, the Government will invest in new space capabilities and prioritize Arctic Joint Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance in defence research and innovation. The Canadian Armed Forces has expanded Operation LIMPID (which provides domestic surveillance and presence in Canada's air, maritime, land, space, and cyber domains) to include additional domains and all Joint Task Forces. The Department of Defence is investing in surveillance solutions that will support Canada's ability to exercise sovereignty in the North (RADARSAT Constellation Mission and Polar Epsilon 2, Enhanced Satellite Communications and Tactical Narrow Band Satellite Communications) and is conducting a binational study of alternatives for the North Warning System. The Arctic Offshore Patrol vessels will be at initial operating capacity in 2019."
2/28/2018,137,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that the Canadian Armed Forces are a workplace free from harassment and discrimination.,Minister of National Defence,Underway - on track,"The Chief of Defence Staff and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) senior leaders continue to lead the full implementation of recommendations made by the Deschamps report and in Operation HONOUR, the Canadian Armed Forces mission to eliminate harmful and inappropriate sexual behaviour in the military. CAF members have access to a full range of victim and survivor services, and harassment complaints are dealt with in a timely manner.","The new defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—has reaffirmed that the Government of Canada will not tolerate gender-based violence or workplace harassment. The CAF will continue to work on gender, diversity and inclusion initiatives to eliminate harmful behaviours and ensure a work environment free from harassment and discrimination. On January 31, 2018 the Canadian Armed Forces launched the Positive Space initiative to promote a safe and inclusive work environment for all employees regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. More broadly, with the November 2017 signing of an Agreement in Principle (AIP) by the Government of Canada and parties to the Todd Edwards Ross et al v. Her Majesty the Queen class action, a total of $110 million will be available to compensate class members — federal public servants, including members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who were directly impacted by anti-LGBTQ2 (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and two-spirit) policies and practices. The AIP also earmarks $15 million for remembrance to prevent future discrimination and for reconciliation with LGBTQ2 communities."
2/28/2018,139,,Strong Middle Class,Repeal the recent changes made to the Employment Insurance (EI) system that have been punitive to unemployed workers.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Repealed the 2012 changes to Employment Insurance (EI) so that unemployed Canadians have better benefits and more opportunities for good quality jobs.,"In 2016, the Government of Canada reversed EI restrictions related to commute times and work type. Now, workers are no longer forced to accept lower-paying work that is far away from their homes. This change simplifies job search responsibilities, while maintaining the long-standing requirement to search for and accept available work."
2/28/2018,140,,Strong Middle Class,Reduce Employment Insurance (EI) premiums.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,"Employment Insurance (EI) premium rates have been reduced and a new, transparent EI premium rate setting process has been established so that revenues and costs remain in line over the long-term.","The EI premium rate was lowered from $1.88 in 2016 to $1.63 in 2017. The premium rate has been announced and set at $1.66 for 2018, which reflects important new supports for Canadian families and changing economic conditions. For the first time, beginning with the 2017 premium rate, the EI Commission has assumed responsibility for setting the annual EI premium rate."
2/28/2018,141,,Strong Middle Class,Improve the Employment Insurance (EI) system that currently leaves too many unemployed workers with no safety net.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Employment Insurance (EI) remains responsive over the long-term to the needs of workers and employers and reflects the diversity of needs across the country.,"In 2016, the Government reduced the waiting period for EI and made benefits more flexible, easier to access and more generous for workers who need it. For example, the New Entrants and Re-Entrants provision has been eliminated—which set higher eligibility requirements for youth, newcomers and other workers new to the labour market—enabling over 50,000 more Canadians annually to qualify in the event of job loss. In addition, extra weeks of benefits were provided to regions most affected by the commodities downturn and job search responsibilities were simplified. Over the last year, the Government has heard from Parliamentarians, stakeholders and experts as to how to further modernize EI. Through Budget 2018, the Government proposes to introduce a permanent successor strategy to the current EI Working While on Claim pilot that expires in August 2018. In addition, Budget 2018 announced that Working While on Claim provisions will be extended to EI maternity and sickness benefits, so that workers can maintain their connection to the labour force during periods of temporary unemployment. In addition, Budget 2018 proposed to better assist workers in seasonal industries that experience a gap in income support before the start of the next season. The Government will continue to look for ways to better serve Canadians as they deal with important life events. "
2/28/2018,142,,Strong Middle Class,"Eliminate Employment Insurance (EI) discrimination against immigrants, younger workers and parents re-entering the workforce.","Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Canadian workers in the same economic region are now treated equally in the Employment Insurance (EI) system.,"In July 2016, the Government of Canada eliminated rules that limited access to EI for those new to the labour market or re-entering the labour market. Under the previous rules, workers who were entering the workforce or re-entering after being away for two years were required to have 910 hours of insurable employment, regardless of their actual work history prior to unemployment. Now, these workers are treated the same as other Canadians. This will help approximately 50,000 Canadians every year qualify for EI in the event of job loss, particularly immigrants, young workers and parents returning to the workforce."
2/28/2018,143,,Strong Middle Class,Reduce the wait time for new Employment Insurance (EI) recipients from two weeks to one week.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Canadians are able to access Employment Insurance (EI) benefits more quickly.,"On January 1, 2017, the EI waiting period was reduced from two weeks to one week. With this measure, claimants are now eligible to receive benefits starting one week earlier. This helps approximately 1.8 million EI claimants each year pay their bills during a time of unemployment and provides higher benefits at the beginning of the claim period."
2/28/2018,144,,Strong Middle Class,Improve Canadians' access to good quality job training.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,"Canada will have one of the most skilled, talented, creative and diverse workforces in the world, with more opportunities for all Canadians to get the education, skills, and work experience they need to participate fully in the workforce of today, as they—and their children—prepare for the jobs of tomorrow.","In Budget 2017, as part of the Government's Innovation and Skills Plan, the Government of Canada announced several measures to help more Canadians get the education, skills and work experience they need to succeed today and prepare for the jobs of tomorrow. In support of this, the Skills Boost initiative will introduce several measures for 2018-19, including: increased eligibility for Canada Student Grants and Loans for part-time students as well as Canada Student Grants for students with dependents; and a three-year pilot project targeted to adult learners that will provide an additional $1,600 in grant support and allow flexibility to base Canada Student Grant eligibility on current year's income. The Skills Boost will also provide greater flexibility for Canadians on Employment Insurance (EI) to get new certificates or training without fear of losing their benefits. The Government is also expanding workers' access to skills training and job supports, improving access to opportunities for lifelong learning, and increasing work experience opportunities for young Canadians. The Government is significantly expanding the federal investment that will be provided to provinces and territories over the next six years through the labour market transfer agreements, and negotiating a new set of modern agreements. Negotiations with the provinces and territories (PTs) are currently underway and are expected to conclude later this year."
2/28/2018,145,,Strong Middle Class,Rationalize and expand the intergovernmental agreements that support skills training.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Agreements with provinces and territories that expand and support skills training for Canadians.,"To help more Canadians get the skills they need, the Government of Canada provided funding to temporarily boost existing Labour Market Transfer Agreements in 2016. In 2017, the Government increased federal support for provinces and territories and amended the Employment Insurance Act to broaden eligibility for job training under the Labour Market Development Agreements. Work continues with provinces and territories to develop more effective training programs and share best practices. In addition, in Budget 2018 the Government announced that it will launch Future Skills this spring. Future Skills will bring together expertise from all sectors and leverage experience from partners across the country. It will also include an independent Council to advise on emerging skills and workforce trends, and a research lab focused on developing, testing and rigorously measuring new approaches to skills assessment and development. "
2/28/2018,146,,Strong Middle Class,Develop a framework to fund training facilities delivered in partnership with labour unions.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Establish a program to support union-based training centres that provide Canadians with the skills that are needed by employers.,"The Government of Canada has consulted with labour, industry and other stakeholders. The new Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) was launched in July 2017 with a call for proposals. Projects are starting to roll out and most are aimed specifically at increasing the participation and success of women in the trades and/or Indigenous Peoples."
2/28/2018,148,,Strong Middle Class,"Change the Repayment Assistance Plan so that graduates are required to repay only once they earn at least $25,000 per year.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,"Recent graduates earning less than $25,000 are able to delay repayment of their Canada Student Loans until they are more financially secure.","Effective November 2016, thresholds for the Repayment Assistance Plan have been increased so that no borrower will have to repay their Canada Student Loan until they are earning at least $25,000 per year. An estimated 23,000 additional Canadians will be able to delay payment and many more will have lower payments until they can afford to pay back their debts."
2/28/2018,149,,Strong Middle Class,Increase take up rates of Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) and Canada Learning Bonds by making registration easier.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Increased number of low and middle income families using Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) and receiving Canada Learning Bonds so that more Canadians get access to post-secondary education.,"In 2016, 126,979 children received the Canada Learning Bond (CLB) for the first time, bringing the total number of children in receipt of the CLB to over 1 million. In addition, 293,000 children received the Canada Education Savings Grants (CESG) for the first time, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to over 3.59 million.
The Government of Canada is exploring new and innovative approaches to increase awareness and take-up of the CLB.
Of note, a Call for Concepts was launched in November 2017. Proposals are being considered for funding under three themes:
• Support for Indigenous Peoples;
• Facilitated Access; and
• Research and Innovation.
Funding to successful projects will begin in 2018-19. The findings from these projects will help inform additional efforts that the Government will undertake to increase take-up of the CLB and RESP by low and middle income families.
In addition, the Canada Education Savings Act was amended to allow the cohabitating spouse or common-law partner of the primary caregiver to request the CLB and/or the additional amount of the CESG on behalf of an eligible child.
Also, Budget 2018 announced that the Government of Canada is collaborating with the Province of Ontario to integrate an “Education Savings Referral” into Service Ontario’s online Birth Registration Service. As early as March 2018, parents of newborns will be able to request to be contacted by a participating RESP promoter to learn more about and initiate the process to open an RESP, and request the education savings incentives for an eligible child. "
2/28/2018,150,,Strong Middle Class,"Collaborate with provinces and territories on the Canada Student Loans Program, and compensate provinces and territories that do not participate in it.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,"Changes to the Canada Student Loans Program increase participation of low and middle income students, with accommodations for any province or territory that does not wish to participate.",Canada Student Loans Program (CSLP) funding is delivered in partnership with participating provinces and territories with costs being covered by the federal government. CSLP is working closely with provinces and territories to implement changes to the program announced in Budgets 2016 and 2017. The Government of Canada is committed to respecting existing arrangements for compensation with the provinces or territories that do not participate.
2/28/2018,151,,Indigenous peoples,Increase annual support to the Post-Secondary Student Support Program.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Indigenous Services",Underway - on track,"Indigenous students have greater access to financial support, boosting their post-secondary education participation and completion rates.","The Government of Canada has enhanced support for the Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP) for the next two years, which will help meet the financial needs of an additional 4,600 Indigenous students attending post-secondary education. This funding is an interim step while the Government undertakes a review of federal support for Indigenous students pursuing a post-secondary education credential, in order to develop student-centered solutions to improve access and attainment. The Government of Canada is working with Indigenous partners and stakeholders to inform the review and the future approach.
Changes have been made to the PSSSP and University and College Entrance Preparation Program reflecting early engagement with the Assembly of First Nations and consistent with Budget 2016 and Budget 2017 commitments. These changes improve program flexibility by:
•Increasing maximum amounts payable to individual students, to better respond to rising tuition costs;
Expanding eligible expenditures to include transcript and application fees;
• Allowing students more time to complete their programs of study, by removing or adjusting limitations on duration of financial assistance; and
• Providing greater flexibility for students who wish to pursue more than one certificate or degree program.
To support Indigenous students in having greater access to financial support to boost their post-secondary education participation and completion rates, additional efforts have been undertaken. Starting in the 2017-18 academic year, Indigenous students are more likely to be eligible for support under the Canada Student Loans Program (CSLP) since funds they receive through PSSSP are no longer considered assets during their assessment. Learners who self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, including status and non-status Indians, Métis, or Inuit) are exempt from making a fixed student contribution. This exemption means that Indigenous students will be eligible for more grant and loan funding and will have access to the full suite of CSLP supports to help with the costs of PSE. Finally, Budget 2017 proposed amendments to the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act, so that students who are registered under the Indian Act but do not have Canadian citizenship can access the CSLP. "
2/28/2018,152,,Strong Middle Class,"Increase the number of good quality, permanent jobs for younger workers.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",On-going commitment,"Reduced youth unemployment, greater opportunities for work experience, and improved access to job supports for youth.","The Government recognizes the importance of good quality jobs for younger workers. In Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government made significant incremental investments in the Youth Employment Strategy (YES). Thanks to these investments, the Government will help more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop skills to find work or go back to school, create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians, and over 1,600 new youth job opportunities in the heritage sector. For instance, the number of jobs supported under Canada Summer Jobs increased from approximately 34,500 in 2015 to approximately 68,900 in 2017. Through the Student Work Placement initiative, the Government is also creating more opportunities for co-op and work integrated learning for students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, (STEM) and business programs. Changes have also been made to Employment Insurance (EI) to remove the discriminatory New Entrants and Re-Entrants requirement, ensuring that young workers are treated fairly when they need to access job support through EI.
In Budget 2018, the Government proposes to provide an additional $448.5 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, to the YES. This funding will support the continued doubling of the number of job placements funded under the Canada Summer Jobs program in 2019-20 and provide additional resources for a modernized YES in the following years. To support Canada's National Cyber Security Strategy, Budget 2018 also proposes to provide additional funding for the Student Work Placement initiative to support the creation of student work placements in the cyber security sector for post-secondary students in STEM.
The Expert Panel on Youth Employment delivered a report in June 2017 outlining ways the Government of Canada can improve labour market outcomes for youth. These recommendations are currently being reviewed to determine possible areas for future action. A renewed YES will be announced over the course of the next year.
"
2/28/2018,153,,Strong Middle Class,Increase our investment in the Youth Employment Strategy and improve the strategy's impact.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Increased investment in the Youth Employment Strategy helps more youth succeed in the labour market.,"The Government recognizes the importance of good quality jobs for younger workers. Thanks to incremental investments made in the Youth Employment Strategy (YES) in Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government will help more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop skills to find work or go back to school, create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians, and over 1,600 new youth job opportunities in the heritage sector. In Budget 2018, the Government proposes to provide an additional $448.5 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, to the YES. This funding will support the continued doubling of the number of job placements funded under the Canada Summer Jobs program in 2019-20 and provide additional resources for a modernized YES in the following years.
Through the Student Work Placement initiative, the Government is also creating more opportunities for co-op and work integrated learning for students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and business programs. Changes have also been made to Employment Insurance (EI) to remove the discriminatory New Entrants and Re-Entrants requirement, ensuring that young workers are treated fairly when they need to access job support through EI. To support Canada’s National Cyber Security Strategy, Budget 2018 also proposed additional funding for the Student Work Placement initiative to support the creation of student work placements in the cyber security sector for post-secondary students in STEM.
The Expert Panel on Youth Employment was created to assess the barriers faced by vulnerable youth in finding and keeping jobs, and to examine innovative practices used by governments, nongovernmental organizations and employers both at home and abroad to improve job opportunities for vulnerable youth. The Government is reviewing the Panel's 2017 report, outlining ways the Government of Canada can improve labour market outcomes for youth. These recommendations are currently being reviewed to determine possible areas for future action. A renewed YES will be announced over the course of the next year.
"
2/28/2018,154,,Strong Middle Class,Develop or expand Pre-Apprenticeship Training Programs.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - with challenges,Increased pre-apprenticeship training and improved literacy and essential skills among incoming apprentices.,"Consultations with provincial and territorial officials and stakeholders, including post-secondary institutions, were completed in Fall 2016. Additional targeted consultations are taking place to discuss how best to meet this commitment. Working in partnership with provinces, territories, post-secondary institutions, training providers, unions and employers, the Pre-Apprenticeship Program will help Canadians explore the trades, gain work experience, make informed career choices and develop the skills needed to find and keep good, well-paying jobs in the trades. Through Budget 2018, the Government proposes to provide $46 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, and $10 million per year thereafter, for the Pre-Apprenticeship Program. Progress has taken longer than expected but the Government believes the commitment can still be delivered before the end of the mandate."
2/28/2018,155,,Strong Middle Class,Respond to the recommendations of the Expert Panel on Youth Employment.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,The recommendations of the Expert Panel on Youth Employment will help inform future decisions on how best to help young Canadians succeed in the labour market.,"The Government created an Expert Panel on Youth Employment to examine the key barriers faced by youth in obtaining employment, and the main challenges faced by employers in hiring youth. The Panel delivered its final report in June 2017, which included recommendations on how to best help young Canadians succeed in the labour market. The Panel's report will inform ongoing work on the renewal of the Youth Employment Strategy. Through Budget 2017, the Government is investing an additional $395.5 million over three years, starting in 2017–18, for the Youth Employment Strategy. Combined with Budget 2016 measures, these investments will help more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop the skills they need to find work or go back to school; create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians; and provide over 1,600 new employment opportunities for youth in the heritage sector. Through Budget 2018, the Government proposes to provide an additional $448.5 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, to the Youth Employment Strategy. This funding will support the continued doubling of the number of job placements funded under the Canada Summer Jobs program in 2019-20 and provide additional resources for a modernized Youth Employment Strategy in the following years, building on the input of the Expert Panel on Youth Employment. A renewed Youth Employment Strategy will be announced over the course of the next year."
2/28/2018,156,,Strong Middle Class,Implement a modern Fair Wages Policy.,"Minister of Public Services and Procurement;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Businesses receiving federal government contracts adopt policy setting out fair wage practices to create good-paying middle class jobs.,The government has completed its policy research and analysis on fair wages policies. The Government is now considering options for a modernized fair wages policy to be in place within the current mandate.
2/28/2018,157,,Strong Middle Class,Amend the Canada Labour Code to allow workers to formally request flexible work arrangements.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,Federally regulated workers are now able to request flexible work arrangements.,"Budget 2017 aims to give federally regulated workers the right to request flexible work arrangements from their employer, such as flexible start and finish times and the ability to work from home. Changes will also provide federally regulated workers with new unpaid leave for family responsibilities, to participate in traditional Indigenous practices, and to seek care if they are victims of family violence. Changes will also make bereavement leave more flexible. Legislation to implement these changes was tabled in Parliament on October 27, 2017, as part of the Budget Implementation Act, 2017, No. 2, and received Royal Assent on December 14, 2017."
2/28/2018,158,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Determine an appropriate apprenticeship target for federal infrastructure projects.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - with challenges,An appropriate apprenticeship target for federal infrastructure projects that leads to greater apprenticeship opportunities for Canadians.,"Progress continues to be made on this priority, but has taken longer than anticipated. The Government remains committed to leveraging federal projects as opportunities for training and skill development and is engaging a range of stakeholders, including provinces, territories, employers and unions on how best to support apprentices through these public investments. This commitment has taken longer to implement than anticipated."
2/28/2018,159,,Jobs and Innovation,"Create more co-op placements for students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and business programs.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Science",Underway - on track,"More co-op and work-integrated learning placements for students enrolled in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and business programs, to help students gain the necessary experience for the jobs of today and tomorrow.","The Government is creating more opportunities for co-op and work integrated learning for students in STEM and business programs through a new Student Work Placement initiative. The Government also announced expanded federal support for Mitacs, a not-for-profit organization that builds partnerships between industry and educational institutions. To support Canada's National Cyber Security Strategy, Budget 2018 proposed additional funding for the Student Work Placement initiative to support the creation of student work placements in the cyber security sector for post-secondary students in STEM. Together, these initiatives will create 60,000 placements over five years. In addition, the Government is investing in the PromoScience program, which will support STEM learning activities for youth."
2/28/2018,160,,Exports and Investment,Maintain constructive relations and deepen trade and commerce with the United States.,Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of International Trade,On-going commitment,"Strong economic growth and well-paying, middle-class jobs on both sides of the border.","The Government, in coordination with provinces and territories, continues to work with the United States (U.S.) administration, the U.S. Congress and officials at the state and local levels to grow Canada's economy, create well-paying middle class jobs, and address global challenges. Since the current Government was formed, the Prime Minister, Cabinet ministers, parliamentary secretaries, premiers and provincial and territorial ministers, Parliamentary committees and other Parliamentarians have cumulatively undertaken over 255 visits to the U.S. and engagements in Canada and abroad with senior U.S. officials. In February 2017, Canada and the U.S. announced the creation of the Canada-United States Council for Advancement of Women Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders to promote the growth of women-owned enterprises and to further contribute to our overall economic growth and competitiveness. The Government is actively engaged in the modernization of the North American Free Trade Agreement to reflect new realities and to integrate progressive and fair approaches to trade and investment. Canada continues to advocate against protectionist policies to maintain an open market. In cases where the U.S. has imposed unfair duties, Canada is forcefully challenging such duties under international disputes settlement processes (e.g. softwood lumber, paper products). The Government also regularly engages with the U.S. on areas for collaboration to respond to increasingly complex global security issues."
2/28/2018,161,,Exports and Investment,"Ensure border security and facilitate the movement of people, goods and services.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,"The Canada-United States border is secure and facilitates the safe and efficient movement of people, goods and services.","In February 2017, the Prime Minister visited Washington, D.C., where both countries confirmed their commitment to working together on border security and efficiency. This joint effort includes preclearance and integrated cross-border law enforcement operations, full implementation of the Entry/Exit initiative, increased regulatory cooperation, and the expeditious construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge. In addition, both countries committed to establishing preclearance operations for cargo, accelerating the completion of preclearance for additional cities, and continuing to expand this program under the Land, Rail, Marine and Air Preclearance Agreement, once it is ratified. In December 2016, the United States preclearance legislation became law, a step forward for the new agreement with Canada. Canada's preclearance implementing legislation received Royal Assent in December 2017. The Entry/Exit implementing legislation has passed Second Reading in the House of Commons. The Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security presented its report on this legislation to the House of Commons on October 30, 2017. These legislations are crucial to ensure security and facilitate movement at the border. "
2/28/2018,162,,Canada in the World,Prepare for the North American Leaders Summit in Canada.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Completed - fully met,"Canada hosted the North American Leaders’ Summit on June 29, 2016.","The leaders from the three countries discussed key priorities of creating jobs, strengthening communities and building a clean growth economy for North America. The leaders also took important steps to create a more integrated, sustainable and globally competitive North American economy."
2/28/2018,163,,Canada in the World,"Ensure a close link between foreign, defence, development and trade policy.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canadian interests and values are effectively pursued through an integrated and comprehensive international approach.,"The Ministers of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, International Development, and National Defence have been working closely together on the Defence Policy, the Feminist International Assistance Policy, the Sustainable Development Goals, Canada's multinational North Atlantic Treaty Organization battlegroup in Latvia. The Government has put in place a whole-of-government approach to address the crisis in Iraq and Syria. In addition, the government has established the Peace and Stabilization Operations Program to provide a whole-of-government platform for preventing, mitigating and resolving violent conflict, crises and natural disasters abroad."
2/28/2018,164,,Canada in the World,Expand Canadian diplomacy and leadership on global issues and in international institutions.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canadian diplomatic activities advance Canadian interests and values abroad.,"Canada is active in multilateral fora and international institutions to pursue Canadian foreign policy interests and values. Canadian-led initiatives—such as supporting humanitarian access and monitoring in Syria, addressing the violation of human rights in Iran, supporting women's political participation and leadership, combatting violence against women and girls, supporting compliance with international law, and promoting diversity and inclusion—secured widespread support in UN fora. Canada is active in coordinating hemispheric response to the crisis in Venezuela and hosted the third Ministerial meeting of the Lima Group in Toronto on October 26, 2017. Canada has successfully advocated for new language about the online dimension of violence against women and girls, including female human rights defenders at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the UN. Canada played a leading role in the creation of a group of experts to monitor the human rights situation in Yemen and report back to the Human Rights Council. Canada also demonstrated its multilateral leadership by hosting the UN Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial in Vancouver in November 2017, which resulted in a significant number of new pledges to support the UN by participating countries and advanced the global peacekeeping reform agenda. The Government played a major role in the NATO Warsaw Summit by becoming the Framework Nation for the enhanced Forward Presence in Latvia. In addition, Canada is increasingly working with new and existing partners including civil society and business to increase the effectiveness of our global initiatives. Canadian diplomatic network abroad continues to amplify Canada's role on the world stage and bolster Canadian reputation through proactive communication, stakeholder outreach and social media."
2/28/2018,166,,Environment and Climate Change,Make Canada a leader of international efforts to combat climate change.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,On-going commitment,Canada meaningfully advances international solutions to climate change.,"Canada is leading efforts under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to establish a platform for the engagement of Indigenous peoples and to advance gender-responsive policy development and women's participation. Canada is also delivering on its five-year, $2.65 billion commitment to help developing countries achieve sustained emissions reductions and build resilience against the adverse effects of climate change. This includes providing support to Caribbean countries for disaster reconstruction and resilience and pursuing a focus on climate change and adaptation under the Canadian G7 presidency.
In addition to advocating for and adopting the Paris Climate Agreement, Canada is engaged in key initiatives aimed at enhancing global ambition on climate change and clean growth, such as Mission Innovation, the World Bank’s Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition, the Global Methane Initiative, and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition. Canada and the United States also issued a joint statement in February 2017 confirming both countries' commitment to collaborate on energy innovation. In September 2017, Canada co-hosted a Ministerial Meeting on Climate Action with China and the European Union to advance the global climate dialogue. In November 2017, Canada hosted the 29th the Montreal Protocol Conference, where Parties agreed to adopt the Kigali Amendment to reduce hydrofluorocarbons, a powerful greenhouse gas. In addition, Canada and the United Kingdom jointly announced the creation of the Powering Past Coal Alliance, which aims to accelerate coal power phase-out in developing countries. Canada was also an active participant in the Bonn Climate Conference in November hosted by Fiji and the One Planet Summit hosted by France in December. In December 2017, Canada and China released a Joint Leaders' Statement on Climate Change and Clean Growth. Through the Arctic Council, Canada continues to highlight the serious impacts of climate change on the North.
In order to meet these commitments and drive action here at home, the Government is implementing the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change that was developed with the provinces and territories. This plan includes pricing carbon pollution and measures to reduce emissions across all sectors, as well as investments to drive innovation and ensure Canadian businesses are competitive in the global low-carbon economy."
2/28/2018,167,,Canada in the World,Accede to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canada implements the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).,"Legislation to accede to the ATT and further strengthen Canada’s export control regime, including by providing greater transparency and accountability in public reporting, is being considered in Parliament."
2/28/2018,168,,Strong Middle Class,Increase the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) by 10%.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,"Nearly 900,000 low income, single seniors have greater financial security.","Starting in July 2016, the Government of Canada increased the Guaranteed Income Supplement by up to $947 per year for the most vulnerable single seniors. Over the past year, this has improved financial security for nearly 900,000 seniors—approximately 70% of whom are women—and lifted an estimated 13,000 people out of poverty."
2/28/2018,169,,Strong Middle Class,Develop and implement a Poverty Reduction Strategy.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Fewer Canadians living in poverty.,"The Government of Canada is committed to developing a Poverty Reduction Strategy. It is anticipated that the Strategy will set targets to reduce poverty, align with existing provincial/territorial and municipal strategies, and include a plan to measure and publicly report on progress.
Meanwhile, several measures to reduce poverty across Canada have already been implemented. Since its inception in 2016, the new, tax-free, income-tested Canada Child Benefit (CCB) has helped to lift hundreds of thousands of Canadian children out of poverty. An increase to the Guaranteed Income Supplement is improving the financial security for nearly 900,000 low-income seniors, of whom 70% are women, and lifting an estimated 13,000 vulnerable seniors out of poverty. Through the Government's significant investments in affordable housing and the Homelessness Partnering Strategy, it is anticipated that the number of chronically homeless Canadians can be reduced by as much as 50%.
Building on these, Budget 2018 proposes the Canada Workers Benefit, a more generous and more accesible benefit for low-income workers that will replace the Working Income Tax Benefit, starting in 2019. An unattached worker could receive up to $1,355 from the CWB in 2019, while a single parent or a worker in a couple could receive up to $2,335, depending on their incomes. Budget 2018 also proposes changes that will make the new benefit easier to access by allowing the Canada Revenue Agency to automatically calculate the CWB for anyone who has not claimed it themselves.
In developing the Poverty Reduction Strategy, the Government has conducted a nation-wide consultation process with community organizations, experts and those with lived experience of poverty. this included the Tackling Poverty Together Project, which examined poverty with case studies in six cities across Canada and a final report has been published. An advisory committee on poverty has been created to help identify the best ideas from the consultations and provide independent advice to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. A major milestone in the consultation process was the two day National Poverty Conference in September 2017. The Academic Conference, which was on the first day, included academics from across Canada who did a deep dive into poverty measurement and indicators. The second day of the conference was with stakeholders and brought together many of the Canadians who participated in the consultation process to confirm what was heard. The What We Heard About Poverty So Far Report was published in February 20, 2018. In addition, further community-level discussions with First Nations, Métis and Inuit people took place to help ensure their priorities are reflected. Of note, ESDC provided funding to five National Indigenous Organizations to undertake engagement with their members, and share their findings with the Government."
2/28/2018,170,,Strong Middle Class,Create a housing strategy.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Infrastructure and Communities",Underway - on track,Hundreds of thousands more Canadians have access to affordable housing.,"On November 22, 2017 the Government announced a 10-year, $40 billion National Housing Strategy that will help reduce homelessness and improve the availability and quality of housing for Canadians in need. This Strategy is part of a long-term vision to strengthen the middle class and provide affordable housing to Canadians, and lift more Canadians out of poverty. The strategy sets clear goals to remove 530,000 Canadians from housing need and reduce chronic homelessness. The Strategy – funded through new and existing programs – follows a human rights-based approach, and includes a National Housing Co-Investment Fund, community housing initiatives, and the Canada Housing Benefit."
2/28/2018,171,,Strong Middle Class,Implement the middle class tax cut.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,The Government reduced the 22 percent federal personal income tax rate to 20.5 per cent to benefit millions of middle class Canadians.,"The middle class tax cut was announced on December 7, 2015, and came into effect as of January 1, 2016. Nearly nine million Canadians benefit from this tax cut. Single Canadians who benefit are saving an average of $330 each year and couples who benefit are saving an average of $540 each year."
2/28/2018,172,,Strong Middle Class,Cut taxes for small businesses.,Minister of Small Business and Tourism,Underway - on track,Lower tax rates for small businesses.,"The Government is working to build a fairer and more efficient tax system that benefits all Canadians. As one of its first actions, the Government raised taxes on the wealthiest one per cent in order to cut taxes for the middle class. As announced in October 2017, the Government intends to reduce taxes for small businesses so they can invest in new equipment, grow and create jobs. The Government intends to lower the small business tax rate to 10%, effective January 1, 2018, and to 9%, effective January 1, 2019. This will help small businesses keep up to $7,500 of their hard earned money which they can use to grow and reinvest."
2/28/2018,173,,Strong Middle Class,"Cancel income splitting, while retaining income splitting of pensions for seniors.",Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"Cancelled income splitting for couples with children under 18, allowing for an increase in child benefits.","As the Canada Child Benefit was introduced, Budget 2016 eliminated income splitting for couples with children under 18. Pension income splitting was not affected by this change."
2/28/2018,174,,Strong Middle Class,Enhance the Canada Pension Plan to provide more income security to retired Canadians.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"When fully mature, maximum Canada Pension Plan (CPP) benefits will increase by as much as 50 per cent, helping more Canadians achieve their goal of a strong, stable and secure retirement.","Canada’s Ministers of Finance reached a historic agreement on June 20, 2016, to enhance the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). In March 2017, all necessary legislative requirements were met by Canada's nine CPP participating provinces to implement the agreed-upon enhancements. Canada's Finance Ministers also agreed to further improvements in December 2017 to increase benefits for parents of young children and persons with disabilities. These CPP enhancements, which will begin in January 2019, will help provide a secure and stable retirement for more Canadians."
2/28/2018,175,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Create the Canada Infrastructure Bank.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Finance,Underway - on track,"Creation of an Infrastructure Bank, producing more large, transformative infrastructure projects that create good, well-paying middle-class jobs and support economic growth and prosperity for years to come.","In June 2017, the Government passed legislation to create the Canada Infrastructure Bank, a Crown corporation at arm’s-length from government that leverages the expertise and capital of the private sector. The Bank will support the transformational infrastructure that Canadian communities need now. It will make strategic investments with a focus on projects like green infrastructure, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and public transit, so Canadians can spend less time in traffic and more time with family and friends. The Bank is now operational, with its headquarters in Toronto. The CEO search is ongoing with the recently appointed Board of Directors taking a more active role in the process. The Chairperson is exercising the powers of the CEO until a permanent appointment is made. An interim Chief Investment Officer was appointed in December and is engaging with stakeholders, investors and project proponents."
2/28/2018,177,,Environment and Climate Change,Develop proposals to limit Exploration Expenses tax deduction to unsuccessful projects.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,Successful exploration expenses incurred to develop discovery wells no longer benefit from favorable tax treatment.,"Budget 2017 announced changes that will ensure the costs of drilling discovery wells are deducted gradually over time as development expenses, rather than deducted immediately as exploration expenses. With these changes, Canadian exploration expense treatment will effectively be limited to unsuccessful exploration or cases where the linkage to success cannot reasonably be determined in the year the activity takes place."
2/28/2018,178,,Strong Middle Class,Restore the tax credit for labour-sponsored funds.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"Canadian companies have greater access to venture capital, with the support of labour unions.","To help Canadian companies grow, the Government of Canada restored the Labour-Sponsored Venture Capital Corporations (LSVCC) Tax Credit to 15% for share purchases of provincially-registered LSVCCs for 2016 and subsequent tax years."
2/28/2018,179,,Strong Middle Class,Introduce a tax benefit to help teachers and early childhood educators with the cost of school supplies.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,Teachers and Early Childhood Educators are able to buy necessary supplies to help kids learn.,"The Government of Canada introduced a new, refundable Teacher and Early Childhood Educator School Supply Tax Credit for the 2016 and subsequent tax years, which will provide a benefit to teachers and early education educators to help cover the cost of school supplies."
2/28/2018,180,,Strong Middle Class,Enhance the Northern Residents Deduction to help with the high cost of living.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"Increased the Northern Residents Deduction to help approximately 225,000 Canadians with the high cost of living in northern and isolated communities.","Effective January 1, 2016, the Government of Canada increased the maximum daily residency deduction from $16.50 to $22 for residents in the Northern Zone and from $8.25 to $11 per day for residents in the Intermediate Zone. This measure is anticipated to put about $260 million back in the pockets of Canadians in northern and isolated communities over the 2015-16 to 2020-21 period and help these Canadians get the support they need."
2/28/2018,181,,Strong Middle Class,Repeal the Federal Balanced Budget Act.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,The Act has been repealed.,"Parliament repealed this Act, effective June 22, 2016."
2/28/2018,182,,Exports and Investment,Ratify and implement the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is now implemented, creating jobs for Canadians across the country, giving consumers more choice, and increasing Canadian businesses' access to new customers.","The European Parliament approved CETA in February 2017. However, all 28 EU Member States must ratify the Agreement in their national parliaments in order to ratify the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and to bring it fully into force. To date, eight Member States have ratified the Agreement. In Canada, the implementing legislation of this progressive trade deal received Royal Assent in June 2017. Provisional application of the trade agreement took effect in September 2017 and all economically significant parts are now in force, e.g. tariff elimination on 98 per cent of European Union (EU) tariff lines for Canadian goods, increased quotas, services commitments, temporary entry commitments, and government procurement obligations. The Government has announced programs to help dairy farmers and processors adjust to increased European Union cheese access under CETA. The Government is also working with the Atlantic provinces to support Canada's seafood sector in capitalizing on new opportunities in the European market. With CETA's entry into force, Canadian exporters now enjoy improved access to more than 40 countries with nearly 1.2 billion of the world’s wealthiest consumers. The Parliamentary Budget Officer has estimated that CETA implementation could raise Canada's potential real gross domestic product by 0.4 percentage points."
2/28/2018,183,,Exports and Investment,Modernize agreements with Israel and Chile.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,Canada has modernized free trade agreements in force with Israel and Chile.,"Canada is working closely with Israel to further modernize the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement. In June 2017 Canada and Chile signed Amending Agreements to modernize the Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement. The modernized Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement will include a chapter dedicated to trade and gender—a first for Canada or any G20 nation. The updated agreement will also provide better mechanisms to address technical barriers to trade; add new progressive elements to the existing investment chapter, and amend the existing government procurement chapter. The Government tabled the amended Agreement in Parliament on October 5, 2017. "
2/28/2018,184,,Exports and Investment,Establish the Invest in Canada Hub.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"Canada attracts more global investment, creating well-paying, middle-class jobs by making it simpler and faster for businesses to invest in Canada.","Parliament passed legislation in the spring of 2017 to establish the Invest in Canada Hub, which will help bring together all levels of government to provide seamless service to help global investors navigate Canada’s investment landscape. Increased foreign investment in Canada connects Canadian industries to global value chains and facilitates the transfer of knowledge and technology, increasing our competitiveness, stimulating innovation, and promoting the prosperity of Canadians. As part of this initiative, the Government is also increasing the number of investment-focused trade commissioners across key global markets. While the Invest in Canada Hub was meant to be operational in 2017, it will now become gradually operational in 2018. The Chair of the Board of Directors and CEO have been appointed. The Trade Commissioner Service has hired 15 new investment-focused trade commissioners and will add another five in each of the next two years. "
2/28/2018,186,,Exports and Investment,Promote trade and investment with emerging markets including China and India.,Minister of International Trade,On-going commitment,"Two-way trade and investment with China, India and other emerging economies is increased, creating good, middle class jobs, expanding opportunities for Canadian exports, and increasing access to goods for Canadian consumers.","The Government continues to engage China on a possible free trade agreement while working to implement the trade and investment commitments that were made by Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier Li of China in 2016 and 2017. The Government is also working with India to reinvigorate negotiations on a Canada-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA). Canada will continue to work to resolve regulatory and tariff issues with India to ensure Canadian pulse exports (e.g., peas, chickpeas, beans and lentils) can continue to enter India without regulatory barriers. Since October 2015, six FIPAs with emerging markets in Sub-Saharan Africa have also come into force. In addition, the Canada-Hong Kong FIPA came into force in September 2016, and the Canada-Mongolia FIPA came into force in February 2017. On March 8, 2018, the Government signed the Comprehensive and Progress Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. Canada is also undertaking negotiations for a free trade agreement between Canada and the Pacific Alliance. To support Canadian firms and increase exports to new markets, Budget 2018 provides up to $75 million to build a stronger diplomatic presence and Trade Commissioner Service salesforce in China and Asia, as well as other initiatives to open market opportunities in the region."
2/28/2018,187,,Exports and Investment,Improve support to companies looking to export and help communities looking to attract investments.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"Double the number of high-growth firms in Canada by 2025; increase Canada's goods and services exports—from natural resources, advanced manufacturing, agri-food and others—by 30 per cent by 2025; increase global investment in Canada; and create more well-paying, middle-class jobs for Canadians.","The Government is encouraging global investment and promoting Canada's economic brand through the creation of the Invest in Canada Hub, which will become gradually operational in 2018. To support exports, the Government has established a new National Trade Corridors Fund to address urgent capacity constraints and freight bottlenecks at major ports of entry, and to better connect the rail and highway infrastructure that delivers economic growth across Canada. The Canada Infrastructure Bank will make additional funding available to address trade and transportation projects. The Government successfully implemented the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement that will give consumers more choice, boost Canadian businesses' access to new customers, create good, middle-class jobs and grow the economy. Provisional application of the trade agreement took effect in September 2017, immediately brought 98% of the Agreement into force. CanExport, which provides direct financial assistance to Canadian small- and medium-sized enterprises seeking to develop new export opportunities and markets, has approved 895 projects in 78 markets. To support Canadian firms and increase exports to new markets, Budget 2018 provides up to $75 million to build a stronger diplomatic presence and Trade Commissioner Service salesforce in China and Asia, as well as other initiatives to open market opportunities in the region. In 2017, the Invest Canada-Community Initiatives (ICCI) program, which provides support to communities to improve their capacity to attract, retain and expand foreign direct investment, funded 166 projects from 77 communities to attract job-creating investment. Budget 2017 announced $950 million to superclusters in highly innovative industries, created the Strategic Innovation Fund to boost investment in Canadian innovations, and created six Economic Strategy Tables to boost growth and exports from advanced manufacturing; agri-food; clean technology; digital industries; health and bio-sciences; and clean resources sectors."
2/28/2018,188,,Exports and Investment,Reduce administrative burden for investors and companies associated with international trade.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"Canadian businesses export and trade with international partners more easily and with less of an administrative burden, and international investors benefit from faster, clearer and more efficient engagement with government programs.","When launched later in 2018, the Invest in Canada Hub will increase cooperation between provinces, territories and municipalities to bolster trade promotion by providing companies with a one-stop-shop for investment in Canada thereby reducing complexity and administrative burden for investors. The new Global Skills Strategy, launched in June 2017, will make it easier for companies that are making large investments in Canada to bring in highly skilled global talent, while supporting well-paying, middle-class jobs for Canadians. Canadian companies will have access to an expedited review process lasting no more than a combined 20 business days from end to end, including reviews conducted by Employment and Social Development Canada and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Canada has worked closely with the United States (US), as part of the Canada-US Regulatory Cooperation Council, to facilitate greater alignment of regulatory systems where appropriate. Furthermore, to help Canadian firms unlock growth opportunities through exports, the Trade Commissioner Service will undergo transformative enhancements in the coming year to simplify the client experience, modernize tools and offer innovative services."
2/28/2018,189,,Indigenous peoples,"Improve essential infrastructure for Indigenous communities, including improving housing.",Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - with challenges,"Infrastructure on reserves is improved, schools on reserve are newer and in better condition; language and cultural knowledge is strengthened; more First Nations children graduate from high school and go on to post-secondary education; elimination of long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve by 2021; enhanced access for First Nations, Inuit and Métis to affordable housing on-reserve and not on reserve.","In Budget 2016, the Government of Canada made an investment of $4.6 billion over five years to support infrastructure development in communities to improve the quality of life of the people who live in them. Budget 2017 built on this momentum, with new, additional investments of $4 billion over ten years to build and improve housing, water treatment systems, health facilities and other community infrastructure. As of December 31, 2017, and since the Budget 2016 announcement, more than $2 billion of targeted funds has been allocated towards 2,899 on-reserve community infrastructure projects across all asset classes. The Government is also improving primary and secondary education on reserve by building and renovating school facilities; enhancing the quality of language and cultural programs; expanding innovative pilot programs that have been proven to substantially increase literacy and numeracy rates among First Nations children; and empowering communities to establish First Nations' planned and led education systems. More than $300 million is being invested in 2016/17 and 2017/18 to build/upgrade First Nations schools. This includes 74 new schools and 85 renovated/upgraded schools. As of December 31, 2017, 11 of the 74 new schools have been constructed, and renovations/upgrades on 10 of the 85 schools have been completed. In Budget 2016, the Government announced significant new funding to end long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserves by 2021. As of December 31, 2017, and since the Budget 2016 announcement, more than $750 million was invested to support 420 projects to strengthen on-reserve water infrastructure. On January 23, 2018 an expansion of the number of drinking water systems on public systems on reserve that will be supported by the Government was announced. Taking this expansion into account, as of March 22, 2018 there are 78 long-term drinking water advisories in effect, down from 105 in November 2015. Since November 2015, 57 long-term drinking water advisories have been lifted, while 30 have been added. The latest results on eliminating LT-DWAs is available here. The Government is improving on-reserve housing conditions while engaging with First Nations and other partners to develop an effective long-term strategy. As of December 31, 2017, and since the Budget 2016 announcement, 13,093 housing units were under construction, renovation/retrofit or being serviced. Of these 13,093 units, 42% (5,536 housing units) have been completed. With respect to Inuit housing, 193 housing units are expected to build/renovate in 2016/17 and 2017/18. The Government is also improving health facilities. As of January 31, 2018, investments have been made in more than 127 First Nations infrastructure projects to design, replace, expand or renovate health facilities for which 45 (35%) of these projects are complete. Budget 2018 builds on prior investments and reaffirms the Government’s commitment by proposing to provide an additional $172.6 million over three years, beginning in 2018–19, to improve access to clean and safe drinking water on reserve.
Through investments made in Budget 2017 and Budget 2018, the Government proposes dedicated funding to support the successful implementation of each of the distinctions-based housing strategies, including:
•$600 million over three years to support housing on reserve as part of a 10-year First Nations Housing Strategy that is being developed with First Nations.
•$400 million over 10 years to support an Inuit-led housing plan in the Inuit regions of Nunavik, Nunatsiavut and Inuvialuit. This is in addition to the $240 million over 10 years announced in Budget 2017 to support housing in Nunavut, where additional funding was provided for Inuit housing.
•$500 million over 10 years to support the Métis Nation’s housing strategy.
"
2/28/2018,190,,Indigenous peoples,Implement the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - with challenges,All Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action are implemented.,"The Truth and Reconciliation Commission identified 94 Calls to Action, 76 of which fall under federal or shared responsibility with other partners, implicating 25 federal departments or agencies. Of the 76 Calls to Action within federal purview, six are in the final stages of delivery (including three that were concluded), 19 are fully underway and 51 are in the early stages of planning and implementation. Important progress has already been made and will lead to greater and more equitable access to quality education, health care, clean water, housing and employment services for Indigenous peoples. This includes the announcement in May 2016 of Canada’s unequivocal support to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples, of which implementation is a Call to Actions. The Calls to Action are extensive and some require longer-term, transformative change. Many involve multiple parties and require significant consultation and coordination. Taking into account the scope of the task and the wide range of partners involved, it will take time to ensure it is done right, with careful consideration of how best to support ongoing healing. The Government of Canada is also working with other jurisdictions and partners to advance implementation of those 18 Calls to Action outside of the federal purview. The establishment of the National Council for Reconciliation will support the efforts to advance the Calls to Action. To this end, on December 14, 2017, the Government of Canada announced the creation of a six member interim board that will provide advice on the establishment of the Council, the scope and scale of its proposed mandate, and will undertake independent engagement. The Interim Board is expected to submit a final report, with recommendations, in June 2018."
2/28/2018,191,,Indigenous peoples,Undertake a review of laws and policies to ensure the Crown is fulfilling its obligations and commitments to the recognition and implementation of Indigenous peoples' rights.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs;Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - on track,"Canada's laws and policies reflect the Government's commitment to advancing a nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown and government-to-government relationship with Indigenous peoples.","A Working Group of Ministers, chaired by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, was established in February 2017 to examine relevant federal laws, policies, and operational practices to help ensure the Crown is meeting its constitutional obligations with respect to Aboriginal and treaty rights; adhering to international human rights standards, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; and supporting the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. The Working Group has completed its start-up phase and in July 2017 released Principles respecting the Government of Canada's relationship with Indigenous peoples that should guide the review. The Working Group will continue to work in partnership with Indigenous peoples in carrying out this review. Working with other Ministers, the Working Group is looking at Canada’s laws, policies and operational practices to align them with its constitutional duties and its international commitments, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples, with respect to the recognition of Indigenous peoples and the implementation of Indigenous rights. The Working Group will provide an integrated whole-of-government approach to fulfil the promise of section-35 as a fundamental element of renewing the nation-to-nation relationship."
2/28/2018,192,,Indigenous peoples,Invest in First Nations education to ensure that First Nations children on reserve receive a quality education.,Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - with challenges,Literacy and numeracy rates are improved; language and cultural knowledge is strengthened; and more First Nations children graduate from high school and go on to post-secondary education.,"The Government of Canada committed a $2.6 billion increase for First Nations K-12 education and almost an additional $1 billion for education infrastructure. These investments will improve primary and secondary education on reserve by building and renovating school facilities; enhancing the quality of language and cultural programs; expanding innovative pilot programs that have been proven to substantially increase literacy and numeracy rates among First Nations children; increasing special education support; and empowering communities to establish education systems planned and led by First Nations. After reaching an agreement with the Government of Canada, the Manitoba First Nations School System officially began operating in July 2017. As of September 2017 students in this school system began receiving education programs that are designed, delivered and run by First Nations with funding that is comparable to provincial school boards with enhancements that meets their specific needs. On August 16, 2017, the Anishinabek Nation Education Agreement was signed and will come into effect on April 1, 2018. It is the largest education self-government agreement in Canada, which enables the 23 Anishinabek First Nations in Ontario to develop culturally relevant and community-tailored education programs for the benefit of the Anishinabek students. The Government is engaged in discussions to establish similar initiatives in other regions of the country. Finally, as noted by the Parliamentary Budget Officer in November 2016, the Government's investments in education will, over the next several years, help fill critical and long-standing gaps in how on-reserve schools are funded compared to those under provincial jurisdiction. These investments will ensure that First Nations children get the best possible start in life and see an improvement in educational outcomes."
2/28/2018,193,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Implement an Infrastructure Strategy that improves public transit.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Transport,Underway - on track,Canadians spend less time in traffic and have greater access to modern public transit.,"Through Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government has committed $28.7 billion to public transit projects over the next 10 years. Over 1,000 public transit projects have been approved to date under the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund that will expand transit systems across the country and transform the way Canadians live, move, and work by spending less time in traffic. Larger projects to improve access to public transit include: the Regional Express Rail project in the Greater Toronto Area, which will make commuting by GO faster than commuting by car, save 1.8 billion hours of commuter travel time and $14.7 billion in automobile operating savings over the lifetime of the project; the Ottawa Light Rail Transit project - Stage 2 (OLRT2) will contribute to increasing overall public transit modal share from 22% in 2011 to 25% by 2048, to reduce congestion and improve mobility and safety while reducing harmful emissions due to modal share increase in public transit use. It is expected that an overall incremental greenhouse gas emissions reduction of 115,000 tonnes will occur by 2048 due to the environmental benefits of the OLRT2 project."
2/28/2018,194,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Implement an Infrastructure Strategy that improves social infrastructure.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Canadian Heritage;Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Underway - on track,"More Canadians with access to affordable housing, child care, cultural and recreational infrastructure.","In Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government made investments in social infrastructure across Canada. To date, over 5,600 projects to retrofit or renovate social housing have been approved, helping improve energy and water efficiency in more than 109,000 existing social housing units off and on reserve. The National Housing Strategy re-establishes the federal government as a leader in the area of affordable housing. Working in collaboration with provinces, territories and local communities, the Strategy leverages significant new capacity to build, repair and make housing more affordable across the country. As part of the Strategy, the new National Housing Co-investment Fund will include accessibility and energy efficiency requirements, and prioritize projects that have the greatest impact on communities and vulnerable populations, including women and children fleeing domestic violence, persons with disabilities, veterans, refugees, seniors, Indigenous peoples and persons with mental health and/or addictions issues. It is anticipated that the National Housing Strategy will reduce the number of Canadians in core housing need by as much as 530,000 compared to current levels. The investment of incremental resources in the Enabling Accessibility Fund will support an estimated 1,970 additional projects to further improve the safety and accessibility of community spaces and workplaces, making it possible for Canadians with disabilities to participate more fully in their communities and in the labour market. The Government is also creating affordable, high-quality child care spaces for low- and modest-income families, with the goal of supporting up to 40,000 new subsidized child care spaces over the next three years. In addition, the Government will create a distinct Indigenous Framework on Early Learning and Child Care in cooperation with Indigenous partners to reflect the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children across Canada. The Government is also supporting the improvement, renovation and construction of arts and heritage facilities, as well as the acquisition of specialized equipment and will make further investments in cultural infrastructure of $300 million in the next 10 years.
Since April 2016, the Government has awarded over $140 million to support the improvement, renovation and construction of arts and heritage facilities, as well as the acquisition of specialized equipment under the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund. Further investments in cultural infrastructure in the amount of $300 million will be made over 10 years starting in 2018-19 through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund. The Government will also invest $80 million over 10 years starting in 2018-19 to support the construction of community educational infrastructure in official language minority communities through the Development of Official Language Communities program at Canadian Heritage. The Government will provide $1.3 billion in funding for cultural, recreational and community infrastructure to provinces and territories through bilateral agreements."
2/28/2018,195,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Implement an Infrastructure Strategy that improves green infrastructure.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Transport;Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,"More infrastructure in place to ensure access to clean water, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and increased resilience against the impacts of climate change.","Through Budget 2016 and 2017, the Government of Canada is investing $26.9 billion in Green infrastructure over 12 years, including projects to improve access to clean water, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase resilience against the impacts of climate change. In Budget 2016, the Government announced significant new funding to end boil water advisories on reserves by 2021. The number of long-term drinking water advisories on public systems financially supported by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada has been reduced from 77 to 69 as of September 30, 2017. Through the Canada Infrastructure Bank, at least $5 billion will be available for green infrastructure projects. As well, national “green” programs, totalling $2.8 billion, will be provided to address a number of priorities identified in the Pan-Canadian Framework. An amount of $2 billion is proposed for a Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund to support national, provincial, and municipal infrastructure in dealing with the effects of a changing climate. In addition to this, as part of the Rural and Northern Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure program, the Arctic Energy Fund will provide $400 million to support energy security in the territories."
2/28/2018,196,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Invest in transportation infrastructure that helps get goods to market.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food;Minister of Transport,Underway - on track,"Get Canadian goods to markets more quickly and increase exports, including natural resources, manufactured goods and agri-food products, by 30 per cent by 2025.","The Government of Canada established a new $2 billion National Trade Corridors Fund (NTCF) to address urgent capacity constraints and freight bottlenecks at major ports of entry, and to better connect the rail and highway infrastructure that delivers economic growth across Canada. Investments through this fund will target congestion and inefficiencies at marine ports, as well as along the busiest rail and highway corridors. The Canada Infrastructure Bank will make at least $5 billion in additional funding available to address trade and transportation projects. The Government is tracking transportation flows and will report publicly on how long it takes to get goods to market.
The Government of Canada formally launched the first call for proposals under the NTCF on July 4, 2017. Eligible projects were invited to submit Comprehensive Project Proposals, and the Government is evaluating 133 complete project proposals, seeking a total of $4.4 billion in NTCF funding. It is expected that project recommendations and funding decisions will be made in Spring 2018."
2/28/2018,197,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Establish bilateral agreements with provinces and territories on infrastructure investments.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities,Underway - on track,"Agreements with all provinces and territories that improve public transit; increase access to affordable housing and child care; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; improve access to clean water, and enhance resilience in the face of a changing climate.","Infrastructure plays a central role in building strong communities, creating jobs and growing the economy. In Budget 2017, the Government of Canada established a plan to sign bilateral agreements with provinces and territories in order to provide infrastructure funding to key priority areas. As part of this plan, over $33 billion is being committed for integrated bilateral agreements for public transit, green infrastructure, rural and northern infrastructure, community, culture and recreation infrastructure. Three of these agreements have been signed so far between the Government of Canada and the Northwest Territories (March 7, 2018), Ontario (March 14, 2018) and New Brunswick (March 15, 2018).
In Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government of Canada made investments in public transit, green infrastructure and social infrastructure across Canada. To date, over 1,200 public transit projects and over 2,300 projects to retrofit or renovate social housing have been approved. Through the National Housing Strategy, the Government aims to reduce the number of Canadians in core housing need by 530,000 by building, and repairing affordable housing across the country in addition to providing housing affordability support. The Government is also creating affordable, high-quality child care spaces for low- and modest-income families, with the goal of supporting up to 40,000 new subsidized child care spaces over the next three years. To date, bilateral agreements have been signed with Ontario, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nunavut, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Yukon, British Columbia and Manitoba. In addition, the Government will create a distinct Indigenous Framework on Early Learning and Child Care in cooperation with Indigenous partners to reflect the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children across Canada. To date, repairs and renovations have been undertaken in 210 First Nations and Inuit Childcare Initiative child care centers and in 63 Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve facilities. The Government has also invested in a number of projects to improve access to clean water, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase protection against the impacts of climate change. These investments will lead to improvements in water/wastewater systems in 1,100 communities across the country. In Budget 2016, the Government announced significant new funding to end boil water advisories on reserves by 2021. The number of long-term drinking water advisories on public systems financially supported by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada has been reduced from 77 to 69 as of September 30, 2017."
2/28/2018,198,,Indigenous peoples,"Incorporate Aboriginal and treaty rights, residential schools and Indigenous contributions into school curricula.",Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,"School curricula that is inclusive of Indigenous history and knowledge, resulting in improved knowledge and understanding.","The Government of Canada is helping provincial and territorial governments collaborate with Indigenous communities and organizations to revise school curricula so they reflect the history and contributions of Indigenous peoples. The Government provides financial support to the Office of the Treaty Commissioner in Saskatchewan and Treaty Relations Commissions of Manitoba to, among other things, provide materials and training to teachers in support of the delivery of K-12 treaty education curricula to all provincial school students. The organizations are also working with universities in their respective provinces to develop treaty curricula and courses that will be mandatory for every university student. "
2/28/2018,199,,Indigenous peoples,Work with the Métis Nation to advance reconciliation and renew the relationship.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,A renewed relationship with the Métis Nation based on the principles of reconciliation.,"The Prime Minister and the Métis Nation signed the Canada-Métis Nation Accord in April 2017 establishing a permanent bilateral mechanism to develop policy on shared priorities. The President of the Métis National Council and its Governing Members’ Presidents (“the Leaders”), met with key federal Ministers on September 21, 2017 to discuss progress in advancing and implementing the priorities of the Accord. Leaders and Ministers agreed that early learning and child care, housing, and skills and employment training are three areas in need of urgent action and investment. They also had an opportunity to discuss other priority areas, including Métis Veterans, education, health, new fiscal relations, as well as economic development. The Leaders and Ministers reaffirmed the value of the Permanent Bilateral Mechanism process and their ongoing commitment to undertaking joint work and policy co-development in the priority areas set out in the Accord. To this end, a joint communiqué was signed and released on September 21, 2017. Canada has engaged in Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussion with each of the governing members of the Métis National Council as well as the Metis Settlements General Council. To date, Canada has signed Framework Agreements with: Manitoba Metis Federation (November 2016), Métis Nation of Ontario (December 2017), Métis Nation of Alberta (November 2017), and a Memorandums of Understanding with the Metis Settlement General Council (December 2017). Discussions have begun with the Métis Nation - Saskatchewan and Métis Nation British Columbia to develop Memorandum of Understanding. In addition, the Urban Programming for Indigenous peoples, launched in May 2017, provides funding to organizations that support urban Indigenous peoples in cities and urban areas, including a set-aside allocation under the Programs and Services stream for the Métis Nation.
Reflecting commitments in the Canada–Métis Nation Accord, Budget 2018 proposes to invest $516 million over 10 years, including $500 million over 10 years to support a Métis Nation housing strategy, $10 million in 2018–19 to support Métis Nation post-secondary education, and $6 million over five years to support the Métis Nation in gathering health data and developing a health strategy. Furthermore, Budget 2018 also proposes to invest $325 million in the Métis Nation stream of the Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program, which supports employment services, skills development and job training."
2/28/2018,200,,Fair and Open Government,"Develop a non-partisan, merit-based process to advise the Prime Minister on Senate appointments.",Minister of Democratic Institutions,Completed - fully met,"An Independent Advisory Board has been established to provide a non-partisan, merit-based process of advice for recommending Senators, resulting in the appointment of 32 independent Senators thus far.","An Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments was established in January 2016 to provide advice to the Prime Minister on candidates for the Senate. As of July 7, 2016, Canadians were permitted, for the first time ever, to apply to be considered for appointment to the Senate through an open online application process. In the first application process, over 2,757 Canadians applied, demonstrating unprecedented engagement. A second open application process took place between December 2016 and January 2017. Thirty-two non-partisan appointments to the Senate have been made under the new process so far. Thanks to these actions, a plurality of Senators is not affiliated with a political party. In February 2018, the Minister of Democratic Institutions announced additional improvements to the Senate appointments process, including: keeping applications open year-round, retaining submitted applications for two years, and adding the ability for organizations or individuals to nominate potential candidates. "
2/28/2018,201,,Fair and Open Government,Establish a special parliamentary committee to consult on electoral reform.,Minister of Democratic Institutions,Not being pursued,A special parliamentary committee was established.,"A Special Committee, which included all five parties represented in the House of Commons, was established in June 2016 and presented its final report in December 2016. In addition to the consultation undertaken by the Special Committee, the Minister also consulted Members of Parliament of all parties, and oversaw an engagement process with 360,000 Canadians through mydemocracy.ca. Following extensive consultation with Canadians, it was determined that no clear preference for a new electoral system had emerged. The Government will not proceed with electoral reform."
2/28/2018,202,,Fair and Open Government,Make the Commissioner of Canada Elections more independent.,Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - on track,A truly independent Commissioner of Canada Elections who can pursue their work free from political or partisan direction.,"In November 2016, the Government introduced legislation to enhance the independence of the Commissioner of Canada Elections (CCE) by repealing changes that created a reporting relationship for the CCE with the Minister of Justice. This enhances the independent role that the CCE held for decades before it was altered in 2014."
2/28/2018,203,,Fair and Open Government,Bring forward options to create an independent commissioner to organize political party leaders' debates.,Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - on track,A new independent commission or commissioner for political party leaders' debates to ensure debates serve the public interest rather than the interests of any one party.,"The Government of Canada's online consultations and cross-country roundtables with Canadians were completed in February 2018. The information gathered during consultations will be used to help inform policy decisions, with the goal of having an independent commission or commissioner in place in advance of the next federal election campaign."
2/28/2018,204,,Fair and Open Government,"Review limits that political and third parties can spend during elections, and propose measures to control spending between elections.",Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - on track,Political and third party spending is limited and controlled to help strengthen Canadian democracy.,"Initial analysis has been conducted on political party and third party spending limits during elections, and between them. Research is ongoing."
2/28/2018,205,,Fair and Open Government,"Allow charities to do their work free from political harassment, and modernize the rules governing the charitable and not-for-profit sectors.",Minister of Finance;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister of National Revenue,Underway - on track,A transparent and rules-based legal framework for Canada's charities is in place and charities in Canada are free from political harassment.,"In September 2016, the Government launched a consultation process with the charitable sector and the public to assist in clarifying the rules for the participation of charities in political activities. A consultation panel reviewed the submissions and presented the Minister of National Revenue with recommendations at the end of March 2017. The Government is carefully reviewing the Panel’s report to help inform regulation of charities going forward and will provide a response to this report in the coming months, as indicated in Budget 2018. As an immediate first step to respond to the Panel’s recommendations, the Government has suspended all action in relation to the remaining audits and objections that were part of the Political Activities Audit Program."
2/28/2018,206,,Environment and Climate Change,Make strategic investments in our clean technology sector.,"Minister of Natural Resources;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food;Minister of International Trade",Underway - on track,"The clean technology sector's contribution to Canada's Gross Domestic Product grows, creating more good-paying, middle class jobs and increasing the number of high-growth companies in Canada.","In Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government of Canada committed to several measures to grow clean technology in Canada as part of the Innovation and Skills Plan and the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change. The major focus of these investments is: building early-stage innovation, accelerating commercialization and growth, fostering greater adoption of clean technologies, increasing exports of clean technologies and processes, and strengthening collaboration and metrics for success. Examples of key initiatives include: nearly $1.4 billion in new financing to help Canada's clean technology firms grow and expand; $400 million for Sustainable Development Technology Canada to develop and demonstrate new clean technologies; $200 million to support research, development, demonstration and the adoption of clean technology in Canada's natural resources sectors, $822 million for next-generation clean energy infrastructure projects, and $14.5 million for a Clean Technology Data Strategy.
The Clean Growth Hub officially launched in January 2018 as a whole-of-government focal point for clean technology focused on supporting companies and projects, coordinating programs and tracking results. So far, the Hub has provided advisory services to more than 200 clean technology clients."
2/28/2018,207,,Environment and Climate Change,Enhance Canada's tax measures to generate and attract more clean technology investments.,Minister of Finance;Minister of Natural Resources,Underway - on track,"The clean technology sector's contribution to Canada's Gross Domestic Product grows, creating more good-paying, middle class jobs and increasing the number of high-growth companies in Canada.",Budget 2016 changed Canadian tax rules to make certain electric vehicle charging stations and electrical energy storage equipment eligible for accelerated capital cost allowance treatment. Budget 2017 introduced further expansions of this tax treatment to geothermal projects and expenses. Budget 2018 extended the accelerated capital cost allowance for five years to property acquired before 2025. The Government will continue to work towards making Canada the world's most competitive tax jurisdiction for clean technology.
2/28/2018,208,,Safety and Security,Launch an open and transparent competition to replace the CF-18 fighter aircraft.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement;Minister of National Defence,Underway - on track,A new fighter fleet that allows the Canadian Armed Forces to do their job with the equipment they need.,"A modern fighter jet fleet is essential for defending Canada and Canadian sovereignty. On December 12, 2017, the Government launched an open and transparent competition to replace Canada's fighter aircraft. The Government also announced its decision to allow the United States' offer for the Super Hornets to expire, and to instead pursue acquiring 18 used Australian figher aircraft to supplement the current fleet until the permanent replacement is in place and fully operational. Canada is actively working with Australia to implement this decision. On January 2018, an Industry Day provided details about the planned fighter aircraft procurement process and estimated schedule, high-level operational objectives of the fighter aircraft, as well as the approach to maintenance and repair and leveraging economic benefits. On February 22, 2018, the Government of Canada published a list of eligible suppliers that will be invited to submit proposals under the competition to replace Canada's fighter fleet."
2/28/2018,209,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that all federal services are delivered in compliance with the Official Languages Act.,President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Canadian Heritage,Underway - on track,"More Canadians receive federal services and communications in their official language of choice, and a new Official Languages Plan is implemented to support English and French linguistic minorities across Canada.","The Government of Canada conducted the first review of the Official Languages Regulations in over twenty-five years. The Government is committed to ensuring the public is served in their official language of choice. Currently, 86.5% of federal institutions report that, where required by the Official Languages Act, the public is served in their language of choice in oral and written communications. The Government has set a target to achieve 90% in 2017-2018."
2/28/2018,210,,Fair and Open Government,Improve access to information to enhance the openness of government.,President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - on track,Greater government transparency and more information available for Canadians to hold their government to account.,"Following an Interim Directive in May 2016 that eliminated all fees except for the application fee and confirmed the principle of ""open by default"", the Government introduced Phase I reforms to modernize and expand the scope of the Access to Information Act. Legislation introduced in June 2017 proposes new requirements for the proactive publication of a broad range of information and would apply to more than 240 federal institutions, as well as the Prime Minister's Office, ministers' offices and administrative bodies that support Parliament and the courts. The legislation would also provide the Information Commissioner with the power to make binding orders to government institutions, including for the release of records. A review of the Act would also be required every five years to ensure that it remains current and continues to improve transparency for Canadians. The first review of Phase II of the Government’s access to information reform initiative would need to be initiated within one year of the legislation coming into force."
2/28/2018,211,,Strong Middle Class,Conduct a review of tax expenditures.,President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"A simpler, fairer tax system.","The Government of Canada has taken action to reduce poorly targeted, complex and inefficient tax measures, including tax credits, that were not available to families with the lowest incomes. Budget 2016 introduced a new Canada Child Benefit (CCB) that is simpler, tax-free, more generous and better targeted than the previous system of federal child benefits. The CCB replaced five tax credits and benefits, provides 9 out of 10 families with more generous benefits and lifts hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty. Budget 2016 also replaced poorly targeted transit tax credits with significant new long-term investments directly in public transit, and replaced tax deductions for text books with measures to significantly improve the affordability of post-secondary education for low- and middle-income families.
Budget 2017 took further action to implement changes resulting from the Government’s review of tax expenditures. The review identified opportunities to eliminate inefficient tax measures and make other existing tax measures more effective, equitable and accessible to Canadians. In this context, Budget 2017 included measures to improve tax relief for caregivers, students, and persons with disabilities. While the formal component of the tax expenditures review has concluded, the results of the review will continue to inform the Government’s ongoing work to make the tax system simpler, fairer and more efficient."
2/28/2018,212,,Safety and Security,Improve marine safety.,"Minister of Transport;Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Underway - on track,Canadians are kept safe and our coasts are protected through evidence-based emergency preparedness and response.,"The Government announced the Oceans Protection Plan (OPP) which supports responsible shipping, restoring and preserving marine ecosystems; strengthens partnerships with Indigenous and coastal communities; and invests in evidence-based emergency preparedness and response to keep Canadians safe and our coasts protected. The Government of Canada has announced initiatives valuing over $500 million, including $80 million in new science funding for new partnerships, improved knowledge and new technologies that will help mitigate and prevent marine incidents such as oil spills. The Government of Canada has launched the Let's Talk OPP Portal to consult on OPP initiatives, and is committed to a coordinated national approach for engagement and building regional Indigenous partnerships to deliver on OPP results. To date, 35 workshops have been held, each with multiple Indigenous groups.
As part of the strategy to address abandoned and wrecked vessels, the Government introduced an Act respecting wrecks, abandoned, dilapidated or hazardous vessels and salvage operations in October 2017. The House Committee has now reported on the Bill with amendments.
Arctic marine oversight has been increased: the Government added 500 hours of surveillance and committed to building an aircraft hangar and separate accommodations unit in the Arctic under the National Aerial Surveillance Program; completed 76 vessel inspections; signed a contribution agreement with the sole provider of marine-related training in the North (Nunavut Fisheries and Marine Training Consortium) so they can expand their existing training program; updated the Small Vessel Regulations (flares and paddle boards); and introduced the Arctic Shipping Safety and Pollution Regulations to implement the international Polar Code for ships operating in polar waters. A key initiative under the OPP is the modernization of the Coast Guard’s current suite of emergency response assets. This includes the purchase and deployment of approximately 285 assets for the containment, recovery and storage of oil. To date, a number of Requests for Proposals for equipment such as new curtain booms, sweep systems and portable skimmers have been issued.
The first of seven new search and rescue lifeboat stations under the OPP was announced in Old Perlican, Newfoundland and Labrador, in January 2018 and the refurbishment of the Coast Guard St. Anthony’s base is also expected to commence in 2017-18. Through the creation of an inshore rescue boat station in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, search and rescue capabilities in the region will be enhanced. In support of building stronger working relationships with northern communities, the station will be operated by local Indigenous students.
The Request for Proposal to procure two emergency towing vessels was launched February 2018 and is set to close March 2018. These two vessels will conduct emergency towing and assist with search and rescue and environmental response. We are also continuing with Indigenous Community Response Training in February, with an additional session for nine participants from eight nations."
2/28/2018,213,,Environment and Climate Change,Review the previous government's changes to the Fisheries Act and Navigable Waters Protection Act.,"Minister of Transport;Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Underway - on track,"Restore lost protections and incorporate modern safeguards into the revised Fisheries Act and Navigation Protection Act to better protect Canada's environment for future generations, advance reconciliation, and get resources to market.","In February 2018, the government introduced legislation to restore lost protections and incorporate modern safeguards into the Fisheries Act and the Navigation Protection Act. The proposed legislative, regulatory and policy measures to modernize the Fisheries Act and the Navigation Protection Act were informed by a federal discussion paper, parliamentary studies, and almost two years of consultations with Indigenous peoples, industry, provinces and territories, non-government organizations, academia and the public."
2/28/2018,214,,Indigenous peoples,Promote economic development and create jobs for Indigenous peoples.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Indigenous Services;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,Higher employment rates for Indigenous peoples and stronger economic growth in Indigenous communities.,"The Government of Canada supports a suite of economic development and land management programs that are increasing the participation of Indigenous communities in the Canadian economy and enabling Indigenous people to pursue opportunities for employment, income, and wealth creation. To help close the employment and earning gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, Budget 2018 proposes to invest $2 billion over five years, and $408.2 million per year ongoing, to support the creation of a new Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program. This includes incremental investments of $447 million over five years, and $99.4 million per year ongoing, and a stronger focus on training for higher-quality, better-paying jobs rather than rapid re-employment. This additional funding will assist approximately 15,000 more clients gain greater skills and find jobs that will support their long-term career success. The Government has consulted with, and heard from, Indigenous partners on the importance of a distinctions-based approach that recognizes the unique needs of First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation.
Investments in commercial infrastructure, capacity development and partnerships within the federal government, provinces and the private sector are leading to major developments on and off reserve including commercial initiatives. For examples, these investments will: help First Nations access long-term financing to undertake economic development projects in their communities ($20M), strengthen the First Nations and Inuit Summer Work Experience Program and the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program ($100M), grow Canada's Indigenous tourism industry ($8.6M), and improve Indigenous labour market programs through the new Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program ($2B per year over five years and $408.2M per year ongoing), successor to the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy ($50M). In addition, the Government of Canada has increased funding for the Post-Secondary Student Support Program, which will help 4,600 First Nation students over a two-year period ($90M).
"
2/28/2018,215,,Indigenous peoples,Undertake an inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in Canada.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister of Status of Women,Underway - with challenges,"Concrete solutions to address systemic causes of violence, resulting in increased safety of Indigenous women and girls in Canada.","The Government of Canada, with the governments of all provinces and territories, launched an independent National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The Commissioners have been asked to examine and report on the systemic and historical social, economic, institutional and cultural factors—as well as practices, policies and institutions—that contribute to the violence that Indigenous women and girls face. The Commission is mandated to complete its work by December 31, 2018. Many legitimate concerns from families and stakeholders have been raised about the Inquiry's progress. The Commission released their interim report on November 1, 2017. The report outlines progress to date, acknowledges challenges in establishing the Inquiry and makes some recommendations for immediate support to assist families that want to participate in the process, including a call to extend the timelines. The Government of Canada is reviewing the interim recommendations and is developing a response to the Interim Report. A working group has been established to work with the Commission to address its administrative challenges and is meeting regularly. The Government is closely monitoring the work of the Inquiry and is encouraging the Commissioners to listen and respond to concerns raised, and to learn from families and survivors as the Commission continues its work. The Government of Canada has standing at all phases of the National Inquiry and looks forward to participating in the anticipated Institutional and Expert hearings. The Government is reviewing the request received on March 6, 2018 from the Commission for an extension."
2/28/2018,216,,Indigenous peoples,Improve services to Indigenous people and those with mental illness throughout the criminal justice system.,Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Underway - on track,"Improved services and increased support to make it easier for Indigenous peoples and those with mental illness to navigate the criminal justice system, and reverse the trend of Indigenous overrepresentation in the justice system.","The Government of Canada has made investments to help ensure that people from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, including Indigenous peoples and those with mental illness, have access to legal aid. The Government has also provided long-term and stable funding to the Indigenous Justice Program which provides funding for community-based programs that use restorative justice approaches as alternative mechanisms to the mainstream justice system. In addition, the Government is investing in the Indigenous Courtwork Program to ensure Indigenous peoples have the representation and services they need to navigate the criminal justice system. It also supports community-based specialized services for Indigenous victims of crime and Family Information Liaison Units for families of murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls. We are working to further identify strategies that will build on these investments. The Government is also exploring changes to the jury selection process to ensure that this process is fair and transparent.
Budget 2018 builds on the investments made in Budget 2017, proposing $20.4 million over five years, beginning in 2018–19, and $5.6 million per year ongoing, for the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) to further support the mental health needs of federal inmates. Funds would largely be targeted towards providing enhanced mental health supports for women in federal correctional facilities. CSC policy now includes non-admissible criteria to administrative segregation for certain inmates and the Government introduced Bill C-56 to establish presumptive release timeframes for inmates in administrative segregation. The Government is also supporting Private Member’s Bill C-375, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (presentence report), to ensure that presentence reports, which help judges make appropriate sentences, reflect relevant mental health information of offenders."
2/28/2018,217,,Healthy Canadians,Legalize and strictly regulate cannabis.,Minister of Health;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - with challenges,"Legalization and strict regulation of cannabis in Canada protects Canadian youth, keep profits out of the hands of criminals and responsibly manages the production and distribution of cannabis.","In April 2017, the Government introduced legislation to legalize, strictly regulate, and restrict access to cannabis, as well as crack down on impaired driving. This legislation will make it a specific criminal offence to sell cannabis to a minor and will create significant penalties for those who use young persons to commit cannabis-related offences. The legislation will maintain the existing prohibition against importing or exporting cannabis and cannabis products without a valid exemption or permit issued by the Government of Canada.
Legislation was introduced following extensive consultation with law enforcement, health and safety experts, and the hard work of the Task Force on Cannabis Legalization and Regulation. In November 2017, the proposed Cannabis Act passed report stage and third reading in the House of Commons, and moved to the Senate, where it is currently at second reading stage.
Senate leaders have agreed to a legislative timetable that will lead to a final vote on Bill C-45 on or before June 7. The Government understands that a minimum period of 8 to 12 weeks is necessary for the orderly movement of cannabis products from federally licensed producers to provincially or territorially authorized distributors and retailers. The Government also appreciates that time is required for public education activities to inform Canadians of the new rules and ensure that law enforcement is also informed and ready to enforce the new rules."
2/28/2018,218,,Safety and Security,Repeal problematic elements of Bill C-51 to balance security with rights and freedoms.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,Canadians' safety and security are strongly protected in a manner consistent with the rights and freedoms Canadians cherish.,"In June 2017, the Government introduced legislation covering a wide range of measures that were informed by the broad consultation with engaged citizens, stakeholders, experts, parliamentarians and others in Fall 2016. The proposed measures represent extensive and much-needed improvements to Canada’s national security framework, and will enhance accountability through a proposed National Security and Intelligence Review Agency and a new Intelligence Commissioner; fulfill the Government's commitment to address problematic elements of Bill C-51 through proposed revisions to threat reduction measures under the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Act, amendments to the Criminal Code, and revisions to the Security of Canada Information Sharing Act; and enhance transparency by introducing new safeguards and accountability measures, and by re-affirming compliance with the Charter. The Government proposes to enhance the Passenger Protect Program with investments of $81.4M over five years, starting in 2018-19, and $14M per year ongoing. These investments would be used to develop a rigorous centralized screening model and establish a redress mechanism for legitimate air travelers who are affected by the program. The enhanced program would help ensure that privacy and fairness concerns are addressed, while keeping Canadians safe."
2/28/2018,219,,Environment and Climate Change,Phase out inefficient fossil fuel industry subsidies over the medium-term.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Finance,Underway - on track,"Phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, consistent with Canada’s commitment with the G20 countries, building a strong, clean economy and preserving our planet for generations to come.","Budget 2016 announced that the accelerated capital cost allowance for facilities used to liquefy natural gas will be allowed to expire at the end of 2024. Budget 2017 proposed changes to rationalize the treatment of exploration expenses for oil and gas producers and phase out their ability to reclassify certain development expenses as more favourably treated exploration expenses. The Government will continue to review, report on and phase out fossil fuel subsidies in future budgets, as appropriate."
2/28/2018,220,,Environment and Climate Change,"Increase the proportion of Canada's marine and coastal areas that are protected to five percent by 2017, and ten percent by 2020.","Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Environment and Climate Change",Underway - on track,"Five per cent of Canada's marine and coastal areas are protected by 2017, and 10 per cent by 2020, protecting important habitats, maintaining and promoting tourism, and helping with climate change adaptation.","In October 2017, the Government achieved its commitment to protect 5% of Canada's marine and coastal areas by 2017. Since then, seven new marine refuges have been established off the coasts of Nunavut and Newfoundland and Labrador that will contribute an additional 145,598 square km of protected ocean area to Canada’s coasts. This represents an additional 2.53% of protected ocean, bringing Canada’s current total to 7.75%. The government is aiming to achieve 10% by 2020. In November 2016, the Government of Canada announced the designation of the Anguniaqvia niqiqyuam Marine Protected Area (MPA). In February 2017, the Government announced the designation of the Hecate Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound Glass Sponge Reefs MPA. In June 2017, the Government announced the designation of St. Anns Bank MPA. In August 2017, the federal Government, Nunavut and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association together announced the official boundary for the new Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area in Lancaster Sound -- which will be the biggest protected area ever established in Canada. In addition, the Government allocated funding towards exploring with Indigenous and Northern partners the protection of the Last Ice Area in the Arctic. In October 2017, Canada signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nunatsiavut Government opening the door for consideration of marine protected areas offshore northern Labrador, and held discussions with the Cree Nation Government about a potential national marine conservation area in Eastern James Bay.
Internationally, Canada has secured broad support for its criteria for other effective conservation measures that contribute to marine biodiversity. These areas, known as marine refuges, have been established throughout our ocean to protect important species and ecosystem features and contribute to our targets. The Government will continue working with its partners to enhance the protection of Canada’s oceans."
2/28/2018,221,,Canada in the World,"Advance human rights, gender equality, peaceful pluralism and respect for diversity internationally.",Minister of International Development and La Francophonie;Minister of Foreign Affairs,On-going commitment,"Inclusive governance, human rights, gender equality, peaceful pluralism and respect for diversity are enhanced around the world.","The Government of Canada promotes, and defends inclusive governance, human rights, gender equality, democracy, inclusion and respect for diversity in every international relationship and at every opportunity. As a respected member of the United Nations, the Commonwealth, La Francophonie and other international bodies, Canada helps to strengthen and maintain international norms related to these values. The Government has expanded and reinvigorated its comprehensive approach to defending and promoting all human rights through the creation of the Office of Human Rights, Freedoms and Inclusion. In addition, the Government introduced guidelines for supporting human rights defenders—a practical tool for Canada’s diplomatic officials to empower human rights defenders as effective advocates and to help protect them from the threats they all too often face. Canada continues to be an active member of the Governing Council of the intergovernmental Community of Democracies Coalition, as well as chair of its Working Group on Enabling and Protecting Civil Society to promote and protect democratic values. Canada also became co-chair, with Chile, of the Equal Rights Coalition, the first global intergovernmental network focused on the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons. In March 2017, Canada led an 83-country Joint Statement on the Power of Inclusion and Benefits of Diversity at the UN Human Rights Council. Canada's Feminist International Assistance Policy emphasizes the empowerment of women and girls and positioning Canada as a leader on gender equality in aid programming. This new policy makes inclusive governance, including human rights, democracy, respect for diversity and inclusion, one of the key action areas and commits to making Canada's international assistance human rights based. Canada successfully negotiated reference to inclusion and diversity and the enjoyment of all human rights online, including specific reference to indigenous people, sexual orientation, gender identity and disability in the Community of Democracies’ Washington Ministerial Declaration in September 2017. The Government also added language on inclusion and respect for diversity into five resolutions and made statements on the issue at the UN General Assembly in autumn 2017. In October 2017, Canada adopted the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act and amendments to the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA) to take action to respond to cases of human rights violations and acts of corruption globally. Canada will have the ability to impose asset freezes and travel bans on those responsible for these reprehensible acts or their accomplices. From October to December 2017, Canada’s leadership was instrumental in advancing key human rights priorities in a number of resolutions at the UN General Assembly, including leading efforts to ensure the successful adoption of the resolution on the human rights situation in Iran. It also succeeded at adding language related to inclusion and respect for diversity into 5 resolutions at the UN General Assembly Third Committee, as well as making numerous statements emphasizing the importance of this priority for Canada. Canada also co-chairs, with Switzerland, the OECD Development Assistance Committee Network on Governance which aims to improve development assistance policies and practice in support of effective, accountable and participatory institutions of state and civil society."
2/28/2018,222,,Canada in the World,Work on development financing issues.,Minister of Finance;Minister of International Development and La Francophonie;Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"Increased international investment, reduced poverty and improved economic development in developing countries.","Budget 2017 confirmed the Government’s decision to launch Canada's new Development Finance Institute Canada, capitalized at $300 million to support poverty reduction in developing countries. The organization opened for business in early 2018 and the first transaction, an investment with M-KOPA (a Kenya-based solar energy provider), was announced in March 2018. Budget 2018 is providing $1.5 billion and $492.7 million per year ongoing thereafter to establish an International Assistance Innovation Program and a Sovereign Loans Program. "
2/28/2018,223,,Strong Middle Class,Develop and implement a Youth Service Program.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of International Development and La Francophonie",Underway - on track,"More young Canadians engaged in high quality public and community service, and through this service, gaining valuable skills that will benefit them in life and work.","On January 16, 2018, the Government launched the design phase of the Canada Service Corps, Canada’s new national youth service initiative.
Canada Service Corps will encourage young Canadians to get involved in service to their communities and gain valuable skills and experience that will benefit them in every aspect of life. This initiative will grow over time, creating more opportunities for youth who wish to serve.
During the design phase, the Government of Canada will engage youth directly to find out more about their motivations and interests, and to explore what service means to them. Their input will directly shape the initiative, ensuring that it meets the needs and priorities of young people once it is fully implemented in early 2019."
2/28/2018,224,,Healthy Canadians,Raise awareness on concussion treatment.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities;Minister of Health,Completed - fully met,"Consistent, coordinated Canadian guidelines on concussion in sport and return-to-learn and return-to-play protocols.","The Government is working in partnership with provinces, territories and other key stakeholders on a coordinated pan-Canadian concussion strategy. In June 2016, a framework for the strategy was endorsed by federal, provincial and territorial ministers. Budget 2016 made investments to harmonize concussion management guidelines on prevention, early detection and treatment, with a focus on return-to-play and return-to-learn protocols for athletes and students. In July 2017, federal, provincial and territorial Ministers responsible for sport, physical activity and recreation agreed to a Framework for Action focusing on the areas of awareness, prevention, detection, management, and surveillance of concussions, which will further harmonize the collective approach across jurisdictions. At the same time, Parachute Canada, with the financial support of the Government of Canada, released its “Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport”.
The Government will direct funds to the Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC) for a national awareness campaign. SIRC will work collaboratively with NSOs on an awareness and implementation campaign regarding the sport specific protocols for return-to-play concussions.
The Government has also partnered with the private sector to launch two new projects in 2017-18. The SCHOOLFirst project, led by Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, will provide access to up-to-date information for teachers and school boards on concussion practices to support youth who are returning to school after experiencing a concussion. The Progress Activation and Concussion Education (PACE) app will help parents guide the management of their child’s concussion by identifying symptoms or visual clues that should trigger intervention by them at home and in school."
2/28/2018,225,,Healthy Canadians,Update and expand the Nutrition North program.,Minister of Health;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,More affordable nutritious food for Canadians in the North.,"In Budget 2016, the Government increased funding to expand Nutrition North Canada. Nutrition North helps alleviate the high cost of food in 121 isolated northern communities by providing a subsidy on perishable nutritious food. To date, the full benefits of Nutrition North Canada have been expanded to 37 additional isolated northern communities. Nutrition education was also expanded to an additional 43 remote communities. The Government released a final report in April 2017 summarizing the feedback received during consultations with Northerners on the program. The Government will use this feedback to make further changes to how we support access to healthy, affordable food for northern Canadians."
2/28/2018,226,,Healthy Canadians,Develop a coordinated national action plan on post-traumatic stress disorder.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Underway - on track,Canada's public safety officers have better access to support for post-traumatic stress.,"The Government is developing a national action plan on post-traumatic stress injury in consultation with stakeholders. This plan will be evidenced-based and reflect the findings of the Fifth Report of the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security which recently studied this issue. The Government will release further details on the proposed national action plan later in the mandate. The Government has also provided funding to the University of Regina to conduct a study on the effects of policing on the mental health of Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers.
Budget 2018 proposes $20 million over five years, beginning in 2018-19 to support a new national research consortium between the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT). This consortium would work to address the incidence of posttraumatic stress injuries among public safety officers. The Government of Canada would also invest $10 million over five years, starting in 2018-19, for Public Safety Canada to work with the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment to develop an internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy pilot as a means of providing greater access to care and treatment for public safety officers. The Government also proposes to provide the RCMP with $21.4 million over five years, starting in 2018-19, to support the mental health needs of its officers."
2/28/2018,227,,Indigenous peoples,Provide new funding to preserve and enhance Indigenous languages and cultures.,Minister of Canadian Heritage,Underway - on track,"An Indigenous Languages Act co-created with Indigenous peoples that preserves, protects, and revitalizes Indigenous languages in Canada, resulting in more people speaking Indigenous languages.","Budget 2017 invested $89.9 million to support Indigenous languages and cultures. These investments are supporting community-based projects that facilitate communication in, and revitalization of, Indigenous languages and are also helping to digitize Indigenous languages and oral histories.
On December 6, 2016 the Prime Minister announced that the Government of Canada will enact an Indigenous Languages Act, co-developed with Indigenous peoples, with the goal of ensuring the preservation, promotion, and revitalization of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit languages in Canada. On June 15, 2017, Canadian Heritage, the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Métis Nation of Canada launched the co-development of Indigenous languages legislation and agreed on a collaborative engagement process."
2/28/2018,228,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Expand the network of shelters and transition houses for those fleeing domestic violence.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Indigenous Services;Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,More shelters available for those fleeing domestic violence.,"In Budget 2016, the Government made significant investments to boost the number of shelters and transition houses for victims of family violence and ensure that no one fleeing domestic violence is left without a place to go. To date, this funding has supported over 3,000 projects, to assist more than 4,800 households. In Budget 2016, the Government also provided greater funding to renovate, construct and better support shelters serving victims of family violence in First Nation communities. Five communities (in five different provinces) have been identified for the construction of new shelters, and planning and construction activities have begun. Two projects (Ontario and Manitoba) began construction in December 2017. The British Columbia and Saskatchewan projects plan to start construction in the Spring of 2018. Due to the far northern location of the shelter in Quebec, the project can only begin construction in July 2018. All projects are anticipated to be completed by March 31, 2019. The National Housing Strategy will further fund projects that support vulnerable Canadians, including homeless women and those fleeing family violence.
The National Housing Strategy will target at least 7,000 shelter spaces created or repaired for survivors of family violence and also commit at least 25% of all investments to support projects that specifically target women and girls. "
2/28/2018,229,,Government Services and Operations,Reduce complexity and strengthen partnerships between National Defence and Veterans Affairs.,Minister of Veterans Affairs;Minister of National Defence,Underway - on track,Simpler programs that give members of Canada's Armed Forces (CAF) the support they need as they transition from the Department of National Defence (DND) to Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC).,"DND/CAF and VAC will work collaboratively to review their programs to ensure our women and men in uniform can better transition from the Canadian Armed Forces to Veterans Affairs. A roadmap with key milestones of action will lead to simpler benefits and offer a streamlined, client centric process so Veterans have an easier time transitioning to civilian life."
2/28/2018,230,,Healthy Canadians,Develop a suicide prevention strategy for Canadian Armed Forces personnel and Veterans.,Minister of National Defence;Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,More Veterans and men and women in the Canadian Armed Forces receive the mental health care they need and suicides are reduced.,"Canada's new defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—invests in the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces and delivers the standard of service and care that current and former members deserve. The new policy will expand the number of Canada's military personnel and significantly invest in the health and welfare of those serving in uniform. As part of the policy, the Government will expand the Department of National Defence Medical Service Branch by 200 personnel to ensure serving members have better access to efficient and effective care anywhere they serve, in Canada or abroad. In October 2017, the Government announced the implementation of a joint Canadian Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Suicide Prevention Strategy composed of 160 different initiatives, programs and services, including the hiring of additional mental health professionals focused on preventing suicide across the entire military and Veteran community. The effectiveness of clinical interventions, training, education and other supports and services will be studied to assess progress in preventing suicide."
2/28/2018,231,,Safety and Security,Create a committee of Parliamentarians to review national security.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Completed - fully met,Parliamentarians have the information they need to ensure Canada's national security framework and activities are effective and protect rights and freedoms and Canadian values.,"The law establishing the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) has been brought into force, funding has been allocated, members have been appointed, a chair designated, and an Executive Director has been appointed. The new NSICOP is an important step towards increased accountability and transparency. The Committee's broad government-wide mandate to scrutinize any national security matter will help ensure the protection of the public and that the rights and freedoms of individual Canadians are upheld. The NSICOP can perform reviews of national security and intelligence activities, including ongoing operations, and strategic and systemic reviews of the legislative, regulatory, policy, expenditure and administrative frameworks under which these activities are conducted."
2/28/2018,232,,Canada in the World,End Canada's combat mission in Iraq and Syria and refocus Canada's efforts on training and humanitarian support.,Minister of National Defence,Completed - fully met,"Canada ceased conducting fighter jet strikes in Iraq and Syria and adopted a more comprehensive approach with increased resources for stabilization, humanitarian assistance, and training.","Effective February 15, 2016, Canada ceased conducting strikes by CF-18 fighter jets on Daesh targets. On February 8, 2016, Canada announced an increased contribution to the training of Iraq Security Forces, as well as humanitarian and stabilization support. The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are contributing many capabilities to the multinational efforts to degrade and defeat Daesh, and up to 830 CAF personnel are assigned to Operation IMPACT, which has been extended until March 31, 2019."
2/28/2018,233,,Canada in the World,Renew Canada's commitment to United Nations peace operations.,Minister of National Defence;Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,"Canadian efforts enhance peace and security, protect human rights, promote stability, and help those most in need around the world.","At the UN peacekeeping conference in Vancouver in November 2017, the Prime Minister unveiled the main elements of Canada’s new approach to peace support operations and announced five types of contributions Canada will make: the launch of the Vancouver Principles on Child Soldiers; the Elsie Initiative to develop innovative approaches to overcome barriers to women's meaningful participation in peace operations; new training support for the UN; deployment of Canadian police; and the offer of high-end military capabilities for deployment - within a five-year timeframe. Canada will work with the UN as well as potential partner and host nations to identify locations where Canada’s military capabilities and training can fill key gaps and bring the most value to UN peace operations. Also in November 2017, Canada launched its second National Action Plan for the Implementation of the UN Security Council Resolutions on Women, Peace and Security 2017-2022. Through this, Canada will take a leadership role to implement global objectives that will support the integration of the women, peace and security agenda in initiatives related to fragile and conflict-affected states."
2/28/2018,234,,Strong Middle Class,Ensure that Employment Insurance (EI) contributions are only used to fund EI programs.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Finance",Completed - fully met,Improved sustainability of the Employment Insurance (EI) program to ensure the program is available to Canadians when they need it.,"The Government of Canada continues to make sure that EI contributions are only used to fund EI programs. In April 2016, the seven-year rate setting mechanism came into force, ensuring that the EI account will be balanced. This seven-year rate setting mechanism was implemented in 2017 and allowed the Government to reduce EI premiums for 2017 from $1.88 to $1.63 per $100 of insurable earnings. The 2018 premium rate has been set at $1.66 per $100 of insurable earnings, which reflects important new supports for Canadian families and changing economic conditions."
2/28/2018,235,,Indigenous peoples,Renew and improve the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,"Improved employment outcomes for participants accessing programs through the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS), and reduced employment gaps with non-Indigenous Canadians who use similar employment services.","Budget 2018 proposed an investment of $2 billion over five years, and $408.2 million per year ongoing, to support the creation of a new Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program, which will replace the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy. This builds upon previous increased federal investment, whereby approximately 1,700 additional Indigenous people were supported through the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS) in 2016 compared to 2015. The Government also made investments to increase capacity of service providers to meet the growing demand from Indigenous peoples for skills development and job training and provided an additional $50 million to ASETS in 2017. These programs now serve more clients and also focus on serving the most vulnerable clients and delivering longer-term assistance. Over the last year, the Government of Canada undertook extensive consultations with ASETS holders, Indigenous communities and leadership, and other stakeholders to seek feedback on how the ASETS structure and policy could be redesigned and improved. "
2/28/2018,236,,Strong Middle Class,Provide a 12-month break on Employment Insurance (EI) premiums for firms that hire younger workers into permanent positions.,"Minister of Finance;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Not being pursued,See below,"Based on research conducted by the Department of Finance, it was determined that this was not the most effective or efficient way of spending public resources to create jobs for young people. Budgets 2016 and 2017 invested significantly in a Youth Employment Strategy, nearly doubling the Canada Summer Jobs program, which will help more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop the skills they need to find work, create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians and provide over 1,600 new employment opportunities for youth in the heritage sector. In addition, Budget 2016 announced the creation of an Expert Panel on Youth Employment to assess the barriers faced by vulnerable youth in finding and keeping jobs, and to examine innovative practices used by governments, non-governmental organizations and employers to improve job opportunities for vulnerable youth. The Government has received the Expert Panel's report and is studying its recommendations."
2/28/2018,237,,Strong Middle Class,Provide more generous and flexible leave for caregivers.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Caregivers of critically ill or injured Canadians receive greater support.,"Effective December 3, 2017, the new Family Caregiver benefit for adults will be available to help families care for a critically ill adult. This benefit will allow eligible caregivers to take up to 15 weeks off work to care for or support an adult family member who is critically ill or injured. Eligible caregivers are family members or individuals that the critically ill or injured adult considers to be like family."
2/28/2018,238,,Strong Middle Class,Develop a Social Innovation and Social Finance strategy.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,A government-wide strategy is established that facilitates new and innovative ways of addressing Canada's biggest social challenges.,"The Government of Canada recognizes that new and innovative approaches are needed to tackle persistent and complex social issues. In June 2017, the Government launched the Social Innovation and Social Finance Steering Group. Through consultations and engagement activities, the Steering Group will seek perspectives of industry, sector and community leaders to co-create a Social Innovation and Social Finance Strategy. Previous findings from government consultations and engagement activities related to social innovation and social finance will help the Steering Group identify policy solutions for the Strategy."
2/28/2018,239,,Strong Middle Class,Introduce the Canada Child Benefit (CCB).,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Finance",Completed - fully met,"A generous, fairer, tax-free monthly Canada Child Benefit (CCB) that gives nine out of ten Canadian families more money to help with the high cost of raising their children.","In Budget 2016, the Government introduced the new, tax-free, income-tested Canada Child Benefit (CCB). In its first year of implementation, over 3.3 million families received more than $23 billion in CCB payments. The CCB has helped lift an estimated 300,000 children out of poverty in Canada. The October 2017 Fall Economic Statement announced the Government's intention to strengthen the CCB by increasing the benefits annually to keep pace with the rising cost of living as of July 2018, two years ahead of schedule.
In Budget 2018, the Government proposes to expand outreach efforts to help Indigenous Peoples access the full range of federal social benefits, including the CCB. "
2/28/2018,240,,Strong Middle Class,"Develop a National Early Learning and Childcare Framework with provinces, territories and Indigenous peoples.","Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Indigenous Services;Minister of Status of Women",Underway - on track,"More high-quality, affordable child care spaces.","The Government of Canada is supporting the creation of affordable, high-quality child care spaces for low and modest income families, with the goal of supporting up to 40,000 new subsidized child care spaces over the next three years. The Federal, Provincial and Territorial Governments reached a historic agreement on a Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care Framework on June 12, 2017. The Government will work with each province and territory to enter into three-year bilateral agreements that will outline their unique early learning and child care needs to be addressed and the funding allocation for each jurisdiction. To date, bilateral agreements with Ontario, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nunavut, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Yukon, British Columbia and Manitoba have been reached.
In addition, the Government will create a distinct Indigenous Framework on Early Learning and Child Care in cooperation with Indigenous partners to reflect the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children across Canada. The Framework will inform additional investments of at least $130 million a year for 10 years for early learning and childcare programs for Indigenous children.
Budget 2016 announced $29.4 million in 2016-17 to support repairs and renovations of the facilities used by the First Nations and Inuit Child Care Initiative child care (FNICCI) and the Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve (AHSOR) program. Repairs and renovations were undertaken in 210 FNICCI child care centers and in 70 AHSOR facilities.
Budget 2016 also proposed investments of $100 million in 2017-18 to build capacity in existing Indigenous early learning and child care programs while the Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework is being co-developed. With these investments, repairs and renovations have been undertaken in 335 FNICCI child care centers, in 97 AHSOR facilities and in 64 Aboriginal Head Start in Urban and Northern Communities facilities.
The Government is also partnering with Indigenous organizations to engage with Indigenous Peoples across the country to co-develop an Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework. This framework will reflect the unique cultural needs of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation children across Canada. A commitment of $360 million, starting in 2017-18, has been made towards the Framework over the next three years.
In addition to bilateral agreements with other levels of government, the Government will also dedicate funding towards specific initiatives to support better outcomes for early learning and child care in Canada. Over the next 11 years, this includes:
• $100 million for early learning and child care innovation, which will support new and innovative practices across the country and help to develop more effective services to improve life outcomes for children and their families.
• $95 million to close data gaps in order to better understand what child care looks like in Canada, supporting strong reporting on progress made in implementing the Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care Framework and the Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework."
2/28/2018,241,,Indigenous peoples,Establish a new fiscal relationship with First Nations communities and lift the 2% cap.,Minister of Finance;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,Increased support for Indigenous communities consistent with needs and population growth rather than a fixed 2% cap; co-developed approaches to reforming funding policies and accountability.,"By 2021-22, total federal government spending on Indigenous programs will increase from over $11 billion in 2015-16 to over $15 billion in 2021-22—an increase of 34% over six years. The Government has also committed to a new fiscal relationship that is sufficient, sustainable and predictable. The Government of Canada is advancing a renewed fiscal relationship through two parallel initiatives. The first is with the Assembly of First Nations, through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in July 2016. The first phase of this collaboration with the Assembly of First Nations produced a report, ""A New Approach: Co-development of a New Fiscal Relationship between Canada and First Nation,"" that was submitted to the National Chief and the Minister of Indigenous Services in December 2017. In response to the report, the Minister committed to work with First Nations partners to move ahead on a number of proposals, including: create 10-year grants for qualified First Nations targeting a minimum of 100 First Nations getting grants by April 1, 2019; replace the Default Prevention and Management Policy; and establish a permanent advisory committee to support ongoing co-development. To better support First Nations communities, to support strong Indigenous institutions and to advance the new fiscal relationship with First Nations, Budget 2018 proposes to invest $188.6 million over five years, starting in 2018–19.
The second collaborative process on fiscal policy is focused on Self-Governing Indigenous groups. Since May 2016, the Government and Self-Governing Indigenous Governments have been engaged in the Collaborative Self-Government Fiscal Policy Development Process to develop a new policy framework for the provision of federal financial support to self-government. Through Budget 2018, the Government will provide $189.2 million in 2018–19 to begin implementation of fiscal policy reforms that have been co-developed with self-governing Indigenous Peoples. This funding will support key priorities, including the closing of socio-economic gaps, infrastructure, data collection and governance."
2/28/2018,242,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Develop a National Disabilities Act.,"Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Federal accessibility legislation that promotes equality of opportunity and increases inclusion and participation of Canadians who have disabilities or functional limitations.,"The Government of Canada completed an extensive nine-month consultation with Canadians in-person and online on February 28, 2017 to inform the development of new federal accessibility legislation. The consultation included 18 public engagement sessions in cities across the country, nine roundtable discussions (which brought together disability stakeholders, academic experts and industry representatives), as well as a National Youth Forum and an online questionnaire. The Government also allocated funding to help disability stakeholder organizations engage their members on the planned legislation. Funding is being provided for five partnerships with national disability organizations and three Indigenous organizations to undertake various activities to engage their members and communities. In May 2017, a report summarizing what we learned from these discussions was released. It is anticipated that new federal accessibility legislation will be introduced to Parliament in spring 2018."
2/28/2018,244,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Ensure any unspent infrastructure funds are transferred to municipalities.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Finance,Underway - on track,Ensure infrastructure funding approved by Parliament does not lapse and is invested in municipal infrastructure projects.,"In March 2017, the Government of Canada announced that $30.2 million in potentially lapsing funding from a number of previously established funding programs would be transferred to municipalities through the federal Gas Tax Fund."
2/28/2018,245,,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Develop a 10-year infrastructure plan, improve governance and promote better data collection and asset management.",Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Transport,Underway - on track,"Agreements with all provinces and territories that improve public transit, roads and bridges; increase access to affordable housing and child care; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; improve access to clean water, and enhance resilience in the face of a changing climate.","Infrastructure plays a central role in building strong communities, creating jobs and growing the economy. Taking into account the investments made in Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government has developed a 12-year plan that will invest over $180 billion across Canada in public transit, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, rural and northern communities infrastructure, and trade and transportation infrastructure. As part of the Plan, the Government signed an agreement with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) to deliver an asset management program to support municipalities in making informed infrastructure investment decisions. The Government partnered with Statistics Canada and other stakeholders to launch an ambitious data collection initiative on Canadian infrastructure – Canada’s Core Public Infrastructure Survey (CCPI), which officially launched in mid-2017. Through the survey, the Government will better track, collect, use and share data on Canadian infrastructure, including tracking comparable data on infrastructure usage and demand across jurisdictions and tracking the state and performance of public infrastructure across asset classes. These measures will help governments maximize taxpayer dollars and report back to Canadians on outcomes achieved."
2/28/2018,246,,Government Services and Operations,"Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency proactively contacts those who are entitled to, but are not receiving, tax benefits.",Minister of National Revenue,Underway - on track,"More Canadians receive the tax benefits and credits to which they are entitled, including vulnerable Canadians and Indigenous people on-reserve.","The Government of Canada has expanded the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program in order to help modest-income Canadians, seniors and other vulnerable groups with tax filing. Budget 2018 proposes doubling the size of the CVITP, to help more individuals complete their taxes and access the benefits they are entitled to. For the 2016 tax year, the Government has increased community partnerships by 18%, and filed nearly 770,000 returns on behalf of Canadians so they can get the benefits they are entitled to. The CRA undertook a new initiative in 2016-2017 to proactively contact 260,000 Canadians who were potentially eligible for tax benefits but were not receiving them. The Government has also proactively promoted the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) in Indigenous communities to make sure Indigenous families have full access to this important benefit. In-person visits have been completed with 625 First Nations communities in order to promote the CCB and other benefits. The Government will continue to work to improve these results across all CRA administered benefit programs."
2/28/2018,247,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) offers to complete returns for lower-income Canadians whose financial situation is unchanged year-to-year.,Minister of National Revenue,Underway - on track,Simpler process for low-income Canadians to file their taxes when their financial situation hasn't changed much.,"This past year, through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, volunteers filed nearly 770,000 returns on behalf of Canadians, many of whom are seniors, modest-income Canadians and newcomers with simple tax situations. CRA is continuously looking at improvements so that modest-income Canadians whose financial situation is simple year-to-year can easily file their returns and get the benefits that they are entitled to. The Government of Canada is looking at additional ways to improve these results for the 2017 and subsequent tax years, including allowing Canadians with simple tax situations, such as seniors and Social Assistance Recipients to file by telephone; and holding tax clinics to reach out to Canadians in remote and underserved communities.
The Government of Canada has launched a new service for the 2018 tax?filing season to help eligible individuals with low or fixed income do their taxes. With the new File my Return service, eligible individuals will be able to file their income tax and benefit returns simply by giving some personal information and answering a series of short questions through an automated phone service. File My Return is free, secure and easy to use. There are no paper forms to fill out or calculations to do. Finally, Budget 2018 proposes to double the size of the Community Volunteer Tax Program, helping hundreds of thousands more individuals complete their taxes and access benefits to which they are entitled."
2/28/2018,248,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency supports more Canadians who wish to file taxes using no paper forms.,Minister of National Revenue,Underway - on track,"More Canadians file their taxes online; and filing online is simple, easy and convenient for all CRA administered programs.","The Government of Canada has launched new services to help individuals and authorized representatives submit their returns electronically. Launched in 2015, Auto-fill my return helps fill in parts of the T1 return with data already available to CRA, making filing online simpler and easier. The amount of information available to Auto-fill continues to be expanded so that filing online is the best option for Canadians. To date, Canadians have used CRA’s Auto-fill my return over 8 million times to help them file their returns. With the Express Notice of Assessment service, available in EFILE and NETFILE certified tax preparation software, the notice of assessment will be available immediately after filing a return.
The new File my Return service allows eligible individuals to file their income tax and benefit returns simply by giving some personal information and answering a series of short questions through an automated phone service. The Government has also made it possible for tax preparers to amend their clients' returns electronically by using the new ReFILE service. In 2016-2017 alone, Canadians logged into CRA's secure online portal 51 million times, and 86% of filings occurred online—an increase of nearly 750,000 Canadians using this method over the prior year. The Government is currently redesigning CRA's secure portal to enable even more electronic interactions. Budget 2018 investments will update and modernize information technology infrastructure to deliver a more user-friendly experience, allowing Canadians to easily find the tax and benefit information they need."
2/28/2018,249,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency delivers correspondence and other communications that are straightforward and easy to read.,Minister of National Revenue,Underway - on track,"Correspondence is simplified so that Canadians can better understand information they receive from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), leading to increased client satisfaction and fewer inquiries for routine information.","The Government of Canada simplified the correspondence CRA sends Canadians, making it easier to read and understand, including new, simple, and easy-to-read notices of assessment for businesses and individuals, first sent in 2016. As of February 2018, 90% of the correspondence the CRA sends to Canadians has been transformed in the new easy-to-read format. The CRA will have simplified virtually all correspondence by May 2019."
2/28/2018,250,,Fair and Open Government,"Enhance transparency in the political fundraising system for Cabinet members, party leaders and leadership candidates.",Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - on track,A more transparent political fundraising system is in place that strengthens trust and confidence in our democratic institutions.,"In May 2017, the Government introduced legislation to significantly enhance transparency in the political fundraising system for Cabinet members, party leaders and leadership candidates. This legislation will give Canadians more information than ever before: they will know who is going to fundraisers, when and where they are happening, and the amount required to attend."
2/28/2018,251,,Strong Middle Class,Update the Canada Labour Code to address emerging issues such as unpaid internships and ensure modern federal employment standards.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Stronger protections and employment standards that better protect workers and reflect the changing nature of the labour market.,"Budget 2017 aims to eliminate unpaid internships in federally regulated sectors where internships are not part of a formal educational program. In the case of unpaid internships that are part of an educational program, the Government will ensure standard labour protections apply, such as maximum hours of work, weekly days of rest and general holidays. Legislation to implement these changes was tabled in Parliament on October 27, 2017, as part of the Budget Implementation Act, 2017, No. 2 received Royal Assent December 14, 2017.
The Government has also launched consultations on proposed updates to the Canada Labour Code to ensure that Canadians enjoy strong labour protections and standards."
2/28/2018,252,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Increase the labour force participation of women and underrepresented groups.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,"Improved labour market participation and employment outcomes for groups traditionally under-represented in the labour market (women, youth, immigrants, persons with disabilities, racialized communities, and Indigenous peoples).","The Government has introduced several initiatives to help Canadians with the challenges they face when making decisions about pursuing work or going back to school. These initiatives will increase the number of high-quality, affordable child care spaces (up to 40,000 over the next three years), introduce flexible work arrangements, make parental leave more flexible, and expand opportunities for lifelong learning. These initiatives are expected to increase labour force participation among several under-represented groups, particularly mothers in low- and modest-income families. In addition, the Government has increased the number of work experience opportunities for young Canadians through the Youth Employment Strategy, and has also expanded access to job supports and skills training for all Canadians, with a particular focus on the needs of Indigenous peoples and other under-represented groups. Budget 2018 proposed a new Employment Insurance Parental Sharing Benefit which will support greater gender equality in the home and in the workplace. The Benefit will provide additional weeks of “use it or lose it” EI parental benefits, when both parents agree to share parental leave. The renewal of the Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ISETS), the introduction of a Targeted Employment Strategy for Newcomers and the introduction of a federal accessibility act will further support the unique needs of Indigenous peoples, newcomers and persons with disabilities. To support women to enter and succeed in the trades, Budget 2018 proposes to pilot an Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women and implement a Women in Construction Fund."
2/28/2018,253,,Strong Middle Class,"Develop further initiatives to equip Canadians with the skills needed for the jobs of today and tomorrow, and to better assist workers getting help before becoming unemployed.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Canadian workers have the skills they need to find and keep good quality jobs.,"The Government of Canada is working with employers, unions, provinces, territories and educational institutions to ensure that Canadians are equipped to adapt to rapidly changing skills requirements and make successful job transitions. There is a particular focus throughout the suite of government investments in training, education and work experiences on addressing the skills needs of those at risk of being left furthest behind, such as Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, newcomers and vulnerable youth.
To ensure Canadian workers have the skills they need to find and keep good quality jobs, the Government is significantly increasing investment in labour market transfer agreements with provinces and territories and expanding their inclusiveness and scope to improve workers' access to skills training and job supports. The Federal Government is also making post-secondary education more affordable for low- and modest income families, increasing opportunities for graduates to gain work-ready skills for smoother school-to-work transitions and improving access to opportunities for adult upskilling and lifelong learning. The Government is also enhancing supports for skilled trades and apprenticeships, with an increasing focus on women and groups that have traditionally been underrepresented in the labour market.
To ensure skills training is relevant to the jobs of today and tomorrow, in Budget 2018 the Government announced that it will launch Future Skills this spring. Future Skills will bring together expertise from all sectors and leverage experience from partners across the country. It will also include an independent Council to advise on emerging skills and workforce trends, and a research lab focused on developing, testing and rigorously measuring new approaches to skills assessment and development.
"
2/28/2018,254,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Introduce proactive pay equity legislation for federally-regulated workers.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Status of Women",Underway - on track,"Equal pay for work of equal value in federally regulated sectors. Proactive pay equity is expected to contribute to:
• reducing the gender wage gap by addressing the undervaluation of work traditionally performed by women; and
• fairness in the workplace.","The Government is replacing the current complaint-based approach to pay equity in the federal jurisdiction with a proactive system. Budget 2018 proposed that historic proactive pay equity legislation be introduced this fall to ensure that on average women and men in federally regulated sectors receive the same pay for work of equal value. According to preliminary estimates, this legislation could improve the gender wage gap from 91.4 cents to 94.1 cents for the core public administration, and from 88.1 cents to 90.7 cents in the federal private sector. The Budget also indicated that additional consultations with employers, unions and other stakeholders will take place in the coming months to ensure that the new regime will be applied fairly and will achieve its intended purpose. These will build on consultations held in 2017 with employer, employee and advocacy groups as well as experts on the design elements of a proactive pay equity system."
2/28/2018,255,,Strong Middle Class,Restore a fair and balanced approach to organized labour.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Public Services and Procurement",Completed - fully met,A fair and balanced labour policy.,"In June 2017, Parliament repealed measures enacted by two pieces of legislation which would have undermined the ability of workers to collectively bargain. This action was supported by both employers and unions, in recognition of the need by all parties for a policy framework that is governed by the principles of fairness and balance."
2/28/2018,256,,Healthy Canadians,Implement Canada's ban on asbestos.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,Canada comprehensively bans asbestos.,"In December 2016, the Government announced a set of comprehensive measures to ban asbestos and products containing asbestos by 2018. In July 2017, the Government brought into force changes to the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations to lower the exposure limit to as close to zero as possible for airborne chrysotile asbestos. These changes will protect federally regulated employees at risk."
2/28/2018,257,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Reduce the wage gap between men and women.,"Minister of Status of Women;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Fair compensation systems in organizations under federal jurisdiction and a more flexible work environment to reduce the pay gap between women and men.,"Proactive pay equity is expected to contribute to fairness in the workplace by reducing the gender wage gap by addressing the undervaluation of work traditionally performed by women.
On October 5, 2016, in its Response to the Special Committee on Pay Equity report titled It’s Time to Act, the Government of Canada made a commitment to table new, proactive pay equity legislation in federally regulated sectors before the end of 2018. Work is underway to achieve this objective.
In addition, Budgets 2016, 2017, and 2018 contain many measures to reduce the gender wage gap and encourage greater workforce participation among women. These measures include investments in early learning and child care, a new Employment Insurance caregiving benefit, a major symposium on women and the workplace, the right to request flexible work arrangements for federally regulated employees and pilot a new Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women. Budget 2018 proposed that historic proactive pay equity legislation be introduced this fall to ensure that on average women and men in federally regulated sectors receive the same pay for work of equal value. According to preliminary estimates, this legislation could improve the gender wage gap from 91.4 cents to 94.1 cents for the core public administration, and from 88.1 cents to 90.7 cents in the federal private sector. In addition, new pay transparency requirements in the federally-regulated sector will provide more information on the pay practices of employers, with specific attention paid to making existing wage gaps more evident.
Other measures include expanding eligibility for Canada Student Grants for part-time students and students with dependent children and supporting the creation of more work-integrated learning opportunities, including co-ops, for post-secondary students and in particular women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) and business programs through a new Student Work-Integrated Learning Program."
2/28/2018,259,,Canada in the World,"Continue joint efforts to address global security threats, combat terrorism and defend our continent.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,On-going commitment,"Canada is protected from global threats and contributes to achieving a safer, more peaceful and prosperous world.","Canada's new defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—supports the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces and provides them with the necessary equipment and capabilities to defend Canada, protect North America and contribute to international peace and security. In addition, Canada is a core member of the Global Coalition Against Daesh and has taken a leadership role in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization by serving as the Framework Nation for the enhanced Forward Presence in Latvia. Canada remains committed to the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD), which has proven itself effective in its roles of deterring, detecting and defending; and continues to play an important role in the defence of North America. Canada also collaborates closely with the U.S. on supporting international measures to advance a diplomatic solution to the North Korea threat. Canada co-hosted, with the United States, the Vancouver Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Security and Stability on the Korean Peninsula on January 16, 2018 to demonstrate solidarity in opposition to North Korea’s dangerous and illegal actions and to work together to strengthen diplomatic efforts toward a secure and denuclearized Korean peninsula. Furthermore, the Government is contributing comprehensive military, diplomatic and international assistance to Iraq and E137the immediate region and is leading efforts toward nuclear disarmament. Canada has also played a key role in driving international pressure on Syria, including supporting investigations into the use of chemical weapons and other war crimes, and is playing a leading role to deal with non-proliferation more generally through the G7-led Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction. Canada was also confirmed as co-chair (with Algeria) of the E137West Africa Working Group of the Global Counterterrorism Forum, an international forum of 29 Countries and the European Union with an overarching mission of reducing the vulnerability of people worldwide to terrorism by preventing, combating, and prosecuting terrorist acts and countering incitement and recruitment to terrorism. Canada collaborates bilaterally and multilaterally to combat transnational organized crime (TOC), including drug trafficking and related threats to Canadians, cybercrime, trafficking in persons, and migrant smuggling, and other forms of TOC. In Latin America, Canada is strongly supporting Colombia’s efforts towards the implementation of the peace process with a view to bringing the longest-running conflict in the Western Hemisphere to a peaceful end. In Haiti, Canada is supporting, including through the deployment of Canadian police and correctional agents, the new UN mission for Justice Support (MINUJUSTH), launched in October 2017 and focused on assisting the Haitian government in strengthening rule of law institutions, further supporting and developing the Haitian National Police, and engaging in human rights monitoring, reporting and analysis."
2/28/2018,260,,Environment and Climate Change,Cooperate with the United States on energy security and energy infrastructure.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canada and the United States benefit from a secure and effective cross-border energy infrastructure.,"Collaboration on energy security and infrastructure was included in the February 13, 2017 Joint Statement from President Trump and Prime Minister Trudeau. Canada continues to support several major cross-border energy infrastructure projects, including: Keystone XL, Line 3 and Line 67, Northern Pass, New England Clean Power Link, and Great Northern Transmission Line. All projects are at different stages of review, investment, or approval. The U.S. State Department has issued presidential permits for the construction of these projects. A North American Energy Ministerial meeting took place in November 2017, and identified further areas for North American collaboration, including facilitating cross-border energy infrastructure projects."
2/28/2018,261,,Environment and Climate Change,Advance shared action with the United States on environmental issues and climate change.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canada-U.S. collaboration leads to a cleaner shared environment and clean energy innovation.,"Canada and the United States issued a joint statement in February 2017 confirming both countries' commitment to collaborate closely in energy innovation, especially in the clean energy sphere; in energy cooperation, particularly along our border and at the Great Lakes; and to enhance the quality of our air and water. In recognition of a shared vision among Canada, the United States and Mexico, the three leaders committed to a North American Climate, Clean Energy, and Environment Partnership in June 2016. In December 2016, a Canada-United States Joint Arctic Leaders' Statement emphasized the importance of a strong, sustainable and viable Arctic economy and ecosystem. In November 2017, Canada, Mexico and the state-driven U.S. Climate Alliance (a bipartisan coalition of 15 U.S. Governors) launched the North American Climate Leadership Dialogue to address clean technology, clean power and carbon pricing initiatives."
2/28/2018,262,,Exports and Investment,Strengthen trilateral cooperation with the United States and Mexico to enhance North America's global competitiveness.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,On-going commitment,North America is strong and competitive in global markets.,"The Government continues to actively engage Mexico and the United States in order to advance issues in our common interest, including through negotiations to modernize North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). During trade negotiations, the Government of Canada is committed to creating the most favourable conditions for Canadian businesses to compete internationally. In addition to trade, North American cooperation continues in key areas such as energy, security and defence. On February 2, 2018, a North American Foreign Ministers Meeting took place in Mexico City, where the three foreign ministers discussed a range of topics including North American regional competitiveness that touched on NAFTA, energy cooperation and women’s entrepreneurship. "
2/28/2018,263,,Canada in the World,"Strengthen relationships with key bilateral, regional and multilateral partners.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canadian interests and values are promoted through enhanced cooperation with key international partners.,"Canada continues to constructively contribute to multilateral fora to advance its foreign policy priorities, including at the United Nations (UN); the African Union; the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE); the Organization for American States; the Commonwealth; La Francophonie; the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation; the Association of Southeast Asian Nations; the Pacific Alliance; the International Syria Support Group; the Lima Group on Venezuela (Canada hosted the October 2017 meeting); and the Gulf Cooperation Council. The Government signed and provisionally applied the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and the Strategic Partnership Agreement with the European Union and signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Trade Partnership. The Government has also strengthened relationships with key bilateral, regional and multilateral partners in the Asia Pacific, Europe, Eastern Europe and Eurasia, Latin America and Caribbean, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and the Maghreb through high-level engagements, including 255 visits by the Prime Minister and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Development. Hosting the G7 in June 2018 is further reinforcing and amplifying Canada's ability to promote its interests and values through key international relationships with a focus on the thematic areas of (1) investing in growth that works for everyone; (2) preparing for jobs of the future; (3) advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment; (4) working together on climate change, oceans and clean energy; (5) building a more peaceful and secure world. Moreover, acknowledging that many issues related to advancing Canadian interests and values require multi-stakeholder engagement, Canada has expanded its networks and relationships with international coalitions and forums such as the Freedom Online Coalition; the Internet Governance Forum; the International Parliamentary Union, Women Political Leaders, and the Community of Democracies."
2/28/2018,264,,Canada in the World,Seek leadership opportunities for Canada and Canadians in multilateral institutions.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canada and Canadians play a leading role in international organizations.,"Canada is currently seeking a non-permanent seat on the United Nations (UN) Security Council for 2020-2021 and is leading one of the four North Atlantic Treaty Organization multinational enhanced Forward Presence battlegroups in Eastern Europe. An Action Plan for international staffing will ensure that more Canadians secure positions of influence in multilateral institutions. Several Canadians have recently been appointed to senior positons in the UN and the Government is working with civil society organizations to ensure strong Canadian candidates are on the UN's roster for the position of Special Representative. For example, Canadian Kim Prost was elected to a nine-year term as a judge on the International Criminal Court in December 2017. Canada assumed the G7 presidency on January 1, 2018, and will host G7 partners in Canada throughout the year for a series of ministerial meetings and the Leaders' Summit in June."
2/28/2018,265,,Canada in the World,"Ensure that the deployment of the Armed Forces aligns with Canada's interests, our commitments and the government's policy.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,The deployment of the Canadian Armed Forces contributes to the achievement of Canada's broader international priorities.,"The Department of National Defence and Global Affairs Canada established a bi-weekly coordination mechanism to ensure greater policy coherence. The Government has also introduced new planning and policy development arrangements to ensure analysis of military deployments include foreign policy considerations and reflect broader government objectives. Approximately 1,800 Canadian Armed Forces personnel are currently deployed on 18 missions supporting Canada's international priorities."
2/28/2018,270,,Healthy Canadians,Introduce restrictions on the commercial marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,Commercial marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children is significantly reduced leading to better health outcomes for Canadian children.,"The Government launched the Healthy Eating Strategy in October 2016. The Government is working with experts and stakeholders on key issues, including the definition of unhealthy foods and drinks and possible marketing restrictions that should be pursued. During the summer of 2017, Health Canada conducted a public consultation on a proposed policy approach for restricting marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children, and published a report summarizing the comments in December 2017. Health Canada is refining its proposed approach based on feedback received during consultations."
2/28/2018,271,,Healthy Canadians,Bring in tougher regulations to eliminate trans fats and reduce salt in processed foods.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"Industrially produced trans fats are eliminated from food products; the food and restaurant industries systematically reduce sodium levels in the food supply; and consumers are better able to identify foods high in sodium, sugar and saturated fat, resulting in improved public health.","The Government launched the Healthy Eating Strategy in October 2016. As part of this Strategy, a ban on partially hydrogenated oils, the main source of industrial trans fat, was published in September 2017 and will take effect in one year. In addition, a report evaluating industry's efforts to reduce sodium levels in foods was published in January 2018.
On February 10, 2018, Health Canada pre-published proposed regulations that would require a symbol on the front of packaged foods that are high in sodium, sugars, and/or saturated fat in Canada Gazette, Part 1. This initiative would support sodium reduction by providing consumers with quick and easy guidance to identify foods high in sodium and encouraging manufacturers to lower the sodium content of their foods. In addition, Health Canada is currently conducting an online consumer questionnaire to help inform the design of the final symbol. The Government will continue to work with stakeholders to identify additional ways to further reduce sodium in foods. "
2/28/2018,272,,Healthy Canadians,Improve food labels to give more information on added sugars and artificial dyes.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"Canadians have the information, tools and resources to make healthy food choices, improving health outcomes.","The Government launched the Healthy Eating Strategy in October 2016, with the goal of making ""the healthy choice the easy choice."" As part of this Strategy, regulatory amendments were published in December 2016 updating the requirements for nutrition information on food labels, making them easier to understand. This includes making serving sizes more consistent, new information on how to use the Percentage Daily Value, and more information on sugars and food colours in the Nutrition Facts table and list of ingredients. The Front of Package labelling proposal will complement these changes by identifying prepackaged foods that contain high amounts of sodium, sugar and saturated fat."
2/28/2018,273,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Implement Canada's new immigration levels plans.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,"310,000 permanent residents are admitted to Canada in 2018, contributing to economic growth, family reunification and the Government's humanitarian commitments. Canada enjoys increased economic competitiveness through the attraction of global talent.","While the admissions planning range of between 280,000 and 320,000 permanent residents was achieved in 2017, admissions fell short of the 300,000 target by less than 5%.
In November 2017, the Government tabled an immigration levels plan with a target of welcoming 980,000 new permanent residents over the next three years. These targets will increase the number of permanent residents selected in economic programs, while maintaining a commitment to family reunification and resettlement of refugees. The Government is reducing application backlogs, improving the speed at which applications are processed and putting a greater focus on the attraction of highly skilled global talent."
2/28/2018,274,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Ensure the delivery of high-quality settlement services for newcomers, informed by rigorous outcomes data.","Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,"Improved, high-quality settlement services for newcomers to Canada, leading to improved outcomes for immigrants and their children.","The Government is helping immigrants better prepare for a new life in Canada. Enhancements to service delivery for the settlement program are being informed by evaluation findings, pilot projects, and consultations with provincial and territorial partners and stakeholders. Potential longer-term changes to the delivery of settlement services will be informed by expanded reporting and analytic capabilities, beginning in 2017."
2/28/2018,275,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Continue to welcome refugees from Syria and elsewhere.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,"The Government continues to welcome refugees from countries around the world and offer persons fleeing conflict and/or persecution a safe haven. Between January 2015 and December 31, 2017, approximately 51,000 Syrian refugees, and close to 94,000 refugees in total, have been resettled to Canada.","Refugees welcomed to Canada include resettled persons from the Congo, Eritrea, and survivors of Daesh and their families, including Yazidi refugees. The 2018 immigration levels plan increases the target of welcoming refugees and protected persons to Canada from 40,000 to 43,000. This figure remains among the highest in Canadian history, and double the number of refugees that were welcomed in 2015 and preceding years."
2/28/2018,276,,Canada in the World,Conduct a review of the visa policy framework.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,"An evidence-based visa policy framework that promotes Canada’s economic, foreign policy and cultural interests at the same time as protecting the safety and security of all Canadians.","The Government has initiated a review of Canada's visa policy framework to ensure it uses a robust, evidence-based approach when making visa decisions. The Government is also reviewing policies for managing foreign nationals transiting through Canadian airports to increase Canada's air connections with the rest of the world while prioritizing the security of Canadians. In addition, the Government facilitated the travel of low-risk travellers from Brazil, and has lifted previous visa restrictions that applied to visitors from Romania, Bulgaria and Mexico."
2/28/2018,277,,Indigenous peoples,Make changes to the Oath of Canadian Citizenship to reflect the Truth and Reconciliation's Calls to Action.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,Updated Oath of Canadian Citizenship and Citizenship Test that reflect Canadian and Indigenous history.,"The Government of Canada is currently working with national Indigenous organizations to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's recommendations to incorporate recognition of treaties with Indigenous peoples into the Oath of Canadian Citizenship, update the citizenship test to reflect and guide a more inclusive history of Indigenous peoples, and provide information on the history of residential schools for newcomers. The Government will bring forward legislation to modify the Oath. Changes to the citizenship guide are currently being drafted."
2/28/2018,278,,Exports and Investment,Advance Canada's progressive trade agenda.,Minister of International Trade,On-going commitment,"Canadian workers are protected from unfair trade practices, trade agreements maintain or improve Canadian levels of protection in key areas like employment and the environment, and Canada advances the rules-based international order and trading system.","The Government recognizes that labour unions have an important perspective to bring to trade so it is making changes to its trade remedy system to ensure that unions can participate in trade remedy proceedings. This will give a voice to workers and allow them to fully defend their interests in proceedings on unfair trade practices. Canada's new progressive trade agenda will ensure Canada's trading partners meet their international labour obligations and encourage the establishment of new mechanisms for civil society consultation and advice on labour issues. Canada will also seek enhanced environment provisions in free trade agreements. The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement includes provisions on protecting the environment, health and safety, and employment standards. The recently modernized Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement includes a chapter on trade and gender, a first for Canada and any G20 country. The Government will continue to develop and advance progressive approaches to trade through bilateral and multilateral engagement and play a leadership role in international fora. Canada's recent implementation of International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 98 in June 2017, which affirms the fundamental right to collectively bargain, is one example of this approach. Canada has now ratified all eight of the ILO Core conventions."
2/28/2018,279,,Exports and Investment,Promote trade and investment with established markets such as Japan.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"Increased two-way trade and investment with Japan, supporting well-paying, middle-class jobs.","The Government is promoting Canada-Japan trade through multilateral engagement with provinces, territories and municipalities. Visits by the Prime Minister, key ministers, and provincial premiers have showcased trade and investment potential in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, agriculture, life sciences and clean tech. In the first half of 2017, over $500 million in Japanese investment has been made in Canada, creating more than 130 jobs. Canada is working closely with Japan to explore ways to further deepen the bilateral trade and investment relationship including building on the recently signed Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Trade Partnership."
2/28/2018,280,,Exports and Investment,Position Canada as a top destination for global investment and promote our economic brand.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"Canada ranks among the top developed economies in global rankings of investment competitiveness, attractiveness and brand.","The Government is encouraging global investment and promoting Canada's economic brand through the creation of the Invest in Canada agency; the expansion of the Trade Commissioner Service to increase our presence in strategic markets abroad; and the acceleration of changes to the Investment Canada Act. The changes to the Act will lead to greater transparency of the guidelines used for national security reviews, and increase the threshold for review under the Act to transactions of $1 billion or greater as of 2017. The Government is also developing a comprehensive Trade and Investment Strategy, which will bring forward additional measures to promote new job-creating investments in Canada. Recent global surveys continue to rank Canada as a top place to do business. For example, the Economic Intelligence Unit has ranked Canada first in G20 for doing business over 2017-2021; KPMG has ranked Canada as the most tax competitive country in G7 with the lowest overall business costs in G7; OECD shows that Canada leads G20 in R&D spending in higher education as share of GDP with the best tax incentives in G7 and the most educated talent pool among member nations. Examples of successes to date include Thomson Reuter's investment in a new technology hub; General Motors' announcement of new manufacturing capacity; NOVA Chemicals (Mubadala) expansion of a new world-scale polyethylene plant in Sarnia, Ontario, and Erwin Hymer’s new manufacturing facility in Cambridge, Ontario. Overall, the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) facilitated 101 investment projects to Canada with an estimated value of $2.25 billion and 2,979 jobs created in April 2016 to March 2017. In addition, the TCS facilitated 159 investor visits to Canada to pursue specific investment projects. Since April 2017, TCS has reported 71 wins representing approximately $2.78 billion and over 3,600 new jobs and facilitated 113 site selection visits."
2/28/2018,281,,Exports and Investment,Ensure alignment between Canada's export and innovation strategies.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"More Canadian businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, export their products and services.","The Government launched a new Innovation and Skills Plan to: retrain Canadians for the jobs of today and tomorrow; drive investments in six high-growth sectors of the Canadian economy; and to make it easier for businesses and innovators to access the support they need. The Government will ensure that the upcoming Trade and Investment Strategy and the Innovation and Skills Plan will be aligned to: focus on free trade agreement promotion, support exporters and grow global firms by Canadian innovators and entrepreneurs, strengthen investment attraction and support a progressive trade policy agenda."
2/28/2018,282,,Exports and Investment,Implement and expand Canada's Free Trade Agreements globally.,Minister of International Trade,On-going commitment,"Free Trade Agreements increase trade and investment, creating good middle-class jobs.","The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement entered into provisional application in September 2017. The Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement entered into force in August 2017. On March 8, 2018, the Government signed the Comprehensive and Progress Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. The Government has entered into negotiations to modernize the North American Free Trade Agreement to reflect new realities and to integrate progressive, free, and fair approaches to trade and investment. Canada also started negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Pacific Alliance, with the latest round having taken place in January 2018. In addition, Canada continues to engage China on a possible FTA free trade agreement and is working with India to reinvigorate negotiations on a Canada-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement. Canada is working closely with Israel to further modernize the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement. In September 2017, Canada and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations agreed to launch exploratory discussions on the potential FTA. The amended Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement, including a chapter on trade and gender, was tabled in Parliament on October 5, 2017. Canada and MERCOSUR concluded the exploratory process for a potential FTA in November 2017."
2/28/2018,283,,Strong Middle Class,"Improve Canadian competiveness, create jobs and generate economic growth.",Minister of International Trade,On-going commitment,Trade and investment boosts Canadian economic growth.,"Canadian merchandise exports reached an all-time high of $546.1 billion in 2017 after growing 5.6%. Merchandise imports also reached an all-time high in 2017 of $561.1 billion after growing 5.2%. The Canadian economy strengthened more broadly- 427,000 more Canadians were employed by the end of the year compared to the beginning (December 2017 over December 2016). The Canadian unemployment rate closed out the year at a historic low of 5.8%. Annualized real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew 1.7 per cent in the third quarter of 2017 (July-September), an expected slowdown after two quarters of unsustainably rapid growth. The Government recently launched a new Innovation and Skills Plan, an ambitious agenda to make Canada a centre of innovation, create well-paying, middle class jobs, and help more Canadians adapt to the changing economy. This plan will expand opportunities for skills training, drive investments in six high-growth sectors of the Canadian economy, and make it easier for businesses and innovators to access the support they need. Through the upcoming Trade and Investment Strategy, the Government will continue to take concrete steps to improve Canadian competiveness and generate long-term economic growth.
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2/28/2018,285,,Canada in the World,Maintain Canada's strong commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).,Minister of National Defence,On-going commitment,The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) remains strong and Canada is a trusted partner in the alliance.,"Canada has substantially increased its commitment to NATO by renewing the mandate for Operation REASSURANCE and becoming a Framework Nation in Latvia in support of NATO's enhanced Forward Presence. Canada has also participated in NATO activities, programs, and decision-making, including the Warsaw Heads of State and Government Summit. Outside the NATO context but in close coordination with NATO Allies, Canada has continued its support to Ukraine, including renewal of the mandate for Operation UNIFIER (a military training and capacity building mission), until March 31, 2019."
2/28/2018,286,,Safety and Security,Increase the size of the Canadian Rangers.,Minister of National Defence,Underway - on track,"The Canadian Rangers have the numbers, equipment and training needed to do their job properly.","The Government is in the final stages of determining the resource requirements to increase the capability of the Canadian Rangers. Each Canadian Ranger Patrol Group across the country has had an opportunity to provide input. Canada's new defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—commits to following up with related improvements in equipment and training."
2/28/2018,287,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Review collection of gender statistics to evaluate programs and policies.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,"More data available from Statistics Canada, disaggregated by gender, allowing more informed decision-making.","Status of Women Canada and Statistics Canada are developing a plan to improve the availability and use of gender-disaggregated data to inform programs and policies aimed at advancing gender equality. Budgets 2016 and 2017 included many measures to increase access to gender disaggregated data, including investments in the collection of new data related to gender-based violence and the release of existing data through new reports on Women in Canada. Budget 2018 announced $6.7 million in funding over five years, starting in 2018-19 for a new Centre for Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Statistics to support evidence-based decision-making both in and out of the federal government. In addition, the Government is introducing a new Gender Results Framework—a whole-of-government tool to track and monitor progress on gender equality, and will provide $1.5 million over five years starting in 2018–19 to develop a broader set of indicators to track progress on achieving gender equality objectives. "
2/28/2018,288,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Integrate gender-based questions and content into government consultations.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,All government consultations include gender-based questions and content.,"The Government is developing guidelines for departments to ensure all consultations incorporate gender-based questions. Collecting diverse perspectives through these consultations will allow for the assessment of how diverse groups of women, men and non-binary individuals may experience policies, programs and initiatives."
2/28/2018,289,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Host a national Gender-Based Analysis roundtable in 2018.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,"Strengthened awareness of Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+), its potential use by governments, and opportunities for improvement.",Planning for this national event is now underway.
2/28/2018,290,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Build on the first Gender-based Analysis of Budget 2017 to improve future budgets.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,Comprehensive Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) is incorporated into all future budgets improving public policy.,"The Government is continuing to improve the quality and scope of GBA+ in federal budgets. This includes consultation with experts and key stakeholders during the pre-budget consultations process and meetings with experts and leaders globally. In Budget 2018, no budget decision was taken without being informed by Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+). To ensure that gender remains a key consideration for future governments, the Government will introduce new GBA+ legislation to make gender budgeting a permanent part of the federal budget-making process. "
2/28/2018,291,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) is incorporated into key government reports.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,"All major government reports include Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) considerations, improving their policy recommendations.","The Government has provided guidance to departments and agencies as to where and how GBA+ should be incorporated into their Results Frameworks and Reports on Results. The Government will build on these to provide guidance to departments in incorporating GBA+ into Departmental Plans for 2018/19. Once these guidelines are complete, the Government will examine how best to extend GBA+ to other key reports. "
2/28/2018,292,,Fair and Open Government,Modernize the Communications Policy of the Government to reflect the modern digital environment.,President of the Treasury Board,Completed - fully met,Government communications that reflect the digital environment.,"The Government of Canada has transformed the communications policy to foster more coordinated communications within and across government departments through the use of innovative methods. This policy will help ensure the Government engages in activities that are timely, clear, cost-effective, in both official languages, accessible and non-partisan. In addition, the policy will help to ensure government communications are clearly branded, both in Canada and abroad."
2/28/2018,293,,Fair and Open Government,Take a more modern approach to comptrollership.,President of the Treasury Board,Completed - fully met,Modernized cost analysis for all Government programs and legislation.,The Government has launched a renewed financial management policy in April 2017. The Treasury Board Secretariat engaged key stakeholders through information sessions and developed guidelines to help federal organizations ensure that financial resources are well managed.
2/28/2018,294,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that a fixed percentage of funds is devoted to experimenting with new approaches to challenges and measure the impact of programs.,President of the Treasury Board,Underway - on track,"Innovation and experimentation are part of routine business of government, and new models are identified that improve outcomes for Canadians.","Ethical and rigorous experimentation is central to the Government’s focus on evidence-based policy-making. By testing program options, departments can generate evidence to learn what works and inform decision-making.
The Government has directed federal agencies and departments to allocate a percentage of program funding towards experimenting with new approaches, measuring impact and delivering better results to Canadians. In December 2016, Federal Deputy Ministers were given guidance on experimentation and the use of new and innovative approaches, including user-centred design and outcomes-based funding. In April 2017, the Government provided federal departments with new structures that allow departments to distribute grants and contributions more flexibly under the Treasury Board Policy on Transfer Payments.
More recently, the Impact Canada Initiative was launched to use outcomes-based funding experiments, innovative financing approaches and new partnership models to achieve better results for Canadians. The Clerk of the Privy Council also recently endorsed the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Declaration on Public Sector innovation which calls for more experimentation within programs. The Government is also creating a new procurement initiative, Innovative Solutions Canada, to match businesses offering early stage prototypes with departments in need of new products or services."
2/28/2018,295,,Fair and Open Government,Exercise due diligence regarding costing analysis prepared by departments for all proposed legislation and programs.,President of the Treasury Board,Underway - on track,Modernized costing informs all proposed legislation and programs.,"The Government issued new best practices for calculating program costs and commissioned a study to identify gaps in the existing costing approach, which will help inform future decisions. The Government is also undertaking a pilot project to better estimate future costing requirements for major procurement projects. This pilot project played a critical role in the development of the new defence policy: Strong, Secure, Engaged. These measures will help make sure solid costing information informs decision-making."
2/28/2018,296,,Environment and Climate Change,Restore annual federal funding for freshwater research and make new investments in Canada’s Experimental Lakes Area.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Completed - fully met,Restored annual federal funding for freshwater research and monitoring activities to keep our water safe.,"In April 2016, $197 million was committed to enhance ocean and freshwater science activities. In June 2016, the Government signed a contribution agreement with the International Institute of Sustainable Development (IISD), to support freshwater research at the Experimental Lakes Area. The Government is also conducting scientific research and monitoring activities in lakes and rivers, such as Lake Winnipeg and the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence watersheds. These measures will improve Canada's understanding of freshwater ecosystems and protect the environment we share."
2/28/2018,297,,Safety and Security,Implement a strategy against gender violence.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,"Reduced gender-based violence, greater awareness of gender-based violence and better support and services for survivors.","In June 2017, the Government launched It's Time: Canada's Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence, which takes a whole-of-government approach to prevent gender-based violence (GBV), support survivors and improve responsiveness of the legal and justice systems. As part of the strategy, new programs will be established to engage youth, including men and boys, on violence prevention, and test new approaches that can be expanded to prevent GBV, child maltreatment and teen dating violence. As part of the strategy, new programs have been established to implement, test and potentially scale up promising approaches to prevent GBV, including child maltreatment and teen dating violence; and to test promising practices to address gaps in support for Indigenous people and other underserved groups of survivors in Canada, including LGBTQ2 communities and people of all genders, non-status/refugee/immigrant women, seniors, women living in an official language minority community, women living in northern, rural and remote communities, and women living with a disability.
Budget 2018 augments these programs and adds enhancements to initiatives to prevent bullying and cyberbullying, investigate child sexual exploitation and increase access to sexual assault services for military personnel and their families. Budget 2018 will also supports efforts to engage men and boys in promoting gender equality and announced establish a future national framework for addressing gender-based violence on post-secondary campuses.
The Government will also establish a Gender-Based Violence Knowledge Centre to coordinate the collection and dissemination of better data and information, share best practices between governments and service providers, and report annually on the progress of the strategy. In 2018, Statistics Canada will launch a new national survey to collect data on GBV, the first such survey in decades. The strategy builds on other initiatives the Government has undertaken to train judges on matters relating to gender and diversity, expand access to justice for vulnerable groups, build and repair shelters and transitional housing and provide leave under the Canada Labour Code for federally regulated workers who are fleeing violence. In January 2018, the Government launched a call for concepts to test promising practices to address gaps in support for Indigenous and other underserved groups of survivors in Canada. This includes LGBTQ2 communities and people of all genders, non-status/refugee/immigrant women, seniors, women living in an official language minority community, women living in northern, rural and remote communities, and women living with a disability."
2/28/2018,298,,Jobs and Innovation,"Help small- and medium-sized enterprises grow, become more innovative and export oriented.","Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Small Business and Tourism",Underway - on track,"Double the number of high-growth firms in Canada by 2025 to create good, middle class jobs, strengthen communities, and grow the economy.","Small business owners work hard to provide Canadians with quality goods and services while also creating job opportunities that strengthen communities across the country and grow the middle class. The Government is focused on helping small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) export and grow. The Government’s Innovation and Skills Plan, introduced in Budget 2017, introduced a suite of initiatives to help Canadian innovators and entrepreneurs grow their companies. The Strategic Innovation Fund, launched in July 2017, is a $1.26 billion fund designed to help companies from across sectors of the economy access regional and global supply chains and support growth through innovation to create new, good, well-paying jobs. Innovative Solutions Canada, launched in December 2017, is a new program with over $100 million dedicated to supporting the scale up and growth of Canada’s innovators and entrepreneurs by having the federal government act as a first customer. The Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative (VCCI) will make $400 million available through the Business Development Bank of Canada to increase late-stage venture capital funding for Canadian firms looking to grow, expand and compete globally. The call for proposals for VCCI support was launched in December 2017. The Innovation Canada digital platform was launched in January 2018 and provides simplified and customized access to the business innovation support programs that are most appropriate for companies depending on their sector, stage of growth and innovation support needs. These new initiatives complement existing programs such as the Industrial Research Assistance Program and the CanExport Program."
2/28/2018,299,,Strong Middle Class,Support regional economic growth strategies.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,Governments and key stakeholders in each region of Canada work together as part of a regional economic strategy that supports good middle class jobs and creates new economic opportunities.,"The Atlantic Growth Strategy sets an ambitious vision to grow Atlantic Canada's economy by aligning resources and working across jurisdictions to maximize economic opportunities. The strategy targets joint areas of priority including: innovation, trade & investment, skills/immigration, clean growth and infrastructure. Building off of the success of the new Atlantic Growth Strategy, the Government will undertake additional regional economic development strategies across Canada. These strategies will reflect opportunities and priorities in each region of the country and be facilitated through the Government's regional development agencies over the next several years."
2/28/2018,300,,Safety and Security,"Review the criminal justice system, including sentencing reforms, to ensure it keeps us safe and it is fair.",Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,"Crime rates are reduced, the justice system has the resources it needs, and all Canadians have access to justice through a fairer system.","The Government is undertaking a review of our criminal justice system, including sentencing reforms, to ensure that it keeps Canadians safe, while also addressing the overrepresentation of vulnerable groups in our prisons, including Indigenous people and those with mental illness. Using various platforms, such as in-person meetings and online discussion fora, Canadians had an opportunity to share their views on what can be done to improve the Criminal Justice System. The public consultation closed on January 31, 2018. A consultation report is expected to be released in spring 2018. This follows a program of broad engagement with justice system partners, stakeholders from diverse perspectives and various sectors. The Government has introduced bills that demonstrate respect for the courts and the Charter, including a bill that allows a judge to waive a federal victim surcharge in cases of genuine inability to pay and a bill to modernize the Criminal Code by removing outdated provisions as well as clarifying and strengthening sexual assault laws. Budget 2016 and 2017 committed funding for more judges in Superior Courts, greater support programming on judicial education, ethics and conduct, further funding for court translation in both of Canada's official languages, and more legal aid services provided in the provinces and territories, including specialized services to Indigenous people, and those with mental illness. Additional representation and services will also be offered through the Indigenous Courtwork Program for Indigenous people to help them navigate the criminal justice system."
2/28/2018,305,,Strong Middle Class,"Eliminate the $1,000 Labour Market Impact Assessment fee to hire caregivers.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Elimination of the Labour Market Impact Assessment fee to hire caregivers so those in need of assistance can meet their family caregiving responsibilities.,"Effective December 8, 2017, the Government eliminated the Labour Market Impact Assessment processing fee for families seeking to hire foreign caregivers to provide care for persons with high medical needs, and for families with an income of less than $150,000 in annual income seeking to hire foreign caregivers to provide child care. These changes will ensure that support is targeted at those most in need of assistance to meet their family caregiving responsibilities."
2/28/2018,307,,Strong Middle Class,Promote good quality jobs by developing the Global Skills Strategy.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,"Shorter processing times and a dedicated service channel for employers seeking to attract highly skilled, in-demand global talent, leading to more investment and job creation in Canada","In June 2017, as part of the Global Skills Strategy, the Government of Canada launched the new Global Talent Stream under the Temporary Foreign Worker program for a period of two years. This new Stream helps eligible companies attract highly-skilled global talent to scale up and remain globally competitive while creating good, middle class jobs in Canada. High-growth Canadian companies and global businesses making large investments in Canada can apply. Companies that apply have to demonstrate that the talent they wish to bring to Canada will provide labour market benefits for Canadians and that the position is in high-demand. They have access to an expedited review process lasting no more than a combined 20 business days from end to end, including reviews conducted by Employment and Social Development Canada and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada."
2/28/2018,308,,Government Services and Operations,Develop a strategy that aims to create a single online window for all government services.,President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Public Services and Procurement;Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - with challenges,Government of Canada services and programs are simpler and Canadians can access them more easily.,"The Government of Canada Service Strategy will be released through the Government's long-term plan to improve services to Canadians. This plan will include measures to improve service standards and create a simpler, more focused online window for services. This plan will also include targeted investments to improve specific services, which will lead to simpler and more online tax filing options; more online services from the Canadian Border Services Agency; more digital options and self-service capabilities for student loans; auto-enrollment to Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement services; shorter immigration processing times; better integration of Veterans services; improved access to Employment Insurance; and simpler, more integrated information sharing to reduce administration and red tape hindering access to business services. In keeping with its Budget 2017 commitment to use technology to better serve Canadians, the Government has also established the Canadian Digital Service (CDS). The CDS is working with departments to make it faster, simpler and easier for Canadians to access benefits and services online. Achieving integrated online government service delivery will take time due to required Government-wide IT transformation and legislative changes."
2/28/2018,309,,Government Services and Operations,Set transparent service standards for the delivery of Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,"Canadians making inquiries about Employment Insurance (EI) will receive answers more quickly, consistent with new, higher service standards.","As a result of Budget 2016 investments ($73 million), the EI Call Centre network significantly increased its capacity and improved its service accessibility. Building on these investments, Budget 2018 will provide an additional $127.7 million over three years to further improve accessibility and ensure Canadians receive timely and accurate information and assistance with EI benefits.
In May 2016, the Government launched the EI Service Quality Review (SQR). The SQR sought input from stakeholders and Canadians on ways Service Canada could improve the quality of EI services on the phone, online and in person. The final report provided ten recommendations on how to make EI service delivery more responsive to the needs of Canadians. Service Canada is using this input to review EI service standards, and is committed to complete the review by March 2018.
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2/28/2018,311,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Improve the Temporary Foreign Worker Program so it meets the needs of Canadian workers and employers.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,"The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) contributes to sustained economic growth without displacing qualified Canadians, meets the needs of workers and employers and protects the vulnerable.","The Government has taken action in a number of areas to improve the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) guided, in part, by the 2016 recommendations of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons' with Disabilities study of the TFWP. Budget 2017 confirmed permanent funding for the risk-based, TFWP employer compliance inspection regime, an increase in on-site inspections in sectors with high volumes of vulnerable workers such as Primary Agriculture, and to support work with industry sectors that rely on Temporary Foreign Workers to develop comprehensive workforce development strategies in partnership with employers, organized labour and other stakeholders. To ensure that Canadians always have the first opportunity at available jobs, the Government introduced a number of changes to improve the TFWP. Changes include: ending the four year cumulative duration rule; introducing the new Global Talent Stream for high-skill to help high-growth Canadian companies attract specialized global talent that will create new jobs for Canadians; increasing the requirement of employers to recruit Canadians typically under-represented in our workforce; extending the low-wage cap for seasonal employment; increasing on-site inspections of workplaces that employ temporary foreign workers; committing to further develop pathways to permanent residency so that eligible newcomers are able to more fully contribute to Canadian society; and working with heavy users of the TFWP to create Canadian workforce development strategies in partnership with employers, organized labour and other stakeholders.
The Government is collaborating with stakeholders across the country to improve migrant workers’ experience. Recently, the Government announced funding for the Migrant Workers’ Dignity Association to help migrant workers become better informed about their rights as workers in Canada through the development of workshops, information tools and other materials aimed at informing TFWs on topics such as housing, health care, access to special benefits, and other rights. Budget 2018 proposed $3.4 million over two years, beginning 2018-19, to establish, on a pilot basis a network of support organizations for temporary foreign workers dealing with potential abuse by their employers. This network would support these workers in reporting wrongdoing and provide information on their rights to temporarily remain and work in Canada free from harassment and abuse. Additionally, Budget 2018 proposed $194.1 million over five years, beginning in 2018-19, and $33.2 million per year ongoing for unannounced inspections under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, continued implementation of the International Mobility Program compliance regime, and the ongoing collection of labour market information related to open work permits. The Government continues to monitor the program and look at opportunities for further improvement.
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2/28/2018,312,,Fair and Open Government,Make meetings of the Board of Internal Economy open by default.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,Improved transparency in the administration of Parliament.,"The House of Commons has adopted changes to ensure that meetings of the Board of Internal Economy are open by default, meaning they will be public unless it is necessary to deal with particular items in-camera, as outlined in the Parliament of Canada Act, or the by-laws of the Board. Unanimous consent of all members present at the meeting would be required should the Board wish to hold a closed meeting on any other issue. These changes will increase parliamentary transparency for Canadians."
2/28/2018,313,,Strong Middle Class,Make post-secondary education more affordable for low and middle income families.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,Hundreds of thousands of students receive increased grant-based aid through Canada Student Grants and students are better able to manage student loan repayments upon graduation. The Government expects more low and middle income students to attend post-secondary education.,"In 2016, the Government increased Canada Student Grants (CSGs) by 50%, helping over 360,000 students from low- and middle-income families to receive up to $1,000 more per year in grants. Starting in 2017-18, new CSG thresholds were introduced, meaning that over 400,000 students from low- and middle-income families are estimated to receive up to $3,000 in non-repayable financial aid each and every year, 46,000 of whom are newly eligible for grants.
The Government also increased thresholds for the Repayment Assistance Plan so that no graduate will have to repay their Canada Student Loan until they earn at least $25,000 per year. This change has already helped about 23,000 Canadians delay their payments.
Under the Skills Boost initiative, additional measures announced in Budget 2017 will be available in 2018-19. These include: increasing eligibility thresholds for CSGs for students with dependent children, helping an additional 13,000 students; increasing eligibility thresholds for part-time students, helping an additional 10,000 students; and introducing a three-year pilot project targeted to adult learners that will provide an estimated 43,000 students an additional $1,600 in grant support and allow flexibility to base CSG eligibility on current year’s income. The Skills Boost will also provide greater flexibility for Canadians on Employment Insurance (EI) to get new certificates or training without fear of losing their benefits.
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2/28/2018,315,,Strong Middle Class,Index Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) payments to a new Seniors' Price Index.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,The cost of living for seniors is better reflected in their Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) benefits through a Seniors' Price Index.,The Government of Canada is exploring options and international best practices for a new Seniors' Price Index to make sure support for seniors reflects their needs.
2/28/2018,316,,Strong Middle Class,Cancel the increase in age of eligibility for Old Age Security (OAS) from 65 to 67.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,The age of eligibility for Old Age Security (OAS) has been returned to 65 and provides greater financial security for our most vulnerable seniors.,"The Government of Canada cancelled the planned increase in age of eligibility for Old Age Security, so that eligibility is maintained at age 65. This will help ensure they benefit from a secure and dignified retirement."
2/28/2018,317,,Strong Middle Class,Coordinate programs to support low income seniors with provinces and territories.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",On-going commitment,"Federal, provincial and territorial governments collaborate so seniors get the full benefits to which they are entitled.",The Government of Canada implemented the increase to the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and engaged with provinces and territories (PT) to ensure that low-income seniors who receive PT income supplements fully benefit from the increase. The Government will continue to seek new opportunities to work together to support our most vulnerable seniors and ensure that seniors receive the full benefit of the GIS.
2/28/2018,318,,Strong Middle Class,Prioritize affordable housing and seniors' housing as part of the National Housing Strategy.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",On-going commitment,"Reduced housing need for seniors through rental support to reduce the cost of housing and enable seniors to age in place, and increased supply of affordable housing units specifically targeted towards seniors.","On November 22, 2017 the Government announced a 10-year, $40 billion National Housing Strategy that will help reduce homelessness and improve the availability and quality of housing for Canadians in need. This Strategy is part of a long-term vision to strengthen the middle class and provide affordable housing to Canadians, and lift more Canadians out of poverty. The strategy sets clear goals to remove 530,000 Canadians from housing need and reduce chronic homelessness, prioritizing the most vulnerable Canadians including seniors.
Budget 2016 provided investments of $200.7 million over two years to increase affordable housing for seniors and improve their housing conditions, to be delivered by provinces and territories through the Investment in Affordable Housing. The National Housing Strategy re-establishes the federal government as a leader in the area of affordable housing. Working in collaboration with provinces, territories and local communities, the Strategy will leverage significant new capacity to build, repair and renew affordable housing across the country. As part of the Strategy, the new National Housing Co-Investment Fund will prioritize projects that have the greatest impact on communities and vulnerable populations, including seniors. As a result of these investments, at least 12,000 new affordable units will be created for seniors."
2/28/2018,319,,Strong Middle Class,Provide support to maintain rent-geared-to-income subsidies in existing social housing.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Affordable housing remains accessible to Canadians who need it during the transition through the expiry of current operating agreements.,"Community housing has been the backbone of Canada’s response to housing challenges for more than 60 years and provides an affordable place to live for thousands of Canadians. Federal investments have supported the creation of community housing for low- and modest-income families and individuals. About 80% of all community housing is administered by the provinces and territories. As long-term social housing operating agreements expire, the Government will renew its investments in provinces and territories to protect low-income households and stabilize the operations of housing providers. The Government is deeply committed to ensuring that Canada’s existing community housing stock remains affordable and in good repair well into the future.
On November 22, 2017 the Government announced a 10-year, $40 billion National Housing Strategy that will help reduce homelessness and improve the availability and quality of housing for Canadians in need. This Strategy is part of a long-term vision to strengthen the middle class and provide affordable housing to Canadians, and lift more Canadians out of poverty. The strategy sets clear goals to remove 530,000 Canadians from housing need and reduce chronic homelessness, prioritizing the most vulnerable Canadians including seniors.
As part of the National Housing Strategy, the Government will support the provinces and territories as they protect and build a sustainable community-based housing sector, through a $4.3-billion Canada Community Housing Initiative. Additionally, to protect tenants living in federally administered community housing as operating agreements expire and to stabilize the operations of housing providers, the federal government will implement a new 10-year, $500-million Federal Community Housing Initiative. This initiative will put in place new operating agreements as old social housing operating agreements expire. As a result of these investments, 385,000 households will be protected from losing an affordable home."
2/28/2018,320,,Strong Middle Class,Invest in Housing First to reduce homelessness.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Chronic and episodic homelessness is reduced by as much as 50% compared to current levels.,"On November 22, 2017 the Government announced a 10-year, $40 billion National Housing Strategy that will help reduce homelessness and improve the availability and quality of housing for Canadians in need. This Strategy is part of a long-term vision to strengthen the middle class and provide affordable housing to Canadians, and lift more Canadians out of poverty. The strategy sets clear goals to remove 530,000 Canadians from housing need and reduce chronic homelessness, and to reduce chronic homelessness by half.
As part of the National Housing Strategy, the Government announced a total investment of $2.2 billion for homelessness over 10 years, building on Budget 2016 funding of $111.8 million over two years (2016-2017 and 2017-2018). By 2021-22, this will nearly double the investments made in 2015-16. These increased investment levels are expected to reduce the number of Canadians who are chronically or episodically homeless by as much as 50% compared to current levels. The Government has also been consulting with stakeholders, provinces, territories and Indigenous partners to redesign the program. These consultations are guided by the work of an Advisory Committee launched on June 22, 2017 and chaired by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. As part of the engagement process, an online consultation inviting Canadians to share their ideas on how to prevent and reduce homelessness took place and closed on September 15, 2017. A What We Heard report is expected to be made public in spring 2018. A redesigned federal response to homelessness will be implemented starting April 1, 2019."
2/28/2018,321,,Strong Middle Class,Remove all GST on new capital investments in affordable rental housing.,"Minister of Finance;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Not being pursued,See below,"All Canadians should have a safe and affordable place to call home. The Government concluded, based on research and evidence, that there were more effective ways of encouraging the construction of affordable rental housing. Budget 2016 introduced a targeted approach to stimulate the construction of affordable rental housing by providing funding to establish the Affordable Rental Housing Innovation Fund and Rental Construction Financing Initiative. Budget 2017 announced the investment of more than $11.2 billion over 11 years in various initiatives that will help build, renew and repair Canada’s affordable housing and make sure Canadians have affordable housing that meets their needs. The National Housing Strategy, launched on November 22, 2017, includes additional measures to stimulate the construction of affordable rental housing. The Rental Construction Financing Initiative offers $2.5 billion in low-cost loans to support the construction of new rental housing. Budget 2018 proposed expanding this initiative with an additional $1.25B in low-cost loan over the next three years.
Through the National Housing Strategy, the federal government is re-engaging in affordable housing by investing in the growth of livable communities and the resilience of the community housing sector. To ensure existing rental housing is not lost to disrepair and to develop new, high-performing affordable housing integrated with supports and services, the federal government is creating a $15.9-billion federally managed National Housing Co-Investment Fund. The National Housing Co-Investment Fund alone is expected to create up to 60,000 new units of housing and repair up to 240,000 units of existing affordable and community housing. The Fund will consist of nearly $4.7 billion in financial contributions and $11.2 billion in low interest loans. The Government’s recently announced Rental Construction Financing Initiative will be integrated into the National Housing Co-Investment Fund, as will the Government’s recently created Affordable Rental Innovation Fund. Applications for the National Housing Co-Investment Fund will be accepted starting April 2018.
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2/28/2018,322,,Strong Middle Class,Modernize the Home Buyers' Plan.,"Minister of Finance;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - with challenges,Canadians impacted by a sudden and significant life change are better able to manage the costs of finding a home or relocating.,"In considering this proposal, the Government is examining how best to balance support for Canadians who have had a change of circumstance, such as a divorce or a change in employment, with the need to preserve and maintain retirement savings (e.g. Registered Retirement Savings Plans). To date, the Government has made other changes to provide greater legal support for families facing divorce and training programs to help Canadians transitioning between jobs. The Government has also taken a number of steps to ensure Canada has a regulated and stable housing market, including: improving mortgage financing rules, creating the Affordable Housing Innovation Fund and Rental Construction Financing Initiative, and investing $11.2 billion over the next 11 years to help build, repair and maintain affordable housing across Canada. These measures will help address the challenges of housing affordability faced by Canadians in many large urban centres, encourage the creation of new rental housing construction and re-establish a long-term federal role in housing."
2/28/2018,324,,Strong Middle Class,Identify available federal lands that could be repurposed for affordable housing.,"Minister of Public Services and Procurement;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Increased available land to build new affordable housing and increased housing supply where it is needed.,"As part of the National Housing Strategy, the Government is creating a new Federal Lands initiative to make surplus federal lands and buildings available at a discounted cost (up to no cost) for new affordable housing. Over the next 10 years, up to $200 million in federal lands will be transferred to eligible participants to encourage the development of sustainable, accessible, mixed-income, mixed-use developments and communities. Starting in 2018-19, this initiative will also provide funding for renovations or retrofits and environmental remediation and to ensure surplus federal buildings are suitable for use as housing."
2/28/2018,325,,Strong Middle Class,Review prices in high-priced housing markets and consider all policy tools that could keep home ownership within reach for more Canadians.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",On-going commitment,Federal policy tools are employed to help keep home ownership within reach for more Canadians.,"The Government has completed analysis of factors impacting house prices, including identifying important data gaps and strategies to reduce these gaps, informed by consultations with a number of industry, academic, provincial and municipal government stakeholders. A final report, ""Examining Escalating House Prices in Large Canadian Cities"", providing an analysis of the underlying drivers of house price increases and a set of policy tools to help keep home ownership within reach for more Canadians, was publicly released on February 7, 2018. The release of this final report sets the stage for additional policy discussion and coordination across various levels of government."
2/28/2018,326,,Strong Middle Class,Bring forward a proposal to prevent mortgage fraud.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Mortgage fraud is reduced.,"Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has developed an Action Plan with measures to mitigate and prevent mortgage fraud, and is engaging industry stakeholders to implement the plan.
As of January 1, 2018, CMHC has joined the Citadel fraud management consortium operated by Equifax. CMHC will participate in the Competition Bureau’s Fraud Prevention Month program with announcements on fraud prevention activities and efforts to raise public awareness of issues related to mortgage fraud. CMHC is also co-sponsoring a fraud prevention conference in Quebec City, hosted by École nationale d’administration publique (ENAC), in September 2018."
2/28/2018,327,,Strong Middle Class,Use the best data available to make decisions on housing.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",On-going commitment,Better data and understanding of the housing market to inform policy decisions so that the Government can help Canadians secure good housing.,"The Government is developing a new Housing Statistics Framework that will be administered by Statistics Canada, and is investing to improve data collection and analytics through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). These investments will help track progress on the National Housing Strategy, better support informed policy decisions, and build on the reintroduction of the mandatory long-form census for 2016, which provides for more accurate collection of data on key things like housing."
2/28/2018,328,,Strong Middle Class,Raise taxes on the top 1% of earners.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,A fairer tax system where the richest pay their share.,"On December 7, 2015, the Government of Canada announced it would create a new top personal income tax rate of 33% for individual taxable incomes above $200,000, effective January 1, 2016 (increased from 29%). The Government continues to explore other measures to ensure tax fairness."
2/28/2018,329,,Fair and Open Government,Repeal elements of the Fair Elections Act which make it harder for Canadians to vote.,Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - on track,Barriers are reduced to electoral participation for all Canadians and there is greater integrity in the electoral process.,"In November 2016, the Government of Canada introduced legislation to increase voter participation, improve the integrity of the electoral system, and repeal provisions in the previous Fair Elections Act that made it harder for Canadians to vote. The changes to the legislation reinstate the Voter Information Card as authorized identification (ID), restore vouching for those without proper ID, expand voting rights to more than 1 million Canadians living abroad, expand the Chief Electoral Officer’s ability to educate Canadians to improve civic literacy and knowledge and help future young voters participate in the electoral process by pre-registering youth aged 14-17 so they can more easily vote when they turn 18."
2/28/2018,330,,Fair and Open Government,Conduct a review of government spending to reduce poorly targeted and inefficient programs.,President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Finance,Underway - on track,Programs are effective and deliver measurable results for Canadians.,"Launched in Budget 2017, the horizontal review on innovation and clean technology is now complete, with results announced in Budget 2018. The second launched horizontal review on fixed assets is ongoing, which is being conducted in phases and is expected to be completed in 2019-20. The three departmental reviews also announced in Budget 2017, the Canada Border Services Agency, the Canada School of Public Service, and Health Canada, are yet to be completed, but details will be announced when available. As part of Budget 2018, the Government launched a review on the Canada Revenue Agency’s service model to ensure that Canadians interacting with the Agency feel like valued clients, not just taxpayers. Budget 2018 also proposes to undertake a horizontal review of skills programming over the next year to maximize the effectiveness of programs that provide support to Canada’s labour force to ensure they have the information and training needed to meet future challenges and opportunities head on. Further details about these reviews will be available in the coming months."
2/28/2018,331,,Strong Middle Class,Provide more flexible parental leave.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Parents who want to spend more time at home with their children have the option of doing so with protected Employment Insurance parental benefits.,"With Budget 2017, the Government of Canada created more flexible maternity and parental leave benefits. The changes allow parents to spread their parental benefit over a longer period of time (18 months), and give mothers the option to begin receiving Employment Insurance maternity benefits up to 12 weeks before their due date – up from eight weeks. The changes took effect December 3rd and give parents more support to spend time with their kids.
Further, to support greater gender equality in the home and in the workplace, Budget 2018 proposes to introduce a new EI Parental Sharing Benefit which will provide additional weeks of “use it or lose it” EI parental benefits, when both parents agree to share parental leave. "
2/28/2018,332,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure the successful integration of refugees into Canadian society.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,Improved social and economic outcomes for refugees.,"The Government is currently studying how to deliver language training and employment services in a better, more collaborative way, as well as test innovative approaches, to improve the participation of newcomers in social, cultural, civic, and economic life in Canada."
2/28/2018,334,,Healthy Canadians,Ensure safety and non-discrimination in blood donation policies.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"An evidence-based, safe and non-discriminatory approach to ensuring an adequate blood supply.","A safe and effective blood system is a cornerstone of health care delivery. In June 2016, Health Canada (HC) approved a request from Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec to reduce the blood donation ineligibility period for men who have sex with men (MSM) from five years to one year. This change was based on scientific evidence brought forward by the blood operators and brought Canada in line with other global regulators, such as the United States, France, Australia and the Netherlands. At the same time, the Government of Canada provided $3 million to Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec to conduct behavioural research and organize an international seminar. In 2017, a research competition was completed which resulted in funding eleven research projects, which will inform further changes that could be undertaken to implement an evidence-based, safe and non-discriminatory approach to MSM donations."
2/28/2018,335,,Healthy Canadians,Facilitate collaboration on an organ and tissue donation and transplant system that gives Canadians timely access to care.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,An increase in the supply of organs and tissue available so that Canadians get timely and effective access to care.,"Since April 2008, the Government has worked collaboratively with provinces and territories to improve the Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplant system in Canada. This includes better collaboration, public education and use of best practices to increase donations and ultimately an increase in the supply of organs and tissue so that Canadians are able to access them when needed.
According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, a total of 2,835 lifesaving transplants were performed in Canada (including Quebec) in 2016, a 32% increase since 2007. Over the last 10 years, the rate of deceased donation has increased 42% but the rate of living donation has decreased 11%. There were 4,500 patients on organ waitlists at the end of 2016, and 260 patients died in 2016 while waiting for a transplant."
2/28/2018,336,,Healthy Canadians,"Ensure Canada's response to the current opioid crisis is robust, well-coordinated and effective.",Minister of Health,Underway - with challenges,"Federal opioid response is evidence-based, collaborative and comprehensive, and the harm caused by opioid use—including overdoses and accidental deaths—is reduced.","Problematic opioid use and overdose is currently a crisis in Canada, causing devastation to individuals, families and communities. The Government of Canada is deeply concerned about the growing number of opioid-related overdoses and deaths and is committed to taking strong action. Despite early efforts, evidence suggests that the opioid crisis is intensifying and spreading.
The federal government is working with all partners to confront this crisis and develop a pan-Canadian response. On November 19, 2016, a Joint Statement of Action to Address the Opioid Crisis was announced and included key actions by the federal health portfolio, provincial/territorial governments and national health organizations. Federal Government actions include coordinating the opioid response with provincial and territorial counterparts through the Special Advisory Committee on the Epidemic of Opioid Overdoses and the Problematic Substance Use and Harms Committee. Budget 2017 committed $100 million over five years to support the federal response to the crisis focused in four areas: public education, harm reduction, addiction treatment and counselling, and law enforcement.
Budget 2018 commits a further $231.4 million over five years for additional measures to help address the opioid crisis, including $150 million to support provinces and territories in improving access to treatment services for problematic substance use.
The Government of Canada also regularly engages non-government partners, including people who use drugs and people with lived and living experience, through regular multisector discussions, Ministerial roundtables, consultations, working meetings, and other mechanisms. Federal efforts are focused on working with provinces and territories to implement harm reduction approaches and increase access to treatment, supporting innovative approaches to address the crisis, and addressing stigma related to opioid use. The Government is also working towards finding new approaches to reduce opioid-related deaths and prevent future tragedies. An Impact Canada Challenge is currently being designed to encourage the development of opioid detection and testing technologies to better protect first responders and help reduce harm to those who use drugs."
2/28/2018,337,,Healthy Canadians,Ensure Canada has a solid surveillance system for monitoring and reporting overdoses and deaths related to opioids.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,Effective monitoring and reporting of overdoses and deaths related to opioids.,"The Government is committed to releasing updated data on a quarterly basis, in collaboration with provinces and territories. The Government is also working with provinces and territories to collect additional data on opioid use and harms. In December 2017, the Government issued its third national release of data on apparent opioid-related deaths."
2/28/2018,338,,Healthy Canadians,Review Canada's framework for dealing with public health emergencies.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"Public health emergencies and events are prevented, detected, and responded to effectively","The Public Health Agency of Canada is working with Health Portfolio partners and Public Safety Canada to assess its processes, mechanisms and tools to ensure timely and effective response to public health emergencies."
2/28/2018,339,,Healthy Canadians,"Curb opioid misuse by introducing prescribing guidelines, tracking prescriptions at the patient level, and increasing transparency in marketing and promotion of therapies.",Minister of Health,Underway - with challenges,"A reduction in inappropriate prescription of opioids, improved tracking of prescriptions, and better management of transitions where opioids are no longer required so as to reduce opioid dependency.","The Government is working with provinces, territories, and partners to address prescribing practices and prescription monitoring in Canada. The Canadian Institutes of Health Research is funding the Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse to develop a national guideline for medication-assisted treatment of opioid use disorder. The Government is collaborating with provinces and territories through the Problematic Substance Use and Harms Committee to share lessons learned and best practices in prescription monitoring.
In January 2018, Health Canada hosted a working session with provinces and territories to develop national standards for prescription monitoring programs. The Government is also exploring options to increase transparency in the marketing of therapies, and will be engaging with provinces and territories and other stakeholders in the coming months."
2/28/2018,340,,Healthy Canadians,Ensure communities can introduce effective opioid treatments and programs.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,Canadians have access to community-based opioid treatments and programs that are effective in reducing harm.,"Treatment is the key to moving people from using drugs to recovery. Budget 2018 includes measures to provide one-time emergency funding of $150 million for provinces and territories for multi-year projects that improve access to evidence-based treatments.
In addition, the federal government has used its regulatory powers to make naloxone more widely available and to expedite approval of the nasal spray version. Further, the Government published regulations allowing the import of drugs for opioid use disorder treatments not yet approved in Canada. In fall 2017, the Government consulted on other potential regulatory barriers to accessing treatment, such as the unique regulatory requirements currently imposed on methadone and diacetylmorphine-assisted treatment, and is determining a path forward.
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2/28/2018,341,,Healthy Canadians,Promote the Canada Health Act to make absolutely clear that extra-billings and user fees are illegal and reporting is improved.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"Canadians have access to publicly funded health care, without financial barriers at point of service.","The Government of Canada is engaging with provinces and territories to ensure patients are not inappropriately charged for publicly insured services. Under the Canada Health Act, provinces and territories that permit extra-billing and user charges for insured health care services are subject to mandatory dollar-for-dollar deductions from their federal Canada Health Transfer entitlement. To better encourage provinces to re-align their publicly funded health care systems with the Canada Health Act when instances of non-compliance arise, and to recognize when provinces take corrective action, the Government is proposing legislative amendments to allow Canada Health Transfer deductions to be reimbursed when a province or territory has taken the necessary steps to eliminate extra-billing and user charges. The Government of Canada is also consulting with provinces and territories on ways to improve reporting on Canada Health Act compliance to Canadians.
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2/28/2018,342,,Healthy Canadians,Develop a new self-governed approach to delivering health services to Indigenous peoples and reduce health inequities between Indigenous peoples and non-Indigenous Canadians.,Minister of Health;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs;Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - on track,"New co-developed approaches to Indigenous health services that will be client-centred, culturally relevant and sustainable, resulting in healthier children, families and improved community wellness.","The Government is in the process of formally creating a new Department of Indigenous Services to focus on improving service delivery to Indigenous peoples. This new department includes the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch.
Budget 2017 is investing an additional $828 Million over 5 years (starting in 2017-18) to improve a range of health outcomes. The Government is currently working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis to co-develop distinctions-based approaches to the delivery of health care. The Government's goal is to support capacity building in Indigenous communities so that they are able to manage their own health services.
First Nations are leading processes (in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec) to develop models for self-determination in health service-delivery. Memorandums of Understanding/agreements to support the continuation of these processes are anticipated to be signed in Spring 2018. An extensive engagement will be required to co-develop a shared vision and tangible proposals for transformation of approaches to Indigenous healthcare. In anticipation, the Government has proposed a process to support distinctions-based engagement and collaboration with each of First Nations, Inuit and Métis at the national and regional levels, with a view to co-developing a suitable vision and tangible proposals for transformation of approaches to Indigenous health services. In addition to the ongoing implementation of the historic British Colombia Tripartite Framework Agreement, which transferred operational control of health programs and services to the British Columbia First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), the Government is also facilitating a dialogue with the FNHA on how they might address the wider social determinants of health (initial focus on mental wellness and addictions).
This gap in health outcomes can be narrowed, and providing access to quality health care close to home is an essential part of that change. To keep Indigenous families healthy, Budget 2018 proposes to invest $1.5 billion over five years, starting in 2018–19, and $149 million per year ongoing. This includes $27.5 million over 5 years to eliminate tuberculosis in Inuit Nunangat."
2/28/2018,343,,Government Services and Operations,Help Veterans gain skills to successfully transition to the civilian workforce.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,"More Veterans, Canadian Armed Forces members, and their spouses/common-law partners successfully transition to the civilian labour market. The Government hires more veterans into meaningful work.","As of April 2018, eligible Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans, survivors and their spouses/common-law partners will be able to apply for a new, modernized set of career transition services, delivered consistently across Canada. Services will be delivered by qualified career support professionals who understand military life and culture. Career and transition services will also continue to be available throughout a person's post service working life, meaning they can get help when and where needed.
The Government of Canada provides access to hiring opportunities in the public service for certain serving and former members of the Canadian Armed Forces who are released for medical reasons. Priority for public service jobs is given to these member over all other individuals."
2/28/2018,344,,Government Services and Operations,"Implement the Caregiver Recognition Benefit, paid directly to Veterans' caregivers.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,Increased recognition and support for caregivers of ill and injured Veterans so that Veterans get better care.,"The Government of Canada introduced the new Caregiver Recognition Benefit, replacing the Family Caregiver Relief Benefit. This new benefit will provide a generous non-taxable $1,000 monthly benefit payable directly to informal caregivers of Veterans to better recognize and honour the vital role they play in supporting CAF members and Veterans. The new benefit will come into effect in April 2018."
2/28/2018,345,,Government Services and Operations,Implement the new Veteran Emergency Fund and Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,Improve the quality of life of Veterans and their families.,"Announced in Budget 2017, the Veterans Emergency Fund will provide funds ($4 million over 4 years beginning April 1, 2018) to assist Veterans and their families during times of crisis or when facing emergency financial situations that threaten their health and well-being.
The Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund is one of the many new and enhanced program and services brought forth in Budget 2017, focused on the health and well-being of Veterans and their families. It will support research and foster innovation across the public, private and academic fields to make a real difference in the lives of Veterans and families.
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2/28/2018,346,,Government Services and Operations,"Streamline the suite of benefits, improve transparency and communications, and improve the experience of Veterans as their needs change throughout their lives.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,"A streamlined, client-centric process that is easier to navigate, provides timely service and helps Veterans transition to civilian life.","Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) is streamlining its suite of benefits with the goal of reducing overlap and administrative burden to ensure a positive client experience for Veterans both as they transition to civilian life and as their needs change throughout their lives. A three-year communications and outreach strategy was launched to ensure that Veterans and their families are well-informed of the range of supports and services available to them. On December 20, 2017, the Government announced its Pension for Life plan, which will consolidate six existing income support programs into a single financial benefit – the Income Replacement Benefit (IRB) - to simplify and streamline access to VAC programs and services. Specifically, the new IRB will replace the Earnings Loss Benefit; Extended Earnings Loss Benefit, Retirement Income Security Benefit, Supplementary Retirement Benefit, the Career Impact Allowance and Career Impact Allowance Supplement. This will reduce the burden on the Veteran and their Caregivers as there will be one application form where there used to be six."
2/28/2018,347,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure public servants are paid accurately and promptly.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - with challenges,Public servants are paid in a timely manner and without errors.,"The ongoing public service pay problems are unacceptable, creating emotional and financial hardships, as well as unnecessary stress for many employees and their families.
The Government of Canada will ensure that employees receive timely and accurate pay and benefits, and we are working hard to resolve issues as quickly as possible, but there are no quick fixes. We are committed to doing better.
The Clerk of the Privy Council Office instructed Deputy Ministers to take a personal interest in seeing that employees are paid accurately and on time. Employees should not feel that they are facing these difficulties alone.
The Government is implementing a suite of measures, informed by recommendations from the Office of Auditor General of Canada as well as the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, to stabilize the pay system so that transactions are processed more quickly and accurately, pay issues are resolved and employees receive better service. Budget 2018 announced an investment of $454 million over six years, starting in 2017-18, to increase the number of compensation employees at the Pay Centre and satellite offices to more than 1,500, hire more HR advisors within departments to assist employees and to provide employees with tax support. In addition, over the next two years, the Government will work with experts, unions and technology providers on a way forward for a new pay system.
Progress is reported regularly through a monthly, publically available Dashboard, a Pay Bulletin and other online content, ensuring ongoing transparency and accountability.
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2/28/2018,348,,Fair and Open Government,Increase the diversity of bidders on government contracts.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,"The diversity of bidders and contractors will increase, including participation by businesses owned by women and Indigenous peoples.","The Government has held 853 outreach events across Canada (April-Sept 2017), including 5,800 individuals belonging to under-represented communities (for instance, Indigenous peoples) to promote how to do business with the Government of Canada. The diversity of bidders and contractors is expected to increase, including looking to accessibility participation by businesses owned by women and Indigenous peoples."
2/28/2018,349,,Fair and Open Government,"Develop better tools to hold contractors accountable, particularly in large scale procurements.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,"Suppliers will be accountable for their contractual performance, which is expected to improve procurement results.","Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) created a Supplier Relationships and Performance Management Office.
Shared Services Canada (SSC) created a vendor management office to oversee the commercial relationships with large contractors to favour a positive working relationship and hold them accountable if there is poor performance.
PSPC has conducted an extensive environmental scan of existing vendor performance management practices in Canada and abroad to establish a baseline of best practices. PSPC is developing a draft suite of policy instruments that aligns with the best practices and expects to consult with key stakeholders, including Government of Canada departments and agencies and industry within the coming months.
PSPC is leading the development of a Government-wide approach to vendor performance management. PSPC is developing the initiative in close collaboration and consultation with representatives from central departments and agencies, including SSC and the largest Government of Canada purchasers.
SSC is developing a vendor performance program that aligns with the broader PSPC initiative. SSC has also created a vendor management office responsible for managing the overall strategic relationship with key vendors.
A pilot of the Supplier Relationship and Performance Management regime is being developed and is projected to be launched in Fall 2018."
2/28/2018,350,,Fair and Open Government,"Publish clear metrics on the competitiveness, cost and timeliness of procurement.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,The Government of Canada will make more informed contract decisions based on feedback obtained from comprehensive data and sampling of procurement activities and surveys.,"
Metrics on competitiveness, cost and timeliness are published in the annual Departmental Plans and Departmental Results Reports, as well as in Our Services, Standards and Results. A data strategy is being developed to increase the number of metrics available to clients, suppliers and Canadians, including competitiveness, cost and timeliness."
2/28/2018,351,,Fair and Open Government,Make more government data available to vendors participating in procurement bidding to encourage better bids.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,Vendors and government decision makers have access to modern analytics to better understand Government of Canada procurement. This will help vendors decide when and how to compete in order to encourage more and better bids.,"Information on contracts over $10,000 is available on the Government of Canada Open Government Portal. The Government is developing a data strategy to improve the contract data provided to suppliers and decision makers. It is expected that the Government will begin the implementation of the strategy in summer 2018."
2/28/2018,352,,Fair and Open Government,Ensure prompt payment of contractors and sub-contractors.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,Barriers to accessing government contracts are reduced and small and medium enterprises require less working capital (cash flow) to do business with the Government of Canada because they get paid more quickly for work they've done.,"The Government is looking at options for paying invoices for original contracts valued at under $100,000 within a shorter timeframe than the current 30 days. This will mean that small and medium-sized enterprises will require less working capital (cash flow) to do business with the Government. This initiative will also remove barriers to accessing government contracts."
2/28/2018,353,,Government Services and Operations,"Improve the delivery of information technology within the Government, including the renewal of Shared Services Canada.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,"An agile, reliable and secure information technology platform to support the delivery of digital services to Canadians.","Shared Services Canada has completed broad-based consultations with industry, Canadians and federal departments on the best approaches for managing the Government of Canada's information technology assets and services. The Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat has also released the independent review of Shared Services Canada commissioned from Gartner Canada Co. Results of the review and feedback from the consultations have informed the way forward for information technology that enables the digital delivery of Government of Canada programs and services, including a new governance structure under the Government of Canada Chief Information Officer to help set direction and priorities across government.
Budget 2018 provided $2.2 billion over six years, with $349.8 million ongoing, starting in 2018-2019 to improve the management and provision of IT infrastructure and services within government and support the migration of applications from older data centres into more secure modern data centres or cloud solutions, and to support related cyber security measures."
2/28/2018,354,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure the timely and orderly transition of Parliamentary operations during the renewal of the Parliamentary precinct.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,"The Government of Canada is restoring and modernizing the Parliamentary Precinct for current and future generations of Canadians, and to provide Parliament with the accommodations it needs to operate effectively and safely in a modern, connected and sustainable world. ","The transition of parliamentary operations from the Centre Block and the start of its major restoration is a major milestone in this effort. The Government has completed the restoration of the 180 Wellington building in 2016 and is poised to complete the West Block, Visitor Welcome Centre and Government Conference Centre in the next several months to enable a smooth transition of Parliamentary operations in Fall 2018, enabling the restoration of the Centre Block to begin.
A new Deputy Minister oversight committee has been established for the move from Centre to West Block. Membership includes Public Services and Procurement Canada, the House of Commons, the Senate, the Library of Parliament, Protective Services, the RCMP and the National Security Advisor. As well, a task team has been established at PCO that will coordinate the move."
2/28/2018,355,,Indigenous peoples,Develop a vision for a national space for Indigenous peoples at 100 Wellington.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs;Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,"100 Wellington will provide a concrete marker of the importance of Indigenous peoples to this country's past, present, and future. Its location and close proximity to Parliament Hill will facilitate and promote ongoing dialogue and partnership with the Government in advancing the priorities that matter most to Indigenous peoples.","On June 21, 2017, the Government announced that a new space for Indigenous peoples will be established at 100 Wellington Street in the National Capital Region that reflects the vision of Indigenous peoples and the spirit of reconciliation. To advance this project, an interim working group has been established with representatives from the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the Métis National Council and the Government of Canada to recommend next steps to ensure 100 Wellington becomes an inclusive space. Next steps will include identifying the process for comprehensive engagement to ensure that Indigenous peoples shape the future use of the building and are full partners in leading the project."
2/28/2018,356,,Government Services and Operations,"Enhance the quality and capacity of services provided by the Translation Bureau, and promote the economic vitality of Canada's translation and interpretation community.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,The Government of Canada has access to high quality linguistic services that enable it to operate and to serve Canadians in both official languages.,"In October 2017, the Government hired a Chief Quality Officer at the Translation Bureau to structure all of the Bureau’s quality initiatives. It will hire over 50 students at the Translation Bureau per year over the next 5 years to train the next generation of language specialists. In 2017-2018, more than 100 students were hired. To promote the economic vitality of Canada's translation and interpretation community, the Government has created a new panel to improve collaboration with the interpretation industry and facilitate the implementation of a new procurement tool for conference interpretation. In order to reposition the Translation Bureau as a centre of excellence, the Government is now implementing a new vision which includes various projects that seek to improve quality of services, strengthen relationships with professional associations, universities and clients, ensure effective resource management and planning and guarantee that linguistic tools meet the needs of employees.
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2/28/2018,357,,Jobs and Innovation,Develop the vision for the new federal science infrastructure.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,A modern science infrastructure that fosters collaboration to achieve policy goals and protects the safety and security and health of Canadians.,"In Budget 2018, the Government announced $2.8 billion over five years as part of an ambitious plan to renew federal laboratories. Construction of multi-purpose, collaborative federal science and technology facilities will bring together federal scientists and science facilities across government in order to advance interdisciplinary research on priorities such as climate change, oceans protection and human health. This new investment builds on recent federal science investments, such as $500 million for oceans and freshwater science.
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2/28/2018,358,,Jobs and Innovation,Use work on accessibility as a catalyst for new ideas and business strategies through technology and design.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Underway - on track,Canadians with disabilities are participating more in the digital economy with the help of assistive and adaptive digital devices and technologies.,"The Accessible Technology Program will help fill the gap in support for the development of assistive and adaptive digital devices and technologies that enable persons with disabilities to fully participate in society. It will help remove barriers to Internet access and other digital services for Canadians with disabilities, will help them gain the digital skills they need for good jobs, and enable them to fully participate in the digital economy."
2/28/2018,359,,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Monitor federal allocations to improve public transit accessibility, and create reporting obligations on these expenditures.",Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Underway - on track,"Improved reliability, efficiency, safety and accessibility of public transit systems in Canada.","Canadian cities have been growing at a rapid rate, but investment in public transit has not kept pace and investments have not always considered accessibility issues. To improve public transit systems across Canada and make them more accessible, Budget 2016 announced immediate federal investments of up to $3.4 billion in public transit, starting in 2016–17 to be provided through a new Public Transit Infrastructure Fund. These investments are helping to improve commutes, cut air pollution, strengthen communities and grow Canada's economy. Public Transit Infrastructure funding is being provided to support the rehabilitation of public transit systems, the planning of future system improvements and expansions, enhanced asset management, and system optimization and modernization."
2/28/2018,360,,Indigenous peoples,Promote culturally relevant sport for Indigenous youth.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities;Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - on track,Increased and sustained participation of Indigenous children and youth in culturally relevant sport programming.,"In 2017-18, approximately $4.85 million was provided to eleven national organizations to pilot physical activity and sport projects in 61 First Nation communities across the country. At present, 6,145 First Nation students, 595 parents/community members, 364 on reserve teachers, and 212 Elders are participating in the ongoing pilot projects. All pilots are ongoing until March 31, 2018, and each organization will submit a final project report in May 2018. The most successful programs will be identified with the goal of increasing Indigenous participation in culturally relevant sports and recreation and to improve the health and well-being of Indigenous communities through sport participation.
The Government has been working with the Aboriginal Sport Circle to promote culturally relevant sport programming in Indigenous communities. In July 2017, $800,000 was provided to the Aboriginal Sport Circle. In addition, the Government provided $3.5 million for the hosting of the North American Indigenous Games in Toronto from July 16 to 23, 2017. It is now working to establish stable, ongoing funding for this largest youth sporting and cultural gathering of Indigenous peoples in North America.
Through Budget 2018, the Government is investing $47.5 million over five years, and $9.5 million per year ongoing, to expand the use of sport for social development in more than 300 Indigenous communities.
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2/28/2018,361,,Healthy Canadians,Better support Canadian athletes through the Athlete Assistance Program.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Underway - on track,High-performance Canadian athletes are better able to focus on training for world class performances due to greater financial support.,"The Government committed to investing an additional $25 million over 5 years through Budget 2017, with $5 million per year ongoing, to the Athlete Assistance Program. This investment represents an 18 percent increase over existing funding levels. New investments are being distributed in the following way: $4.25 million for the living and training allowance, $250,000 for tuition support and $500,000 for supplementary support. This new investment will directly assist approximately 1,900 athletes across Canada and enable them to continue to combine their sport and academic or working careers while training intensively in pursuit of world-class performance."
2/28/2018,362,,Indigenous peoples,"Dissolve Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, and create a new Department of Indigenous Services and a new Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs to better serve Indigenous peoples.",Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs;Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - on track,"Improved delivery and quality of day-to-day services for First Nations, Inuit and Métis. An improved nation-to-nation relationship and greater self-determination for Indigenous peoples who rightfully want and need to control service delivery for their own people.","The Government of Canada announced the creation of the Department of Indigenous Services Canada in early December 2017. The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs has been mandated to lead consultations on the structure of two new departments.
A national engagement strategy being led by the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs is being undertaken which will inform the introduction of legislation concerning the formal establishment of the two new departments.
On January 23, 2018, the Minister of Indigenous Services presented some of the priorities of the new department, including quality education, children and families together, reliable infrastructure, a new fiscal relationship and improved health outcomes."
2/28/2018,363,,Indigenous peoples,"Lead a whole-of-government approach to renew the nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relationship with Indigenous people.",Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,"A renewed relationship with Indigenous peoples based on co-developed policies that support strong and effective nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relationships that consider and respond to the unique realities of Indigenous peoples in Canada.","Three permanent bilateral mechanisms have been created, with the Prime Minister, the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and the Métis National Council, to jointly set priorities and oversee outcomes. On February 9, 2017, the Prime Minister and Inuit leaders signed a declaration to create the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee, demonstrating the shared commitment to a renewed Inuit-Crown relationship between Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Government of Canada. The first Métis Nation-Crown Summit took place on April 13, 2017, where the Prime Minister and the President of the Métis National Council and its Governing Members signed the Canada-Métis Nation Accord. On June 12, 2017, the Prime Minister and the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations signed a Memorandum of Understanding during the first Assembly of First Nations-Crown meeting. Over the past year, regular meetings at the Ministerial and senior official level have helped guide the substantive work underway in the co-developed joint priorities. As progress continues on the joint priorities, preparations are ongoing to plan the second annual meetings between the Prime Minister and leaders of the National Indigenous Organizations.
A successful Canada-Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations Forum, chaired by the Prime Minister and attended by 23 Indigenous Leaders was held on November 1, 2017. At this historic Forum, the Prime Minister committed to holding an annual Forum to discuss progress.
Through Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions, the Government is working with Indigenous people to co-develop mandates and policies that better address their needs and priorities. These discussions also provide a forum for the Government to support the reconstitution of Indigenous nations, as well as self-determination and self-government. Over 50 of these discussions are underway with Indigenous communities, representing 323 communities and a population of approximately 600,000 people.
On February 14, 2018, the Government of Canada announced that it will develop in full partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, a Recognition and Implementation of Rights Framework. The contents of the Framework will be determined through national engagement that will continue throughout the spring, with the intention to have the Framework introduced in 2018.
Budget 2018 proposes to invest $74.9 million over five years, with $15.5 million per year ongoing, to provide ongoing support to these policy co-development forums."
2/28/2018,364,,Indigenous peoples,Include Indigenous representatives in a meaningful way in Canada's federal-provincial-territorial dialogues.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - with challenges,A consensus based approach to meaningful and collaborative engagement with Indigenous representatives in federal-provincial-territorial dialogues.,"Indigenous organizations and stakeholders have been active participants in ongoing federal-provincial-territorial (FPT) dialogues in policy areas that matter most to Indigenous peoples. In October 2017, national Indigenous organizations met with First Ministers to discuss measures to promote the inclusion of Indigenous peoples in an economic growth agenda and the connection to the broader reconciliation agenda. In January 2018, Indigenous leaders and stakeholders met with FPT Ministers responsible for Child and Family Services to discuss a plan for addressing the critical challenges being faced regarding Indigenous children in care. Throughout 2017, Indigenous organizations, leaders, and stakeholders have been actively involved in FPT meetings and have played a key role in identifying priorities and shaping the path forward in a number of areas, including justice and public safety, health, culture and heritage, sport and recreation, and early learning and childcare."
2/28/2018,365,,Canada in the World,Develop a new Arctic Policy and a shared Arctic Leadership model for the government's work in the North.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,"Strong, resilient Arctic communities, sustainable and diversified Arctic economies and comprehensive Arctic infrastructure. Environmental sustainability and conservation of Arctic biodiversity.","In November 2017, the Government launched public engagement to support the development of an Arctic Policy Framework for Canada. This Framework is intended to identify a vision and plan to guide federal activities in the region. Public engagement is completed and included roundtables with business, youth, non-governmental organizations and researchers. Federal, Provincial, Territorial governments, and Indigenous partners continue to collaborate on the co-development of the framework.
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2/28/2018,366,,Indigenous peoples,Advance devolution in Nunavut in collaboration with the government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,"Greater control for Nunavut over their lands and resources, leading to increased investment and economic growth, more job opportunities and lower unemployment, and increased revenues for the Government of Nunavut. Devolution will also contribute to the broader goal of reconciliation and will be a key result under a new Arctic Policy Framework.","On July 9, 2016, the Government appointed a new Chief Federal Negotiator for Nunavut devolution. The Chief Federal Negotiator is meeting on specific issues to build common ground and facilitate the achievement of an Agreement-in-Principle. The Agreement-in-Principle will lead to a devolution agreement which would provide for the transfer of responsibilities for land and resource management to the Government of Nunavut."
2/28/2018,367,,Indigenous peoples,Increase the number of comprehensive modern treaties and new self-government agreements for Indigenous communities.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - with challenges,"An increased number of modern treaties (comprehensive land claim agreements, self-government agreements) that supports Indigenous peoples' self-determination, self-government and nation rebuilding.","The Government is working with negotiating partners and other stakeholders to reform section 35 of the Constitution Act , 1982, related policies and processes to address concerns expressed by Indigenous partners. For example, through Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions and the Collaborative Fiscal Policy Development Process with Self-Governing Indigenous Governments, the Government is working with Indigenous people to co-develop agreements that lead to greater self-determination. In British Columbia, the Government is working in partnership with the province of British Columbia and the First Nations Summit to implement the proposals in the report on the ""Multilateral Engagement Process to Improve and Expedite Treaty Negotiations in British Columbia"" that was endorsed by the Principals to the British Columbia treaty process in May 2016.
Budget 2018 outlines new steps the Government will take to increase the number of modern treaties and self-determination agreements in a manner that reflects a recognition of rights approach. These changes, along with the new approach brought forward through the Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination negotiation process, will shorten the time it takes to reach new treaties and agreements, at a lower cost to all parties. As part of this new approach, the Government of Canada will be moving away from the use of loans to fund Indigenous participation in the negotiation of modern treaties. Starting in 2018–19, Indigenous participation in modern treaty negotiations will be funded through non-repayable contributions. The Government will engage with affected Indigenous groups on how best to address past and present negotiation loans, including forgiveness of loans. Through Budget 2018, the Government also proposes to invest $51.4 million over the next two years to continue its support for federal and Indigenous participation in the Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussion tables."
2/28/2018,368,,Indigenous peoples,Support Indigenous peoples in their work to advance self-determination.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - with challenges,"Indigenous peoples will have sufficient capacity and resources to work towards rebuilding and reconstituting their nations, advancing self-determination, and, for First Nations, facilitating transitions away from the Indian Act and toward self-government.","The Government continues to support Indigenous peoples as they reconstitute their nations and advance self-determination and self-government. This is being accomplished through nation-level dialogues and community-level processes that are exploring the rights and priorities of Indigenous peoples and working towards their implementation in ways that make sense for Indigenous communities. For example, the Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions allow for the co-development of flexible negotiation mandates so that key issues can be appropriately prioritized and addressed. Over 50 of these discussions are underway with Indigenous communities and 18 preliminary agreements have been signed. The Government is also continuing to reform laws, policies and operational practices to better support Indigenous self-determination across the country.
Through Budget 2018, the Government also proposes to invest $51.4 million over the next two years to continue its support for federal and Indigenous participation in the Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussion tables. Further, through Budget 2018, the Government proposes to provide $101.5 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, to support capacity development for Indigenous Peoples. Funding would be made available to Indigenous groups to support activities that would facilitate their own path to reconstituting their nations.
To support the expansion of the First Nations Land Management Act and the successful participation of First Nations under the Act, Budget 2018 proposes to invest $143.5 million over five years, beginning in 2018–19, and $19 million per year ongoing. This funding will allow an additional 50 First Nations to enter into the Land Management Regime, while providing pre-readiness support and capacity development to ensure their successful participation. Additionally, this will support over 200 First Nations to opt-out, or begin the process of opting-out, of the 33 lands related sections of the Indian Act and assume jurisdiction over their lands, environment, and natural resources under their own First Nations Land Codes."
2/28/2018,369,,Indigenous peoples,Advance positions in co-operative dispute resolution processes that are consistent with the resolution of past wrongs toward Indigenous peoples.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - with challenges,"Resolution of past grievances through collaborative, trusted, mutually respectful processes consistent with the Government's commitment to a renewed nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown and government-to-government relationship.","Recent legal settlement agreements between the Government of Canada and Indigenous peoples signify progress on this commitment. This includes the Newfoundland and Labrador residential schools settlement agreement (September 2016), and the Sixties Scoop Final Agreement, which was signed on November 30, 2017. Pending approval of the Agreement by the Courts, joint development of the parameters of the Sixties Scoop Foundation is underway. Led by Ministerial Special Representative Tom Isaac, Canada engaged in exploratory discussions to support future resolution of the Gottfriedson class action, which respects the experience of day scholars at ?Indian Residential Schools. As a result of these discussions, the parties started negotiations for settlement in February 2018.
The Government is also advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples through symbolic Ministerial statements of exoneration and/or pardon that address historical incidents of cultural conflict and misunderstanding. These posthumous exonerations will stand as an important symbol of the Government of Canada's commitment to reconciliation. For example, the following requests to exonerate are currently moving forward:
• The six Tsilhqot'in Chiefs who led the Tsilhqot’in war effort in 1864 in response to a colonial road crew attempting to build a road through Tsilhqot'in territory without the agreement of the Tsilhqot'in Nation, and were executed in 1864 and 1865; and,
• Chief Poundmaker who was wrongly convicted for treason against the Crown as one of the leaders of a community that had been involved in armed conflict against the Canadian Expeditionary Force following the looting of Battleford in 1855 (present day Saskatchewan).
Canada is engaged in over 50 Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities across the country. These discussions seek to advance, in partnership, community-identified priorities. Several Indigenous groups have entered into discussions in response to or as an alternative to litigation. By entering into these flexible discussions with Canada, groups seek to settle litigation through out of court settlements.
Specific claims are claims made by a First Nation against the Government of Canada which relate to the administration of land and other First Nation assets and to the fulfilment of pre-1975 treaties. An Assembly of First Nations – Canada Joint Technical Working Group on Specific Claims, which includes representatives from a number of First Nation organizations is currently developing concrete proposals to improve the process for resolving specific claims. The resolution of these historic grievances is key to the recognition of First Nations’ rights, respect and advancing reconciliation.
Further efforts in reconciliation have been made. For example, the Government has been working with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) and Inuit land Claims on the Nanilavut Initiative, which concerns the Government’s role in the past tuberculosis epidemic among Inuit. The Nanilavut Initiative is included in the work plan of the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee under the Reconciliation Measures Theme. Discussions are underway with ITK and Inuit Land Claims for the launch of the Nanilavut Initiative.
The Government is also working on the Qikiqtani Truth Commission (QTC) Final Report (2013) as a member of the Saimaqatiqiingniq Working Group which provides a space where partners can discuss ways to implement the QTC’s 25 recommendations. Discussions to date have focused on quantifying the size and scope of the recommendations and determining the best way to implement them."
2/28/2018,370,,Indigenous peoples,"Ensure the implementation of pre-Confederation, historic, and modern treaties and agreements.",Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,On-going commitment,"Strengthened Crown-Indigenous relationships, greater autonomy, and improved social and economic outcomes for Indigenous peoples.","Collaborative work with Indigenous partners is ongoing, such as through the Inuit Crown Partnership Committee Permanent Bilateral Mechanism and the annual Canada-Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations Forum (the first forum was chaired by the Prime Minister in November 2017). Issue areas addressed through these fora include: renewing the fiscal relationship with self-governing Indigenous governments, structures of governments, and furthering shared priorities through participation and engagement, and improving treaty implementation. The treaty relationship is maintained through various policies, mechanisms and processes including treaty discussion tables and treaty commissions. A number of historic treaty groups have positioned or re-positioned themselves to engage Canada in discussions toward reinvigorating the treaty relationship and exploring reconciliation-focused approaches to address treaty-related interests. The Government is also supporting the implementation of the Additions to Reserve Policy Directive to ensure Canada meets its historic treaty obligations and to improve access to community lands and resources.
An annual forum with the Prime Minister was committed to at the November 1, 2017, Canada-Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations Forum. The Inuit Crown Partnership Committee has also identified land claims implementation as a priority issue and is pursuing recommendations echoed at the November 1, 2017 forum. First meetings were held in 2017 with the Prime Minister and Indigenous leaders, and these processes are expected to be ongoing. Other ongoing engagement, including with respect to departmental transformation, and with modern treaty and self-governing groups will be essential to positively advancing implementation of treaties and agreements.
Canada and Indigenous governments continue to engage in respectful and collaborative government-to-government discussions at regular meetings dedicated to the effective implementation of modern treaties and self-government agreements, with 43 having taken place to date in 2017-18.
Additions to Reserves enable Canada to fulfill legal obligations established by Treaty Lands Entitlement, Specific Claims, and other legal agreements. Expanding the reserve land base is also an important mechanism by which First Nations can foster community and economic development. A National Additions to Reserve Advisory Committee made up of Indigenous organizations and stakeholders was created to identify and implement process improvements that will streamline and accelerate the Additions to Reserve process."
2/28/2018,371,,Indigenous peoples,"Collaboratively, identify the best models for delivering improved services to Indigenous peoples, and improve accountability.",Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - with challenges,"Co-creation of new and meaningful partnership models that strengthen service delivery for Indigenous peoples, resulting in improved outcomes in key areas including health, education, child welfare and community infrastructure.","The Government will identify the best models for delivering services to Indigenous peoples and improve accountability to Indigenous peoples for the quality of services delivered. This will be achieved by enhancing engagement practices, supporting service devolution and leveraging the ingenuity of Indigenous peoples. The Government will also work with Indigenous peoples to measure and monitor progress and improve service delivery on an ongoing basis.
The Government continues to work collaboratively with the First Nations Fiscal Management Act institutions, the First Nations Finance Authority, the First Nations Financial Management Board and the First Nations Tax Commission, who provide direct services to First Nations and a legislative and institutional framework to exercise jurisdiction over core fiscal and governance matters, including the financing of infrastructure and economic development projects through the issuance of bonds on capital markets. For an example of some of the results achieved, the First Nations Finance Authority’s October 2017 debenture issuance on the financial markets added an additional $126 million to the existing debentures and bringing the total to $376 million. These debentures allow for investments in infrastructure and socio-economic development projects including water treatment, roads, housing, schools, health, security and emergency services, renewable energy and aquaculture. In addition to the high quality services that they provide, these institutions are working collaboratively with the Government and other First Nation partners to lead the way on innovative initiatives that support a renewed nation-to-nation relationship, such as a proposed First Nation infrastructure institution, under the umbrella of a New Fiscal Relationship and 10 year grants, and exploring the potential to monetize federal capital transfers.
To support the expansion of the First Nations Land Management Act and the successful participation of First Nations under the Act, Budget 2018 proposes to invest $143.5 million over five years, beginning in 2018–19, and $19 million per year ongoing. This funding will allow an additional 50 First Nations to enter into the Land Management Regime, while providing pre-readiness support and capacity development to ensure their successful participation. Additionally, this will support over 200 First Nations to opt-out, or begin the process of opting-out, of the 33 lands related sections of the Indian Act and assume jurisdiction and liability over their lands, environment, and natural resources under their own First Nations Land Codes.
Budget 2018 proposes to invest $50 million over five years, and $11 million per year ongoing, to strengthen the First Nations Financial Management Board, the First Nations Finance Authority and the First Nations Tax Commission.
The Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act was established in 2013 to provide protection for individuals living on reserve in cases where a relationship ends and property division is required. Through Budget 2018, the Government proposes to provide $5.5 million over two years to continue the activities of the Matrimonial Real Property Implementation Support Program. In addition, this funding will support new and more targeted training and awareness activities, such as the development of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, to respond to gaps in the administration of justice."
2/28/2018,372,,Indigenous peoples,"Continue to provide services to Indigenous peoples, including community infrastructure, emergency management, water, education, moneys and trusts, and registration.",Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - with challenges,"Indigenous communities will have access to and benefit from quality community infrastructure including housing, water, schools and other forms of community infrastructure, and services (moneys and trusts, and registration).","Water: In January 2018, the scope of the commitment to resolve additional long-term drinking water advisories (LT-DWAs) was expanded. Between November 2015 and March 2018, the total number of LT-DWAs on public systems on reserve declined from 105 to 81.
Budget 2018 builds on prior investments and reaffirms the Government’s commitment by proposing to provide an additional $172.6 million over three years, beginning in 2018–19, to improve access to clean and safe drinking water on reserve. The latest results on eliminating LT-DWA can be found here
Housing: Investments in Indigenous housing from Budget 2016 are expected to build/renovate/lot service 13,093 units in First Nation communities and 193 units in Inuit communities in 2016/17 and 2017/18. As of December 31, 2017, 5,536 of the planned 13,093 housing units (42%) have been completed.
Through investments made in Budget 2017 and Budget 2018, the Government proposes dedicated funding to support the successful implementation of each of the distinctions-based housing strategies, including:
•$600 million over three years to support housing on reserve as part of a 10-year First Nations Housing Strategy that is being developed with First Nations.
•$400 million over 10 years to support an Inuit-led housing plan in the Inuit regions of Nunavik, Nunatsiavut and Inuvialuit. This is in addition to the $240 million over 10 years announced in Budget 2017 to support housing in Nunavut, where additional funding was provided for Inuit housing.
•$500 million over 10 years to support the Métis Nation’s housing strategy.
Schools: Over $300 million is being invested in schools in 2016/17 and 2017/18. This includes 74 new schools and 85 renovated/upgraded schools. As of December 31, 2017, 11 out of the 74 new school projects have been completed, and renovations/upgrades on 10 of the 85 schools have been completed.
Health facilities: As of January 31, 2018, investments have been made in more than 127 First Nations infrastructure projects to build and renovate health facilities such as nursing stations, health centres, acute care facilities, drug and alcohol treatment centres, as well as facilities hosting Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve programming. 45 (35% ) of these projects are complete.
Emergency Management: In 2016/17, the Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP) invested $115.68 million to support First Nations in their efforts to prepare for, mitigate against, respond to and recover from emergency disasters. There were 118 emergency events affecting First Nation communities of which 37 caused evacuations involving approximately 6,386 evacuees (99.6% of whom have returned to their communities).
For 2017/18, forecasted expenditures for EMAP are over $140 million, with $103.2 million of this total is for emergency response and recovery. To date, in 2017/18, there have been 146 EMAP-eligible emergency events affecting First Nation communities, of which 54 resulted in evacuations involving approximately 13,857 evacuees (13,800 of whom, or 99.2%, have returned to their communities).
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2/28/2018,373,,Healthy Canadians,Eliminate all long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve by March 2021.,Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - with challenges,"Continued progress in eliminating long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve, leading to the elimination of all long-term advisories by March 2021.","In January 2018, the scope of the commitment to resolve additional long-term drinking water advisories (LT-DWAs) was expanded. Between November 2015 and March 22 2018, the number of LT-DWAs on public systems in First Nations communities has declined from 105 to 78. Over this period, 57 LT-DWAs were lifted, and 30 new LT-DWAs were added. Work is ongoing in partnership with First Nation communities and an action plan is in place to address all 78 LT-DWAs currently in effect.
To support this commitment, the Government of Canada is investing in First Nation water infrastructure projects, assisting First Nation communities in monitoring the quality of drinking water and advising on issues related to drinking water safety. Through joint efforts, First Nations communities have access to trained personnel, including community-based water monitoring, to sample and test drinking water quality. This increased capacity means water is being monitored more often, and potential problems can now be identified sooner.
Budget 2018 builds on prior investments and reaffirms the Government’s commitment by proposing to provide an additional $172.6 million over three years, beginning in 2018–19, to improve access to clean and safe drinking water on reserve. The latest results on eliminating LT-DWAs are available here .
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2/28/2018,374,,Healthy Canadians,Improve the delivery of child welfare and health care under Jordan's Principle to focus on the best interests of the child.,Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - on track,"First Nations children have access to the health and social supports they need when they need them, no matter where they live.","From July 2016 to January 2018, Canada has approved over 36,000 products, supports and services for First Nations children and youth under Jordan's Principle.
Significant progress has been made in recent months in the provision of health, educational and social supports:
• From July 2016 to March 2017, funding was approved for approximately 5,000 product, service, and supports totalling $11 million.
• From April 2017 to January 2018, there were more than 31,000 approved product, service, and supports totalling $126 million.
Efforts are being undertaken to support Jordan's Principle, including:
• Increasing awareness of Jordan's Principle amongst First Nations families, health providers and provincial/territorial stakeholders through a proactive and multi-faceted communications and marketing approach with a focus on Indigenous mediums (e.g. social media, radio advertisements, targeted mailouts to Child and Family Service agencies, educational institutions, etc.);
• Co-developing the future direction of Jordan's Principle, through national engagement in partnership with the Assembly of First nations, and other First Nations stakeholders, through the Jordan's Principle Action Table (sub-committee of the National Advisory Committee) a national engagement process to inform Cabinet decision making in fall 2018;
• Creating an additional toll free 1-800 line, to assist in improving access to health and social services supports for First Nations children;
• Participation of all Canadian Human Rights Tribunal parties at the Jordan’s Principle Oversight Committee, a committee established to increase dialogue and timely advice on Jordan’s Principle implementation and planning activities; and
• Ongoing monitoring, tracking and reporting of Jordan's Principle processes to comply with Canadian Human Right's Tribunal orders.
The next Affidavit compliance report is due to the Tribunal by May 15, 2018.
Efforts are being undertaken to improve the delivery of child welfare, including:
• To address the funding pressures facing child and family service agencies, while also increasing prevention resources for communities so that children are safe and families can stay together, Budget 2018 proposes to provide more than $1.4 billion in new funding over six years, starting in 2017–18, for First Nations Child and Family Services. The Government will continue to work with First Nations, Inuit and the Metis Nation, as well as other partners, to advance the reforms to child and family services that are needed and develop Indigenous-led solutions that put the well-being of children first.
• Government’s commitment to continue to fully implement the orders of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, in consultation with the parties.
• Engagement nationally and regionally to implement the six point plan on Indigenous child welfare, including developing a data and reporting strategy with provinces, territories, and Indigenous partners and advancing discussions on increasing jurisdiction for Indigenous communities.
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2/28/2018,375,,Indigenous peoples,Implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in full partnership with Indigenous peoples.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - with challenges,"Strengthened relationships between the Government and Indigenous peoples, and alignment of federal laws and policies related to Indigenous peoples with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).","The Government has created a Working Group of Ministers on the Review of Laws and Policies Related to Indigenous peoples to identify opportunities to amend federal laws and policies to align with the spirit and intent of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. As of November 2017, Canada is engaged in over 50 Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions, which are an opportunity for the Government to work collaboratively with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities to advance their rights, needs and interests through flexible approaches. These discussions are guided by the spirit and intent of the UN Declaration and by the Principles Respecting the Government of Canada's Relationship with Indigenous peoples. What is heard through these discussions will help inform forthcoming reforms to section-35 related policies to align with a recognition of rights approach and Indigenous self-determination as expressed in the UN Declaration.
The Government of Canada is also fulfilling its commitment to implement the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples by:
• Supporting Private Member’s Bill C-262: The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, as a strong first step in the process of implementation. More legislation will be needed in order to fully implement the Declaration in Canada;
• Co-developing Indigenous Languages legislation with national First Nation, Inuit, and Métis leaders;
• Establishing the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls;
• Undertaking major changes to the machinery of government through the creation of the new Department of Indigenous Services and Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, to be better partners in new, recognition-based, nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relations;
• Working with Indigenous self-governments to review our financing policies as a first step to support Indigenous governance, self-sufficiency and economic development;
• Creating new pathways to self-determination in health and education, including concluding significant education agreements, like the Anishnabek Nation Education Agreement, that recognizes Anishnabek control over education for 23 participating First Nations, and the opening of the Manitoba First Nations School System; and
• Co-developing amendments to the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management and the First Nations Land Management Act with the Lands Advisory Board to better align with UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. "
2/28/2018,376,,Safety and Security,Undertake modernization efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the criminal justice system.,Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,"Canadians are kept safer and offenders are held to account, the system shows greater compassion for victims, the needs of vulnerable populations are addressed and the criminal justice system is more efficient.","In addition to ongoing work being advanced through the Criminal Justice System Review, work is continuing, including with the provinces and territories, on proposals to update the bail regime and address rising remand populations, overrepresentation, and criminal justice system inefficiencies.
To enhance access to justice and improve outcomes for a significant number of Canadian families, Budget 2018 proposed to provide $77.2 million over four years, starting in 2019-2020, and $20.8 million per year ongoing to support the creation and expansion of Unified Family Courts in Alberta, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador"
2/28/2018,377,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Lead preparations for future international sporting events.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Underway - on track,Canadian athletes and national sport organizations are better prepared and supported for domestic and international events.,"Canada recorded its best ever Winter Olympics performance medal-wise at the PyeongChang Olympics with 29 medals (11 gold, 8 silver, 10 bronze). Canada also recorded its best ever Winter Paralympic performance at the PyeongChang Paralympics with 28 medals (eight gold, four silver and 16 bronze). The Government will continue to support Canadian athletes and national sport organizations in preparation for international events, such as the upcoming Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games in April 2018. Each year, Canada hosts more than 70 international single sport events that are supported through the Government's Hosting Program.
Canada’s female athletes do us proud at high-performance sport events. They regularly achieve podium success at Senior World Championships, and Olympic and Paralympic Games, but fewer Canadian women and girls participate in sport and physical activity than men and boys. Through Budget 2018, the Government proposed an initial $30 million in funding over three years to support data, research and innovative practices to promote women and girls’ participation in sport, and encourage greater inclusion of women and girls in all facets of sport.
Budget 2018 also proposes to provide $16 million over five years with $2 million in ongoing funding for Special Olympics Canada to sustain its empowering movement. This includes support to the National Team Program which ensures optimal performance preparation for Special Olympics Team Canada to proudly represent Canada on the world stage.
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2/28/2018,101_1,,Government Services and Operations,Implement the Auditor General's recommendations on enhancing mental health service delivery to Veterans.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,Veterans have increased awareness of available mental health services so that they know when they can expect care and get it quickly; there is improved performance management in the delivery of mental health services; and all recommendations of the Auditor General's 2014 report have been implemented.,"The Government of Canada has fully implemented the recommendations from the Auditor General's 2014 report on mental health services for Veterans, with the opening of a satellite operational stress injury clinic in Montreal on January 8, 2018. In addition, a new information system has been implemented to better track operational stress injuries and mental health needs among Veterans. This system will address the quality and impact of service, help identify those at risk and provide recommendations for Veterans and their mental health service providers. These and other changes, reinforced by a new performance management framework, will improve the quality and effectiveness of how mental health services and outreach activities are delivered to Veterans. Lastly, Veterans Affairs Canada is continuously communicating about mental health services amongst the Veteran community to ensure those requiring assistance can access it."
2/28/2018,14_1,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and all other parts of the Public Safety portfolio are workplaces free from harassment and sexual violence.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Underway - on track,"Reduced incidents of harassment and sexual violence across Public Safety portfolio workplaces. Better training for staff at all levels, and implementation of all recommendations related to workplace safety and wellness at the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).","The Government is taking all necessary steps to ensure the RCMP is a workplace free from harassment and sexual violence. These steps include implementing all recommendations from the July 2016 Report on Allegations of Harassment and Sexual Misconduct at the RCMP's Canadian Police College Explosives Training Unit, providing $100 million for a settlement between the RCMP and female members and public service employees regarding gender and sexual orientation based harassment and discrimination, and establishing a senior executive responsible for Workforce Culture and Employee Engagement. The Government is also reviewing the report by Special Advisor Sheila Fraser on four cases of civil litigation against the RCMP regarding workplace harassment and the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission's comprehensive review of workplace harassment. Agencies in the Public Safety portfolio, including the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC), Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), have also put initiatives in place to address harassment and sexual violence in the workplace. As well, with the November 2017 signing of an Agreement in Principle (AIP) by the Government of Canada and parties to the Todd Edwards Ross et al v. Her Majesty the Queen class action, a total of $110 million will be available to compensate class members — federal public servants, including members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who were directly impacted by anti-LGBTQ2 (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and two-spirit) policies and practices. The AIP also earmarks $15 million for remembrance to prevent future discrimination and for reconciliation with LGBTQ2 communities."
2/28/2018,175_1,,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Make sure the Infrastructure Bank supports the construction of new, affordable rental housing.","Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",On-going commitment,"Where relevant, the Canada Infrastructure Bank undertakes complementary projects that support the goals of the National Housing Strategy.","The Canada Infrastructure Bank was legally established in June 2017 as an arm’s length Crown corporation focused on making and attracting investments in revenue-generating infrastructure projects in the public interest. The Bank is responsible for investments of at least $35 billion over 11 years, focused on public transit, green infrastructure, and trade and transportation projects. In parallel, the Government launched the National Housing Strategy which includes a new National Housing Co-investment Fund which will support initiatives designed to build, renew and repair Canada’s stock of affordable housing and ensure Canadians have greater access to affordable housing that meets their needs. The Bank may undertake projects in the future related to housing, and if so these will complement the National Housing Strategy. But, to avoid duplication, the construction of affordable rental housing is not likely to be part of the Bank's primary mandate."
2/28/2018,257_1,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Encourage an increase in the number of women in senior positions and on boards in Canada.,"Minister of Status of Women;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,More women occupy senior leadership positions in Canada.,"In his first act as Prime Minister, Prime Minister Trudeau appointed the first gender-balanced federal Cabinet. The Government has also adopted an open, transparent and merit-based approach to select candidates for federal appointments which, to date, has selected 54% women for these important roles. In addition, the Government has announced a process to address the underrepresentation of women as Canada Research Chairs, and introduced legislative amendments to require corporations to publicly disclose the gender diversity of their senior management and boards, which was adopted in the House of Commons. Proposed legislation, introduced in September 2016 and currently before the Senate, would require publicly-traded, federally-incorporated companies to disclose annually information on the diversity makeup of their boards and senior management, as well as their diversity policies (or explain why they do not have one)."
2/28/2018,257_2,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Increase women representation where they have been traditionally under-represented, such as in the skilled trades.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,"Increase representation of women in professions and sectors traditionally dominated by men, including the skilled trades.","Budget 2017 investments in the PromoScience Program and FuturPreneur Canada are aimed at increasing the participation of underrepresented groups, including women, in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields as well as in entrepreneurship. Budget 2018 proposed to allocate approximately $20 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, to pilot an Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women. Under the Grant, women in male-dominated Red Seal trades would receive $3,000 for each of their first two years of training (up to $6,000). Working in partnership with provinces, territories, post-secondary institutions, training providers, unions and employers, the Government will provide $46 million over five years, starting in 2018-19, and $10 million per year thereafter, for the Pre-Apprenticeship Program that will help Canadians explore the trades, gain work experience, make informed career choices and develop the skills needed to find and keep good, well-paying jobs in the trades. To help increase the number of women in the skilled trades, the Women in Construction Fund will be launched in 2018-19 with an investment of $10M over three years. The Program will build on existing models that have proven to be effective in attracting women to the trades. These models provide supports such as mentoring, coaching and tailored supports that help women to progress through their training and find and retain jobs in the trades."
2/28/2018,39_1,,Environment and Climate Change,"Implement the Pan-Canadian framework, including targeted federal funding and a flexible national carbon pricing policy.",Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Finance;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,"Reduction in Canada's greenhouse gas emissions and progress to Canada's 2030 emission reduction targets as committed to in the Paris Agreement, ensuring we leave a cleaner, more sustainable world for our children and generations to come.","In December 2016, First Ministers adopted the Pan-Canadian Framework (PCF) on Clean Growth and Climate Change. The Government of Canada is working closely with the provinces and territories, Indigenous Peoples, and Canadians to implement over 50 measures outlined in the PCF. These actions, supported by significant federal investments announced in Budget 2016 and Budget 2017, will decrease emissions, reduce air pollution, advance technology innovation and increase resilience across the broad range of impacts of climate change.
In December 2017, the first annual report on progress made in implementing the PCF was released. This report highlights significant federal, provincial and territorial accomplishments of the past year under all four pillars of the Framework.
In addition, the Government released the Clean Fuel Standard Regulatory Framework to clarify key issues relating to the planned regulations.
Under the pan-Canadian approach to pricing carbon pollution, provinces and territories have the flexibility to implement their own carbon pollution pricing systems to meet the federal benchmark. Four provinces already have systems in place. In January 2018, the Government released draft legislative proposals and a regulatory framework paper related to the federal carbon pollution pricing system that will apply in jurisdictions that request it or that do not have a carbon pollution pricing system in place in 2018 that meets the benchmark. The federal system would take effect January 1, 2019,
or in fall 2018 if a province or territory requests it. Budget 2018 reiterated the Government’s intention to introduce legislation to establish that system. On February 23, 2018, the Governments of Canada and Manitoba announced that Manitoba will join the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change. In the same month, Canada published two proposed regulations to limit carbon dioxide emissions: one amendment to accelerate the phase-out of coal-fired power by 2030, and the other to set emission performance standards for new natural gas-fired electricity generation and coal boilers converted to run on natural gas.
Canada is also working on regulations to reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sector, a full suite of adaptation programs, codes and standards for climate resilience, a Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund, investments of $21.9 billion in green infrastructure funding (including $9.2 billion for bilateral agreements with provinces and territories), establishment of the Canadian Centre for Climate Services, and $2 billion for a Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund.
In addition, the Government of Canada – working in partnership with the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and the Métis National Council – has launched three separate senior-level tables to engage with First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation in the implementation of the PCF."
2/28/2018,77_1,,Healthy Canadians,New Health Accord supports the delivery of more and better home care services.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,Improved access to home care services.,"The Government of Canada has reached agreement with all provinces and territories on collective priorities and 10-year funding to strengthen health care and will invest $6 billion over 10 years for provinces and territories to expand access to home and community care options, and better support the millions of Canadians who provide informal care to loved ones. Bilateral funding agreements are being negotiated, and have been signed with four provinces (New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, and Prince Edward Island). The Government has also introduced a 15-week Employment Insurance benefit for those caring for critically ill or injured adult family members and created the new Canada Caregiving Credit to simplify and expand tax credits for caregivers."
2/28/2018,77_2,,Healthy Canadians,New Health Accord advances pan-Canadian collaboration on health innovation.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"More innovation within the health care system, including new digital and mobile technologies to improve results.","To support health innovation, Budget 2017 confirmed $300 million over five years for Canada Health Infoway to expand e-prescribing and virtual care initiatives. In addition, Budget 2017 committed $53 million over five years, with $15.0 million per year ongoing, to the Canadian Institute for Health Information to address health data gaps, support improved decision-making and strengthen health system performance reporting. Budget 2017 also committed $51 million over three years, starting in 2019-20, with $17 million ongoing, to the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement to continue to accelerate innovations in all provinces and territories."
2/28/2018,77_3,,Healthy Canadians,New Health Accord improves access to necessary prescription medications.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,Canadians have access to lower cost prescription medications.,"The Government is working on enhancing the affordability, accessibility and appropriate use of prescription drugs in collaboration with provinces, territories and other partners. The Government has joined the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance, which leverages combined federal-provincial-territorial purchasing power to make patented prescription drugs cheaper for public plans and lower prescription generic drug prices for all payers. Following an initial consultation in Spring 2017, proposed amendments to the Patented Medicines Regulations were published in Canada Gazette I on December 20, 2017, launching a 75-day period during which stakeholders and interested Canadians are invited to provide feedback. Budget 2017 invested $140.3 million over five years and $18.2 million per year ongoing for Health Canada, the Patented Medicines Prices Review Board and the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health.
As part of Budget 2018, the Government announced it is creating an Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare. The Advisory Council will conduct an economic and social assessment of domestic and international models, and will recommend options on how to move forward."
2/28/2018,77_4,,Healthy Canadians,New Health Accord makes high quality mental health services available.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"Improved access to mental health and addictions services, particularly for vulnerable populations and youth.","The Government of Canada has reached agreement with all provinces and territories on collective priorities and 10-year funding to strengthen health care and will invest $5 billion over 10 years to increase access to mental health and addictions services, including for young Canadians, where early interventions can significantly improve outcomes."
2/28/2018,90_1,,Strong Middle Class,Continue to reduce the federal debt-to-Gross Domestic Product ratio.,Minister of Finance,Underway - on track,A federal debt-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio that continues to go down.,"The Government is committed to building a strong middle class, making investments that lead to economic growth and reducing Canada’s already low debt-to-GDP ratio. In 2016-2017, federal debt was 31.2 per cent of GDP. As shown in Budget 2018, the debt-to-GDP ratio is projected to continue falling, from 30.1 per cent in 2018-19 and reaching 28.4 per cent in 2022-23. The Government will maintain this downward debt ratio track—preserving Canada's low-debt advantage for current and future generations. Economic growth is the strongest in the G7, the youth unemployment rate is near the lowest it has ever been, and Canada is maintaining its low-debt advantage. The Government's approach has received praise from organizations including the International Monetary Fund."
2/28/2018,95_1,,Government Services and Operations,Increase the value of the Disability Award.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"Increased the maximum Disability Award to $360,000 and indexed it to inflation so ill or injured Veterans receive better financial support.","The maximum Disability Award has been increased to a maximum of $360,000 for ill and injured Veterans in recognition of pain and suffering, commensurate with industry benchmarks and indexed to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This will provide support to Veterans and their families for an injury or illness resulting from military service. All Veterans who received a Disability Award since 2006 have already or will receive an additional lump-sum payment as a result of these changes."
3/31/2018,1,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency is a client-focused agency.,Minister of National Revenue,On-going commitment,"Improved client satisfaction levels, reduced wait times for inquiries, and simplified and easy to use processes.","To improve client service at the CRA, the Government of Canada has introduced new e-services and simplified letters and notices.
The new Direct Deposit Sharing Initiative is a consent-based service that will make it easier for Canada Pension Plan recipients to update and share their direct deposit banking information quickly and safely between the CRA and Employment and Social Development Canada. The CRA has expanded the Liaison Officer service, and small businesses can now request free in-person help from a CRA liaison officer. Individuals can now make payments in person at any Canada Post retail outlet using cash or debit card by using the personalized quick response (QR) code found on individual remittance vouchers mailed to taxpayers or by creating a QR code online. Following consultations with northern residents, the CRA has committed to improving the services it offers to northern Canadians, as indicated in the ""Serving You Better"" report.
To ensure that Indigenous Peoples are able to fully participate in the Canadian tax and benefit system, the CRA conducted research with Indigenous communities to identify issues and challenges related to tax filing. The CRA intends to use the research findings to develop outreach programs and communication products to help individuals access benefits and credits available through the tax system, including the new, non-taxable, Canada Child Benefit.
Budget 2018 committed to a more client-centered approach. To effect systematic change, the Government will undertake a comprehensive departmental review of the CRA’s service model. While this review is underway, Budget 2018 announced $206 million over five years and $33.6 million in ongoing funding to address commitments to service excellence in three key areas. First, to improve telephone service the budget proposes additional funding to enhance telephone technology and hire more agents. Second, there will be additional training for agents. Budget 2018 proposes doubling the size of the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, to help more individuals complete their taxes and access the benefits they are entitled to. Finally, Budget 2018 announced investments to update and modernize the CRA’s information technology infrastructure to deliver a more user-friendly experience that will allow Canadians to more easily find the tax and benefit information they need. "
3/31/2018,2,,Strong Middle Class,Crack down on tax evaders.,Minister of National Revenue,Underway - on track,"A fairer tax system, and billions of dollars recovered from those who are evading taxes.","In recent years, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has implemented transformational changes to its compliance programs. By targeting non-compliance in the highest-risk areas, including wealthy individuals with offshore accounts, the CRA is able to more effectively limit tax evasion and avoidance. These efforts are showing concrete results for Canadians. Over the last two fiscal years, the Government reviewed all large money transfers between Canada and eight countries of concern—a total of 187,000 transactions worth a total of over $177 billion that merited closer scrutiny. Working closely with partners in Canada and around the world, there are now over 1,000 offshore audits, and more than 40 criminal investigations with links to offshore transactions underway. The Government is also aggressively going after those who promote tax avoidance schemes, and so far has imposed $44 million in penalties on these third parties. To further combat tax evasion and tax avoidance, the Government will invest an additional $90.6 million over five years to address additional cases that have been identified through enhanced risk assessment systems, both domestically and internationally.
Work is currently underway with international partners and the government is collaborating on recommendations of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Base Erosion and Profit Sharing initiative. "
3/31/2018,3,,Environment and Climate Change,Develop a Canadian energy strategy with provinces and territories.,Minister of Natural Resources,Underway - on track,"Greater energy conservation, greater inclusion of clean energy and innovative technologies in Canada's energy future, reduced diesel use in remote and off-grid communities, and effective market access for Canadian energy exports.","Federal, provincial and territorial Energy Ministers are taking joint action under the Canadian Energy Strategy on shared goals to promote energy efficiency, develop new energy technology and innovations, and identify priority energy infrastructure and advance international energy collaboration. These initiatives complement the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, which is meant to help Canada meet our emissions reduction target and grow the economy."
3/31/2018,4,,Environment and Climate Change,Modernize the National Energy Board.,Minister of Natural Resources,Underway - on track,"Canada has a modern energy regulator that is more representative of Canada's regions and diversity and has greater expertise to undertake its responsibilities in considering environmental science, the knowledge and perspective of Indigenous peoples, and community development.","As announced in February 2018, the Government is proposing to create the Canadian Energy Regulator (CER), a new and modern federal energy regulator with the required independence and the proper accountability to oversee a strong, safe and sustainable Canadian energy sector in the 21st century. The legislation and policy measures to modernize the National Energy Board were informed by an Expert Panel report, a federal discussion paper, parliamentary studies, and almost two years of consultations with Indigenous peoples, industry, provinces and territories, non-government organizations, academia and the public."
3/31/2018,5,,Environment and Climate Change,Develop a North American clean energy and environment agreement.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of Natural Resources,Completed - fully met,"Reduced greenhouse gas emissions, alignment of energy efficiency regulations and enhanced development of the clean technology sector in North America, setting the foundation for a stronger, more sustainable economy.","At the trilateral North American Leaders’ Summit in June 2016, an Action Plan for a North American Climate, Clean Energy, and Environment Partnership was publicly released. It announced ambitious targets to advance clean and secure energy, drive down short-lived climate pollutants, promote clean and efficient transportation, and show global leadership in addressing climate change. The February 13, 2017 Joint Statement from President Trump and Prime Minister Trudeau affirmed the importance of close collaboration on energy security, clean energy innovation and the environment, including clean air and water. Canada will continue to advance these priorities, including by working with Mexico and sub-national governments in the United States in the context of the North American Climate Leaders’ process."
3/31/2018,6,,Government Services and Operations,Undertake a review of Canada Post to make sure it provides high-quality service at a reasonable price.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,"Canadians receive the services they expect from Canada Post at a reasonable price. In addition, Canada Post is able to effectively adapt to changes in technology and consumer preferences.","The Canada Post Review has produced two public reports from an Independent Task Force and the House of Commons Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates. On January 24, 2018, the Government completed the Review and announced:
• the Government’s service-focused vision for renewal at Canada Post;
• concrete measures including the end of the program to convert from door-to-door to community mailboxes, an enhanced accessible delivery program to seniors and better promotion of remittance services; and
• guidance to the Board of Directors for the renewal of Canada Post.
A new Chair was appointed in December 2017. Processes for a new CEO and Board renewal are underway."
3/31/2018,7,,Safety and Security,Renew the Canadian Coast Guard fleet and ensure the Royal Canadian Navy is able to operate as a true maritime force.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Public Services and Procurement;Minister of National Defence",Underway - on track,Improved equipment for the men and women in uniform; enhanced protection and improved safety of Canadians along Canada's coasts.,"Through the Oceans Protection Plan and significant re-investments in the Canadian Coast Guard, the Government has greatly enhanced support to the Coast Guard fleet. The Government is investing to: repair and modernize many of the Coast Guard's vessels with new towing equipment and technology, improve collaborations between the Coast Guard with Indigenous communities all along Canada's coasts, and harness cutting edge science and technology to understand ocean currents, real-time shipping movements and threat monitoring. Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), the Government has started renewing Canada's federal fleet so that needed vessels are delivered to the Royal Canadian Navy and the Coast Guard as quickly as possible. The construction of the first three Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships and all three Offshore Fisheries Science Vessels is underway. The Canadian Surface Combatant competitive procurement for the warship design and design team is progressing well; multiple bids were received in November 2017 and the warship design and design team selected as a result of the competitive procurement is expected to be announced in 2018. The interim auxiliary oiler replenishment vessel, the M/V Asterix, entered into service in January 2018. Following extensive industry engagement, the Government has begun discussions with Chantier Davie on options to fulfill the Canadian Coast Guard’s interim icebreaking requirements. The Government of Canada has also invested in 20 new Search and Rescue (SAR) lifeboats to ensure that the Canadian Coast Guard has the SAR lifeboats they need to keep Canadians and Canadian waterways safe. The first two SAR lifeboats were delivered in November and December 2017. The NSS continues to generate significant economic benefits across the country. Approximately $1.3 billion of NSS contracts were awarded in 2017. It is estimated that these contracts will contribute close to $8.9 billion of gross domestic product, and create or maintain approximately 8,800 jobs during the period of 2012 and 2022 in the Canadian economy. NSS shipyards also continue to engage with small and medium Canadian enterprises by awarding contracts for NSS related projects. Given the scope and complexity of the construction of vessels, delivering on time and on budget presents implementation challenges that must be closely monitored and managed, which is the purview of the Cabinet Committee on Defence Procurement."
3/31/2018,8,,Government Services and Operations,Modernize procurement practices.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,"Government procurement is faster, simpler, more competitive, and more predictable in terms of cost. Businesses with innovative ideas are able to more easily sell to the Government, and procurement processes benefit Canadians and communities across Canada.","The Government of Canada is currently reviewing its procurement policies, processes and tools, working with stakeholders to achieve the anticipated results. We have enhanced the procurement platform to make it easier for suppliers to know about bidding opportunities and for government buyers to access streamlined procurement tools.
The Government has also made it easier for suppliers to compete by providing them with a second opportunity to comply with the mandatory requirements of bid solicitations. The Government announced the new Innovative Solutions Canada, which will match businesses offering early-stage prototypes and research with federal departments in need of innovative products or services.
The Government has made progress in modernizing procurement. Fully meeting this commitment is taking longer than anticipated due to the transformational nature of projects, but will be greatly supported by the Government's Budget 2018 investment of $196.8 million over five years to establish a new electronic procurement platform."
3/31/2018,9,,Government Services and Operations,Establish new performance standards for government services and measure and report on performance.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Public Services and Procurement;Minister of Democratic Institutions",Underway - on track,Government services that better meet the needs of Canadians.,"The Government of Canada is assessing its service standards to ensure that they are comprehensive and meaningful. Among its initial achievements, the Government has: implemented new and better service standards for new clients applying for Canada Pension Plan Disability benefits; completed a Service Delivery Review for Veterans Affairs Canada to help drive wholesale change to delivering services and benefits to Veterans; re-opened nine Veterans Affairs Canada offices that were closed by the previous government, and opened a new tenth office; expanded auto-enrollment for Old Age Security benefits; and added new capacity for call centres handling inquiries related to EI and Canada Revenue Agency."
3/31/2018,10,,Fair and Open Government,Strengthen oversight on government advertising.,President of the Treasury Board,Underway - on track,Increased oversight of government advertising so that public dollars aren't spent on partisan advertising.,"In May 2016, an interim process was established so that advertising campaigns with budgets greater than $500,000 undergo independent, mandatory reviews. These reviews ensure the campaigns are non-partisan. The results of these reviews are posted online. Following consultations with parliamentarians and other stakeholders, the Government will entrench independent third-party oversight of federal advertising in law. The Office of the Auditor General of Canada has also committed to review the interim process."
3/31/2018,11,,Fair and Open Government,Improve the use of evidence in program evaluation.,President of the Treasury Board,Underway - on track,"Evidence-based reporting, measurement and evaluation of government activities are in place.","The Government established a new Policy on Results in July 2016 that aims to improve how government organizations measure, evaluate, and report results. The policy also seeks to improve how departments and agencies gather and use evidence to inform decisions. As of March 2018, 79 departments have fully adopted the new policy and the remaining departments are continuing to work to do so.
"
3/31/2018,12,,Fair and Open Government,Make government data available digitally.,"President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,Digitized government data that are accessible to Canadians.,"The Government has improved the Open Government portal, Open.canada.ca, by adding content from across the Government of Canada and by simplifying the process for users to search. In addition, the Government of Canada added the Open by Default Pilot section to the portal, which gives Canadians early access to select draft and working documents from participating departments.
The Government has increased the number of participating federal entities from 45 in 2014 to 66 as of March 2018. In the last year, over 30,000 new data sets have been published, which were accessed hundreds of thousands of times. New data sets continue to be made available regularly.
The Government also continues to strengthen the quality, accessibility, and searchability of open data.
The Government of Canada was recognized for its leadership on open government, achieving the position of government co-chair of the Open Government Partnership, which is the global organization that coordinates open government. Budget 2018 also announced an investment of $1 million for the Treasury Board Secretariat in support of Canada’s co-chairmanship of the Open Government Partnership. Finally, Canada ranked 2nd globally on the World Wide Web Foundation’s Open Data Barometer."
3/31/2018,13,,Fair and Open Government,Bargain in good faith with Canada's public sector unions.,President of the Treasury Board,Underway - on track,"Collective agreements with Canada's public sector unions are fair and reasonable for employees and Canadians, and are bargained in good faith.","The Government of Canada is committed to building a culture of respect for, and within, the federal public service. Through good-faith negotiations, the Government has reached 22 agreements with bargaining agents, representing over 90% of unionized employees in the core public administration. The Government will continue to bargain in good faith with public sector unions and remain committed to negotiating deals that are fair for public servants, and good for all Canadians."
3/31/2018,14,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that Parliament and federal institutions are free from harassment and sexual violence.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Status of Women;Leader of the Government in the House of Commons",Underway - on track,"To ensure that Parliament and federal institutions are free from harassment and sexual violence, strategies are informed by expert and stakeholder consultations and are supported by new proposals and legislation introduced in fall 2017.","In 2016 and 2017, the Government consulted experts and stakeholders to determine how to address violence and sexual harassment in workplaces under federal jurisdiction. The outcomes report, Harassment and Sexual Violence in the Workplace Public Consultations: What We Heard, released November 2, 2017, indicates that incidents of harassment and sexual violence are not only underreported, but are also dealt with ineffectively. As part of its response, the Government introduced new legislation in November 2017 (Bill C-65) aimed at replacing the current patchwork of laws and policies that address violence and harassment in workplaces across the federal jurisdiction – including the federal public service, Parliament and Ministers’ offices - and enhancing prevention, protection and support when harassment and violence occurs. Budget 2018 proposed $34.9 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, with $7.4 million per year ongoing, to support the legislation. This includes the establishment of a Centre of Diversity, Inclusion and Wellness within the public service that will have, as part of its mandate, to better support public servants in dealing with sexual harassment in the workplace. In parallel, with the November 2017 signing of an Agreement in Principle (AIP) by the Government of Canada and parties to the Todd Edwards Ross et al v. Her Majesty the Queen class action, a total of $110 million will be available to compensate class members — federal public servants, including members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who were directly impacted by anti-LGBTQ2 (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and two-spirit) policies and practices. The AIP also earmarks $15 million for remembrance to prevent future discrimination and for reconciliation with LGBTQ2 communities. Additionally, the Joint Union/Management Task Force on Diversity and Inclusion in the Public Service released its final report in December 2017, which includes 44 recommendations for action in the areas of people management, leadership and accountability, education and awareness, and applying the diversity and inclusion lens."
3/31/2018,15,,Safety and Security,Reinforce railway safety.,Minister of Transport,Underway - on track,"Stronger railway safety regulations, improved communication with Canadians and rail infrastructure that is safer and in better condition, leading to fewer accidents and injuries and reduced loss of life.","The Government has accelerated the review of the Railway Safety Act, a year ahead of schedule, to ensure Canadians have the strongest and most effective set of regulations. The review was launched in April 2017 and is being led by an independent Expert Panel which has been engaging with stakeholders, experts and Canadians over the next year. The Panel will deliver a final report by May 2018. The Government of Canada is investing in improvements to railway crossings and infrastructure to make them safer, and removing from operation those which are unsafe. The Government has supported 555 projects across Canada to improve railway crossings and railway safety. In addition, collaboration is underway with local communities to improve the sharing of information for emergency responses and to educate the public about railway crossings and infrastructure in their communities. The Government has also revised the rules governing the transportation of dangerous goods by rail, introduced a mandatory minimum level of insurance for federal railways and accelerated the timeline to phase out the DOT-111 tank cars for crude oil service. The Government of Canada has proposed amendments to the Railway Safety Act through the Transportation Modernization Act, which will improve rail safety by requiring the mandatory installation of recording instruments on locomotives. The Government has also developed a strategy for addressing fatigue in the rail industry that includes the publication of a Notice of Intent in the Canada Gazette, Part I on November 11, 2017, communicating to Canadians and interested stakeholders its most current policy direction on the management of fatigue in the rail industry."
3/31/2018,16,,Exports and Investment,Undertake a full review of the Canadian grain transportation system to help farmers get their product to market.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food;Minister of Transport,Underway - on track,"A more transparent and fair grain transportation system is in place so Canadian farmers can get their products to market, both in Canada and internationally.","The Government has held consultations with grain sector stakeholders on rail transportation issues and the Canada Transportation Act Review, leading to the introduction of legislation that will advance a long-term agenda for a more transparent, balanced, efficient and reliable rail system to move Canadian goods, including grain, to global markets. Key measures include: new data reporting requirements for railways; a new Long-Haul Interswitching mechanism to provide captive shippers across multiple sectors and regions of Canada with access to a competing railway; a clear definition of “adequate and suitable” rail service; the ability for shippers to seek reciprocal financial penalties in their service agreements with railways; and more accessible and timely remedies for shippers. The Government has renewed the western Grain Monitoring Program for three years."
3/31/2018,17,,Environment and Climate Change,Formalize a moratorium on crude oil tanker traffic on British Columbia's North Coast.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Transport",Underway - on track,"A moratorium is in place on crude oil tanker traffic on British Columbia's North Coast, protecting habitats and communities.","In May 2017, the Government of Canada introduced legislation to prohibit oil tankers carrying crude and persistent oils as cargo from stopping, loading or unloading at ports or marine installations in northern British Columbia. Vessels carrying less than 12,500 metric tonnes of crude or persistent oil as cargo will continue to be permitted in the moratorium area to ensure northern communities can receive critical shipments of heating oils and other products. The legislation proposes strong penalty provisions for contravention that could reach up to $5 million. The proposed Oil Tanker Moratorium Act is part of the Oceans Protection Plan. The draft legislation is expected to proceed to third reading stage in the House of Commons in 2018."
3/31/2018,18,,Fair and Open Government,Restore the long-form census.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Completed - fully met,"Restored the long-form census so communities, governments, businesses and other organizations have the data they need to do their jobs.","Our country and economy depend on knowing about ourselves, and on having the data necessary to make informed decisions. That is why the Government of Canada reinstated the long-form census. The 2016 long-form census saw an unprecedented response rate of 97.8%. The first set of data from the 2016 Census was released in February, 2017. The release of all Census-related data was completed in November 2017, 10 months earlier than for the 2011 Census."
3/31/2018,19,,Fair and Open Government,Reinforce Statistics Canada's independence.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Completed - fully met,Statistics Canada meets international standards for the independence of a national statistics office.,"Data collected by Statistics Canada helps the private sector, government, not-for-profit groups, and researchers make better decisions. In December 2016, the Government introduced legislation that will reinforce Statistics Canada's independence. The legislation aligns with international standards for national statistical agencies and makes the Chief Statistician responsible for all operational decisions, statistical methodology and the communication of statistical products produced by Statistics Canada. The amended legislation is consistent with the United Nations Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics and the OECD Recommendations on Good Statistical Practice. Bill C-36 to amend the Statistics Act received Royal Assent on December 12, 2017."
3/31/2018,20,,Jobs and Innovation,Develop and implement an Innovation Agenda.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,"Improved programs support more skills training and life-long learning for Canadians, increased investment in high growth industries, and more high growth, innovative and trade-oriented companies.","Through the Innovation and Skills Plan, the Government will more than double the number of Canadians potentially eligible for employment support and skills training programs to as many as 1.4 million per year; expand programs to support up to 10,000 work integrated learning placements each year; provide more affordable and accessible broadband services for low-income Canadians and Canadians in remote communities through investments in broadband infrastructure and low-income support programs; encourage the development of assistive technologies that make it easier for persons with disabilities to participate in the digital economy; expand access to venture capital financing; support a series of superclusters that will promote innovation opportunities in high-growth industries. These and other supporting initiatives are at different stages of development and will be implemented and reported on over the course of the next several years. The Government has also conducted a comprehensive review of innovation program and the results were announced in Budget 2018. Budget 2018 articulates a new simplified strategy for the delivery of business innovation programs to make the services more responsive to client needs. Total funding for innovation programming will increase by $2.6 billion over five years, and the reforms will result in a reduction in the total number of business innovation programs by roughly two-thirds (92 to 35+)."
3/31/2018,21,,Exports and Investment,Implement a new Trade and Investment Strategy.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Small Business and Tourism;Minister of International Trade",Underway - on track,"Double the number of high-growth firms in Canada by 2025; increase Canada's goods and services exports—from natural resources, advance manufacturing, agri-food and others—by 30% by 2025; increase global investment in Canada; more good-paying, middle class jobs for Canadians.","The Government is encouraging global investment and promoting our economic brand through the creation of the Invest in Canada Agency. The Government has successfully completed the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. Provisional application of the trade agreement took effect in September 2017 and will give consumers more choice, boost Canadian businesses' access to new customers, create good, middle-class jobs and help grow the economy. The Government also recently signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) with 10 countries in the Pacific region and launched negotiations toward a comprehensive free trade agreement between the Mercosur member states and Canada. Launched in 2016, CanExport, which provides direct financial assistance to Canadian small- and medium-sized enterprises seeking to develop new export opportunities, has approved 895 projects in 78 markets. Budget 2017 announced $950 million to superclusters in highly innovative industries, and in February 2018, in cooperation with the private sector and academic partners, the Government announced the creation of five superclusters (Digital Technology; Protein Industries; Advanced Manufacturing; Artificial Intelligence and Ocean) that will create great new opportunities for Canadian companies to innovate, scale up and export. To support Canadian firms and increase exports to new markets, Budget 2018 provides up to $75 million to build a stronger diplomatic presence and Trade Commissioner Service salesforce in China and Asia, as well as other initiatives to open market opportunities in the region."
3/31/2018,22,,Exports and Investment,Prepare the auto sector for the potential participation of Canada in the Trans-Pacific Partnership.,"Minister of Finance;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,Greater access to growing markets under conditions that are fair to Canadian workers.,"The Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership was signed on March 8, 2018. Budget 2018 committed the Government to work with key sectors, including the auto sector, to evaluate the potential economic impacts of trade agreements, and ensure these key sectors remain strong and competitive.
Recent actions, including the creation of the Strategic Innovation Fund, the establishment of the Invest in Canada agency, and the launch of the Global Skills Strategy are seeking to enhance the competitiveness of the Canadian automotive industry. These changes have helped to secure investments of $500 million by Honda of Canada Manufacturing, more than $1 billion by Ford Motor Company of Canada, and $750 million from Linamar Corp., among other recent automotive investments. These investments have created and secured thousands of long term jobs in manufacturing and research and development, while fostering innovation to position Canada as a leader in the development of the ""car of the future""."
3/31/2018,23,,Jobs and Innovation,Increase high-speed broadband coverage and keep Canada at the leading edge of the digital economy.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,More Canadians have access to high-speed and ultra-high-speed broadband services.,"Greater availability and affordability for high-speed internet in rural and remote areas of Canada gives Canadians more opportunity to participate in the economy, democracy and connected way of life. The Connect to Innovate program will bring high-speed internet to rural and remote communities in Canada by supporting new ""backbone"" infrastructure to connect institutions like schools and hospitals, and ""last-mile"" infrastructure to connect households and businesses. Applications closed at the end of April 2017, and the Government is starting announcements on project decisions. As of April 2018, 138 projects under the $500 million Connect to Innovate program have been announced representing an investment to date of $305 million and targeting 739 communities (doubling the initial target of 300) that will receive new or enhanced backbone connectivity. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is expanding competition on new fibre networks and examining how to further improve innovative wireless pricing options. In addition, the CRTC's new fund will expand much faster Internet speeds to rural and remote communities. Budget 2017 investments are also supporting affordable access to the internet for low-income families, digital literacy programming and better access to assistive devices. Budget 2018 proposes funding of $100 million over five years for the Strategic Innovation Fund, with a particular focus on supporting projects that relate to Low-Earth Orbit satellites and next generation rural broadband. "
3/31/2018,24,,Jobs and Innovation,Create a Chief Science Officer.,Minister of Science,Completed - fully met,"Following an open, transparent and merit-based process, the Chief Science Advisor, Dr. Mona Nemer, was appointed by the Government on September 26, 2017.","As the Chief Science Advisor, Dr. Nemer will help to improve dissemination and use of independent scientific information and strengthened evidence-based policy making within government. Dr. Nemer will also advise the Government on how to ensure that government science is fully available to the public, that scientists are able to speak freely about their work, and that scientific analyses are considered when the government makes decisions. Dr. Nemer will report to the Prime Minister and Minister of Science."
3/31/2018,25,,Jobs and Innovation,Re-insert scientific considerations into the heart of decision-making and investment choices.,Minister of Science,Underway - on track,"Government scientists are able to speak freely about their work, and the role of scientific information and empirical evidence is strengthened in government decision making.","The Government has updated the Communications Policy to ensure scientists are free to speak in an official capacity on subjects for which they have expertise, and have enshrined this provision into collective agreements covering 15,000 government scientists. The Government also reinstated the mandatory long-form census as well as the University and College Academic Staff System survey, which will provide accurate information about Canada's research community. To promote better use of science and evidence in government decision-making, the Government updated the guidance on preparing Memoranda to Cabinet. The Government is examining additional opportunities to improve the use of evidence and scientific information. The new Chief Science Advisor will advise the Government on how to ensure scientific evidence is considered when making decisions. In addition, to ensure the Government continues to have access to world-class, independent scientific assessments to inform policy development in priority areas, Budget 2018 proposed $9 million for the Council of Canadian Academies, a not-for-profit research organization. "
3/31/2018,26,,Jobs and Innovation,Establish new Canada Research Chairs in sustainable technologies.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Science",Underway - on track,Two new Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC) will be appointed to further research in clean and sustainable technology.,"Budget 2016 identified $20 million over eight years starting in 2018-19 for the creation of two new Canada Excellence Research Chairs in fields related to clean and sustainable technology. On October 12, 2016, the Minister of Science announced the launch of a competition for these Chairs, in addition to nine others, which will be selected in 2019. In December 2017 the Phase 1 results of the competition were announced. Two institutions were invited to submit nominees in fields related to clean and sustainable technology: Concordia University (Smart, Sustainable and Resilient Communities and Cities) and University of Manitoba (Arctic Sea Ice, Freshwater-Marine Coupling, and Climate Change). To address the CERC gender imbalance, this competition will require institutions to include detailed equity plans and recruitment strategies that promote the participation of women and other underrepresented groups in the CERC program."
3/31/2018,27,,Jobs and Innovation,Strengthen support for fundamental research to support new discoveries.,Minister of Science,Underway - on track,"Modernized research infrastructure at post-secondary institutions, new research Chairs appointed in areas of strategic priority, and enhanced capacity for granting councils to support fundamental research.","Since 2016, the Government has approved and funded more than 300 projects to modernize research and training facilities on campuses across Canada. These investments will support key discovery research and facilitate the expansion of ongoing research efforts. The Government has also set aside $20 million to fund new Canada Excellence Research Chairs in the areas of clean and sustainable development technologies (competition ongoing), and increased support for Canada's three granting councils. In 2017, the Government announced the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy, which will develop centres of expertise in Toronto, Montreal and Edmonton related to AI to train and attract key research talent in this emerging area of fundamental research. The final report of an independent review of federal funding for higher education was published in April 2017. A number of actions have already been taken in response to this report, for example, placing a limit on Tier 1 Canada Research Chair renewal to enhance opportunities for broad pools of qualified candidates and to strengthen equity, diversity and inclusion in research and launching the Canada Research Coordinating Committee (CRCC) to achieve greater collaboration and coordination of the granting councils and the Canada Foundation for Innovation. Budget 2018 proposes to provide $1.7 billion over five years starting in 2018-19 and ongoing funding to support researchers through Canada's granting councils and research institutes. This includes $925 million for fundamental research through Canada's three granting councils; $231.5 million to increase the Research Support Fund to cover the indirect costs of research; $210 million for the Canada Research Chairs program to attract and retain early-career researchers at post-secondary institutions across the country; and $275 million to create a new tri-council fund to support international, interdisciplinary, fast-breaking and/or higher risk researches. Budget 2018 further proposes $3.8 million to develop a strategic research plan that identifies new ways of doing research with Indigenous communities; $15 million for the granting councils to develop new plans, strategies and targets to ensure improved equity and diversity outcomes for underrepresented groups, including women; and $6 million to support surveys to collect better data on researchers to further advance equity and diversity in Canada's research community. Budget 2018 proposes over $1.3 billion for investments in the laboratories, equipment and infrastructure researchers rely on every day including: $763 million to the Canada Foundation for Innovation including $160 million for increased support to Canada's nationally important research facilities through the Major Science Initiatives fund; $572.5 million to implement a Digital Research Infrastructure Strategy that will deliver more open and equitable access to advanced computing and big data resources to researchers across Canada."
3/31/2018,28,,Government Services and Operations,Align business support programs across governments.,Minister of Small Business and Tourism,Underway - on track,It is easier and simpler for Canadian innovators and entrepreneurs to access and benefit from government programs that help Canadian businesses grow.,"Since 2016, the Accelerated Growth Service has helped 322 firms to scale up and grow their businesses, with a broader goal of helping 1,000 firms expand and create more well-paying jobs. The Government has established Innovation Canada, a platform that coordinates and simplifies the support available to Canadian businesses. The new Innovation Canada platform (launched in January 2018) is a one-stop-shop for Canada’s innovators and entrepreneurs so they no longer need to spend time figuring out which department to go to or which program best meets their needs. The website is able to quickly match users with the federal and provincial/territorial programs and services to help them innovate, create jobs and grow Canada's economy. Innovation Canada will help create economic growth strategies in six high-growth sectors. The Government is also working with provinces to find co-delivery options for a variety of business support programs and services."
3/31/2018,29,,Exports and Investment,Increase tourism and strengthen the Canadian brand abroad.,Minister of Small Business and Tourism,Underway - on track,"30% overall increase in tourism by 2021, increased tourism from the United States (U.S.) and China, and improved international ranking of Canada as a top tourist destination.","The Government has launched Canada’s New Tourism Vision to increase the number of international tourists to Canada by 30% by 2021. This goal includes doubling the number of Chinese visitors by the same year and positioning Canada as a top 10 destination ranking by 2025. The Government also launched the Millennial Travel Program to encourage youth travel during Canada 150. Spending by international visitors to Canada reached $21.3 billion in 2017, representing an increase of 6.4% over 2016. Canada set a new record high number of tourist arrivals in 2017 of 20.8 million. The New York Times, Lonely Planet and Condé Nast have all recognized Canada as a top international destination to visit in 2017. The Canada-China Year of Tourism in 2018 will be an opportunity to increase visitation from China, which is being supported by the opening of new Visa Application Centres in China."
3/31/2018,30,,Government Services and Operations,Reduce the administrative burden on small business.,Minister of Small Business and Tourism,Underway - on track,"Reduced administrative burden and simpler, clearer, and faster online services to help small businesses.","The new Innovation Canada platform launched in January 2018 is a one-stop-shop for Canada’s innovators and entrepreneurs so they no longer need to spend time figuring out which department to go to or which program best meets their needs. The website is able to quickly match users with the federal and provincial/territorial programs and services to help them innovate, create jobs and grow Canada's economy.
Federally, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada continues to drive the use of the Business Number (BN) by all departments as the standard identifier for business clients. More than half of the Department’s own services already use the Business Number. The BN is a key component of digital identity for business, and its adoption across the Government of Canada will enable more seamless service delivery. The Government has partnered with a number of provinces to pilot integrated tools, such as a business registries search and data exchanges between registries, so that registering and finding a business is easier."
3/31/2018,31,,Healthy Canadians,Respond to the Supreme Court of Canada decision regarding physician-assisted death.,Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Completed - fully met,Adult Canadians suffering from grievous and irremediable medical conditions and whose death is reasonably foreseeable are able to easily and effectively access medical assistance in dying if they so choose.,"On June 17, 2016, medical assistance in dying (MAID) became a reality in Canada following Royal Assent of the federal legal framework, which protects vulnerable persons while providing options to eligible Canadians to make an informed decision about the end of life. In December 2016, as required by the new law, the Government initiated independent study reports to consider in more detail three particularly complex types of requests for MAID. These include: requests by mature minors, advance requests, and requests where mental illness is the sole underlying medical condition. Independent expert panels, organized by the Council of Canadian Academies, are conducting these reviews. They will report on their results by the end of 2018. As of April 2017, Health Canada has begun to provide initial public reporting on the use of MAID across Canada."
3/31/2018,32,,Fair and Open Government,"Review the government litigation strategy and end appeals or positions that are not consistent with our commitments, the Charter or our values.",Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,"Legal positions taken by the Government are consistent with Government commitments, the Charter and our values.","To date, several early decisions have been made to end appeals and withdraw positions not consistent with Government commitments, the Charter, or Canadian values. For instance, the Government ended the appeal of the Federal Court's ruling that the 2012 cuts to the Interim Federal Health Program—reducing health coverage to refugees—were unconstitutional. The Government dropped the appeal of this decision and in April 2016 restored refugee health care coverage to pre-2012 levels. In August 2016, the Government of Canada created a new Cabinet Committee on Litigation Management to provide an ongoing review of the Government's litigation strategy and consideration of the policy, financial and legal implications of litigation involving the federal government. To promote increased transparency and track the results of this mandate commitment, we have begun publishing a Litigation Year in Review report."
3/31/2018,35,,Fair and Open Government,"Ensure that the appointment of Supreme Court Justices is transparent, inclusive and accountable to Canadians.",Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Completed - fully met,"Greater transparency, accountability and diversity in the appointment of Supreme Court Justices.","In August 2016, the Government of Canada announced a new, open and transparent process for filling vacancies on the Supreme Court of Canada. This new process includes: an open application process; the establishment of an Independent Advisory Board to assess all applications and prepare a shortlist; requiring functional bilingualism as an essential qualification for all shortlisted candidates; and ensuring there are consultations regarding the shortlist with key stakeholders, including members of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice. Justice Malcolm Rowe was the first Supreme Court Justice appointed under this new process in October 2016. The Government announced in July 2017, that this new process will again be applied to fill an upcoming vacancy on the Supreme Court."
3/31/2018,36,,Safety and Security,"Toughen criminal laws in cases of domestic assault, with the goal of keeping survivors and children safe.",Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,Greater protections for complainants and survivors of sexual assault and domestic assault.,"On March 29, 2018, the Government tabled legislation to improve efficiencies in the criminal justice system and reduce court delays. This legislation includes reforms to strengthen responses to intimate partner violence (IPV). These reforms would:
o impose a reverse onus at bail for accused charged with an IPV offence if they have a prior conviction for violence against an intimate partner;
o require courts to consider whether an accused is charged with an IPV offence when determining whether to release on bail or detain the accused;
o clarify that strangulation, choking and suffocation is an elevated form of assault;
o define “intimate partner” for all Criminal Code purposes and clarify that it includes current or former spouse, common-law partner and dating partner;
o clarify that the current sentencing provisions, which treat abuse against a spouse or common law partner as an aggravating factor, apply to both current and former spouses/common law partners and dating partners; and,
o allow for the possibility of seeking a higher maximum penalty in cases involving a repeat IPV offender.
In June 2017, the Government introduced legislation to clarify and strengthen the sexual assault provisions in the Criminal Code. The legislation would clarify that an unconscious person, or otherwise incapacitated, is incapable of consenting; clarify the defence of mistaken belief to indicate that it cannot be relied upon if there is no evidence upon which the belief was founded; clarify rape shield provisions to explicitly include communications of a sexual nature or communications for a sexual purpose, so these types of communications cannot be used to suggest that the complainant was more likely to have consented or is less worth of belief; provide that a complainant has right to legal representation in rape shield proceedings; and create a regime to determine whether an accused can introduce a complainant's private records at trial that are in their possession. "
3/31/2018,37,,Jobs and Innovation,"Ensure tax measures are efficient and encourage innovation, trade and the growth of Canadian businesses.","Minister of Finance;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,"Tax measures encourage innovation, trade, and the growth of Canadian businesses.","The Government initiated a whole-of-government review of business innovation programs to ensure that they are simple and effective and best meet the needs of Canada’s innovators. The Government is also proposing to reduce the small business tax rate from 10.5% to 10% as of January 1, 2018 and to 9% as of January 1, 2019."
3/31/2018,38,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Add gender identity as a prohibited ground for discrimination under the Canadian Human Rights Act and add it to the list of characteristics of identifiable groups protected by the hate speech provisions of the Criminal Code.,Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Completed - fully met,Discrimination on the basis of gender identity and gender expression is now illegal.,"In June 2017, amendments to the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code received Royal Assent, ensuring the full protection of transgender people across Canada. These amendments formally add gender identity and gender expression to the Canadian Human Rights Act as prohibited grounds of discrimination, as well as amend the Criminal Code to deal with hate crimes related to gender identity and gender expression."
3/31/2018,39,,Environment and Climate Change,Ratify the Paris agreement and develop a Pan-Canadian framework for combating climate change.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Completed - fully met,Canada ratified the Paris Agreement and created the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change.,"The Government of Canada ratified the Paris Agreement on October 5, 2016, following a vote in Parliament. The Paris Agreement entered into force on November 4, 2016 and Canada continues to work with all countries on its implementation. In December 2016, First Ministers adopted the Pan-Canadian Framework (PCF) on Clean Growth and Climate Change, which is Canada’s comprehensive plan to reduce emissions across all sectors of the economy, accelerate clean economic growth and build resilience to the impacts of climate change. The PCF was developed with provinces and territories, in collaboration with Indigenous peoples, and was informed by input from Canadians across the country. The first annual synthesis report on the status of implementation was published in December 2017. To support and complement its commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Canada ratified the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on November 3, 2017, which will phase down hydrofluorocarbons (powerful greenhouse gases), and was instrumental in achieving the required number of ratifications at the Montreal Protocol meeting in Montreal in November which will allow the Kigali Amendment to come into force in January 2019. On November 16, 2017, Canada launched the Powering Past Coal Alliance with the United Kingdom to accelerate the global phase-out of traditionally coal-fired electricity."
3/31/2018,41,,Environment and Climate Change,Improve protection and stewardship of our freshwater resources.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,"The protection of freshwater resources is improved, and water and wastewater infrastructure is in better repair.","Through research, assessment and regulation, the Government of Canada is working to ensure sustainable water management. The Government has taken action to protect the Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg Basin and the St. Lawrence River by improving water quality, increasing conservation activities, addressing threats posed by invasive species, and improving collaboration with Indigenous peoples. As announced in Budget 2017, the Government is investing $44.84 million to protect Great Lakes water quality, and $25.7 million for the Lake Winnipeg Basin Program. The Government is collaborating with the United States to protect shared waters through the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, and has also established a Clean Water and Wastewater Fund to help provinces, territories and municipalities make immediate repairs to water and wastewater infrastructure. Work is also underway to enhance the Environmental Assessment process as it relates to freshwater areas."
3/31/2018,42,,Environment and Climate Change,Enhance protection of Canada's endangered species.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,Species at risk are protected.,"The Government of Canada has developed a three-year plan to address the backlog of 149 terrestrial species eligible for listing under the Species at Risk Act. Since February 2017, final listing decisions were made for 76 of these species and proposed listing decisions were published for another 13 species. The Government of Canada has posted three-year plans (2014-15 to 2016-17) to address the backlog of overdue recovery documents for terrestrial species on the Species at Risk Public Registry. As of March 2018, 176 of the 192 overdue proposed recovery documents were completed and posted on the Species at Risk Public Registry. Parks Canada has completed and posted 21 multi-species action plans, addressing 174 species at risk occurring across 42 Parks Canada places in total, on the Species at Risk Public Registry. These measures will help make sure species at risk receive the protection they need.
As announced in Budget 2018, to support Canada's biodiversity and protect species at risk, the Government proposes to make historic investments totalling $1.3 billion over five years, one of the most significant investments in nature conservation in Canadian history.
This investment will contribute $500 million from the federal government to create a new $1 billion Nature Fund in partnership with corporate, not?for-profit, provincial, territorial and other partners. In collaboration with partners, the Nature Fund will make it possible to secure private land, support provincial and territorial species protection efforts, and help build Indigenous capacity to conserve land and species, for our benefit and the benefit of future generations."
3/31/2018,43,,Environment and Climate Change,Work with provinces and territories to set stronger air quality standards.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,"New national standards are put in place to improve air quality and reduce air pollutants from key sources, with progress demonstrated in recurring State of the Air reports.","The Government of Canada is implementing a national Air Quality Management System (AQMS) with provinces and territories to improve air quality and protect the health of Canadians and the environment. As part of this system, new ambient air quality standards for sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide were published in the Canada Gazette on October 28 and December 9, 2017 respectively. A review of the existing ambient air quality standards for ozone has been initiated. A new State of the Air Report was launched at the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment in November 2017 to inform Canadians about air quality and air pollution. The Government is also establishing national standards to reduce air pollutants from industrial sources, including in the following sectors: iron and steel; aluminum; potash; pulp and paper; iron ore pellets; base-metals smelting; and stationary combustion turbines. In February 2018, Canada published two proposed regulations to limit carbon dioxide emissions: one amendment to accelerate the phase-out of coal-fired power by 2030, and the other to set emission performance standards for new natural gas-fired electricity generation and coal boilers converted to run on natural gas. This will significantly improve air quality and the health of Canadians and will reduce Canada's greenhouse gas emissions by more than five megatonnes in 2030—equivalent to taking 1.3 million cars off the road."
3/31/2018,44,,Environment and Climate Change,Review Canada's environmental assessment processes.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Natural Resources;Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Science;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs",Underway - on track,"Environmental assessment processes that are fair to all parties, rely on scientific evidence, respect the rights of Indigenous Peoples and protect the environment for generations to come.","Following an extensive review of Canada's environmental assessment processes, the government tabled new legislation in February 2018 that will build a new impact assessment and regulatory system for Canada. This new system is fair, based on science, respects the rights of Indigenous peoples, provides certainty to businesses and protects our environment and human health for generations to come. Its development was informed by Expert Panels and Parliamentary Committee reports, a federal discussion paper, parliamentary studies, and almost two years of consultations with Indigenous peoples, industry, provinces and territories, non-government organizations, academia and the public. These reforms are based on the guiding principles of predictable processes that build on what works, partnership with Indigenous peoples at every stage of the process, early and inclusive public engagement; timely, evidence-based decisions reflecting the best available science and Indigenous knowledge; and one assessment for one project, with the scale of assessment aligned with the scale of the potential impacts of the project.
The Government also announced that it will invest about $1 billion over five years to support the proposed new impact assessment system and Canadian Energy Regulator, increase federal scientific capacity, implement the changes required to protect water, fish and navigation, and increase Indigenous and public participation."
3/31/2018,45,,Environment and Climate Change,"Develop Canada's National Parks system, as well as manage and expand National Wildlife Areas and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries.",Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,Terrestrial areas and inland water are conserved through networks of protected areas.,"The Government of Canada continues to work to conserve and connect terrestrial areas. A comprehensive plan is being developed to conserve 17% of terrestrial areas and inland water through networks of protected and conserved areas by 2020. Parks Canada and Alberta Environment and Parks are leading a process to meet this target and are gathering best advice from a National Advisory Panel and an Indigenous Circle of Experts. Work on expanding the system of National Parks includes the proposed Thaidene Nëné National Park Reserve. Negotiations with the Government of the Northwest Territories, Lutsël K’e Dene First Nation and Northwest Territories Metis are close to completion. The Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia and the Syilx/Okanagan Nation announced re-engagement on a proposed national park reserve in the South Okanagan. Parks Canada has contacted the Manitoba Government to re-engage on a proposed national park in the Manitoba Lowlands. As part of the expansion of National Wildlife Areas and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries, the Government is working closely with Indigenous peoples, Provinces, Territories, and stakeholders to secure new protected areas by the end of 2020. The Government of Canada is working with the Dehcho First Nation and the Tlicho Government to establish the Edéhzhíe National Wildlife Area in the Northwest Territories, which will protect over 1.4 million hectares of habitat for boreal caribou. The proposed Scott Islands Marine National Wildlife Area will conserve 1.2 million hectares for the benefit of sea birds in the Pacific Ocean. Important Prairie Habitat in South West Saskatchewan will be conserved with the transfer of the Govenlock Community Pasture to Environment and Climate Change Canada in 2019.
As announced in Budget 2018, to support Canada’s biodiversity and protect species at risk, the Government of Canada is making historic investments totalling $1.3 billion over five years, one of the most significant investments in nature conservation in Canadian history.
This investment will contribute $500 million from the federal government to create a new $1 billion Nature Fund in partnership with corporate, not?for-profit, provincial, territorial and other partners. In collaboration with partners, the Nature Fund will make it possible to secure private land, support provincial and territorial species protection efforts, and help build Indigenous capacity to conserve land and species, for our benefit and the benefit of future generations."
3/31/2018,46,,Environment and Climate Change,Develop Parks Canada services so that more Canadians can experience our National Parks.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,More Canadians visit and experience Parks Canada administered sites and the Trans Canada Trail is completed.,"The Government has taken steps to make sites more accessible and to improve overall visitor experiences by investing approximately $3.6 billion, including an additional $364 million announced in Budget 2017 to renew infrastructure assets such as trails, heritage buildings, visitor centres, waterways and highways. The Government of Canada is improving bike and walking trails in national parks as well as highway access through Wood Buffalo National Park and Yoho National Park. The Government will also contribute $30 million over five years to enhance and maintain the Great Trail (formerly known as the Trans Canada Trail). This funding will improve trail safety, accessibility, and sustainability. Since completion in 2017, the Trail provides 24,000 km of recreational trails within 30 minutes of about 29 million Canadians. The Government is working with Indigenous peoples and stakeholders to improve interpretation and heritage programming and make sites more accessible. In February 2018 Parks Canada entered into a four-year contribution agreement with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) with the goal of enhancing and growing authentic Indigenous experiences in regions across the country. "
3/31/2018,47,,Environment and Climate Change,"Make admission to National Parks free for all in 2017 and, afterwards, free for children under 18 and new citizens.",Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Completed - fully met,Free admission to National Parks in 2017; free admission for children under 18 and new citizens in future years.,"To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation, the Government of Canada offered free admission to all national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas, as well as free passage through lock systems on all national historic canals. More than 8.5 million Discovery Passes were ordered and distributed to Canadians and people in 200 countries. Parks Canada welcomed over 27.2 million visitors in 2017, an 11% increase from 2016. Canada 150 programs offered by Parks Canada included the expanded Aboriginal Day and Canada Day celebrations, the first annual Canada Historic Places Day with more than 60 sites participating, as well as hosting numerous Canada 150 signature projects. Starting in 2018, admission for children under 18 is free for national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas. Parks Canada is also continuing to offer free admission for one year to new Canadian citizens through the Institute for Canadian Citizenship’s Cultural Access Pass Program."
3/31/2018,48,,Environment and Climate Change,Expand Learn to Camp programs.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Completed - fully met,More low to middle-income families participate in Learn to Camp and have greater opportunity to experience Canada's outdoors.,"In 2017, Parks Canada expanded the popular Learn-to Camp Program so that more low- to middle-income families could experience Canada’s outdoors. Throughout the year, Parks Canada hosted 30 overnight Learn-to Camp events as well as over 500 other Learn-to events and activities across Canada, reaching more than 70,000 Canadians."
3/31/2018,49,,Environment and Climate Change,Protect our National Parks by limiting development within them and help local eco-tourism industries.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Small Business and Tourism,Underway - on track,Development is limited within Canada's National Parks so future generations can experience their natural beauty.,"One pillar of Canada's new Vision for Tourism is to distinguish Canada as a premier tourism destination through Canada's national parks. A number of initiatives have been developed to enhance visitation of Parks Canada places. One initiative starting in 2018 is to provide free admission to youth 17 and under to all national parks, national historic sites, and national marine conservation areas operated by Parks Canada. The Government is maintaining and restoring ecological integrity within Canada's national parks while continuing to provide meaningful services and experiences to visitors. The Government has established strict development limits to ensure ecological integrity in Canada's national parks. Parks Canada has put forward a rigorous environmental assessment process which applies to development proposals to ensure compliance with park-wide ecological objectives and maintenance of ecological integrity. Parks Canada is in the process of developing strategies to help grow local eco-tourism industries and create jobs."
3/31/2018,50,,Environment and Climate Change,Work with Ontario to enhance the country's first urban National Park: Rouge National Urban Park.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Completed - fully met,"Created Canada's first urban National Park, Rouge National Urban Park.","In June 2017, legislation was passed to expand the size of the Rouge National Urban Park and guide how the park will be managed. This legislation strengthens ecological protections and will ensure that ecological integrity is the first priority in the management of Canada's first national urban park, while recognizing its important cultural heritage and providing greater certainty for the continuation of park agriculture. In October 2017, the Government of Ontario transferred 6.5 square km of land to Parks Canada for inclusion in the Park."
3/31/2018,51,,Environment and Climate Change,"Protect the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River Basin and the Lake Winnipeg Basin.","Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",On-going commitment,"Increased protection for the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River Basin and the Lake Winnipeg Basin so they can continue to be enjoyed by future generations.","Through Budget 2017, the Government is providing funding to protect Canada’s freshwater resources, including the Great Lakes and Lake Winnipeg basins. The Government is expanding efforts to address toxic and nuisance algae, as well as aquatic invasive species programming, which will further help address the threats posed by such species as Asian Carps and Sea Lamprey. As announced in Budget 2017, the Government is investing $44.84 million to protect Great Lakes water quality, and $25.7 million for the Lake Winnipeg Basin Program. In addition, the Government invested $43.8 million to protect against aquatic invasive species in Canadian waters. The Asian Carp Program received funding as part of this investment, which has allowed the Government to improve early detection capabilities and increase the number of sites being monitored for Asian carp in the Great Lakes. The Government is also increasing outreach to assist Canadians with identifying, responding and properly reporting any invasive species they catch. In June 2017, the governments of Canada and Quebec announced continued investment in the conservation and enhancement of the St. Lawrence River Basin to enhance water quality, protect biodiversity and ensure its sustainable use."
3/31/2018,52,,Environment and Climate Change,Examine the implications of climate change on Arctic marine ecosystems.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Science",Underway - on track,Greater knowledge and understanding of the changes occurring in Canada's Arctic and a better understanding of how Canada might adapt to ensure the continued welfare of Canada's Arctic communities.,"The official opening of the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) will significantly enhance Arctic research, including on the impacts of climate change. The Government of Canada is also investing in the Aquatic Climate Change Adaptation Services Program to conduct the research and monitoring necessary to identify climate change impacts and vulnerabilities, develop adaptation tools, and improve ocean forecasting in vulnerable coastal regions to inform management decisions. This Program has supported ocean chemistry monitoring, fisheries vulnerability assessments and predictive modelling activities in the Arctic. As part of the Oceans Protection Plan, the Government will be working with Indigenous and coastal communities to collect baseline environmental information at six sites across Canada, including one in the Arctic. The Government has also concluded new international agreements to strengthen Arctic scientific cooperation. The Minister of Science attended the first White House Arctic Science Ministerial event in September 2016, helping to advance several joint international research projects. The Canadian Space Agency is collaborating on a US-France mission—Surface Water & Ocean Topography—that will provide the first global survey of earth surface water, ocean surface topography, ocean currents, and measure change over time. In addition, the Government of Canada has committed to work together in collaboration with northern partners to better understand the “Last Ice Area.” This region in the high Arctic is the only region that is expected to retain summer sea ice until 2050."
3/31/2018,53,,Canada in the World,Refocus Canada's development assistance on helping the most vulnerable and supporting fragile states.,Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,Underway - on track,Global poverty is reduced by investing in gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls and by focusing on the poorest and most vulnerable.,"In June 2017, the Government launched Canada's new Feminist International Assistance Policy to eradicate poverty and build a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous world. Canada will invest in women's empowerment and gender equality as the best ways to achieve its objectives, grounded in the Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Canada is focusing its assistance on closing gaps and barriers faced by women and girls in areas such as health and nutrition including sexual and reproductive health and rights, education, humanitarian action, inclusive governance, environment and climate action, peace and security, and growth that works for everyone. These commitments are evident in the Women’s Voice and Leadership Program and Small and Medium Organizations for Impact and Innovation Initiative launched over the last year. The Feminist International Assistance Policy commits to directing no less than 50% of Canada's annual bilateral international development assistance under to sub-Saharan African countries and ensuring 95% of bilateral aid enhances gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls by 2021-22. To support the Feminist International Assistance Policy, the Government is providing up to $2 billion in new resources in Budget 2018. This is the largest increase to Canadian International Assistance since 2002. "
3/31/2018,54,,Canada in the World,"Create a new policy and funding framework to ensure that Canada's aid empowers people and supports broad-based, sustainable growth in the developing world.",Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,Completed - fully met,"A comprehensive, feminist international assistance policy is in place that will reduce global poverty by investing in gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls and by focusing on the poorest and most vulnerable.","After a year of consultations with over 15,000 people in 65 countries, Canada released its Feminist International Assistance Policy in June 2017. The Government engaged with people online and in person on how Canada's international assistance should be invested and focused. The consultation summary report was released in December 2016 and formed the basis of the new policy."
3/31/2018,55,,Canada in the World,"Support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by the United Nations in September 2015.",Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,Underway - on track,"Canada's international assistance helps countries make progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and helps to build a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous world.","Canada's Feminist International Assistance Policy is explicitly aligned with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure our investments are coordinated with the rest of the international community. Sustainable Development Goal 5—achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls—is at the heart of Canada's approach to implement the SDGs because it will help to drive progress on all other SDGs and to eradicate poverty. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is central to the Government's partnership with all civil society organizations to maximize the impact of Canada’s international assistance. The Government is co-leading groups of United Nations member states to foster innovative financing solutions to achieve the SDGs. Canada is in the preliminary stages of developing a national strategy to advance, track and report on progress toward the SDGs. Budget 2018 highlighted the Government's commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals at home and abroad."
3/31/2018,56,,Canada in the World,"Support the full range of reproductive health services and close the gap in the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Initiative.",Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,Underway - on track,"More women and girls are able to make informed reproductive health choices and assert control over their own bodies, saving the lives of women and children.","Over the course of the next three years, the Government will focus on providing comprehensive sexual education and reproductive health services (e.g. family planning, contraceptives and safe, legal abortion), and on preventing and responding to sexual and gender-based violence including child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation and cutting. This will help reduce the number of women and girls around the world who have unmet needs for modern contraception, currently estimated to be 214 million. Consistent with Canada's new Feminist International Assistance Policy, the Government also now strongly encourages partners funded by the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health programs to integrate the full range of sexual and reproductive health services into their programming. Canada also joined key global partnerships, such as Family Planning 2020, which will help enable up to 120 million more women and girls to access family planning by 2020, as well as the Ouagadougou Partnership, which will accelerate the use of these services in nine countries in West Africa. Canada will continue to promote sexual and reproductive health rights and will host the 2019 Women Deliver 5th Global Conference in Vancouver on June 3-6, 2019. "
3/31/2018,57,,Canada in the World,"Support innovative, evidence-based approaches to development assistance.",Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,Underway - on track,More effective international assistance and more rigorous use of evidence-based practice and innovative solutions within decision-making processes.,"Guided by the June 2017 Feminist International Assistance Policy, Canada will provide more integrated and responsive assistance, support innovation and research, provide better reporting on results, develop more effective partnerships, and concentrate on those regions of the world where Canada can make the greatest difference in reducing poverty and inequality, particularly for women and girls. Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and its recipient partners will measure and report progress and results, conduct gender-based and human rights-based analyses of programs, and implement new programming to support innovative partnerships. In 2017, the Government collaborated with the Canadian Council for International Co-operation, the Canadian Association for the Study of International Development and the International Development Research Centre to enhance innovative multi-stakeholder approaches to global development research. This initiative included the launch of an online searchable tool of more than 500 Canadian international development researchers from universities, colleges, institutes, think-tanks, and civil society organizations. The Government also launched the International Policy Ideas Challenge, in which early career and graduate researchers in Canada were selected to conduct and present innovative research on a foreign policy, international trade and international development issues. In the context of the preliminary proposal for the Small and Medium Organizations for Impact and Innovation initiative, which aims to attract new and diverse partners to GAC and encourage innovation in international development, the eligibility check was completed and GAC is advancing the initial merit assessment. To increase the transparency of Canada's international assistance, the Government expects to start publicly reporting the planned level of the International Assistance Envelope every year starting in 2018. To support innovation in Canada’s international assistance, the Government will provide up to $1.5 billion over five years and $492.7 million per year ongoing to the International Assistance Innovation Program and the Sovereign Loans Program."
3/31/2018,58,,Canada in the World,Provide assistance to countries that are vulnerable to the destabilizing effects of climate change.,Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,Underway - on track,Countries receiving Canadian international assistance are better equipped to deal with the destabilizing effects of climate change.,"Canada is providing $2.65 billion over five years to help developing countries deal with the destabilizing effects of climate change and support them in adopting adaptation and mitigation strategies to build resilient communities. To date, the Government has announced more than $900 million in funding contributions. This includes $200 million to the Asian Development Bank to catalyze private investments for climate action in Asia and the Pacific, $150 million in support of renewable energy in Africa, $40 million for the African Risk Capacity agency to help developing countries protect themselves against the economic consequences of natural catastrophes (such as droughts caused by climate change), and $39 million to help build the resilience of farming households in Senegal, with a particular emphasis on women and young people. In February 2018, Canada announced that it would provide $20 million for clean energy and cook stoves in Haiti, supporting women's health and economic opportunities. Canada also recently pledged $100 million to support reconstruction and climate resilience initiatives across the Caribbean over the next five years, part of which will contribute to Canada's overall climate finance commitments. Canada is providing $16.2M to support a $36M Climate Resilience and Green Infrastructure project that puts specific emphasis on the role of women in managing water resources in Peru, one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. Canada's new Development Finance Institute, capitalized with $300 million over five years, will mobilize its resources to promote green economic growth, which in turn will provide access to clean technology and climate-resilient infrastructure to those people most affected by climate change."
3/31/2018,59,,Canada in the World,Ensure Canada's strong and sustained engagement in the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie.,Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,On-going commitment,Promotion of Canadian values of diversity and inclusion through La Francophonie and promotion of French Canadian culture globally.,"Canada has maintained strong and sustained commitment to the International Organisation of La Francophonie and continues to use it as an important platform to engage the international community on priority areas. On gender equality, Canada has continued to play an active role in the development of La Francophonie's gender equality strategy, which will be adopted at the upcoming Francophonie Summit in Armenia in October 2018. Canada has also played an active role in the promotion of women and youth empowerment and in the development of La Francophonie’s Action Plan on Women's Economic Empowerment, adopted on March 12, 2018.
On the organisation’s governance, the Government has continued to advocate in support of enhanced governance and transparency measures to further strengthen the organisation's administrative and financial governance practices, with examples of best practices regarding governance, transparency, and the communication of results being shared."
3/31/2018,60,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Resettle 25,000 refugees from Syria.","Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship;Minister of International Development and La Francophonie",Completed - modified,"The Government welcomed 26,172 Syrian refugees (government-assisted and privately sponsored) between November 4, 2015, and February 29, 2016.","As of January 29, 2017, Canada had welcomed 40,081 refugees from Syria: 21,876 government-assisted refugees, 3,931 blended visa office-referred refugees, and 14,274 privately sponsored refugees. Although the Government hit and surpassed its targets, it did so two months later than the initial timeline to ensure proper security and medical examinations and resettlement preparations."
3/31/2018,61,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Double the number of entry applications for parents and grandparents of immigrants to 10,000 a year.","Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,"The Government made reuniting families a top priority and doubled the number of parents and grandparents sponsorship applications accepted to 10,000 in 2016. The new cap of 10,000 per year will apply going forward.","Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has formally increased the number of applications it will take in through its Parent and Grandparent (PGP) Program."
3/31/2018,62,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Give additional points under the Express Entry system to applicants who have Canadian siblings.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,"Changes to Canada's Express Entry program, including additional points for candidates with Canadian siblings and candidates who have strong French and/or English languages skills were implemented on June 6, 2017. This is increasing the number of eligible economic immigrants who have the support they need to more easily integrate into the labour market and contribute to the economic success of all Canadians.","Changes to Canada's Express Entry program were implemented on June 6, 2017"
3/31/2018,63,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Increase the maximum age for dependents from 19 to 22 to allow more families to stay together and bring their children to Canada.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,More family reunification.,"The Government has made reuniting families a top priority. Regulatory amendments to increase the maximum age of dependent children from 19 to 22 years of age came into force October 24, 2017."
3/31/2018,64,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Bring forward a proposal regarding permanent residency for new spouses entering Canada.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Sponsored spouses and partners no longer have to remain in abusive relationships for fear of losing their immigration status.,"To address concerns that some vulnerable sponsored spouses or partners were staying in abusive relationships out of fear of losing their permanent resident status, the Government repealed the requirement of conditional residency. This means sponsored spouses and partners are no longer required to live with their sponsor for two years in order to maintain their permanent resident status, thereby reducing vulnerability and dependence."
3/31/2018,65,,Government Services and Operations,"Improve client service delivery and immigration, refugees and citizenship application processing times.","Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,"Enhanced client service and timely processing of immigration, refugee and citizenship applications.","The Government is developing initiatives to reduce processing times in several programs and a client service strategy to enhance the client experience. In December 2016, spousal sponsorship was reformed to speed up processing and simplify the sponsorship process. In 2017, IRCC met its commitment to process 80% of spousal applications received before December 2016. For 2018, we will continue to monitor progress as against commitment. The Government also announced an intake management strategy for privately sponsored refugees and the goal of reducing wait times for new applications to 12 months. Service standards in other programs are being maintained: 80% of citizenship grant applications received since April 2015 are processed within a 12-month timeframe, and Express Entry permanent residency applications are processed within a six-month timeframe. Since June 2017, the Global Skills Strategy continues to assist companies in getting workers to Canada faster, including through two-week processing time for 80% of eligible work permit applications. The Dedicated Service Channel helps guide companies making significant, job-creating investments in Canada. Enhancements to the asylum system will be informed by upcoming findings of the independent review of the Immigration and Refugee Board."
3/31/2018,66,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Restore the Interim Federal Health Program that provides health benefits to refugees.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Improved access to necessary health care for refugees.,"In April 2016, the Government restored the Interim Federal Health Program for all eligible refugee beneficiaries. In addition, the Government eliminated the coverage expiry date to ensure refugee claimants remain covered until they are eligible for provincial/territorial health insurance. "
3/31/2018,67,,Canada in the World,Establish an expert human rights panel to help determine designated countries of origin and provide a right to appeal refugee decisions for citizens from these countries.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,"Canada upholds its commitment to welcoming those seeking refuge from conflict and war, while leveraging expertise and systems to strengthen program integrity and efficiency.","As of July 2015, claimants from Designated Countries of Origin - countries that do not normally produce refugees and do respect human rights and offer state protection - have had access to an appeal at the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. An independent review of the Immigration and Refugee Board and the asylum system is underway, and findings will inform how the Government will enhance the asylum system to achieve both efficiency and fairness for all claimants."
3/31/2018,68,,Environment and Climate Change,Work with stakeholders to better co-manage our three oceans.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",On-going commitment,"Better planning, management and protection of oceans, marine mammals, and coastal communities.","The Oceans Protection Plan (OPP) includes new research on the effects of oil spills, measures to protect marine mammals, and increased emergency response capacity where coastal communities will play a greater role. The OPP is a key part of the Government's commitment to redefine its relationship with Indigenous peoples and engage in a meaningful and productive partnership with Indigenous communities. In addition to the OPP, the Government has officially endorsed the Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Plan with the Province of British Columbia and Pacific North Coast First Nations, explored partnerships with land claims organizations in the North to advance Canada’s marine conservation agenda, and signed a statement of intent between Canada and the Nunatsiavut Government to work together on oceans management in northern Labrador.
Through the Oceans Protection Plan (OPP), Canada has been engaging Indigenous and coastal communities, stakeholders and other levels of government in OPP implementation, including improved marine safety, protection of the marine environment, restoration of Canada’s coastlines, waterways management, and new opportunities for Indigenous and coastal communities in emergency response."
3/31/2018,69,,Canada in the World,Facilitate the temporary entry of low risk travellers and lift the visa requirement for Mexico.,"Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,"Canada is a more open country that does not impose unnecessary barriers to business travellers, tourists and other visitors.","On December 1, 2016, Canada lifted the requirement for Mexican travellers to have a visa. To facilitate the temporary entry of low-risk travellers, the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) was put in place on November 10, 2016 for visa-exempt foreign nationals (other than U.S. citizens) boarding their flight to Canada. With a valid eTA, travellers can travel to Canada multiple times for short stays. On May 1, 2017, Canada expanded eTA to Brazil, Bulgaria and Romania to facilitate air travel for low-risk travellers. The visa requirement for Bulgaria and Romania was fully lifted on December 1, 2017."
3/31/2018,70,,Fair and Open Government,Repeal provisions in the Citizenship Act that give the government the right to strip citizenship from dual nationals.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Repealed provisions in the Citizenship Act that gave the Government the right to strip citizenship from dual nationals.,"In June 2017, legislation was passed that repealed the unfair elements of the Citizenship Act that applied only to Canadians with dual or multiple citizenships and allowed the government to strip them of their Canadian citizenship. This legislation also makes it easier for applicants to meet the requirements for citizenship, and helps immigrants obtain citizenship earlier and faster."
3/31/2018,72,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Make it easier for international students to stay in Canada after their studies.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Better outcomes for immigrants to Canada because those who become permanent residents and citizens have Canadian educational experience.,"It is now easier for international students to become permanent residents or Canadian citizens after completing their studies. The Government made changes to the Express Entry system that award more points to those who have studied in Canada, making it easier for international students to become permanent residents. As well, in October 2017, regulatory changes introduced by the Government came into force, providing greater flexibility for international students who want to become Canadian citizens."
3/31/2018,73,,Environment and Climate Change,Restore funding to support federal ocean science and monitoring programs.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Completed - fully met,"Restored funding to support the hiring of new scientific staff, the acquisition of new lab equipment, and added capacity for ocean science and monitoring.","The Government of Canada restored funding for federal ocean science and monitoring programs. In April 2016, $197 million was committed to fund ocean and freshwater science activities, which will help better understand aquatic ecosystems and support evidence-based management decisions. The Government is recruiting 135 new scientific staff and creating a new Partnership Fund to build capacity in the Canadian ocean and freshwater science community. The Government is also investing in high-performance lab equipment to mitigate life-cycle management concerns, procuring new state-of-the-art acoustic and remote sensing technology, and enhancing monitoring activities for various species of marine mammals, fish and invertebrates."
3/31/2018,74,,Environment and Climate Change,Use good scientific evidence when making decisions affecting fish stocks and ecosystem management.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Underway - on track,"A new, strong process that integrates scientific information in all major fish stock and ecosystem management decisions.",The Government of Canada has changed its internal processes to ensure that scientific information and advice are presented as part of decision making. The Government is currently developing a plan to implement the precautionary approach policy for all major fish stocks. The new Chief Science Advisor will provide guidance on this.
3/31/2018,75,,Environment and Climate Change,Act on recommendations of the Cohen Commission on restoring sockeye salmon stocks in the Fraser River.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Underway - on track,"A new Wild Salmon Policy implementation plan to restore and maintain salmon stock which highlights measures for sustainable aquaculture, is co-developed and implemented in collaboration with experts, regional stakeholders and Indigenous peoples.","In August 2016, the Government released its formal response to the final report of the Cohen Commission. In October 2016, the Government launched public consultations and met with Indigenous peoples on the development of an implementation plan for the conservation of wild salmon. In September 2017, the Government provided a status update showing that 64 out of the 75 recommendations from the Cohen Commission have been acted on. The Government continues to engage with scientific experts and stakeholders to further act upon many of the Commission's 75 recommendations.
Extensive engagement with Indigenous peoples, stakeholders and the general public has informed a draft five-year Wild Salmon Policy (WSP) implementation plan. More than 32 consultation sessions occurred across British Columbia and the Yukon in fall 2017. Feedback from these sessions, as well as hundreds of electronic submissions, are now being incorporated. A final WSP implementation plan is expected in 2018."
3/31/2018,76,,Safety and Security,"Re-open the Maritime Rescue Sub-centre in St. John's, Newfoundland, and the Kitsilano Coast Guard Base in Vancouver.","Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Underway - on track,Kitsilano Coast Guard Base and St. John's Maritime Rescue Sub-centre are re-opened to restore search and rescue services and save lives.,"In May 2016, the Kitsilano Coast Guard Base in Vancouver was re-opened to provide 24/7 search and rescue services. The base accepted delivery of a new Search and Rescue Vessel, Response Boat Medium in December 2017. The Maritime Rescue Sub-centre in St. John's will be re-opened, in Summer 2018, to provide the same search and rescue capacity."
3/31/2018,77,,Healthy Canadians,Sign new Health Accord with the provinces and territories.,Minister of Health,Completed - fully met,"A new, multi-year agreement to strengthen health care has been reached between the Government of Canada and provinces and territories.","The Government of Canada has reached agreements with all provinces and territories on collective priorities and 10-year funding to strengthen health care. In August 2017, federal, provincial and territorial governments reached agreement on a Common Statement of Principles on Shared Health Priorities, which outlines key priorities for federal investments to improve access to mental health and addictions services, as well as home and community care and a joint commitment to advance health innovation and prescription drugs. Budget 2017 confirmed a targeted investment of $11 billion over 10 years to support these priorities. Governments also committed to develop and report on a set of common metrics to ensure that these investments bring Canadians improved health outcomes.
The federal government is now in the process of developing bilateral agreements with each province and territory that will set out details of how each jurisdiction will use federal funding in future years, based on the priority areas of action outlined in the Common Statement. The Canadian Institute for Health Information is leading a process with federal, provincial and territorial officials to develop a focused set of common indicators in home care and mental health to enable Canadians to assess progress on shared priorities."
3/31/2018,78,,Healthy Canadians,Increase rates of vaccination.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"By 2025, 95% of children under the age of two have received all recommended vaccinations.","The Government of Canada, with provincial and territorial partners, has updated the national vaccination coverage goals and vaccine preventable disease reduction targets; which have been endorsed by all jurisdictions. The Government also enhanced its Childhood National Immunization Coverage Survey to better estimate vaccination coverage and measure vaccine hesitancy. The new Survey was launched in fall 2017 and initial reporting is expected in 2019."
3/31/2018,79,,Healthy Canadians,Introduce plain packaging requirements for tobacco products.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,New plain packaging requirements for tobacco products will contribute to continued decrease in use.,"In November 2016, the Government of Canada introduced the proposed Tobacco and Vaping Products Act, which includes measures to support plain packaging. Once passed, the legislation will allow Health Canada to develop regulations that implement a comprehensive approach to plain and standardized packaging."
3/31/2018,80,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Promote the celebration of Canada 150.,Minister of Canadian Heritage;Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Completed - fully met,"Canadians came together to celebrate the best of Canada and to experience Canada’s rich cultural, linguistic, and geographical diversity.","Canada 150 celebrations came to a close. The Canada 150 Fund supported over six hundred community projects and thirty eight pan-Canadian Signature projects through non-governmental organizations. Canada 150 enabled the promotion of active living, sport and athleticism to students and communities across Canada, and it highlighted diversity and inclusion, reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, the environment, and youth. More than 31 million people participated in Canada 150 events. Programming included an investment of more than $1 million into the 2017 Canada Summer Games and an accompanying cultural festival. The closing of Canada 150 in December 2017 included Skating Day, one of a suite of community events supported by micro-grants that brought Canadians together, emphasized the connection all Canadians share as a northern people, and underscored Canada 150’s four major themes."
3/31/2018,81,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Restore and increase funding for CBC/Radio-Canada.,Minister of Canadian Heritage,Completed - fully met,"Increased funding for CBC/Radio-Canada, leading to the creation of new, high-quality content across all platforms.","In Budget 2016, the Government increased CBC/Radio-Canada funding by $675 million over five years. In 2017/18, this funding was directed toward CBC/Radio-Canada’s key programming and initiatives; the creation of new, high-quality content, including local content, across all platforms; digital transformation, and continued development of both its existing services and the next generation of digital talent."
3/31/2018,82,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that the appointment process to the CBC/Radio-Canada Board of Directors is merit-based and independent.,Minister of Canadian Heritage,Completed - fully met,A new independent and merit-based appointment process has been established for selecting the CBC/Radio-Canada Board of Directors.,"The Government has appointed an independent and non-partisan Advisory Committee that will provide the Minister of Canadian Heritage with recommendations of qualified candidates for appointments to CBC/Radio-Canada. Published, merit-based criteria will guide the Advisory Committee as they identify Canadians who would make significant contributions to the work of the Board of Directors of CBC/Radio-Canada. On December 18, 2017, the Minister of Canadian Heritage announced the appointment of five directors to the CBC/RC Board of Directors. On April 3, 2018, the Minister of Canadian Heritage announced the appointment of the new Chair, President and CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada, and three additional members of the Board. "
3/31/2018,83,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Double investment in the Canada Council for the Arts.,Minister of Canadian Heritage,Completed - fully met,The Government invested $550 million in the Canada Council for the Arts to foster the development of the arts in Canada.,"New investments are being made in the form of grants, services and awards to professional Canadian artists and arts organizations, as well as through scholarly awards. The Government of Canada's annual investment in the Council is doubling over the next five years, growing local economies and creating good middle-class jobs."
3/31/2018,84,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Increase funding for Telefilm Canada and the National Film Board.,Minister of Canadian Heritage,Completed - fully met,"Increased funding for Canada's film industry, creating growth and jobs in the creative industries.","The Government invested $22 million in Telefilm Canada to fund and promote programs dedicated to the cultural, commercial and industrial success of Canada’s audiovisual industry and provided the National Film Board of Canada with $13.5 million to create social issue documentaries, animation, and digital content."
3/31/2018,85,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Restore PromArt and Trade Routes international cultural promotion programs.,Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of Canadian Heritage;Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"Greater awareness of Canadian excellence in arts and culture, greater international demand for Canadian creators and more jobs in the creative industries.","In fall 2017 the Government announced an investment of $125 million over five years towards the implementation of a new Creative Export Strategy. This initiative will help Canada's creative industries seize business opportunities abroad and increase Canada’s interactions with the world through culture, supporting cultural diplomacy efforts. Building on the $35 million committed in Budget 2016, the Strategy provides improved measures and redesigned cultural programs. Based on former PromArt and Trade Routes, it will help artists and creative industries kick start or promote their creative offerings abroad. This will include more support from Canadian missions abroad to coordinate events showcasing Canadian artists on the world stage, as well as direct on-the-ground support from Canadian Trade Commissioners in key markets including London, Paris, Los Angeles, New York and China. With this support, Canadian creative industries will be able to better navigate export markets, meet key foreign contacts, and conclude business deals abroad. The Government also expanded access to cultural trade data through Statistics Canada to provide more accurate and up-to-date information to help guide and focus Canadian creative exporters abroad."
3/31/2018,86,,Strong Middle Class,"Increase funding to ""Young Canada Works"" to help prepare the next generation working in the heritage sector.",Minister of Canadian Heritage,Completed - fully met,More jobs for young Canadians in the heritage sector.,"The Government has increased jobs for young Canadians in the heritage sector. Investments in the Youth Employment Strategy helped to create over 1,600 new employment opportunities in the heritage sector in 2016-17. In addition, increased funding for the Young Canada Works initiative created 150 new internships for recent graduates in 2016-17. Budget 2017 confirmed an additional investment of $14.05 million over three years in funding in Young Canada Works Heritage programming. These new funds will enable the creation of over 1,500 more summer jobs and graduate internships for Canadian youth in Canadian museums and related heritage organizations."
3/31/2018,87,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Develop a multi-year Official Languages plan to support English and French linguistic minorities.,Minister of Canadian Heritage,Completed - fully met,A new Official Languages plan will be implemented to support English and French linguistic minorities across Canada.,"The Minister of Canadian Heritage held extensive, nation-wide consultations in 2016 in support of a new multi-year Official Languages Plan. More than 350 community organizations participated in 22 roundtables across the country and 6,600 Canadians responded to an online questionnaire. On March 28th, the Prime Minister and the Minister of Canadian Heritage unveiled the Action Plan for Official Languages 2018-2023: Investing in our Future. The plan offers a vision for the future, new funding of almost $500M, and specific measures to support the vitality of official-language minority communities and promote French and English across the country. The plan took effect on April 1, 2018 and will be implemented over the next five years."
3/31/2018,88,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Establish a free, online service for learning and retaining English and French as second languages.",Minister of Canadian Heritage,Underway - with challenges,Free online services that help Canadians learn and retain English and French as second languages.,Canadian Heritage has conducted consultations with industry to identify possible approaches for providing an e-learning tool for Canadians. Progress has required specific attention to technological challenges and the need for a mobile component. Project design and technological requirements have yet to be determined. Budget 2018 confirmed that funding for the online service is included in the Action Plan for Official Languages 2018-2023. A formal request for proposal process is being prepared for the fall of 2018.
3/31/2018,89,,Fair and Open Government,Restore a modern Court Challenges Program.,Minister of Canadian Heritage;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,Increased protection for human rights and official language rights through a modernized Court Challenges Program.,"The Government has reinstated a modernized Court Challenges Program to provide financial support to Canadians to access the courts for the litigation of test cases of national significance, to help clarify and assert certain constitutional and quasi-constitutional official language rights and human rights in Canada. In February 2017, the Government launched a process to select an independent body to implement and manage the modernized program. Interested parties had until March 6, 2017 to submit an application. On September 1, 2017, the Government announced that the University of Ottawa had been selected to manage the modernized program. It also announced the members of the Selection Committee who will assess potential candidates for the program's Official Languages Expert Panel and its Human Rights Expert Panel. Canadian Heritage has issued a call for applicants and is working to establish the panels."
3/31/2018,90,,Strong Middle Class,Balance the budget in 2019/20.,Minister of Finance,Underway - with challenges,Balance the budget over the long-term and continue to reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio.,"Budget 2018 shows that the fiscal framework does not forecast a balanced budget in 2019/20. Before the Government delivered the 2016 Budget, the baseline fiscal track weakened as a result of low oil prices and slow global economic growth. Important fiscal investments were made to kick-start the economy, support the middle class and address the long-term challenges that were limiting Canada's potential. Canada continues to have the strongest economic growth in the G7 and increased consumer and business confidence. As a result, the current fiscal track shows steady improvements in the Government's budgetary position along with a continued decline in the federal debt-to-GDP ratio. In fact, the Budget 2018 fiscal track continues to show steady improvements in the Government’s annual budgetary balance, which is nearly $7 billion lower annually, on average, than projected in Budget 2017. The budgetary deficit is on track to fall to 0.5% of GDP by 2022-23. The Government will maintain this downward deficit and debt ratio track—preserving Canada's low-debt advantage for current and future generations."
3/31/2018,91,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Lead preparations for the 2016 Rio Olympics and Paralympics.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Completed - fully met,Canadian athletes and national sport organizations were well prepared for and supported at a successful showing at the 2016 Rio Olympics and Paralympics.,"Canadian athletes excelled during the 2016 Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games. Nearly 15% more Canadian athletes were able to attend the Games compared to 2012. Canadian athletes placed 10th in total Olympic medals, up from 14th in 2012 and Paralympians also had a very strong showing, bringing home 29 medals."
3/31/2018,92,,Healthy Canadians,Create greater links between our elite athletes and young Canadians to promote health and achievement among youth.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Underway - on track,Increased number of events organized to connect young Canadians and Canada's elite athletes.,"Last year, the Government organized a number of events both online and in person at schools across the country, to connect young Canadians with Canada's elite athletes. Approximately 250 Olympic and Paralympic athletes and coaches from the 2016 Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games participated in these events, reaching tens of thousands of students across Canada. The Government will continue to create these and other opportunities for young Canadians to learn from and be inspired by Canada's elite athletes."
3/31/2018,93,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Raise the quality of the Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) applied to Cabinet proposals.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) is effectively integrated into policy-making across government.,"Since 2016, proposals to Cabinet now require a full GBA+ analysis, which includes an analysis of the proposal's impact on diverse groups of people. Budget submissions also require a full GBA+ analysis. The Government will continue to improve the quality of the analysis through new training tools and videos. In addition, to ensure that gender remains a key consideration for future governments, Budget 2018 announced that the Government will introduce new GBA+ legislation to make gender budgeting a permanent part of the federal budget-making process."
3/31/2018,94,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that the Government's senior appointments are merit-based and demonstrate gender parity.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,Greater representation of Canada's gender diversity in senior appointments.,"In 2016, the Government put in place a new open, transparent and merit-based approach to selecting candidates for some 1500 federal Governor in Council (GIC) appointments. This will help over time to close gaps in the representation of women in GIC positions. Since late 2015, the representation of women serving as GIC appointees has increased by 10 percentage points and is now at 44 per cent. Budget 2018 also proposed a new investment of $210 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, for the Canada Research Chairs Program to better support early-career researchers and increase diversity, including increasing the number of women who are nominated for Canada Research Chairs. "
3/31/2018,95,,Government Services and Operations,Help injured Veterans by re-establishing lifelong pensions and insuring that they all have access to financial advice and support.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,"Injured Veterans have the option of taking a monthly, tax free payment for life and are provided financial advice and support to assist them in determining the form of compensation that works best for them and their families.","The recently introduced Pension for Life initiative is a combination of benefits that provide recognition, income support and better overall stability to Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and Veterans who are living with a disability due to a service-related injury and/or illness.
Pension for Life will provide a holistic package that reintroduces lifelong monthly pain and suffering payments, implement a new recognition benefit, and consolidate six existing income-related financial benefits.
The resulting Pension for Life benefits package includes: The Pain and Suffering Compensation, Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation, and the Income Replacement Benefit.
1) The Income Replacement Benefit (IRB) is a monthly benefit designed to provide income support to Veterans who are experiencing barriers to re-establishment due to a health problem resulting primarily from service. The benefit is available to Veterans and survivors, for life, and orphans, should they need it. For Veterans who have not yet served a full career in the military, the IRB will be increased by 1% every year until the Veteran reaches what would have been 20 years of service or age 60. The IRB combines six pre-existing benefits (i.e. Earnings Loss, Benefit, Extended Earnings Loss Benefit, Career Impact Allowance, Career Impact Allowance Supplement, Supplementary Retirement Benefit and Retirement Income Security Benefit) into one, simpler benefit. Veterans who wish to join the workforce may also earn up to $20,000 from employment before any reduction will be made to their IRB payment.
2) For injured Veterans, the Pain and Suffering Compensation (PSC) recognizes pain and suffering caused by a disability resulting from a service-related injury and/or illness. The PSC replaces the lump sum Disability Award announced in 2006. It delivers a maximum of $1,150 per month for the life of the serving member or Veteran, or it can be cashed out for a lump sum payment that will be equal to the lump sum offered less any monthly payments already paid. The maximum lump sum cash out for the PSC will be equivalent to maximum lump sum payment available under the Disability Award, which is being replaced by PSC. The amount provided by the PSC will be adjusted annually by the percent increase in the Consumer Price Index.
3) Some injured Veterans will also benefit from Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation (APSC). This benefit provides additional support to Veterans who are experiencing barriers to re-establishment in post-service life due to a severe and permanent impairment. Depending on the extent of the Veteran’s impairment, the monthly payment would be $500, $1,000 or $1,500 adjusted annually by the percent increase in the Consumer Price Index. This benefit is not intended to replace lost earnings and so is tax-free."
3/31/2018,96,,Government Services and Operations,Expand access to the Permanent Impairment Allowance to better support Veterans.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,More Veterans qualify for higher benefit amounts if they have had their career options limited by service-related illness or injury.,As of April 2017 the Government of Canada has replaced the outdated Permanent Impairment Allowance with the new Career Impact Allowance. This new measure provides broader eligibility to more generous benefit amounts for the most seriously ill and injured Veterans whose careers are impacted by service-related illness or injury. The benefit amount that a Veteran receives will depend on the unique circumstances of each case.
3/31/2018,97,,Government Services and Operations,"Provide injured veterans with 90% of their pre-release salary, and index this benefit to inflation.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"Veterans now receive 90 per cent of their pre-release salary under the Earnings Loss Benefit (ELB), and benefits are indexed to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).","Canada's women and men in uniform put their lives at risk to protect the values that Canadians cherish most. In Budget 2016, the Government of Canada made significant investments to give more money to Veterans with disabilities primarily resulting from military service. In particular, in October 2016 ELB eligibility was increased from 75% to 90% of a Veteran's monthly pre-release military salary. This benefit provides financial support to injured Veterans while they are undergoing rehabilitation as a result of a service-related disability or up to age 65 if they are determined to have a diminished earning capacity. In addition, the previous cap of two per cent growth was removed, so this benefit will now increase with CPI over time. As of June 30, 2017, a total of 12,461 Veterans have received an increase or are newly in receipt of benefits since changes to the ELB were made. Effective, April 1, 2019, the Earnings Loss Benefit will be consolidated as part of the new Income Replacement Benefit announced under Pension for Life. All eligible Veterans will continue to receive 90% of their pre-release salary, indexed to CPI during rehabilitation and for life if they are found to have a diminished earning capacity."
3/31/2018,98,,Government Services and Operations,Create a Veterans Education Benefit that supports the education costs of Canadian Forces Veterans after completion of service.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,More Veterans receive education and training upon release and get better jobs in civilian employment.,"As of April 1, 2018, the Government of Canada has implemented the new Education and Training Benefit which will provide Veterans who have a total of at least six years of service in the Regular or Reserve Force and who were honourably released on or after April 1, 2006 with up to $40,000 for college, university or technical education. Veterans with at least 12 years of service will receive up to $80,000. This will help Veterans cover the cost of getting a new degree or certificate, which is often critical in making a successful transition to a good job in civilian life. "
3/31/2018,99,,Government Services and Operations,Improve career and vocational assistance for Veterans.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,Improve career and vocational assistance for Veterans and ensure jobs for Veterans are included in federally-funded infrastructure projects.,"Through Budget 2017, the Government of Canada will provide $180 billion in infrastructure funding over 12 years to deliver clean, sustained economic growth; build stronger, more inclusive communities; and create more and better, middle class jobs. The Government is working with provinces and territories as part of infrastructure negotiations to ensure Community Benefits Agreements integrate jobs for Veterans into infrastructure projects. Enhanced Career Transition services available since April 1, 2018 also ensure that Veterans have the knowledge, skills and abilities required to search for employment in the civilian work force so that they are more likely to gain employment and feel satisfaction in their employment."
3/31/2018,100,,Government Services and Operations,"Deliver a higher standard of service and care, and ensure that a ""one veteran, one standard"" approach is upheld.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,"Veterans and their families have seamless support as they transition out of the military, with simplified application processes, improved client services and reduced wait times to receive benefits.","The Government of Canada has increased staffing and is lowering case-management ratios from 40:1 to 25:1 in order to provide more in-depth, one-on-one service. The Government is actively working with Ministerial Advisory Committees to improve service standards for veterans and their families, and recently completed a service delivery review to assess how to achieve service excellence. Budget 2018 announced $42.8 million over two years starting in 2018-19, to increase service delivery capacity at Veterans Affairs Canada."
3/31/2018,101,,Government Services and Operations,Re-open the nine Veterans Affairs service offices recently closed.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"To improve services for Veterans, all Veterans Affairs Canada offices closed by the previous government have been re-opened and resources have been added in new areas not previously served.","All nine offices previously closed have been reopened and a new tenth office has been opened to serve the needs of veterans in Surrey, BC, and the Lower Mainland. In addition, the Government of Canada has expanded outreach to the territories and other northern communities to provide an enhanced level of service and outreach to Veterans and their families. As of April 2017, the Government has hired more than 460 new employees, including 180 new case managers, to improve services for veterans."
3/31/2018,102,,Government Services and Operations,"Create two centres of excellence in Veterans' care, including one specialized in mental health and post-traumatic stress disorder.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,Veterans and their caregivers and providers have better access to better knowledge and expertise to address the unique care needs of someone who previously served.,"Budget 2017 invested in the creation of the first centre of excellence that will focus on the creation and dissemination of knowledge on prevention, assessment and treatment of PTSD and related mental health conditions for Veterans and Canadian Armed Forces members. Plans for the second centre of excellence are at an early stage of development and consultation."
3/31/2018,103,,Government Services and Operations,Support families who are providing care and support to Veterans living with physical and/or mental health issues.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,Increased support for families who are providing care and support to Veterans living with physical and/or mental health issues.,"As of April 1, 2018, military members who leave the service for medical reasons, as well as their families, will have access to a full range of support services at all of Canada's 32 Military Family Resource Centres as well as through services delivered over the phone and online. Further support will be offered to families by the new Caregiver Recognition Benefit which will provide a more generous non-taxable monthly benefit payable directly to caregivers of Veterans to better recognize and honour the vital role they play."
3/31/2018,104,,Government Services and Operations,End the time limit for surviving spouses applying for vocational rehabilitation and assistance services.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,Surviving spouses are able to receive vocational rehabilitation and assistance services whenever they need them.,"As of April 1, 2018, the Government of Canada has enhanced support for survivors and common-law/spouses by eliminating the current one-year time limit on applications for Rehabilitation Services and Vocational Assistance. This change will allow survivors to apply for assistance whenever they are prepared to return to work."
3/31/2018,105,,Government Services and Operations,Increase the Veteran survivor's pension amount from 50% to 70%.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,"Surviving spouses receive better support, and benefits are delivered in a more client-centred, streamlined fashion.","Announced on December 20, 2017 as part of the Pension for Life initiative, support for eligible spouses will increase from 50% to 70% of the Veteran’s Income Replacement Benefit, providing them with enhanced financial security when they need it most. This measure, effective April 1, 2019, will improve the delivery of benefits so that surviving spouses and their families have a simpler system to navigate."
3/31/2018,106,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that surviving spouses of Veterans receive appropriate benefits by eliminating the marriage after 60 clawback.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,Surviving spouses receive the same pension amounts as all other survivors regardless of the age at which they were married.,The Government of Canada is working to eliminate the pension clawback for spouses married to Veterans over the age of 60 at the time of marriage that currently exists in the Canadian Armed Forces Superannuation Act. Progress on this commitment has taken longer than anticipated.
3/31/2018,107,,Government Services and Operations,Double funding to the Last Post Fund to ensure that all veterans receive a dignified burial.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"Funding is doubled to the Last Post Fund, and more families qualify for a burial or marking benefit when a Veteran dies.","As of October 2016, the Government of Canada has enhanced the Last Post Fund so that more families can qualify for burial benefits. The Government has nearly tripled the current estate exemption from $12,000 to $35,000 and, going forward, this amount will be indexed annually."
3/31/2018,108,,Safety and Security,Create an Office of Community Outreach and Counter-radicalization Coordinator.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Underway - on track,Reduced radicalization and greater understanding of how to prevent radicalization.,"On June 26, 2017, the Government established the Canada Centre for Community Engagement and Prevention of Violence to help provide leadership on Canada's response to radicalization, coordinate domestic and international initiatives, and support community outreach. The Government is in the process of appointing a Special Advisor and Advisory Board. The Community Resilience Fund was also launched to provide financial assistance to organizations undertaking programming and research to address radicalization to violence in Canada."
3/31/2018,109,,Safety and Security,Protect Canadians and our critical infrastructure from cyber threats.,"Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of National Defence;Minister of Democratic Institutions",Underway - on track,"Increased cyber security for Canada's critical infrastructure, economy, and democratic institutions, resulting in better protection for Canadian businesses and individuals from cyber threats.","The Government has completed a consultation and review of current measures, and published the results in March 2017. To strengthen Canada’s cyber security and the cyber resilience of Canadians, including protecting their privacy, Budget 2018 commits $507.7 million over five years, and $108.8 million per year thereafter. The Government proposes to provide $236.5 million over five years, and $41.2 million per year ongoing, to further support a new National Cyber Security Strategy guided by the principles of resilience, collaboration, capability and innovation. The investment includes $155.2 million over five years, and $44.5 million per year ongoing, to create a new Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, which will consolidate expertise from across the federal government into a single point of contact for expert advice, guidance, services and support. It also includes $116.0 million over five years, and $23.2 million per year ongoing, to the RCMP to support the creation of the National Cybercrime Coordination Unit. As well, the Government will help businesses improve their cyber security approach through the creation of a voluntary cyber certification program. Furthermore, the cyber hacking of elections is a growing issue around the world, and the Government will take proactive measures to identify and mitigate against potential threats."
3/31/2018,110,,Safety and Security,Strengthen controls on handguns and assault weapons.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,"Reduced gun violence through balanced, effective firearms measures.","The Government is developing effective firearms measures that prioritize public safety while ensuring law-abiding Canadians are not unduly impacted. To support this objective, the Government established a more representative Firearms Advisory Committee that includes representation from law enforcement, civilian firearms users, public health advocates, women’s groups, farmers, conservation organizations, and the legal community. The Government also reversed a ministerial directive that could have allowed gun manufacturers to determine the classification of their own products under certain conditions. On November 17, 2017, the Government announced up to $327.6 million over five years, and $100 million annually thereafter, in new funding for initiatives to reduce gun crime and criminal gang activities. A Summit on Gun and Gang Violence was held in March 2018 to bring together stakeholders to share information on the realities, issues and best practices to combat criminal gun and gang violence. On March 20, 2018, the Government introduced legislation that prioritizes public safety and effective police work, while respecting law-abiding firearms owners. It will not recreate a federal long-gun registry."
3/31/2018,111,,Safety and Security,Enhance compensation for public safety officers who are permanently disabled or killed in the line of duty.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Underway - on track,"Public safety officers who are permanently disabled or killed in the line of duty, and their families, are appropriately compensated.","In March 2017, the Government announced the creation of a tax-free Community Heroes Benefit that will support the families of firefighters, police officers and paramedics who died in the line of duty. Further details will be announced in the coming months."
3/31/2018,112,,Safety and Security,Restore funding to provinces and territories to support Heavy Urban Search and Rescue teams.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Completed - fully met,"Search and rescue capacity across Canada is strengthened, helping save lives.","Last year, the Government restored funding of $15.5 million previously cut from the Heavy Urban Search and Rescue taskforces in Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, and across Manitoba. The Government is also providing support to build new heavy urban search and rescue capacity in Montreal and Halifax."
3/31/2018,113,,Safety and Security,"Develop a plan to better predict, prepare for, and respond to weather-related emergencies and natural disasters.",Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Underway - on track,"Canadians are quickly and effectively supported when natural disasters occur, and communities are better prepared for weather-related emergencies.","In collaboration with provinces and territories, and Indigenous peoples, the Government is working with stakeholders including municipalities, to develop a comprehensive plan to reduce disaster risk in Canada. The Government has begun a series of consultations on the development of a pan-Canadian Emergency Management Strategy, which includes weather-related events and natural disasters. The Government has responded quickly and effectively to support Canadians and communities affected by fires in northern Alberta, floods in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada, and recent wildfires in British Columbia. This has included partnerships with the Red Cross, payments to assist provincial governments, and the creation of ad hoc Cabinet committees to coordinate a response across government. Additionally, Canada is playing a leading role globally on the issues of disaster risk reduction, having hosted the United Nations Fifth Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in March 2017."
3/31/2018,114,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure strong and effective gender and culturally sensitive training policies for federal front-line law enforcement officers.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,Increased cultural competency and trauma-informed gender-based violence training across the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).,"In 2018-19, the RCMP will be developing cultural competency and gender-based violence (GBV) training that will be offered to RCMP employees starting in 2019-20. Through this training, there will be an improved capacity across the RCMP to effectively respond to GBV, including violence against Indigenous women and girls, in a gender and culturally sensitive manner. All training material will be examined using the GBA+ tool. "
3/31/2018,115,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Move forward on a toll-free replacement for the Champlain Bridge.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities,Underway - on track,New toll-free Champlain Bridge opened by December 2018.,"The Champlain Bridge is vital to local residents and commuters and plays an important role in the Canadian economy. The objective remains to open the new, toll-free bridge by December 2018. Construction of the new bridge is underway. Like all infrastructure projects of its size, the new bridge may face labour and logistical challenges that could delay the planned December 2018 completion date. The current bridge is safe and continuously monitored in real time."
3/31/2018,116,,Fair and Open Government,"Work with Parliamentarians to reform Question Period so that all ministers, including the Prime Minister, are held to greater account.",Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,"Increased accountability of all ministers, including the Prime Minister, during Question Period.","Since April 2017, the Prime Minister has adopted the practice of taking all questions during Wednesday sittings, as his schedule permits. In addition, when invited, ministers have participated in Senate Question Period."
3/31/2018,117,,Fair and Open Government,Promote free votes and limit the circumstances in which Liberal Members of Parliament will be required to vote with the Government.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,Members of Parliament are strong voices for their communities and there is greater accountability within Parliament.,"Since Fall 2015, all House of Commons votes have been free votes for Liberal Members of Parliament with the exception of those relating to: platform commitments, matters of confidence, and protections guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms."
3/31/2018,118,,Fair and Open Government,End the improper use of omnibus bills and prorogation.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,Measures are in place to end the improper use of omnibus bills and prorogation.,"In June 2017, the House of Commons adopted a Government motion that changed the Standing Orders to prevent the improper use of omnibus bills and prorogation. The motion gives the Speaker power to split omnibus bills for the purposes of voting except for budget implementation bills that contain only provisions that were announced in a budget presentation or in the budget documents. The motion also forces the Government to justify, in writing, the reasons for a prorogation and the House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs has the power to study the Government's justification."
3/31/2018,119,,Fair and Open Government,"Make government accounting and financial reporting more consistent, transparent and understandable to Canadians.",President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Finance;Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Underway - on track,"Government reporting is easier for Canadians to find, understand and use to hold the Government accountable.","The Government has introduced significant changes to improve accountability and make financial reporting more transparent and easier to understand. These changes include: making the Parliamentary Budget Officer an independent officer of Parliament with new powers and resources to more rigorously examine the country's finances; publishing fiscal decisions between budgets; publishing accrual versus cash reconciliation for the Estimates; and changing the Standing Orders of the House of Commons to allow Main Estimates to be published later in the calendar year, with the goal of having the Main Estimates reflect the federal budget. For the first time, in Budget 2018, the Government presented a detailed reconciliation between accrual expenses forecasted in the budget and planned Estimates (2018-19)."
3/31/2018,120,,Fair and Open Government,Improve reporting to Parliament.,President of the Treasury Board,Underway - on track,Increased transparency so that parliamentarians and all Canadians can more easily hold the Government to account.,"Part III of the Estimates (i.e., Departmental Plans and Departmental Results Reports) have been simplified and new features and data have been added to the online GC InfoBase. In addition, the Government introduced and adopted changes to the Standing Orders to better ensure consistency across the Budget, Estimates and Public Accounts, and provide greater clarity in voting on appropriations. These changes will help parliamentarians and Canadians better examine government spending and allow for the timely flow of funding outlined in budget plans."
3/31/2018,121,,Fair and Open Government,Ensure that Agents of Parliament are properly funded and accountable only to Parliament.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Underway - on track,Agents of Parliament are independent and are properly funded.,"In June 2017, legislation was passed that established the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) as an independent agent of Parliament, reporting directly to Parliament. This legislation provides the PBO with the ability to request the funds from the Speakers of the House and Senate needed to fulfill their mandate. The Government will continue to work with Agents of Parliament to support their important work."
3/31/2018,122,,Fair and Open Government,Ensure that the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) is properly funded and independent of the Government.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,The Parliamentary Budget Officer is independent and properly funded to conduct analyses on behalf of Parliament.,"In June 2017, legislation was passed that established the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) as an independent agent of Parliament, reporting directly to Parliament. This legislation provides the PBO with the ability to request the funds from the Speakers of the House and Senate needed to fulfill their mandate. This is consistent with the practice for all other independent agents of Parliament. The PBO will also have greater access to relevant information within departments, agencies and Crown Corporations; will be appointed for a term of seven years and can only be removed with cause, subject to the approval of parliamentarians; and will be able to cost election platform proposals at the request of political parties."
3/31/2018,123,,Fair and Open Government,Strengthen Parliamentary committees so that they can better scrutinize legislation.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,Parliamentary committees are freer and better equipped to study legislation.,"The Government of Canada has strengthened parliamentary committees by giving them more funding through the Board of Internal Economy so they can undertake the appropriate research and engage with Canadians. The Government has also ensured that the practice of electing committee chairs by secret ballot has continued. In addition, the House of Commons adopted a motion that enables Parliamentary Secretaries to be non-voting members of committees, ensuring that they can no longer vote on committees that fall within their minister's mandate, helping assure the freedom and independence of House of Commons standing committees."
3/31/2018,124,,Fair and Open Government,Disclose the expenses of all Parliamentarians in detail each quarter.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Underway - on track,"Increased transparency through the quarterly, detailed disclosure of parliamentarians' expenses.",The Government of Canada has introduced legislation to codify in law that the expenses of all parliamentarians continue to be disclosed on a quarterly basis. Details are disclosed on the Parliament of Canada website in an accessible and easy-to-read format.
3/31/2018,125,,Fair and Open Government,Examine ways to make the House of Commons more family-friendly for Members of Parliament.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Underway - on track,"A House of Commons that is truly a modern, professional, family-friendly workplace for Members of Parliament and their staff.","The House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs released a report in June 2016 outlining ways to make the House of Commons more family-friendly for Members of Parliament and their staff. The Government is currently implementing the principal recommendations of this report, which include scheduling votes immediately following Question Period rather than later in the evening, and tabling the House sitting calendar prior to the summer adjournment so that Members and staff are able to better plan their schedules. The Board of Internal Economy has also taken steps to implement more family-friendly administrative practices, such as providing more flexible childcare services and making high chairs available in Parliamentary cafeterias. More needs to be done to ensure Parliament, as a workplace, fully recognizes the challenges and pressures of raising a family. The Government is fully committed to working with all parties to make this happen."
3/31/2018,126,,Exports and Investment,"Invest in an Agri-Food Investment Fund to attract investment and create good, well-paying jobs in food processing.",Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,Underway - on track,The agri-food sector is a leading area for economic growth over the next 10 years.,"The Government is increasing investment in the agri-food sector to increase and diversify exports to create good middle-class jobs. Budget 2017 identified agri-food as one of the six key sectors for future economic growth and set an ambitious objective of increasing annual agri-food exports to $75 billion by 2025. The Government announced a $1.26 billion five-year Strategic Innovation Fund to attract and support new high-quality business investments, including for agri-food value added processors. The Canadian Agricultural Partnership, launched on April 1, 2018, includes a commitment to facilitate the maintenance and expansion of both domestic and international agricultural and agri-food markets, as well as to enhance the ability of the agriculture and agri-food sector to diversify market opportunities."
3/31/2018,127,,Healthy Canadians,Develop a food policy that promotes healthy living and safe food.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,Underway - on track,A whole of government food policy that promotes Canadians' health and quality of life.,"In May 2017, the Government launched consultations to support the development of a Food Policy for Canada. This policy is intended to identify a vision and plan to address challenges such as increasing access to safe and nutritious food; improving health and food safety; conserving our soil, water and air; and growing more high-quality food. A national Food Policy Summit was held in June 2017 and six regional roundtables were held in August and September 2017. An online survey was conducted, receiving 45,000 responses, and other grassroots engagement with Canadians was led by Members of Parliament, and stakeholder groups. These are just some of the many engagement activities being conducted to inform the development of a food policy. The Government is working towards launching a Food Policy for Canada. "
3/31/2018,128,,Jobs and Innovation,Invest in agricultural research to support discovery science and innovation.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,Underway - on track,"Advance research in agricultural genomics, digitize nearly six million DNA specimens by 2022 and invest in discovery research in priority areas.","Over the next six years, the Government will accelerate DNA analysis, sequencing and digital recording of our taxonomic collections, completing the digitization of nearly six million specimens. In addition, Budget 2017 announced $70 million to further support agricultural discovery science and innovation, with a focus on addressing emerging priorities such as climate change and soil and water conservation."
3/31/2018,129,,Exports and Investment,Promote Canadian agricultural interests during trade negotiations.,Minister of International Trade;Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,On-going commitment,"Achieve the target of $75 billion annually in agri-food exports, and create more middle class jobs and higher incomes for the many rural and urban Canadians employed in the agri-food sector.","The Government has made agriculture and agri-food trade a priority in the trade expansion strategy. The Prime Minister and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Agriculture and Agri-Food have completed trade missions to Mexico, China, Japan, India, South Korea, the European Union and the United States promoting agri-food. The Government concluded and signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership which will improve market access for Canadian agriculture exports to key markets in the Asia-Pacific. The Government is implementing the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement that expands opportunities for Canadian agri-food products with 94% of EU agricultural tariff lines now duty free. Canada has also signed a memorandum of understanding with China on canola and negotiated new market access in China for Canadian beef and pork exporters. Canada will continue to work to resolve regulatory and tariff issues with India to ensure long-term access to the Indian market for Canadian pulse exports (e.g., peas, chickpeas, beans and lentils). The Government will continue to strongly defend the interests of its agricultural industries, including supply management, with all trading partners, including as the Government engages with the United States and Mexico in the modernization of the North American Free Trade Agreement, and with Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay in the negotiation of a Free Trade Agreement between Canada and MERCOSUR. Canadian exports of agriculture, agri-food, fish and seafood to all countries in 2017 rose to $64.6 billion, a $2-billion increase from 2016 exports."
3/31/2018,130,,Government Services and Operations,Assess whether current farm income safety nets meet the needs of Canadian farmers.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,Underway - on track,"Implement a new agricultural policy framework, with updated business risk management programs, to support an agricultural and agri-food sector that is strong, innovative and resilient.","The Government of Canada is committed to a progressive federal-provincial-territorial agricultural policy framework, the Canadian Agricultural Partnership which was launched April 1, 2018. Consultations with stakeholders have been completed, including focused engagement sessions with Indigenous peoples, women and youth. A meeting of federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Agriculture took place in July 2017, where they reached agreement on key elements of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership and committed to a review of business risk management programs. On November 24, 2017, the Government announced the initiatives and priorities of the $1 billion federal investment under the $3 billion Canadian Agricultural Partnership, including the six federal programs: AgriMarketing, AgriCompetitiveness, AgriScience, AgriInnovate, AgriDiversity and AgriAssurance. Federal program details were announced on February 13, 2018 and application forms are now available. The Government is finalizing bilateral negotiations with provinces and territories on the $2-billion in federal, provincial and territorial cost-shared initiatives, which will be announced as they become available. "
3/31/2018,131,,Environment and Climate Change,Help the agriculture sector adjust to climate change and better address water and soil conservation issues.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,Underway - on track,An agricultural food sector that succeeds in the face of a changing climate.,"In April 2018 the Government of Canada launched the Canadian Agricultural Partnership to support an agriculture and agri-food sector that is strong, innovative and resilient. The Government is finalizing bilateral agreements with provinces and territories on the Partnership, including on environment and climate change programming. The Government is also working on soil, water and climate change issues through: the Agricultural Clean Technology Program; A Food Policy for Canada; Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Program; the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change; the Lake Erie Domestic Action Plan; and the re-accession of Canada to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. Budget 2017 announced $70 million to support agricultural discovery science and innovation with a focus on addressing emerging priorities, including climate change and soil and water conservation."
3/31/2018,132,,Safety and Security,Ensure that the Canadian Armed Forces have the equipment they need.,Minister of National Defence;Minister of Public Services and Procurement,On-going commitment,"The Canadian Armed Forces receive the ships, fighter jets and other equipment that it needs over the next 20 years as planned for and funded in the new defence policy.","Canada's new defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—invests in the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces and delivers the standard of service and care that current and former members deserve. The Government is investing to expand the Regular and Reserve Forces, build 15 new surface combatant ships, expand the fighter jet fleet to 88 advanced planes, and develop new space capabilities and global communications in the Arctic, among other key projects."
3/31/2018,133,,Safety and Security,"Maintain current National Defence spending levels, including current planned increases.",Minister of National Defence,Underway - on track,The Government will exceed previous funding levels.,"Under Canada's new defence policy, annual spending will grow, on a cash-basis, from $18.9 billion in 2017-18 to $32.7 billion in 2026-27. Spending is allocated to ensure that it is delivered when the military needs it, meaning that funds for critical equipment can be spent and do not lapse."
3/31/2018,134,,Safety and Security,Maintain Canada's strong commitment to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).,Minister of National Defence,On-going commitment,North America is safe and secure and Canada remains a strong and responsible partner in NORAD.,"Canada is meeting its commitment to NORAD on an ongoing basis, focusing on four key areas: personnel, capabilities, infrastructure, and participation in key decision-making fora on the future of NORAD. The Government is also expanding the Royal Canadian Air Force fighter jet fleet in order to properly fulfill our NORAD and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) commitments."
3/31/2018,135,,Safety and Security,Conduct an open and transparent defence strategy review.,Minister of National Defence,Completed - fully met,Canada now has a new defence policy that was built on extensive input from Canadians and delivers the standard of service and care that current and former Canadian Armed Forces members deserve.,"On June 7, 2017, the Minister of National Defence launched Canada's new defence policy: Strong, Secure, Engaged. This followed extensive external consultations, including engagement with the Canadian public, Parliamentarians, defence experts, and allies and partners. The new policy will allocate realistic funding to projects that will keep our military running efficiently and effectively for years to come, and ensure Canada remains a trusted and capable ally. Through this plan, the Government will build an even stronger military and, most importantly, deliver the standard of service and care our women and men in uniform deserve."
3/31/2018,136,,Safety and Security,"Renew the focus on surveillance and control of Canadian territory, and approaches, particularly for our Arctic regions.",Minister of National Defence,Underway - on track,"The Canadian Armed Forces has developed the necessary capabilities to expand its presence in Canada's air, maritime, land, space, and cyber domains to protect our sovereignty and keep Canadians safe.","As outlined in Strong, Secure, Engaged; Canada's new defence policy, the Government will invest in new space capabilities and prioritize Arctic Joint Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance in defence research and innovation. The Canadian Armed Forces has expanded Operation LIMPID (which provides domestic surveillance and presence in Canada's air, maritime, land, space, and cyber domains) to include additional domains and all Joint Task Forces. The Department of Defence is investing in surveillance solutions that will support Canada's ability to exercise sovereignty in the North (RADARSAT Constellation Mission and Polar Epsilon 2, Enhanced Satellite Communications and Tactical Narrow Band Satellite Communications) and is conducting a binational study of alternatives for the North Warning System. The Arctic Offshore Patrol vessels will be at initial operating capacity in 2019."
3/31/2018,137,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that the Canadian Armed Forces are a workplace free from harassment and discrimination.,Minister of National Defence,Underway - on track,"The Chief of Defence Staff and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) senior leaders continue to lead the full implementation of recommendations made by the Deschamps report and in Operation HONOUR, the Canadian Armed Forces mission to eliminate harmful and inappropriate sexual behaviour in the military. CAF members have access to a full range of victim and survivor services, and harassment complaints are dealt with in a timely manner.","The new defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—has reaffirmed that the Government of Canada will not tolerate gender-based violence or workplace harassment. The CAF will continue to work on gender, diversity and inclusion initiatives to eliminate harmful behaviours and ensure a work environment free from harassment and discrimination. On January 31, 2018 the Canadian Armed Forces launched the Positive Space initiative to promote a safe and inclusive work environment for all employees regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. More broadly, with the November 2017 signing of an Agreement in Principle (AIP) by the Government of Canada and parties to the Todd Edwards Ross et al v. Her Majesty the Queen class action, a total of $110 million will be available to compensate class members — federal public servants, including members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who were directly impacted by anti-LGBTQ2 (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and two-spirit) policies and practices. The AIP also earmarks $15 million for remembrance to prevent future discrimination and for reconciliation with LGBTQ2 communities."
3/31/2018,139,,Strong Middle Class,Repeal the recent changes made to the Employment Insurance (EI) system that have been punitive to unemployed workers.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Repealed the 2012 changes to Employment Insurance (EI) so that unemployed Canadians have better benefits and more opportunities for good quality jobs.,"In 2016, the Government of Canada reversed EI restrictions related to commute times and work type. Now, workers are no longer forced to accept lower-paying work that is far away from their homes. This change simplifies job search responsibilities, while maintaining the long-standing requirement to search for and accept available work."
3/31/2018,140,,Strong Middle Class,Reduce Employment Insurance (EI) premiums.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,"Employment Insurance (EI) premium rates have been reduced and a new, transparent EI premium rate setting process has been established so that revenues and costs remain in line over the long-term.","The EI premium rate was lowered from $1.88 in 2016 to $1.63 in 2017. The premium rate has been announced and set at $1.66 for 2018, which reflects important new supports for Canadian families and changing economic conditions. For the first time, beginning with the 2017 premium rate, the EI Commission has assumed responsibility for setting the annual EI premium rate."
3/31/2018,141,,Strong Middle Class,Improve the Employment Insurance (EI) system that currently leaves too many unemployed workers with no safety net.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Employment Insurance (EI) remains responsive over the long-term to the needs of workers and employers and reflects the diversity of needs across the country.,"In 2016, the Government reduced the waiting period for EI and made benefits more flexible, easier to access and more generous for workers who need it. For example, the New Entrants and Re-Entrants provision has been eliminated—which set higher eligibility requirements for youth, newcomers and other workers new to the labour market—enabling over 50,000 more Canadians annually to qualify in the event of job loss. In addition, extra weeks of benefits were provided to regions most affected by the commodities downturn and job search responsibilities were simplified. Over the last year, the Government has heard from Parliamentarians, stakeholders and experts as to how to further modernize EI. Through Budget 2018, the Government proposes to introduce a permanent successor strategy to the current EI Working While on Claim pilot that expires in August 2018. In addition, Budget 2018 announced that Working While on Claim provisions will be extended to EI maternity and sickness benefits, so that workers can maintain their connection to the labour force during periods of temporary unemployment. In addition, Budget 2018 proposed to better assist workers in seasonal industries that experience a gap in income support before the start of the next season. The Government will continue to look for ways to better serve Canadians as they deal with important life events. "
3/31/2018,142,,Strong Middle Class,"Eliminate Employment Insurance (EI) discrimination against immigrants, younger workers and parents re-entering the workforce.","Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Canadian workers in the same economic region are now treated equally in the Employment Insurance (EI) system.,"In July 2016, the Government of Canada eliminated rules that limited access to EI for those new to the labour market or re-entering the labour market. Under the previous rules, workers who were entering the workforce or re-entering after being away for two years were required to have 910 hours of insurable employment, regardless of their actual work history prior to unemployment. Now, these workers are treated the same as other Canadians. This will help approximately 50,000 Canadians every year qualify for EI in the event of job loss, particularly immigrants, young workers and parents returning to the workforce."
3/31/2018,143,,Strong Middle Class,Reduce the wait time for new Employment Insurance (EI) recipients from two weeks to one week.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Canadians are able to access Employment Insurance (EI) benefits more quickly.,"On January 1, 2017, the EI waiting period was reduced from two weeks to one week. With this measure, claimants are now eligible to receive benefits starting one week earlier. This helps approximately 1.8 million EI claimants each year pay their bills during a time of unemployment and provides higher benefits at the beginning of the claim period."
3/31/2018,144,,Strong Middle Class,Improve Canadians' access to good quality job training.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,"Canada will have one of the most skilled, talented, creative and diverse workforces in the world, with more opportunities for all Canadians to get the education, skills, and work experience they need to participate fully in the workforce of today, as they—and their children—prepare for the jobs of tomorrow.","In Budget 2017, as part of the Government's Innovation and Skills Plan, the Government of Canada announced several measures to help more Canadians get the education, skills and work experience they need to succeed today and prepare for the jobs of tomorrow. In support of this, the Skills Boost initiative will introduce several measures for 2018-19, including: increased eligibility for Canada Student Grants and Loans for part-time students as well as Canada Student Grants for students with dependents; and a three-year pilot project targeted to adult learners that will provide an additional $1,600 in grant support and allow flexibility to base Canada Student Grant eligibility on current year's income. The Skills Boost will also provide greater flexibility for Canadians on Employment Insurance (EI) to get new certificates or training without fear of losing their benefits. The Government is also expanding workers' access to skills training and job supports, improving access to opportunities for lifelong learning, and increasing work experience opportunities for young Canadians. The Government is significantly expanding the federal investment that will be provided to provinces and territories over the next six years through the labour market transfer agreements, and negotiating a new set of modern agreements. Negotiations with the provinces and territories (PTs) are currently underway and are expected to conclude later this year."
3/31/2018,145,,Strong Middle Class,Rationalize and expand the intergovernmental agreements that support skills training.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Agreements with provinces and territories that expand and support skills training for Canadians.,"To help more Canadians get the skills they need, the Government of Canada provided funding to temporarily boost existing Labour Market Transfer Agreements in 2016. In 2017, the Government increased federal support for provinces and territories and amended the Employment Insurance Act to broaden eligibility for job training under the Labour Market Development Agreements. Work continues with provinces and territories to develop more effective training programs and share best practices. In addition, in Budget 2018 the Government announced that it will launch Future Skills this spring. Future Skills will bring together expertise from all sectors and leverage experience from partners across the country. It will also include an independent Council to advise on emerging skills and workforce trends, and a research lab focused on developing, testing and rigorously measuring new approaches to skills assessment and development. "
3/31/2018,146,,Strong Middle Class,Develop a framework to fund training facilities delivered in partnership with labour unions.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Establish a program to support union-based training centres that provide Canadians with the skills that are needed by employers.,"The Government of Canada has consulted with labour, industry and other stakeholders. The new Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) was launched in July 2017 with a call for proposals. Projects are starting to roll out and most are aimed specifically at increasing the participation and success of women in the trades and/or Indigenous Peoples."
3/31/2018,148,,Strong Middle Class,"Change the Repayment Assistance Plan so that graduates are required to repay only once they earn at least $25,000 per year.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,"Recent graduates earning less than $25,000 are able to delay repayment of their Canada Student Loans until they are more financially secure.","Effective November 2016, thresholds for the Repayment Assistance Plan have been increased so that no borrower will have to repay their Canada Student Loan until they are earning at least $25,000 per year. An estimated 23,000 additional Canadians will be able to delay payment and many more will have lower payments until they can afford to pay back their debts."
3/31/2018,149,,Strong Middle Class,Increase take up rates of Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) and Canada Learning Bonds by making registration easier.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Increased number of low and middle income families using Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) and receiving Canada Learning Bonds so that more Canadians get access to post-secondary education.,"In 2016, 126,979 children received the Canada Learning Bond (CLB) for the first time, bringing the total number of children in receipt of the CLB to over 1 million. In addition, 293,000 children received the Canada Education Savings Grants (CESG) for the first time, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to over 3.59 million.
The Government of Canada is exploring new and innovative approaches to increase awareness and take-up of the CLB.
Of note, a Call for Concepts was launched in November 2017. Proposals are being considered for funding under three themes:
• Support for Indigenous Peoples;
• Facilitated Access; and
• Research and Innovation.
Funding to successful projects will begin in 2018-19. The findings from these projects will help inform additional efforts that the Government will undertake to increase take-up of the CLB and RESP by low and middle income families.
In addition, the Canada Education Savings Act was amended to allow the cohabitating spouse or common-law partner of the primary caregiver to request the CLB and/or the additional amount of the CESG on behalf of an eligible child.
Also, Budget 2018 announced that the Government of Canada is collaborating with the Province of Ontario to integrate an “Education Savings Referral” into Service Ontario’s online Birth Registration Service. As early as March 2018, parents of newborns will be able to request to be contacted by a participating RESP promoter to learn more about and initiate the process to open an RESP, and request the education savings incentives for an eligible child. "
3/31/2018,150,,Strong Middle Class,"Collaborate with provinces and territories on the Canada Student Loans Program, and compensate provinces and territories that do not participate in it.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,"Changes to the Canada Student Loans Program increase participation of low and middle income students, with accommodations for any province or territory that does not wish to participate.",Canada Student Loans Program (CSLP) funding is delivered in partnership with participating provinces and territories with costs being covered by the federal government. CSLP is working closely with provinces and territories to implement changes to the program announced in Budgets 2016 and 2017. The Government of Canada is committed to respecting existing arrangements for compensation with the provinces or territories that do not participate.
3/31/2018,151,,Indigenous peoples,Increase annual support to the Post-Secondary Student Support Program.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Indigenous Services",Underway - on track,"Indigenous students have greater access to financial support, boosting their post-secondary education participation and completion rates.","The Government of Canada has enhanced support for the Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP) for the next two years, which will help meet the financial needs of an additional 4,600 Indigenous students attending post-secondary education. This funding is an interim step while the Government undertakes a review of federal support for Indigenous students pursuing a post-secondary education credential, in order to develop student-centered solutions to improve access and attainment. The Government of Canada is working with Indigenous partners and stakeholders to inform the review and the future approach.
Changes have been made to the PSSSP and University and College Entrance Preparation Program reflecting early engagement with the Assembly of First Nations and consistent with Budget 2016 and Budget 2017 commitments. These changes improve program flexibility by:
•Increasing maximum amounts payable to individual students, to better respond to rising tuition costs;
•Expanding eligible expenditures to include transcript and application fees;
• Allowing students more time to complete their programs of study, by removing or adjusting limitations on duration of financial assistance; and
• Providing greater flexibility for students who wish to pursue more than one certificate or degree program.
To support Indigenous students in having greater access to financial support to boost their post-secondary education participation and completion rates, additional efforts have been undertaken. Starting in the 2017-18 academic year, Indigenous students are more likely to be eligible for support under the Canada Student Loans Program (CSLP) since funds they receive through PSSSP are no longer considered assets during their assessment. Learners who self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, including status and non-status Indians, Métis, or Inuit) are exempt from making a fixed student contribution. This exemption means that Indigenous students will be eligible for more grant and loan funding and will have access to the full suite of CSLP supports to help with the costs of PSE. Finally, Budget 2017 proposed amendments to the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act, so that students who are registered under the Indian Act but do not have Canadian citizenship can access the CSLP. "
3/31/2018,152,,Strong Middle Class,"Increase the number of good quality, permanent jobs for younger workers.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",On-going commitment,"Reduced youth unemployment, greater opportunities for work experience, and improved access to job supports for youth.","The Government recognizes the importance of good quality jobs for younger workers. In Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government made significant incremental investments in the Youth Employment Strategy (YES). Thanks to these investments, the Government will help more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop skills to find work or go back to school, create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians, and over 1,600 new youth job opportunities in the heritage sector. For instance, the number of jobs supported under Canada Summer Jobs increased from approximately 34,500 in 2015 to approximately 68,900 in 2017. Changes have also been made to Employment Insurance (EI) to remove the discriminatory New Entrants and Re-Entrants requirement, ensuring that young workers are treated fairly when they need to access job support through EI.
In Budget 2018, the Government proposes to provide an additional $448.5 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, to the YES. This funding will support the continued doubling of the number of job placements funded under the Canada Summer Jobs program in 2019-20 and provide additional resources for a modernized YES in the following years.
The Government is creating more opportunities for co-op and work integrated learning for students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and business programs through a new Student Work Placement (SWP) initiative. The SWP will create up to 10,000 new work placements for STEM and business students by 2021 in key sectors. To support Canada's National Cyber Security Strategy, Budget 2018 proposed additional funding of $8.3M for the Student Work Placement initiative to support the creation of up to 1,000 new student work placements specifically in the cyber security sector. In the context of the G7, Minister Hajdu also recently announced additional investments of $3M over three years, to support the creation of up to 500 new student work placements in the artificial intelligence field, including targeted support for students in underrepresented groups, including women in STEM.
The Expert Panel on Youth Employment delivered a report in June 2017 outlining ways the Government of Canada can improve labour market outcomes for youth. These recommendations are currently being reviewed to determine possible areas for future action. A renewed YES will be announced over the course of the next year.
"
3/31/2018,153,,Strong Middle Class,Increase our investment in the Youth Employment Strategy and improve the strategy's impact.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Increased investment in the Youth Employment Strategy helps more youth succeed in the labour market.,"The Government recognizes the importance of good quality jobs for younger workers. Thanks to incremental investments made in the Youth Employment Strategy (YES) in Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government will help more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop skills to find work or go back to school, create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians, and over 1,600 new youth job opportunities in the heritage sector. In Budget 2018, the Government proposes to provide an additional $448.5 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, to the YES. This funding will support the continued doubling of the number of job placements funded under the Canada Summer Jobs program in 2019-20 and provide additional resources for a modernized YES in the following years.
The Government is creating more opportunities for co-op and work integrated learning for students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and business programs through a new Student Work Placement SWP) initiative. The SWP will create up to 10,000 new work placements for STEM and business students by 2021 in key sectors. To support Canada's National Cyber Security Strategy, Budget 2018 proposed additional funding of $8.3M for the Student Work Placement initiative to support the creation of up to 1,000 new student work placements specifically in the cyber security sector. In the context of the G7, Minister Hajdu also recently announced additional investments of $3M over three years, to support the creation of up to 500 new student work placements in the artificial intelligence field, including targeted support for students in underrepresented groups, including women in STEM.
The Expert Panel on Youth Employment was created to assess the barriers faced by vulnerable youth in finding and keeping jobs, and to examine innovative practices used by governments, nongovernmental organizations and employers both at home and abroad to improve job opportunities for vulnerable youth. The Government is reviewing the Panel's 2017 report, outlining ways the Government of Canada can improve labour market outcomes for youth. These recommendations are currently being reviewed to determine possible areas for future action. A renewed YES will be announced over the course of the next year."
3/31/2018,154,,Strong Middle Class,Develop or expand Pre-Apprenticeship Training Programs.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - with challenges,Increased pre-apprenticeship training and improved literacy and essential skills among incoming apprentices.,"Consultations with provincial and territorial officials and stakeholders, including post-secondary institutions, were completed in Fall 2016. Additional targeted consultations are taking place to discuss how best to meet this commitment. Working in partnership with provinces, territories, post-secondary institutions, training providers, unions and employers, the Pre-Apprenticeship Program will help Canadians explore the trades, gain work experience, make informed career choices and develop the skills needed to find and keep good, well-paying jobs in the trades. Through Budget 2018, the Government proposes to provide $46 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, and $10 million per year thereafter, for the Pre-Apprenticeship Program. Progress has taken longer than expected but the Government believes the commitment can still be delivered before the end of the mandate."
3/31/2018,155,,Strong Middle Class,Respond to the recommendations of the Expert Panel on Youth Employment.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,The recommendations of the Expert Panel on Youth Employment will help inform future decisions on how best to help young Canadians succeed in the labour market.,"The Government created an Expert Panel on Youth Employment to examine the key barriers faced by youth in obtaining employment, and the main challenges faced by employers in hiring youth. The Panel delivered its final report in June 2017, which included recommendations on how to best help young Canadians succeed in the labour market. The Panel's report will inform ongoing work on the renewal of the Youth Employment Strategy. Through Budget 2017, the Government is investing an additional $395.5 million over three years, starting in 2017–18, for the Youth Employment Strategy. Combined with Budget 2016 measures, these investments will help more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop the skills they need to find work or go back to school; create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians; and provide over 1,600 new employment opportunities for youth in the heritage sector. Through Budget 2018, the Government proposes to provide an additional $448.5 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, to the Youth Employment Strategy. This funding will support the continued doubling of the number of job placements funded under the Canada Summer Jobs program in 2019-20 and provide additional resources for a modernized Youth Employment Strategy in the following years, building on the input of the Expert Panel on Youth Employment. A renewed Youth Employment Strategy will be announced over the course of the next year."
3/31/2018,156,,Strong Middle Class,Implement a modern Fair Wages Policy.,"Minister of Public Services and Procurement;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Businesses receiving federal government contracts adopt policy setting out fair wage practices to create good-paying middle class jobs.,The government has completed its policy research and analysis on fair wages policies. The Government is now considering options for a modernized fair wages policy to be in place within the current mandate.
3/31/2018,157,,Strong Middle Class,Amend the Canada Labour Code to allow workers to formally request flexible work arrangements.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,Federally regulated workers are now able to request flexible work arrangements.,"Budget 2017 aims to give federally regulated workers the right to request flexible work arrangements from their employer, such as flexible start and finish times and the ability to work from home. Changes will also provide federally regulated workers with new unpaid leave for family responsibilities, to participate in traditional Indigenous practices, and to seek care if they are victims of family violence. Changes will also make bereavement leave more flexible. Legislation to implement these changes was tabled in Parliament on October 27, 2017, as part of the Budget Implementation Act, 2017, No. 2, and received Royal Assent on December 14, 2017."
3/31/2018,158,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Determine an appropriate apprenticeship target for federal infrastructure projects.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - with challenges,An appropriate apprenticeship target for federal infrastructure projects that leads to greater apprenticeship opportunities for Canadians.,"Progress continues to be made on this priority, but has taken longer than anticipated. The Government remains committed to leveraging federal projects as opportunities for training and skill development and is engaging a range of stakeholders, including provinces, territories, employers and unions on how best to support apprentices through these public investments. This commitment has taken longer to implement than anticipated."
3/31/2018,159,,Jobs and Innovation,"Create more co-op placements for students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and business programs.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Science",Underway - on track,"More co-op and work-integrated learning placements for students enrolled in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and business programs, to help students gain the necessary experience for the jobs of today and tomorrow.","The Government is creating more opportunities for co-op and work integrated learning for students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and business programs through multiple initiatives. The $73 million Student Work Placement initiative will create up to 10,000 placements by 2021. Expanded federal support of $221 million for Mitacs, a not-for-profit organization that builds partnerships between industry and educational institutions, will fund over 44,000 placements by 2021-22.
To support Canada's National Cyber Security Strategy, Budget 2018 included $8.3 million in additional funding for the Student Work Placement initiative to support the creation of up to 1,000 student work placements in the cyber security sector. In the context of the G7, the Government also recently announced an additional investments of $3 million over three years to support the creation of up to 500 new student work placements in the artificial intelligence field, including targeted support for students in underrepresented groups, including women in STEM. Together, these initiatives will create close to 60,000 placements over five years. In addition, the Government is investing in the PromoScience program, which will support STEM learning activities for youth."
3/31/2018,160,,Exports and Investment,Maintain constructive relations and deepen trade and commerce with the United States.,Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of International Trade,On-going commitment,"Strong economic growth and well-paying, middle-class jobs on both sides of the border.","The Government, in coordination with provinces and territories, continues to work with the United States (U.S.) administration, the U.S. Congress and officials at the state and local levels to grow Canada's economy, create well-paying middle class jobs, and address global challenges. Since the current Government was formed, the Prime Minister, Cabinet ministers, parliamentary secretaries, premiers and provincial and territorial ministers, Parliamentary committees and other Parliamentarians have cumulatively undertaken over 255 visits to the U.S. and engagements in Canada and abroad with senior U.S. officials. In February 2017, Canada and the U.S. announced the creation of the Canada-United States Council for Advancement of Women Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders to promote the growth of women-owned enterprises and to further contribute to our overall economic growth and competitiveness. The Government is actively engaged in the modernization of the North American Free Trade Agreement to reflect new realities and to integrate progressive and fair approaches to trade and investment. Canada continues to advocate against protectionist policies to maintain an open market. In cases where the U.S. has imposed unfair duties, Canada is forcefully challenging such duties under international disputes settlement processes (e.g. softwood lumber, paper products). The Government also regularly engages with the U.S. on areas for collaboration to respond to increasingly complex global security issues."
3/31/2018,161,,Exports and Investment,"Ensure border security and facilitate the movement of people, goods and services.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,"The Canada-United States border is secure and facilitates the safe and efficient movement of people, goods and services.","In February 2017, the Prime Minister visited Washington, D.C., where both countries confirmed their commitment to working together on border security and efficiency. This joint effort includes preclearance and integrated cross-border law enforcement operations, full implementation of the Entry/Exit initiative, increased regulatory cooperation, and the expeditious construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge. In addition, both countries committed to establishing preclearance operations for cargo, accelerating the completion of preclearance for additional cities, and continuing to expand this program under the Land, Rail, Marine and Air Preclearance Agreement, once it is ratified. In December 2016, the United States preclearance legislation became law, a step forward for the new agreement with Canada. Canada's preclearance implementing legislation received Royal Assent in December 2017. The Entry/Exit implementing legislation has passed Second Reading in the House of Commons. The Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security presented its report on this legislation to the House of Commons on October 30, 2017. These legislations are crucial to ensure security and facilitate movement at the border. "
3/31/2018,162,,Canada in the World,Prepare for the North American Leaders Summit in Canada.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Completed - fully met,"Canada hosted the North American Leaders’ Summit on June 29, 2016.","The leaders from the three countries discussed key priorities of creating jobs, strengthening communities and building a clean growth economy for North America. The leaders also took important steps to create a more integrated, sustainable and globally competitive North American economy."
3/31/2018,163,,Canada in the World,"Ensure a close link between foreign, defence, development and trade policy.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canadian interests and values are effectively pursued through an integrated and comprehensive international approach.,"The Ministers of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, International Development, and National Defence have been working closely together on the Defence Policy, the Feminist International Assistance Policy, the Sustainable Development Goals, Canada's multinational North Atlantic Treaty Organization battlegroup in Latvia. The Government has put in place a whole-of-government approach to address the crisis in Iraq and Syria. In addition, the government has established the Peace and Stabilization Operations Program to provide a whole-of-government platform for preventing, mitigating and resolving violent conflict, crises and natural disasters abroad."
3/31/2018,164,,Canada in the World,Expand Canadian diplomacy and leadership on global issues and in international institutions.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canadian diplomatic activities advance Canadian interests and values abroad.,"Canada is active in multilateral fora and international institutions to pursue Canadian foreign policy interests and values. Canadian-led initiatives—such as supporting humanitarian access and monitoring in Syria, addressing the violation of human rights in Iran, supporting women's political participation and leadership, combatting violence against women and girls, supporting compliance with international law, and promoting diversity and inclusion—secured widespread support in UN fora. Canada is active in coordinating hemispheric response to the crisis in Venezuela and hosted the third Ministerial meeting of the Lima Group in Toronto on October 26, 2017. Canada has successfully advocated for new language about the online dimension of violence against women and girls, including female human rights defenders at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the UN. Canada played a leading role in the creation of a group of experts to monitor the human rights situation in Yemen and report back to the Human Rights Council. Canada also demonstrated its multilateral leadership by hosting the UN Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial in Vancouver in November 2017, which resulted in a significant number of new pledges to support the UN by participating countries and advanced the global peacekeeping reform agenda. The Government played a major role in the NATO Warsaw Summit by becoming the Framework Nation for the enhanced Forward Presence in Latvia. In addition, Canada is increasingly working with new and existing partners including civil society and business to increase the effectiveness of our global initiatives. Canadian diplomatic network abroad continues to amplify Canada's role on the world stage and bolster Canadian reputation through proactive communication, stakeholder outreach and social media."
3/31/2018,166,,Environment and Climate Change,Make Canada a leader of international efforts to combat climate change.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,On-going commitment,Canada meaningfully advances international solutions to climate change.,"Canada is leading efforts under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to establish a platform for the engagement of Indigenous peoples and to advance gender-responsive policy development and women's participation. Canada is also delivering on its five-year, $2.65 billion commitment to help developing countries achieve sustained emissions reductions and build resilience against the adverse effects of climate change. This includes providing support to Caribbean countries for disaster reconstruction and resilience and pursuing a focus on climate change and adaptation under the Canadian G7 presidency.
In addition to advocating for and adopting the Paris Climate Agreement, Canada is engaged in key initiatives aimed at enhancing global ambition on climate change and clean growth, such as Mission Innovation, the World Bank’s Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition, the Global Methane Initiative, and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition. Canada and the United States also issued a joint statement in February 2017 confirming both countries' commitment to collaborate on energy innovation. In September 2017, Canada co-hosted a Ministerial Meeting on Climate Action with China and the European Union to advance the global climate dialogue. In November 2017, Canada hosted the 29th the Montreal Protocol Conference, where Parties agreed to adopt the Kigali Amendment to reduce hydrofluorocarbons, a powerful greenhouse gas. Canada's early ratification of the Amendment on November 3, 2017 helped it reach the number of ratifications required to come into force. In addition, Canada and the United Kingdom jointly announced the creation of the Powering Past Coal Alliance, which aims to accelerate coal power phase-out in developing countries. Canada was also an active participant in the Bonn Climate Conference in November hosted by Fiji and the One Planet Summit hosted by France in December. In December 2017, Canada and China released a Joint Leaders' Statement on Climate Change and Clean Growth. Through the Arctic Council, Canada continues to highlight the serious impacts of climate change on the North.
In order to meet these commitments and drive action here at home, the Government is implementing the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change that was developed with the provinces and territories. This plan includes pricing carbon pollution and measures to reduce emissions across all sectors, as well as investments to drive innovation and ensure Canadian businesses are competitive in the global low-carbon economy."
3/31/2018,167,,Canada in the World,Accede to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canada implements the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).,"Legislation to accede to the ATT and further strengthen Canada’s export control regime, including by providing greater transparency and accountability in public reporting, is being considered in Parliament."
3/31/2018,168,,Strong Middle Class,Increase the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) by 10%.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,"Nearly 900,000 low income, single seniors have greater financial security.","Starting in July 2016, the Government of Canada increased the Guaranteed Income Supplement by up to $947 per year for the most vulnerable single seniors. Over the past year, this has improved financial security for nearly 900,000 seniors—approximately 70% of whom are women—and lifted an estimated 13,000 people out of poverty."
3/31/2018,169,,Strong Middle Class,Develop and implement a Poverty Reduction Strategy.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Fewer Canadians living in poverty.,"The Government of Canada is committed to developing a Poverty Reduction Strategy. It is anticipated that the Strategy will set targets to reduce poverty, align with existing provincial/territorial and municipal strategies, and include a plan to measure and publicly report on progress.
Meanwhile, several measures to reduce poverty across Canada have already been implemented. Since its inception in 2016, the new, tax-free, income-tested Canada Child Benefit (CCB) has helped to lift hundreds of thousands of Canadian children out of poverty. An increase to the Guaranteed Income Supplement is improving the financial security for nearly 900,000 low-income seniors, of whom 70% are women, and lifting an estimated 13,000 vulnerable seniors out of poverty. Through the Government's significant investments in affordable housing and the Homelessness Partnering Strategy, it is anticipated that the number of chronically homeless Canadians can be reduced by as much as 50%.
Building on these, Budget 2018 proposes the Canada Workers Benefit, a more generous and more accesible benefit for low-income workers that will replace the Working Income Tax Benefit, starting in 2019. An unattached worker could receive up to $1,355 from the CWB in 2019, while a single parent or a worker in a couple could receive up to $2,335, depending on their incomes. Budget 2018 also proposes changes that will make the new benefit easier to access by allowing the Canada Revenue Agency to automatically calculate the CWB for anyone who has not claimed it themselves.
In developing the Poverty Reduction Strategy, the Government has conducted a nation-wide consultation process with community organizations, experts and those with lived experience of poverty. this included the Tackling Poverty Together Project, which examined poverty with case studies in six cities across Canada and a final report has been published. An advisory committee on poverty has been created to help identify the best ideas from the consultations and provide independent advice to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. A major milestone in the consultation process was the two day National Poverty Conference in September 2017. The Academic Conference, which was on the first day, included academics from across Canada who did a deep dive into poverty measurement and indicators. The second day of the conference was with stakeholders and brought together many of the Canadians who participated in the consultation process to confirm what was heard. The What We Heard About Poverty So Far Report was published in February 20, 2018. In addition, further community-level discussions with First Nations, Métis and Inuit people took place to help ensure their priorities are reflected. Of note, ESDC provided funding to five National Indigenous Organizations to undertake engagement with their members, and share their findings with the Government."
3/31/2018,170,,Strong Middle Class,Create a housing strategy.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Infrastructure and Communities",Underway - on track,Hundreds of thousands more Canadians have access to affordable housing.,"On November 22, 2017 the Government announced a 10-year, $40 billion National Housing Strategy that will help reduce homelessness and improve the availability and quality of housing for Canadians in need. This Strategy is part of a long-term vision to strengthen the middle class and provide affordable housing to Canadians, and lift more Canadians out of poverty. The strategy sets clear goals to remove 530,000 Canadians from housing need and reduce chronic homelessness. The Strategy – funded through new and existing programs – follows a human rights-based approach, and includes a National Housing Co-Investment Fund, community housing initiatives, and the Canada Housing Benefit."
3/31/2018,171,,Strong Middle Class,Implement the middle class tax cut.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,The Government reduced the 22 percent federal personal income tax rate to 20.5 per cent to benefit millions of middle class Canadians.,"The middle class tax cut was announced on December 7, 2015, and came into effect as of January 1, 2016. Nearly nine million Canadians benefit from this tax cut. Single Canadians who benefit are saving an average of $330 each year and couples who benefit are saving an average of $540 each year."
3/31/2018,172,,Strong Middle Class,Cut taxes for small businesses.,Minister of Small Business and Tourism,Underway - on track,Lower tax rates for small businesses.,"The Government is working to build a fairer and more efficient tax system that benefits all Canadians. As one of its first actions, the Government raised taxes on the wealthiest one per cent in order to cut taxes for the middle class. As announced in October 2017, the Government intends to reduce taxes for small businesses so they can invest in new equipment, grow and create jobs. The Government intends to lower the small business tax rate to 10%, effective January 1, 2018, and to 9%, effective January 1, 2019. This will help small businesses keep up to $7,500 of their hard earned money which they can use to grow and reinvest."
3/31/2018,173,,Strong Middle Class,"Cancel income splitting, while retaining income splitting of pensions for seniors.",Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"Cancelled income splitting for couples with children under 18, allowing for an increase in child benefits.","As the Canada Child Benefit was introduced, Budget 2016 eliminated income splitting for couples with children under 18. Pension income splitting was not affected by this change."
3/31/2018,174,,Strong Middle Class,Enhance the Canada Pension Plan to provide more income security to retired Canadians.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"When fully mature, maximum Canada Pension Plan (CPP) benefits will increase by as much as 50 per cent, helping more Canadians achieve their goal of a strong, stable and secure retirement.","Canada’s Ministers of Finance reached a historic agreement on June 20, 2016, to enhance the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). In March 2017, all necessary legislative requirements were met by Canada's nine CPP participating provinces to implement the agreed-upon enhancements. Canada's Finance Ministers also agreed to further improvements in December 2017 to increase benefits for parents of young children and persons with disabilities. These CPP enhancements, which will begin in January 2019, will help provide a secure and stable retirement for more Canadians."
3/31/2018,175,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Create the Canada Infrastructure Bank.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Finance,Underway - on track,"Creation of an Infrastructure Bank, producing more large, transformative infrastructure projects that create good, well-paying middle-class jobs and support economic growth and prosperity for years to come.","In June 2017, the Government passed legislation to create the Canada Infrastructure Bank, a Crown corporation at arm’s-length from government that leverages the expertise and capital of the private sector. The Bank will support the transformational infrastructure that Canadian communities need now. It will make strategic investments with a focus on projects like green infrastructure (to reduce greenhouse gas emissions), and public transit (so Canadians can spend less time in traffic and more time with family and friends). The Bank is now operational, with its headquarters in Toronto. The CEO search is ongoing with the recently appointed Board of Directors taking a more active role in the process. The Chairperson is exercising the powers of the CEO until a permanent appointment is made. An interim Chief Investment Officer was appointed in December and is engaging with stakeholders, investors and project proponents."
3/31/2018,177,,Environment and Climate Change,Develop proposals to limit Exploration Expenses tax deduction to unsuccessful projects.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,Successful exploration expenses incurred to develop discovery wells no longer benefit from favorable tax treatment.,"Budget 2017 announced changes that will ensure the costs of drilling discovery wells are deducted gradually over time as development expenses, rather than deducted immediately as exploration expenses. With these changes, Canadian exploration expense treatment will effectively be limited to unsuccessful exploration or cases where the linkage to success cannot reasonably be determined in the year the activity takes place."
3/31/2018,178,,Strong Middle Class,Restore the tax credit for labour-sponsored funds.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"Canadian companies have greater access to venture capital, with the support of labour unions.","To help Canadian companies grow, the Government of Canada restored the Labour-Sponsored Venture Capital Corporations (LSVCC) Tax Credit to 15% for share purchases of provincially-registered LSVCCs for 2016 and subsequent tax years."
3/31/2018,179,,Strong Middle Class,Introduce a tax benefit to help teachers and early childhood educators with the cost of school supplies.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,Teachers and Early Childhood Educators are able to buy necessary supplies to help kids learn.,"The Government of Canada introduced a new, refundable Teacher and Early Childhood Educator School Supply Tax Credit for the 2016 and subsequent tax years, which will provide a benefit to teachers and early education educators to help cover the cost of school supplies."
3/31/2018,180,,Strong Middle Class,Enhance the Northern Residents Deduction to help with the high cost of living.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"Increased the Northern Residents Deduction to help approximately 225,000 Canadians with the high cost of living in northern and isolated communities.","Effective January 1, 2016, the Government of Canada increased the maximum daily residency deduction from $16.50 to $22 for residents in the Northern Zone and from $8.25 to $11 per day for residents in the Intermediate Zone. This measure is anticipated to put about $260 million back in the pockets of Canadians in northern and isolated communities over the 2015-16 to 2020-21 period and help these Canadians get the support they need."
3/31/2018,181,,Strong Middle Class,Repeal the Federal Balanced Budget Act.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,The Act has been repealed.,"Parliament repealed this Act, effective June 22, 2016."
3/31/2018,182,,Exports and Investment,Ratify and implement the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is now implemented, creating jobs for Canadians across the country, giving consumers more choice, and increasing Canadian businesses' access to new customers.","Provisional application of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) took effect in September 2017 and all economically significant parts are now in force, e.g. tariff elimination on 98 per cent of European Union (EU) tariff lines for Canadian goods, increased quotas, services commitments, temporary entry commitments, and government procurement obligations. The Government has announced programs to help dairy farmers and processors adjust to increased European Union cheese access under CETA. For the Agreement to come fully into force, all 28 EU Member States must ratify CETA in their national parliaments. To date, eight Member States have ratified the Agreement. The Government is also working with the Atlantic provinces to support Canada's seafood sector in capitalizing on new opportunities in the European market. With CETA's provisional entry into force, Canadian exporters now enjoy improved access to more than 40 countries with nearly 1.2 billion of the world’s wealthiest consumers. The Parliamentary Budget Officer has estimated that CETA implementation could raise Canada's potential real gross domestic product by 0.4 percentage points."
3/31/2018,183,,Exports and Investment,Modernize agreements with Israel and Chile.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,Canada has modernized free trade agreements in force with Israel and Chile.,"Canada is working closely with Israel to further modernize the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement. In June 2017 Canada and Chile signed Amending Agreements to modernize the Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement. The modernized Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement will include a chapter dedicated to trade and gender—a first for Canada or any G20 nation. The updated agreement will also provide better mechanisms to address technical barriers to trade; add new progressive elements to the existing investment chapter, and amend the existing government procurement chapter. The Government tabled the amended Agreement in Parliament on October 5, 2017. "
3/31/2018,184,,Exports and Investment,Establish Invest in Canada.,Minister of International Trade,Completed - fully met,"Canada is positioned to attract more global investment, creating well-paying, middle-class jobs by making it simpler and faster for businesses to invest in Canada.","Parliament passed legislation in the spring of 2017 to establish the Invest in Canada agency, which will help bring together all levels of government to provide seamless service to help global investors navigate Canada’s investment landscape. Increased foreign investment in Canada connects Canadian industries to global value chains and facilitates the transfer of knowledge and technology, increasing our competitiveness, stimulating innovation, and promoting the prosperity of Canadians. As part of this initiative, the Government is also increasing the number of investment-focused trade commissioners across key global markets. Invest in Canada was officially launched on March 12, 2018 and will become increasingly operational over the coming months. The Chair of the Board of Directors and CEO have been appointed. The Trade Commissioner Service has hired 15 new investment-focused trade commissioners and will add another five in each of the next two years. "
3/31/2018,186,,Exports and Investment,Promote trade and investment with emerging markets including China and India.,Minister of International Trade,On-going commitment,"Two-way trade and investment with China, India and other emerging economies is increased, creating good, middle class jobs, expanding opportunities for Canadian exports, and increasing access to goods for Canadian consumers.","The Government continues to engage China on a possible free trade agreement while working to implement the trade and investment commitments that were made by Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier Li of China in 2016 and 2017. The Government is engaged in exploratory discussions for a possible Free Trade Agreement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The Government is also working with India to intensify negotiations on a Canada-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA). Canada will continue to work to resolve regulatory and tariff issues with India to ensure Canadian pulse exports (e.g., peas, chickpeas, beans and lentils) continue to enter India unimpeded. Since October 2015, six FIPAs with emerging markets in Sub-Saharan Africa have also come into force. In addition, the Canada-Hong Kong FIPA came into force in September 2016, and the Canada-Mongolia FIPA came into force in February 2017. On March 8, 2018, the Government signed the Comprehensive and Progress Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. Canada is also undertaking negotiations for a free trade agreement between Canada and the Pacific Alliance. To support Canadian firms and increase exports to new markets, Budget 2018 provides up to $75 million to build a stronger diplomatic presence and Trade Commissioner Service salesforce in China and Asia, as well as other initiatives to open market opportunities in the region."
3/31/2018,187,,Exports and Investment,Improve support to companies looking to export and help communities looking to attract investments.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"Double the number of high-growth firms in Canada by 2025; increase Canada's goods and services exports—from natural resources, advanced manufacturing, agri-food and others—by 30 per cent by 2025; increase global investment in Canada; and create more well-paying, middle-class jobs for Canadians.","The Government is encouraging global investment and promoting our economic brand through the creation of the Invest in Canada Agency, which became operational on March 12, 2018. The Government has successfully completed the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. Provisional application of the trade agreement took effect in September 2017, and will give consumers more choice, boost Canadian businesses' access to new customers, create good, middle-class jobs and help grow the economy. The Government also recently signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Launched in 2016, CanExport, which provides direct financial assistance to Canadian small- and medium-sized enterprises seeking to develop new export opportunities, has approved 895 projects in 78 markets. Budget 2017 announced $950 million to superclusters in highly innovative industries, created the Strategic Innovation Fund to boost investment in Canadian innovations, and created six Economic Strategy Tables to boost growth and exports from advanced manufacturing; agri-food; clean technology; digital industries; health and bio-sciences; and clean resources sectors. To support Canadian firms and increase exports to new markets, Budget 2018 provides up to $75 million to build a stronger diplomatic presence and Trade Commissioner Service salesforce in China and Asia, as well as other initiatives to open market opportunities in the region."
3/31/2018,188,,Exports and Investment,Reduce administrative burden for investors and companies associated with international trade.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"Canadian businesses export and trade with international partners more easily and with less of an administrative burden, and international investors benefit from faster, clearer and more efficient engagement with government programs.","The Invest in Canada agency, launched on March 12, 2018, will increase cooperation between provinces, territories and municipalities to bolster trade promotion by providing companies with a one-stop-shop for investment in Canada thereby reducing complexity and administrative burden for investors. The new Global Skills Strategy, launched in June 2017, will make it easier for companies that are making large investments in Canada to bring in highly skilled global talent, while supporting well-paying, middle-class jobs for Canadians. Canadian companies will have access to an expedited review process lasting no more than a combined 20 business days from end to end, including reviews conducted by Employment and Social Development Canada and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Canada has worked closely with the United States (US), as part of the Canada-US Regulatory Cooperation Council, to facilitate greater alignment of regulatory systems where appropriate. Furthermore, to help Canadian firms unlock growth opportunities through exports, the Trade Commissioner Service will undergo transformative enhancements in the coming year to simplify the client experience, modernize tools and offer innovative services."
3/31/2018,189,,Indigenous peoples,"Improve essential infrastructure for Indigenous communities, including improving housing.",Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - with challenges,"Infrastructure on reserves is improved, schools on reserve are newer and in better condition; language and cultural knowledge is strengthened; more First Nations children graduate from high school and go on to post-secondary education; elimination of long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve by 2021; enhanced access for First Nations on-reserve and not on reserve, Inuit and Métis to affordable housing.","In Budget 2016, the Government of Canada made an investment of $4.6 billion over five years to support infrastructure development in communities to improve the quality of life of the people who live in them. Budget 2017 built on this momentum, with new, additional investments of $4 billion over ten years to build and improve housing, and other community infrastructure. As of December 31, 2017, and since the Budget 2016 announcement, more than $2 billion of targeted funds has been allocated towards 2,899 on-reserve community infrastructure projects across all asset classes. The Government is also improving primary and secondary education on reserve by building and renovating school facilities; enhancing the quality of language and cultural programs; expanding innovative pilot programs that have been proven to substantially increase literacy and numeracy rates among First Nations children; and empowering communities to establish First Nations' planned and led education systems. More than $300 million is being invested in 2016/17 and 2017/18 to build/upgrade First Nation schools. This includes 74 new schools and 85 renovated/upgraded schools. As of December 31, 2017, 11 of the 74 new schools have been constructed, and renovations/upgrades on 10 of the 85 schools have been completed. In Budget 2016, the Government announced significant new funding to end long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve by 2021. As of December 31, 2017, and since the Budget 2016 announcement, more than $750 million was invested to support 420 projects to strengthen on-reserve water infrastructure. On January 23, 2018 an expansion of the number of drinking water systems on public systems on reserve that will be supported by the Government was announced. Taking this expansion into account, as of April 16, 2018 there are 78 long-term drinking water advisories in effect, down from 105 in November 2015. Since November 2015, 58 long-term drinking water advisories have been lifted, while 31 have been added. The latest results on eliminating LT-DWAs is available here. The Government is improving on-reserve housing conditions while engaging with First Nations and other partners to develop an effective long term strategy. As of December 31, 2017, and since the Budget 2016 announcement, 13,093 housing units were under construction, renovation/retrofit or being serviced. Of these 13,093 units, 42% (5,536 housing units) have been completed. With respect to Inuit housing, 193 housing units are expected to be built/renovated in 2016/17 and 2017/18. The Government is also improving health facilities. As of January 31, 2018, investments have been made in more than 127 First Nations infrastructure projects to design, replace, expand or renovate health facilities for which 45 (35%) of these projects are complete.
Since Budget 2016, and as of December 31, 2017, $108.1 million of targeted funds have been allocated to support approximately 462 Solid Waste Management projects on reserves across Canada through the First Nations Solid Waste Management Initiative. So far, 117 of the projects have been completed.
Budget 2018 builds on prior investments and reaffirms the Government’s commitment by proposing to provide an additional $172.6 million over three years, beginning in 2018–19, to improve access to clean and safe drinking water on reserve.
Through investments made in Budget 2017 and Budget 2018, the Government proposes dedicated funding to support the successful implementation of each of the distinctions-based housing strategies, including:
•$600 million over three years to support housing on reserve as part of a 10-year First Nations Housing Strategy that is being developed with First Nations.
•$400 million over 10 years to support an Inuit-led housing plan in the Inuit regions of Nunavik, Nunatsiavut and Inuvialuit Settlement Region. This is in addition to the $240 million over 10 years announced in Budget 2017 to support housing in Nunavut.
•$500 million over 10 years to support the Métis Nation’s housing strategy."
3/31/2018,190,,Indigenous peoples,Implement the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - with challenges,All Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action are implemented.,"The Truth and Reconciliation Commission identified 94 Calls to Action, 76 of which fall under federal or shared responsibility with other partners, implicating 25 federal departments or agencies. Of the 76 Calls to Action within federal purview, six are in the final stages of delivery (including four that were concluded), 19 are fully underway and 51 are in the early stages of planning and implementation. Important progress has already been made and will lead to greater and more equitable access to quality education, health care, clean water, housing and employment services for Indigenous peoples. This includes the announcement in May 2016 of Canada’s unequivocal support to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples, of which implementation is a Call to Actions. The Calls to Action are extensive and some require longer-term, transformative change. Many involve multiple parties and require significant consultation and coordination. Taking into account the scope of the task and the wide range of partners involved, it will take time to ensure it is done right, with careful consideration of how best to support ongoing healing. The Government of Canada is also working with other jurisdictions and partners to advance implementation of those 18 Calls to Action outside of the federal purview. The establishment of the National Council for Reconciliation will support the efforts to advance the Calls to Action. To this end, on December 14, 2017, the Government of Canada announced the creation of a six member interim board that will provide advice on the establishment of the Council, the scope and scale of its proposed mandate, and will undertake independent engagement. The Interim Board is expected to submit a final report, with recommendations, in June 2018."
3/31/2018,191,,Indigenous peoples,Undertake a review of laws and policies to ensure the Crown is fulfilling its obligations and commitments to the recognition and implementation of Indigenous peoples' rights.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs;Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - on track,"Canada's laws and policies reflect the Government's commitment to advancing a nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown and government-to-government relationship with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation, respectively.","A Working Group of Ministers, chaired by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, was established in February 2017 to examine relevant federal laws, policies, and operational practices to help ensure the Crown is meeting its constitutional obligations with respect to Aboriginal and treaty rights; adhering to international human rights standards, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; and supporting the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. The Working Group has completed its start-up phase and in July 2017 released Principles respecting the Government of Canada's relationship with Indigenous peoples that should guide the review. The Working Group will continue to work in partnership with Indigenous peoples in carrying out this review. Working with other Ministers, the Working Group is looking at Canada’s laws, policies and operational practices to align them with its constitutional duties and its international commitments, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples, with respect to the recognition of Indigenous peoples and the implementation of Indigenous rights. The Working Group will provide an integrated whole-of-government approach to fulfil the promise of section-35 as a fundamental element of renewing the relationship with Indigenous peoples."
3/31/2018,192,,Indigenous peoples,Invest in First Nations education to ensure that First Nations children on reserve receive a quality education.,Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - with challenges,Literacy and numeracy rates are improved; language and cultural knowledge is strengthened; and more First Nations children graduate from high school and go on to post-secondary education.,"The Government of Canada committed a $2.6 billion increase for First Nations K-12 education and almost an additional $1 billion for education infrastructure. These investments will improve primary and secondary education on reserve by building and renovating school facilities; enhancing the quality of language and cultural programs; expanding innovative pilot programs that have been proven to substantially increase literacy and numeracy rates among First Nations children; increasing special education support; and empowering communities to establish education systems planned and led by First Nations. After signing an agreement with the Government of Canada, the Manitoba First Nations School System officially began operating in July 2017. As of September 2017 students in this school system began receiving education programs that are designed, delivered and run by First Nations with funding that is comparable to provincial school boards with enhancements that meets their specific needs. On August 16, 2017, the Anishinabek Nation Education Agreement was signed and will come into effect on April 1, 2018. It is the largest education self-government agreement in Canada, which enables the 23 Anishinabek First Nations in Ontario to develop culturally relevant and community-tailored education programs for the benefit of the Anishinabek students. The Government is engaged in discussions to establish similar initiatives in other regions of the country. Finally, as noted by the Parliamentary Budget Officer in November 2016, the Government's investments in education will, over the next several years, help fill critical and long-standing gaps in how on-reserve schools are funded compared to those under provincial jurisdiction. These investments will ensure that First Nations children get the best possible start in life and see an improvement in educational outcomes."
3/31/2018,193,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Implement an Infrastructure Strategy that improves public transit.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Transport,Underway - on track,Canadians spend less time in traffic and have greater access to modern public transit.,"Through Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government has committed $28.7 billion to public transit projects over the next 10 years. Over 1,000 public transit projects have been approved to date under the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund that will expand transit systems across the country and transform the way Canadians live, move, and work by spending less time in traffic. Larger projects to improve access to public transit include: the Regional Express Rail project in the Greater Toronto Area, which will make commuting by GO faster than commuting by car, save 1.8 billion hours of commuter travel time and $14.7 billion in automobile operating savings over the lifetime of the project; the Ottawa Light Rail Transit project - Stage 2 (OLRT2) will contribute to increasing overall public transit modal share from 22% in 2011 to 25% by 2048, to reduce congestion and improve mobility and safety while reducing harmful emissions due to modal share increase in public transit use. It is expected that an overall incremental greenhouse gas emissions reduction of 115,000 tonnes will occur by 2048 due to the environmental benefits of the OLRT2 project."
3/31/2018,194,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Implement an Infrastructure Strategy that improves social infrastructure.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Canadian Heritage;Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Underway - on track,"More Canadians with access to affordable housing, child care, cultural and recreational infrastructure.","In Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government made investments in social infrastructure across Canada. To date, over 5,600 projects to retrofit or renovate social housing have been approved, helping improve energy and water efficiency in more than 109,000 existing social housing units off and on reserve. The National Housing Strategy re-establishes the federal government as a leader in the area of affordable housing. Working in collaboration with provinces, territories and local communities, the Strategy leverages significant new capacity to build, repair and make housing more affordable across the country. As part of the Strategy, the new National Housing Co-investment Fund will include accessibility and energy efficiency requirements, and prioritize projects that have the greatest impact on communities and vulnerable populations, including women and children fleeing domestic violence, persons with disabilities, veterans, refugees, seniors, Indigenous peoples and persons with mental health and/or addictions issues. It is anticipated that the National Housing Strategy will reduce the number of Canadians in core housing need by as much as 530,000 compared to current levels. The investment of incremental resources in the Enabling Accessibility Fund will support an estimated 1,970 additional projects to further improve the safety and accessibility of community spaces and workplaces, making it possible for Canadians with disabilities to participate more fully in their communities and in the labour market. The Government is also creating affordable, high-quality child care spaces for low- and modest-income families, with the goal of supporting up to 40,000 new subsidized child care spaces over the next three years. In addition, the Government will create a distinct Indigenous Framework on Early Learning and Child Care in cooperation with Indigenous partners to reflect the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children across Canada. The Government is also supporting the improvement, renovation and construction of arts and heritage facilities, as well as the acquisition of specialized equipment and will make further investments in cultural infrastructure of $300 million in the next 10 years.
Since April 2016, the Government has awarded over $140 million to support the improvement, renovation and construction of arts and heritage facilities, as well as the acquisition of specialized equipment under the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund. Further investments in cultural infrastructure in the amount of $300 million will be made over 10 years starting in 2018-19 through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund. The Government will also invest $80 million over 10 years starting in 2018-19 to support the construction of community educational infrastructure in official language minority communities through the Development of Official Language Communities program at Canadian Heritage. The Government will provide $1.3 billion in funding for cultural, recreational and community infrastructure to provinces and territories through bilateral agreements."
3/31/2018,195,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Implement an Infrastructure Strategy that improves green infrastructure.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Transport;Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,"More infrastructure in place to ensure access to clean water, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and increased resilience against the impacts of climate change.","Through Budget 2016 and 2017, the Government of Canada is investing $26.9 billion in Green infrastructure over 12 years, including projects to improve access to clean water, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase resilience against the impacts of climate change. In Budget 2016, the Government announced significant new funding to end long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserves by 2021. As of December 31, 2017, and since the Budget 2016 announcement, more than $750 million was invested to support 420 projects to strengthen on-reserve water infrastructure. On January 23, 2018 an expansion of the number of drinking water systems on public systems on reserve that will be supported by the Government was announced. Taking this expansion into account, as of March 22, 2018 there are 78 long-term drinking water advisories in effect, down from 105 in November 2015. Since November 2015, 57 long-term drinking water advisories have been lifted, while 30 have been added. The latest results on eliminating long-term drinking water advisories are available here. Through the Canada Infrastructure Bank, at least $5 billion will be available for green infrastructure projects. As well, national “green” programs, totalling $2.8 billion, will be provided to address a number of priorities identified in the Pan-Canadian Framework. This includes investments of over $180 million in charging and alternative fuel infrastructure to support greater deployment of zero-emission vehicles. An amount of $2 billion is also proposed for a Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund to support national, provincial, and municipal infrastructure in dealing with the effects of a changing climate. In addition, $9.2 billion is being provided to provinces and territories through the Integrated Bilateral Agreements for green infrastructure. Natural infrastructure projects will be eligible under both the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund and the green stream of the Integrated Bilateral Agreements. In addition to this, delivered through the Rural and Northern Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure program, the Arctic Energy Fund will provide $400 million to support energy security in the territories. "
3/31/2018,196,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Invest in transportation infrastructure that helps get goods to market.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food;Minister of Transport,Underway - on track,"Get Canadian goods to markets more quickly and increase exports, including natural resources, manufactured goods and agri-food products, by 30 per cent by 2025.","The Government of Canada established a new $2 billion National Trade Corridors Fund (NTCF) to address urgent capacity constraints and freight bottlenecks at major ports of entry, and to better connect the rail and highway infrastructure that delivers economic growth across Canada. Investments through this fund will target congestion and inefficiencies at marine ports, as well as along the busiest rail and highway corridors. The Canada Infrastructure Bank will make at least $5 billion in additional funding available to address trade and transportation projects. The Government is tracking transportation flows and will report publicly on how long it takes to get goods to market.
The Government of Canada formally launched the first call for proposals under the NTCF on July 4, 2017. Eligible projects were invited to submit Comprehensive Project Proposals, and the Government is evaluating 133 complete project proposals, seeking a total of $4.4 billion in NTCF funding. It is expected that project recommendations and funding decisions will be made in Spring 2018."
3/31/2018,197,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Establish bilateral agreements with provinces and territories on infrastructure investments.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities,Underway - on track,"Agreements with all provinces and territories that improve public transit; increase access to affordable housing and child care; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; improve access to clean water, and enhance resilience in the face of a changing climate.","Infrastructure plays a central role in building strong communities, creating jobs and growing the economy. In Budget 2017, the Government of Canada established a plan to sign bilateral agreements with provinces and territories in order to provide infrastructure funding to key priority areas. As part of this plan, over $33 billion is being committed for integrated bilateral agreements for public transit, green infrastructure, rural and northern infrastructure, community, culture and recreation infrastructure. Seven of these agreements have been signed so far between the Government of Canada and the Northwest Territories (March 7, 2018), Ontario (March 14, 2018), and New Brunswick (March 15, 2018), Nunavut (March 28, 2018), British Columbia (April 2, 2018), Alberta (April 3, 2018) and Nova Scotia (April 10, 2018).
In Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government of Canada made investments in public transit, green infrastructure and social infrastructure across Canada. To date, over 1,000 public transit projects and over 2,300 projects to retrofit or renovate social housing have been approved. Through the National Housing Strategy, the Government aims to reduce the number of Canadians in core housing need by 530,000 by building, and repairing affordable housing across the country in addition to providing housing affordability support. The Government is also creating affordable, high-quality child care spaces for low- and modest-income families, with the goal of supporting up to 40,000 new subsidized child care spaces over the next three years. To date, bilateral agreements have been signed with Ontario, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nunavut, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Yukon, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Northwest Territories. In addition, the Government will create a distinct Indigenous Framework on Early Learning and Child Care in cooperation with Indigenous partners to reflect the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children across Canada. To date, repairs and renovations have been undertaken in 210 First Nations and Inuit Childcare Initiative child care centers and in 63 Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve facilities. The Government has also invested in a number of projects to improve access to clean water, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase protection against the impacts of climate change. These investments will lead to improvements in water/wastewater systems in 1,100 communities across the country. In Budget 2016, the Government announced significant new funding to end boil water advisories on reserves by 2021. The number of long-term drinking water advisories on public systems financially supported by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada has been reduced from 77 to 69 as of September 30, 2017."
3/31/2018,198,,Indigenous peoples,"Incorporate Aboriginal and treaty rights, residential schools and Indigenous contributions into school curricula.",Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,"School curricula that is inclusive of Indigenous history and knowledge, resulting in improved knowledge and understanding."," The Government provides financial support to the Office of the Treaty Commissioner in Saskatchewan and Treaty Relations Commissions of Manitoba to, among other things, provide materials and training to teachers in support of the delivery of K-12 treaty education curricula to all provincial school students. The organizations are also working with universities in their respective provinces to develop treaty curricula and courses that will be mandatory for every university student. "
3/31/2018,199,,Indigenous peoples,Work with the Métis Nation to advance reconciliation and renew the relationship.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,A renewed relationship with the Métis Nation based on the principles of reconciliation.,"The Prime Minister and the Métis Nation signed the Canada-Métis Nation Accord in April 2017 establishing a permanent bilateral mechanism to develop policy on shared priorities. The President of the Métis National Council and its Governing Members’ Presidents met with key federal Ministers on September 21, 2017 to discuss progress in advancing and implementing first year priorities of the Accord, specifically: early learning and child care, housing, and skills and employment training. Progress in these priority areas was confirmed in Budget 2018, which proposes to invest $500 million over 10 years to support a Métis Nation housing strategy, $10 million in 2018–19 to support Métis Nation post-secondary education, and $6 million over five years to support the Métis Nation in gathering health data and developing a health strategy. Furthermore, Budget 2018 also proposes to invest $325 million in the Métis Nation stream of the Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program, which supports employment services, skills development and job training.
On March 19, 2018, the President of the Métis National Council and its Governing Members’ Presidents met with key federal Ministers to discuss progress under the first year of the process. At this meeting, the parties agreed that the focus of the second year of the permanent bilateral mechanism process would be to undertake joint work and policy co-development on Métis health, education, child and family services, economic development and the new fiscal relationship.
In addition, the Urban Programming for Indigenous peoples, launched in May 2017, provides funding to organizations that support urban Indigenous peoples in cities and urban areas, including a set-aside allocation under the Programs and Services stream for the Métis Nation. Consultations on the Self-Government Framework Agreement with the Northwest Territory Métis Nation are expected to commence in spring 2018, prior to seeking approval of the Framework Agreement to commence negotiations.
Canada has engaged in Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions with each of the governing members of the Métis National Council as well as the Metis Settlements General Council. To date, Canada has signed Framework Agreements with the Manitoba Metis Federation (November 2016), Métis Nation of Alberta (November 2017) and Métis Nation of Ontario (December 2017). Memorandums of Understanding have also been reached with the Metis Settlements General Council (December 2017) and Metis Nation of Saskatchewan (February 2018). Discussions towards a Memorandum of Understanding are underway with the Metis Nation of British Columbia. "
3/31/2018,200,,Fair and Open Government,"Develop a non-partisan, merit-based process to advise the Prime Minister on Senate appointments.",Minister of Democratic Institutions,Completed - fully met,"An Independent Advisory Board has been established to provide a non-partisan, merit-based process of advice for recommending Senators, resulting in the appointment of 33 independent Senators thus far.","An Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments was established in January 2016 to provide advice to the Prime Minister on candidates for the Senate. As of July 7, 2016, Canadians were permitted, for the first time ever, to apply to be considered for appointment to the Senate through an open online application process. In the first application process, over 2,757 Canadians applied, demonstrating unprecedented engagement. A second open application process took place between December 2016 and January 2017. Thirty-two non-partisan appointments to the Senate have been made under the new process so far. Thanks to these actions, a plurality of Senators is not affiliated with a political party. In February 2018, the Minister of Democratic Institutions announced additional improvements to the Senate appointments process, including: keeping applications open year-round, retaining submitted applications for two years, and adding the ability for organizations or individuals to nominate potential candidates. "
3/31/2018,201,,Fair and Open Government,Establish a special parliamentary committee to consult on electoral reform.,Minister of Democratic Institutions,Not being pursued,A special parliamentary committee was established.,"A Special Committee, which included all five parties represented in the House of Commons, was established in June 2016 and presented its final report in December 2016. In addition to the consultation undertaken by the Special Committee, the Minister also consulted Members of Parliament of all parties, and oversaw an engagement process with 360,000 Canadians through mydemocracy.ca. Following extensive consultation with Canadians, it was determined that no clear preference for a new electoral system had emerged. The Government will not proceed with electoral reform."
3/31/2018,202,,Fair and Open Government,Make the Commissioner of Canada Elections more independent.,Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - on track,A truly independent Commissioner of Canada Elections who can pursue their work free from political or partisan direction.,"In November 2016, the Government introduced legislation to enhance the independence of the Commissioner of Canada Elections (CCE) by repealing changes that created a reporting relationship for the CCE with the Minister of Justice. This enhances the independent role that the CCE held for decades before it was altered in 2014."
3/31/2018,203,,Fair and Open Government,Bring forward options to create an independent commissioner to organize political party leaders' debates.,Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - on track,A new independent commission or commissioner for political party leaders' debates to ensure debates serve the public interest rather than the interests of any one party.,"The Government of Canada's online consultations and cross-country roundtables with Canadians were completed in February 2018. The information gathered during consultations will be used to help inform policy decisions, with the goal of having an independent commission or commissioner in place in advance of the next federal election campaign."
3/31/2018,204,,Fair and Open Government,"Review limits that political and third parties can spend during elections, and propose measures to control spending between elections.",Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - on track,Political and third party spending is limited and controlled to help strengthen Canadian democracy.,"Initial analysis has been conducted on political party and third party spending limits during elections, and between them. Research is ongoing."
3/31/2018,205,,Fair and Open Government,"Allow charities to do their work free from political harassment, and modernize the rules governing the charitable and not-for-profit sectors.",Minister of Finance;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister of National Revenue,Underway - on track,A transparent and rules-based legal framework for Canada's charities is in place and charities in Canada are free from political harassment.,"In September 2016, the Government launched a consultation process with the charitable sector and the public to assist in clarifying the rules for the participation of charities in political activities. A consultation panel reviewed the submissions and presented the Minister of National Revenue with recommendations at the end of March 2017. The Government is carefully reviewing the Panel’s report to help inform regulation of charities going forward and will provide a response to this report in the coming months, as indicated in Budget 2018. As an immediate first step to respond to the Panel’s recommendations, the Government has suspended all action in relation to the remaining audits and objections that were part of the Political Activities Audit Program."
3/31/2018,206,,Environment and Climate Change,Make strategic investments in our clean technology sector.,"Minister of Natural Resources;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food;Minister of International Trade",Underway - on track,"The clean technology sector's contribution to Canada's Gross Domestic Product grows, creating more good-paying, middle class jobs and increasing the number of high-growth companies in Canada.","Since 2016, the Government of Canada has committed to several measures to grow clean technology in Canada as part of the Innovation and Skills Plan and the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change. The major points of focus of these investments are: building early-stage innovation, accelerating commercialization and growth, fostering greater adoption of clean technologies, increasing exports of clean technologies and processes, and strengthening collaboration and metrics for success. Examples of key initiatives include: nearly $1.4 billion in new financing to help Canada's clean technology firms grow and expand; $400 million for Sustainable Development Technology Canada to develop and demonstrate new clean technologies; $200 million to support research, development, demonstration and the adoption of clean technology in Canada's natural resources sectors, $822 million for next-generation clean energy infrastructure projects, and $14.5 million for a Clean Technology Data Strategy.
In December 2017, Statistics Canada released data showing how clean technologies and environmental goods and services benefit the Canadian economy. This is part of the Clean Technology Data Strategy to improve data on clean technology development and use in Canada.
The Clean Growth Hub officially launched in January 2018 as a whole-of-government focal point for clean technology focused on supporting companies and projects, coordinating programs and tracking results. So far, the Hub has provided advisory services to 243 clean technology clients. The Government also officially launched the International Business Development Strategy for Clean Technology in March 2018.
As part of the $1.4 billion in new financing for Canada’s clean tech producers, the Government of Canada announced $700 million through the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) over the next five years in January 2018 to help grow Canada's clean technology industry, protect the environment and create jobs. The Agricultural Clean Technology Program was also announced on March 19, 2018. This $25 million, three-year investment will help the agricultural sector reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the development and adoption of clean technologies.
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3/31/2018,207,,Environment and Climate Change,Enhance Canada's tax measures to generate and attract more clean technology investments.,Minister of Finance;Minister of Natural Resources,Underway - on track,"The clean technology sector's contribution to Canada's Gross Domestic Product grows, creating more good-paying, middle class jobs and increasing the number of high-growth companies in Canada.",Budget 2016 changed Canadian tax rules to make certain electric vehicle charging stations and electrical energy storage equipment eligible for accelerated capital cost allowance treatment. Budget 2017 introduced further expansions of this tax treatment to geothermal projects and expenses. Budget 2018 extended the accelerated capital cost allowance for five years to property acquired before 2025. The Government will continue to work towards making Canada the world's most competitive tax jurisdiction for clean technology.
3/31/2018,208,,Safety and Security,Launch an open and transparent competition to replace the CF-18 fighter aircraft.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement;Minister of National Defence,Underway - on track,A new fighter fleet that allows the Canadian Armed Forces to do their job with the equipment they need.,"A modern fighter jet fleet is essential for defending Canada and Canadian sovereignty - especially in our northern skies. It is a vital contribution to our partnership with our most important ally, the United States, and for the protection of the continent that we share. It is also important for enabling Canada to fulfill its international commitments as an engaged and active member of NATO. On December 12, 2017, the Government launched an open and transparent competition to replace Canada's fighter aircraft. The Government also announced its decision to allow the United States' offer for the Super Hornets to expire, and to instead pursue acquiring 18 Australian F/A-18 fighter aircraft to supplement the current fleet until the permanent replacement is in place and fully operational. Canada is actively working with Australia to implement this decision. On January 22, 2018, the Government of Canada held an Industry Day to provide details about the planned fighter aircraft procurement process and schedule, project scope and high-level operational objectives of the fighter aircraft, as well as the approach to maintenance and repair and leveraging economic benefits. On February 22, 2018, the Government of Canada published a list of eligible suppliers that will be invited to submit proposals under the competition to replace Canada's fighter fleet. Formal engagement events known as “Suppliers Week” were held with eligible suppliers from March 26 to April 13, 2018 to share and collect detailed information to support finalization of the procurement strategy and the development of the solicitation document."
3/31/2018,209,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that all federal services are delivered in compliance with the Official Languages Act.,President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Canadian Heritage,Underway - on track,"More Canadians receive federal services and communications in their official language of choice, and a new Official Languages Plan is implemented to support English and French linguistic minorities across Canada.","The Government of Canada conducted the first review of the Official Languages Regulations in over twenty-five years. The Government is committed to ensuring the public is served in their official language of choice. Currently, 86.5% of federal institutions report that, where required by the Official Languages Act, the public is served in their language of choice in oral and written communications. The Government has set a target to achieve 90% in 2017-2018."
3/31/2018,210,,Fair and Open Government,Improve access to information to enhance the openness of government.,President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - on track,Greater government transparency and more information available for Canadians to hold their government to account.,"Following an Interim Directive in May 2016 that eliminated all fees except for the application fee and confirmed the principle of ""open by default"", the Government introduced Phase I reforms to modernize and expand the scope of the Access to Information Act. Legislation introduced in June 2017 proposes new requirements for the proactive publication of a broad range of information and would apply to more than 240 federal institutions, as well as the Prime Minister's Office, ministers' offices and administrative bodies that support Parliament and the courts. The legislation would also provide the Information Commissioner with the power to make binding orders to government institutions, including for the release of records. A review of the Act would also be required every five years to ensure that it remains current and continues to improve transparency for Canadians. The first review of Phase II of the Government’s access to information reform initiative would need to be initiated within one year of the legislation coming into force."
3/31/2018,211,,Strong Middle Class,Conduct a review of tax expenditures.,President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"A simpler, fairer tax system.","The Government of Canada has taken action to reduce poorly targeted, complex and inefficient tax measures, including tax credits, that were not available to families with the lowest incomes. Budget 2016 introduced a new Canada Child Benefit (CCB) that is simpler, tax-free, more generous and better targeted than the previous system of federal child benefits. The CCB replaced five tax credits and benefits, provides 9 out of 10 families with more generous benefits and lifts hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty. Budget 2016 also replaced poorly targeted transit tax credits with significant new long-term investments directly in public transit, and replaced tax deductions for text books with measures to significantly improve the affordability of post-secondary education for low- and middle-income families.
Budget 2017 took further action to implement changes resulting from the Government’s review of tax expenditures. The review identified opportunities to eliminate inefficient tax measures and make other existing tax measures more effective, equitable and accessible to Canadians. In this context, Budget 2017 included measures to improve tax relief for caregivers, students, and persons with disabilities. While the formal component of the tax expenditures review has concluded, the results of the review will continue to inform the Government’s ongoing work to make the tax system simpler, fairer and more efficient."
3/31/2018,212,,Safety and Security,Improve marine safety.,"Minister of Transport;Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Underway - on track,Canadians are kept safe and our coasts are protected through evidence-based emergency preparedness and response.,"The Government has announced initiatives valuing over $550 million, including $130 million in new science funding for new partnerships, improved knowledge and new technologies to help mitigate and prevent marine incidents such as oil spills. The Government of Canada is committed to a coordinated national approach for engagement and building regional Indigenous partnerships to deliver on OPP results. To date, 45 workshops have been held with multiple Indigenous groups.
As part of the strategy to address abandoned and wrecked vessels, the Government introduced an Act respecting wrecks, abandoned, dilapidated or hazardous vessels and salvage operations in October 2017. The Government announced, on March 12, 2018, $1.3 million in funding under the first call for proposals for: (1) the Abandoned Boats Program; and, (2) the Small Craft Harbours Abandoned and Wrecked Vessels Removal Program.
On March 28, 2018, the Government announced measures to reduce the risk of vessel strikes and entanglement in fishing gear to endangered North Atlantic right whales in the Western Gulf of St. Lawrence. Measures include speed reduction zones with whale monitoring support provided by the National Aerial Surveillance Program, as well as changes to the snow crab fishery.
As part of the Enhanced Maritime Situational Awareness initiative, the Haida Nation and the Gitga'at Nation will host pilot projects, beginning in fall 2018 and concluding in fall 2019. The two Nations will work with Transport Canada, the Canadian Coast Guard and other federal departments to develop, test and evaluate a new maritime awareness information system. They are the first of up to nine communities that will host pilot versions of the new system across the three coasts.
To enhance Arctic marine oversight: the Government added 500 hours of surveillance and committed to building an aircraft hangar and accommodations unit under the National Aerial Surveillance Program; completed 76 vessel inspections; updated the Small Vessel Regulations; and, introduced the Arctic Shipping Safety and Pollution Regulations to implement the international Polar Code for ships operating in polar waters. We are modernizing the Coast Guard’s current suite of emergency response assets, including purchasing and deploying approximately 285 assets for the containment, recovery and storage of oil. To date, a number of requests for proposals for equipment have been issued. For example, sweep systems and portable skimmers.
The first of seven new search and rescue lifeboat stations was announced in Old Perlican, Newfoundland and Labrador, in January 2018. The refurbishment of the Coast Guard St. Anthony’s base started in March 2018. Through an inshore rescue boat station in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, search and rescue capabilities in the region will be enhanced. To build stronger working relationships with northern communities, the station will be operated by local Indigenous students.
The request for proposals to procure two emergency towing vessels will close in April 2018. These vessels will conduct emergency towing and assist with search and rescue and environmental response. Indigenous Community Response Training continues, with an additional session for nine participants from eight nations."
3/31/2018,213,,Environment and Climate Change,Review the previous government's changes to the Fisheries Act and Navigable Waters Protection Act.,"Minister of Transport;Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Underway - on track,"Restore lost protections and incorporate modern safeguards into the revised Fisheries Act and Navigation Protection Act to better protect Canada's environment for future generations, advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, and get resources to market.","In February 2018, the Government introduced legislation to restore lost protections and incorporate modern safeguards into the Fisheries Act and the Navigation Protection Act. The proposed legislative, regulatory and policy measures were informed by a federal discussion paper, parliamentary studies, and almost two years of consultations with Indigenous peoples, industry, provinces and territories, non-governmental organizations, academia and the public.
The Government will invest up to $284.2 million over five years to support restoring lost protections to fish and fish habitat and incorporating modern safeguards under the Fisheries Act."
3/31/2018,214,,Indigenous peoples,Promote economic development and create jobs for Indigenous peoples.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Indigenous Services;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,Higher employment rates for Indigenous peoples and stronger economic growth in Indigenous communities.,"The Government of Canada supports a suite of economic development and land management programs that are increasing the participation of Indigenous communities in the Canadian economy and enabling Indigenous people to pursue opportunities for employment, income, and wealth creation. To help close the employment and earning gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, Budget 2018 proposes to invest $2 billion over five years, and $408.2 million per year ongoing, to support the creation of a new Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program. This includes incremental investments of $447 million over five years, and $99.4 million per year ongoing, and a stronger focus on training for higher-quality, better-paying jobs rather than rapid re-employment. This additional funding will assist approximately 15,000 more clients gain greater skills and find jobs that will support their long-term career success. The Government has consulted with, and heard from, Indigenous partners on the importance of a distinctions-based approach that recognizes the unique needs of First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation.
Investments in commercial infrastructure, capacity development and partnerships within the federal government, provinces and the private sector are leading to major developments on and off reserve including commercial initiatives. For examples, these investments will: help First Nations access long-term financing to undertake economic development projects in their communities ($20M), strengthen the First Nations and Inuit Summer Work Experience Program and the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program ($100M), grow Canada's Indigenous tourism industry ($8.6M), and improve Indigenous labour market programs through new Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program ($2B over five years and $408.2M per year ongoing), successor to the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy. In addition, the Government of Canada has increased funding for the Post-Secondary Student Support Program, which will help 4,600 First Nation students over a two-year period ($90M).
The Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business was created to help Indigenous business access procurement opportunities within the federal government. The Government of Canada is one of the largest public buyers of goods and services in Canada, purchasing approximately $16 billion worth every year on behalf of federal departments and agencies. The Government is currently modernizing the federal approach to Indigenous procurement in order to grow Indigenous businesses and contribute to positive socio-economic outcomes in communities.
To enhance Indigenous participation in the public and private sector, the Government provides project-based funding to increase business and economic development strategies. For example, supported women’s participation in business and economic development opportunities; and, the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, to develop Canada’s unique and authentic Indigenous tourism industry and implement the National Aboriginal Tourism Strategy.
The Government provides annual funding to the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association for distribution to the national network of Aboriginal Financial Institutions (AFI). These funds are used to provide loans and grants to Indigenous entrepreneurs to start or expand their businesses.
The Government is currently working closely with partners on the development of options for the creation of a centralized loan fund to take advantage of available capital within the AFI network, in order to redistribute funds from areas of surplus to areas of lack of capital.
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3/31/2018,215,,Indigenous peoples,Undertake an inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in Canada.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister of Status of Women,Underway - with challenges,"Concrete solutions to address systemic causes of violence, resulting in increased safety of Indigenous women and girls in Canada.","The Government of Canada, with the governments of all provinces and territories, launched an independent National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The Commissioners have been asked to examine and report on the systemic and historical social, economic, institutional and cultural factors—as well as practices, policies and institutions—that contribute to the violence that Indigenous women and girls face. The Commission is mandated to complete its work by December 31, 2018. Many legitimate concerns from families and stakeholders have been raised about the Inquiry's progress. The Commission released their interim report on November 1, 2017. The report outlines progress to date, acknowledges challenges in establishing the Inquiry and makes some recommendations for immediate support to assist families that want to participate in the process, including a call to extend the timelines. The Government of Canada is reviewing the interim recommendations and is developing a response to the Interim Report. A working group has been established to work with the Commission to address its administrative challenges and is meeting regularly. The Government is closely monitoring the work of the Inquiry and is encouraging the Commissioners to listen and respond to concerns raised, and to learn from families and survivors as the Commission continues its work. The Government of Canada has standing at all phases of the National Inquiry and looks forward to participating in the anticipated Institutional and Expert hearings. The Government is reviewing the request received on March 6, 2018 from the Commission for an extension."
3/31/2018,216,,Indigenous peoples,Improve services to Indigenous people and those with mental illness throughout the criminal justice system.,Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Underway - on track,"Improved services and increased support to make it easier for Indigenous peoples and those with mental illness to navigate the criminal justice system, and reverse the trend of Indigenous overrepresentation in the justice system.","The Government of Canada has made investments to help ensure that people from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, including Indigenous peoples and those with mental illness, have access to legal aid. The Government has also provided long-term and stable funding to the Indigenous Justice Program which provides funding for community-based programs that use restorative justice approaches as alternative mechanisms to the mainstream justice system. In addition, the Government is investing in the Indigenous Courtwork Program to ensure Indigenous peoples have the representation and services they need to navigate the criminal justice system. It also supports community-based specialized services for Indigenous victims of crime and Family Information Liaison Units for families of murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls. We are working to further identify strategies that will build on these investments. The Government is also exploring changes to the jury selection process to ensure that this process is fair and transparent.
Budget 2018 builds on the investments made in Budget 2017, proposing $20.4 million over five years, beginning in 2018–19, and $5.6 million per year ongoing, for the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) to further support the mental health needs of federal inmates. Funds would largely be targeted towards providing enhanced mental health supports for women in federal correctional facilities. CSC policy now includes non-admissible criteria to administrative segregation for certain inmates and the Government introduced Bill C-56 to establish presumptive release timeframes for inmates in administrative segregation. The Government is also supporting Private Member’s Bill C-375, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (presentence report), to ensure that presentence reports, which help judges make appropriate sentences, reflect relevant mental health information of offenders."
3/31/2018,217,,Healthy Canadians,Legalize and strictly regulate cannabis.,Minister of Health;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - with challenges,"Legalization and strict regulation of cannabis in Canada protects Canadian youth, keep profits out of the hands of criminals and responsibly manages the production and distribution of cannabis.","In April 2017, the Government introduced legislation to legalize, strictly regulate, and restrict access to cannabis, as well as crack down on impaired driving. This legislation will make it a specific criminal offence to sell cannabis to a minor and will create significant penalties for those who use young persons to commit cannabis-related offences. The legislation will maintain the existing prohibition against importing or exporting cannabis and cannabis products without a valid exemption or permit issued by the Government of Canada.
Legislation was introduced following extensive consultation with law enforcement, health and safety experts, and the hard work of the Task Force on Cannabis Legalization and Regulation. On March 22, 2018, Bill C-45 was adopted at second reading in the Senate. Senate leaders have agreed to a legislative timetable that will lead to a final vote on Bill C-45 on or before June 7.
On March 19, Health Canada released a report that summarizes feedback from its 60-day consultation on the proposed regulatory approach to cannabis, including details on two key elements of the proposed regulations: the definitions of micro-scale licences, and the requirements for packaging and labelling of cannabis products.
Budget 2018 proposed investments of $62.5M over 5 years to support the involvement of community-based and Indigenous organizations in educating their communities on the risks associated with cannabis use. This is in addition to the $46 million in cannabis public education, awareness and surveillance funding announced in October 2017. The public education campaign is underway. "
3/31/2018,218,,Safety and Security,Repeal problematic elements of Bill C-51 to balance security with rights and freedoms.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,Canadians' safety and security are strongly protected in a manner consistent with the rights and freedoms Canadians cherish.,"In June 2017, the Government introduced legislation covering a wide range of measures that were informed by the broad consultation with engaged citizens, stakeholders, experts, parliamentarians and others in Fall 2016. The proposed measures represent extensive and much-needed improvements to Canada’s national security framework, and will enhance accountability through a proposed National Security and Intelligence Review Agency and a new Intelligence Commissioner; fulfill the Government's commitment to address problematic elements of Bill C-51 through proposed revisions to threat reduction measures under the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Act, amendments to the Criminal Code, and revisions to the Security of Canada Information Sharing Act; and enhance transparency by introducing new safeguards and accountability measures, and by re-affirming compliance with the Charter. The Government proposes to enhance the Passenger Protect Program with investments of $81.4M over five years, starting in 2018-19, and $14M per year ongoing. These investments would be used to develop a rigorous centralized screening model and establish a redress mechanism for legitimate air travelers who are affected by the program. The enhanced program would help ensure that privacy and fairness concerns are addressed, while keeping Canadians safe."
3/31/2018,219,,Environment and Climate Change,Phase out inefficient fossil fuel industry subsidies over the medium-term.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Finance,Underway - on track,"Phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, consistent with Canada’s commitment with the G20 countries, building a strong, clean economy and preserving our planet for generations to come.","Budget 2016 announced that the accelerated capital cost allowance for facilities used to liquefy natural gas will be allowed to expire at the end of 2024. Budget 2017 proposed changes to rationalize the treatment of exploration expenses for oil and gas producers and phase out their ability to reclassify certain development expenses as more favourably treated exploration expenses. The Government will continue to review, report on and phase out fossil fuel subsidies in future budgets, as appropriate."
3/31/2018,220,,Environment and Climate Change,"Increase the proportion of Canada's marine and coastal areas that are protected to five percent by 2017, and ten percent by 2020.","Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Environment and Climate Change",Underway - on track,"Five per cent of Canada's marine and coastal areas are protected by 2017, and 10 per cent by 2020, protecting important habitats, maintaining and promoting tourism, and helping with climate change adaptation.","In October 2017, the Government achieved its commitment to protect 5% of Canada's marine and coastal areas by 2017. Since then, seven new marine refuges have been established off the coasts of Nunavut and Newfoundland and Labrador which have contributed an additional 145,598 square km of protected ocean area to Canada’s coasts. This represents an additional 2.53% of protected ocean, bringing Canada’s current total to 7.75%. The government is on track to achieve the 10% target by 2020.
In November 2016, the Government of Canada announced the designation of the Anguniaqvia niqiqyuam Marine Protected Area (MPA). In February 2017, the Government announced the designation of the Hecate Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound Glass Sponge Reefs MPA. In June 2017, the Government announced the designation of St. Anns Bank MPA. In August 2017, the federal Government, Nunavut and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association together announced an agreement on the final boundary and interim protection of the new Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area in Lancaster Sound -- the largest protected area ever established in Canada. In addition, the Government allocated funding towards exploring with Indigenous and Northern partners the protection of the Last Ice Area in the Arctic. In September 2017, Canada signed a Statement of Intent with the Nunatsiavut Government committing to work together on marine planning in Labrador's offshore area.
Canada has developed science-based criteria for other effective area-based conservation measures that contribute to marine conservation targets. Fisheries area closures that meet these criteria, known as marine refuges, have been established throughout Canada's oceans to protect important species and ecosystem features. The Government will continue working with its partners to enhance the protection of Canada’s oceans.
The Government of Canada has proposed amendments to the Oceans Act to create a new authority to designate an interim MPA through ministerial order and to update existing enforcement officer powers and fines provisions. Amendments are also proposed to the Canada Petroleum Resources Act to allow for orders prohibiting oil and gas activities in designated Oceans Act MPAs, where appropriate. "
3/31/2018,221,,Canada in the World,"Advance human rights, gender equality, peaceful pluralism and respect for diversity internationally.",Minister of International Development and La Francophonie;Minister of Foreign Affairs,On-going commitment,"Inclusive governance, human rights, gender equality, peaceful pluralism and respect for diversity are enhanced around the world.","The Government of Canada promotes, and defends inclusive governance, human rights, gender equality, democracy, inclusion and respect for diversity in every international relationship and at every opportunity. As a respected member of the United Nations, the Commonwealth, La Francophonie and other international bodies, Canada helps to strengthen and maintain international norms related to these values. The Government has expanded and reinvigorated its comprehensive approach to defending and promoting all human rights through the creation of the Office of Human Rights, Freedoms and Inclusion. In addition, the Government introduced guidelines for supporting human rights defenders—a practical tool for Canada’s diplomatic officials to empower human rights defenders as effective advocates and to help protect them from the threats they all too often face. Canada continues to be an active member of the Governing Council of the intergovernmental Community of Democracies Coalition, as well as chair of its Working Group on Enabling and Protecting Civil Society to promote and protect democratic values. Canada also became co-chair, with Chile, of the Equal Rights Coalition, the first global intergovernmental network focused on the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons. In March 2017, Canada led an 83-country Joint Statement on the Power of Inclusion and Benefits of Diversity at the UN Human Rights Council. Canada's Feminist International Assistance Policy emphasizes the empowerment of women and girls and positioning Canada as a leader on gender equality in aid programming. This new policy makes inclusive governance, including human rights, democracy, respect for diversity and inclusion, one of the key action areas and commits to making Canada's international assistance human rights based. Canada successfully negotiated reference to inclusion and diversity and the enjoyment of all human rights online, including specific reference to indigenous people, sexual orientation, gender identity and disability in the Community of Democracies’ Washington Ministerial Declaration in September 2017. The Government also added language related to inclusion and respect for diversity into five resolutions and made statements on the issue at the UN General Assembly in autumn 2017. In October 2017, Canada adopted the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act and amendments to the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA) to take action to respond to cases of human rights violations and acts of corruption globally. Canada will have the ability to impose asset freezes and travel bans on those responsible for these reprehensible acts or their accomplices. From October to December 2017, Canada’s leadership was instrumental in advancing key human rights priorities in a number of resolutions at the UN General Assembly, including leading efforts to ensure the successful adoption of the resolution on the human rights situation in Iran. It also succeeded at adding language related to inclusion and respect for diversity into five resolutions at the UN General Assembly Third Committee, as well as making numerous statements emphasizing the importance of this priority for Canada. In February 2018, Canada hosted a high-level panel at the 37th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, which highlighted the costs of exclusion on the human rights of refugees and migrants, persons with disabilities and the LGBTI community. Canada also co-chairs, with Switzerland, the OECD Development Assistance Committee Network on Governance which aims to improve development assistance policies and practice in support of effective, accountable and participatory institutions of state and civil society."
3/31/2018,222,,Canada in the World,Work on development financing issues.,Minister of Finance;Minister of International Development and La Francophonie;Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"Increased international investment, reduced poverty and improved economic development in developing countries.","Budget 2017 confirmed the Government’s decision to launch Canada's new Development Finance Institute Canada, capitalized at $300 million to support poverty reduction in developing countries. The organization opened for business in early 2018 and the first transaction, an investment with M-KOPA (a Kenya-based solar energy provider), was announced in March 2018. Budget 2018 provided $1.5 billion and $492.7 million per year ongoing thereafter to establish an International Assistance Innovation Program and a Sovereign Loans Program. "
3/31/2018,223,,Strong Middle Class,Develop and implement a Youth Service Program.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of International Development and La Francophonie",Underway - on track,"More young Canadians engaged in high quality public and community service, and through this service, gaining valuable skills that will benefit them in life and work.","On January 16, 2018, the Government launched the design phase of the Canada Service Corps, Canada’s new national youth service initiative.
Canada Service Corps will encourage young Canadians to get involved in service to their communities and gain valuable skills and experience that will benefit them in every aspect of life. This initiative will grow over time, creating more opportunities for youth who wish to serve.
During the design phase, the Government of Canada will engage youth directly to find out more about their motivations and interests, and to explore what service means to them. Their input will directly shape the initiative, ensuring that it meets the needs and priorities of young people once it is fully implemented in early 2019."
3/31/2018,224,,Healthy Canadians,Raise awareness on concussion treatment.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities;Minister of Health,Completed - fully met,"Consistent, coordinated Canadian guidelines on concussion in sport and return-to-learn and return-to-play protocols.","The Government is working in partnership with provinces, territories and other key stakeholders on a coordinated pan-Canadian concussion strategy. In June 2016, a framework for the strategy was endorsed by federal, provincial and territorial ministers. Budget 2016 made investments to harmonize concussion management guidelines on prevention, early detection and treatment, with a focus on return-to-play and return-to-learn protocols for athletes and students. In July 2017, federal, provincial and territorial Ministers responsible for sport, physical activity and recreation agreed to a Framework for Action focusing on the areas of awareness, prevention, detection, management, and surveillance of concussions, which will further harmonize the collective approach across jurisdictions. At the same time, Parachute Canada, with the financial support of the Government of Canada, released its “Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport”.
The Government will direct funds to the Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC) for a national awareness campaign. SIRC will work collaboratively with NSOs on an awareness and implementation campaign regarding the sport specific protocols for return-to-play concussions.
The Government has also partnered with the private sector to launch two new projects in 2017-18. The SCHOOLFirst project, led by Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, will provide access to up-to-date information for teachers and school boards on concussion practices to support youth who are returning to school after experiencing a concussion. The Progress Activation and Concussion Education (PACE) app will help parents guide the management of their child’s concussion by identifying symptoms or visual clues that should trigger intervention by them at home and in school."
3/31/2018,225,,Healthy Canadians,Update and expand the Nutrition North program.,Minister of Health;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,More affordable nutritious food for Canadians in the North.,"In Budget 2016, the Government increased funding to expand Nutrition North Canada to isolated northern communities. Nutrition North Canada helps alleviate the high cost of food in 121 isolated northern communities by providing a subsidy on perishable nutritious food. The full benefits of Nutrition North Canada have been expanded to 37 additional isolated northern communities. Nutrition education was also expanded to an additional 43 communities. "
3/31/2018,226,,Healthy Canadians,Develop a coordinated national action plan on post-traumatic stress disorder.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Underway - on track,Canada's public safety officers have better access to support for post-traumatic stress.,"The Government is developing a national action plan on post-traumatic stress injury in consultation with stakeholders. This plan will be evidenced-based and reflect the findings of the Fifth Report of the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security which recently studied this issue. The Government will release further details on the proposed national action plan later in the mandate. The Government has also provided funding to the University of Regina to conduct a study on the effects of policing on the mental health of Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers.
Budget 2018 proposes $20 million over five years, beginning in 2018-19 to support a new national research consortium between the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT). This consortium would work to address the incidence of posttraumatic stress injuries among public safety officers. The Government of Canada would also invest $10 million over five years, starting in 2018-19, for Public Safety Canada to work with the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment to develop an internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy pilot as a means of providing greater access to care and treatment for public safety officers. The Government also proposes to provide the RCMP with $21.4 million over five years, starting in 2018-19, to support the mental health needs of its officers."
3/31/2018,227,,Indigenous peoples,Provide new funding to preserve and enhance Indigenous languages and cultures.,Minister of Canadian Heritage,Underway - on track,"An Indigenous Languages Act co-created with Indigenous peoples that preserves, promotes, and revitalizes Indigenous languages in Canada, resulting in more people speaking Indigenous languages.","Budget 2017 invested $89.9 million to support Indigenous languages and cultures. These investments are supporting community-based projects that facilitate communication in, and revitalization of, Indigenous languages and are also helping to digitize Indigenous languages and oral histories.
On December 6, 2016 the Prime Minister announced that the Government of Canada will enact an Indigenous Languages Act, co-developed with Indigenous peoples, with the goal of ensuring the preservation, promotion, and revitalization of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit languages in Canada. On June 15, 2017, Canadian Heritage, the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Métis Nation of Canada launched the co-development of Indigenous languages legislation and agreed on a collaborative engagement process."
3/31/2018,228,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Expand the network of shelters and transition houses for those fleeing domestic violence.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Indigenous Services;Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,More shelters available for those fleeing domestic violence.,"In Budget 2016, the Government made significant investments to boost the number of shelters and transition houses for victims of family violence and ensure that no one fleeing domestic violence is left without a place to go. To date, this funding has supported over 3,000 projects, to assist more than 4,800 households. In Budget 2016, the Government also provided greater funding to renovate, construct and better support shelters serving victims of family violence in First Nation communities. Five communities (in five different provinces) have been identified for the construction of new shelters, and planning and construction activities have begun. All projects are anticipated to be completed by March 31, 2019. The National Housing Strategy will further fund projects that support vulnerable Canadians, including homeless women and those fleeing family violence.
The National Housing Strategy will target at least 7,000 shelter spaces created or repaired for survivors of family violence and also commit at least 25% of all investments to support projects that specifically target women and girls. "
3/31/2018,229,,Government Services and Operations,Reduce complexity and strengthen partnerships between National Defence and Veterans Affairs.,Minister of Veterans Affairs;Minister of National Defence,Underway - on track,Simpler programs that give members of Canada's Armed Forces (CAF) the support they need as they transition from the Department of National Defence (DND) to Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC).,"DND/CAF and VAC will work collaboratively to review their programs to ensure our women and men in uniform can better transition from the Canadian Armed Forces to Veterans Affairs. A roadmap with key milestones of action will lead to simpler benefits and offer a streamlined, client centric process so CAF members have an easier time transitioning to civilian life."
3/31/2018,230,,Healthy Canadians,Develop a suicide prevention strategy for Canadian Armed Forces personnel and Veterans.,Minister of National Defence;Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,More Veterans and men and women in the Canadian Armed Forces receive the mental health care they need and suicides are reduced.,"Canada's new defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—invests in the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces and delivers the standard of service and care that current and former members deserve. The new policy will expand the number of Canada's military personnel and significantly invest in the health and welfare of those serving in uniform. As part of the policy, the Government will expand the Department of National Defence Medical Service Branch by 200 personnel to ensure serving members have better access to efficient and effective care anywhere they serve, in Canada or abroad. In October 2017, the Government announced the implementation of a joint Canadian Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Suicide Prevention Strategy composed of 160 different initiatives, programs and services, including the hiring of additional mental health professionals focused on preventing suicide across the entire military and Veteran community. The effectiveness of clinical interventions, training, education and other supports and services will be studied to assess progress in preventing suicide."
3/31/2018,231,,Safety and Security,Create a committee of Parliamentarians to review national security.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Completed - fully met,Parliamentarians have the information they need to ensure Canada's national security framework and activities are effective and protect rights and freedoms and Canadian values.,"The law establishing the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) has been brought into force, funding has been allocated, members have been appointed, a chair designated, and an Executive Director has been appointed. The new NSICOP is an important step towards increased accountability and transparency. The Committee's broad government-wide mandate to scrutinize any national security matter will help ensure the protection of the public and that the rights and freedoms of individual Canadians are upheld. The NSICOP can perform reviews of national security and intelligence activities, including ongoing operations, and strategic and systemic reviews of the legislative, regulatory, policy, expenditure and administrative frameworks under which these activities are conducted."
3/31/2018,232,,Canada in the World,End Canada's combat mission in Iraq and Syria and refocus Canada's efforts on training and humanitarian support.,Minister of National Defence,Completed - fully met,"Canada ceased conducting fighter jet strikes in Iraq and Syria and adopted a more comprehensive approach with increased resources for stabilization, humanitarian assistance, and training.","Effective February 15, 2016, Canada ceased conducting strikes by CF-18 fighter jets on Daesh targets. On February 8, 2016, Canada announced an increased contribution to the training of Iraq Security Forces, as well as humanitarian and stabilization support. The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are contributing many capabilities to the multinational efforts to degrade and defeat Daesh, and up to 830 CAF personnel are assigned to Operation IMPACT, which has been extended until March 31, 2019."
3/31/2018,233,,Canada in the World,Renew Canada's commitment to United Nations peace operations.,Minister of National Defence;Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,"Canadian efforts enhance peace and security, protect human rights, promote stability, and help those most in need around the world.","At the UN peacekeeping conference in Vancouver in November 2017, the Prime Minister unveiled the main elements of Canada’s new approach to peace support operations and announced five types of contributions Canada will make: the launch of the Vancouver Principles on Child Soldiers; the Elsie Initiative to develop innovative approaches to overcome barriers to women's meaningful participation in peace operations; new training support for the UN; deployment of Canadian police; and the offer of high-end military capabilities for deployment - within a five-year timeframe. Since Vancouver, Canada has advanced on the Vancouver Principles (which 63 countries have endorsed), the Elsie Initiative, and the pledges of military capabilities (including Canada's pledge to the UN offering tactical airlift support to Entebbe Uganda). This includes hosting a multi-nation design workshop on the Elsie Initiative in February 2018. As part of Canada’s return to peace operations, on March 19, 2018, the Government of Canada announced the deployment of an Aviation Task Force to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali for a period of 12 months. Canada launched its second National Action Plan (NAP) for the Implementation of the UN Security Council Resolutions on Women, Peace and Security 2017-2022. In November 2017, a strategy was developed and implementation of the NAP is underway. Through this, Canada will take a leadership role to implement global objectives that will support the integration of the women, peace and security agenda in initiatives related to fragile and conflict-affected states."
3/31/2018,234,,Strong Middle Class,Ensure that Employment Insurance (EI) contributions are only used to fund EI programs.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Finance",Completed - fully met,Improved sustainability of the Employment Insurance (EI) program to ensure the program is available to Canadians when they need it.,"The Government of Canada continues to make sure that EI contributions are only used to fund EI programs. In April 2016, the seven-year rate setting mechanism came into force, ensuring that the EI account will be balanced. This seven-year rate setting mechanism was implemented in 2017 and allowed the Government to reduce EI premiums for 2017 from $1.88 to $1.63 per $100 of insurable earnings. The 2018 premium rate has been set at $1.66 per $100 of insurable earnings, which reflects important new supports for Canadian families and changing economic conditions."
3/31/2018,235,,Indigenous peoples,Renew and improve the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,"Improved employment outcomes for participants accessing programs through the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS), and reduced employment gaps with non-Indigenous Canadians who use similar employment services.","Budget 2018 proposed an investment of $2 billion over five years, and $408.2 million per year ongoing, to support the creation of a new Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program, which will replace the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy. This builds upon previous increased federal investment, whereby approximately 1,700 additional Indigenous people were supported through the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS) in 2016 compared to 2015. The Government also made investments to increase capacity of service providers to meet the growing demand from Indigenous peoples for skills development and job training and provided an additional $50 million to ASETS in 2017. These programs now serve more clients and also focus on serving the most vulnerable clients and delivering longer-term assistance. Over the last year, the Government of Canada undertook extensive consultations with ASETS holders, Indigenous communities and leadership, and other stakeholders to seek feedback on how the ASETS structure and policy could be redesigned and improved. "
3/31/2018,236,,Strong Middle Class,Provide a 12-month break on Employment Insurance (EI) premiums for firms that hire younger workers into permanent positions.,"Minister of Finance;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Not being pursued,See below,"Based on research conducted by the Department of Finance, it was determined that this was not the most effective or efficient way of spending public resources to create jobs for young people. Budgets 2016 and 2017 invested significantly in a Youth Employment Strategy, nearly doubling the Canada Summer Jobs program, which will help more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop the skills they need to find work, create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians and provide over 1,600 new employment opportunities for youth in the heritage sector. In addition, Budget 2016 announced the creation of an Expert Panel on Youth Employment to assess the barriers faced by vulnerable youth in finding and keeping jobs, and to examine innovative practices used by governments, non-governmental organizations and employers to improve job opportunities for vulnerable youth. The Government has received the Expert Panel's report and is studying its recommendations."
3/31/2018,237,,Strong Middle Class,Provide more generous and flexible leave for caregivers.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Caregivers of critically ill or injured Canadians receive greater support.,"Effective December 3, 2017, the new Family Caregiver benefit for adults will be available to help families care for a critically ill adult. This benefit will allow eligible caregivers to take up to 15 weeks off work to care for or support an adult family member who is critically ill or injured. Eligible caregivers are family members or individuals that the critically ill or injured adult considers to be like family."
3/31/2018,238,,Strong Middle Class,Develop a Social Innovation and Social Finance strategy.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,A government-wide strategy is established that facilitates new and innovative ways of addressing Canada's biggest social challenges.,"The Government of Canada recognizes that new and innovative approaches are needed to tackle persistent and complex social issues. In June 2017, the Government launched the Social Innovation and Social Finance Steering Group. Through consultations and engagement activities, the Steering Group will seek perspectives of industry, sector and community leaders to co-create a Social Innovation and Social Finance Strategy. Previous findings from government consultations and engagement activities related to social innovation and social finance will help the Steering Group identify policy solutions for the Strategy."
3/31/2018,239,,Strong Middle Class,Introduce the Canada Child Benefit (CCB).,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Finance",Completed - fully met,"A generous, fairer, tax-free monthly Canada Child Benefit (CCB) that gives nine out of ten Canadian families more money to help with the high cost of raising their children.","In Budget 2016, the Government introduced the new, tax-free, income-tested Canada Child Benefit (CCB). In its first year of implementation, over 3.3 million families received more than $23 billion in CCB payments. The CCB has helped lift an estimated 300,000 children out of poverty in Canada. The October 2017 Fall Economic Statement announced the Government's intention to strengthen the CCB by increasing the benefits annually to keep pace with the rising cost of living as of July 2018, two years ahead of schedule.
In Budget 2018, the Government proposes to expand outreach efforts to help Indigenous Peoples access the full range of federal social benefits, including the CCB. "
3/31/2018,240,,Strong Middle Class,"Develop a National Early Learning and Childcare Framework with provinces, territories and Indigenous peoples.","Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Indigenous Services;Minister of Status of Women",Underway - on track,"More high-quality, affordable child care spaces.","The Government of Canada is supporting the creation of affordable, high-quality child care spaces for low and modest income families, with the goal of supporting up to 40,000 new subsidized child care spaces over the next three years. The Federal, Provincial and Territorial Governments reached a historic agreement on a Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care Framework on June 12, 2017. The Government will work with each province and territory to enter into three-year bilateral agreements that will outline their unique early learning and child care needs to be addressed and the funding allocation for each jurisdiction. To date, bilateral agreements with Ontario, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nunavut, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Yukon, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Northwest Territories have been reached.
In addition, the Government will create a distinct Indigenous Framework on Early Learning and Child Care in cooperation with Indigenous partners to reflect the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children across Canada. The Framework will inform additional investments of at least $130 million a year for 10 years for early learning and childcare programs for Indigenous children.
Budget 2016 announced $29.4 million in 2016-17 to support repairs and renovations of the facilities used by the First Nations and Inuit Child Care Initiative child care (FNICCI) and the Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve (AHSOR) program. Repairs and renovations were undertaken in 210 FNICCI child care centers and in 70 AHSOR facilities.
Budget 2016 also proposed investments of $100 million in 2017-18 to build capacity in existing Indigenous early learning and child care programs while the Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework is being co-developed. With these investments, repairs and renovations have been undertaken in 335 FNICCI child care centers, in 97 AHSOR facilities and in 64 Aboriginal Head Start in Urban and Northern Communities facilities.
The Government is also partnering with Indigenous organizations to engage with Indigenous Peoples across the country to co-develop an Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework. This framework will reflect the unique cultural needs of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation children across Canada. A commitment of $360 million, starting in 2017-18, has been made towards the Framework over the next three years.
In addition to bilateral agreements with other levels of government, the Government will also dedicate funding towards specific initiatives to support better outcomes for early learning and child care in Canada. Over the next 11 years, this includes:
• $100 million for early learning and child care innovation, which will support new and innovative practices across the country and help to develop more effective services to improve life outcomes for children and their families.
• $95 million to close data gaps in order to better understand what child care looks like in Canada, supporting strong reporting on progress made in implementing the Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care Framework and the Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework."
3/31/2018,241,,Indigenous peoples,Establish a new fiscal relationship with First Nations communities and lift the 2% cap.,Minister of Finance;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,Increased support for Indigenous communities consistent with needs and population growth rather than a fixed 2% cap; co-developed approaches to reforming funding policies and accountability.,"
By 2021-22, total federal government spending on Indigenous programs will increase from over $11 billion in 2015-16 to over $15 billion in 2021-22—an increase of 34% over six years. The Government has also committed to a new fiscal relationship that is sufficient, sustainable and predictable. The Government of Canada is advancing a renewed fiscal relationship through two parallel initiatives. The first is with the Assembly of First Nations, through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in July 2016. The first phase of this collaboration with the Assembly of First Nations produced a report, ""A New Approach: Co-development of a New Fiscal Relationship between Canada and First Nation,"" that was submitted to the National Chief and the Minister of Indigenous Services in December 2017. In response to the report, the Minister committed to work with First Nation partners to move ahead on a number of proposals, including: providing more funding flexibility and predictability to support self-determination with the creation of ten-year-grants for qualified First Nations, with the goal of providing them to 100 First Nations by April 1, 2019; replace the Default Prevention and Management Policy; and establish a permanent advisory committee to support ongoing co-development. To better support First Nations communities, to support strong Indigenous institutions and to advance the new fiscal relationship with First Nations, Budget 2018 proposes to invest $188.6 million over five years, starting in 2018–19.
The second collaborative process on fiscal policy is focused on Self-Governing Indigenous groups. Since May 2016, the Government and Self-Governing Indigenous Governments have been engaged in the Collaborative Self-Government Fiscal Policy Development Process, to develop a new policy framework for the provision of federal financial support to self-government. Through Budget 2018, the Government will provide $189.2 million in 2018–19 to begin the implementation of fiscal policy reforms that have been co-developed with self-governing Indigenous Peoples. This funding will support key priorities, including the closing of socio-economic gaps, infrastructure, data collection and governance.
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3/31/2018,242,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Develop a National Disabilities Act.,"Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Federal accessibility legislation that promotes equality of opportunity and increases inclusion and participation of Canadians who have disabilities or functional limitations.,"The Government of Canada completed an extensive nine-month consultation with Canadians in-person and online on February 28, 2017 to inform the development of new federal accessibility legislation. The consultation included 18 public engagement sessions in cities across the country, nine roundtable discussions (which brought together disability stakeholders, academic experts and industry representatives), as well as a National Youth Forum and an online questionnaire. The Government also allocated funding to help disability stakeholder organizations engage their members on the planned legislation. Funding is being provided for five partnerships with national disability organizations and three Indigenous organizations to undertake various activities to engage their members and communities. In May 2017, a report summarizing what we learned from these discussions was released. It is anticipated that new federal accessibility legislation will be introduced to Parliament in spring 2018."
3/31/2018,244,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Ensure any unspent infrastructure funds are transferred to municipalities.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Finance,Underway - on track,Ensure infrastructure funding approved by Parliament does not lapse and is invested in municipal infrastructure projects.,"In March 2017, the Government of Canada announced that $30.2 million in potentially lapsing funding from a number of previously established funding programs would be transferred to municipalities through the federal Gas Tax Fund."
3/31/2018,245,,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Develop a 10-year infrastructure plan, improve governance and promote better data collection and asset management.",Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Transport,Underway - on track,"Agreements with all provinces and territories that improve public transit, roads and bridges; increase access to affordable housing and child care; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; improve access to clean water, and enhance resilience in the face of a changing climate.","Infrastructure plays a central role in building strong communities, creating jobs and growing the economy. Taking into account the investments made in Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government has developed a 12-year plan that will invest over $180 billion across Canada in public transit, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, rural and northern communities infrastructure, and trade and transportation infrastructure. As part of the Plan, the Government signed an agreement with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) to deliver an asset management program to support municipalities in making informed infrastructure investment decisions. The Government partnered with Statistics Canada and other stakeholders to launch an ambitious data collection initiative on Canadian infrastructure – Canada’s Core Public Infrastructure Survey (CCPI), which officially launched in mid-2017. Through the survey, the Government will better track, collect, use and share data on Canadian infrastructure, including tracking comparable data on infrastructure usage and demand across jurisdictions and tracking the state and performance of public infrastructure across asset classes. These measures will help governments maximize taxpayer dollars and report back to Canadians on outcomes achieved."
3/31/2018,246,,Government Services and Operations,"Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency proactively contacts those who are entitled to, but are not receiving, tax benefits.",Minister of National Revenue,Underway - on track,"More Canadians receive the tax benefits and credits to which they are entitled, including vulnerable Canadians and Indigenous people on-reserve.","The Government of Canada has expanded the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program in order to help modest-income Canadians, seniors and other vulnerable groups with tax filing. Budget 2018 proposes doubling the size of the CVITP, to help more individuals complete their taxes and access the benefits they are entitled to. For the 2016 tax year, the Government has increased community partnerships by 18%, and filed nearly 770,000 returns on behalf of Canadians so they can get the benefits they are entitled to. The CRA undertook a new initiative in 2016-2017 to proactively contact 260,000 Canadians who were potentially eligible for tax benefits but were not receiving them. The Government has also proactively promoted the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) in Indigenous communities to make sure Indigenous families have full access to this important benefit. In-person visits have been completed with 625 First Nations communities in order to promote the CCB and other benefits. The Government will continue to work to improve these results across all CRA administered benefit programs."
3/31/2018,247,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) offers to complete returns for lower-income Canadians whose financial situation is unchanged year-to-year.,Minister of National Revenue,Underway - on track,Simpler process for low-income Canadians to file their taxes when their financial situation hasn't changed much.,"This past year, through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, volunteers filed nearly 770,000 returns on behalf of Canadians, many of whom are seniors, modest-income Canadians and newcomers with simple tax situations. CRA is continuously looking at improvements so that modest-income Canadians whose financial situation is simple year-to-year can easily file their returns and get the benefits that they are entitled to. The Government of Canada is looking at additional ways to improve these results for the 2017 and subsequent tax years, including allowing Canadians with simple tax situations, such as seniors and Social Assistance Recipients to file by telephone; and holding tax clinics to reach out to Canadians in remote and underserved communities.
The Government of Canada has launched a new service for the 2018 tax?filing season to help eligible individuals with low or fixed income do their taxes. With the new File my Return service, eligible individuals will be able to file their income tax and benefit returns simply by giving some personal information and answering a series of short questions through an automated phone service. File My Return is free, secure and easy to use. There are no paper forms to fill out or calculations to do. Finally, Budget 2018 proposes to double the size of the Community Volunteer Tax Program, helping hundreds of thousands more individuals complete their taxes and access benefits to which they are entitled."
3/31/2018,248,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency supports more Canadians who wish to file taxes using no paper forms.,Minister of National Revenue,Underway - on track,"More Canadians file their taxes online; and filing online is simple, easy and convenient for all CRA administered programs.","The Government of Canada has launched new services to help individuals and authorized representatives submit their returns electronically. Launched in 2015, Auto-fill my return helps fill in parts of the T1 return with data already available to CRA, making filing online simpler and easier. The amount of information available to Auto-fill continues to be expanded so that filing online is the best option for Canadians. To date, Canadians have used CRA’s Auto-fill my return over 8 million times to help them file their returns. With the Express Notice of Assessment service, available in EFILE and NETFILE certified tax preparation software, the notice of assessment will be available immediately after filing a return.
The new File my Return service allows eligible individuals to file their income tax and benefit returns simply by giving some personal information and answering a series of short questions through an automated phone service. The Government has also made it possible for tax preparers to amend their clients' returns electronically by using the new ReFILE service. In 2016-2017 alone, Canadians logged into CRA's secure online portal 51 million times, and 86% of filings occurred online—an increase of nearly 750,000 Canadians using this method over the prior year. The Government is currently redesigning CRA's secure portal to enable even more electronic interactions. Budget 2018 investments will update and modernize information technology infrastructure to deliver a more user-friendly experience, allowing Canadians to easily find the tax and benefit information they need."
3/31/2018,249,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency delivers correspondence and other communications that are straightforward and easy to read.,Minister of National Revenue,Underway - on track,"Correspondence is simplified so that Canadians can better understand information they receive from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), leading to increased client satisfaction and fewer inquiries for routine information.","The Government of Canada simplified the correspondence CRA sends Canadians, making it easier to read and understand, including new, simple, and easy-to-read notices of assessment for businesses and individuals, first sent in 2016. As of February 2018, 90% of the correspondence the CRA sends to Canadians has been transformed in the new easy-to-read format. The CRA will have simplified virtually all correspondence by May 2019."
3/31/2018,250,,Fair and Open Government,"Enhance transparency in the political fundraising system for Cabinet members, party leaders and leadership candidates.",Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - on track,A more transparent political fundraising system is in place that strengthens trust and confidence in our democratic institutions.,"In May 2017, the Government introduced legislation to significantly enhance transparency in the political fundraising system for Cabinet members, party leaders and leadership candidates. This legislation will give Canadians more information than ever before: they will know who is going to fundraisers, when and where they are happening, and the amount required to attend."
3/31/2018,251,,Strong Middle Class,Update the Canada Labour Code to address emerging issues such as unpaid internships and ensure modern federal employment standards.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Stronger protections and employment standards that better protect workers and reflect the changing nature of the labour market.,"Budget 2017 aims to eliminate unpaid internships in federally regulated sectors where internships are not part of a formal educational program. In the case of unpaid internships that are part of an educational program, the Government will ensure standard labour protections apply, such as maximum hours of work, weekly days of rest and general holidays. Legislation to implement these changes was tabled in Parliament on October 27, 2017, as part of the Budget Implementation Act, 2017, No. 2 received Royal Assent December 14, 2017.
The Government has also launched consultations on proposed updates to the Canada Labour Code to ensure that Canadians enjoy strong labour protections and standards."
3/31/2018,252,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Increase the labour force participation of women and underrepresented groups.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,"Improved labour market participation and employment outcomes for groups traditionally under-represented in the labour market (women, youth, immigrants, persons with disabilities, racialized communities, and Indigenous peoples).","The Government has introduced several initiatives to help Canadians with the challenges they face when making decisions about pursuing work or going back to school. These initiatives will increase the number of high-quality, affordable child care spaces (up to 40,000 over the next three years), introduce flexible work arrangements, make parental leave more flexible, and expand opportunities for lifelong learning. These initiatives are expected to increase labour force participation among several under-represented groups, particularly mothers in low- and modest-income families. In addition, the Government has increased the number of work experience opportunities for young Canadians through the Youth Employment Strategy, and has also expanded access to job supports and skills training for all Canadians, with a particular focus on the needs of Indigenous peoples and other under-represented groups. Budget 2018 proposed a new Employment Insurance Parental Sharing Benefit which will support greater gender equality in the home and in the workplace. The Benefit will provide additional weeks of “use it or lose it” EI parental benefits, when both parents agree to share parental leave. The renewal of the Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ISETS), the introduction of a Targeted Employment Strategy for Newcomers and the introduction of a federal accessibility act will further support the unique needs of Indigenous peoples, newcomers and persons with disabilities. To support women to enter and succeed in the trades, Budget 2018 proposed to pilot an Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women and implement a Women in Construction Fund."
3/31/2018,253,,Strong Middle Class,"Develop further initiatives to equip Canadians with the skills needed for the jobs of today and tomorrow, and to better assist workers getting help before becoming unemployed.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Canadian workers have the skills they need to find and keep good quality jobs.,"The Government of Canada is working with employers, unions, provinces, territories and educational institutions to ensure that Canadians are equipped to adapt to rapidly changing skills requirements and make successful job transitions. There is a particular focus throughout the suite of government investments in training, education and work experiences on addressing the skills needs of those at risk of being left furthest behind, such as Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, newcomers and vulnerable youth.
To ensure Canadian workers have the skills they need to find and keep good quality jobs, the Government is significantly increasing investment in labour market transfer agreements with provinces and territories and expanding their inclusiveness and scope to improve workers' access to skills training and job supports. The Federal Government is also making post-secondary education more affordable for low- and modest income families, increasing opportunities for graduates to gain work-ready skills for smoother school-to-work transitions and improving access to opportunities for adult upskilling and lifelong learning. The Government is also enhancing supports for skilled trades and apprenticeships, with an increasing focus on women and groups that have traditionally been underrepresented in the labour market.
To ensure skills training is relevant to the jobs of today and tomorrow, in Budget 2018 the Government announced that it will launch Future Skills this spring. Future Skills will bring together expertise from all sectors and leverage experience from partners across the country. It will also include an independent Council to advise on emerging skills and workforce trends, and a research lab focused on developing, testing and rigorously measuring new approaches to skills assessment and development.
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3/31/2018,254,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Introduce proactive pay equity legislation for federally-regulated workers.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Status of Women",Underway - on track,"Equal pay for work of equal value in federally regulated sectors. Proactive pay equity is expected to contribute to:
• reducing the gender wage gap by addressing the undervaluation of work traditionally performed by women; and
• fairness in the workplace.","The Government is replacing the current complaint-based approach to pay equity in the federal jurisdiction with a proactive system. Budget 2018 proposed that historic proactive pay equity legislation be introduced this fall to ensure that on average women and men in federally regulated sectors receive the same pay for work of equal value. According to preliminary estimates, this legislation could improve the gender wage gap from 91.4 cents to 94.1 cents for the core public administration, and from 88.1 cents to 90.7 cents in the federal private sector. The Budget also indicated that additional consultations with employers, unions and other stakeholders will take place in the coming months to ensure that the new regime will be applied fairly and will achieve its intended purpose. These will build on consultations held in 2017 with employer, employee and advocacy groups as well as experts on the design elements of a proactive pay equity system."
3/31/2018,255,,Strong Middle Class,Restore a fair and balanced approach to organized labour.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Public Services and Procurement",Completed - fully met,A fair and balanced labour policy.,"In June 2017, Parliament repealed measures enacted by two pieces of legislation which would have undermined the ability of workers to collectively bargain. This action was supported by both employers and unions, in recognition of the need by all parties for a policy framework that is governed by the principles of fairness and balance."
3/31/2018,256,,Healthy Canadians,Implement Canada's ban on asbestos.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,Canada comprehensively bans asbestos.,"In December 2016, the Government announced a set of comprehensive measures to ban asbestos and products containing asbestos by 2018. In July 2017, the Government brought into force changes to the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations to lower the exposure limit to as close to zero as possible for airborne chrysotile asbestos. These changes will protect federally regulated employees at risk."
3/31/2018,257,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Reduce the wage gap between men and women.,"Minister of Status of Women;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Fair compensation systems in organizations under federal jurisdiction and a more flexible work environment to reduce the pay gap between women and men.,"Proactive pay equity is expected to contribute to fairness in the workplace by reducing the gender wage gap by addressing the undervaluation of work traditionally performed by women.
On October 5, 2016, in its Response to the Special Committee on Pay Equity report titled It’s Time to Act, the Government of Canada made a commitment to table new, proactive pay equity legislation in federally regulated sectors before the end of 2018. Work is underway to achieve this objective.
In addition, Budgets 2016, 2017, and 2018 contain many measures to reduce the gender wage gap and encourage greater workforce participation among women. These measures include investments in early learning and child care, a new Employment Insurance caregiving benefit, a major symposium on women and the workplace, the right to request flexible work arrangements for federally regulated employees and pilot a new Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women. Budget 2018 proposed that historic proactive pay equity legislation be introduced this fall to ensure that on average women and men in federally regulated sectors receive the same pay for work of equal value. According to preliminary estimates, this legislation could improve the gender wage gap from 91.4 cents to 94.1 cents for the core public administration, and from 88.1 cents to 90.7 cents in the federal private sector. In addition, new pay transparency requirements in the federally-regulated sector will provide more information on the pay practices of employers, with specific attention paid to making existing wage gaps more evident.
Other measures include expanding eligibility for Canada Student Grants for part-time students and students with dependent children and supporting the creation of more work-integrated learning opportunities, including co-ops, for post-secondary students and in particular women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) and business programs through a new Student Work-Integrated Learning Program."
3/31/2018,259,,Canada in the World,"Continue joint efforts to address global security threats, combat terrorism and defend our continent.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,On-going commitment,"Canada is protected from global threats and contributes to achieving a safer, more peaceful and prosperous world.","Canada's new defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—supports the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces and provides them with the necessary equipment and capabilities to defend Canada, protect North America and contribute to international peace and security. In addition, Canada is a core member of the Global Coalition Against Daesh and has taken a leadership role in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization by serving as the Framework Nation for the enhanced Forward Presence in Latvia. Canada remains committed to the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD), which has proven itself effective in its roles of deterring, detecting and defending; and continues to play an important role in the defence of North America. Canada also collaborates closely with the U.S. on supporting international measures to advance a diplomatic solution to the North Korea threat. Canada and the U.S. co-hosted the Vancouver Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Security and Stability on the Korean Peninsula on January 16, 2018 to demonstrate solidarity in opposition to North Korea’s dangerous and illegal actions and to work together to strengthen diplomatic efforts toward a secure and denuclearized Korean peninsula. Furthermore, the Government is contributing comprehensive military, diplomatic and international assistance to Iraq and the immediate region and is leading efforts toward nuclear disarmament. Canada has also played a key role in driving international pressure on Syria, including supporting investigations into the use of chemical weapons and other war crimes, and is playing a leading role to deal with non-proliferation more generally through the G7-led Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction. Canada was also confirmed as co-chair (with Algeria) of the West Africa Working Group of the Global Counterterrorism Forum, an international forum of 29 Countries and the European Union with an overarching mission of reducing the vulnerability of people worldwide to terrorism by preventing, combating, and prosecuting terrorist acts and countering radicalization to violence. Canada collaborates bilaterally and multilaterally to combat transnational organized crime (TOC), including drug trafficking and related threats to Canadians, cybercrime, trafficking in persons, and migrant smuggling, and other forms of TOC. In Latin America, Canada is strongly supporting Colombia’s efforts towards the implementation of the peace process with a view to bringing the longest-running conflict in the Western Hemisphere to a peaceful end. In Haiti, Canada is supporting, including through the deployment of Canadian police and correctional agents, the UN mission for Justice Support (MINUJUSTH), launched in October 2017 and focused on assisting the Haitian government in strengthening rule of law institutions, further supporting and developing the Haitian National Police, and engaging in human rights monitoring, reporting and analysis."
3/31/2018,260,,Environment and Climate Change,Cooperate with the United States on energy security and energy infrastructure.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canada and the United States benefit from a secure and effective cross-border energy infrastructure.,"Collaboration on energy security and infrastructure was included in the February 13, 2017 Joint Statement from President Trump and Prime Minister Trudeau. Canada continues to support several major cross-border energy infrastructure projects, including: Keystone XL, Line 3 and Line 67, Northern Pass, New England Clean Power Link, and Great Northern Transmission Line. All projects are at different stages of review, investment, or approval. The U.S. State Department has issued presidential permits for the construction of these projects. A North American Energy Ministerial meeting took place in November 2017, and identified further areas for North American collaboration, including facilitating cross-border energy infrastructure projects."
3/31/2018,261,,Environment and Climate Change,Advance shared action with the United States on environmental issues and climate change.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canada-U.S. collaboration leads to a cleaner shared environment and clean energy innovation.,"Canada and the United States issued a joint statement in February 2017 confirming both countries' commitment to collaborate closely in energy innovation, especially in the clean energy sphere; in energy cooperation, particularly along our border and at the Great Lakes; and to enhance the quality of our air and water. In recognition of a shared vision among Canada, the United States and Mexico, the three leaders committed to a North American Climate, Clean Energy, and Environment Partnership in June 2016. In December 2016, a Canada-United States Joint Arctic Leaders' Statement emphasized the importance of a strong, sustainable and viable Arctic economy and ecosystem. In November 2017, Canada, Mexico and the state-driven U.S. Climate Alliance (a bipartisan coalition of 15 U.S. Governors) launched the North American Climate Leadership Dialogue to address clean technology, clean power and carbon pricing initiatives."
3/31/2018,262,,Exports and Investment,Strengthen trilateral cooperation with the United States and Mexico to enhance North America's global competitiveness.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,On-going commitment,North America is strong and competitive in global markets.,"The Government continues to actively engage Mexico and the United States in order to advance issues in our common interest, including through negotiations to modernize North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). During trade negotiations, the Government of Canada is committed to creating the most favourable conditions for Canadian businesses to compete internationally. In addition to trade, North American cooperation continues in key areas such as energy, security and defence. On February 2, 2018, a North American Foreign Ministers Meeting took place in Mexico City, where the three foreign ministers discussed a range of topics including North American regional competitiveness that touched on NAFTA, energy cooperation and women’s entrepreneurship. "
3/31/2018,263,,Canada in the World,"Strengthen relationships with key bilateral, regional and multilateral partners.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canadian interests and values are promoted through enhanced cooperation with key international partners.,"Canada continues to constructively contribute to multilateral fora to advance its foreign policy priorities, including at the United Nations (UN); the African Union; the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE); the Organization for American States; the Commonwealth; La Francophonie; the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation; the Association of Southeast Asian Nations; the Pacific Alliance; the International Syria Support Group; the Lima Group on Venezuela (Canada hosted the October 2017 meeting); and the Gulf Cooperation Council. The Government signed and provisionally applied the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and the Strategic Partnership Agreement with the European Union and signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Trade Partnership. The Government has also strengthened relationships with key bilateral, regional and multilateral partners in the Asia Pacific, Europe, Eastern Europe and Eurasia, Latin America and Caribbean, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and the Maghreb through high-level engagements, including 255 visits by the Prime Minister and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Development. Hosting the G7 in June 2018 is further reinforcing and amplifying Canada's ability to promote its interests and values through key international relationships with a focus on the thematic areas of (1) investing in growth that works for everyone; (2) preparing for jobs of the future; (3) advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment; (4) working together on climate change, oceans and clean energy; (5) building a more peaceful and secure world. Moreover, acknowledging that many issues related to advancing Canadian interests and values require multi-stakeholder engagement, Canada has expanded its networks and relationships with international coalitions and forums such as the Freedom Online Coalition; the Internet Governance Forum; the International Parliamentary Union, Women Political Leaders, and the Community of Democracies."
3/31/2018,264,,Canada in the World,Seek leadership opportunities for Canada and Canadians in multilateral institutions.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canada and Canadians play a leading role in international organizations.,"Canada is currently seeking a non-permanent seat on the United Nations (UN) Security Council for 2020-2021 and is leading one of the four North Atlantic Treaty Organization multinational enhanced Forward Presence battlegroups in Eastern Europe. An Action Plan for international staffing will ensure that more Canadians secure positions of influence in multilateral institutions. Several Canadians have recently been appointed to senior positons in the UN and the Government is working with civil society organizations to ensure strong Canadian candidates are on the UN's roster for the position of Special Representative. For example, Canadian Kim Prost was elected to a nine-year term as a judge on the International Criminal Court in December 2017. Canada assumed the G7 presidency on January 1, 2018, and will host G7 partners in Canada throughout the year for a series of ministerial meetings and the Leaders' Summit on June 8-9, 2018."
3/31/2018,265,,Canada in the World,"Ensure that the deployment of the Armed Forces aligns with Canada's interests, our commitments and the government's policy.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,The deployment of the Canadian Armed Forces contributes to the achievement of Canada's broader international priorities.,"The Department of National Defence and Global Affairs Canada established a bi-weekly coordination mechanism to ensure greater policy coherence. The Government has also introduced new planning and policy development arrangements to ensure analysis of military deployments include foreign policy considerations and reflect broader government objectives. Approximately 1,800 Canadian Armed Forces personnel are currently deployed on 18 missions supporting Canada's international priorities."
3/31/2018,270,,Healthy Canadians,Introduce restrictions on the commercial marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,Commercial marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children is significantly reduced leading to better health outcomes for Canadian children.,"The Government launched the Healthy Eating Strategy in October 2016. The Government is working with experts and stakeholders on key issues, including the definition of unhealthy foods and drinks and possible marketing restrictions that should be pursued. During the summer of 2017, Health Canada conducted a public consultation on a proposed policy approach for restricting marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children, and published a report summarizing the comments in December 2017. Health Canada is refining its proposed approach based on feedback received during consultations."
3/31/2018,271,,Healthy Canadians,Bring in tougher regulations to eliminate trans fats and reduce salt in processed foods.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"Industrially produced trans fats are eliminated from food products; the food and restaurant industries systematically reduce sodium levels in the food supply; and consumers are better able to identify foods high in sodium, sugar and saturated fat, resulting in improved public health.","The Government launched the Healthy Eating Strategy in October 2016. As part of this Strategy, a ban on partially hydrogenated oils, the main source of industrial trans fat, was published in September 2017 and will take effect in one year. In addition, a report evaluating industry's efforts to reduce sodium levels in foods was published in January 2018.
On February 10, 2018, Health Canada pre-published proposed regulations that would require a symbol on the front of packaged foods that are high in sodium, sugars, and/or saturated fat in Canada Gazette, Part 1. This initiative would support sodium reduction by providing consumers with quick and easy guidance to identify foods high in sodium and encouraging manufacturers to lower the sodium content of their foods. In addition, Health Canada is currently conducting an online consumer questionnaire to help inform the design of the final symbol. The Government will continue to work with stakeholders to identify additional ways to further reduce sodium in foods. "
3/31/2018,272,,Healthy Canadians,Improve food labels to give more information on added sugars and artificial dyes.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"Canadians have the information, tools and resources to make healthy food choices, improving health outcomes.","The Government launched the Healthy Eating Strategy in October 2016, with the goal of making ""the healthy choice the easy choice."" As part of this Strategy, regulatory amendments were published in December 2016 updating the requirements for nutrition information on food labels, making them easier to understand. This includes making serving sizes more consistent, new information on how to use the Percentage Daily Value, and more information on sugars and food colours in the Nutrition Facts table and list of ingredients. The Front of Package labelling proposal will complement these changes by identifying prepackaged foods that contain high amounts of sodium, sugar and saturated fat."
3/31/2018,273,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Implement Canada's new immigration levels plans.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,"310,000 permanent residents are admitted to Canada in 2018, contributing to economic growth, family reunification and the Government's humanitarian commitments. Canada enjoys increased economic competitiveness through the attraction of global talent.","While the admissions planning range of between 280,000 and 320,000 permanent residents was achieved in 2017, admissions fell short of the 300,000 target by less than 5%.
In November 2017, the Government tabled an immigration levels plan with a target of welcoming 980,000 new permanent residents over the next three years. These targets will increase the number of permanent residents selected in economic programs, while maintaining a commitment to family reunification and resettlement of refugees. The Government is reducing application backlogs, improving the speed at which applications are processed and putting a greater focus on the attraction of highly skilled global talent."
3/31/2018,274,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Ensure the delivery of high-quality settlement services for newcomers, informed by rigorous outcomes data.","Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,"Improved, high-quality settlement services for newcomers to Canada, leading to improved outcomes for immigrants and their children.","The Government is helping immigrants better prepare for a new life in Canada. Enhancements to service delivery for the settlement program are being informed by evaluation findings, pilot projects, and consultations with provincial and territorial partners and stakeholders. Potential longer-term changes to the delivery of settlement services will be informed by expanded reporting and analytic capabilities, beginning in 2017."
3/31/2018,275,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Continue to welcome refugees from Syria and elsewhere.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,"The Government continues to welcome refugees from countries around the world and offer persons fleeing conflict and/or persecution a safe haven. Between January 2015 and December 31, 2017, approximately 51,000 Syrian refugees, and close to 94,000 refugees in total, have been resettled to Canada.","Refugees welcomed to Canada include resettled persons from the Congo, Eritrea, and survivors of Daesh and their families, including Yazidi refugees. The 2018 immigration levels plan increases the target of welcoming refugees and protected persons to Canada from 40,000 to 43,000. This figure remains among the highest in Canadian history, and double the number of refugees that were welcomed in 2015 and preceding years."
3/31/2018,276,,Canada in the World,Conduct a review of the visa policy framework.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,"An evidence-based visa policy framework that promotes Canada’s economic, foreign policy and cultural interests at the same time as protecting the safety and security of all Canadians.","The Government has initiated a review of Canada's visa policy framework to ensure it uses a robust, evidence-based approach when making visa decisions. The Government is also reviewing policies for managing foreign nationals transiting through Canadian airports to increase Canada's air connections with the rest of the world while prioritizing the security of Canadians. In addition, the Government facilitated the travel of low-risk travellers from Brazil, and has lifted previous visa restrictions that applied to visitors from Romania, Bulgaria and Mexico."
3/31/2018,277,,Indigenous peoples,Make changes to the Oath of Canadian Citizenship to reflect the Truth and Reconciliation's Calls to Action.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,Updated Oath of Canadian Citizenship and Citizenship Test that reflect Canadian and Indigenous history.,"The Government of Canada is currently working with national Indigenous organizations to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's recommendations to incorporate recognition of treaties with Indigenous peoples into the Oath of Canadian Citizenship, update the citizenship test to reflect and guide a more inclusive history of Indigenous peoples, and provide information on the history of residential schools for newcomers. The Government will bring forward legislation to modify the Oath. Changes to the citizenship guide are currently being drafted."
3/31/2018,278,,Exports and Investment,Advance Canada's progressive trade agenda.,Minister of International Trade,On-going commitment,"Canadian workers are protected from unfair trade practices, trade agreements maintain or improve Canadian levels of protection in key areas like employment and the environment, and Canada advances the rules-based international order and trading system.","The Government recognizes that labour unions have an important perspective to bring to trade so it is making changes to its trade remedy system to ensure that unions can participate in trade remedy proceedings. This will give a voice to workers and allow them to fully defend their interests in proceedings on unfair trade practices. Canada's new progressive trade agenda seeks to ensure Canada's trading partners meet their international labour obligations and encourage the establishment of new mechanisms for civil society consultation and advice on labour issues. Canada will also seek enhanced environment provisions in free trade agreements. The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement includes provisions on protecting the environment, health and safety, and employment standards. The recently modernized Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement includes a Trade and Gender Chapter, a first for Canada and any G20 country. The Government will continue to develop and advance progressive approaches to trade through bilateral and multilateral engagement and play a leadership role in international fora. Canada's recent implementation of International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 98 in June 2017, which affirms the fundamental right to collectively bargain, is one example of this approach. Canada has now ratified all eight of the ILO Core conventions."
3/31/2018,279,,Exports and Investment,Promote trade and investment with established markets such as Japan.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"Increased two-way trade and investment with Japan, supporting well-paying, middle-class jobs.","The Government is promoting Canada-Japan trade through multilateral engagement with provinces, territories and municipalities. Visits by the Prime Minister, key ministers, and provincial premiers have showcased trade and investment potential in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, agriculture, life sciences and clean tech. In the first half of 2017, over $500 million in Japanese investment has been made in Canada, creating more than 130 jobs. Canada is working closely with Japan to explore ways to further deepen the bilateral trade and investment relationship including building on the recently signed Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Trade Partnership."
3/31/2018,280,,Exports and Investment,Position Canada as a top destination for global investment and promote our economic brand.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"Canada ranks among the top developed economies in global rankings of investment competitiveness, attractiveness and brand.","The Government is encouraging global investment and promoting our economic brand through the creation of the Invest in Canada agency. The Government has successfully completed the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. Provisional application of the trade agreement took effect in September 2017 and will give consumers more choice, boost Canadian businesses' access to new customers, create good, middle-class jobs and help grow the economy. The Government also recently signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Launched in 2016, CanExport, which provides direct financial assistance to Canadian small- and medium-sized enterprises seeking to develop new export opportunities, has approved 895 projects in 78 markets. Budget 2017 announced $950 million to superclusters in highly innovative industries, created the Strategic Innovation Fund to boost investment in Canadian innovations, and created six Economic Strategy Tables to boost growth and exports from advanced manufacturing; agri-food; clean technology; digital industries; health and bio-sciences; and clean resources sectors. To support Canadian firms and increase exports to new markets, Budget 2018 provides up to $75 million to build a stronger diplomatic presence and Trade Commissioner Service salesforce in China and Asia, as well as other initiatives to open market opportunities in the region."
3/31/2018,281,,Exports and Investment,Ensure alignment between Canada's export and innovation strategies.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"More Canadian businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, export their products and services.","The Government launched a new Innovation and Skills Plan to: retrain Canadians for the jobs of today and tomorrow; drive investments in six high-growth sectors of the Canadian economy; and to make it easier for businesses and innovators to access the support they need. The Government will ensure that the upcoming Trade and Investment Strategy and the Innovation and Skills Plan will be aligned to: focus on free trade agreement promotion, support exporters and grow global firms by Canadian innovators and entrepreneurs, strengthen investment attraction and support a progressive trade policy agenda."
3/31/2018,282,,Exports and Investment,Implement and expand Canada's Free Trade Agreements globally.,Minister of International Trade,On-going commitment,"Free Trade Agreements increase trade and investment, creating good middle-class jobs.","The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement entered into provisional application in September 2017. The Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement entered into force in August 2017. On March 8, 2018, the Government signed the Comprehensive and Progress Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. The Government has entered into negotiations to modernize the North American Free Trade Agreement to reflect new realities and to integrate progressive, free, and fair approaches to trade and investment. Canada also started negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Pacific Alliance, with the latest round having taken place in January 2018. In addition, Canada continues to engage China on a possible FTA free trade agreement and is working with India to intensify negotiations on a Canada-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement. Canada is working closely with Israel to further modernize the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement. In September 2017, Canada and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations agreed to launch exploratory discussions on the potential FTA. The amended Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement, including a Trade and Gender Chapter, was tabled in Parliament on October 5, 2017. Canada and MERCOSUR launched FTA negotiations on March 9, 2018. A first round of negotiations took place in Ottawa on March 20-23, 2018. "
3/31/2018,283,,Strong Middle Class,"Improve Canadian competiveness, create jobs and generate economic growth.",Minister of International Trade,On-going commitment,Trade and investment boosts Canadian economic growth.,"Canadian merchandise exports reached an all-time high of $546.1 billion in 2017 after growing 5.6%. Merchandise imports also reached an all-time high in 2017 of $561.1 billion after growing 5.2%. The Canadian economy strengthened more broadly- 427,000 more Canadians were employed by the end of the year compared to the beginning (December 2017 over December 2016). The Canadian unemployment rate closed out the year at a historic low of 5.8%. Annualized real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew 1.7 per cent in the third quarter of 2017 (July-September), an expected slowdown after two quarters of unsustainably rapid growth. The Government launched a new Innovation and Skills Plan, an ambitious agenda to make Canada a centre of innovation, create well-paying, middle class jobs, and help more Canadians adapt to the changing economy. This plan will expand opportunities for skills training, drive investments in six high-growth sectors of the Canadian economy, and make it easier for businesses and innovators to access the support they need. Budget 2018 provides funding to programs such as the Canadian Technology Accelerator (CTA) program and the Business Women in Trade; creates the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise; and allocates resources to develop bilateral relations with China and promote trade between Canada, China and Asia, the Government is taking further concrete steps to improve Canadian competitiveness and generate long-term economic growth."
3/31/2018,285,,Canada in the World,Maintain Canada's strong commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).,Minister of National Defence,On-going commitment,The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) remains strong and Canada is a trusted partner in the alliance.,"Canada has substantially increased its commitment to NATO by renewing the mandate for Operation REASSURANCE and becoming a Framework Nation in Latvia in support of NATO's enhanced Forward Presence. Canada has also participated in NATO activities, programs, and decision-making, including the Warsaw Heads of State and Government Summit. Outside the NATO context but in close coordination with NATO Allies, Canada has continued its support to Ukraine, including renewal of the mandate for Operation UNIFIER (a military training and capacity building mission), until March 31, 2019."
3/31/2018,286,,Safety and Security,Increase the size of the Canadian Rangers.,Minister of National Defence,Underway - on track,"The Canadian Rangers have the numbers, equipment and training needed to do their job properly.","The Government is in the final stages of determining the resource requirements to increase the capability of the Canadian Rangers. Each Canadian Ranger Patrol Group across the country has had an opportunity to provide input. Canada's new defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—commits to following up with related improvements in equipment and training."
3/31/2018,287,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Review collection of gender statistics to evaluate programs and policies.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,"More data available from Statistics Canada, disaggregated by gender, allowing more informed decision-making.","Status of Women Canada and Statistics Canada are developing a plan to improve the availability and use of gender-disaggregated data to inform programs and policies aimed at advancing gender equality. Budgets 2016 and 2017 included many measures to increase access to gender disaggregated data, including investments in the collection of new data related to gender-based violence and the release of existing data through new reports on Women in Canada. Budget 2018 announced $6.7 million in funding over five years, starting in 2018-19 for a new Centre for Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Statistics to support evidence-based decision-making both in and out of the federal government. In addition, the Government is introducing a new Gender Results Framework—a whole-of-government tool to track and monitor progress on gender equality, and will provide $1.5 million over five years starting in 2018–19 to develop a broader set of indicators to track progress on achieving gender equality objectives. "
3/31/2018,288,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Integrate gender-based questions and content into government consultations.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,All government consultations include gender-based questions and content.,"The Government is developing guidelines for departments to ensure all consultations incorporate gender-based questions. Collecting diverse perspectives through these consultations will allow for the assessment of how diverse groups of women, men and non-binary individuals may experience policies, programs and initiatives."
3/31/2018,289,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Host a national Gender-Based Analysis roundtable in 2018.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,"Strengthened awareness of Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+), its potential use by governments, and opportunities for improvement.",Planning for this national event is now underway.
3/31/2018,290,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Build on the first Gender-based Analysis of Budget 2017 to improve future budgets.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,Comprehensive Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) is incorporated into all future budgets improving public policy.,"The Government is continuing to improve the quality and scope of GBA+ in federal budgets. This includes consultation with experts and key stakeholders during the pre-budget consultations process and meetings with experts and leaders globally. In Budget 2018, no budget decision was taken without being informed by Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+). To ensure that gender remains a key consideration for future governments, the Government will introduce new GBA+ legislation to make gender budgeting a permanent part of the federal budget-making process. "
3/31/2018,291,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) is incorporated into key government reports.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,"All major government reports include Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) considerations, improving their policy recommendations.",The Government has provided guidance to departments and agencies as to where and how GBA+ should be incorporated into their Results Frameworks and Reports on Results. The Government has also provided guidance to departments in incorporating GBA+ into Departmental Plans for 2018/19. The Government is now examining how best to extend GBA+ to other key reports.
3/31/2018,292,,Fair and Open Government,Modernize the Communications Policy of the Government to reflect the modern digital environment.,President of the Treasury Board,Completed - fully met,Government communications that reflect the digital environment.,"The Government of Canada has transformed the communications policy to foster more coordinated communications within and across government departments through the use of innovative methods. This policy will help ensure the Government engages in activities that are timely, clear, cost-effective, in both official languages, accessible and non-partisan. In addition, the policy will help to ensure government communications are clearly branded, both in Canada and abroad."
3/31/2018,293,,Fair and Open Government,Take a more modern approach to comptrollership.,President of the Treasury Board,Completed - fully met,Modernized cost analysis for all Government programs and legislation.,The Government has launched a renewed financial management policy in April 2017. The Treasury Board Secretariat engaged key stakeholders through information sessions and developed guidelines to help federal organizations ensure that financial resources are well managed.
3/31/2018,294,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that a fixed percentage of funds is devoted to experimenting with new approaches to challenges and measure the impact of programs.,President of the Treasury Board,Underway - on track,"Innovation and experimentation are part of routine business of government, and new models are identified that improve outcomes for Canadians.","Ethical and rigorous experimentation is central to the Government’s focus on evidence-based policy-making. By testing program options, departments can generate evidence to learn what works and inform decision-making.
The Government has directed federal agencies and departments to allocate a percentage of program funding towards experimenting with new approaches, measuring impact and delivering better results to Canadians. In December 2016, federal Deputy Ministers were given guidance on experimentation and the use of new and innovative approaches, including user-centred design and outcomes-based funding. In April 2017, the Government provided federal departments with new structures that allow departments to distribute grants and contributions more flexibly under the Treasury Board Policy on Transfer Payments.
More recently, the Impact Canada Initiative was launched to use outcomes-based funding experiments, innovative financing approaches and new partnership models to achieve better results for Canadians. The Clerk of the Privy Council also recently endorsed the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Declaration on Public Sector innovation which calls for more experimentation within programs. The Government is also creating a new procurement initiative, Innovative Solutions Canada, to match businesses offering early stage prototypes with departments in need of new products or services."
3/31/2018,295,,Fair and Open Government,Exercise due diligence regarding costing analysis prepared by departments for all proposed legislation and programs.,President of the Treasury Board,Underway - on track,Modernized costing informs all proposed legislation and programs.,"The Government issued new best practices for calculating program costs and commissioned a study to identify gaps in the existing costing approach, which will help inform future decisions. The Government is also undertaking a pilot project to better estimate future costing requirements for major procurement projects. This pilot project played a critical role in the development of the new defence policy: Strong, Secure, Engaged. These measures will help make sure solid costing information informs decision-making."
3/31/2018,296,,Environment and Climate Change,Restore annual federal funding for freshwater research and make new investments in Canada’s Experimental Lakes Area.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Completed - fully met,Restored annual federal funding for freshwater research and monitoring activities to keep our water safe.,"In April 2016, $197 million was committed to enhance ocean and freshwater science activities. In June 2016, the Government signed a contribution agreement with the International Institute of Sustainable Development (IISD), to support freshwater research at the Experimental Lakes Area. The Government is also conducting scientific research and monitoring activities in lakes and rivers, such as Lake Winnipeg and the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence watersheds. These measures will improve Canada's understanding of freshwater ecosystems and protect the environment we share."
3/31/2018,297,,Safety and Security,Implement a strategy against gender violence.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,"Reduced gender-based violence, greater awareness of gender-based violence and better support and services for survivors.","In June 2017, the Government launched It's Time: Canada's Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence, which takes a whole-of-government approach to prevent gender-based violence (GBV), support survivors and improve responsiveness of the legal and justice systems. As part of the strategy, new programs will be established to engage youth, including men and boys, on violence prevention, and test new approaches that can be expanded to prevent GBV, child maltreatment and teen dating violence. As part of the strategy, new programs have been established to implement, test and potentially scale up promising approaches to prevent GBV, including child maltreatment and teen dating violence; and to test promising practices to address gaps in support for Indigenous people and other underserved groups of survivors in Canada, including LGBTQ2 communities and people of all genders, non-status/refugee/immigrant women, seniors, women living in an official language minority community, women living in northern, rural and remote communities, and women living with a disability.
Budget 2018 augments these programs and adds enhancements to initiatives to prevent bullying and cyberbullying, investigate child sexual exploitation and increase access to sexual assault services for military personnel and their families. Budget 2018 also supports efforts to engage men and boys in promoting gender equality and announced the establishment of a future national framework for addressing gender-based violence on post-secondary campuses.
The Government will also establish a Gender-Based Violence Knowledge Centre to coordinate the collection and dissemination of better data and information, share best practices between governments and service providers, and report annually on the progress of the strategy. In 2018, Statistics Canada will launch a new national survey to collect data on GBV, the first such survey in decades. The strategy builds on other initiatives the Government has undertaken to train judges on matters relating to gender and diversity, expand access to justice for vulnerable groups, build and repair shelters and transitional housing and provide leave under the Canada Labour Code for federally regulated workers who are fleeing violence. In January 2018, the Government launched a call for concepts to test promising practices to address gaps in support for Indigenous and other underserved groups of survivors in Canada. This includes LGBTQ2 communities and people of all genders, non-status/refugee/immigrant women, seniors, women living in an official language minority community, women living in northern, rural and remote communities, and women living with a disability."
3/31/2018,298,,Jobs and Innovation,"Help small- and medium-sized enterprises grow, become more innovative and export oriented.","Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Small Business and Tourism",Underway - on track,"Double the number of high-growth firms in Canada by 2025 to create good, middle class jobs, strengthen communities, and grow the economy.","Small business owners work hard to provide Canadians with quality goods and services while also creating job opportunities that strengthen communities across the country and grow the middle class. The Government is focused on helping small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) export and grow. The Government’s Innovation and Skills Plan, introduced in Budget 2017, introduced a suite of initiatives to help Canadian innovators and entrepreneurs grow their companies. The Strategic Innovation Fund, launched in July 2017, is a $1.26 billion fund designed to help companies from across sectors of the economy access regional and global supply chains and support growth through innovation to create new, good, well-paying jobs. Innovative Solutions Canada, launched in December 2017, is a new program with over $100 million dedicated to supporting the scale up and growth of Canada’s innovators and entrepreneurs by having the federal government act as a first customer. The Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative (VCCI) will make $400 million available through the Business Development Bank of Canada to increase late-stage venture capital funding for Canadian firms looking to grow, expand and compete globally. The call for proposals for VCCI support was launched in December 2017. The Innovation Canada digital platform was launched in January 2018 and provides simplified and customized access to the business innovation support programs that are most appropriate for companies depending on their sector, stage of growth and innovation support needs. These new initiatives complement existing programs such as the Industrial Research Assistance Program and the CanExport Program."
3/31/2018,299,,Strong Middle Class,Support regional economic growth strategies.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,Governments and key stakeholders in each region of Canada work together as part of a regional economic strategy that supports good middle class jobs and creates new economic opportunities.,"The Atlantic Growth Strategy was launched in 2016 and has set an ambitious vision to grow Atlantic Canada's economy. The strategy targets joint areas of priority including: innovation, trade & investment, skills/immigration, clean growth and infrastructure.
In Budget 2018, the Government identified regional development agencies as one of four key platforms which will help to grow Canadian businesses and advance the Innovation and Skills Plan across all regions of Canada (with the other three key platforms being: the Industrial Research Assistance Program, the Strategic Innovation Fund, and the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service).
Starting in 2018–19, the Government is providing more than $500 million over five years to regional development agencies to foster economic growth, including regionally tailored funding for women entrepreneurs as part of the new Women Entrepreneurship Strategy.
The Government is also extending core funding of the regional development agencies that is currently time-limited:
• $20 million per year, starting in 2018–19 and ongoing, to the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency;
• $920 million over six years, starting in 2018–19, to renew the funding for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. "
3/31/2018,300,,Safety and Security,"Review the criminal justice system, including sentencing reforms, to ensure it keeps us safe and it is fair.",Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,"Crime rates are reduced, the justice system has the resources it needs, and all Canadians have access to justice through a fairer system.","The Government continues to review the criminal justice system, including sentencing reforms, to ensure that it keeps Canadians safe, while also addressing the overrepresentation of vulnerable groups in our prisons, including Indigenous people and those with mental illness. Using various platforms, such as in-person meetings and online discussion fora, Canadians had an opportunity to share their views on what can be done to improve the Criminal Justice System. The public consultation closed on January 31, 2018. A consultation report was released on March 22, 2018. This follows a program of broad engagement with justice system partners, stakeholders from diverse perspectives and various sectors. The Government has introduced bills that demonstrate respect for the courts and the Charter, including a bill that allows a judge to waive a federal victim surcharge in cases of genuine inability to pay and a bill to modernize the Criminal Code by removing outdated provisions as well as clarifying and strengthening sexual assault laws. And, in March 2018, the Government tabled legislation to improve the efficiency of the criminal justice system and address court delays in six key areas: (1) modernize and streamline the bail regime; (2) enhance the approach to administration of justice offences, including for youth; (3) restrict the availability of preliminary inquiries to offences carrying life imprisonment; (4) reclassify some offences to provide greater flexibility and court efficiencies; (5) improve the jury composition and selection process; and, (6) strengthen case management measures and processes for making rules of court. Further, a number of these reforms will assist in reducing the overrepresentation of Indigenous people and vulnerable populations in the criminal justice system, including those with addictions and mental illness. Budget 2016 and 2017 committed funding for more judges in Superior Courts, greater support programming on judicial education, ethics and conduct, further funding for court translation in both of Canada's official languages, and more legal aid services provided in the provinces and territories, including specialized services to Indigenous people, and those with mental illness. Additional representation and services will also be offered through the Indigenous Courtwork Program for Indigenous people to help them navigate the criminal justice system. "
3/31/2018,305,,Strong Middle Class,"Eliminate the $1,000 Labour Market Impact Assessment fee to hire caregivers.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Elimination of the Labour Market Impact Assessment fee to hire caregivers so those in need of assistance can meet their family caregiving responsibilities.,"Effective December 8, 2017, the Government eliminated the Labour Market Impact Assessment processing fee for families seeking to hire foreign caregivers to provide care for persons with high medical needs, and for families with an income of less than $150,000 in annual income seeking to hire foreign caregivers to provide child care. These changes will ensure that support is targeted at those most in need of assistance to meet their family caregiving responsibilities."
3/31/2018,307,,Strong Middle Class,Promote good quality jobs by developing the Global Skills Strategy.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,"Shorter processing times and a dedicated service channel for employers seeking to attract highly skilled, in-demand global talent, leading to more investment and job creation in Canada","In June 2017, as part of the Global Skills Strategy, the Government of Canada launched the new Global Talent Stream under the Temporary Foreign Worker program for a period of two years. This new Stream helps eligible companies attract highly-skilled global talent to scale up and remain globally competitive while creating good, middle class jobs in Canada. High-growth Canadian companies and global businesses making large investments in Canada can apply. Companies that apply have to demonstrate that the talent they wish to bring to Canada will provide labour market benefits for Canadians and that the position is in high-demand. They have access to an expedited review process lasting no more than a combined 20 business days from end to end, including reviews conducted by Employment and Social Development Canada and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada."
3/31/2018,308,,Government Services and Operations,Develop a strategy that aims to create a single online window for all government services.,President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Public Services and Procurement;Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - with challenges,Government of Canada services and programs are simpler and Canadians can access them more easily.,"The Government of Canada Service Strategy will be released through the Government's long-term plan to improve services to Canadians. This plan will include measures to improve service standards and create a simpler, more focused online window for services. This plan will also include targeted investments to improve specific services, which will lead to simpler and more online tax filing options; more online services from the Canadian Border Services Agency; more digital options and self-service capabilities for student loans; auto-enrollment to Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement services; shorter immigration processing times; better integration of Veterans services; improved access to Employment Insurance; and simpler, more integrated information sharing to reduce administration and red tape hindering access to business services. In keeping with its Budget 2017 commitment to use technology to better serve Canadians, the Government has also established the Canadian Digital Service (CDS). The CDS is working with departments to make it faster, simpler and easier for Canadians to access benefits and services online. Achieving integrated online government service delivery will take time due to required Government-wide IT transformation and legislative changes."
3/31/2018,309,,Government Services and Operations,Set transparent service standards for the delivery of Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,"Canadians making inquiries about Employment Insurance (EI) will receive answers more quickly, consistent with new, higher service standards.","As a result of Budget 2016 investments ($73 million), the EI Call Centre network significantly increased its capacity and improved its service accessibility. Building on these investments, Budget 2018 will provide an additional $127.7 million over three years to further improve accessibility and ensure Canadians receive timely and accurate information and assistance with EI benefits.
In May 2016, the Government launched the EI Service Quality Review (SQR). The SQR sought input from stakeholders and Canadians on ways Service Canada could improve the quality of EI services on the phone, online and in person. The final report provided ten recommendations on how to make EI service delivery more responsive to the needs of Canadians. Service Canada is using this input to review EI service standards, and is committed to complete the review by March 2018.
"
3/31/2018,311,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Improve the Temporary Foreign Worker Program so it meets the needs of Canadian workers and employers.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,"The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) contributes to sustained economic growth without displacing qualified Canadians, meets the needs of workers and employers and protects the vulnerable.","The Government has taken action in a number of areas to improve the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) guided, in part, by the 2016 recommendations of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons' with Disabilities study of the TFWP. Budget 2017 confirmed permanent funding for the risk-based, TFWP employer compliance inspection regime, an increase in on-site inspections in sectors with high volumes of vulnerable workers such as Primary Agriculture, and to support work with industry sectors that rely on Temporary Foreign Workers to develop comprehensive workforce development strategies in partnership with employers, organized labour and other stakeholders. To ensure that Canadians always have the first opportunity at available jobs, the Government introduced a number of changes to improve the TFWP. Changes include: ending the four year cumulative duration rule; introducing the new Global Talent Stream for high-skill to help high-growth Canadian companies attract specialized global talent that will create new jobs for Canadians; increasing the requirement of employers to recruit Canadians typically under-represented in our workforce; extending the low-wage cap for seasonal employment; increasing on-site inspections of workplaces that employ temporary foreign workers; committing to further develop pathways to permanent residency so that eligible newcomers are able to more fully contribute to Canadian society; and working with heavy users of the TFWP to create Canadian workforce development strategies in partnership with employers, organized labour and other stakeholders.
The Government is collaborating with stakeholders across the country to improve migrant workers’ experience. Recently, the Government announced funding for the Migrant Workers’ Dignity Association to help migrant workers become better informed about their rights as workers in Canada through the development of workshops, information tools and other materials aimed at informing TFWs on topics such as housing, health care, access to special benefits, and other rights. Budget 2018 proposed $3.4 million over two years, beginning 2018-19, to establish, on a pilot basis a network of support organizations for temporary foreign workers dealing with potential abuse by their employers. This network would support these workers in reporting wrongdoing and provide information on their rights to temporarily remain and work in Canada free from harassment and abuse. Additionally, Budget 2018 proposed $194.1 million over five years, beginning in 2018-19, and $33.2 million per year ongoing for unannounced inspections under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, continued implementation of the International Mobility Program compliance regime, and the ongoing collection of labour market information related to open work permits. The Government continues to monitor the program and look at opportunities for further improvement.
"
3/31/2018,312,,Fair and Open Government,Make meetings of the Board of Internal Economy open by default.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,Improved transparency in the administration of Parliament.,"The House of Commons has adopted changes to ensure that meetings of the Board of Internal Economy are open by default, meaning they will be public unless it is necessary to deal with particular items in-camera, as outlined in the Parliament of Canada Act, or the by-laws of the Board. Unanimous consent of all members present at the meeting would be required should the Board wish to hold a closed meeting on any other issue. These changes will increase parliamentary transparency for Canadians."
3/31/2018,313,,Strong Middle Class,Make post-secondary education more affordable for low and middle income families.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,Hundreds of thousands of students receive increased grant-based aid through Canada Student Grants and students are better able to manage student loan repayments upon graduation. The Government expects more low and middle income students to attend post-secondary education.,"In 2016, the Government increased Canada Student Grants (CSGs) by 50%, helping over 360,000 students from low- and middle-income families to receive up to $1,000 more per year in grants. Starting in 2017-18, new CSG thresholds were introduced, meaning that over 400,000 students from low- and middle-income families are estimated to receive up to $3,000 in non-repayable financial aid each and every year, 46,000 of whom are newly eligible for grants.
The Government also increased thresholds for the Repayment Assistance Plan so that no graduate will have to repay their Canada Student Loan until they earn at least $25,000 per year. This change has already helped about 23,000 Canadians delay their payments.
Under the Skills Boost initiative, additional measures announced in Budget 2017 will be available in 2018-19. These include: increasing eligibility thresholds for CSGs for students with dependent children, helping an additional 13,000 students; increasing eligibility thresholds for part-time students, helping an additional 10,000 students; and introducing a three-year pilot project targeted to adult learners that will provide an estimated 43,000 students an additional $1,600 in grant support and allow flexibility to base CSG eligibility on current year’s income. The Skills Boost will also provide greater flexibility for Canadians on Employment Insurance (EI) to get new certificates or training without fear of losing their benefits.
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3/31/2018,315,,Strong Middle Class,Index Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) payments to a new Seniors' Price Index.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,The cost of living for seniors is better reflected in their Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) benefits through a Seniors' Price Index.,The Government of Canada is exploring options and international best practices for a new Seniors' Price Index to make sure support for seniors reflects their needs.
3/31/2018,316,,Strong Middle Class,Cancel the increase in age of eligibility for Old Age Security (OAS) from 65 to 67.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,The age of eligibility for Old Age Security (OAS) has been returned to 65 and provides greater financial security for our most vulnerable seniors.,"The Government of Canada cancelled the planned increase in age of eligibility for Old Age Security, so that eligibility is maintained at age 65. This will help ensure they benefit from a secure and dignified retirement."
3/31/2018,317,,Strong Middle Class,Coordinate programs to support low income seniors with provinces and territories.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",On-going commitment,"Federal, provincial and territorial governments collaborate so seniors get the full benefits to which they are entitled.",The Government of Canada implemented the increase to the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and engaged with provinces and territories (PT) to ensure that low-income seniors who receive PT income supplements fully benefit from the increase. The Government will continue to seek new opportunities to work together to support our most vulnerable seniors and ensure that seniors receive the full benefit of the GIS.
3/31/2018,318,,Strong Middle Class,Prioritize affordable housing and seniors' housing as part of the National Housing Strategy.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",On-going commitment,"Reduced housing need for seniors through rental support to reduce the cost of housing and enable seniors to age in place, and increased supply of affordable housing units specifically targeted towards seniors.","On November 22, 2017 the Government announced a 10-year, $40 billion National Housing Strategy that will help reduce homelessness and improve the availability and quality of housing for Canadians in need. This Strategy is part of a long-term vision to strengthen the middle class and provide affordable housing to Canadians, and lift more Canadians out of poverty. The strategy sets clear goals to remove 530,000 Canadians from housing need and reduce chronic homelessness, prioritizing the most vulnerable Canadians including seniors.
Budget 2016 provided investments of $200.7 million over two years to increase affordable housing for seniors and improve their housing conditions, to be delivered by provinces and territories through the Investment in Affordable Housing. The National Housing Strategy re-establishes the federal government as a leader in the area of affordable housing. Working in collaboration with provinces, territories and local communities, the Strategy will leverage significant new capacity to build, repair and renew affordable housing across the country. As part of the Strategy, the new National Housing Co-Investment Fund will prioritize projects that have the greatest impact on communities and vulnerable populations, including seniors. As a result of these investments, at least 12,000 new affordable units will be created for seniors."
3/31/2018,319,,Strong Middle Class,Provide support to maintain rent-geared-to-income subsidies in existing social housing.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Affordable housing remains accessible to Canadians who need it during the transition through the expiry of current operating agreements.,"Community housing has been the backbone of Canada’s response to housing challenges for more than 60 years and provides an affordable place to live for thousands of Canadians. Federal investments have supported the creation of community housing for low- and modest-income families and individuals. About 80% of all community housing is administered by the provinces and territories. As long-term social housing operating agreements expire, the Government will renew its investments in provinces and territories to protect low-income households and stabilize the operations of housing providers. The Government is deeply committed to ensuring that Canada’s existing community housing stock remains affordable and in good repair well into the future.
On November 22, 2017 the Government announced a 10-year, $40 billion National Housing Strategy that will help reduce homelessness and improve the availability and quality of housing for Canadians in need. This Strategy is part of a long-term vision to strengthen the middle class and provide affordable housing to Canadians, and lift more Canadians out of poverty. The strategy sets clear goals to remove 530,000 Canadians from housing need and reduce chronic homelessness, prioritizing the most vulnerable Canadians including seniors.
As part of the National Housing Strategy, the Government will support the provinces and territories as they protect and build a sustainable community-based housing sector, through a $4.3-billion Canada Community Housing Initiative. Additionally, to protect tenants living in federally administered community housing as operating agreements expire and to stabilize the operations of housing providers, the federal government will implement a new 10-year, $500-million Federal Community Housing Initiative. This initiative will put in place new operating agreements as old social housing operating agreements expire. As a result of these investments, 385,000 households will be protected from losing an affordable home."
3/31/2018,320,,Strong Middle Class,Invest in Housing First to reduce homelessness.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Chronic and episodic homelessness is reduced by as much as 50% compared to current levels.,"On November 22, 2017 the Government announced a 10-year, $40 billion National Housing Strategy that will help reduce homelessness and improve the availability and quality of housing for Canadians in need. This Strategy is part of a long-term vision to strengthen the middle class and provide affordable housing to Canadians, and lift more Canadians out of poverty. The strategy sets clear goals to remove 530,000 Canadians from housing need and reduce chronic homelessness, and to reduce chronic homelessness by half.
As part of the National Housing Strategy, the Government announced a total investment of $2.2 billion for homelessness over 10 years, building on Budget 2016 funding of $111.8 million over two years (2016-2017 and 2017-2018). By 2021-22, this will nearly double the investments made in 2015-16. These increased investment levels are expected to reduce the number of Canadians who are chronically or episodically homeless by as much as 50% compared to current levels. The Government has also been consulting with stakeholders, provinces, territories and Indigenous partners to redesign the program. These consultations are guided by the work of an Advisory Committee launched on June 22, 2017 and chaired by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. As part of the engagement process, an online consultation inviting Canadians to share their ideas on how to prevent and reduce homelessness took place and closed on September 15, 2017. A What We Heard report is expected to be made public in spring 2018. A redesigned federal response to homelessness will be implemented starting April 1, 2019."
3/31/2018,321,,Strong Middle Class,Remove all GST on new capital investments in affordable rental housing.,"Minister of Finance;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Not being pursued,See below,"All Canadians should have a safe and affordable place to call home. The Government concluded, based on research and evidence, that there were more effective ways of encouraging the construction of affordable rental housing. Budget 2016 introduced a targeted approach to stimulate the construction of affordable rental housing by providing funding to establish the Affordable Rental Housing Innovation Fund and Rental Construction Financing Initiative. Budget 2017 announced the investment of more than $11.2 billion over 11 years in various initiatives that will help build, renew and repair Canada’s affordable housing and make sure Canadians have affordable housing that meets their needs. The National Housing Strategy, launched on November 22, 2017, includes additional measures to stimulate the construction of affordable rental housing. The Rental Construction Financing Initiative offers $2.5 billion in low-cost loans to support the construction of new rental housing. Budget 2018 proposed expanding this initiative with an additional $1.25B in low-cost loan over the next three years.
Through the National Housing Strategy, the federal government is re-engaging in affordable housing by investing in the growth of livable communities and the resilience of the community housing sector. To ensure existing rental housing is not lost to disrepair and to develop new, high-performing affordable housing integrated with supports and services, the federal government is creating a $15.9-billion federally managed National Housing Co-Investment Fund. The National Housing Co-Investment Fund alone is expected to create up to 60,000 new units of housing and repair up to 240,000 units of existing affordable and community housing. The Fund will consist of nearly $4.7 billion in financial contributions and $11.2 billion in low interest loans. The Government’s recently announced Rental Construction Financing Initiative will be integrated into the National Housing Co-Investment Fund, as will the Government’s recently created Affordable Rental Innovation Fund. Applications for the National Housing Co-Investment Fund will be accepted starting April 2018.
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3/31/2018,322,,Strong Middle Class,Modernize the Home Buyers' Plan.,"Minister of Finance;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - with challenges,Canadians impacted by a sudden and significant life change are better able to manage the costs of finding a home or relocating.,"In considering this proposal, the Government is examining how best to balance support for Canadians who have had a change of circumstance, such as a divorce or a change in employment, with the need to preserve and maintain retirement savings (e.g. Registered Retirement Savings Plans). To date, the Government has made other changes to provide greater legal support for families facing divorce and training programs to help Canadians transitioning between jobs. The Government has also taken a number of steps to ensure Canada has a regulated and stable housing market, including: improving mortgage financing rules, creating the Affordable Housing Innovation Fund and Rental Construction Financing Initiative, and investing $11.2 billion over the next 11 years to help build, repair and maintain affordable housing across Canada. These measures will help address the challenges of housing affordability faced by Canadians in many large urban centres, encourage the creation of new rental housing construction and re-establish a long-term federal role in housing."
3/31/2018,324,,Strong Middle Class,Identify available federal lands that could be repurposed for affordable housing.,"Minister of Public Services and Procurement;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Increased available land to build new affordable housing and increased housing supply where it is needed.,"The Government is creating a new Federal Lands initiative to make surplus federal lands and buildings available at a discounted cost (up to no cost) for new affordable housing. Over the next 10 years, up to $200 million in federal lands will be transferred to eligible participants to encourage the development of sustainable, accessible, mixed-income, mixed-use developments and communities. Starting in 2018-19, this initiative will also provide funding for renovations or retrofits and environmental remediation and to ensure surplus federal buildings are suitable for use as housing."
3/31/2018,325,,Strong Middle Class,Review prices in high-priced housing markets and consider all policy tools that could keep home ownership within reach for more Canadians.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",On-going commitment,Federal policy tools are employed to help keep home ownership within reach for more Canadians.,"The Government has completed analysis of factors impacting house prices, including identifying important data gaps and strategies to reduce these gaps, informed by consultations with a number of industry, academic, provincial and municipal government stakeholders. A final report, ""Examining Escalating House Prices in Large Canadian Cities"", providing an analysis of the underlying drivers of house price increases and a set of policy tools to help keep home ownership within reach for more Canadians, was publicly released on February 7, 2018. The release of this final report sets the stage for additional policy discussion and coordination across various levels of government."
3/31/2018,326,,Strong Middle Class,Bring forward a proposal to prevent mortgage fraud.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Mortgage fraud is reduced.,"Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has developed an Action Plan with measures to mitigate and prevent mortgage fraud, and is engaging industry stakeholders to implement the plan.
As of January 1, 2018, CMHC has joined the Citadel fraud management consortium operated by Equifax. CMHC will participate in the Competition Bureau’s Fraud Prevention Month program with announcements on fraud prevention activities and efforts to raise public awareness of issues related to mortgage fraud. CMHC is also co-sponsoring a fraud prevention conference in Quebec City, hosted by École nationale d’administration publique (ENAC), in September 2018."
3/31/2018,327,,Strong Middle Class,Use the best data available to make decisions on housing.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",On-going commitment,Better data and understanding of the housing market to inform policy decisions so that the Government can help Canadians secure good housing.,"The Government is developing a new Housing Statistics Framework that will be administered by Statistics Canada, and is investing to improve data collection and analytics through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). These investments will help track progress on the National Housing Strategy, better support informed policy decisions, and build on the reintroduction of the mandatory long-form census for 2016, which provides for more accurate collection of data on key things like housing."
3/31/2018,328,,Strong Middle Class,Raise taxes on the top 1% of earners.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,A fairer tax system where the richest pay their share.,"On December 7, 2015, the Government of Canada announced it would create a new top personal income tax rate of 33% for individual taxable incomes above $200,000, effective January 1, 2016 (increased from 29%). The Government continues to explore other measures to ensure tax fairness."
3/31/2018,329,,Fair and Open Government,Repeal elements of the Fair Elections Act which make it harder for Canadians to vote.,Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - on track,Barriers are reduced to electoral participation for all Canadians and there is greater integrity in the electoral process.,"In November 2016, the Government of Canada introduced legislation to increase voter participation, improve the integrity of the electoral system, and repeal provisions in the previous Fair Elections Act that made it harder for Canadians to vote. The changes to the legislation reinstate the Voter Information Card as authorized identification (ID), restore vouching for those without proper ID, expand voting rights to more than 1 million Canadians living abroad, expand the Chief Electoral Officer’s ability to educate Canadians to improve civic literacy and knowledge and help future young voters participate in the electoral process by pre-registering youth aged 14-17 so they can more easily vote when they turn 18."
3/31/2018,330,,Fair and Open Government,Conduct a review of government spending to reduce poorly targeted and inefficient programs.,President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Finance,Underway - on track,Programs are effective and deliver measurable results for Canadians.,"Launched in Budget 2017, the horizontal review on innovation and clean technology is now complete, with results announced in Budget 2018. The second launched horizontal review on fixed assets is ongoing, which is being conducted in phases and is expected to be completed in 2019-20. The three departmental reviews also announced in Budget 2017, the Canada Border Services Agency, the Canada School of Public Service, and Health Canada, are yet to be completed, but details will be announced when available. As part of Budget 2018, the Government launched a review on the Canada Revenue Agency’s service model to ensure that Canadians interacting with the Agency feel like valued clients, not just taxpayers. Budget 2018 also proposes to undertake a horizontal review of skills programming over the next year to maximize the effectiveness of programs that provide support to Canada’s labour force to ensure they have the information and training needed to meet future challenges and opportunities head on. Further details about these reviews will be available in the coming months."
3/31/2018,331,,Strong Middle Class,Provide more flexible parental leave.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Parents who want to spend more time at home with their children have the option of doing so with protected Employment Insurance parental benefits.,"With Budget 2017, the Government of Canada created more flexible maternity and parental leave benefits. The changes allow parents to spread their parental benefit over a longer period of time (18 months), and give mothers the option to begin receiving Employment Insurance maternity benefits up to 12 weeks before their due date – up from eight weeks. The changes took effect December 3rd and give parents more support to spend time with their kids.
Further, to support greater gender equality in the home and in the workplace, Budget 2018 proposes to introduce a new EI Parental Sharing Benefit which will provide additional weeks of “use it or lose it” EI parental benefits, when both parents agree to share parental leave. "
3/31/2018,332,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure the successful integration of refugees into Canadian society.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,Improved social and economic outcomes for refugees.,"The Government is currently studying how to deliver language training and employment services in a better, more collaborative way, as well as test innovative approaches, to improve the participation of newcomers in social, cultural, civic, and economic life in Canada."
3/31/2018,334,,Healthy Canadians,Ensure safety and non-discrimination in blood donation policies.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"An evidence-based, safe and non-discriminatory approach to ensuring an adequate blood supply.","A safe and effective blood system is a cornerstone of health care delivery. In June 2016, Health Canada (HC) approved a request from Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec to reduce the blood donation ineligibility period for men who have sex with men (MSM) from five years to one year. This change was based on scientific evidence brought forward by the blood operators and brought Canada in line with other global regulators, such as the United States, France, Australia and the Netherlands. At the same time, the Government of Canada provided $3 million to Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec to conduct behavioural research and organize an international seminar. In 2017, a research competition was completed which resulted in funding eleven research projects, which will inform further changes that could be undertaken to implement an evidence-based, safe and non-discriminatory approach to MSM donations."
3/31/2018,335,,Healthy Canadians,Facilitate collaboration on an organ and tissue donation and transplant system that gives Canadians timely access to care.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,An increase in the supply of organs and tissue available so that Canadians get timely and effective access to care.,"Since April 2008, the Government has worked collaboratively with provinces and territories to improve the Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplant system in Canada. This includes better collaboration, public education and use of best practices to increase donations and ultimately an increase in the supply of organs and tissue so that Canadians are able to access them when needed.
According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, a total of 2,835 lifesaving transplants were performed in Canada (including Quebec) in 2016, a 32% increase since 2007. Over the last 10 years, the rate of deceased donation has increased 42% but the rate of living donation has decreased 11%. There were 4,500 patients on organ waitlists at the end of 2016, and 260 patients died in 2016 while waiting for a transplant."
3/31/2018,336,,Healthy Canadians,"Ensure Canada's response to the current opioid crisis is robust, well-coordinated and effective.",Minister of Health,Underway - with challenges,"Federal opioid response is evidence-based, collaborative and comprehensive, and the harm caused by opioid use—including overdoses and accidental deaths—is reduced.","Problematic opioid use and overdose is currently a crisis in Canada, causing devastation to individuals, families and communities. The Government of Canada is deeply concerned about the growing number of opioid-related overdoses and deaths and is committed to taking strong action. Despite early efforts, evidence suggests that the opioid crisis is intensifying and spreading.
The federal government is working with all partners to confront this crisis and develop a pan-Canadian response. On November 19, 2016, a Joint Statement of Action to Address the Opioid Crisis was announced and included key actions by the federal health portfolio, provincial/territorial governments and national health organizations. Federal Government actions include coordinating the opioid response with provincial and territorial counterparts through the Special Advisory Committee on the Epidemic of Opioid Overdoses and the Problematic Substance Use and Harms Committee. Budget 2017 committed $100 million over five years to support the federal response to the crisis focused in four areas: public education, harm reduction, addiction treatment and counselling, and law enforcement.
Budget 2018 commits a further $231.4 million over five years for additional measures to help address the opioid crisis, including $150 million to support provinces and territories in improving access to treatment services for problematic substance use.
The Government of Canada also regularly engages non-government partners, including people who use drugs and people with lived and living experience, through regular multisector discussions, Ministerial roundtables, consultations, working meetings, and other mechanisms. Federal efforts are focused on working with provinces and territories to implement harm reduction approaches and increase access to treatment, supporting innovative approaches to address the crisis, and addressing stigma related to opioid use. The Government is also working towards finding new approaches to reduce opioid-related deaths and prevent future tragedies. An Impact Canada Challenge is currently being designed to encourage the development of opioid detection and testing technologies to better protect first responders and help reduce harm to those who use drugs."
3/31/2018,337,,Healthy Canadians,Ensure Canada has a solid surveillance system for monitoring and reporting overdoses and deaths related to opioids.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,Effective monitoring and reporting of overdoses and deaths related to opioids.,"The Government is committed to releasing updated data on a quarterly basis, in collaboration with provinces and territories. The Government is also working with provinces and territories to collect additional data on opioid use and harms. On March 27, 2018, the Government released an updated national report on apparent opioid-related deaths in 2016 and the first three quarters of 2017."
3/31/2018,338,,Healthy Canadians,Review Canada's framework for dealing with public health emergencies.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"Public health emergencies and events are prevented, detected, and responded to effectively","The Public Health Agency of Canada is working with Health Portfolio partners and Public Safety Canada to assess its processes, mechanisms and tools to ensure timely and effective response to public health emergencies."
3/31/2018,339,,Healthy Canadians,"Curb opioid misuse by introducing prescribing guidelines, tracking prescriptions at the patient level, and increasing transparency in marketing and promotion of therapies.",Minister of Health,Underway - with challenges,"A reduction in inappropriate prescription of opioids, improved tracking of prescriptions, and better management of transitions where opioids are no longer required so as to reduce opioid dependency.","The Government is working with provinces, territories, and partners to address prescribing practices and prescription monitoring in Canada. The Canadian Institutes of Health Research is funding the Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse to develop a national guideline for medication-assisted treatment of opioid use disorder. The Government is collaborating with provinces and territories through the Problematic Substance Use and Harms Committee to share lessons learned and best practices in prescription monitoring.
In January 2018, Health Canada hosted a working session with provinces and territories to develop national standards for prescription monitoring programs. The Government is also exploring options to increase transparency in the marketing of therapies, and will be engaging with provinces and territories and other stakeholders in the coming months."
3/31/2018,340,,Healthy Canadians,Ensure communities can introduce effective opioid treatments and programs.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,Canadians have access to community-based opioid treatments and programs that are effective in reducing harm.,"Treatment is the key to moving people from using drugs to recovery. Budget 2018 includes measures to provide one-time emergency funding of $150 million for provinces and territories for multi-year projects that improve access to evidence-based treatments.
In addition, the federal government has used its regulatory powers to make naloxone more widely available and to expedite approval of the nasal spray version. Further, the Government published regulations allowing the import of drugs for opioid use disorder treatments not yet approved in Canada. In fall 2017, the Government consulted on other potential regulatory barriers to accessing treatment, such as the unique regulatory requirements currently imposed on methadone and diacetylmorphine-assisted treatment, and is determining a path forward.
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3/31/2018,341,,Healthy Canadians,Promote the Canada Health Act to make absolutely clear that extra-billings and user fees are illegal and reporting is improved.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"Canadians have access to publicly funded health care, without financial barriers at point of service.","The Government of Canada is engaging with provinces and territories to ensure patients are not inappropriately charged for publicly insured services. Under the Canada Health Act, provinces and territories that permit extra-billing and user charges for insured health care services are subject to mandatory dollar-for-dollar deductions from their federal Canada Health Transfer entitlement. To better encourage provinces to re-align their publicly funded health care systems with the Canada Health Act when instances of non-compliance arise, and to recognize when provinces take corrective action, the Government is proposing legislative amendments to allow Canada Health Transfer deductions to be reimbursed when a province or territory has taken the necessary steps to eliminate extra-billing and user charges. The Government of Canada is also consulting with provinces and territories on ways to improve reporting on Canada Health Act compliance to Canadians.
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3/31/2018,342,,Healthy Canadians,Develop a new self-governed approach to delivering health services to Indigenous peoples and reduce health inequities between Indigenous peoples and non-Indigenous Canadians.,Minister of Health;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs;Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - on track,"New co-developed approaches to Indigenous health services that will be client-centred, culturally relevant and sustainable, resulting in healthier children, families and improved community wellness.","The Government is in the process of formally creating a new Department of Indigenous Services to focus on improving service delivery to Indigenous peoples. This new department includes the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch.
Budget 2017 is investing an additional $828 million over 5 years (starting in 2017-18) to improve a range of health outcomes. The Government is currently working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis to co-develop distinctions-based approaches to the delivery of health care. The Government's goal is to support capacity building in Indigenous communities so that they are able to manage their own health services.
First Nations are leading processes (in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec) to develop models for self-determination in health service-delivery. Memoranda of Understanding/agreements to support the continuation of these processes are anticipated to be signed in spring 2018. Other regional engagement efforts are underway across the country to identify strategies for transforming service delivery, including opportunities for increasing Indigenous control over services. In addition to the ongoing implementation of the historic British Colombia Tripartite Framework Agreement, which transferred operational control of health programs and services to the British Columbia First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), the Government is also facilitating a dialogue with the FNHA on how they might address the wider social determinants of health (initial focus on mental wellness and addictions).
This gap in health outcomes can be narrowed, and providing access to quality health care close to home is an essential part of that change. To keep Indigenous families healthy, Budget 2018 proposes to invest $1.5 billion over five years, starting in 2018–19, and $149 million per year ongoing. This includes $27.5 million over 5 years to eliminate tuberculosis in Inuit Nunangat.
Of this funding, $235 million will support work with First Nations partners to transform First Nations health systems by expanding successful models of self-determination so that health programs and services are developed, delivered and controlled by and for First Nations. This investment will also support access to quality and First Nations-controlled health care in remote and isolated James Bay communities as part of the Weeneebayko Area Health Integration Framework Agreement."
3/31/2018,343,,Government Services and Operations,Help Veterans gain skills to successfully transition to the civilian workforce.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"More Veterans, Canadian Armed Forces members, and their spouses/common-law partners successfully transition to the civilian labour market. The Government hires more veterans into meaningful work.","As of April 1, 2018, eligible Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans, their spouses/common-law partners and survivors are now able to apply for a new, modernized set of career transition services, delivered consistently across Canada. Services will be delivered by qualified career support professionals who understand military life and culture. For Veterans and survivors, these career transition services be available throughout a person's post service working life, meaning they can get help when and where needed.
The Government of Canada also continues to provides access to hiring opportunities in the public service for certain serving and former members of the Canadian Armed Forces who are released for medical reasons. Priority for public service jobs is given to these members and Veterans over all other individuals."
3/31/2018,344,,Government Services and Operations,"Implement the Caregiver Recognition Benefit, paid directly to Veterans' caregivers.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,Increased recognition and support for caregivers of ill and injured Veterans so that Veterans get better care.,"As of April 1, 2018, the Government of Canada has introduced the new Caregiver Recognition Benefit, replacing the Family Caregiver Relief Benefit. This new benefit will provide a generous non-taxable $1,000 monthly benefit payable directly to informal caregivers of Veterans to better recognize and honour the vital role they play in supporting CAF members and Veterans. "
3/31/2018,345,,Government Services and Operations,Implement the new Veteran Emergency Fund and Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,Improve the quality of life of Veterans and their families.,"As of April 1, 2018, the Veterans Emergency Fund will provide funds ($4 million over 3 years as announced in Budget 2017) to assist Veterans and their families during times of crisis or when facing emergency financial situations that threaten their health and well-being.
In addition, the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund is one of the many new and enhanced program and services brought forth in Budget 2017, focused on the health and well-being of Veterans and their families. As of April 1, 2018, this new fund will support research and foster innovation across the public, private and academic fields to make a real difference in the lives of Veterans and families.
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3/31/2018,346,,Government Services and Operations,"Streamline the suite of benefits, improve transparency and communications, and improve the experience of Veterans as their needs change throughout their lives.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,"A streamlined, client-centric process that is easier to navigate, provides timely service and helps Veterans transition to civilian life.","Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) is streamlining its suite of benefits with the goal of reducing overlap and administrative burden to ensure a positive client experience for Veterans both as they transition to civilian life and as their needs change throughout their lives. A three-year communications and outreach strategy was launched to ensure that Veterans and their families are well-informed of the range of supports and services available to them. On December 20, 2017, the Government announced its Pension for Life plan, which will consolidate six existing income support programs into a single financial benefit – the Income Replacement Benefit (IRB) - to simplify and streamline access to VAC programs and services. Specifically, the new IRB will replace the Earnings Loss Benefit; Extended Earnings Loss Benefit, Retirement Income Security Benefit, Supplementary Retirement Benefit, the Career Impact Allowance and Career Impact Allowance Supplement. This will reduce the burden on the Veteran and their Caregivers as there will be one application form where there used to be six."
3/31/2018,347,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure public servants are paid accurately and promptly.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - with challenges,Public servants are paid in a timely manner and without errors.,"The ongoing public service pay problems are unacceptable, creating emotional and financial hardships, as well as unnecessary stress for many employees and their families.
The Government of Canada will ensure that employees receive timely and accurate pay and benefits, and we are working hard to resolve issues as quickly as possible, but there are no quick fixes. We are committed to doing better.
The Clerk of the Privy Council Office instructed Deputy Ministers to take a personal interest in seeing that employees are paid accurately and on time. Employees should not feel that they are facing these difficulties alone.
The Government is implementing a suite of measures, informed by recommendations from the Office of Auditor General of Canada as well as the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, to stabilize the pay system so that transactions are processed more quickly and accurately, pay issues are resolved and employees receive better service. Budget 2018 announced an investment of $454 million over six years, starting in 2017-18, to increase the number of compensation employees at the Pay Centre and satellite offices to more than 1,500, hire more HR advisors within departments to assist employees and to provide employees with tax support. In addition, over the next two years, the Government will work with experts, unions and technology providers on a way forward for a new pay system.
Progress is reported regularly through a monthly, publically available Dashboard, a Pay Bulletin and other online content, ensuring ongoing transparency and accountability.
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3/31/2018,348,,Fair and Open Government,Increase the diversity of bidders on government contracts.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,"The diversity of bidders and contractors will increase, including participation by businesses owned by women and Indigenous peoples.","The Government has held 853 outreach events across Canada (April-Sept 2017), including 5,800 individuals belonging to under-represented communities (for instance, Indigenous peoples) to promote how to do business with the Government of Canada. The diversity of bidders and contractors is expected to increase, including looking to accessibility participation by businesses owned by women and Indigenous peoples. Public Services and Procurement Canada has launched social procurement pilots to increase the participation of small and diverse suppliers. "
3/31/2018,349,,Fair and Open Government,"Develop better tools to hold contractors accountable, particularly in large scale procurements.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,"Suppliers will be accountable for their contractual performance, which is expected to improve procurement results.","Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) created a Supplier Relationships and Performance Management Office.
Shared Services Canada (SSC) created a vendor management office to oversee the commercial relationships with large contractors to favour a positive working relationship and hold them accountable if there is poor performance.
PSPC has conducted an extensive environmental scan of existing vendor performance management practices in Canada and abroad to establish a baseline of best practices. PSPC is developing a draft suite of policy instruments that aligns with the best practices and expects to consult with key stakeholders, including Government of Canada departments and agencies and industry within the coming months.
PSPC is leading the development of a Government-wide approach to vendor performance management. PSPC is developing the initiative in close collaboration and consultation with representatives from central departments and agencies, including SSC and the largest Government of Canada purchasers.
SSC is developing a vendor performance program that aligns with the broader PSPC initiative. SSC has also created a vendor management office responsible for managing the overall strategic relationship with key vendors.
A framework for PSPC’s Vendor Relationship and Performance Management regime is being planned for 2018-19."
3/31/2018,350,,Fair and Open Government,"Publish clear metrics on the competitiveness, cost and timeliness of procurement.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,The Government of Canada will make more informed contract decisions based on feedback obtained from comprehensive data and sampling of procurement activities and surveys.,"
Metrics on competitiveness, cost and timeliness are published in the annual Departmental Plans and Departmental Results Reports, as well as in Our Services, Standards and Results. A data strategy is being developed to increase the number of metrics available to clients, suppliers and Canadians, including competitiveness, cost and timeliness."
3/31/2018,351,,Fair and Open Government,Make more government data available to vendors participating in procurement bidding to encourage better bids.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,Vendors and government decision makers have access to modern analytics to better understand Government of Canada procurement. This will help vendors decide when and how to compete in order to encourage more and better bids.,"Information on contracts over $10,000 is available on the Government of Canada Open Government Portal. The Government is developing a data strategy to improve the contract data provided to suppliers and decision makers. It is expected that the Government will begin the implementation of the strategy in fall 2018."
3/31/2018,352,,Fair and Open Government,Ensure prompt payment of contractors and sub-contractors.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,Barriers to accessing government contracts are reduced and small and medium enterprises require less working capital (cash flow) to do business with the Government of Canada because they get paid more quickly for work they've done.,"The Government is looking at options for paying invoices for original contracts valued at under $100,000 within a shorter timeframe than the current 30 days. This will mean that small and medium-sized enterprises will require less working capital (cash flow) to do business with the Government. This initiative will also remove barriers to accessing government contracts. On January 30, 2018, the Government announced that it is seeking construction industry input and recommendations on federal prompt payment legislation."
3/31/2018,353,,Government Services and Operations,"Improve the delivery of information technology within the Government, including the renewal of Shared Services Canada.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,"An agile, reliable and secure information technology platform to support the delivery of digital services to Canadians.","Shared Services Canada has completed broad-based consultations with industry, Canadians and federal departments on the best approaches for managing the Government of Canada's information technology assets and services. More than 2,500 submissions from these stakeholders provided suggestions for improving information technology service delivery and project management. At the same time, the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat has also released the independent review of Shared Services Canada commissioned from Gartner Canada Co. Results of the review and feedback from the consultations are informing the way forward for information technology that enables the digital delivery of Government of Canada programs and services, including a new governance structure under the Government of Canada Chief Information Officer to help set direction and priorities across government.
Budget 2018 provided $2.2 billion over six years, with $349.8 million ongoing, starting in 2018-2019 to improve the management and provision of IT infrastructure and services within government and support the migration of applications from older data centres into more secure modern data centres or cloud solutions, and to support related cyber security measures."
3/31/2018,354,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure the timely and orderly transition of Parliamentary operations during the renewal of the Parliamentary precinct.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,"The Government of Canada is restoring and modernizing the Parliamentary Precinct for current and future generations of Canadians, and to provide Parliament with the accommodations it needs to operate effectively and safely in a modern, connected and sustainable world. ","The transition of parliamentary operations from the Centre Block and the start of its major restoration is a major milestone in this effort. The Government has completed the restoration of the 180 Wellington building in 2016 and is poised to complete the West Block, Visitor Welcome Centre and Government Conference Centre in the next several months to enable a smooth transition of Parliamentary operations in Fall 2018, enabling the restoration of the Centre Block to begin.
A new Deputy Minister oversight committee has been established for the move from Centre to West Block. Membership includes Public Services and Procurement Canada, the House of Commons, the Senate, the Library of Parliament, Protective Services, the RCMP and the National Security Advisor. As well, a task team has been established at PCO that will coordinate the move."
3/31/2018,355,,Indigenous peoples,Develop a vision for a national space for Indigenous peoples at 100 Wellington.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs;Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,"Creating a space for Indigenous peoples directly across from Parliament Hill will symbolize a turning point in Canada's relationship with Indigenous peoples. This location will provide a concrete marker of the importance of Indigenous peoples to this country's past, present, and future.","On June 21, 2017, the Government announced that a new space for Indigenous peoples will be established at 100 Wellington Street in the National Capital Region that reflects the vision of Indigenous peoples and the spirit of reconciliation. To advance this project, an interim working group has been established with representatives from the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the Métis National Council and the Government of Canada to recommend next steps to ensure 100 Wellington becomes an inclusive space. Next steps will include identifying the process for comprehensive engagement to ensure that Indigenous peoples shape the future use of the building and are full partners in leading the project. The interim working group held its inaugural meeting in February 2018, and will continue to hold ongoing meetings to help advance the project.
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3/31/2018,356,,Government Services and Operations,"Enhance the quality and capacity of services provided by the Translation Bureau, and promote the economic vitality of Canada's translation and interpretation community.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,The Government of Canada has access to high quality linguistic services that enable it to operate and to serve Canadians in both official languages.,"In October 2017, the Government hired a Chief Quality Officer at the Translation Bureau to structure all of the Bureau’s quality initiatives. It remains committed to hiring over 50 students at the Translation Bureau per year over the next 5 years to train the next generation of language specialists. In 2017-2018, more than 150 students were hired. To promote the economic vitality of Canada's translation and interpretation community, the Government has created a new panel to improve collaboration with the interpretation industry and facilitate the implementation of a new procurement tool for conference interpretation. In order to reposition the Translation Bureau as a centre of excellence, the Government is now implementing a new vision which includes various projects that seek to improve quality of services, strengthen relationships with professional associations, universities and clients, ensure effective resource management and planning and guarantee that linguistic tools meet the needs of employees.
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3/31/2018,357,,Jobs and Innovation,Develop the vision for the new federal science infrastructure.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,A modern science infrastructure that fosters collaboration to achieve policy goals and protects the safety and security and health of Canadians.,"In Budget 2018, the Government announced $2.8 billion over five years as part of an ambitious plan to renew federal laboratories. The Government is launching the first phase of a plan to renew federal laboratories, which will begin the process for the construction of multipurpose, collaborative federal science and technology facilities. The strategy will offer a more integrated and effective approach to federal labs, information technology and human resources. This plan will ensure that federal scientists have access to world class infrastructure, equipment, and computer networks to produce the best results for Canadians.
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3/31/2018,358,,Jobs and Innovation,Use work on accessibility as a catalyst for new ideas and business strategies through technology and design.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Underway - on track,Canadians with disabilities are participating more in the digital economy with the help of assistive and adaptive digital devices and technologies.,"The Accessible Technology Program will help fill the gap in support for the development of assistive and adaptive digital devices and technologies that enable persons with disabilities to fully participate in society. It will help remove barriers to Internet access and other digital services for Canadians with disabilities, will help them gain the digital skills they need for good jobs, and enable them to fully participate in the digital economy."
3/31/2018,359,,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Monitor federal allocations to improve public transit accessibility, and create reporting obligations on these expenditures.",Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Underway - on track,"Improved reliability, efficiency, safety and accessibility of public transit systems in Canada.","Canadian cities have been growing at a rapid rate, but investment in public transit has not kept pace and investments have not always considered accessibility issues. To improve public transit systems across Canada and make them more accessible, Budget 2016 announced immediate federal investments of up to $3.4 billion in public transit, starting in 2016–17 to be provided through a new Public Transit Infrastructure Fund. These investments are helping to improve commutes, cut air pollution, strengthen communities and grow Canada's economy. Public Transit Infrastructure funding is being provided to support the rehabilitation of public transit systems, the planning of future system improvements and expansions, enhanced asset management, and system optimization and modernization."
3/31/2018,360,,Indigenous peoples,Promote culturally relevant sport for Indigenous youth.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities;Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - on track,Increased and sustained participation of Indigenous children and youth in culturally relevant sport programming.,"Budget 2017 invested $18.9 million over five years starting in 2017-2018, and ongoing funding of $5.5 million every four years thereafter to support Indigenous youth and sport. As such, in 2017-18, approximately $4.85 million was provided to eleven national organizations to pilot physical activity and sport projects in 61 First Nation communities across the country. At present, 6,145 First Nation students, 595 parents/community members, 364 on reserve teachers, and 212 Elders are participating in the ongoing pilot projects. All pilots are ongoing until March 31, 2018, and each organization will submit a final project report in May, 2018. The most successful programs will be identified with the goal of increasing Indigenous participation in culturally relevant sports and recreation and to improve the health and well-being of Indigenous communities through sport participation.
The Government has been working with the Aboriginal Sport Circle, as well as provinces and territories, to promote culturally relevant sport programming in Indigenous communities. In July 2017, $800,000 was provided to the Aboriginal Sport Circle. In addition, the Government provided $3.5 million for the hosting of the North American Indigenous Games in Toronto from July 16 to 23, 2017. It is now working to establish stable, ongoing funding for this largest youth sporting and cultural gathering of Indigenous peoples in North America.
Through Budget 2018, the Government proposes to invest $47.5 million over five years, and $9.5 million per year ongoing, to expand the use of sport or social development in more than 300 Indigenous communities.
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3/31/2018,361,,Healthy Canadians,Better support Canadian athletes through the Athlete Assistance Program.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Underway - on track,High-performance Canadian athletes are better able to focus on training for world class performances due to greater financial support.,"The Government committed to investing an additional $25 million over 5 years through Budget 2017, with $5 million per year ongoing, to the Athlete Assistance Program. This investment represents an 18 percent increase over existing funding levels. New investments are being distributed in the following way: $4.25 million for the living and training allowance, $250,000 for tuition support and $500,000 for supplementary support. This new investment will directly assist approximately 1,900 athletes across Canada and enable them to continue to combine their sport and academic or working careers while training intensively in pursuit of world-class performance."
3/31/2018,362,,Indigenous peoples,"Dissolve Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, and create a new Department of Indigenous Services and a new Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs to better serve Indigenous peoples.",Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs;Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - on track,"Improved delivery and quality of day-to-day services for First Nations, Inuit and Métis. An improved nation-to-nation relationship and greater self-determination for Indigenous peoples who rightfully want and need to control service delivery for their own people.","
The Government of Canada announced the creation of the Department of Indigenous Services Canada in early December 2017. The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs has been mandated to lead consultations on the structure of two new departments.
An Order-in-Council was adopted to designate Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) as a department. A Memorandum of Understanding between Health Canada and ISC was signed to ensure the seamless continuity of internal services to First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB), which was previously under Health Canada. As of April 1, 2018, employees who worked in Internal Services at Health Canada supporting the FNIHB are officially employees of ISC. This is an important step in the transformation towards a stronger service culture within ISC’s service to, and empowerment of, Indigenous peoples.
A national engagement strategy being led by the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs is being undertaken which will inform the introduction of legislation concerning the formal establishment of the two new departments.
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3/31/2018,363,,Indigenous peoples,"Lead a whole-of-government approach to renew the nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relationship with Indigenous people.",Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,"A renewed relationship with Indigenous peoples based on co-developed policies that support strong and effective nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relationships that consider and respond to the unique realities of Indigenous peoples in Canada.","Three permanent bilateral mechanisms have been created, with the Prime Minister, the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and the Métis National Council, to jointly set priorities and oversee outcomes. On February 9, 2017, the Prime Minister and Inuit leaders signed a declaration to create the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee, demonstrating the shared commitment to a renewed Inuit-Crown relationship between Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Government of Canada. The first Métis Nation-Crown Summit took place on April 13, 2017, where the Prime Minister and the President of the Métis National Council and its Governing Members signed the Canada-Métis Nation Accord. On June 12, 2017, the Prime Minister and the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations signed a Memorandum of Understanding during the first Assembly of First Nations-Crown meeting. Over the past year, regular meetings at the Ministerial and senior official level have helped guide the substantive work underway in the co-developed joint priorities. As progress continues on the joint priorities, preparations are ongoing to plan the second annual meetings between the Prime Minister and leaders of the National Indigenous Organizations.
A successful Canada-Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations Forum, chaired by the Prime Minister and attended by 23 Indigenous Leaders was held on November 1, 2017. At this historic Forum, the Prime Minister committed to holding an annual Forum to discuss progress.
On February 14, 2018, the Government of Canada announced that it will develop in full partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, a Recognition and Implementation of Rights Framework. The contents of the Framework will be determined through national engagement that will continue throughout the spring, with the intention to have the Framework introduced in 2018.
Through Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions, the Government is working with Indigenous people to co-develop mandates that better address their needs and priorities and help advance, in partnership, community-identified priorities. These discussions also provide a forum for the Government to support the reconstitution of Indigenous nations, as well as self-determination and self-government. Over 60 of these discussions are underway with Indigenous communities, representing over 320 communities and a population of approximately 600,000 people.
Budget 2018 proposes to invest $74.9 million over five years, with $15.5 million per year ongoing, to provide ongoing support to these policy co-development forums."
3/31/2018,364,,Indigenous peoples,Include Indigenous representatives in a meaningful way in Canada's federal-provincial-territorial dialogues.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - with challenges,A consensus based approach to meaningful and collaborative engagement with Indigenous representatives in federal-provincial-territorial dialogues.,"Indigenous organizations and stakeholders have been active participants in ongoing federal-provincial-territorial (FPT) dialogues in policy areas that matter most to Indigenous peoples. In October 2017, national Indigenous organizations met with First Ministers to discuss measures to promote the inclusion of Indigenous peoples in an economic growth agenda and the connection to the broader reconciliation agenda. In January 2018, Indigenous leaders and stakeholders met with FPT Ministers responsible for Child and Family Services to discuss a plan for addressing the critical challenges being faced regarding Indigenous children in care. Throughout 2017, Indigenous organizations, leaders, and stakeholders have been actively involved in FPT meetings and have played a key role in identifying priorities and shaping the path forward in a number of areas, including justice and public safety, health, culture and heritage, sport and recreation, and early learning and childcare."
3/31/2018,365,,Canada in the World,Develop a new Arctic Policy and a shared Arctic Leadership model for the government's work in the North.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,"Strong, resilient Arctic communities, sustainable and diversified Arctic economies and comprehensive Arctic infrastructure. Environmental sustainability and conservation of Arctic biodiversity.","In November 2017, the Government launched public engagement to support the development of an Arctic Policy Framework for Canada. This Framework is intended to identify a vision and plan to guide federal activities in the region. Public engagement is completed and included roundtables with business, youth, non-governmental organizations and researchers. Federal, Provincial, Territorial governments, and Indigenous partners continue to collaborate on the co-development of the framework.
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3/31/2018,366,,Indigenous peoples,Advance devolution in Nunavut in collaboration with the government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,"Greater control for Nunavut over their lands and resources, leading to increased investment and economic growth, more job opportunities and lower unemployment, and increased revenues for the Government of Nunavut. Devolution will also contribute to the broader goal of reconciliation and will be a key result under a new Arctic Policy Framework.","On July 9, 2016, the Government appointed a new Chief Federal Negotiator for Nunavut devolution. The Chief Federal Negotiator is meeting on specific issues to build common ground and facilitate the achievement of an Agreement-in-Principle. The Agreement-in-Principle will lead to a devolution agreement which would provide for the transfer of responsibilities for land and resource management to the Government of Nunavut."
3/31/2018,367,,Indigenous peoples,Increase the number of comprehensive modern treaties and new self-government agreements for Indigenous communities.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - with challenges,"An increased number of modern treaties (comprehensive land claim agreements, self-government agreements) that supports Indigenous peoples' self-determination, self-government and nation rebuilding.","The Government is working with negotiating partners and other stakeholders to reform section, 35 Constitution Act , 1982, related policies and processes to address concerns expressed by Indigenous partners. Through Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions and the Collaborative Fiscal Policy Development Process with Self-Governing Indigenous Governments, the Government is also working with Indigenous people to co-develop agreements that lead to greater self-determination. In British Columbia, the Government is working in partnership with the province of British Columbia and the First Nations Summit to implement the proposals in the report on the ""Multilateral Engagement Process to Improve and Expedite Treaty Negotiations in British Columbia"" that was endorsed by the Principals to the British Columbia treaty process in May 2016.
Budget 2018 outlines new steps the Government will take to increase the number of modern treaties and self-determination agreements in a manner that reflects a recognition of rights approach. These changes, along with the new approach brought forward through the Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination negotiation process, will shorten the time it takes to reach new treaties and agreements, at a lower cost to all parties. As part of this new approach, the Government of Canada will be moving away from the use of loans to fund Indigenous participation in the negotiation of modern treaties. Starting in 2018–19, Indigenous participation in modern treaty negotiations will be funded through non-repayable contributions. The Government will engage with affected Indigenous groups on how best to address past and present negotiation loans, including forgiveness of loans. Through Budget 2018, the Government also proposes to invest $51.4 million over the next two years to continue its support for federal and Indigenous participation in the Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussion tables."
3/31/2018,368,,Indigenous peoples,Support Indigenous peoples in their work to advance self-determination.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - with challenges,"Indigenous peoples will have sufficient capacity and resources to work towards rebuilding and reconstituting their nations, advancing self-determination, and, for First Nations, facilitating transitions away from the Indian Act and toward self-government.","The Government continues to support Indigenous peoples as they reconstitute their nations and advance self-determination and self-government. This is being accomplished through nation-level dialogues and community-level processes that are exploring the rights and priorities of Indigenous peoples and working towards their implementation in ways that make sense for Indigenous communities. For example, the Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions allow for the co-development of flexible negotiation mandates so that key issues can be appropriately prioritized and addressed. Over 60 of these discussions are underway with Indigenous communities and 19 preliminary agreements have been signed. The Government is also continuing to reform laws, policies and operational practices to better support Indigenous self-determination across the country.
Through Budget 2018, the Government also proposes to invest $51.4 million over the next two years to continue its support for federal and Indigenous participation in the Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussion tables. Further, through Budget 2018, the Government proposes to provide $101.5 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, to support capacity development for Indigenous Peoples. Funding would be made available to Indigenous groups to support activities that would facilitate their own path to reconstituting their nations.
To support the expansion of the First Nations Land Management Act and the successful participation of First Nations under the Act, Budget 2018 proposes to invest $143.5 million over five years, beginning in 2018–19, and $19 million per year ongoing. This funding will allow an additional 50 First Nations to enter into the Land Management Regime, while providing pre-readiness support and capacity development to ensure their successful participation. Additionally, this will support over 200 First Nations to opt-out, or begin the process of opting-out, of the 33 lands related sections of the Indian Act and assume jurisdiction over their lands, environment, and natural resources under their own First Nations Land Codes.
Through Budget 2018, the Government proposes to provide $5.5 million over two years to continue the activities of the Matrimonial Real Property Implementation Support Program. In addition, this funding will support new and more targeted training and awareness activities, such as the development of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, to respond to gaps in the administration of justice. This funding will provide for the continuation of a First Nation Centre of Excellence providing training to enhance knowledge and awareness of rights and protections available under related federal legislation; and support for First Nation law-making in this area."
3/31/2018,369,,Indigenous peoples,Advance positions in co-operative dispute resolution processes that are consistent with the resolution of past wrongs toward Indigenous peoples.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - with challenges,"Resolution of past grievances through collaborative, trusted, mutually respectful processes consistent with the Government's commitment to a renewed nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown and government-to-government relationship.","Recent legal settlement agreements between the Government of Canada and Indigenous peoples signify progress on this commitment. This includes the Newfoundland and Labrador residential schools settlement agreement (September 2016), and the Sixties Scoop Final Agreement, which was signed on November 30, 2017. Pending approval of the Agreement by the Courts, joint development of the parameters of the Sixties Scoop Foundation is underway. Led by Ministerial Special Representative Tom Isaac, Canada engaged in exploratory discussions to support future resolution of the Gottfriedson class action, which respects the experience of day scholars at Indian Residential Schools. As a result of these discussions, the parties started negotiations for settlement in February 2018.
The Government is also advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples through symbolic Ministerial statements of exoneration and/or pardon that address historical incidents of cultural conflict and misunderstanding. These posthumous exonerations will stand as an important symbol of the Government of Canada's commitment to reconciliation.
For example, on March 26, 2018, the Prime Minister delivered a statement of exoneration on behalf of the Government of Canada to the Tsilhqot’in Nation and the descendants of six Tsilhqot’in Chiefs who led the Tsilhqot’in war effort in 1864 in response to a colonial road crew attempting to build a road through Tsilhqot'in territory without the agreement of the Tsilhqot'in Nation, and were executed in 1864 and 1865.
In addition, the Government is working with the Poundmaker Cree Nation to exonerate Chief Poundmaker who was wrongly convicted for treason against the Crown as one of the leaders of a community that had been involved in armed conflict against the Canadian Expeditionary Force following the looting of Battleford in 1855 (present day Saskatchewan).
Canada is engaged in over 60 Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities across the country. These discussions seek to advance, in partnership, community-identified priorities. Several Indigenous groups have entered into discussions in response to or as an alternative to litigation. By entering into these flexible discussions with Canada, groups seek to settle litigation through out of court settlements.
Specific claims are claims made by a First Nation against the Government of Canada which relate to the administration of land and other First Nation assets and to the fulfilment of pre-1975 treaties. An Assembly of First Nations – Canada Joint Technical Working Group on Specific Claims, which includes representatives from a number of First Nation organizations is currently developing concrete proposals to improve the process for resolving specific claims. The resolution of these historic grievances is key to the recognition of First Nations’ rights, respect and advancing reconciliation.
Further efforts in reconciliation have been made. For example, the Government has been working with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) and Inuit land Claims on the Nanilavut Initiative, which concerns the Government’s role in the past tuberculosis epidemic among Inuit. The Nanilavut Initiative is included in the work plan of the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee under the Reconciliation Measures Theme. Discussions are underway with ITK and Inuit Land Claims for the launch of the Nanilavut Initiative.
The Government is also working on the Qikiqtani Truth Commission (QTC) Final Report (2013) as a member of the Saimaqatiqiingniq Working Group which provides a space where partners can discuss ways to implement the QTC’s 25 recommendations. Discussions to date have focused on quantifying the size and scope of the recommendations and determining the best way to implement them."
3/31/2018,370,,Indigenous peoples,"Ensure the implementation of pre-Confederation, historic, and modern treaties and agreements.",Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,On-going commitment,"Strengthened Crown-Indigenous relationships, greater autonomy, and improved social and economic outcomes for Indigenous peoples.","Collaborative work with Indigenous partners is ongoing, such as through the Inuit Crown Partnership Committee Permanent Bilateral Mechanism and the annual Canada-Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations Forum (the first forum was chaired by the Prime Minister in November 2017). Issue areas addressed through these fora include: renewing the fiscal relationship with self-governing Indigenous governments, structures of governments, and furthering shared priorities through participation and engagement, and improving treaty implementation. The treaty relationship is maintained through various policies, mechanisms and processes including treaty discussion tables and treaty commissions. A number of historic treaty groups have positioned or re-positioned themselves to engage Canada in discussions toward reinvigorating the treaty relationship and exploring reconciliation-focused approaches to address treaty-related interests. The Government is also supporting the implementation of the Additions to Reserve Policy Directive to ensure Canada meets its historic treaty obligations and to improve access to community lands and resources.
An annual forum with the Prime Minister was committed to at the November 1, 2017, Canada-Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations Forum. The Inuit Crown Partnership Committee has also identified land claims implementation as a priority issue and is pursuing recommendations echoed at the November 1, 2017 forum. First meetings were held in 2017 with the Prime Minister and Indigenous leaders, and these processes are expected to be ongoing. Other ongoing engagement, including with respect to departmental transformation, and with modern treaty and self-governing groups will be essential to positively advancing implementation of treaties and agreements.
Canada and Indigenous governments continue to engage in respectful and collaborative government-to-government discussions at regular meetings dedicated to the effective implementation of modern treaties and self-government agreements, with 50 having taken place to date in 2017-18.
In Québec, the Cree Nation Governance Agreement (signed on July 18, 2017) will modernize existing governance regimes on Cree lands. The implementing Bill on Cree Nation Governance Agreement was adopted on March 27, 2018 by the Senate in third reading, and will receive Royal Ascent on a date to be determined. This represents another step in implementing Cree self-governance in compliance with the 1975 James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement. It will provide the Cree First Nations and the Cree Nation Government with important tools to assume greater autonomy and responsibility in the governance of Cree community lands subject to federal jurisdiction. The Agreement on Cree Nation Governance and the Cree Constitution demonstrate that the Cree Nation Government and the Cree First Nations are mature governments. They are a step towards reconciliation and a respectful nation-to-nation relationship between the Cree and Canada in the spirit of the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement.
Additions to Reserves enable Canada to fulfill legal obligations established by Treaty Lands Entitlement, Specific Claims, and other legal agreements. Expanding the reserve land base is also an important mechanism by which First Nations can foster community and economic development. A National Additions to Reserve Advisory Committee made up of Indigenous organizations and stakeholders was created to identify and implement process improvements that will streamline and accelerate the Additions to Reserve process. There have been 111 Additions to Reserve approved in 2017-18, of which 98 represent the fulfillment of legal obligations on the part of the Crown.
In April 2017, Canada obtained a mandate to negotiate Rights Reconciliation Agreements on fisheries and National Parks with the 35 Mi’kmaq, Maliseet, and Peskotomuhkati Indigenous communities in the Atlantic and Gaspé region of Québec. Rights Reconciliation Agreements seek to implement the historic treaty rights affirmed in 1999 Marshall decision, create new opportunities for economic development, and create operational stability. To achieve success in implementing these Agreements, the Parties are also focusing on building governance capacity at the Nation level. "
3/31/2018,371,,Indigenous peoples,"Collaboratively, identify the best models for delivering improved services to Indigenous peoples, and improve accountability.",Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - with challenges,"Co-creation of new and meaningful partnership models that strengthen service delivery for Indigenous peoples, resulting in improved outcomes in key areas including health, education, child welfare and community infrastructure.","
The Government will work in partnership with Indigenous peoples to identify the best models for improving the delivery of services and improving accountability to Indigenous peoples for the quality of those services. This will be achieved by strengthening engagement practices, supporting the transfer of services to be Indigenous-led where possible, recognizing the inherent knowledge of communities and ensuring that services are culturally appropriate. The Government will also work with Indigenous peoples to measure and monitor progress and improve service delivery on an ongoing basis.
The Government continues to work collaboratively with the First Nations Fiscal Management Act institutions, the First Nations Finance Authority, the First Nations Financial Management Board and the First Nations Tax Commission, who provide direct services to First Nations and a legislative and institutional framework to exercise jurisdiction over core fiscal and governance matters, including the financing of infrastructure and economic development projects through the issuance of bonds on capital markets. For an example of some of the results achieved, the First Nations Finance Authority’s October 2017 debenture issuance on the financial markets added an additional $126 million to the existing debentures and bringing the total to $376 million. These debentures allow for investments in infrastructure and socio-economic development projects including water treatment, roads, housing, schools, health, security and emergency services, renewable energy and aquaculture. In addition to the high quality services that they provide, these institutions are working collaboratively with the Government and other First Nation partners to lead the way on innovative initiatives that support a renewed nation-to-nation relationship, such as a proposed First Nation infrastructure institution, under the umbrella of a New Fiscal Relationship and 10 year grants, and exploring the potential to monetize federal capital transfers.
The Government also continues to work in close collaboration with other key partner Indigenous organizations such as the National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association, the First Nations Lands Management Resource Centre and the Tulo Centre of Indigenous Economics. These technical organizations play a crucial role in developing capacity, certifying First Nations through accredited programs and providing ongoing professional development and technical support in areas of relevance to First Nations - land use planning and surveys, matrimonial real property, resource development, environmental management, etc. The governmement will continue to look for opportunities to further devolve responsibilities to our partners as they have proven to be effective and efficient in providing culturally appropriate services and capacity development opportunities.
Budget 2018 proposes to invest $50 million over five years, and $11 million per year ongoing, to strengthen the First Nations Financial Management Board, the First Nations Finance Authority and the First Nations Tax Commission.
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3/31/2018,372,,Indigenous peoples,"Continue to provide services to Indigenous peoples, including community infrastructure, emergency management, water, education, moneys and trusts, and registration.",Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - with challenges,"Indigenous communities will have access to and benefit from quality community infrastructure including housing, water, schools and other forms of community infrastructure, and services (moneys and trusts, and registration).","Water: In January 2018, the scope of the commitment to resolve additional long-term drinking water advisories (LT-DWAs) was expanded. Between November 2015 and April 16, 2018, the total number of LT-DWAs on public systems on reserve declined from 105 to 78.
Budget 2018 builds on prior investments and reaffirms the Government’s commitment by proposing to provide an additional $172.6 million over three years, beginning in 2018–19, to improve access to clean and safe drinking water on reserve. The latest results on eliminating LT-DWA can be found here .
Housing: Investments in Indigenous housing from Budget 2016 are expected to build/renovate/lot service 13,093 units in First Nation communities and 193 units in Inuit communities in 2016/17 and 2017/18. As of December 31, 2017, 5,536 of the planned 13,093 housing units (42%) have been completed.
Through investments made in Budget 2017 and Budget 2018, the Government proposes dedicated funding to support the successful implementation of each of the distinctions-based housing strategies, including:
•$600 million over three years to support housing on reserve as part of a 10-year First Nations Housing Strategy that is being developed with First Nations.
•$400 million over 10 years to support an Inuit-led housing plan in the Inuit regions of Nunavik, Nunatsiavut and Inuvialuit Settlement Region. This is in addition to the $240 million over 10 years announced in Budget 2017 to support housing in Nunavut,
•$500 million over 10 years to support the Métis Nation’s housing strategy.
Schools: Over $300 million is being invested in schools in 2016/17 and 2017/18. This includes 74 new schools and 85 renovated/upgraded schools. As of December 31, 2017, 11 out of the 74 new school projects have been completed, and renovations/upgrades on 10 of the 85 schools have been completed.
Health facilities: As of January 31, 2018, investments have been made in more than 127 First Nations infrastructure projects to build and renovate health facilities such as nursing stations, health centres, acute care facilities, drug and alcohol treatment centres, as well as facilities hosting Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve (AHSOR) programming. 45 (35%) of these projects are complete (excluding AHSOR projects in British Columbia that are reported by the BC First Nations Health Authority). Budget 2018 proposes $498 million over the next five years, with $97.6 million ongoing, to sustain access to critical medical care and services, including 24/7 nursing services in 79 remote and isolated First Nations communities.
Emergency Management: In 2016/17, the Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP) invested $115.68 million to support First Nations in their efforts to prepare for, mitigate against, respond to and recover from emergency disasters. There were 118 emergency events affecting First Nation communities of which 37 caused evacuations involving approximately 6,386 evacuees (99.6% of whom have returned to their communities).
For 2017/18, forecasted expenditures for EMAP are over $140 million, with $103.2 million of this total is for emergency response and recovery. To date, in 2017/18, there have been 146 EMAP-eligible emergency events affecting First Nation communities, of which 54 resulted in evacuations involving approximately 13,857 evacuees (13,800 of whom, or 99.2%, have returned to their communities).
Land Use Planning: Over $10 million was invested in 2016/17 and 2017/18 to allow over 50 communities begin developing community-led land use plans, which will support healthy and environmentally sustainable community development by ensuring infrastructure investments are planned and implemented in a manner that serves the short and long term needs and priorities of communities.
Moneys and Trusts: During 2017-2018, as of March 28, 2018, the Government processed 1,044 band moneys payment transactions totaling of $180.9 million, 6,059 individual moneys payment transactions totaling $9.3 million, and 1,051 suspense account payment transactions totaling $5.6 million.
From January to December 2017, the Government paid out $ 1,968,805.00 in treaty payments to 144,016 individuals at 342 Treaty payment events across Canada.
Registration: On December 22, 2017, the Indian Act was amended in response to the Superior Court of Quebec decision in Descheneaux v. Canada (Procureur général). Amendments to address the specific issues raised by the Court will immediately correct sex-based inequities in Indian registration going back to 1951. Broader amendments that will remove sex-based inequities back to 1869 will come into force at a later date after Canada has consulted with First Nations and other parties on how to implement the changes.
In 2017-2018, the Government provided service to complete the administration for 3,618 decedent estates and opened the administration of 2,849 new decedent estates. Services were provided in the administration of 80 new Living estates."
3/31/2018,373,,Healthy Canadians,Eliminate all long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve by March 2021.,Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - on track,"Continued progress in eliminating long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve, leading to the elimination of all long-term advisories by March 2021.","In January 2018, the scope of the commitment to resolve additional long-term drinking water advisories (LT-DWAs) was expanded. Between November 2015 and April 16 2018, the number of LT-DWAs on public systems in First Nations communities has declined from 105 to 78. Over this period, 58 LT-DWAs were lifted, and 31 new LT-DWAs were added. Work is ongoing in partnership with First Nation communities and an action plan is in place to address all 78 LT-DWAs currently in effect.
To support this commitment, the Government of Canada is investing in First Nation water infrastructure projects, assisting First Nation communities in monitoring the quality of drinking water and advising on issues related to drinking water safety. Through joint efforts, First Nations communities have access to trained personnel, including community-based water monitoring, to sample and test drinking water quality. This increased capacity means water is being monitored more often, and potential problems can now be identified sooner.
Budget 2018 builds on prior investments and reaffirms the Government’s commitment by proposing to provide an additional $172.6 million over three years, beginning in 2018–19, to improve access to clean and safe drinking water on reserve.
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3/31/2018,374,,Healthy Canadians,Improve the delivery of child welfare and health care under Jordan's Principle to focus on the best interests of the child.,Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - on track,"First Nations children have access to the health and social supports they need when they need them, no matter where they live.","From July 2016 to February 2018, Canada has approved over 60,000 products, supports and services for First Nations children and youth under Jordan's Principle.
Significant progress has been made in recent months in the provision of health, educational and social supports:
• From July 2016 to March 2017, funding was approved for approximately 5,000 product, service, and supports totalling $11 million.
• From April 2017 to February 2018, there were almost 56,000 approved product, service, and supports totalling $133 million.
Actions to support Jordan's Principle, include:
• Increasing awareness of Jordan's Principle amongst First Nations families, health providers, provincial school boards and provincial/territorial stakeholders through a proactive and multi-faceted communications and marketing approach with a focus on Indigenous mediums (e.g. social media, radio advertisements, targeted mailouts to Child and Family Service agencies, educational institutions, etc.);
• Co-developing the future direction of Jordan's Principle, through national engagement in partnership with the Assembly of First Nations, and other First Nations stakeholders, through the Jordan's Principle Action Table (sub-committee of the National Advisory Committee) to inform Cabinet decision making in fall 2018;
• A new Jordan’s Principle Call Centre is now open at Indigenous Services Canada to help First Nations children access the products, services and supports they need. 1-855-JP-CHILD (1-855-572-4453);
• Participation of all interested Canadian Human Rights Tribunal parties at the Jordan’s Principle Oversight Committee, a committee established to increase dialogue and timely advice on Jordan’s Principle implementation and planning activities; and
• Ongoing monitoring, tracking and reporting of Jordan's Principle processes to comply with Canadian Human Right's Tribunal orders.
The next Affidavit compliance report is due to the Tribunal by May 15, 2018.
Efforts are being undertaken to improve the delivery of child welfare, including:
• To address the funding pressures facing child and family service agencies, while also increasing prevention resources
for communities so that children are safe and families can stay together, Budget 2018 proposes to provide more than $1.4 billion in new funding over six years, starting in 2017–18, for First Nations Child and Family Services. The Government will continue to work with First Nations, Inuit and the Metis Nation, as well as other partners, to advance the reforms to child and family services that are needed and develop Indigenous-led solutions that put the well-being of children first.
• Government’s commitment to continue to fully implement the orders of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, in consultation with the parties.
• Engagement nationally and regionally to implement the six point plan on Indigenous child welfare, including developing a data and reporting strategy with provinces, territories, and Indigenous partners and advancing discussions on increasing jurisdiction for Indigenous communities. "
3/31/2018,375,,Indigenous peoples,Implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in full partnership with Indigenous peoples.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - with challenges,"Strengthened relationships between the Government and Indigenous peoples, and alignment of federal laws and policies related to Indigenous peoples with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).","The Government has created a Working Group of Ministers on the Review of Laws and Policies Related to Indigenous peoples to identify opportunities to amend federal laws and policies to align with the spirit and intent of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. As of November 2017, Canada is engaged in over 60 Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions, which are an opportunity for the Government to work collaboratively with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities to advance their rights, needs and interests through flexible approaches. These discussions are guided by the spirit and intent of the UN Declaration and by the Principles Respecting the Government of Canada's Relationship with Indigenous peoples. What is heard through these discussions will help inform forthcoming reforms to section-35 related policies to align with a recognition of rights approach and Indigenous self-determination as expressed in the UN Declaration.
The Government of Canada is also fulfilling its commitment to implement the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples by:
• Supporting Private Member’s Bill C-262: The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, as a strong first step in the process of implementation. More legislation will be needed in order to fully implement the Declaration in Canada;
• Co-developing Indigenous Languages legislation with national First Nation, Inuit, and Métis leaders;
• Establishing the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls;
• Adopting a set of Principles respecting the Government of Canada's relationship with Indigenous peoples;
• Undertaking major changes to the machinery of government through the creation of the new Department of Indigenous Services and Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, to be better partners in new, recognition-based, nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relations;
• Working with Indigenous self-governments to review our financing policies as a first step to support Indigenous governance, self-sufficiency and economic development;
• Creating new pathways to self-determination in health and education, including concluding significant education agreements, like the Anishnabek Nation Education Agreement, that recognizes Anishnabek control over education for 23 participating First Nations, and the opening of the Manitoba First Nations School System; and
• Co-developing amendments to the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management and the First Nations Land Management Act with the Lands Advisory Board. "
3/31/2018,376,,Safety and Security,Undertake modernization efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the criminal justice system.,Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,"Canadians are kept safer and offenders are held to account, the system shows greater compassion for victims, the needs of vulnerable populations are addressed and the criminal justice system is more efficient.","On March 29, 2018, the Government tabled legislation to improve efficiencies in the criminal justice system and reduce court delays in six key areas:
o modernize and streamline the bail regime;
o enhance the approach to administration of justice offences, including for youth;
o restrict the availability of preliminary inquiries to offences carrying life imprisonment;
o reclassify some offences to provide greater flexibility and court efficiencies;
o improve the jury composition and selection process; and,
o strengthen case management measures and processes for making rules of court.
A number of these reforms will respond to victims and the needs of vulnerable populations, for instance, by providing better protection for victims of intimate partner violence; preventing victims from having to testify twice; and, by providing that circumstances of the accused, in particular Indigenous accused and accused persons from vulnerable populations, are considered at bail, and in determining how to address a breach of condition.
To enhance access to justice and improve outcomes for a significant number of Canadian families, Budget 2018 proposed to provide $77.2 million over four years, starting in 2019-2020, and $20.8 million per year ongoing to support the creation and expansion of Unified Family Courts in Alberta, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador"
3/31/2018,377,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Lead preparations for future international sporting events.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Underway - on track,Canadian athletes and national sport organizations are better prepared and supported for domestic and international events.,"Canada recorded its best ever Winter Olympics performance medal-wise at the PyeongChang Olympics with 29 medals (11 gold, 8 silver, 10 bronze). Canada also recorded its best ever Winter Paralympic performance at the PyeongChang Paralympics with 28 medals (eight gold, four silver and 16 bronze). The Government will continue to support Canadian athletes and national sport organizations in preparation for international events, such as the upcoming Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games in April 2018. Each year, Canada hosts more than 70 international single sport events that are supported through the Government's Hosting Program.
Canada’s female athletes do us proud at high-performance sport events. They regularly achieve podium success at Senior World Championships, and Olympic and Paralympic Games, but fewer Canadian women and girls participate in sport and physical activity than men and boys. Through Budget 2018, the Government proposed an initial $30 million in funding over three years to support data, research and innovative practices to promote women and girls’ participation in sport, and encourage greater inclusion of women and girls in all facets of sport.
Budget 2018 also proposes to provide $16 million over five years with $2 million in ongoing funding for Special Olympics Canada to sustain its empowering movement. This includes support to the National Team Program which ensures optimal performance preparation for Special Olympics Team Canada to proudly represent Canada on the world stage.
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3/31/2018,101_1,,Government Services and Operations,Implement the Auditor General's recommendations on enhancing mental health service delivery to Veterans.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,Veterans have increased awareness of available mental health services so that they know when they can expect care and get it quickly; there is improved performance management in the delivery of mental health services; and all recommendations of the Auditor General's 2014 report have been implemented.,"The Government of Canada has fully implemented the recommendations from the Auditor General's 2014 report on mental health services for Veterans, with the opening of a satellite operational stress injury clinic in Montreal on January 8, 2018. In addition, a new information system has been implemented to better track operational stress injuries and mental health needs among Veterans. This system will address the quality and impact of service, help identify those at risk and provide recommendations for Veterans and their mental health service providers. These and other changes, reinforced by a new performance management framework, will improve the quality and effectiveness of how mental health services and outreach activities are delivered to Veterans. Lastly, Veterans Affairs Canada is continuously communicating about mental health services amongst the Veteran community to ensure those requiring assistance can access it."
3/31/2018,14_1,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and all other parts of the Public Safety portfolio are workplaces free from harassment and sexual violence.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Underway - on track,"Reduced incidents of harassment and sexual violence across Public Safety portfolio workplaces. Better training for staff at all levels, and implementation of all recommendations related to workplace safety and wellness at the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).","The Government is taking all necessary steps to ensure the RCMP is a workplace free from harassment and sexual violence. These steps include implementing all recommendations from the July 2016 Report on Allegations of Harassment and Sexual Misconduct at the RCMP's Canadian Police College Explosives Training Unit, providing $100 million for a settlement between the RCMP and female members and public service employees regarding gender and sexual orientation based harassment and discrimination, and establishing a senior executive responsible for Workforce Culture and Employee Engagement. The Government is also reviewing the report by Special Advisor Sheila Fraser on four cases of civil litigation against the RCMP regarding workplace harassment and the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission's comprehensive review of workplace harassment. Agencies in the Public Safety portfolio, including the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC), Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), have also put initiatives in place to address harassment and sexual violence in the workplace. As well, with the November 2017 signing of an Agreement in Principle (AIP) by the Government of Canada and parties to the Todd Edwards Ross et al v. Her Majesty the Queen class action, a total of $110 million will be available to compensate class members — federal public servants, including members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who were directly impacted by anti-LGBTQ2 (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and two-spirit) policies and practices. The AIP also earmarks $15 million for remembrance to prevent future discrimination and for reconciliation with LGBTQ2 communities."
3/31/2018,175_1,,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Make sure the Infrastructure Bank supports the construction of new, affordable rental housing.","Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",On-going commitment,"Where relevant, the Canada Infrastructure Bank undertakes complementary projects that support the goals of the National Housing Strategy.","The Canada Infrastructure Bank was legally established in June 2017 as an arm’s length Crown corporation focused on making and attracting investments in revenue-generating infrastructure projects in the public interest. The Bank is responsible for investments of at least $35 billion over 11 years, focused on public transit, green infrastructure, and trade and transportation projects. In parallel, the Government launched the National Housing Strategy which includes a new National Housing Co-investment Fund which will support initiatives designed to build, renew and repair Canada’s stock of affordable housing and ensure Canadians have greater access to affordable housing that meets their needs. The Bank may undertake projects in the future related to housing, and if so these will complement the National Housing Strategy. But, to avoid duplication, the construction of affordable rental housing is not likely to be part of the Bank's primary mandate."
3/31/2018,257_1,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Encourage an increase in the number of women in senior positions and on boards in Canada.,"Minister of Status of Women;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,More women occupy senior leadership positions in Canada.,"In his first act as Prime Minister, Prime Minister Trudeau appointed the first gender-balanced federal Cabinet. The Government has also adopted an open, transparent and merit-based approach to select candidates for federal appointments which, to date, has selected 54% women for these important roles. In addition, the Government has announced a process to address the underrepresentation of women as Canada Research Chairs, and introduced legislative amendments to require corporations to publicly disclose the gender diversity of their senior management and boards, which was adopted in the House of Commons. Proposed legislation, introduced in September 2016 and currently before the Senate, would require publicly-traded, federally-incorporated companies to disclose annually information on the diversity makeup of their boards and senior management, as well as their diversity policies (or explain why they do not have one)."
3/31/2018,257_2,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Increase women representation where they have been traditionally under-represented, such as in the skilled trades.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,"Increase representation of women in professions and sectors traditionally dominated by men, including the skilled trades.","Budget 2017 investments in the PromoScience Program and FuturPreneur Canada are aimed at increasing the participation of underrepresented groups, including women, in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields as well as in entrepreneurship. Budget 2018 proposed to allocate approximately $20 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, to pilot an Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women. Under the Grant, women in male-dominated Red Seal trades would receive $3,000 for each of their first two years of training (up to $6,000). Working in partnership with provinces, territories, post-secondary institutions, training providers, unions and employers, the Government will provide $46 million over five years, starting in 2018-19, and $10 million per year thereafter, for the Pre-Apprenticeship Program that will help Canadians explore the trades, gain work experience, make informed career choices and develop the skills needed to find and keep good, well-paying jobs in the trades. To help increase the number of women in the skilled trades, the Women in Construction Fund will be launched in 2018-19 with an investment of $10M over three years. The Program will build on existing models that have proven to be effective in attracting women to the trades. These models provide supports such as mentoring, coaching and tailored supports that help women to progress through their training and find and retain jobs in the trades."
3/31/2018,39_1,,Environment and Climate Change,"Implement the Pan-Canadian framework, including targeted federal funding and a flexible national carbon pricing policy.",Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Finance;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,"Reduction in Canada's greenhouse gas emissions and progress to Canada's 2030 emission reduction targets as committed to in the Paris Agreement, ensuring we leave a cleaner, more sustainable world for our children and generations to come.","In December 2016, First Ministers adopted the Pan-Canadian Framework (PCF) on Clean Growth and Climate Change. The Government of Canada is working closely with the provinces and territories, Indigenous Peoples, and Canadians to implement over 50 measures outlined in the PCF. These actions, supported by significant federal investments announced in Budget 2016 and Budget 2017, will decrease emissions, reduce air pollution, advance technology innovation and increase resilience across the broad range of impacts of climate change.
In December 2017, the first annual report on progress made in implementing the PCF was released. This report highlights significant federal, provincial and territorial accomplishments of the past year under all four pillars of the Framework.
In addition, the Government released the Clean Fuel Standard Regulatory Framework to clarify key issues relating to the planned regulations.
Under the pan-Canadian approach to pricing carbon pollution, provinces and territories have the flexibility to implement their own carbon pollution pricing systems to meet the federal benchmark. Four provinces already have systems in place. In January 2018, the Government released draft legislative proposals and a regulatory framework paper related to the federal carbon pollution pricing system that will apply in jurisdictions that request it or that do not have a carbon pollution pricing system in place in 2018 that meets the benchmark. The federal system would take effect January 1, 2019,
or in fall 2018 if a province or territory requests it. Budget 2018 reiterated the Government’s intention to introduce legislation to establish that system. On February 23, 2018, the Governments of Canada and Manitoba announced that Manitoba will join the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change. In the same month, Canada published two proposed regulations to limit carbon dioxide emissions: one amendment to accelerate the phase-out of coal-fired power by 2030, and the other to set emission performance standards for new natural gas-fired electricity generation and coal boilers converted to run on natural gas.
Canada is also working on regulations to reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sector, a full suite of adaptation programs, codes and standards for climate resilience, a Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund, investments of $21.9 billion in green infrastructure funding (including $9.2 billion for bilateral agreements with provinces and territories), establishment of the Canadian Centre for Climate Services, and $2 billion for a Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund.
In addition, the Government of Canada – working in partnership with the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and the Métis National Council – has launched three separate senior-level tables to engage with First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation in the implementation of the PCF.
In March 2018, the $500 million Low Carbon Economy Challenge was launched, and the proposed legislation for the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act was introduced in Parliament to establish the federal carbon pollution backstop pricing system."
3/31/2018,77_1,,Healthy Canadians,New Health Accord supports the delivery of more and better home care services.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,Improved access to home care services.,"The Government of Canada has reached agreement with all provinces and territories on collective priorities and 10-year funding to strengthen health care and will invest $6 billion over 10 years for provinces and territories to expand access to home and community care options, and better support the millions of Canadians who provide informal care to loved ones. Bilateral funding agreements are being negotiated, and have been signed with four provinces (New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, and Prince Edward Island). The Government has also introduced a 15-week Employment Insurance benefit for those caring for critically ill or injured adult family members and created the new Canada Caregiving Credit to simplify and expand tax credits for caregivers."
3/31/2018,77_2,,Healthy Canadians,New Health Accord advances pan-Canadian collaboration on health innovation.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"More innovation within the health care system, including new digital and mobile technologies to improve results.","To support health innovation, Budget 2017 confirmed $300 million over five years for Canada Health Infoway to expand e-prescribing and virtual care initiatives. In addition, Budget 2017 committed $53 million over five years, with $15.0 million per year ongoing, to the Canadian Institute for Health Information to address health data gaps, support improved decision-making and strengthen health system performance reporting. Budget 2017 also committed $51 million over three years, starting in 2019-20, with $17 million ongoing, to the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement to continue to accelerate innovations in all provinces and territories."
3/31/2018,77_3,,Healthy Canadians,New Health Accord improves access to necessary prescription medications.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,Canadians have access to lower cost prescription medications.,"The Government is working on enhancing the affordability, accessibility and appropriate use of prescription drugs in collaboration with provinces, territories and other partners. The Government has joined the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance, which leverages combined federal-provincial-territorial purchasing power to make patented prescription drugs cheaper for public plans and lower prescription generic drug prices for all payers. Following an initial consultation in Spring 2017, proposed amendments to the Patented Medicines Regulations were published in Canada Gazette I on December 20, 2017, launching a 75-day period during which stakeholders and interested Canadians are invited to provide feedback. Budget 2017 invested $140.3 million over five years and $18.2 million per year ongoing for Health Canada, the Patented Medicines Prices Review Board and the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health.
As part of Budget 2018, the Government announced it is creating an Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare. The Advisory Council will conduct an economic and social assessment of domestic and international models, and will recommend options on how to move forward."
3/31/2018,77_4,,Healthy Canadians,New Health Accord makes high quality mental health services available.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"Improved access to mental health and addictions services, particularly for vulnerable populations and youth.","The Government of Canada has reached agreement with all provinces and territories on collective priorities and 10-year funding to strengthen health care and will invest $5 billion over 10 years to increase access to mental health and addictions services, including for young Canadians, where early interventions can significantly improve outcomes."
3/31/2018,90_1,,Strong Middle Class,Continue to reduce the federal debt-to-Gross Domestic Product ratio.,Minister of Finance,Underway - on track,A federal debt-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio that continues to go down.,"The Government is committed to building a strong middle class, making investments that lead to economic growth and reducing Canada’s already low debt-to-GDP ratio. In 2016-2017, federal debt was 31.2 per cent of GDP. As shown in Budget 2018, the debt-to-GDP ratio is projected to continue falling, from 30.1 per cent in 2018-19 and reaching 28.4 per cent in 2022-23. The Government will maintain this downward debt ratio track—preserving Canada's low-debt advantage for current and future generations. Economic growth is the strongest in the G7, the youth unemployment rate is near the lowest it has ever been, and Canada is maintaining its low-debt advantage. The Government's approach has received praise from organizations including the International Monetary Fund."
3/31/2018,95_1,,Government Services and Operations,Increase the value of the Disability Award.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"Increased the maximum Disability Award to $360,000 and indexed it to inflation so ill or injured Veterans receive better financial support.","The maximum Disability Award has been increased to a maximum of $360,000 for ill and injured Veterans in recognition of pain and suffering, commensurate with industry benchmarks and indexed to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This will provide support to Veterans and their families for an injury or illness resulting from military service. All Veterans who received a Disability Award since 2006 have already or will receive an additional lump-sum payment as a result of these changes."
4/30/2018,1,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency is a client-focused agency.,Minister of National Revenue,On-going commitment,"Improved client satisfaction levels, reduced wait times for inquiries, and simplified and easy to use processes.","To improve client service at the CRA, the Government of Canada has introduced new e-services and simplified letters and notices.
The new ""tell us once"" approach is a consent-based service that will make it easier for Canada Pension Plan recipients to update and share their direct deposit banking information quickly and safely between the CRA and Employment and Social Development Canada. The CRA has expanded the Liaison Officer service, and small businesses can now request free in-person help from a CRA liaison officer. Individuals can now make payments in person at any Canada Post retail outlet using cash or debit card by using the personalized quick response (QR) code found on individual remittance vouchers mailed to taxpayers or by creating a QR code online. Following consultations with taxpayers living in the North, the CRA is committed to improving the services it offers to northern residents and enhancing its service culture, as indicated in the ""Serving You Better"" report.
To ensure that Indigenous Peoples are able to fully participate in the Canadian tax and benefit system, the CRA conducted research with Indigenous communities to identify issues and challenges related to tax filing. The CRA intends to use the research findings to develop outreach programs and communication products to help individuals access benefits and credits available through the tax system, including the new, non-taxable, Canada Child Benefit.
Budget 2018 committed to a more client-centered approach. To effect systematic change, the Government will undertake a comprehensive departmental review of the CRA’s service model. While this review is underway, Budget 2018 announced $206 million over five years and $33.6 million in ongoing funding to address commitments to service excellence in three key areas. First, to improve telephone service the budget proposes additional funding to enhance telephone technology and hire more agents. Second, there will be additional training for agents. Budget 2018 proposes doubling the size of the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, to help more individuals complete their taxes and access the benefits they are entitled to. Finally, Budget 2018 announced investments to update and modernize the CRA’s information technology infrastructure to deliver a more user-friendly experience that will allow Canadians to more easily find the tax and benefit information they need.
In October 2017, the CRA released a new mobile web app called CRA BizApp. This app lets small businesses and sole proprietors view their business account balances and make payments by pre-authorized debit to their corporation, goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST), payroll, and excise duty accounts."
4/30/2018,2,,Strong Middle Class,Crack down on tax evaders.,Minister of National Revenue,Underway - on track,"A fairer tax system, and billions of dollars recovered from those who are evading taxes.","In recent years, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has implemented transformational changes to its compliance programs. By targeting non-compliance in the highest-risk areas, including wealthy individuals with offshore accounts, the CRA is able to more effectively limit tax evasion and avoidance. These efforts are showing concrete results for Canadians. Over the last two fiscal years, the Government reviewed all large money transfers between Canada and eight countries of concern—a total of 187,000 transactions worth a total of over $177 billion that merited closer scrutiny. Working closely with partners in Canada and around the world, there are now over 1,000 offshore audits, and more than 40 criminal investigations with links to offshore transactions underway. The Government is also aggressively going after those who promote tax avoidance schemes, and so far has imposed $44 million in penalties on these third parties. To further combat tax evasion and tax avoidance, the Government will invest an additional $90.6 million over five years to address additional cases that have been identified through enhanced risk assessment systems, both domestically and internationally.
Work is currently underway with international partners and the government is collaborating on recommendations of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Base Erosion and Profit Sharing initiative. "
4/30/2018,3,,Environment and Climate Change,Develop a Canadian energy strategy with provinces and territories.,Minister of Natural Resources,Underway - on track,"Greater energy conservation, greater inclusion of clean energy and innovative technologies in Canada's energy future, reduced diesel use in remote and off-grid communities, and effective market access for Canadian energy exports.","Federal, provincial and territorial Energy Ministers are taking joint action under the Canadian Energy Strategy on shared goals to promote energy efficiency, develop new energy technology and innovations, and identify priority energy infrastructure and advance international energy collaboration. These initiatives complement the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, which is meant to help Canada meet our emissions reduction target and grow the economy."
4/30/2018,4,,Environment and Climate Change,Modernize the National Energy Board.,Minister of Natural Resources,Underway - on track,"Canada has a modern energy regulator that is more representative of Canada's regions and diversity and has greater expertise to undertake its responsibilities in considering environmental science, the knowledge and perspective of Indigenous peoples, and community development.","As announced in February 2018, the Government is proposing to create the Canadian Energy Regulator (CER), a new and modern federal energy regulator with the required independence and the proper accountability to oversee a strong, safe and sustainable Canadian energy sector in the 21st century. The legislation and policy measures to modernize the National Energy Board were informed by an Expert Panel report, a federal discussion paper, parliamentary studies, and almost two years of consultations with Indigenous peoples, industry, provinces and territories, non-government organizations, academia and the public."
4/30/2018,5,,Environment and Climate Change,Develop a North American clean energy and environment agreement.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of Natural Resources,Completed - fully met,"Reduced greenhouse gas emissions, alignment of energy efficiency regulations and enhanced development of the clean technology sector in North America, setting the foundation for a stronger, more sustainable economy.","At the trilateral North American Leaders’ Summit in June 2016, an Action Plan for a North American Climate, Clean Energy, and Environment Partnership was publicly released. It announced ambitious targets to advance clean and secure energy, drive down short-lived climate pollutants, promote clean and efficient transportation, and show global leadership in addressing climate change. The February 13, 2017 Joint Statement from President Trump and Prime Minister Trudeau affirmed the importance of close collaboration on energy security, clean energy innovation and the environment, including clean air and water. Canada will continue to advance these priorities, including by working with Mexico and sub-national governments in the United States in the context of the North American Climate Leaders’ process."
4/30/2018,6,,Government Services and Operations,Undertake a review of Canada Post to make sure it provides high-quality service at a reasonable price.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,"Canadians receive the services they expect from Canada Post at a reasonable price. In addition, Canada Post is able to effectively adapt to changes in technology and consumer preferences.","The Canada Post Review has produced two public reports from an Independent Task Force and the House of Commons Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates. On January 24, 2018, the Government completed the Review and announced:
• the Government’s service-focused vision for renewal at Canada Post;
• concrete measures including the end of the program to convert from door-to-door to community mailboxes, an enhanced accessible delivery program to seniors and better promotion of remittance services; and
• guidance to the Board of Directors for the renewal of Canada Post.
A new Chair was appointed in December 2017. On January 24, 2018, the Minister’s letter of expectations was sent to the newly appointed Chair of Canada Post's Board of Directors. Processes for a new CEO and Board renewal are underway."
4/30/2018,7,,Safety and Security,Renew the Canadian Coast Guard fleet and ensure the Royal Canadian Navy is able to operate as a true maritime force.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Public Services and Procurement;Minister of National Defence",Underway - on track,Improved equipment for the men and women in uniform; enhanced protection and improved safety of Canadians along Canada's coasts.,"Through the Oceans Protection Plan and significant re-investments in the Canadian Coast Guard, the Government has significantly enhanced support to the Coast Guard fleet. The Government is investing to: repair and modernize many of the Coast Guard's vessels with new towing equipment and technology, improve collaborations between the Coast Guard with Indigenous communities all along Canada's coasts, and harness cutting edge science and technology to understand ocean currents, real-time shipping movements and threat monitoring.
Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), the Government has started renewing Canada's federal fleet so that needed vessels are delivered to the Royal Canadian Navy and the Coast Guard as quickly as possible.
The construction of the first three Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships and all three Offshore Fisheries Science Vessels is underway. The Canadian Surface Combatant competitive procurement for the warship design and design team is progressing well; multiple bids were received in November 2017 and the warship design and design team selected as a result of the competitive procurement is expected to be announced in 2018. The interim auxiliary oiler replenishment vessel, the M/V Asterix, entered into service in January 2018.
Following extensive industry engagement, the Government has begun discussions with Chantier Davie Canada Inc. on options to fulfill the Canadian Coast Guard’s interim icebreaking requirements. The Government of Canada has also invested in 20 new Search and Rescue (SAR) lifeboats to ensure that the Canadian Coast Guard has the SAR lifeboats they need to keep Canadians and Canadian waterways safe. The first two SAR lifeboats were delivered in November and December 2017.
To advance the development of National Repair, Refit and Maintenance and Small Vessel Construction program strategies, Public Services and Procurement Canada hosted a series of four regional workshops (November 2017 – April 2018). The results of these workshops will be used in conjunction with the review of Canada’s Shipbuilding and Repair capacity, to identify opportunities to improve or streamline the procurement processes.
The NSS continues to generate significant economic benefits across the country. Approximately $1.3 billion of NSS contracts were awarded in 2017. NSS contracts awarded between 2012 and 2017 are estimated to contribute close to $8.9 billion of gross domestic product, and create or maintain approximately 8,800 jobs annually during the period of 2012 and 2022 in the Canadian economy.
NSS shipyards also continue to engage with small and medium Canadian enterprises by awarding contracts for NSS related projects. Given the scope and complexity of the construction of vessels, delivering on time and on budget presents implementation challenges that must be closely monitored and managed, which is the purview of the Cabinet Committee on Defence Procurement.
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4/30/2018,8,,Government Services and Operations,Modernize procurement practices.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,"Government procurement is faster, simpler, more competitive, and more predictable in terms of cost. Businesses with innovative ideas are able to more easily sell to the Government, and procurement processes benefit Canadians and communities across Canada.","The Government is improving its procurement processes so that businesses can engage with Government in a simpler and faster way. The procurement platform was enhanced so that suppliers have easier access to bidding opportunities and are given a second opportunity to comply with the mandatory requirements of bid solicitations. Steps have also been taken to adopt an agile approach to procurement, that provides a fair, transparent and inclusive process open to all businesses across Canada. The Government announced the new Innovative Solutions Canada, which matches businesses offering early-stage prototypes with federal departments in need of innovative products or services. Budget 2018 announced $196.8 million over five years to establish a new electronic procurement platform, which will also help make government procurement simpler, faster, and more accessible.
The Government is also making strides to increase bidder diversity. It participated in approximately 1,770 outreach events across Canada including 614 events that gathered 10,909 individuals belonging to under-represented groups such as women, Indigenous and multicultural communities to promote how to do business with the Government of Canada. PSPC also launched social procurement pilot to increase participation of small and diverse suppliers with a bigger focus on women-owned and Indigenous small and medium-sized businesses. These efforts also complement initiatives undertaken to support green and social procurement in order to deliver improved community and environmental benefits.
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4/30/2018,9,,Government Services and Operations,Establish new performance standards for government services and measure and report on performance.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Public Services and Procurement;Minister of Democratic Institutions",Underway - on track,Government services that better meet the needs of Canadians.,"The Government of Canada is assessing its service standards to ensure that they are comprehensive and meaningful. Among its initial achievements, the Government has: implemented new and better service standards for new clients applying for Canada Pension Plan Disability benefits; completed a Service Delivery Review for Veterans Affairs Canada to help drive wholesale change to delivering services and benefits to Veterans; re-opened nine Veterans Affairs Canada offices that were closed by the previous government, and opened a new tenth office; expanded auto-enrollment for Old Age Security benefits; and added new capacity for call centres handling inquiries related to EI and Canada Revenue Agency."
4/30/2018,10,,Fair and Open Government,Strengthen oversight on government advertising.,President of the Treasury Board,Underway - on track,Increased oversight of government advertising so that public dollars aren't spent on partisan advertising.,"In May 2016, an interim process was established so that advertising campaigns with budgets greater than $500,000 undergo independent, mandatory reviews. These reviews ensure the campaigns are non-partisan. The results of these reviews are posted online. Following consultations with parliamentarians and other stakeholders, the Government will entrench independent third-party oversight of federal advertising in law. The Office of the Auditor General of Canada has also committed to review the interim process."
4/30/2018,11,,Fair and Open Government,Improve the use of evidence in program evaluation.,President of the Treasury Board,Underway - on track,"Evidence-based reporting, measurement and evaluation of government activities are in place.","The Government established a new Policy on Results in July 2016 that aims to improve how government organizations measure, evaluate, and report results. The policy also seeks to improve how departments and agencies gather and use evidence to inform decisions. As of April 2018, 79 departments have fully adopted the new policy and the remaining departments are continuing to work to do so.
Following the announcement in Budget 2018, planning has begun to establish a central performance evaluation team to undertake innovation performance evaluations on an ongoing basis."
4/30/2018,12,,Fair and Open Government,Make government data available digitally.,"President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,Digitized government data that are accessible to Canadians.,"The Government has improved the Open Government portal, Open.canada.ca, by adding content from across the Government of Canada and by simplifying the process for users to search. In addition, the Government of Canada added the Open by Default Pilot section to the portal, which gives Canadians early access to select draft and working documents from participating departments.
The Government has increased the number of participating federal entities from 45 in 2014 to 66 as of March 2018. In the last year, over 30,000 new data sets have been published, which were accessed hundreds of thousands of times. New data sets continue to be made available regularly.
The Government also continues to strengthen the quality, accessibility, and searchability of open data.
The Government of Canada was recognized for its leadership on open government, achieving the position of government co-chair of the Open Government Partnership, which is the global organization that coordinates open government. Budget 2018 also announced an investment of $1 million for the Treasury Board Secretariat in support of Canada’s co-chairmanship of the Open Government Partnership. Finally, Canada ranked 2nd globally on the World Wide Web Foundation’s Open Data Barometer."
4/30/2018,13,,Fair and Open Government,Bargain in good faith with Canada's public sector unions.,President of the Treasury Board,Underway - on track,"Collective agreements with Canada's public sector unions are fair and reasonable for employees and Canadians, and are bargained in good faith.","The Government of Canada is committed to building a culture of respect for, and within, the federal public service. For the 2014-2018 round of bargaining, through good-faith negotiations, the Government has reached 23 agreements with bargaining agents, representing over 97% of unionized employees in the core public administration. The Government will continue to bargain in good faith with public sector unions and remains committed to negotiating deals that are fair for public servants, and good for all Canadians. For the 2018-2022 round of collective bargaining, bargaining agents are beginning to serve notice to bargain for the next round of negotiations."
4/30/2018,14,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that Parliament and federal institutions are free from harassment and sexual violence.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Status of Women;Leader of the Government in the House of Commons",Underway - on track,"To ensure that Parliament and federal institutions are free from harassment and sexual violence, strategies are informed by expert and stakeholder consultations and are supported by new proposals and legislation introduced in fall 2017.","In 2016 and 2017, the Government consulted experts and stakeholders to determine how to address violence and sexual harassment in workplaces under federal jurisdiction. The outcomes report, Harassment and Sexual Violence in the Workplace Public Consultations: What We Heard, released November 2, 2017, indicates that incidents of harassment and sexual violence are not only underreported, but are also dealt with ineffectively. As part of its response, the Government introduced new legislation in November 2017 (Bill C-65) aimed at replacing the current patchwork of laws and policies that address violence and harassment in workplaces across the federal jurisdiction – including the federal public service, Parliament and Ministers’ offices - and enhancing prevention, protection and support when harassment and violence occurs. Budget 2018 proposed $34.9 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, with $7.4 million per year ongoing, to support the legislation. This includes the establishment of a Centre of Diversity, Inclusion and Wellness within the public service that will have, as part of its mandate, to better support public servants in dealing with sexual harassment in the workplace. In parallel, with the November 2017 signing of an Agreement in Principle (AIP) by the Government of Canada and parties to the Todd Edwards Ross et al v. Her Majesty the Queen class action, a total of $110 million will be available to compensate class members — federal public servants, including members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who were directly impacted by anti-LGBTQ2 (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and two-spirit) policies and practices. The AIP also earmarks $15 million for remembrance to prevent future discrimination and for reconciliation with LGBTQ2 communities. Additionally, the Joint Union/Management Task Force on Diversity and Inclusion in the Public Service released its final report in December 2017, which includes 44 recommendations for action in the areas of people management, leadership and accountability, education and awareness, and applying the diversity and inclusion lens."
4/30/2018,15,,Safety and Security,Reinforce railway safety.,Minister of Transport,Underway - on track,"Stronger railway safety regulations, improved communication with Canadians and rail infrastructure that is safer and in better condition, leading to fewer accidents and injuries and reduced loss of life.","The Government has accelerated the review of the Railway Safety Act, a year ahead of schedule, to ensure Canadians have the strongest and most effective set of regulations. The review was launched in April 2017 and is being led by an independent Expert Panel which has been engaging with stakeholders, experts and Canadians over the next year. The Panel will deliver a final report by May 2018. The Government of Canada is investing in improvements to railway crossings and infrastructure to make them safer, and removing from operation those which are unsafe. The Government has supported 555 projects across Canada to improve railway crossings and railway safety. In addition, collaboration is underway with local communities to improve the sharing of information for emergency responses and to educate the public about railway crossings and infrastructure in their communities. The Government has also revised the rules governing the transportation of dangerous goods by rail, introduced a mandatory minimum level of insurance for federal railways and accelerated the timeline to phase out the DOT-111 tank cars for crude oil service. The Government of Canada has proposed amendments to the Railway Safety Act through the Transportation Modernization Act, which will improve rail safety by requiring the mandatory installation of recording instruments on locomotives. The Government has also developed a strategy for addressing fatigue in the rail industry that includes the publication of a Notice of Intent in the Canada Gazette, Part I on November 11, 2017, communicating to Canadians and interested stakeholders its most current policy direction on the management of fatigue in the rail industry."
4/30/2018,16,,Exports and Investment,Undertake a full review of the Canadian grain transportation system to help farmers get their product to market.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food;Minister of Transport,Underway - on track,"A more transparent and fair grain transportation system is in place so Canadian farmers can get their products to market, both in Canada and internationally.","The Government has held consultations with grain sector stakeholders on rail transportation issues and the Canada Transportation Act Review, leading to the introduction of legislation that will advance a long-term agenda for a more transparent, balanced, efficient and reliable rail system to move Canadian goods, including grain, to global markets. Key measures include: new data reporting requirements for railways; a new Long-Haul Interswitching mechanism to provide captive shippers across multiple sectors and regions of Canada with access to a competing railway; a clear definition of “adequate and suitable” rail service; the ability for shippers to seek reciprocal financial penalties in their service agreements with railways; and more accessible and timely remedies for shippers. The Government has renewed the western Grain Monitoring Program for three years."
4/30/2018,17,,Environment and Climate Change,Formalize a moratorium on crude oil tanker traffic on British Columbia's North Coast.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Transport",Underway - on track,"A moratorium is in place on crude oil tanker traffic on British Columbia's North Coast, protecting habitats and communities.","In May 2017, the Government of Canada introduced legislation to prohibit oil tankers carrying crude and persistent oils as cargo from stopping, loading or unloading at ports or marine installations in northern British Columbia. Vessels carrying less than 12,500 metric tonnes of crude or persistent oil as cargo will continue to be permitted in the moratorium area to ensure northern communities can receive critical shipments of heating oils and other products. The legislation proposes strong penalty provisions for contravention that could reach up to $5 million. The proposed Oil Tanker Moratorium Act is part of the Oceans Protection Plan. The draft legislation is expected to proceed to third reading stage in the House of Commons in 2018."
4/30/2018,18,,Fair and Open Government,Restore the long-form census.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Completed - fully met,"Restored the long-form census so communities, governments, businesses and other organizations have the data they need to do their jobs.","Our country and economy depend on knowing about ourselves, and on having the data necessary to make informed decisions. That is why the Government of Canada reinstated the long-form census. The 2016 long-form census saw an unprecedented response rate of 97.8%. The first set of data from the 2016 Census was released in February, 2017. The release of all Census-related data was completed in November 2017, 10 months earlier than for the 2011 Census."
4/30/2018,19,,Fair and Open Government,Reinforce Statistics Canada's independence.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Completed - fully met,Statistics Canada meets international standards for the independence of a national statistics office.,"Data collected by Statistics Canada helps the private sector, government, not-for-profit groups, and researchers make better decisions. In December 2016, the Government introduced legislation that will reinforce Statistics Canada's independence. The legislation aligns with international standards for national statistical agencies and makes the Chief Statistician responsible for all operational decisions, statistical methodology and the communication of statistical products produced by Statistics Canada. The amended legislation is consistent with the United Nations Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics and the OECD Recommendations on Good Statistical Practice. Bill C-36 to amend the Statistics Act received Royal Assent on December 12, 2017."
4/30/2018,20,,Jobs and Innovation,Develop and implement an Innovation Agenda.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,"Improved programs support more skills training and life-long learning for Canadians, increased investment in high growth industries, and more high growth, innovative and trade-oriented companies.","Through the Innovation and Skills Plan, the Government will more than double the number of Canadians potentially eligible for employment support and skills training programs to as many as 1.4 million per year; expand programs to support up to 10,000 work integrated learning placements each year; provide more affordable and accessible broadband services for low-income Canadians and Canadians in remote communities through investments in broadband infrastructure and low-income support programs; encourage the development of assistive technologies that make it easier for persons with disabilities to participate in the digital economy; expand access to venture capital financing; support a series of superclusters that will promote innovation opportunities in high-growth industries. These and other supporting initiatives are at different stages of development and will be implemented and reported on over the course of the next several years. The Government has also conducted a comprehensive review of innovation program and the results were announced in Budget 2018. Budget 2018 articulates a new simplified strategy for the delivery of business innovation programs to make the services more responsive to client needs. Total funding for innovation programming will increase by $2.6 billion over five years, and the reforms will result in a reduction in the total number of business innovation programs by roughly two-thirds (92 to 35+)."
4/30/2018,21,,Exports and Investment,Implement a new Trade and Investment Strategy.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Small Business and Tourism;Minister of International Trade",Underway - on track,"Double the number of high-growth firms in Canada by 2025; increase Canada's goods and services exports—from natural resources, advance manufacturing, agri-food and others—by 30% by 2025; increase global investment in Canada; more good-paying, middle class jobs for Canadians.","The Government is encouraging global investment and promoting our economic brand through the creation of the Invest in Canada Agency. The Government has successfully completed the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. Provisional application of the trade agreement took effect in September 2017 and will give consumers more choice, boost Canadian businesses' access to new customers, create good, middle-class jobs and help grow the economy. The Government also recently signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) with 10 countries in the Pacific region and launched negotiations toward a comprehensive free trade agreement between the Mercosur member states and Canada. Canada is currently negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Pacific Alliance, which will upgrade its association with this trading bloc made up of Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru. The latest round took place in May 2018. As a concrete example of the Strategy's results, since it was launched, CanExport has provided financial support to about one thousand Small and Medium Enterprise-led projects aimed at diversifying export markets, in a variety of sectors, and reaching over 75 different markets around the world. To date, for every hundred supported projects, participating firms have reported on average some 85 export successes at the time of project completion, for a collective impact of almost $95 million in exports to new markets. Budget 2017 announced $950 million to superclusters in highly innovative industries, and in February 2018, in cooperation with the private sector and academic partners, the Government announced the creation of five superclusters (Digital Technology; Protein Industries; Advanced Manufacturing; Artificial Intelligence; and Ocean) that will create great new opportunities for Canadian companies to innovate, scale up and export. To support Canadian firms and increase exports to new markets, Budget 2018 provides up to $75 million to build a stronger diplomatic presence and Trade Commissioner Service salesforce in China and Asia, as well as other initiatives to open market opportunities in the region."
4/30/2018,22,,Exports and Investment,Prepare the auto sector for the potential participation of Canada in the Trans-Pacific Partnership.,"Minister of Finance;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,Greater access to growing markets under conditions that are fair to Canadian workers.,"The Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership was signed on March 8, 2018. Budget 2018 committed the Government to work with key sectors, including the auto sector, to evaluate the potential economic impacts of trade agreements, and ensure these key sectors remain strong and competitive.
Recent actions, including the creation of the Strategic Innovation Fund, the establishment of the Invest in Canada agency, and the launch of the Global Skills Strategy are seeking to enhance the competitiveness of the Canadian automotive industry. These changes have helped to secure investments of $500 million by Honda of Canada Manufacturing, more than $1 billion by Ford Motor Company of Canada, and $750 million from Linamar Corp., among other recent automotive investments. These investments have created and secured thousands of long term jobs in manufacturing and research and development, while fostering innovation to position Canada as a leader in the development of the ""car of the future""."
4/30/2018,23,,Jobs and Innovation,Increase high-speed broadband coverage and keep Canada at the leading edge of the digital economy.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,More Canadians have access to high-speed and ultra-high-speed broadband services.,"Greater availability and affordability for high-speed internet in rural and remote areas of Canada gives Canadians more opportunity to participate in the economy, democracy and connected way of life. The Connect to Innovate program will bring high-speed internet to rural and remote communities in Canada by supporting new ""backbone"" infrastructure to connect institutions like schools and hospitals, and ""last-mile"" infrastructure to connect households and businesses. Applications closed at the end of April 2017, and the Government is now announcing project decisions. As of April 2018, 139 projects under the $500 million Connect to Innovate program have been announced representing an investment to date of $306 million and targeting 740 communities (more than doubling the initial target of 300) that will receive new or enhanced backbone connectivity. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is expanding competition on new fibre networks and examining how to further improve innovative wireless pricing options. In addition, the CRTC's new fund will expand much faster Internet speeds to rural and remote communities. Budget 2017 investments are also supporting affordable access to the internet for low-income families, digital literacy programming and better access to assistive devices. Budget 2018 proposes funding of $100 million over five years for the Strategic Innovation Fund, with a particular focus on supporting projects that relate to Low-Earth Orbit satellites and next generation rural broadband. "
4/30/2018,24,,Jobs and Innovation,Create a Chief Science Officer.,Minister of Science,Completed - fully met,"Following an open, transparent and merit-based process, the Chief Science Advisor, Dr. Mona Nemer, was appointed by the Government on September 26, 2017.","As the Chief Science Advisor, Dr. Nemer will help to improve dissemination and use of independent scientific information and strengthened evidence-based policy making within government. Dr. Nemer will also advise the Government on how to ensure that government science is fully available to the public, that scientists are able to speak freely about their work, and that scientific analyses are considered when the government makes decisions. Dr. Nemer will report to the Prime Minister and Minister of Science."
4/30/2018,25,,Jobs and Innovation,Re-insert scientific considerations into the heart of decision-making and investment choices.,Minister of Science,Underway - on track,"Government scientists are able to speak freely about their work, and the role of scientific information and empirical evidence is strengthened in government decision making.","The Government has updated the Communications Policy to ensure scientists are free to speak in an official capacity on subjects for which they have expertise, and have enshrined this provision into collective agreements covering 15,000 government scientists. The Government also reinstated the mandatory long-form census as well as the University and College Academic Staff System survey, which will provide accurate information about Canada's research community. To promote better use of science and evidence in government decision-making, the Government updated the guidance on preparing Memoranda to Cabinet. The Government is examining additional opportunities to improve the use of evidence and scientific information. The new Chief Science Advisor will advise the Government on how to ensure scientific evidence is considered when making decisions. In addition, to ensure the Government continues to have access to world-class, independent scientific assessments to inform policy development in priority areas, Budget 2018 proposed $9 million for the Council of Canadian Academies, a not-for-profit research organization. "
4/30/2018,26,,Jobs and Innovation,Establish new Canada Research Chairs in sustainable technologies.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Science",Underway - on track,Two new Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC) will be appointed to further research in clean and sustainable technology.,"Budget 2016 identified $20 million over eight years starting in 2018-19 for the creation of two new Canada Excellence Research Chairs in fields related to clean and sustainable technology. On October 12, 2016, the Minister of Science announced the launch of a competition for these Chairs, in addition to nine others, which will be selected in 2019. In December 2017 the Phase 1 results of the competition were announced. Two institutions were invited to submit nominees in fields related to clean and sustainable technology: Concordia University (Smart, Sustainable and Resilient Communities and Cities) and University of Manitoba (Arctic Sea Ice, Freshwater-Marine Coupling, and Climate Change). To address the CERC gender imbalance, this competition will require institutions to include detailed equity plans and recruitment strategies that promote the participation of women and other underrepresented groups in the CERC program."
4/30/2018,27,,Jobs and Innovation,Strengthen support for fundamental research to support new discoveries.,Minister of Science,Underway - on track,"Modernized research infrastructure at post-secondary institutions, new research Chairs appointed in areas of strategic priority, and enhanced capacity for granting councils to support fundamental research.","Since 2016, the Government has approved and funded more than 300 projects to modernize research and training facilities on campuses across Canada. These investments will support key discovery research and facilitate the expansion of ongoing research efforts. The Government has also set aside $20 million to fund new Canada Excellence Research Chairs in the areas of clean and sustainable technologies (competition ongoing), and increased support for Canada's three granting councils. In 2017, the Government announced the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy, which will develop centres of expertise in Toronto, Montreal and Edmonton related to AI to train and attract key research talent in this emerging area of fundamental research. The final report of an independent review of federal funding for higher education was published in April 2017. A number of actions have already been taken in response to this report, for example, placing a limit on Tier 1 Canada Research Chair renewal to enhance opportunities for broad pools of qualified candidates and to strengthen equity, diversity and inclusion in research and launching the Canada Research Coordinating Committee (CRCC) to achieve greater harmonization and coordination of the granting councils and the Canada Foundation for Innovation. Budget 2018 proposes to provide $1.7 billion over five years starting in 2018-19 and ongoing funding to support researchers through Canada's granting councils and research institutes. This includes $925 million for fundamental research through Canada's three granting councils; $231.5 million to increase the Research Support Fund to cover the indirect costs of research; $210 million for the Canada Research Chairs program to attract and retain early-career researchers at post-secondary institutions across the country while increasing diversity; and $275 million to create a new tri-council fund to support international, interdisciplinary, fast-breaking and higher risk researches. Budget 2018 further proposes $3.8 million to develop a strategic research plan that identifies new ways of doing research with Indigenous communities; $15 million for the granting councils to develop new plans, strategies and targets to ensure improved equity and diversity outcomes for underrepresented groups, including women; and $6 million to support surveys to collect better data on researchers to further advance equity and diversity in Canada's research community. Budget 2018 proposes over $1.3 billion for investments in the laboratories, equipment and infrastructure researchers rely on every day including: $763 million to the Canada Foundation for Innovation including $160 million for increased support to Canada's nationally important research facilities through the Major Science Initiatives fund; $572.5 million to implement a Digital Research Infrastructure Strategy that will deliver more open and equitable access to advanced computing and big data resources to researchers across Canada."
4/30/2018,28,,Government Services and Operations,Align business support programs across governments.,Minister of Small Business and Tourism,Underway - on track,It is easier and simpler for Canadian innovators and entrepreneurs to access and benefit from government programs that help Canadian businesses grow.,"Since 2016, the Accelerated Growth Service has helped 322 firms to scale up and grow their businesses, with a broader goal of helping 1,000 firms expand and create more well-paying jobs. The Government has established Innovation Canada, a platform that coordinates and simplifies the support available to Canadian businesses. The new Innovation Canada platform (launched in January 2018) is a one-stop-shop for Canada’s innovators and entrepreneurs so they no longer need to spend time figuring out which department to go to or which program best meets their needs. The website is able to quickly match users with the federal and provincial/territorial programs and services to help them innovate, create jobs and grow Canada's economy. Innovation Canada will help create economic growth strategies in six high-growth sectors. The Government is also working with provinces to find co-delivery options for a variety of business support programs and services."
4/30/2018,29,,Exports and Investment,Increase tourism and strengthen the Canadian brand abroad.,Minister of Small Business and Tourism,Underway - on track,"30% overall increase in tourism by 2021, increased tourism from the United States (U.S.) and China, and improved international ranking of Canada as a top tourist destination.","The Government has launched Canada’s New Tourism Vision to increase the number of international tourists to Canada by 30% by 2021. This goal includes doubling the number of Chinese visitors by the same year and positioning Canada as a top 10 destination ranking by 2025. The Government also launched the Millennial Travel Program to encourage youth travel during Canada 150. Spending by international visitors to Canada reached $21.3 billion in 2017, representing an increase of 6.4% over 2016. Canada set a new record high number of tourist arrivals in 2017 of 20.8 million. The New York Times, Lonely Planet and Condé Nast have all recognized Canada as a top international destination to visit in 2017. The Canada-China Year of Tourism in 2018 will be an opportunity to increase visitation from China, which is being supported by the opening of new Visa Application Centres in China."
4/30/2018,30,,Government Services and Operations,Reduce the administrative burden on small business.,Minister of Small Business and Tourism,Underway - on track,"Reduced administrative burden and simpler, clearer, and faster online services to help small businesses.","The new Innovation Canada platform launched in January 2018 is a one-stop-shop for Canada’s innovators and entrepreneurs so they no longer need to spend time figuring out which department to go to or which program best meets their needs. The website is able to quickly match users with the federal and provincial/territorial programs and services to help them innovate, create jobs and grow Canada's economy.
Federally, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada continues to drive the use of the Business Number (BN) by all departments as the standard identifier for business clients. More than half of the Department’s own services already use the Business Number. The BN is a key component of digital identity for business, and its adoption across the Government of Canada will enable more seamless service delivery. The Government has partnered with a number of provinces to pilot integrated tools, such as a business registries search and data exchanges between registries, so that registering and finding a business is easier."
4/30/2018,31,,Healthy Canadians,Respond to the Supreme Court of Canada decision regarding physician-assisted death.,Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Completed - fully met,Adult Canadians suffering from grievous and irremediable medical conditions and whose death is reasonably foreseeable are able to easily and effectively access medical assistance in dying if they so choose.,"On June 17, 2016, medical assistance in dying (MAID) became a reality in Canada following Royal Assent of the federal legal framework, which protects vulnerable persons while providing options to eligible Canadians to make an informed decision about the end of life. In December 2016, as required by the new law, the Government initiated independent study reports to consider in more detail three particularly complex types of requests for MAID. These include: requests by mature minors, advance requests, and requests where mental illness is the sole underlying medical condition. Independent expert panels, organized by the Council of Canadian Academies, are conducting these reviews. They will report on their results by the end of 2018. As of April 2017, Health Canada has begun to provide initial public reporting on the use of MAID across Canada."
4/30/2018,32,,Fair and Open Government,"Review the government litigation strategy and end appeals or positions that are not consistent with our commitments, the Charter or our values.",Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,"Legal positions taken by the Government are consistent with Government commitments, the Charter and our values.","To date, several early decisions have been made to end appeals and withdraw positions not consistent with Government commitments, the Charter, or Canadian values. For instance, the Government ended the appeal of the Federal Court's ruling that the 2012 cuts to the Interim Federal Health Program—reducing health coverage to refugees—were unconstitutional. The Government dropped the appeal of this decision and in April 2016 restored refugee health care coverage to pre-2012 levels. In August 2016, the Government of Canada created a new Cabinet Committee on Litigation Management to provide an ongoing review of the Government's litigation strategy and consideration of the policy, financial and legal implications of litigation involving the federal government. To promote increased transparency and track the results of this mandate commitment, we have begun publishing a Litigation Year in Review report."
4/30/2018,35,,Fair and Open Government,"Ensure that the appointment of Supreme Court Justices is transparent, inclusive and accountable to Canadians.",Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Completed - fully met,"Greater transparency, accountability and diversity in the appointment of Supreme Court Justices.","In August 2016, the Government of Canada announced a new, open and transparent process for filling vacancies on the Supreme Court of Canada. This new process includes: an open application process; the establishment of an Independent Advisory Board to assess all applications and prepare a shortlist; requiring functional bilingualism as an essential qualification for all shortlisted candidates; and ensuring there are consultations regarding the shortlist with key stakeholders, including members of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice. Justice Malcolm Rowe was the first Supreme Court Justice appointed under this new process in October 2016. The Government announced in July 2017, that this new process will again be applied to fill an upcoming vacancy on the Supreme Court."
4/30/2018,36,,Safety and Security,"Toughen criminal laws in cases of domestic assault, with the goal of keeping survivors and children safe.",Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,Greater protections for complainants and survivors of sexual assault and domestic assault.,"On March 29, 2018, the Government tabled legislation to improve efficiencies in the criminal justice system and reduce court delays. This legislation includes reforms to strengthen responses to intimate partner violence (IPV). These reforms would:
o impose a reverse onus at bail for accused charged with an IPV offence if they have a prior conviction for violence against an intimate partner;
o require courts to consider whether an accused is charged with an IPV offence when determining whether to release on bail or detain the accused;
o clarify that strangulation, choking and suffocation is an elevated form of assault;
o define “intimate partner” for all Criminal Code purposes and clarify that it includes current or former spouse, common-law partner and dating partner;
o clarify that the current sentencing provisions, which treat abuse against a spouse or common law partner as an aggravating factor, apply to both current and former spouses/common law partners and dating partners; and,
o allow for the possibility of seeking a higher maximum penalty in cases involving a repeat IPV offender.
In June 2017, the Government introduced legislation to clarify and strengthen the sexual assault provisions in the Criminal Code. The legislation would clarify that an unconscious person, or otherwise incapacitated, is incapable of consenting; clarify the defence of mistaken belief to indicate that it cannot be relied upon if there is no evidence upon which the belief was founded; clarify rape shield provisions to explicitly include communications of a sexual nature or communications for a sexual purpose, so these types of communications cannot be used to suggest that the complainant was more likely to have consented or is less worth of belief; provide that a complainant has right to legal representation in rape shield proceedings; and create a regime to determine whether an accused can introduce a complainant's private records at trial that are in their possession. "
4/30/2018,37,,Jobs and Innovation,"Ensure tax measures are efficient and encourage innovation, trade and the growth of Canadian businesses.","Minister of Finance;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,"Tax measures encourage innovation, trade, and the growth of Canadian businesses.","The Government initiated a whole-of-government review of business innovation programs to ensure that they are simple and effective and best meet the needs of Canada’s innovators. The Government is also proposing to reduce the small business tax rate from 10.5% to 10% as of January 1, 2018 and to 9% as of January 1, 2019."
4/30/2018,38,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Add gender identity as a prohibited ground for discrimination under the Canadian Human Rights Act and add it to the list of characteristics of identifiable groups protected by the hate speech provisions of the Criminal Code.,Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Completed - fully met,Discrimination on the basis of gender identity and gender expression is now illegal.,"In June 2017, amendments to the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code received Royal Assent, ensuring the full protection of transgender people across Canada. These amendments formally add gender identity and gender expression to the Canadian Human Rights Act as prohibited grounds of discrimination, as well as amend the Criminal Code to deal with hate crimes related to gender identity and gender expression."
4/30/2018,39,,Environment and Climate Change,Ratify the Paris agreement and develop a Pan-Canadian framework for combating climate change.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Completed - fully met,Canada ratified the Paris Agreement and created the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change.,"The Government of Canada ratified the Paris Agreement on October 5, 2016, following a vote in Parliament. The Paris Agreement entered into force on November 4, 2016 and Canada continues to work with all countries on its implementation. In December 2016, First Ministers adopted the Pan-Canadian Framework (PCF) on Clean Growth and Climate Change, which is Canada’s comprehensive plan to reduce emissions across all sectors of the economy, accelerate clean economic growth and build resilience to the impacts of climate change. The PCF was developed with provinces and territories, in collaboration with Indigenous peoples, and was informed by input from Canadians across the country. The first annual synthesis report on the status of implementation was published in December 2017. To support and complement its commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Canada ratified the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on November 3, 2017, which will phase down hydrofluorocarbons (powerful greenhouse gases), and was instrumental in achieving the required number of ratifications at the Montreal Protocol meeting in Montreal in November which will allow the Kigali Amendment to come into force in January 2019. On November 16, 2017, Canada launched the Powering Past Coal Alliance with the United Kingdom to accelerate the global phase-out of traditionally coal-fired electricity."
4/30/2018,41,,Environment and Climate Change,Improve protection and stewardship of our freshwater resources.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,"The protection of freshwater resources is improved, and water and wastewater infrastructure is in better repair.","Through research, assessment and regulation, the Government of Canada is working to ensure sustainable water management. The Government has taken action to protect the Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg Basin and the St. Lawrence River by improving water quality, increasing conservation activities, addressing threats posed by invasive species, and improving collaboration with Indigenous peoples. As announced in Budget 2017, the Government is investing $44.84 million to protect Great Lakes water quality, and $25.7 million for the Lake Winnipeg Basin Program. The Government is collaborating with the United States to protect shared waters through the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, and has also established a Clean Water and Wastewater Fund to help provinces, territories and municipalities make immediate repairs to water and wastewater infrastructure. Work is also underway to enhance the Environmental Assessment process as it relates to freshwater areas."
4/30/2018,42,,Environment and Climate Change,Enhance protection of Canada's endangered species.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,Species at risk are protected.,"The Government of Canada has developed a three-year plan to address the backlog of 149 terrestrial species eligible for listing under the Species at Risk Act. Since February 2017, final listing decisions were made for 76 of these species and proposed listing decisions were published for another 13 species. The Government of Canada has posted three-year plans (2014-15 to 2016-17) to address the backlog of overdue recovery documents for terrestrial species on the Species at Risk Public Registry. As of April 2018, 178 of the 192 overdue proposed recovery documents were completed and posted on the Species at Risk Public Registry. Parks Canada has completed and posted 21 multi-species action plans, addressing 174 species at risk occurring across 42 Parks Canada places in total, on the Species at Risk Public Registry. These measures will help make sure species at risk receive the protection they need.
As announced in Budget 2018, to support Canada's biodiversity and protect species at risk, the Government proposes to make historic investments totaling $1.3 billion over five years, one of the most significant investments in nature conservation in Canadian history.
This investment will contribute $500 million from the federal government to create a new $1 billion Nature Fund in partnership with corporate, not?for-profit, provincial, territorial and other partners. In collaboration with partners, the Nature Fund will make it possible to secure private land, support provincial and territorial species protection efforts, and help build Indigenous capacity to conserve land and species, for the benefit of current and future generations."
4/30/2018,43,,Environment and Climate Change,Work with provinces and territories to set stronger air quality standards.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,"New national standards are put in place to improve air quality and reduce air pollutants from key sources, with progress demonstrated in recurring State of the Air reports.","The Government of Canada is implementing a national Air Quality Management System (AQMS) with provinces and territories to improve air quality and protect the health of Canadians and the environment. As part of this system, new ambient air quality standards for sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide were published in the Canada Gazette on October 28 and December 9, 2017 respectively. A review of the existing ambient air quality standards for ozone has been initiated. A new State of the Air Report was launched at the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment in November 2017 to inform Canadians about air quality and air pollution. The Government is also establishing national standards to reduce air pollutants from industrial sources, including in the following sectors: iron and steel; aluminum; potash; pulp and paper; iron ore pellets; base-metals smelting; and stationary combustion turbines. In February 2018, Canada published two proposed regulations to limit carbon dioxide emissions: one amendment to accelerate the phase-out of coal-fired power by 2030, and the other to set emission performance standards for new natural gas-fired electricity generation and coal boilers converted to run on natural gas. This will significantly improve air quality and the health of Canadians and will reduce Canada's greenhouse gas emissions by more than five megatonnes in 2030—equivalent to taking 1.3 million cars off the road."
4/30/2018,44,,Environment and Climate Change,Review Canada's environmental assessment processes.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Natural Resources;Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Science;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs",Underway - on track,"Environmental assessment processes that are fair to all parties, rely on scientific evidence, respect the rights of Indigenous Peoples and protect the environment for generations to come.","Following an extensive review of Canada's environmental assessment processes, the government tabled new legislation in February 2018 that will build a new impact assessment and regulatory system for Canada. This new system is fair, based on science, respects the rights of Indigenous peoples, provides certainty to businesses and protects our environment and human health for generations to come. Its development was informed by Expert Panels and Parliamentary Committee reports, a federal discussion paper, parliamentary studies, and almost two years of consultations with Indigenous peoples, industry, provinces and territories, non-government organizations, academia and the public. These reforms are based on the guiding principles of predictable processes that build on what works, partnership with Indigenous peoples at every stage of the process, early and inclusive public engagement; timely, evidence-based decisions reflecting the best available science and Indigenous knowledge; and one assessment for one project, with the scale of assessment aligned with the scale of the potential impacts of the project.
The Government also announced that it will invest about $1 billion over five years to support the proposed new impact assessment system and Canadian Energy Regulator, increase federal scientific capacity, implement the changes required to protect water, fish and navigation, and increase Indigenous and public participation."
4/30/2018,45,,Environment and Climate Change,"Develop Canada's National Parks system, as well as manage and expand National Wildlife Areas and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries.",Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,Terrestrial areas and inland water are conserved through networks of protected areas.,"The Government of Canada continues to work to conserve and connect terrestrial areas. A comprehensive plan is being developed to conserve at least 17% of terrestrial areas and inland water through networks of protected and conserved areas by 2020. In March 2018, a National Advisory Panel and an Indigenous Circle of Experts provided their recommendations to inform the development of the federal, provincial, and territorial plan. Work on expanding the system of National Parks includes the proposed Thaidene Nëné National Park Reserve. Negotiations with the Government of the Northwest Territories, Lutsël K’e Dene First Nation and Northwest Territories Metis are close to completion. The Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia and the Syilx/Okanagan Nation announced re-engagement on a proposed national park reserve in the South Okanagan. Parks Canada has contacted the Manitoba Government to re-engage on a proposed national park in the Manitoba Lowlands. As part of the expansion of National Wildlife Areas and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries, the Government is working closely with Indigenous peoples, Provinces, Territories, and stakeholders to secure new protected areas by the end of 2020. The Government of Canada is working with the Dehcho First Nation and the Tlicho Government to establish the Edéhzhíe National Wildlife Area in the Northwest Territories, which will protect over 1.4 million hectares of habitat for boreal caribou. The proposed Scott Islands Marine National Wildlife Area will conserve 1.2 million hectares for the benefit of sea birds in the Pacific Ocean. Important Prairie Habitat in South West Saskatchewan will be conserved with the transfer of the Govenlock Community Pasture to Environment and Climate Change Canada in 2019.
As announced in Budget 2018, to support Canada’s biodiversity and protect species at risk, the Government of Canada is making historic investments totaling $1.3 billion over five years, one of the most significant investments in nature conservation in Canadian history.
This investment will contribute $500 million from the federal government to create a new $1 billion Nature Fund in partnership with corporate, not?for-profit, provincial, territorial and other partners. In collaboration with partners, the Nature Fund will make it possible to secure private land, support provincial and territorial species protection efforts, and help build Indigenous capacity to conserve land and species, for the benefit of current and future generations."
4/30/2018,46,,Environment and Climate Change,Develop Parks Canada services so that more Canadians can experience our National Parks.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,More Canadians visit and experience Parks Canada administered sites and the Trans Canada Trail is completed.,"The Government has taken steps to make sites more accessible and to improve overall visitor experiences by investing approximately $3.6 billion, including an additional $364 million announced in Budget 2017 to renew infrastructure assets such as trails, heritage buildings, visitor centres, waterways and highways. The Government of Canada is improving bike and walking trails in national parks as well as highway access through Wood Buffalo National Park and Yoho National Park. The Government will also contribute $30 million over five years to enhance and maintain the Great Trail (formerly known as the Trans Canada Trail). This funding will improve trail safety, accessibility, and sustainability. Since completion in 2017, the Trail provides 24,000 km of recreational trails within 30 minutes of about 29 million Canadians. The Government is working with Indigenous peoples and stakeholders to improve interpretation and heritage programming and make sites more accessible. In February 2018 Parks Canada entered into a four-year contribution agreement with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) with the goal of enhancing and growing authentic Indigenous experiences in regions across the country. "
4/30/2018,47,,Environment and Climate Change,"Make admission to National Parks free for all in 2017 and, afterwards, free for children under 18 and new citizens.",Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Completed - fully met,Free admission to National Parks in 2017; free admission for children under 18 and new citizens in future years.,"To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation, the Government of Canada offered free admission to all national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas, as well as free passage through lock systems on all national historic canals. More than 8.5 million Discovery Passes were ordered and distributed to Canadians and people in 200 countries. Parks Canada welcomed over 27.2 million visitors in 2017, an 11% increase from 2016. Canada 150 programs offered by Parks Canada included the expanded National Indigenous Peoples Day and Canada Day celebrations, the first annual Canada Historic Places Day with more than 60 sites participating, as well as hosting numerous Canada 150 Signature Projects. Starting in 2018, admission for children under 18 is free for national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas. Parks Canada is also continuing to offer free admission for one year to new Canadian citizens through the Institute for Canadian Citizenship’s Cultural Access Pass Program."
4/30/2018,48,,Environment and Climate Change,Expand Learn to Camp programs.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Completed - fully met,More low to middle-income families participate in Learn to Camp and have greater opportunity to experience Canada's outdoors.,"In 2017, Parks Canada expanded the popular Learn-to Camp Program so that more low- to middle-income families could experience Canada’s outdoors. Throughout the year, Parks Canada hosted 30 overnight Learn-to Camp events as well as over 500 other Learn-to events and activities across Canada, reaching more than 70,000 Canadians."
4/30/2018,49,,Environment and Climate Change,Protect our National Parks by limiting development within them and help local eco-tourism industries.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Small Business and Tourism,Underway - on track,Development is limited within Canada's National Parks so future generations can experience their natural beauty.,"One pillar of Canada's new Vision for Tourism is to distinguish Canada as a premier tourism destination through Canada's national parks. A number of initiatives have been developed to enhance visitation of Parks Canada places. One initiative starting in 2018 is to provide free admission to youth 17 and under to all national parks, national historic sites, and national marine conservation areas operated by Parks Canada. The Government is maintaining and restoring ecological integrity within Canada's national parks while continuing to provide meaningful services and experiences to visitors. The Government has established strict development limits to ensure ecological integrity in Canada's national parks. Parks Canada has put forward a rigorous environmental assessment process which applies to development proposals to ensure compliance with park-wide ecological objectives and maintenance of ecological integrity. Parks Canada is in the process of developing strategies to help grow local eco-tourism industries and create jobs."
4/30/2018,50,,Environment and Climate Change,Work with Ontario to enhance the country's first urban National Park: Rouge National Urban Park.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Completed - fully met,"Created Canada's first urban National Park, Rouge National Urban Park.","In June 2017, legislation was passed to expand the size of the Rouge National Urban Park and guide how the park will be managed. This legislation strengthens ecological protections and will ensure that ecological integrity is the first priority in the management of Canada's first national urban park, while recognizing its important cultural heritage and providing greater certainty for the continuation of park agriculture. In October 2017, the Government of Ontario transferred 6.5 square km of land to Parks Canada for inclusion in the Park."
4/30/2018,51,,Environment and Climate Change,"Protect the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River Basin and the Lake Winnipeg Basin.","Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",On-going commitment,"Increased protection for the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River Basin and the Lake Winnipeg Basin so they can continue to be enjoyed by future generations.","Through Budget 2017, the Government is providing funding to protect Canada’s freshwater resources, including the Great Lakes and Lake Winnipeg basins. The Government is expanding efforts to address toxic and nuisance algae, as well as aquatic invasive species programming, which will further help address the threats posed by such species as Asian Carps and Sea Lamprey. As announced in Budget 2017, the Government is investing $44.84 million to protect Great Lakes water quality, and $25.7 million for the Lake Winnipeg Basin Program. In addition, the Government invested $43.8 million to protect against aquatic invasive species in Canadian waters. The Asian Carp Program received funding as part of this investment, which has allowed the Government to improve early detection capabilities and increase the number of sites being monitored for Asian carp in the Great Lakes. The Government is also increasing outreach to assist Canadians with identifying, responding and properly reporting any invasive species they catch. In June 2017, the governments of Canada and Quebec announced continued investment in the conservation and enhancement of the St. Lawrence River Basin to enhance water quality, protect biodiversity and ensure its sustainable use."
4/30/2018,52,,Environment and Climate Change,Examine the implications of climate change on Arctic marine ecosystems.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Science",Underway - on track,Greater knowledge and understanding of the changes occurring in Canada's Arctic and a better understanding of how Canada might adapt to ensure the continued welfare of Canada's Arctic communities.,"The official opening of the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) will significantly enhance Arctic research, including on the impacts of climate change. The Government of Canada is also investing in the Aquatic Climate Change Adaptation Services Program to conduct the research and monitoring necessary to identify climate change impacts and vulnerabilities, develop adaptation tools, and improve ocean forecasting in vulnerable coastal regions to inform management decisions. This Program has supported ocean chemistry monitoring, fisheries vulnerability assessments and predictive modelling activities in the Arctic. As part of the Oceans Protection Plan, the Government will be working with Indigenous and coastal communities to collect baseline environmental information at six sites across Canada, including one in the Arctic. The Government has also concluded new international agreements to strengthen Arctic scientific cooperation. The Minister of Science attended the first White House Arctic Science Ministerial event in September 2016, helping to advance several joint international research projects. The Canadian Space Agency is collaborating on a US-France mission—Surface Water & Ocean Topography—that will provide the first global survey of earth surface water, ocean surface topography, ocean currents, and measure change over time. In addition, the Government of Canada has committed to work together in collaboration with northern partners to better understand the “Last Ice Area.” This region in the high Arctic is the only region that is expected to retain summer sea ice until 2050."
4/30/2018,53,,Canada in the World,Refocus Canada's development assistance on helping the most vulnerable and supporting fragile states.,Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,Underway - on track,Global poverty is reduced by investing in gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls and by focusing on the poorest and most vulnerable.,"In June 2017, the Government launched Canada's new Feminist International Assistance Policy to eradicate poverty and build a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous world. Canada will invest in women's empowerment and gender equality as the best ways to achieve its objectives, grounded in the Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Canada is focusing its assistance on closing gaps and barriers faced by women and girls in areas such as health and nutrition including sexual and reproductive health and rights, education, humanitarian action, inclusive governance, environment and climate action, peace and security, and growth that works for everyone. These commitments are reflected in the Women’s Voice and Leadership Program and Small and Medium Organizations for Impact and Innovation Initiative launched over the last year. The Feminist International Assistance Policy commits to directing no less than 50% of Canada's annual bilateral international development assistance to sub-Saharan African countries by 2021-2022 and ensuring 95% of bilateral international development assistance integrates or targets gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. To support the Feminist International Assistance Policy, the Government is providing up to $2 billion in new resources in Budget 2018. This is the largest increase to Canadian International Assistance since 2002."
4/30/2018,54,,Canada in the World,"Create a new policy and funding framework to ensure that Canada's aid empowers people and supports broad-based, sustainable growth in the developing world.",Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,Completed - fully met,"A comprehensive, feminist international assistance policy is in place that will reduce global poverty by investing in gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls and by focusing on the poorest and most vulnerable.","After a year of consultations with over 15,000 people in 65 countries, Canada released its Feminist International Assistance Policy in June 2017. The Government engaged with people online and in person on how Canada's international assistance should be invested and focused. The consultation summary report was released in December 2016 and formed the basis of the new policy."
4/30/2018,55,,Canada in the World,"Support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by the United Nations in September 2015.",Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,Underway - on track,"Canada's international assistance helps countries make progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and helps to build a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous world.","Canada's Feminist International Assistance Policy is explicitly aligned with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure our investments are coordinated with the rest of the international community. Sustainable Development Goal 5—achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls—is at the heart of Canada's approach to implement the SDGs because it will help to drive progress on all other SDGs and to eradicate poverty. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is central to the Government's partnership with all civil society organizations to maximize the impact of Canada’s international assistance. The Government is co-leading groups of United Nations member states to foster innovative financing solutions to achieve the SDGs. Budget 2018 highlighted the Government's commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals at home and abroad. In April 2018, the Government announced the development of a national strategy that will catalyze action on the SDGs across the country, and launched the Voluntary National Review Web portal to invite Canadians to share their stories of how they are helping to advance the SDGs."
4/30/2018,56,,Canada in the World,"Support the full range of reproductive health services and close the gap in the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Initiative.",Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,Underway - on track,"More women and girls are able to make informed reproductive health choices and assert control over their own bodies, saving the lives of women and children.","From 2017-2020, the Government will focus on closing key gaps in sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls(e.g. contraceptives and safe, legal abortion), and on preventing and responding to sexual and gender-based violence including child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation and cutting. This will help reduce the number of women and girls around the world who have unmet needs for modern contraception, currently estimated to be 214 million. Consistent with Canada's new Feminist International Assistance Policy, the Government also now strongly encourages partners funded by the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health programs to integrate the full range of sexual and reproductive health services into their programming. Canada also joined key global partnerships, such as Family Planning 2020, which will help enable up to 120 million more women and girls to access family planning by 2020, as well as the Ouagadougou Partnership, which will accelerate the use of these services in nine countries in West Africa. Canada will continue to promote sexual and reproductive health rights through its participation in movements such as SheDecides and will host the 2019 Women Deliver 5th Global Conference in Vancouver on June 3-6, 2019. In March 2018, the Government launched a $40 million call for preliminary proposals ""Partnerships for Her Voice, Her Choice"" aimed at funding sexual reproductive health and rights initiatives implemented by Canadian organizations."
4/30/2018,57,,Canada in the World,"Support innovative, evidence-based approaches to development assistance.",Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,Underway - on track,More effective international assistance and more rigorous use of evidence-based practice and innovative solutions within decision-making processes.,"Guided by the June 2017 Feminist International Assistance Policy, Canada will provide more integrated and responsive assistance, support innovation and research, provide better reporting on results, develop more effective partnerships, and concentrate on those regions of the world where Canada can make the greatest difference in reducing poverty and inequality, particularly for women and girls. Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and its recipient partners will measure and report progress and results, conduct gender-based and human rights-based analyses of programs, and implement new programming to support innovative partnerships. In 2017, the Government collaborated with the Canadian Council for International Co-operation, the Canadian Association for the Study of International Development and the International Development Research Centre to enhance innovative multi-stakeholder approaches to global development research. This initiative included the launch of an online searchable tool of more than 500 Canadian international development researchers from universities, colleges, institutes, think-tanks, and civil society organizations. The Government also launched the International Policy Ideas Challenge (IPIC), in which early career and graduate researchers in Canada were selected to conduct and present innovative research on foreign policy, international trade and international development issues. The IPIC remains an ongoing program. In the context of a call for preliminary proposals for the Small and Medium Organizations for Impact and Innovation initiative, which aims to attract new and diverse partners to Global Affairs Canada and encourage innovation in international development, the eligibility check has been completed and GAC is advancing in the initial merit assessment. In February/March 2018, more than 250 stakeholders submitted over 600 comments as part of the virtual engagement process on the development of Action Area policies under the Feminist International Assistance Policy. Feedback is being carefully considered as the policies are finalized and prepared for public release. Global Affairs Canada continues to engage with the International Development Innovation Alliance, the OECD Development Assistance Committee and Canadian civil society partners to learn about and share good practices on innovative evidence-based approaches in development assistance. To increase the transparency of Canada's international assistance, the Government expects to start publicly reporting the planned level of the International Assistance Envelope every year starting in 2018. To support innovation in Canada’s international assistance, the Government will provide up to $1.5 billion over five years and $492.7 million per year ongoing to the International Assistance Innovation Program and the Sovereign Loans Program. In April 2018, the Government co-hosted a meeting in Washington D.C. with the OECD, the World Economic Forum and the U.N. on blended finance."
4/30/2018,58,,Canada in the World,Provide assistance to countries that are vulnerable to the destabilizing effects of climate change.,Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,Underway - on track,Countries receiving Canadian international assistance are better equipped to deal with the destabilizing effects of climate change.,"Canada is providing $2.65 billion over five years to help developing countries, in particular the poorest and most vulnerable transition to low carbon and climate resilient economies. To date, the federal government has announced more than $900 million in funding contributions. This includes $200 million to the Asian Development Bank to catalyze private investments for climate action in Asia and the Pacific, $150 million in support of renewable energy in Africa, $40 million for the African Risk Capacity agency to help developing countries protect themselves against the economic consequences of natural catastrophes (such as droughts caused by climate change), and $39 million to help build the resilience of farming households in Senegal, with a particular emphasis on women and young people. In February 2018, Canada announced that it would provide $20 million to support women's health and economic opportunities in Haiti through the adoption of clean cookstoves in 150,000 households. Canada also recently pledged $100 million to support reconstruction and climate resilience initiatives across the Caribbean over the next five years, part of which will contribute to Canada's overall climate finance commitments. Canada is providing $16.2M to support a $36M Climate Resilience and Green Infrastructure project that puts specific emphasis on the role of women in managing water resources in Peru, one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. Canada's new Development Finance Institute, capitalized with $300 million over five years, will mobilize its resources to promote green economic growth, which in turn will provide access to clean technology and climate-resilient infrastructure to those people most affected by climate change."
4/30/2018,59,,Canada in the World,Ensure Canada's strong and sustained engagement in the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie.,Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,On-going commitment,Promotion of Canadian values of diversity and inclusion through La Francophonie and promotion of French Canadian culture globally.,"Canada has maintained strong and sustained commitment to the International Organisation of La Francophonie and continues to use it as an important platform to engage the international community on priority areas. On gender equality, Canada has continued to play an active role in the development of La Francophonie's gender equality Strategy, which will be adopted at the upcoming Francophonie Summit in Armenia in October 2018. Canada has also played an active role in the promotion of women and youth empowerment and in the development of La Francophonie’s Action Plan on Women's Economic Empowerment, adopted on March 12, 2018.
On the Organisation’s governance, GAC has continued to advocate in support of enhanced governance and transparency measures to further strengthen the Organisation's administrative and financial governance practices, with examples of best practices regarding governance, transparency, and the communication of results being shared. Canada is supporting the renewal of Michaëlle Jean's mandate as Secretary General of La Francophonie. The Organization will take a decision on this at the Francophonie Summit in Armenia in October 2018."
4/30/2018,60,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Resettle 25,000 refugees from Syria.","Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship;Minister of International Development and La Francophonie",Completed - modified,"The Government welcomed 26,172 Syrian refugees (government-assisted and privately sponsored) between November 4, 2015, and February 29, 2016.","As of January 29, 2017, Canada had welcomed 40,081 refugees from Syria: 21,876 government-assisted refugees, 3,931 blended visa office-referred refugees, and 14,274 privately sponsored refugees. Although the Government hit and surpassed its targets, it did so two months later than the initial timeline to ensure proper security and medical examinations and resettlement preparations."
4/30/2018,61,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Double the number of entry applications for parents and grandparents of immigrants to 10,000 a year.","Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,"The Government made reuniting families a top priority and doubled the number of parents and grandparents sponsorship applications accepted to 10,000 in 2016. The new cap of 10,000 per year will apply going forward.","Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has formally increased the number of applications it will take in through its Parent and Grandparent (PGP) Program."
4/30/2018,62,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Give additional points under the Express Entry system to applicants who have Canadian siblings.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,"Changes to Canada's Express Entry program, including additional points for candidates with Canadian siblings and candidates who have strong French and/or English languages skills were implemented on June 6, 2017. This is increasing the number of eligible economic immigrants who have the support they need to more easily integrate into the labour market and contribute to the economic success of all Canadians.","Changes to Canada's Express Entry program were implemented on June 6, 2017"
4/30/2018,63,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Increase the maximum age for dependents from 19 to 22 to allow more families to stay together and bring their children to Canada.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,More family reunification.,"The Government has made reuniting families a top priority. Regulatory amendments to increase the maximum age of dependent children from 19 to 22 years of age came into force October 24, 2017."
4/30/2018,64,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Bring forward a proposal regarding permanent residency for new spouses entering Canada.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Sponsored spouses and partners no longer have to remain in abusive relationships for fear of losing their immigration status.,"To address concerns that some vulnerable sponsored spouses or partners were staying in abusive relationships out of fear of losing their permanent resident status, the Government repealed the requirement of conditional residency. This means sponsored spouses and partners are no longer required to live with their sponsor for two years in order to maintain their permanent resident status, thereby reducing vulnerability and dependence."
4/30/2018,65,,Government Services and Operations,"Improve client service delivery and immigration, refugees and citizenship application processing times.","Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,"Enhanced client service and timely processing of immigration, refugee and citizenship applications.","The Government is developing initiatives to reduce processing times in several programs and a client service strategy to enhance the client experience. In December 2016, spousal sponsorship was reformed to speed up processing and simplify the sponsorship process. In 2017, IRCC met its commitment to process 80% of spousal applications received before December 2016. For 2018, we will continue to monitor progress as against commitment. The Government also announced an intake management strategy for privately sponsored refugees and the goal of reducing wait times for new applications to 12 months. Service standards in other programs are being maintained: 80% of citizenship grant applications received since April 2015 are processed within a 12-month timeframe, and Express Entry permanent residency applications are processed within a six-month timeframe. Since June 2017, the Global Skills Strategy continues to assist companies in getting workers to Canada faster, including through two-week processing time for 80% of eligible work permit applications. The Dedicated Service Channel helps guide companies making significant, job-creating investments in Canada. Enhancements to the asylum system will be informed by upcoming findings of the independent review of the Immigration and Refugee Board."
4/30/2018,66,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Restore the Interim Federal Health Program that provides health benefits to refugees.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Improved access to necessary health care for refugees.,"In April 2016, the Government restored the Interim Federal Health Program for all eligible refugee beneficiaries. In addition, the Government eliminated the coverage expiry date to ensure refugee claimants remain covered until they are eligible for provincial/territorial health insurance. "
4/30/2018,67,,Canada in the World,Establish an expert human rights panel to help determine designated countries of origin and provide a right to appeal refugee decisions for citizens from these countries.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,"Canada upholds its commitment to welcoming those seeking refuge from conflict and war, while leveraging expertise and systems to strengthen program integrity and efficiency.","As of July 2015, claimants from Designated Countries of Origin - countries that do not normally produce refugees and do respect human rights and offer state protection - have had access to an appeal at the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. An independent review of the Immigration and Refugee Board and the asylum system is underway, and findings will inform how the Government will enhance the asylum system to achieve both efficiency and fairness for all claimants."
4/30/2018,68,,Environment and Climate Change,Work with stakeholders to better co-manage our three oceans.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",On-going commitment,"Better planning, management and protection of oceans, marine mammals, and coastal communities.","The Oceans Protection Plan (OPP) includes new research on the effects of oil spills, measures to protect marine mammals, and increased emergency response capacity where coastal communities will play a greater role. The OPP is a key part of the Government's commitment to redefine its relationship with Indigenous peoples and engage in a meaningful and productive partnership with Indigenous communities. In addition to the OPP, the Government has officially endorsed the Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Plan with the Province of British Columbia and Pacific North Coast First Nations, explored partnerships with land claims organizations in the North to advance Canada’s marine conservation agenda, and signed a statement of intent between Canada and the Nunatsiavut Government to work together on oceans management in northern Labrador.
Through the Oceans Protection Plan (OPP), Canada has been engaging Indigenous and coastal communities, stakeholders and other levels of government in OPP implementation, including improved marine safety, protection of the marine environment, restoration of Canada’s coastlines, waterways management, and new opportunities for Indigenous and coastal communities in emergency response.
The Coastal Restoration Fund (CRF) is part of the OPP that will protect Canada’s oceans and coastlines from damage caused by increased marine shipping and other associated marine stressors. The program will provide $75 million over five years to support coastal habitat restoration projects at the local and community level along Canada’s coasts, and to contribute to mitigating these stressors. The CRF is providing funding to non-profit organizations including environmental non-governmental organizations and stewardship bodies, Indigenous organizations including Tribal Councils, community-based organizations and academic researchers and institutions across the country.
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4/30/2018,69,,Canada in the World,Facilitate the temporary entry of low risk travellers and lift the visa requirement for Mexico.,"Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,"Canada is a more open country that does not impose unnecessary barriers to business travellers, tourists and other visitors.","On December 1, 2016, Canada lifted the requirement for Mexican travellers to have a visa. To facilitate the temporary entry of low-risk travellers, the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) was put in place on November 10, 2016 for visa-exempt foreign nationals (other than U.S. citizens) boarding their flight to Canada. With a valid eTA, travellers can travel to Canada multiple times for short stays. On May 1, 2017, Canada expanded eTA to Brazil, Bulgaria and Romania to facilitate air travel for low-risk travellers. The visa requirement for Bulgaria and Romania was fully lifted on December 1, 2017."
4/30/2018,70,,Fair and Open Government,Repeal provisions in the Citizenship Act that give the government the right to strip citizenship from dual nationals.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Repealed provisions in the Citizenship Act that gave the Government the right to strip citizenship from dual nationals.,"In June 2017, legislation was passed that repealed the unfair elements of the Citizenship Act that applied only to Canadians with dual or multiple citizenships and allowed the government to strip them of their Canadian citizenship. This legislation also makes it easier for applicants to meet the requirements for citizenship, and helps immigrants obtain citizenship earlier and faster."
4/30/2018,72,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Make it easier for international students to stay in Canada after their studies.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Better outcomes for immigrants to Canada because those who become permanent residents and citizens have Canadian educational experience.,"It is now easier for international students to become permanent residents or Canadian citizens after completing their studies. The Government made changes to the Express Entry system that award more points to those who have studied in Canada, making it easier for international students to become permanent residents. As well, in October 2017, regulatory changes introduced by the Government came into force, providing greater flexibility for international students who want to become Canadian citizens."
4/30/2018,73,,Environment and Climate Change,Restore funding to support federal ocean science and monitoring programs.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Completed - fully met,"Restored funding to support the hiring of new scientific staff, the acquisition of new lab equipment, and added capacity for ocean science and monitoring.","The Government of Canada restored funding for federal ocean science and monitoring programs. In April 2016, $197 million was committed to fund ocean and freshwater science activities, which will help better understand aquatic ecosystems and support evidence-based management decisions. The Government is recruiting 135 new scientific staff and creating a new Partnership Fund to build capacity in the Canadian ocean and freshwater science community. The Government is also investing in high-performance lab equipment to mitigate life-cycle management concerns, procuring new state-of-the-art acoustic and remote sensing technology, and enhancing monitoring activities for various species of marine mammals, fish and invertebrates."
4/30/2018,74,,Environment and Climate Change,Use good scientific evidence when making decisions affecting fish stocks and ecosystem management.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Underway - on track,"A new, strong process that integrates scientific information in all major fish stock and ecosystem management decisions.",The Government of Canada has changed its internal processes to ensure that scientific information and advice are presented as part of decision making. The Government is currently developing a plan to implement the precautionary approach policy for all major fish stocks. The new Chief Science Advisor will provide guidance on this.
4/30/2018,75,,Environment and Climate Change,Act on recommendations of the Cohen Commission on restoring sockeye salmon stocks in the Fraser River.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Underway - on track,"A new Wild Salmon Policy implementation plan to restore and maintain salmon stock which highlights measures for sustainable aquaculture, is co-developed and implemented in collaboration with experts, regional stakeholders and Indigenous peoples.","In August 2016, the Government released its formal response to the final report of the Cohen Commission. In October 2016, the Government launched public consultations and met with Indigenous peoples on the development of an implementation plan for the conservation of wild salmon. In September 2017, the Government provided a status update showing that 64 out of the 75 recommendations from the Cohen Commission have been acted on. The Government continues to engage with scientific experts and stakeholders to further act upon many of the Commission's 75 recommendations.
Extensive engagement with Indigenous peoples, stakeholders and the general public has informed a draft five-year Wild Salmon Policy (WSP) implementation plan. More than 32 consultation sessions occurred across British Columbia and the Yukon in fall 2017. Feedback from these sessions, as well as hundreds of electronic submissions, are now being incorporated. A final WSP implementation plan is expected in 2018."
4/30/2018,76,,Safety and Security,"Re-open the Maritime Rescue Sub-centre in St. John's, Newfoundland, and the Kitsilano Coast Guard Base in Vancouver.","Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Underway - on track,Kitsilano Coast Guard Base and St. John's Maritime Rescue Sub-centre are re-opened to restore search and rescue services and save lives.,"In May 2016, the Kitsilano Coast Guard Base in Vancouver was re-opened to provide 24/7 search and rescue services. The base accepted delivery of a new Search and Rescue Vessel, Response Boat Medium in December 2017. The Maritime Rescue Sub-centre in St. John's will be re-opened, in Summer 2018, to provide the same search and rescue capacity."
4/30/2018,77,,Healthy Canadians,Sign new Health Accord with the provinces and territories.,Minister of Health,Completed - fully met,"A new, multi-year agreement to strengthen health care has been reached between the Government of Canada and provinces and territories.","The Government of Canada has reached agreements with all provinces and territories on collective priorities and 10-year funding to strengthen health care. In August 2017, federal, provincial and territorial governments reached agreement on a Common Statement of Principles on Shared Health Priorities, which outlines key priorities for federal investments to improve access to mental health and addictions services, as well as home and community care and a joint commitment to advance health innovation and prescription drugs. Budget 2017 confirmed a targeted investment of $11 billion over 10 years to support these priorities. Governments also committed to develop and report on a set of common metrics to ensure that these investments bring Canadians improved health outcomes.
The federal government is now in the process of developing bilateral agreements with each province and territory that will set out details of how each jurisdiction will use federal funding in future years, based on the priority areas of action outlined in the Common Statement. The Canadian Institute for Health Information is leading a process with federal, provincial and territorial officials to develop a focused set of common indicators in home care and mental health to enable Canadians to assess progress on shared priorities."
4/30/2018,78,,Healthy Canadians,Increase rates of vaccination.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"By 2025, 95% of children under the age of two have received all recommended vaccinations.","The Government of Canada, with provincial and territorial partners, has updated the national vaccination coverage goals and vaccine preventable disease reduction targets; which have been endorsed by all jurisdictions. The Government also enhanced its Childhood National Immunization Coverage Survey to better estimate vaccination coverage and measure vaccine hesitancy. The new Survey was launched in fall 2017 and initial reporting is expected in 2019."
4/30/2018,79,,Healthy Canadians,Introduce plain packaging requirements for tobacco products.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,New plain packaging requirements for tobacco products will contribute to continued decrease in use.,"In November 2016, the Government of Canada introduced the proposed Tobacco and Vaping Products Act, which includes measures to support plain packaging. Once passed, the legislation will allow Health Canada to develop regulations that implement a comprehensive approach to plain and standardized packaging."
4/30/2018,80,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Promote the celebration of Canada 150.,Minister of Canadian Heritage;Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Completed - fully met,"Canadians came together to celebrate the best of Canada and to experience Canada’s rich cultural, linguistic, and geographical diversity.","Canada 150 celebrations came to a close. The Canada 150 Fund supported over six hundred community projects and thirty eight pan-Canadian Signature projects through non-governmental organizations. Canada 150 enabled the promotion of active living, sport and athleticism to students and communities across Canada, and it highlighted diversity and inclusion, reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, the environment, and youth. More than 31 million people participated in Canada 150 events. Programming included an investment of more than $1 million into the 2017 Canada Summer Games and an accompanying cultural festival. The closing of Canada 150 in December 2017 included Skating Day, one of a suite of community events supported by micro-grants that brought Canadians together, emphasized the connection all Canadians share as a northern people, and underscored Canada 150’s four major themes."
4/30/2018,81,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Restore and increase funding for CBC/Radio-Canada.,Minister of Canadian Heritage,Completed - fully met,"Increased funding for CBC/Radio-Canada, leading to the creation of new, high-quality content across all platforms.","In Budget 2016, the Government increased CBC/Radio-Canada funding by $675 million over five years. In 2017/18, this funding was directed toward CBC/Radio-Canada’s key programming and initiatives; the creation of new, high-quality content, including local content, across all platforms; digital transformation, and continued development of both its existing services and the next generation of digital talent."
4/30/2018,82,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that the appointment process to the CBC/Radio-Canada Board of Directors is merit-based and independent.,Minister of Canadian Heritage,Completed - fully met,A new independent and merit-based appointment process has been established for selecting the CBC/Radio-Canada Board of Directors.,"The Government has appointed an independent and non-partisan Advisory Committee that will provide the Minister of Canadian Heritage with recommendations of qualified candidates for appointments to CBC/Radio-Canada. Published, merit-based criteria will guide the Advisory Committee as they identify Canadians who would make significant contributions to the work of the Board of Directors of CBC/Radio-Canada. On December 18, 2017, the Minister of Canadian Heritage announced the appointment of five directors to the CBC/RC Board of Directors. On April 3, 2018, the Minister of Canadian Heritage announced the appointment of the new Chair, President and CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada, and three additional members of the Board. "
4/30/2018,83,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Double investment in the Canada Council for the Arts.,Minister of Canadian Heritage,Completed - fully met,The Government invested $550 million in the Canada Council for the Arts to foster the development of the arts in Canada.,"New investments are being made in the form of grants, services and awards to professional Canadian artists and arts organizations, as well as through scholarly awards. The Government of Canada's annual investment in the Council is doubling over the next five years, growing local economies and creating good middle-class jobs."
4/30/2018,84,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Increase funding for Telefilm Canada and the National Film Board.,Minister of Canadian Heritage,Completed - fully met,"Increased funding for Canada's film industry, creating growth and jobs in the creative industries.","The Government invested $22 million in Telefilm Canada to fund and promote programs dedicated to the cultural, commercial and industrial success of Canada’s audiovisual industry and provided the National Film Board of Canada with $13.5 million to create social issue documentaries, animation, and digital content."
4/30/2018,85,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Restore PromArt and Trade Routes international cultural promotion programs.,Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of Canadian Heritage;Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"Greater awareness of Canadian excellence in arts and culture, greater international demand for Canadian creators and more jobs in the creative industries.","In fall 2017 the Government announced an investment of $125 million over five years towards the implementation of a new Creative Export Strategy. This initiative will help Canada's creative industries seize business opportunities abroad and increase Canada’s interactions with the world through culture, supporting cultural diplomacy efforts. Building on the $35 million committed in Budget 2016, the Strategy provides improved measures and redesigned cultural programs. Based on former PromArt and Trade Routes, it will help artists and creative industries kick start or promote their creative offerings abroad. This will include more support from Canadian missions abroad to coordinate events showcasing Canadian artists on the world stage, as well as direct on-the-ground support from Canadian Trade Commissioners in key markets including London, Paris, Los Angeles, New York and China. With this support, Canadian creative industries will be able to better navigate export markets, meet key foreign contacts, and conclude business deals abroad. The Government also expanded access to cultural trade data through Statistics Canada to provide more accurate and up-to-date information to help guide and focus Canadian creative exporters abroad."
4/30/2018,86,,Strong Middle Class,"Increase funding to ""Young Canada Works"" to help prepare the next generation working in the heritage sector.",Minister of Canadian Heritage,Completed - fully met,More jobs for young Canadians in the heritage sector.,"The Government has increased jobs for young Canadians in the heritage sector. Investments in the Youth Employment Strategy helped to create over 1,600 new employment opportunities in the heritage sector in 2016-17. In addition, increased funding for the Young Canada Works initiative created 150 new internships for recent graduates in 2016-17. Budget 2017 confirmed an additional investment of $14.05 million over three years in funding in Young Canada Works Heritage programming. These new funds will enable the creation of over 1,500 more summer jobs and graduate internships for Canadian youth in Canadian museums and related heritage organizations."
4/30/2018,87,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Develop a multi-year Official Languages plan to support English and French linguistic minorities.,Minister of Canadian Heritage,Completed - fully met,A new Official Languages plan will be implemented to support English and French linguistic minorities across Canada.,"On March 28, The Prime Minister and the Minister of Canadian Heritage unveiled the Action Plan for Official Languages 2018-2023: Investing in our Future. The Action Plan includes a new investment of almost $500 million to support official-language minority communities across the country and promote bilingualism of Canadians starting in 2018-19. The new plan took effect on April 1, 2018. New initiatives will be gradually implemented over 2018-19."
4/30/2018,88,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Establish a free, online service for learning and retaining English and French as second languages.",Minister of Canadian Heritage,Underway - with challenges,"A cross-platform, web-based application will enable adult Canadians to learn and retain – in a way that is flexible, accessible and free – their second official language (English or French).","Canadian Heritage has conducted consultations with industry to identify possible approaches for providing an e-learning tool for Canadians. Budget 2018 and the announcement on March 28, 2018 of the 2018-2023 Action Plan for Official Languages confirmed the funding for the web-based application. The solution’s architecture and the information technology requirements are being developed. A Request for Proposals will be launched in the fall of 2018."
4/30/2018,89,,Fair and Open Government,Restore a modern Court Challenges Program.,Minister of Canadian Heritage;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,Increased protection for human rights and official language rights through a modernized Court Challenges Program.,"The Government has reinstated a modernized Court Challenges Program to provide financial support to Canadians to access the courts for the litigation of test cases of national significance, to help clarify and assert certain constitutional and quasi-constitutional official language rights and human rights in Canada. In February 2017, the Government launched a process to select an independent body to implement and manage the modernized program. Interested parties had until March 6, 2017 to submit an application. On September 1, 2017, the Government announced that the University of Ottawa had been selected to manage the modernized program. It also announced the members of the Selection Committee who will assess potential candidates for the program's Official Languages Expert Panel and its Human Rights Expert Panel. Canadian Heritage is working to establish the panels. Work is underway with the University of Ottawa to implement the program."
4/30/2018,90,,Strong Middle Class,Balance the budget in 2019/20.,Minister of Finance,Underway - with challenges,Balance the budget over the long-term and continue to reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio.,"Budget 2018 shows that the fiscal framework does not forecast a balanced budget in 2019/20. Before the Government delivered the 2016 Budget, the baseline fiscal track weakened as a result of low oil prices and slow global economic growth. Important fiscal investments were made to kick-start the economy, support the middle class and address the long-term challenges that were limiting Canada's potential. Canada continues to have the strongest economic growth in the G7 and increased consumer and business confidence. As a result, the current fiscal track shows steady improvements in the Government's budgetary position along with a continued decline in the federal debt-to-GDP ratio. In fact, the Budget 2018 fiscal track continues to show steady improvements in the Government’s annual budgetary balance, which is nearly $7 billion lower annually, on average, than projected in Budget 2017. The budgetary deficit is on track to fall to 0.5% of GDP by 2022-23. The Government will maintain this downward deficit and debt ratio track—preserving Canada's low-debt advantage for current and future generations."
4/30/2018,91,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Lead preparations for the 2016 Rio Olympics and Paralympics.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Completed - fully met,Canadian athletes and national sport organizations were well prepared for and supported at a successful showing at the 2016 Rio Olympics and Paralympics.,"Canadian athletes excelled during the 2016 Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games. Nearly 15% more Canadian athletes were able to attend the Games compared to 2012. Canadian athletes placed 10th in total Olympic medals, up from 14th in 2012 and Paralympians also had a very strong showing, bringing home 29 medals."
4/30/2018,92,,Healthy Canadians,Create greater links between our elite athletes and young Canadians to promote health and achievement among youth.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Underway - on track,Increased number of events organized to connect young Canadians and Canada's elite athletes.,"Last year, the Government organized a number of events both online and in person at schools across the country, to connect young Canadians with Canada's elite athletes. Approximately 250 Olympic and Paralympic athletes and coaches from the 2016 Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games participated in these events, reaching tens of thousands of students across Canada. The Government will continue to create these and other opportunities for young Canadians to learn from and be inspired by Canada's elite athletes."
4/30/2018,93,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Raise the quality of the Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) applied to Cabinet proposals.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) is effectively integrated into policy-making across government.,"Since 2016, proposals to Cabinet now require a full GBA+ analysis, which includes an analysis of the proposal's impact on diverse groups of people. Budget submissions also require a full GBA+ analysis. The Government will continue to improve the quality of the analysis through new training tools and videos. In addition, to ensure that gender remains a key consideration for future governments, Budget 2018 announced that the Government will introduce new GBA+ legislation to make gender budgeting a permanent part of the federal budget-making process."
4/30/2018,94,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that the Government's senior appointments are merit-based and demonstrate gender parity.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,Greater representation of Canada's gender diversity in senior appointments.,"In 2016, the Government put in place a new open, transparent and merit-based approach to selecting candidates for some 1500 federal Governor in Council (GIC) appointments. This will help over time to close gaps in the representation of women in GIC positions. Since late 2015, the representation of women serving as GIC appointees has increased by 10 percentage points and is now at 44 per cent. Budget 2018 also proposed a new investment of $210 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, for the Canada Research Chairs Program to better support early-career researchers and increase diversity, including increasing the number of women who are nominated for Canada Research Chairs. "
4/30/2018,95,,Government Services and Operations,Help injured Veterans by re-establishing lifelong pensions and insuring that they all have access to financial advice and support.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,"Injured Veterans have the option of taking a monthly, tax free payment for life and are provided financial advice and support to assist them in determining the form of compensation that works best for them and their families.","The recently introduced Pension for Life initiative is a combination of benefits that provide recognition, income support and better overall stability to Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and Veterans who are living with a disability due to a service-related injury and/or illness.
Pension for Life will provide a holistic package that reintroduces lifelong monthly pain and suffering payments, implement a new recognition benefit, and consolidate six existing income-related financial benefits.
The resulting Pension for Life benefits package includes: The Pain and Suffering Compensation, Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation, and the Income Replacement Benefit.
1) The Income Replacement Benefit (IRB) is a monthly benefit designed to provide income support to Veterans who are experiencing barriers to re-establishment due to a health problem resulting primarily from service. The benefit is available to Veterans and survivors, for life, and orphans, should they need it. For Veterans who have not yet served a full career in the military, the IRB will be increased by 1% every year until the Veteran reaches what would have been 20 years of service or age 60. The IRB combines six pre-existing benefits (i.e. Earnings Loss, Benefit, Extended Earnings Loss Benefit, Career Impact Allowance, Career Impact Allowance Supplement, Supplementary Retirement Benefit and Retirement Income Security Benefit) into one, simpler benefit. Veterans who wish to join the workforce may also earn up to $20,000 from employment before any reduction will be made to their IRB payment.
2) For injured Veterans, the Pain and Suffering Compensation (PSC) recognizes pain and suffering caused by a disability resulting from a service-related injury and/or illness. The PSC replaces the lump sum Disability Award announced in 2006. It delivers a maximum of $1,150 per month for the life of the serving member or Veteran, or it can be cashed out for a lump sum payment that will be equal to the lump sum offered less any monthly payments already paid. The maximum lump sum cash out for the PSC will be equivalent to maximum lump sum payment available under the Disability Award, which is being replaced by PSC. The amount provided by the PSC will be adjusted annually by the percent increase in the Consumer Price Index.
3) Some injured Veterans will also benefit from Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation (APSC). This benefit provides additional support to Veterans who are experiencing barriers to re-establishment in post-service life due to a severe and permanent impairment. Depending on the extent of the Veteran’s impairment, the monthly payment would be $500, $1,000 or $1,500 adjusted annually by the percent increase in the Consumer Price Index. This benefit is not intended to replace lost earnings and so is tax-free."
4/30/2018,96,,Government Services and Operations,Expand access to the Permanent Impairment Allowance to better support Veterans.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,More Veterans qualify for higher benefit amounts if they have had their career options limited by service-related illness or injury.,As of April 2017 the Government of Canada has replaced the outdated Permanent Impairment Allowance with the new Career Impact Allowance. This new measure provides broader eligibility to more generous benefit amounts for the most seriously ill and injured Veterans whose careers are impacted by service-related illness or injury. The benefit amount that a Veteran receives will depend on the unique circumstances of each case.
4/30/2018,97,,Government Services and Operations,"Provide injured veterans with 90% of their pre-release salary, and index this benefit to inflation.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"Veterans now receive 90 per cent of their pre-release salary under the Earnings Loss Benefit (ELB), and benefits are indexed to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).","Canada's women and men in uniform put their lives at risk to protect the values that Canadians cherish most. In Budget 2016, the Government of Canada made significant investments to give more money to Veterans with disabilities primarily resulting from military service. In particular, in October 2016 ELB eligibility was increased from 75% to 90% of a Veteran's monthly pre-release military salary. This benefit provides financial support to injured Veterans while they are undergoing rehabilitation as a result of a service-related disability or up to age 65 if they are determined to have a diminished earning capacity. In addition, the previous cap of two per cent growth was removed, so this benefit will now increase with CPI over time. As of June 30, 2017, a total of 12,461 Veterans have received an increase or are newly in receipt of benefits since changes to the ELB were made. Effective, April 1, 2019, the Earnings Loss Benefit will be consolidated as part of the new Income Replacement Benefit announced under Pension for Life. All eligible Veterans will continue to receive 90% of their pre-release salary, indexed to CPI during rehabilitation and for life if they are found to have a diminished earning capacity."
4/30/2018,98,,Government Services and Operations,Create a Veterans Education Benefit that supports the education costs of Canadian Forces Veterans after completion of service.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,More Veterans receive education and training upon release and get better jobs in civilian employment.,"As of April 1, 2018, the Government of Canada has implemented the new Education and Training Benefit which will provide Veterans who have a total of at least six years of service in the Regular or Reserve Force and who were honourably released on or after April 1, 2006 with up to $40,000 for college, university or technical education. Veterans with at least 12 years of service will receive up to $80,000. This will help Veterans cover the cost of getting a new degree or certificate, which is often critical in making a successful transition to a good job in civilian life. "
4/30/2018,99,,Government Services and Operations,Improve career and vocational assistance for Veterans.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,Improve career and vocational assistance for Veterans and ensure jobs for Veterans are included in federally-funded infrastructure projects.,"Through Budget 2017, the Government of Canada will provide $180 billion in infrastructure funding over 12 years to deliver clean, sustained economic growth; build stronger, more inclusive communities; and create more and better, middle class jobs. The Government is working with provinces and territories as part of infrastructure negotiations to ensure Community Benefits Agreements integrate jobs for Veterans into infrastructure projects. Enhanced Career Transition services available since April 1, 2018 also ensure that Veterans have the knowledge, skills and abilities required to search for employment in the civilian work force so that they are more likely to gain employment and feel satisfaction in their employment."
4/30/2018,100,,Government Services and Operations,"Deliver a higher standard of service and care, and ensure that a ""one veteran, one standard"" approach is upheld.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,"Veterans and their families have seamless support as they transition out of the military, with simplified application processes, improved client services and reduced wait times to receive benefits.","The Government of Canada has increased staffing and is lowering case-management ratios from 40:1 to 25:1 in order to provide more in-depth, one-on-one service. The Government is actively working with Ministerial Advisory Committees to improve service standards for veterans and their families, and recently completed a service delivery review to assess how to achieve service excellence. Budget 2018 announced $42.8 million over two years starting in 2018-19, to increase service delivery capacity at Veterans Affairs Canada."
4/30/2018,101,,Government Services and Operations,Re-open the nine Veterans Affairs service offices recently closed.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"To improve services for Veterans, all Veterans Affairs Canada offices closed by the previous government have been re-opened and resources have been added in new areas not previously served.","All nine offices previously closed have been reopened and a new tenth office has been opened to serve the needs of veterans in Surrey, BC, and the Lower Mainland. In addition, the Government of Canada has expanded outreach to the territories and other northern communities to provide an enhanced level of service and outreach to Veterans and their families. As of April 2017, the Government has hired more than 460 new employees, including 180 new case managers, to improve services for veterans."
4/30/2018,102,,Government Services and Operations,"Create two centres of excellence in Veterans' care, including one specialized in mental health and post-traumatic stress disorder.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,Veterans and their caregivers and providers have better access to better knowledge and expertise to address the unique care needs of someone who previously served.,"Budget 2017 invested in the creation of the first centre of excellence that will focus on the creation and dissemination of knowledge on prevention, assessment and treatment of PTSD and related mental health conditions for Veterans and Canadian Armed Forces members. Plans for the second centre of excellence are at an early stage of development and consultation."
4/30/2018,103,,Government Services and Operations,Support families who are providing care and support to Veterans living with physical and/or mental health issues.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,Increased support for families who are providing care and support to Veterans living with physical and/or mental health issues.,"As of April 1, 2018, military members who leave the service for medical reasons, as well as their families, will have access to a full range of support services at all of Canada's 32 Military Family Resource Centres as well as through services delivered over the phone and online. Further support will be offered to families by the new Caregiver Recognition Benefit which will provide a more generous non-taxable monthly benefit payable directly to caregivers of Veterans to better recognize and honour the vital role they play."
4/30/2018,104,,Government Services and Operations,End the time limit for surviving spouses applying for vocational rehabilitation and assistance services.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,Surviving spouses are able to receive vocational rehabilitation and assistance services whenever they need them.,"As of April 1, 2018, the Government of Canada has enhanced support for survivors and common-law/spouses by eliminating the current one-year time limit on applications for Rehabilitation Services and Vocational Assistance. This change will allow survivors to apply for assistance whenever they are prepared to return to work."
4/30/2018,105,,Government Services and Operations,Increase the Veteran survivor's pension amount from 50% to 70%.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,"Surviving spouses receive better support, and benefits are delivered in a more client-centred, streamlined fashion.","Announced on December 20, 2017 as part of the Pension for Life initiative, support for eligible spouses will increase from 50% to 70% of the Veteran’s Income Replacement Benefit, providing them with enhanced financial security when they need it most. This measure, effective April 1, 2019, will improve the delivery of benefits so that surviving spouses and their families have a simpler system to navigate."
4/30/2018,106,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that surviving spouses of Veterans receive appropriate benefits by eliminating the marriage after 60 clawback.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,Surviving spouses receive the same pension amounts as all other survivors regardless of the age at which they were married.,The Government of Canada is working to eliminate the pension clawback for spouses married to Veterans over the age of 60 at the time of marriage that currently exists in the Canadian Armed Forces Superannuation Act. Progress on this commitment has taken longer than anticipated.
4/30/2018,107,,Government Services and Operations,Double funding to the Last Post Fund to ensure that all veterans receive a dignified burial.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"Funding is doubled to the Last Post Fund, and more families qualify for a burial or marking benefit when a Veteran dies.","As of October 2016, the Government of Canada enhanced the Funeral and Burial Program, which is delivered by the Last Post Fund Corporation so that more families can qualify for financial support for a funeral and burial of a recently deceased Veteran. The Government nearly tripled the survivor estate exemption from approximately $12,000 to $35,000 so that more people can access this support in their time of need. Going forward, this amount will be indexed annually."
4/30/2018,108,,Safety and Security,Create an Office of Community Outreach and Counter-radicalization Coordinator.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Underway - on track,Reduced radicalization and greater understanding of how to prevent radicalization.,"On June 26, 2017, the Government established the Canada Centre for Community Engagement and Prevention of Violence to help provide leadership on Canada's response to radicalization to violence, coordinate domestic and international initiatives, and support community outreach. The Government is in the process of appointing a Special Advisor and Advisory Committee. The Community Resilience Fund was also launched to provide financial assistance to organizations undertaking programming and research to address radicalization to violence in Canada."
4/30/2018,109,,Safety and Security,Protect Canadians and our critical infrastructure from cyber threats.,"Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of National Defence;Minister of Democratic Institutions",Underway - on track,"Increased cyber security for Canada's critical infrastructure, economy, and democratic institutions, resulting in better protection for Canadian businesses and individuals from cyber threats.","The Government has completed a consultation and review of current measures, and published the results in March 2017. To strengthen Canada’s cyber security and the cyber resilience of Canadians, including protecting their privacy, Budget 2018 commits $507.7 million over five years, and $108.8 million per year thereafter. The Government proposes to provide $236.5 million over five years, and $41.2 million per year ongoing, to further support a new National Cyber Security Strategy guided by the principles of resilience, collaboration, capability and innovation. The investment includes $155.2 million over five years, and $44.5 million per year ongoing, to create a new Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, which will consolidate expertise from across the federal government into a single point of contact for expert advice, guidance, services and support. It also includes $116.0 million over five years, and $23.2 million per year ongoing, to the RCMP to support the creation of the National Cybercrime Coordination Unit. As well, the Government will help businesses improve their cyber security approach through the creation of a voluntary cyber certification program. Furthermore, the cyber hacking of elections is a growing issue around the world, and the Government will take proactive measures to identify and mitigate against potential threats."
4/30/2018,110,,Safety and Security,Strengthen controls on handguns and assault weapons.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,"Reduced gun violence through balanced, effective firearms measures.","The Government is developing effective firearms measures that prioritize public safety while ensuring law-abiding Canadians are not unduly impacted. To support this objective, the Government established a more representative Firearms Advisory Committee that includes representation from law enforcement, civilian firearms users, public health advocates, women’s groups, farmers, conservation organizations, and the legal community. The Government also reversed a ministerial directive that could have allowed gun manufacturers to determine the classification of their own products under certain conditions. On November 17, 2017, the Government announced up to $327.6 million over five years, and $100 million annually thereafter, in new funding for initiatives to reduce gun crime and criminal gang activities. A Summit on Gun and Gang Violence was held in March 2018 to bring together stakeholders to share information on the realities, issues and best practices to combat criminal gun and gang violence. On March 20, 2018, the Government introduced legislation that prioritizes public safety and effective police work, while respecting law-abiding firearms owners. It will not recreate a federal long-gun registry."
4/30/2018,111,,Safety and Security,Enhance compensation for public safety officers who are permanently disabled or killed in the line of duty.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Underway - on track,"Public safety officers who are permanently disabled or killed in the line of duty, and their families, are appropriately compensated.","In March 2017, the Government announced the creation of a tax-free community heroes benefit that will support the families of firefighters, police officers and paramedics who died in the line of duty. Through the Memorial Grant Program for First Responders, families of first responders that lose a loved one as a direct result of their duties, will receive a one-time lump sum, tax-free payment of $300,000. The Program took effect on April 1, 2018. Further details will be announced in the coming months."
4/30/2018,112,,Safety and Security,Restore funding to provinces and territories to support Heavy Urban Search and Rescue teams.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Completed - fully met,"Search and rescue capacity across Canada is strengthened, helping save lives.","Last year, the Government restored funding of $15.5 million previously cut from the Heavy Urban Search and Rescue taskforces in Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, and across Manitoba. The Government is also providing support to build new heavy urban search and rescue capacity in Montreal and Halifax."
4/30/2018,113,,Safety and Security,"Develop a plan to better predict, prepare for, and respond to weather-related emergencies and natural disasters.",Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Underway - on track,"Canadians are quickly and effectively supported when natural disasters occur, and communities are better prepared for weather-related emergencies.","In collaboration with provinces and territories, and Indigenous peoples, the Government is working with stakeholders including municipalities, to develop a comprehensive plan to reduce disaster risk in Canada. The Government has begun a series of consultations on the development of a pan-Canadian Emergency Management Strategy, which includes weather-related events and natural disasters. The Government has responded quickly and effectively to support Canadians and communities affected by fires in northern Alberta, floods in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada, and recent wildfires in British Columbia. This has included partnerships with the Red Cross, payments to assist provincial governments, and the creation of ad hoc Cabinet committees to coordinate a response across government. Additionally, Canada is playing a leading role globally on the issues of disaster risk reduction, having hosted the United Nations Fifth Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in March 2017."
4/30/2018,114,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure strong and effective gender and culturally sensitive training policies for federal front-line law enforcement officers.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,Increased cultural competency and trauma-informed gender-based violence training across the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).,"In 2018-19, the RCMP will be developing cultural competency and gender-based violence (GBV) training that will be offered to RCMP employees starting in 2019-20. Through this training, there will be an improved capacity across the RCMP to effectively respond to GBV, including violence against Indigenous women and girls, in a gender and culturally sensitive manner. All training material will be examined using the GBA+ tool. "
4/30/2018,115,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Move forward on a toll-free replacement for the Champlain Bridge.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities,Underway - on track,New toll-free Champlain Bridge opened by December 2018.,"The Champlain Bridge is vital to local residents and commuters and plays an important role in the Canadian economy. The objective remains to open the new, toll-free bridge in December 2018. Construction of the new bridge is underway. Like all infrastructure projects of its size, the new bridge may face labour and logistical challenges that could delay the planned December 2018 completion date. The current bridge is safe and continuously monitored in real time."
4/30/2018,116,,Fair and Open Government,"Work with Parliamentarians to reform Question Period so that all ministers, including the Prime Minister, are held to greater account.",Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,"Increased accountability of all ministers, including the Prime Minister, during Question Period.","Since April 2017, the Prime Minister has adopted the practice of taking all questions during Wednesday sittings, as his schedule permits. In addition, when invited, ministers have participated in Senate Question Period."
4/30/2018,117,,Fair and Open Government,Promote free votes and limit the circumstances in which Liberal Members of Parliament will be required to vote with the Government.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,Members of Parliament are strong voices for their communities and there is greater accountability within Parliament.,"Since Fall 2015, all House of Commons votes have been free votes for Liberal Members of Parliament with the exception of those relating to: platform commitments, matters of confidence, and protections guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms."
4/30/2018,118,,Fair and Open Government,End the improper use of omnibus bills and prorogation.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,Measures are in place to end the improper use of omnibus bills and prorogation.,"In June 2017, the House of Commons adopted a Government motion that changed the Standing Orders to prevent the improper use of omnibus bills and prorogation. The motion gives the Speaker power to split omnibus bills for the purposes of voting except for budget implementation bills that contain only provisions that were announced in a budget presentation or in the budget documents. The motion also forces the Government to justify, in writing, the reasons for a prorogation and the House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs has the power to study the Government's justification."
4/30/2018,119,,Fair and Open Government,"Make government accounting and financial reporting more consistent, transparent and understandable to Canadians.",President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Finance;Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Underway - on track,"Government reporting is easier for Canadians to find, understand and use to hold the Government accountable.","The Government has introduced significant changes to improve accountability and make financial reporting more transparent and easier to understand. These changes include: making the Parliamentary Budget Officer an independent officer of Parliament with new powers and resources to more rigorously examine the country's finances; publishing fiscal decisions between budgets; publishing accrual versus cash reconciliation for the Estimates; and changing the Standing Orders of the House of Commons to allow Main Estimates to be published later in the calendar year, with the goal of having the Main Estimates reflect the federal budget. For the first time, in Budget 2018, the Government presented a detailed reconciliation between accrual expenses forecasted in the budget and planned Estimates for the government as a whole and the 23 largest departments."
4/30/2018,120,,Fair and Open Government,Improve reporting to Parliament.,President of the Treasury Board,Underway - on track,Increased transparency so that parliamentarians and all Canadians can more easily hold the Government to account.,"Part III of the Estimates (i.e., Departmental Plans and Departmental Results Reports) have been simplified and new features and data have been added to the online GC InfoBase. In addition, the Government introduced and adopted changes to the Standing Orders to better ensure consistency across the Budget, Estimates and Public Accounts, and provide greater clarity in voting on appropriations. These changes will help parliamentarians and Canadians better examine government spending and allow for the timely flow of funding outlined in budget plans."
4/30/2018,121,,Fair and Open Government,Ensure that Agents of Parliament are properly funded and accountable only to Parliament.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Underway - on track,Agents of Parliament are independent and are properly funded.,"In June 2017, legislation was passed that established the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) as an independent agent of Parliament, reporting directly to Parliament. This legislation provides the PBO with the ability to request the funds from the Speakers of the House and Senate needed to fulfill their mandate. The Government will continue to work with Agents of Parliament to support their important work."
4/30/2018,122,,Fair and Open Government,Ensure that the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) is properly funded and independent of the Government.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,The Parliamentary Budget Officer is independent and properly funded to conduct analyses on behalf of Parliament.,"In June 2017, legislation was passed that established the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) as an independent agent of Parliament, reporting directly to Parliament. This legislation provides the PBO with the ability to request the funds from the Speakers of the House and Senate needed to fulfill their mandate. This is consistent with the practice for all other independent agents of Parliament. The PBO will also have greater access to relevant information within departments, agencies and Crown Corporations; will be appointed for a term of seven years and can only be removed with cause, subject to the approval of parliamentarians; and will be able to cost election platform proposals at the request of political parties."
4/30/2018,123,,Fair and Open Government,Strengthen Parliamentary committees so that they can better scrutinize legislation.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,Parliamentary committees are freer and better equipped to study legislation.,"The Government of Canada has strengthened parliamentary committees by giving them more funding through the Board of Internal Economy so they can undertake the appropriate research and engage with Canadians. The Government has also ensured that the practice of electing committee chairs by secret ballot has continued. In addition, the House of Commons adopted a motion that enables Parliamentary Secretaries to be non-voting members of committees, ensuring that they can no longer vote on committees that fall within their minister's mandate, helping assure the freedom and independence of House of Commons standing committees."
4/30/2018,124,,Fair and Open Government,Disclose the expenses of all Parliamentarians in detail each quarter.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Underway - on track,"Increased transparency through the quarterly, detailed disclosure of parliamentarians' expenses.",The Government of Canada has introduced legislation to codify in law that the expenses of all parliamentarians continue to be disclosed on a quarterly basis. Details are disclosed on the Parliament of Canada website in an accessible and easy-to-read format.
4/30/2018,125,,Fair and Open Government,Examine ways to make the House of Commons more family-friendly for Members of Parliament.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Underway - on track,"A House of Commons that is truly a modern, professional, family-friendly workplace for Members of Parliament and their staff.","The House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs released a report in June 2016 outlining ways to make the House of Commons more family-friendly for Members of Parliament and their staff. The Government is currently implementing the principal recommendations of this report, which include scheduling votes immediately following Question Period rather than later in the evening, and tabling the House sitting calendar prior to the summer adjournment so that Members and staff are able to better plan their schedules. The Board of Internal Economy has also taken steps to implement more family-friendly administrative practices, such as providing more flexible childcare services and making high chairs available in Parliamentary cafeterias. Recently, the Board of Internal Economy made changes to travel policies for Members to promote a family friendly environment and facilitate family reunification. The government has also introduced legislation to make it possible for Parliamentarians to take maternity and parental leave. More needs to be done to ensure Parliament, as a workplace, fully recognizes the challenges and pressures of raising a family. The Government is fully committed to working with all parties to make this happen."
4/30/2018,126,,Exports and Investment,"Invest in an Agri-Food Investment Fund to attract investment and create good, well-paying jobs in food processing.",Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,Underway - on track,The agri-food sector is a leading area for economic growth over the next 10 years.,"The Government is increasing investment in the agri-food sector to increase and diversify exports to create good middle-class jobs. Budget 2017 identified agri-food as one of the six key sectors for future economic growth and set an ambitious objective of increasing annual agri-food exports to $75 billion by 2025. The Government announced a $1.26 billion five-year Strategic Innovation Fund to attract and support new high-quality business investments, including for agri-food value added processors. The Canadian Agricultural Partnership, launched on April 1, 2018, includes a commitment to facilitate the maintenance and expansion of both domestic and international agricultural and agri-food markets, as well as to enhance the ability of the agriculture and agri-food sector to diversify market opportunities."
4/30/2018,127,,Healthy Canadians,Develop a food policy that promotes healthy living and safe food.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,Underway - on track,A whole of government food policy that promotes Canadians' health and quality of life.,"In May 2017, the Government launched consultations to support the development of a Food Policy for Canada. This policy is intended to identify a vision and plan to address challenges such as increasing access to safe and nutritious food; improving health and food safety; conserving our soil, water and air; and growing more high-quality food. A national Food Policy Summit was held in June 2017 and six regional roundtables were held in August and September 2017. An online survey was conducted, receiving 45,000 responses, and other grassroots engagement with Canadians was led by Members of Parliament, and stakeholder groups. These are just some of the many engagement activities being conducted to inform the development of a food policy. The Government is working towards launching a Food Policy for Canada. "
4/30/2018,128,,Jobs and Innovation,Invest in agricultural research to support discovery science and innovation.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,Underway - on track,"Advance research in agricultural genomics, digitize nearly six million DNA specimens by 2022 and invest in discovery research in priority areas.","Over the next six years, the Government will accelerate DNA analysis, sequencing and digital recording of our taxonomic collections, completing the digitization of nearly six million specimens. In addition, Budget 2017 announced $70 million to further support agricultural discovery science and innovation, with a focus on addressing emerging priorities such as climate change and soil and water conservation."
4/30/2018,129,,Exports and Investment,Promote Canadian agricultural interests during trade negotiations.,Minister of International Trade;Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,On-going commitment,"Achieve the target of $75 billion annually in agri-food exports, and create more middle class jobs and higher incomes for the many rural and urban Canadians employed in the agri-food sector.","The Government has made agriculture and agri-food trade a priority in the trade expansion strategy. The Prime Minister and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Agriculture and Agri-Food have completed trade missions to Mexico, China, Japan, India, South Korea, the European Union and the United States promoting agri-food. The Government concluded and signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership which will improve market access for Canadian agriculture exports to key markets in the Asia-Pacific. The Government is implementing the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement that expands opportunities for Canadian agri-food products with 94% of EU agricultural tariff lines now duty free. Canada has also signed a memorandum of understanding with China on canola and negotiated new market access in China for Canadian beef and pork exporters. Canada will continue to work to resolve regulatory and tariff issues with India to ensure long-term access to the Indian market for Canadian pulse exports (e.g., peas, chickpeas, beans and lentils). The Government will continue to strongly defend the interests of its agricultural industries, including supply management, with all trading partners, including as the Government engages with the United States and Mexico in the modernization of the North American Free Trade Agreement, and with Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay in the negotiation of a Free Trade Agreement between Canada and MERCOSUR. Canadian exports of agriculture, agri-food, fish and seafood to all countries in 2017 rose to $64.6 billion, a $2-billion increase from 2016 exports."
4/30/2018,130,,Government Services and Operations,Assess whether current farm income safety nets meet the needs of Canadian farmers.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,Underway - on track,"Implement a new agricultural policy framework, with updated business risk management programs, to support an agricultural and agri-food sector that is strong, innovative and resilient.","The Government of Canada is committed to a progressive federal-provincial-territorial agricultural policy framework, the Canadian Agricultural Partnership which was launched April 1, 2018. Consultations with stakeholders have been completed, including focused engagement sessions with Indigenous peoples, women and youth. A meeting of federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Agriculture took place in July 2017, where they reached agreement on key elements of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership and committed to a review of business risk management programs. On November 24, 2017, the Government announced the initiatives and priorities of the $1 billion federal investment under the $3 billion Canadian Agricultural Partnership, including the six federal programs: AgriMarketing, AgriCompetitiveness, AgriScience, AgriInnovate, AgriDiversity and AgriAssurance. Federal program details were announced on February 13, 2018 and application forms are now available. The Government is finalizing bilateral negotiations with provinces and territories on the $2-billion in federal, provincial and territorial cost-shared initiatives, which will be announced as they become available. "
4/30/2018,131,,Environment and Climate Change,Help the agriculture sector adjust to climate change and better address water and soil conservation issues.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,Underway - on track,An agricultural food sector that succeeds in the face of a changing climate.,"In April 2018 the Government of Canada launched the Canadian Agricultural Partnership to support an agriculture and agri-food sector that is strong, innovative and resilient. The Government is finalizing bilateral agreements with provinces and territories on the Partnership, including on environment and climate change programming. The Government is also working on soil, water and climate change issues through: the Agricultural Clean Technology Program; A Food Policy for Canada; Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Program; the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change; the Lake Erie Domestic Action Plan; and the re-accession of Canada to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. Budget 2017 announced $70 million to support agricultural discovery science and innovation with a focus on addressing emerging priorities, including climate change and soil and water conservation."
4/30/2018,132,,Safety and Security,Ensure that the Canadian Armed Forces have the equipment they need.,Minister of National Defence;Minister of Public Services and Procurement,On-going commitment,"The Canadian Armed Forces receive the ships, fighter jets and other equipment that it needs over the next 20 years as planned for and funded in the new defence policy.","Canada's new defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—invests in the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces and delivers the standard of service and care that current and former members deserve. The Government is investing to expand the Regular and Reserve Forces, build 15 new surface combatant ships, expand the fighter jet fleet to 88 advanced planes, and develop new space capabilities and global communications in the Arctic, among other key projects.
In accordance with Strong, Secure, Engaged, measures being pursued to improve defence and marine procurements include: enhancing governance and strategic oversight; streamlining processes and undertaking process transformation; leveraging defence and marine procurements to advance national economic priorities; improving communications; and growing and professionalizing the workforce."
4/30/2018,133,,Safety and Security,"Maintain current National Defence spending levels, including current planned increases.",Minister of National Defence,Underway - on track,The Government will exceed previous funding levels.,"Under Canada's new defence policy, annual spending will grow, on a cash-basis, from $18.9 billion in 2017-18 to $32.7 billion in 2026-27. Spending is allocated to ensure that it is delivered when the military needs it, meaning that funds for critical equipment can be spent and do not lapse. Since Canada's new defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged was approved later in FY 2017/18, DND did not spend all planned spending for the first year of its implementation."
4/30/2018,134,,Safety and Security,Maintain Canada's strong commitment to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).,Minister of National Defence,On-going commitment,North America is safe and secure and Canada remains a strong and responsible partner in NORAD.,"Canada is meeting its commitment to NORAD on an ongoing basis, focusing on four key areas: personnel, capabilities, infrastructure, and participation in key decision-making fora on the future of NORAD. The Government is also expanding the Royal Canadian Air Force fighter jet fleet in order to properly fulfill our NORAD and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) commitments."
4/30/2018,135,,Safety and Security,Conduct an open and transparent defence strategy review.,Minister of National Defence,Completed - fully met,Canada now has a new defence policy that was built on extensive input from Canadians and delivers the standard of service and care that current and former Canadian Armed Forces members deserve.,"On June 7, 2017, the Minister of National Defence launched Canada's new defence policy: Strong, Secure, Engaged. This followed extensive external consultations, including engagement with the Canadian public, Parliamentarians, defence experts, and allies and partners. The new policy will allocate realistic funding to projects that will keep our military running efficiently and effectively for years to come, and ensure Canada remains a trusted and capable ally. Through this plan, the Government will build an even stronger military and, most importantly, deliver the standard of service and care our women and men in uniform deserve."
4/30/2018,136,,Safety and Security,"Renew the focus on surveillance and control of Canadian territory, and approaches, particularly for our Arctic regions.",Minister of National Defence,Underway - on track,"The Canadian Armed Forces has developed the necessary capabilities to expand its presence in Canada's air, maritime, land, space, and cyber domains to protect our sovereignty and keep Canadians safe.","As outlined in Strong, Secure, Engaged; Canada's new defence policy, the Government will invest in new space capabilities and prioritize Arctic Joint Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance in defence research and innovation. The Canadian Armed Forces has expanded Operation LIMPID (which provides domestic surveillance and presence in Canada's air, maritime, land, space, and cyber domains) to include additional domains and all Joint Task Forces. The Department of Defence is investing in surveillance solutions that will support Canada's ability to exercise sovereignty in the North (RADARSAT Constellation Mission and Polar Epsilon 2, Enhanced Satellite Communications and Tactical Narrow Band Satellite Communications) and is conducting a binational study of alternatives for the North Warning System. The Arctic Offshore Patrol vessels will be at initial operating capacity in 2019."
4/30/2018,137,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that the Canadian Armed Forces are a workplace free from harassment and discrimination.,Minister of National Defence,Underway - on track,"The Chief of Defence Staff and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) senior leaders continue to lead the full implementation of recommendations made by the Deschamps report and in Operation HONOUR, the Canadian Armed Forces mission to eliminate harmful and inappropriate sexual behaviour in the military. CAF members have access to a full range of victim and survivor services, and harassment complaints are dealt with in a timely manner.","The new defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—has reaffirmed that the Government of Canada will not tolerate gender-based violence or workplace harassment. The CAF will continue to work on gender, diversity and inclusion initiatives to eliminate harmful behaviours and ensure a work environment free from harassment and discrimination. On January 31, 2018 the Canadian Armed Forces launched the Positive Space initiative to promote a safe and inclusive work environment for all employees regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. More broadly, with the November 2017 signing of an Agreement in Principle (AIP) by the Government of Canada and parties to the Todd Edwards Ross et al v. Her Majesty the Queen class action, a total of $110 million will be available to compensate class members — federal public servants, including members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who were directly impacted by anti-LGBTQ2 (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and two-spirit) policies and practices. The AIP also earmarks $15 million for remembrance to prevent future discrimination and for reconciliation with LGBTQ2 communities."
4/30/2018,139,,Strong Middle Class,Repeal the recent changes made to the Employment Insurance (EI) system that have been punitive to unemployed workers.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Repealed the 2012 changes to Employment Insurance (EI) so that unemployed Canadians have better benefits and more opportunities for good quality jobs.,"In 2016, the Government of Canada reversed EI restrictions related to commute times and work type. Now, workers are no longer forced to accept lower-paying work that is far away from their homes. This change simplifies job search responsibilities, while maintaining the long-standing requirement to search for and accept available work."
4/30/2018,140,,Strong Middle Class,Reduce Employment Insurance (EI) premiums.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,"Employment Insurance (EI) premium rates have been reduced and a new, transparent EI premium rate setting process has been established so that revenues and costs remain in line over the long-term.","The EI premium rate was lowered from $1.88 in 2016 to $1.63 in 2017. The premium rate has been announced and set at $1.66 for 2018, which reflects important new supports for Canadian families and changing economic conditions. For the first time, beginning with the 2017 premium rate, the EI Commission has assumed responsibility for setting the annual EI premium rate."
4/30/2018,141,,Strong Middle Class,Improve the Employment Insurance (EI) system that currently leaves too many unemployed workers with no safety net.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Employment Insurance (EI) remains responsive over the long-term to the needs of workers and employers and reflects the diversity of needs across the country.,"In 2016, the Government reduced the waiting period for EI and made benefits more flexible, easier to access and more generous for workers who need it. For example, the New Entrants and Re-Entrants provision has been eliminated—which set higher eligibility requirements for youth, newcomers and other workers new to the labour market—enabling over 50,000 more Canadians annually to qualify in the event of job loss. In addition, extra weeks of benefits were provided to regions most affected by the commodities downturn and job search responsibilities were simplified. Over the last year, the Government has heard from Parliamentarians, stakeholders and experts as to how to further modernize EI. Through Budget 2018, the Government proposes to introduce a permanent successor strategy to the current EI Working While on Claim pilot that expires in August 2018. In addition, Budget 2018 announced that Working While on Claim provisions will be extended to EI maternity and sickness benefits, so that workers can maintain their connection to the labour force during periods of temporary unemployment. In addition, Budget 2018 proposed to better assist workers in seasonal industries that experience a gap in income support before the start of the next season. The Government will continue to look for ways to better serve Canadians as they deal with important life events. "
4/30/2018,142,,Strong Middle Class,"Eliminate Employment Insurance (EI) discrimination against immigrants, younger workers and parents re-entering the workforce.","Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Canadian workers in the same economic region are now treated equally in the Employment Insurance (EI) system.,"In July 2016, the Government of Canada eliminated rules that limited access to EI for those new to the labour market or re-entering the labour market. Under the previous rules, workers who were entering the workforce or re-entering after being away for two years were required to have 910 hours of insurable employment, regardless of their actual work history prior to unemployment. Now, these workers are treated the same as other Canadians. This will help approximately 50,000 Canadians every year qualify for EI in the event of job loss, particularly immigrants, young workers and parents returning to the workforce."
4/30/2018,143,,Strong Middle Class,Reduce the wait time for new Employment Insurance (EI) recipients from two weeks to one week.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Canadians are able to access Employment Insurance (EI) benefits more quickly.,"On January 1, 2017, the EI waiting period was reduced from two weeks to one week. With this measure, claimants are now eligible to receive benefits starting one week earlier. This helps approximately 1.8 million EI claimants each year pay their bills during a time of unemployment and provides higher benefits at the beginning of the claim period."
4/30/2018,144,,Strong Middle Class,Improve Canadians' access to good quality job training.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,"Canada will have one of the most skilled, talented, creative and diverse workforces in the world, with more opportunities for all Canadians to get the education, skills, and work experience they need to participate fully in the workforce of today, as they—and their children—prepare for the jobs of tomorrow.","The Government is expanding workers' access to skills training and job supports, improving access to opportunities for lifelong learning, and increasing work experience opportunities for young Canadians. The Government is significantly expanding the federal investment that will be provided to provinces and territories over the next six years through the labour market transfer agreements, and negotiating a new set of modern agreements. Negotiations with the provinces and territories (PTs) are currently underway and are expected to conclude later this year.
In Budget 2017, as part of the Government's Innovation and Skills Plan, the Government of Canada announced several measures to help more Canadians get the education, skills and work experience they need to succeed today and prepare for the jobs of tomorrow. In support of this, the Skills Boost initiative will introduce several measures for 2018-19, including: increased eligibility for Canada Student Grants and Loans for part-time students as well as Canada Student Grants for students with dependents; and a three-year pilot project targeted to adult learners that will provide an additional $1,600 in grant support and allow flexibility to base Canada Student Grant eligibility on current year's income. The Skills Boost will also provide greater flexibility for Canadians on Employment Insurance (EI) to get new certificates or training without fear of losing their benefits. "
4/30/2018,145,,Strong Middle Class,Rationalize and expand the intergovernmental agreements that support skills training.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Agreements with provinces and territories that expand and support skills training for Canadians.,"To help more Canadians get the skills they need, the Government of Canada provided funding to temporarily boost existing Labour Market Transfer Agreements in 2016. In 2017, the Government increased federal support for provinces and territories and amended the Employment Insurance Act to broaden eligibility for job training under the Labour Market Development Agreements. Work continues with provinces and territories to develop more effective training programs and share best practices. In addition, in Budget 2018 the Government announced that it will launch Future Skills this spring. Future Skills will bring together expertise from all sectors and leverage experience from partners across the country. It will also include an independent Council to advise on emerging skills and workforce trends, and a research lab focused on developing, testing and rigorously measuring new approaches to skills assessment and development.
On April 9, 2018, federal, provincial and territorial Ministers responsible for housing (except Québec) endorsed a multilateral Housing Partnership Framework setting the foundation for federal, provincial and territorial governments to work together toward achieving a long-term shared vision for housing. As part of the Partnership, Ministers responsible for housing agreed that governments will achieve better housing outcomes by sharing data and information that will make program development and delivery more effective, collaborating with diverse stakeholders and aligning housing policies and planning with other sectors to create effective housing solutions and vibrant communities. "
4/30/2018,146,,Strong Middle Class,Develop a framework to fund training facilities delivered in partnership with labour unions.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Establish a program to support union-based training centres that provide Canadians with the skills that are needed by employers.,"The Government of Canada has consulted with labour, industry and other stakeholders. The new Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) was launched in July 2017 with a call for proposals. Projects are starting to roll out and most are aimed specifically at increasing the participation and success of women in the trades and/or Indigenous Peoples."
4/30/2018,148,,Strong Middle Class,"Change the Repayment Assistance Plan so that graduates are required to repay only once they earn at least $25,000 per year.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,"Recent graduates earning less than $25,000 are able to delay repayment of their Canada Student Loans until they are more financially secure.","Effective November 2016, thresholds for the Repayment Assistance Plan have been increased so that no borrower will have to repay their Canada Student Loan until they are earning at least $25,000 per year. An estimated 23,000 additional Canadians will be able to delay payment and many more will have lower payments until they can afford to pay back their debts."
4/30/2018,149,,Strong Middle Class,Increase take up rates of Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) and Canada Learning Bonds by making registration easier.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Increased number of low and middle income families using Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) and receiving Canada Learning Bonds so that more Canadians get access to post-secondary education.,"In 2016, 126,979 children received the Canada Learning Bond (CLB) for the first time, bringing the total number of children in receipt of the CLB to over 1 million. In addition, 293,000 children received the Canada Education Savings Grants (CESG) for the first time, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to over 3.59 million.
The Government of Canada is exploring new and innovative approaches to increase awareness and take-up of the CLB.
Of note, a Call for Concepts was launched in November 2017. Proposals are being considered for funding under three themes:
• Support for Indigenous Peoples;
• Facilitated Access; and
• Research and Innovation.
Funding to successful projects will begin in 2018-19. The findings from these projects will help inform additional efforts that the Government will undertake to increase take-up of the CLB and RESP by low and middle income families.
In addition, the Canada Education Savings Act was amended to allow the cohabitating spouse or common-law partner of the primary caregiver to request the CLB and/or the additional amount of the CESG on behalf of an eligible child.
Also, Budget 2018 announced that the Government of Canada is collaborating with the Province of Ontario to integrate an “Education Savings Referral” into Service Ontario’s online Birth Registration Service. As early as March 2018, parents of newborns will be able to request to be contacted by a participating RESP promoter to learn more about and initiate the process to open an RESP, and request the education savings incentives for an eligible child. "
4/30/2018,150,,Strong Middle Class,"Collaborate with provinces and territories on the Canada Student Loans Program, and compensate provinces and territories that do not participate in it.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,"Changes to the Canada Student Loans Program increase participation of low and middle income students, with accommodations for any province or territory that does not wish to participate.",Canada Student Loans Program (CSLP) funding is delivered in partnership with participating provinces and territories with costs being covered by the federal government. CSLP is working closely with provinces and territories to implement changes to the program announced in Budgets 2016 and 2017. The Government of Canada is committed to respecting existing arrangements for compensation with the provinces or territories that do not participate.
4/30/2018,151,,Indigenous peoples,Increase annual support to the Post-Secondary Student Support Program.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Indigenous Services",Underway - on track,"Indigenous students have greater access to financial support, boosting their post-secondary education participation and completion rates.","The Government of Canada has enhanced support for the Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP) for 2017-18 and 2018-19, which will help meet the financial needs of an additional 4,600 Indigenous students attending post-secondary education. This funding is an interim step while the Government undertakes a review of federal support for Indigenous students pursuing a post-secondary education credential, in order to develop student-centered solutions to improve access and attainment. The Government of Canada is working with Indigenous partners and stakeholders to inform the review and the future approach.
Changes have been made to the PSSSP and University and College Entrance Preparation Program reflecting early engagement with the Assembly of First Nations and consistent with Budget 2016 and Budget 2017 commitments. These changes improve program flexibility by:
•Increasing maximum amounts payable to individual students, to better respond to rising tuition costs;
•Expanding eligible expenditures to include transcript and application fees;
• Allowing students more time to complete their programs of study, by removing or adjusting limitations on duration of financial assistance; and
• Providing greater flexibility for students who wish to pursue more than one certificate or degree program.
To support Indigenous students in having greater access to financial support to boost their post-secondary education participation and completion rates, additional efforts have been undertaken. Starting in the 2017-18 academic year, Indigenous students are more likely to be eligible for support under the Canada Student Loans Program (CSLP) since funds they receive through PSSSP are no longer considered assets during their assessment. Learners who self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, including status and non-status Indians, Métis, or Inuit) are exempt from making a fixed student contribution. This exemption means that Indigenous students will be eligible for more grant and loan funding and will have access to the full suite of CSLP supports to help with the costs of PSE. Finally, Budget 2017 proposed amendments to the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act, so that students who are registered under the Indian Act but do not have Canadian citizenship can access the CSLP. "
4/30/2018,152,,Strong Middle Class,"Increase the number of good quality, permanent jobs for younger workers.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",On-going commitment,"Reduced youth unemployment, greater opportunities for work experience, and improved access to job supports for youth.","The Government recognizes the importance of good quality jobs for younger workers. In Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government made significant incremental investments in the Youth Employment Strategy (YES). Thanks to these investments, the Government will help more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop skills to find work or go back to school, create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians, and over 1,600 new youth job opportunities in the heritage sector. For instance, the number of jobs supported under Canada Summer Jobs increased from approximately 34,500 in 2015 to approximately 68,900 in 2017. Changes have also been made to Employment Insurance (EI) to remove the discriminatory New Entrants and Re-Entrants requirement, ensuring that young workers are treated fairly when they need to access job support through EI.
In Budget 2018, the Government proposes to provide an additional $448.5 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, to the YES. This funding will support the continued doubling of the number of job placements funded under the Canada Summer Jobs program in 2019-20 and provide additional resources for a modernized YES in the following years.
The Government is creating more opportunities for co-op and work integrated learning for students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and business programs through a new Student Work Placement (SWP) initiative. The SWP will create up to 10,000 new work placements for STEM and business students by 2021 in key sectors. To support Canada's National Cyber Security Strategy, Budget 2018 proposed additional funding of $8.3M for the Student Work Placement initiative to support the creation of up to 1,000 new student work placements specifically in the cyber security sector. In the context of the G7, Minister Hajdu also recently announced additional investments of $3M over three years, to support the creation of up to 500 new student work placements in the artificial intelligence field, including targeted support for students in underrepresented groups, including women in STEM.
The Expert Panel on Youth Employment delivered a report in June 2017 outlining ways the Government of Canada can improve labour market outcomes for youth. These recommendations are currently being reviewed to determine possible areas for future action. A renewed YES will be announced over the course of the next year.
"
4/30/2018,153,,Strong Middle Class,Increase our investment in the Youth Employment Strategy and improve the strategy's impact.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Increased investment in the Youth Employment Strategy helps more youth succeed in the labour market.,"The Government recognizes the importance of good quality jobs for younger workers. Thanks to incremental investments made in the Youth Employment Strategy (YES) in Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government will help more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop skills to find work or go back to school, create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians, and over 1,600 new youth job opportunities in the heritage sector. In Budget 2018, the Government proposes to provide an additional $448.5 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, to the YES. This funding will support the continued doubling of the number of job placements funded under the Canada Summer Jobs program in 2019-20 and provide additional resources for a modernized YES in the following years.
The Government is creating more opportunities for co-op and work integrated learning for students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and business programs through a new Student Work Placement SWP) initiative. The SWP will create up to 10,000 new work placements for STEM and business students by 2021 in key sectors. To support Canada's National Cyber Security Strategy, Budget 2018 proposed additional funding of $8.3M for the Student Work Placement initiative to support the creation of up to 1,000 new student work placements specifically in the cyber security sector. In the context of the G7, Minister Hajdu also recently announced additional investments of $3M over three years, to support the creation of up to 500 new student work placements in the artificial intelligence field, including targeted support for students in underrepresented groups, including women in STEM.
The Expert Panel on Youth Employment was created to assess the barriers faced by vulnerable youth in finding and keeping jobs, and to examine innovative practices used by governments, nongovernmental organizations and employers both at home and abroad to improve job opportunities for vulnerable youth. The Government is reviewing the Panel's 2017 report, outlining ways the Government of Canada can improve labour market outcomes for youth. These recommendations are currently being reviewed to determine possible areas for future action. A renewed YES will be announced over the course of the next year."
4/30/2018,154,,Strong Middle Class,Develop or expand Pre-Apprenticeship Training Programs.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - with challenges,Increased pre-apprenticeship training and improved literacy and essential skills among incoming apprentices.,"Consultations with provincial and territorial officials and stakeholders, including post-secondary institutions, were completed in Fall 2016. Additional targeted consultations are taking place to discuss how best to meet this commitment. Working in partnership with provinces, territories, post-secondary institutions, training providers, unions and employers, the Pre-Apprenticeship Program will help Canadians explore the trades, gain work experience, make informed career choices and develop the skills needed to find and keep good, well-paying jobs in the trades. Through Budget 2018, the Government proposes to provide $46 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, and $10 million per year thereafter, for the Pre-Apprenticeship Program. Progress has taken longer than expected but the Government believes the commitment can still be delivered before the end of the mandate."
4/30/2018,155,,Strong Middle Class,Respond to the recommendations of the Expert Panel on Youth Employment.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,The recommendations of the Expert Panel on Youth Employment will help inform future decisions on how best to help young Canadians succeed in the labour market.,"The Government created an Expert Panel on Youth Employment to examine the key barriers faced by youth in obtaining employment, and the main challenges faced by employers in hiring youth. The Panel delivered its final report in June 2017, which included recommendations on how to best help young Canadians succeed in the labour market. The Panel's report will inform ongoing work on the renewal of the Youth Employment Strategy. Through Budget 2017, the Government is investing an additional $395.5 million over three years, starting in 2017–18, for the Youth Employment Strategy. Combined with Budget 2016 measures, these investments will help more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop the skills they need to find work or go back to school; create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians; and provide over 1,600 new employment opportunities for youth in the heritage sector. Through Budget 2018, the Government proposes to provide an additional $448.5 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, to the Youth Employment Strategy. This funding will support the continued doubling of the number of job placements funded under the Canada Summer Jobs program in 2019-20 and provide additional resources for a modernized Youth Employment Strategy in the following years, building on the input of the Expert Panel on Youth Employment. A renewed Youth Employment Strategy will be announced over the course of the next year."
4/30/2018,156,,Strong Middle Class,Implement a modern Fair Wages Policy.,"Minister of Public Services and Procurement;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Businesses receiving federal government contracts adopt policy setting out fair wage practices to create good-paying middle class jobs.,The government has completed its policy research and analysis on fair wages policies. The Government is now considering options for a modernized fair wages policy to be in place within the current mandate.
4/30/2018,157,,Strong Middle Class,Amend the Canada Labour Code to allow workers to formally request flexible work arrangements.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,Federally regulated workers are now able to request flexible work arrangements.,"Budget 2017 aims to give federally regulated workers the right to request flexible work arrangements from their employer, such as flexible start and finish times and the ability to work from home. Changes will also provide federally regulated workers with new unpaid leave for family responsibilities, to participate in traditional Indigenous practices, and to seek care if they are victims of family violence. Changes will also make bereavement leave more flexible. Legislation to implement these changes was tabled in Parliament on October 27, 2017, as part of the Budget Implementation Act, 2017, No. 2, and received Royal Assent on December 14, 2017."
4/30/2018,158,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Determine an appropriate apprenticeship target for federal infrastructure projects.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - with challenges,An appropriate apprenticeship target for federal infrastructure projects that leads to greater apprenticeship opportunities for Canadians.,"Progress continues to be made on this priority, but has taken longer than anticipated. The Government remains committed to leveraging federal projects as opportunities for training and skill development and is engaging a range of stakeholders, including provinces, territories, employers and unions on how best to support apprentices through these public investments. This commitment has taken longer to implement than anticipated."
4/30/2018,159,,Jobs and Innovation,"Create more co-op placements for students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and business programs.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Science",Underway - on track,"More co-op and work-integrated learning placements for students enrolled in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and business programs, to help students gain the necessary experience for the jobs of today and tomorrow.","The Government is creating more opportunities for co-op and work integrated learning for students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and business programs through multiple initiatives. The $73 million Student Work Placement initiative will create up to 10,000 placements by 2021. Expanded federal support of $221 million for Mitacs, a not-for-profit organization that builds partnerships between industry and educational institutions, will fund over 44,000 placements by 2021-22.
To support Canada's National Cyber Security Strategy, Budget 2018 included $8.3 million in additional funding for the Student Work Placement initiative to support the creation of up to 1,000 student work placements in the cyber security sector. In the context of the G7, the Government also recently announced an additional investments of $3 million over three years to support the creation of up to 500 new student work placements in the artificial intelligence field, including targeted support for students in underrepresented groups, including women in STEM. Together, these initiatives will create close to 60,000 placements over five years. In addition, the Government is investing in the PromoScience program, which will support STEM learning activities for youth."
4/30/2018,160,,Exports and Investment,Maintain constructive relations and deepen trade and commerce with the United States.,Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of International Trade,On-going commitment,"Strong economic growth and well-paying, middle-class jobs on both sides of the border.","The Government, in coordination with provinces and territories, continues to work with the United States (U.S.) administration, the U.S. Congress and officials at the state and local levels to grow Canada's economy, create well-paying middle class jobs, and address global challenges. The Prime Minister, Cabinet ministers, parliamentary secretaries, premiers and provincial and territorial ministers, Parliamentary committees and other Parliamentarians have cumulatively undertaken over 265 visits to the U.S. and engagements in Canada and abroad with senior U.S. officials since 2015. In February 2017, Canada and the U.S. announced the creation of the Canada-United States Council for Advancement of Women Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders to promote the growth of women-owned enterprises and to further contribute to our overall economic growth and competitiveness. The Government is actively engaged in the modernization of the North American Free Trade Agreement to reflect new realities and to integrate progressive and fair approaches to trade and investment. Canada continues to advocate against protectionist policies to maintain an open market. In cases where the U.S. has imposed unfair duties, Canada is forcefully challenging such duties under international disputes settlement processes (e.g. softwood lumber, paper products). The Government also regularly engages with the U.S. on areas for collaboration to respond to increasingly complex global security issues."
4/30/2018,161,,Exports and Investment,"Ensure border security and facilitate the movement of people, goods and services.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,"The Canada-United States border is secure and facilitates the safe and efficient movement of people, goods and services.","In February 2017, the Prime Minister visited Washington, D.C., where both countries confirmed their commitment to working together on border security and efficiency. This joint effort includes preclearance and integrated cross-border law enforcement operations, full implementation of the Entry/Exit initiative, increased regulatory cooperation, and the expeditious construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge. In addition, both countries committed to establishing preclearance operations for cargo, accelerating the completion of preclearance for additional cities, and continuing to expand this program under the Land, Rail, Marine and Air Preclearance Agreement, once it is ratified. In December 2016, the United States preclearance legislation became law, a step forward for the new agreement with Canada. Canada's preclearance implementing legislation received Royal Assent in December 2017. The Entry/Exit implementing legislation has passed Second Reading in the House of Commons. The Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security presented its report on this legislation to the House of Commons on October 30, 2017. These legislations are crucial to ensure security and facilitate movement at the border. "
4/30/2018,162,,Canada in the World,Prepare for the North American Leaders Summit in Canada.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Completed - fully met,"Canada hosted the North American Leaders’ Summit on June 29, 2016.","The leaders from the three countries discussed key priorities of creating jobs, strengthening communities and building a clean growth economy for North America. The leaders also took important steps to create a more integrated, sustainable and globally competitive North American economy."
4/30/2018,163,,Canada in the World,"Ensure a close link between foreign, defence, development and trade policy.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canadian interests and values are effectively pursued through an integrated and comprehensive international approach.,"The Ministers of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, International Development, and National Defence have been working closely together on the Defence Policy, the Feminist International Assistance Policy, the Sustainable Development Goals, Canada's multinational North Atlantic Treaty Organization battlegroup in Latvia. The Government has put in place a whole-of-government approach to address the crisis in Iraq and Syria. In addition, the government has established the Peace and Stabilization Operations Program to provide a whole-of-government platform for preventing, mitigating and resolving violent conflict, crises and natural disasters abroad."
4/30/2018,164,,Canada in the World,Expand Canadian diplomacy and leadership on global issues and in international institutions.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canadian diplomatic activities advance Canadian interests and values abroad.,"Canada is active in multilateral fora and international institutions to pursue Canadian foreign policy interests and values. Canadian-led initiatives—such as supporting humanitarian access and monitoring in Syria, addressing the violation of human rights in Iran, supporting women's political participation and leadership, combatting violence against women and girls, supporting compliance with international law, and promoting diversity and inclusion—secured widespread support in UN fora. Canada is active in coordinating hemispheric response to the crisis in Venezuela and hosted the third Ministerial meeting of the Lima Group in Toronto on October 26, 2017. Canada has successfully advocated for new language about the online dimension of violence against women and girls, including female human rights defenders at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the UN. Canada played a leading role in the creation of a group of experts to monitor the human rights situation in Yemen and report back to the Human Rights Council. Canada also demonstrated its multilateral leadership by hosting the UN Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial in Vancouver in November 2017, which resulted in a significant number of new pledges to support the UN by participating countries and advanced the global peacekeeping reform agenda. The Government played a major role in the NATO Warsaw Summit by becoming the Framework Nation for the enhanced Forward Presence in Latvia. In addition, Canada is increasingly working with new and existing partners including civil society and business to increase the effectiveness of our global initiatives. Canadian diplomatic network abroad continues to amplify Canada's role on the world stage and bolster Canadian reputation through proactive communication, stakeholder outreach and social media. This year, Canada is using its G7 presidency to work with its like-minded partners to advance a common agenda based on respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms, democracy and the rule of law, including via concrete shared commitments related to the implementation of international humanitarian law and the advancement of the women, peace and security (WPS) agenda."
4/30/2018,166,,Environment and Climate Change,Make Canada a leader of international efforts to combat climate change.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,On-going commitment,Canada meaningfully advances international solutions to climate change.,"Canada is leading efforts under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to implement a platform for the engagement of Indigenous peoples and to advance gender-responsive policy development and women's participation. Canada is also delivering on its five-year, $2.65 billion commitment to help developing countries achieve sustained emissions reductions and build resilience against the adverse effects of climate change. This includes providing support to Caribbean countries for disaster reconstruction and resilience and, under the Canadian G7 presidency, pursuing a focus on climate change and adaptation.
In addition to advocating for the effective implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement, Canada is engaged in key initiatives aimed at enhancing global ambition on climate change and clean growth, such as Mission Innovation, the World Bank’s Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition, the Global Methane Initiative, and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition. Canada and the United States also issued a joint statement in February 2017 confirming both countries' commitment to collaborate on energy innovation. In September 2017, Canada co-hosted a Ministerial Meeting on Climate Action with China and the European Union to advance the global climate dialogue and will continue to play a leadership role in this new forum in 2018. In November 2017, Canada hosted the 29th Montreal Protocol Conference, where Parties agreed to adopt the Kigali Amendment to reduce hydrofluorocarbons, a powerful greenhouse gas. Canada's early ratification of the Amendment on November 3, 2017 helped it reach the number of ratifications required to come into force. In addition, Canada and the United Kingdom jointly announced the creation of the Powering Past Coal Alliance, which aims to accelerate the global phase-out of unabated coal-fired electricity. Canada was also an active participant in the Bonn Climate Conference in November hosted by Fiji and the One Planet Summit hosted by France in December. In December 2017, Canada and China released a Joint Leaders' Statement on Climate Change and Clean Growth and held the first Ministerial Dialogue on the Environment in Bejing. Canada continues to highlight the serious impacts of climate change on the North through its participation in the Arctic Council.
In order to meet these commitments and drive action here at home, the Government is implementing the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change that was developed with the provinces and territories. This plan includes pricing carbon pollution and measures to reduce emissions across all sectors, as well as investments to drive innovation and ensure Canadian businesses are competitive in the global low-carbon economy."
4/30/2018,167,,Canada in the World,Accede to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canada implements the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).,"Legislation to accede to the ATT and further strengthen Canada’s export control regime, including by providing greater transparency and accountability in public reporting, is being considered in Parliament."
4/30/2018,168,,Strong Middle Class,Increase the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) by 10%.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,"Nearly 900,000 low income, single seniors have greater financial security.","Starting in July 2016, the Government of Canada increased the Guaranteed Income Supplement by up to $947 per year for the most vulnerable single seniors. Over the past year, this has improved financial security for nearly 900,000 seniors—approximately 70% of whom are women—and lifted an estimated 13,000 people out of poverty."
4/30/2018,169,,Strong Middle Class,Develop and implement a Poverty Reduction Strategy.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Fewer Canadians living in poverty.,"The Government of Canada is committed to developing a Poverty Reduction Strategy. It is anticipated that the Strategy will set targets to reduce poverty, align with existing provincial/territorial and municipal strategies, and include a plan to measure and publicly report on progress.
Meanwhile, several measures to reduce poverty across Canada have already been implemented. Since its inception in 2016, the new, tax-free, income-tested Canada Child Benefit (CCB) has helped to lift hundreds of thousands of Canadian children out of poverty. An increase to the Guaranteed Income Supplement is improving the financial security for nearly 900,000 low-income seniors, of whom 70% are women, and lifting an estimated 13,000 vulnerable seniors out of poverty. Through the Government's significant investments in affordable housing and the Homelessness Partnering Strategy, it is anticipated that the number of chronically homeless Canadians can be reduced by as much as 50%.
Building on these, Budget 2018 proposes the Canada Workers Benefit, a more generous and more accesible benefit for low-income workers that will replace the Working Income Tax Benefit, starting in 2019. An unattached worker could receive up to $1,355 from the CWB in 2019, while a single parent or a worker in a couple could receive up to $2,335, depending on their incomes. Budget 2018 also proposes changes that will make the new benefit easier to access by allowing the Canada Revenue Agency to automatically calculate the CWB for anyone who has not claimed it themselves.
In developing the Poverty Reduction Strategy, the Government has conducted a nation-wide consultation process with community organizations, experts and those with lived experience of poverty. this included the Tackling Poverty Together Project, which examined poverty with case studies in six cities across Canada and a final report has been published. An advisory committee on poverty has been created to help identify the best ideas from the consultations and provide independent advice to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. A major milestone in the consultation process was the two day National Poverty Conference in September 2017. The Academic Conference, which was on the first day, included academics from across Canada who did a deep dive into poverty measurement and indicators. The second day of the conference was with stakeholders and brought together many of the Canadians who participated in the consultation process to confirm what was heard. The What We Heard About Poverty So Far Report was published in February 20, 2018. In addition, further community-level discussions with First Nations, Métis and Inuit people took place to help ensure their priorities are reflected. Of note, ESDC provided funding to five National Indigenous Organizations to undertake engagement with their members, and share their findings with the Government."
4/30/2018,170,,Strong Middle Class,Create a housing strategy.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Infrastructure and Communities",Underway - on track,Hundreds of thousands more Canadians have access to affordable housing.,"On November 22, 2017 the Government announced a 10-year, $40 billion National Housing Strategy that will help reduce homelessness and improve the availability and quality of housing for Canadians in need. This Strategy is part of a long-term vision to strengthen the middle class and provide affordable housing to Canadians, and lift more Canadians out of poverty. The strategy sets clear goals to remove 530,000 Canadians from housing need and reduce chronic homelessness. The Strategy – funded through new and existing programs – follows a human rights-based approach, and includes a National Housing Co-Investment Fund, community housing initiatives, and the Canada Housing Benefit.
On April 9, federal, provincial and territorial Ministers responsible for housing met to endorse a multilateral Housing Partnership Framework (except Québec), setting the foundation for federal, provincial and territorial governments to work together toward achieving a long-term shared vision for housing. As part of the Partnership, Ministers responsible for housing agreed that governments will achieve better housing outcomes by sharing data and information that will make program development and delivery more effective, collaborating with diverse stakeholders and aligning housing policies and planning with other sectors to create effective housing solutions and vibrant communities. Provinces and territories will be invited to participate in federal programs designed to increase affordable housing supply, such as the National Housing Co-Investment Fund, by supporting decision-making and co-investing."
4/30/2018,171,,Strong Middle Class,Implement the middle class tax cut.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,The Government reduced the 22 percent federal personal income tax rate to 20.5 per cent to benefit millions of middle class Canadians.,"The middle class tax cut was announced on December 7, 2015, and came into effect as of January 1, 2016. Nearly nine million Canadians benefit from this tax cut. Single Canadians who benefit are saving an average of $330 each year and couples who benefit are saving an average of $540 each year."
4/30/2018,172,,Strong Middle Class,Cut taxes for small businesses.,Minister of Small Business and Tourism,Underway - on track,Lower tax rates for small businesses.,"The Government is working to build a fairer and more efficient tax system that benefits all Canadians. As one of its first actions, the Government raised taxes on the wealthiest one per cent in order to cut taxes for the middle class. As announced in October 2017, the Government intends to reduce taxes for small businesses so they can invest in new equipment, grow and create jobs. The Government intends to lower the small business tax rate to 10%, effective January 1, 2018, and to 9%, effective January 1, 2019. This will help small businesses keep up to $7,500 of their hard earned money which they can use to grow and reinvest."
4/30/2018,173,,Strong Middle Class,"Cancel income splitting, while retaining income splitting of pensions for seniors.",Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"Cancelled income splitting for couples with children under 18, allowing for an increase in child benefits.","As the Canada Child Benefit was introduced, Budget 2016 eliminated income splitting for couples with children under 18. Pension income splitting was not affected by this change."
4/30/2018,174,,Strong Middle Class,Enhance the Canada Pension Plan to provide more income security to retired Canadians.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"When fully mature, maximum Canada Pension Plan (CPP) benefits will increase by as much as 50 per cent, helping more Canadians achieve their goal of a strong, stable and secure retirement.","Canada’s Ministers of Finance reached a historic agreement on June 20, 2016, to enhance the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). In March 2017, all necessary legislative requirements were met by Canada's nine CPP participating provinces to implement the agreed-upon enhancements. Canada's Finance Ministers also agreed to further improvements in December 2017 to increase benefits for parents of young children and persons with disabilities. These CPP enhancements, which will begin in January 2019, will help provide a secure and stable retirement for more Canadians."
4/30/2018,175,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Create the Canada Infrastructure Bank.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"The Infrastructure Bank was created to produce large, transformative infrastructure projects that create good, well-paying middle-class jobs and support economic growth and prosperity for years to come.","In June 2017, the Government passed legislation to create the Canada Infrastructure Bank, a Crown corporation at arm’s-length from government that leverages the expertise and capital of the private sector. The Bank will support the transformational infrastructure that Canadian communities need now. It will make strategic investments with a focus on projects like green infrastructure, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and public transit, so Canadians can spend less time in traffic and more time with family and friends. The Bank is now operational, with its headquarters in Toronto. A Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer has been appointed, effective June 1, 2018. Following an open, transparent, and merit-based selection process supported by the board of directors for the Canada Infrastructure Bank and an executive search firm, the search for a Chief Executive Officer has concluded. On May 24, it was announced that Pierre Lavallée will be appointed as the President and CEO of the Infrastructure Bank, effective June 18, 2018."
4/30/2018,177,,Environment and Climate Change,Develop proposals to limit Exploration Expenses tax deduction to unsuccessful projects.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,Successful exploration expenses incurred to develop discovery wells no longer benefit from favorable tax treatment.,"Budget 2017 announced changes that will ensure the costs of drilling discovery wells are deducted gradually over time as development expenses, rather than deducted immediately as exploration expenses. With these changes, Canadian exploration expense treatment will effectively be limited to unsuccessful exploration or cases where the linkage to success cannot reasonably be determined in the year the activity takes place."
4/30/2018,178,,Strong Middle Class,Restore the tax credit for labour-sponsored funds.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"Canadian companies have greater access to venture capital, with the support of labour unions.","To help Canadian companies grow, the Government of Canada restored the Labour-Sponsored Venture Capital Corporations (LSVCC) Tax Credit to 15% for share purchases of provincially-registered LSVCCs for 2016 and subsequent tax years."
4/30/2018,179,,Strong Middle Class,Introduce a tax benefit to help teachers and early childhood educators with the cost of school supplies.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,Teachers and Early Childhood Educators are able to buy necessary supplies to help kids learn.,"The Government of Canada introduced a new, refundable Teacher and Early Childhood Educator School Supply Tax Credit for the 2016 and subsequent tax years, which will provide a benefit to teachers and early education educators to help cover the cost of school supplies."
4/30/2018,180,,Strong Middle Class,Enhance the Northern Residents Deduction to help with the high cost of living.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"Increased the Northern Residents Deduction to help approximately 225,000 Canadians with the high cost of living in northern and isolated communities.","Effective January 1, 2016, the Government of Canada increased the maximum daily residency deduction from $16.50 to $22 for residents in the Northern Zone and from $8.25 to $11 per day for residents in the Intermediate Zone. This measure is anticipated to put about $260 million back in the pockets of Canadians in northern and isolated communities over the 2015-16 to 2020-21 period and help these Canadians get the support they need."
4/30/2018,181,,Strong Middle Class,Repeal the Federal Balanced Budget Act.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,The Act has been repealed.,"Parliament repealed this Act, effective June 22, 2016."
4/30/2018,182,,Exports and Investment,Ratify and implement the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is now implemented, creating jobs for Canadians across the country, giving consumers more choice, and increasing Canadian businesses' access to new customers.","Provisional application of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) took effect in September 2017 and all economically significant parts are now in force, e.g. tariff elimination on 98 per cent of European Union (EU) tariff lines for Canadian goods, increased quotas, services commitments, temporary entry commitments, and government procurement obligations. The Government has announced programs to help dairy farmers and processors adjust to increased EU cheese access under CETA. The Government is also working with the Atlantic provinces to support Canada's seafood sector in capitalizing on new opportunities in the European market. With CETA's provisional entry into force, Canadian exporters now enjoy improved access to more than 40 countries with nearly 1.2 billion of the world’s wealthiest consumers. The Parliamentary Budget Officer has estimated that CETA implementation could raise Canada's potential real gross domestic product by 0.4 percentage points. For the Agreement to come fully into force, all 28 EU Member States must ratify CETA in their national parliaments. To date, eight Member States have ratified the Agreement. "
4/30/2018,183,,Exports and Investment,Modernize agreements with Israel and Chile.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,Canada has modernized free trade agreements in force with Israel and Chile.,"Canada is working closely with Israel to further modernize the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement. In June 2017 Canada and Chile signed Amending Agreements to modernize the Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement. The modernized Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement will include a chapter dedicated to trade and gender—a first for Canada or any G20 nation. The updated agreement will also provide better mechanisms to address technical barriers to trade; add new progressive elements to the existing investment chapter, and amend the existing government procurement chapter. The Government notified Chile of ratification by Parliament on December 12, 2017"
4/30/2018,184,,Exports and Investment,Establish the Invest in Canada Agency.,Minister of International Trade,Completed - fully met,"Canada is positioned to attract more global investment, creating well-paying, middle-class jobs by making it simpler and faster for businesses to invest in Canada.","Parliament passed legislation in the spring of 2017 to establish the Invest in Canada Agency, which will help bring together all levels of government to provide seamless service to help global investors navigate Canada’s investment landscape. Increased foreign investment in Canada connects Canadian industries to global value chains and facilitates the transfer of knowledge and technology, increasing competitiveness, stimulating innovation, and promoting the prosperity of Canadians. As part of this initiative, the Government is also increasing the number of investment-focused trade commissioners across key global markets. Invest in Canada Hub was officially launched on March 12, 2018 and will become increasingly operational over the coming months. The Chair of the Board of Directors and CEO have been appointed. The Trade Commissioner Service has hired 15 new investment-focused trade commissioners and will add another five in each of the next two years."
4/30/2018,186,,Exports and Investment,Promote trade and investment with emerging markets including China and India.,Minister of International Trade,On-going commitment,"Two-way trade and investment with China, India and other emerging economies is increased, creating good, middle class jobs, expanding opportunities for Canadian exports, and increasing access to goods for Canadian consumers.","The Government continues to engage China on a possible free trade agreement while working to implement the trade and investment commitments that were made by Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier Li of China in 2016 and 2017. The Government is engaged in exploratory discussions for a possible Free Trade Agreement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The Government is also working with India to intensify negotiations on a Canada-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA). Canada will continue to work to resolve regulatory and tariff issues with India to ensure Canadian pulse exports (e.g., peas, chickpeas, beans and lentils) continue to enter India unimpeded. Since October 2015, six FIPAs with emerging markets in Sub-Saharan Africa have also come into force. In addition, the Canada-Hong Kong FIPA came into force in September 2016, and the Canada-Mongolia FIPA came into force in February 2017. Preliminary discussions are in the works regarding additional possible measures to enhance Canada-Hong Kong commercial relationship. On March 8, 2018, the Government signed the Comprehensive and Progress Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, and is actively promoting these new market opportunities for Canadian businesses. Canada is also undertaking negotiations for a free trade agreement between Canada and the Pacific Alliance. To support Canadian firms and increase exports to new markets, the Government is implementing provisions from Budget 2018 that provide up to $75 million to build a stronger diplomatic presence and Trade Commissioner Service salesforce in China and Asia, as well as other initiatives to open market opportunities in the region."
4/30/2018,187,,Exports and Investment,Improve support to companies looking to export and help communities looking to attract investments.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"Double the number of high-growth firms in Canada by 2025; increase Canada's goods and services exports—from natural resources, advanced manufacturing, agri-food and others—by 30 per cent by 2025; increase global investment in Canada; and create more well-paying, middle-class jobs for Canadians.","The Government is encouraging global investment and promoting our economic brand through the creation of the Invest in Canada Agency. The Government has successfully completed the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. Provisional application of the trade agreement took effect in September 2017, and will give consumers more choice, boost Canadian businesses' access to new customers, create good, middle-class jobs and help grow the economy. The Government also recently signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Launched in 2016, CanExport, which provides direct financial assistance to Canadian small- and medium-sized enterprises seeking to develop new export opportunities, has approved 895 projects in 78 markets. In 2018, the Invest Canada-Community Initiatives (ICCI) program, which provides support to communities to improve their capacity to attract, retain and expand foreign direct investment, allocated $3.5 million to 240 projects from 88 communities to attract job-creating investment. Budget 2017 announced $950 million to superclusters in highly innovative industries, created the Strategic Innovation Fund to boost investment in Canadian innovations, and created six Economic Strategy Tables to boost growth and exports from advanced manufacturing; agri-food; clean technology; digital industries; health and bio-sciences; and clean resources sectors. To support Canadian firms and increase exports to new markets, Budget 2018 provides up to $75 million to build a stronger diplomatic presence and Trade Commissioner Service salesforce in China and Asia, as well as other initiatives to open market opportunities in the region."
4/30/2018,188,,Exports and Investment,Reduce administrative burden for investors and companies associated with international trade.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"Canadian businesses export and trade with international partners more easily and with less of an administrative burden, and international investors benefit from faster, clearer and more efficient engagement with government programs.","The Invest in Canada Agency, launched on March 12, 2018, will increase cooperation between provinces, territories and municipalities to bolster trade promotion by providing companies with a one-stop-shop for investment in Canada thereby reducing complexity and administrative burden for investors. The new Global Skills Strategy, launched in June 2017, will make it easier for companies that are making large investments in Canada to bring in highly skilled global talent, while supporting well-paying, middle-class jobs for Canadians. Canadian companies will have access to an expedited review process lasting no more than a combined 20 business days from end to end, including reviews conducted by Employment and Social Development Canada and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Canada has worked closely with the United States (US), as part of the Canada-US Regulatory Cooperation Council, to facilitate greater alignment of regulatory systems where appropriate. Furthermore, to help Canadian firms unlock growth opportunities through exports, the Trade Commissioner Service will undergo transformative enhancements in the coming year to simplify the client experience, modernize tools and offer innovative services."
4/30/2018,189,,Indigenous peoples,"Improve essential infrastructure for Indigenous communities, including improving housing.",Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - with challenges,"Infrastructure on reserves is improved, schools on reserve are newer and in better condition; language and cultural knowledge is strengthened; more First Nations children graduate from high school and go on to post-secondary education; elimination of long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve by 2021; enhanced access to affordable housing for First Nations on-reserve, and to Inuit and Métis not on reserve.","In Budget 2016, the Government of Canada made an investment of $4.6 billion over five years to support infrastructure development in communities to improve the quality of life of the people who live in them. Budget 2017 built on this momentum, with new, additional investments of $4 billion over ten years to build and improve housing, and other community infrastructure. As of December 31, 2017, and since the Budget 2016 announcement, more than $2 billion of targeted funds has been allocated towards 2,899 on-reserve community infrastructure projects across all asset classes, 966 of which are completed. The Government is also improving primary and secondary education on reserve by building and renovating school facilities thereby supporting the enhancement of the quality of language and cultural programs; expansion of innovative pilot programs that have been proven to substantially increase literacy and numeracy rates among First Nations children; and empowering communities to establish First Nations' planned and led education systems. More than $300 million was invested in 2016/17 and 2017/18 to build/upgrade First Nation schools. This includes 74 new schools and 85 renovated/upgraded schools. As of December 31, 2017, 11 of the 74 new schools have been constructed, and renovations/upgrades on 10 of the 85 schools have been completed. In Budget 2016, the Government announced significant new funding to end long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve by 2021. As of December 31, 2017, and since the Budget 2016 announcement, more than $750 million was invested to support 420 projects to strengthen on-reserve water infrastructure. On January 23, 2018 an expansion of the number of drinking water systems on public systems on reserve that will be supported by the Government was announced. Taking this expansion into account, as of May 17, 2018 there are 76 long-term drinking water advisories in effect, down from 105 in November 2015. Since November 2015, 62 long-term drinking water advisories have been lifted, while 33 have been added. The latest results on eliminating LT-DWAs are available here. The Government is improving on-reserve housing conditions while engaging with First Nations and other partners to develop an effective long term strategy. As of December 31, 2017, and since the Budget 2016 announcement, 13,093 housing units were under construction, renovation/retrofit or being serviced. Of these 13,093 units, 42% (5,536 housing units) have been completed. With respect to Inuit housing, 193 housing units are expected to be built/renovated in 2016/17 and 2017/18. The Government is also improving health facilities. As of March 31, 2018, investments have been made in more than 213 First Nations infrastructure projects to design, replace, expand or renovate health facilities for which 151 (71%) of these projects are complete.
As of December 31, 2017, $108.1 million of targeted funds have been allocated to support approximately 462 Solid Waste Management projects on reserves across Canada through the First Nations Solid Waste Management Initiative. So far, 117 of the projects have been completed.
Budget 2018 builds on prior investments and reaffirms the Government’s commitment by proposing to provide an additional $172.6 million over three years, beginning in 2018–19, to improve access to clean and safe drinking water on reserve.
Indigenous leaders have told the Government that when it comes to housing in First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation communities, the best approach is one that respects the distinct needs of each Indigenous group. Through investments made in Budget 2017 and Budget 2018, the Government proposes dedicated funding to support the successful implementation of each of the distinctions-based housing strategies, including:
•$600 million over three years to support housing on reserve as part of a 10-year First Nations Housing Strategy that is being developed with First Nations.
•$400 million over 10 years to support an Inuit-led housing plan in the Inuit regions of Nunavik, Nunatsiavut and Inuvialuit Settlement Region. This is in addition to the $240 million over 10 years announced in Budget 2017 to support housing in Nunavut.
•$500 million over 10 years to support the Métis Nation’s housing strategy.
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4/30/2018,190,,Indigenous peoples,Implement the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - with challenges,All Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action are implemented.,"The Truth and Reconciliation Commission identified 94 Calls to Action, 76 of which fall under federal or shared responsibility with other partners, implicating 25 federal departments or agencies. Of the 76 Calls to Action within federal purview, six are in the final stages of delivery (including four that were concluded), 19 are fully underway and 51 are in the early stages of planning and implementation. Important progress has already been made and will lead to greater and more equitable access to quality education, health care, clean water, housing and employment services for Indigenous peoples. This includes the announcement in May 2016 of Canada’s unequivocal support to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples, of which implementation is a Call to Action. The Calls to Action are extensive and some require longer-term, transformative change. Many involve multiple parties and require significant consultation and coordination. Taking into account the scope of the task and the wide range of partners involved, it will take time to ensure it is done right, with careful consideration of how best to support ongoing healing. The Government of Canada is also working with other jurisdictions and partners to advance implementation of those 18 Calls to Action outside of the federal purview. The establishment of the National Council for Reconciliation will support the efforts to advance the Calls to Action. To this end, on December 14, 2017, the Government of Canada announced the creation of a six member interim board that will provide advice on the establishment of the Council, the scope and scale of its proposed mandate, and will undertake independent engagement. The Interim Board is expected to submit a final report, with recommendations, in June 2018."
4/30/2018,191,,Indigenous peoples,Undertake a review of laws and policies to ensure the Crown is fulfilling its obligations and commitments to the recognition and implementation of Indigenous peoples' rights.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs;Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - on track,"Canada's laws and policies reflect the Government's commitment to advancing a nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown and government-to-government relationship with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation, respectively.","A Working Group of Ministers, chaired by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, was established in February 2017 to examine relevant federal laws, policies, and operational practices to help ensure the Crown is meeting its constitutional obligations with respect to Aboriginal and treaty rights; adhering to international human rights standards, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; and supporting the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. The Working Group has completed its start-up phase and in July 2017 released Principles respecting the Government of Canada's relationship with Indigenous peoples that should guide the review. The Working Group will continue to work in partnership with Indigenous peoples in carrying out this review. Working with other Ministers, the Working Group is looking at Canada’s laws, policies and operational practices to align them with its constitutional duties and its international commitments, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples, with respect to the recognition of Indigenous peoples and the implementation of Indigenous rights. The Working Group will provide an integrated whole-of-government approach to fulfil the promise of section-35 as a fundamental element of renewing the relationship with Indigenous peoples."
4/30/2018,192,,Indigenous peoples,Invest in First Nations education to ensure that First Nations children on reserve receive a quality education.,Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - with challenges,Literacy and numeracy rates are improved; language and cultural knowledge is strengthened; and more First Nations children graduate from high school and go on to post-secondary education.,"The Government of Canada committed a $2.6 billion increase for First Nations K-12 education and almost an additional $1 billion for education infrastructure. These investments will improve primary and secondary education on reserve by building and renovating school facilities; enhancing the quality of language and cultural programs; expanding innovative pilot programs that have been proven to substantially increase literacy and numeracy rates among First Nations children; increasing special education support; and empowering communities to establish education systems planned and led by First Nations. After signing an agreement with the Government of Canada, the Manitoba First Nations School System officially began operating in July 2017. As of September 2017, students in this school system began receiving education programs that are designed, delivered and run by First Nations with funding that is comparable to provincial school boards with enhancements that meets their specific needs. As of April 1, 2018, 23 Anishinabek Nation First Nations are self-governing in the area of education. This education self-governing agreement is the first of its kind in Ontario and the largest in Canada. The Government is engaged in discussions to establish similar initiatives in other regions of the country. Finally, as noted by the Parliamentary Budget Officer in November 2016, the Government's investments in education will, over the next several years, help fill critical and long-standing gaps in how on-reserve schools are funded compared to those under provincial jurisdiction. These investments will ensure that First Nations children get the best possible start in life and see an improvement in educational outcomes."
4/30/2018,193,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Implement an Infrastructure Strategy that improves public transit.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Transport,Underway - on track,Canadians spend less time in traffic and have greater access to modern public transit.,"Through Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government has committed $28.7 billion to public transit projects over the next 10 years. Over 1,000 public transit projects have been approved to date under the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund that will expand transit systems across the country and transform the way Canadians live, move, and work by spending less time in traffic. Larger projects to improve access to public transit include: the Regional Express Rail project in the Greater Toronto Area, which will make commuting by GO faster than commuting by car, save 1.8 billion hours of commuter travel time and $14.7 billion in automobile operating savings over the lifetime of the project; the Ottawa Light Rail Transit project - Stage 2 (OLRT2) will contribute to increasing overall public transit modal share from 22% in 2011 to 25% by 2048, to reduce congestion and improve mobility and safety while reducing harmful emissions due to modal share increase in public transit use. It is expected that an overall incremental greenhouse gas emissions reduction of 115,000 tonnes will occur by 2048 due to the environmental benefits of the OLRT2 project."
4/30/2018,194,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Implement an Infrastructure Strategy that improves social infrastructure.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Canadian Heritage;Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Underway - on track,"More Canadians with access to affordable housing, child care, cultural and recreational infrastructure.","In Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government made investments in social infrastructure across Canada. As of March 31, 2018, over 5,700 projects to retrofit or renovate social housing have been approved, helping improve energy and water efficiency in more than 109,000 existing social housing units off and on reserve. The National Housing Strategy re-establishes the federal government as a leader in the area of affordable housing. Working in collaboration with provinces, territories and local communities, the Strategy leverages significant new capacity to build, repair and make housing more affordable across the country. As part of the Strategy, the new National Housing Co-investment Fund will include accessibility and energy efficiency requirements, and prioritize projects that have the greatest impact on communities and vulnerable populations, including women and children fleeing domestic violence, persons with disabilities, veterans, refugees, seniors, Indigenous peoples and persons with mental health and/or addictions issues. It is anticipated that the National Housing Strategy will reduce the number of Canadians in housing need by as much as 530,000 compared to current levels. The investment of incremental resources in the Enabling Accessibility Fund will support an estimated 1,970 additional projects to further improve the safety and accessibility of community spaces and workplaces, making it possible for Canadians with disabilities to participate more fully in their communities and in the labour market. The Government is also creating affordable, high-quality child care spaces for low- and modest-income families, with the goal of supporting up to 40,000 new subsidized child care spaces over the next three years. In addition, the Government will create a distinct Indigenous Framework on Early Learning and Child Care in cooperation with Indigenous partners to reflect the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children across Canada.
As part of the Government’s Investing in Canada Plan, $164.8 million dollars in additional Budget 2016 funding has been spent over the last two fiscal years to support the improvement, renovation and construction of arts and heritage facilities, and the acquisition of specialized equipment under the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund. Budget 2017 announced further investments in cultural infrastructure in the amount of $300 million, which will be made over 10 years starting in 2018-19 through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund to further support cultural spaces and creative hubs. The Government will also invest $80 million over 10 years starting in 2018-19 to support the construction of community educational infrastructure in official language minority communities through the Development of Official Language Communities program at Canadian Heritage. The Government will provide $1.3 billion in funding for cultural, recreational and community infrastructure to provinces and territories through bilateral agreements negotiated by Infrastructure Canada.
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4/30/2018,195,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Implement an Infrastructure Strategy that improves green infrastructure.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Transport;Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,"More infrastructure in place to ensure access to clean water, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and increased resilience against the impacts of climate change.","Through Budget 2016 and 2017, the Government of Canada is investing $26.9 billion in Green infrastructure over 12 years, including projects to improve access to clean water, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase resilience against the impacts of climate change. In Budget 2016, the Government announced significant new funding to end long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserves by 2021. As of December 31, 2017, and since the Budget 2016 announcement, more than $750 million was invested to support 420 projects to strengthen on-reserve water infrastructure. On January 23, 2018 an expansion of the number of drinking water systems on public systems on reserve that will be supported by the Government was announced. Taking this expansion into account, as of April 24, 2018 there are 76 long-term drinking water advisories in effect, down from 105 in November 2015. Since November 2015, 61 long-term drinking water advisories have been lifted, while 32 have been added. The latest results on eliminating long-term drinking water advisories are available here. Through the Canada Infrastructure Bank, at least $5 billion will be available for green infrastructure projects. As well, national “green” programs, totaling $2.8 billion, will be provided to address a number of priorities identified in the Pan-Canadian Framework. This includes investments of over $180 million in charging and alternative fuel infrastructure to support greater deployment of zero-emission vehicles. An amount of $2 billion is also proposed for a Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund to support national, provincial, and municipal infrastructure in dealing with the effects of a changing climate. In addition, $9.2 billion is being provided to provinces and territories through the Integrated Bilateral Agreements for green infrastructure. Natural infrastructure projects will be eligible under both the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund and the green stream of the Integrated Bilateral Agreements. In addition to this, delivered through the Rural and Northern Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure program, the Arctic Energy Fund will provide $400 million to support energy security in the territories. "
4/30/2018,196,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Invest in transportation infrastructure that helps get goods to market.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food;Minister of Transport,Underway - on track,"Get Canadian goods to markets more quickly and increase exports, including natural resources, manufactured goods and agri-food products, by 30 per cent by 2025.","The Government of Canada established a new $2 billion National Trade Corridors Fund (NTCF) to address urgent capacity constraints and freight bottlenecks at major ports of entry, and to better connect the rail and highway infrastructure that delivers economic growth across Canada. Investments through this fund will target congestion and inefficiencies at marine ports, as well as along the busiest rail and highway corridors. The Canada Infrastructure Bank will make at least $5 billion in additional funding available to address trade and transportation projects. The Government is tracking transportation flows and will report publicly on how long it takes to get goods to market.
The Government of Canada formally launched the first call for proposals under the NTCF on July 4, 2017. Eligible projects were invited to submit Comprehensive Project Proposals, and the Government is evaluating 133 complete project proposals, seeking a total of $4.4 billion in NTCF funding. The Minister of Transport has started to make infrastructure announcements related to NTCF funding."
4/30/2018,197,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Establish bilateral agreements with provinces and territories on infrastructure investments.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities,Underway - on track,"Agreements with all provinces and territories that improve public transit; increase access to affordable housing and child care; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; improve access to clean water, and enhance resilience in the face of a changing climate.","Infrastructure plays a central role in building strong communities, creating jobs and growing the economy. In Budget 2017, the Government of Canada established a plan to sign bilateral agreements with provinces and territories in order to provide infrastructure funding to key priority areas. As part of this plan, over $33 billion is being committed for integrated bilateral agreements for public transit, green infrastructure, rural and northern infrastructure, community, culture and recreation infrastructure. Eight of these agreements have been announced so far between the Government of Canada and the Northwest Territories (March 7, 2018), Ontario (March 14, 2018), and New Brunswick (March 15, 2018), Nunavut (March 28, 2018), British Columbia (April 2, 2018), Alberta (April 3, 2018), Nova Scotia (April 10, 2018), and Yukon (May 3, 2018).
In Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government of Canada made investments in public transit, green infrastructure and social infrastructure across Canada. To date, over 1,000 public transit projects and over 2,300 projects to retrofit or renovate social housing have been approved. Through the National Housing Strategy, the Government aims to reduce the number of Canadians in core housing need by 530,000 by building, and repairing affordable housing across the country in addition to providing housing affordability support. The Government is also creating affordable, high-quality child care spaces for low- and modest-income families, with the goal of supporting up to 40,000 new subsidized child care spaces over the next three years. To date, bilateral agreements have been signed with Ontario, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nunavut, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Yukon, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Northwest Territories. In addition, the Government will create a distinct Indigenous Framework on Early Learning and Child Care in cooperation with Indigenous partners to reflect the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children across Canada. To date, repairs and renovations have been undertaken in 210 First Nations and Inuit Childcare Initiative child care centers and in 63 Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve facilities. The Government has also invested in a number of projects to improve access to clean water, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase protection against the impacts of climate change. These investments will lead to improvements in water/wastewater systems in 1,100 communities across the country. In Budget 2016, the Government announced significant new funding to end boil water advisories on reserves by 2021. "
4/30/2018,198,,Indigenous peoples,"Incorporate Aboriginal and treaty rights, residential schools and Indigenous contributions into school curricula.",Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,"School curricula that is inclusive of Indigenous history and knowledge, resulting in improved knowledge and understanding.","The Government provides financial support to the Office of the Treaty Commissioner in Saskatchewan and Treaty Relations Commissions of Manitoba to, among other things, provide materials and training to teachers in support of the delivery of K-12 treaty education curricula to all provincial school students. The organizations are also working with universities in their respective provinces to develop treaty curricula and courses that will be mandatory for every university student.
The Government of Canada is working with the Council of Ministers of Education to enhance knowledge and awareness of First Nations, Inuit and Métis history and culture across Canada and to enhance the knowledge and awareness of teachers, students and school leaders on the history and culture of Indigenous peoples.
Further, Budget 2016 is investing $275 million in language and culture until 2020-2021.The Government of Canada is also working with First Nation partners to transform First Nations elementary and secondary education on reserve, which will include new funding formulas that are enhanced with language and culture investments to meet the specific needs of Indigenous students.
Starting in 2017-2018, the Government of Canada is contributing $3 million per year, for three years, to the First Nations University of Canada to develop a National Centre for Collaboration in Indigenous Education. The national centre will serve as an informational resource base for reconciliation, and will focus on the growing needs of students, educators and the various policy and other decision makers involved in Indigenous K-12 education in Canada.
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4/30/2018,199,,Indigenous peoples,Work with the Métis Nation to advance reconciliation and renew the relationship.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,A renewed relationship with the Métis Nation based on the principles of reconciliation.,"The Prime Minister and the Métis Nation signed the Canada-Métis Nation Accord in April 2017 establishing a permanent bilateral mechanism to develop policy on shared priorities. The President of the Métis National Council and its Governing Members’ Presidents met with key federal Ministers on September 21, 2017 to discuss progress in advancing and implementing first year priorities of the Accord, specifically: early learning and child care, housing, and skills and employment training. Progress in these priority areas was confirmed in Budget 2018, which proposes to invest $500 million over 10 years to support a Métis Nation housing strategy, $10 million in 2018–19 to support Métis Nation post-secondary education, and $6 million over five years to support the Métis Nation in gathering health data and developing a health strategy. Furthermore, Budget 2018 also proposes to invest $325 million in the Métis Nation stream of the Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program, which supports employment services, skills development and job training.
On March 19, 2018, the President of the Métis National Council and its Governing Members’ Presidents met with key federal Ministers to discuss progress under the first year of the process. At this meeting, the parties agreed that the focus of the second year of the permanent bilateral mechanism process would be to undertake joint work and policy co-development on Métis health, education, child and family services, economic development and the new fiscal relationship.
In addition, the Urban Programming for Indigenous peoples, launched in May 2017, provides funding to organizations that support urban Indigenous peoples in cities and urban areas, including an annual $7.27 million set-aside allocation under the Programs and Services stream for the Métis Nation. Consultations on the Self-Government Framework Agreement with the Northwest Territory Métis Nation are expected to commence in spring 2018, prior to seeking approval of the Framework Agreement to commence negotiations.
Canada has engaged in Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions with each of the governing members of the Métis National Council as well as the Metis Settlements General Council. To date, Canada has signed Framework Agreements with the Manitoba Metis Federation (November 2016), Métis Nation of Alberta (November 2017) and Métis Nation of Ontario (December 2017). Memorandums of Understanding have also been reached with the Metis Settlements General Council (December 2017) and Metis Nation of Saskatchewan (February 2018). Discussions towards a Memorandum of Understanding are underway with the Metis Nation of British Columbia. "
4/30/2018,200,,Fair and Open Government,"Develop a non-partisan, merit-based process to advise the Prime Minister on Senate appointments.",Minister of Democratic Institutions,Completed - fully met,"An Independent Advisory Board has been established to provide a non-partisan, merit-based process of advice for recommending Senators, resulting in the appointment of 33 independent Senators thus far.","An Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments was established in January 2016 to provide advice to the Prime Minister on candidates for the Senate. As of July 7, 2016, Canadians were permitted, for the first time ever, to apply to be considered for appointment to the Senate through an open online application process. In the first application process, over 2,757 Canadians applied, demonstrating unprecedented engagement. A second open application process took place between December 2016 and January 2017. Thirty-three non-partisan appointments to the Senate have been made under the new process so far. Thanks to these actions, a plurality of Senators is not affiliated with a political party. In February 2018, the Minister of Democratic Institutions announced additional improvements to the Senate appointments process, including: keeping applications open year-round, retaining submitted applications for two years, and adding the ability for organizations or individuals to nominate potential candidates. "
4/30/2018,201,,Fair and Open Government,Establish a special parliamentary committee to consult on electoral reform.,Minister of Democratic Institutions,Not being pursued,A special parliamentary committee was established.,"A Special Committee, which included all five parties represented in the House of Commons, was established in June 2016 and presented its final report in December 2016. In addition to the consultation undertaken by the Special Committee, the Minister also consulted Members of Parliament of all parties, and oversaw an engagement process with 360,000 Canadians through mydemocracy.ca. Following extensive consultation with Canadians, it was determined that no clear preference for a new electoral system had emerged. The Government will not proceed with electoral reform."
4/30/2018,202,,Fair and Open Government,Make the Commissioner of Canada Elections more independent.,Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - on track,A truly independent Commissioner of Canada Elections who can pursue their work free from political or partisan direction.,"In November 2016, the Government introduced legislation to enhance the independence of the Commissioner of Canada Elections (CCE) by repealing changes that created a reporting relationship for the CCE with the Minister of Justice. This enhances the independent role that the CCE held for decades before it was altered in 2014."
4/30/2018,203,,Fair and Open Government,Bring forward options to create an independent commissioner to organize political party leaders' debates.,Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - on track,A new independent commission or commissioner for political party leaders' debates to ensure debates serve the public interest rather than the interests of any one party.,"The Government of Canada's online consultations and cross-country roundtables with Canadians were completed in February 2018. The information gathered during consultations will be used to help inform policy decisions, with the goal of having an independent commission or commissioner in place in advance of the next federal election campaign."
4/30/2018,204,,Fair and Open Government,"Review limits that political and third parties can spend during elections, and propose measures to control spending between elections.",Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - on track,Political and third party spending is limited and controlled to help strengthen Canadian democracy.,"On April 30, 2018, the Government introduced the Elections Modernization Act (Bill C-76). Among other changes, the legislation establishes spending limits for political parties and third parties during a pre-election period that would start on June 30th the year of a fixed-date election and end with the issue of the writ of election. The legislation also modernizes the electoral system to make it more accessible, transparent and secure. "
4/30/2018,205,,Fair and Open Government,"Allow charities to do their work free from political harassment, and modernize the rules governing the charitable and not-for-profit sectors.",Minister of Finance;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister of National Revenue,Underway - on track,A transparent and rules-based legal framework for Canada's charities is in place and charities in Canada are free from political harassment.,"In September 2016, the Government launched a consultation process with the charitable sector and the public to assist in clarifying the rules for the participation of charities in political activities. A consultation panel reviewed the submissions and presented the Minister of National Revenue with recommendations at the end of March 2017. The Government is carefully reviewing the Panel’s report to help inform regulation of charities going forward and will provide a response to this report in the coming months, as indicated in Budget 2018. As an immediate first step to respond to the Panel’s recommendations, the Government has suspended all action in relation to the remaining audits and objections that were part of the Political Activities Audit Program."
4/30/2018,206,,Environment and Climate Change,Make strategic investments in the clean technology sector.,"Minister of Natural Resources;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food;Minister of International Trade",Underway - on track,"The clean technology sector's contribution to Canada's Gross Domestic Product grows, creating more good-paying, middle class jobs and increasing the number of high-growth companies in Canada.","Since 2016, the Government of Canada has committed to several measures to grow clean technology in Canada as part of the Innovation and Skills Plan and the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change. The major points of focus of these investments are: building early-stage innovation, accelerating commercialization and growth, fostering greater adoption of clean technologies, increasing exports of clean technologies and processes, and strengthening collaboration and metrics for success.
Examples of key initiatives include: $1.4 billion in financing through the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and Export Development Canada (EDC) to help Canada's clean technology firms grow and expand, protect the environment and create jobs; $820 million for demonstration and deployment of clean energy infrastructure; $400 million for Sustainable Development Technology Canada to develop and demonstrate new clean technologies; $200 million to support research, development, demonstration and the adoption of clean technology in Canada's natural resources sectors; and $14.5 million for a Clean Technology Data Strategy.
Implementation is underway. In December 2017, Statistics Canada released data showing how clean technologies and environmental goods and services benefit the Canadian economy. This is part of the Clean Technology Data Strategy to improve data on clean technology development and use in Canada.
The Clean Growth Hub officially launched in January 2018 as a whole-of-government focal point for clean technology focused on supporting companies and projects, coordinating programs and tracking results. So far, the Hub has provided advisory services to over 300 clean technology clients.
In March 2018, the Government officially launched the $15 million International Business Development Strategy for Clean Technology. The Government also announced the $25 million Agricultural Clean Technology Program to help the agricultural sector reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the development and adoption of clean technologies.
In April 2018, BDC announced financing agreements totaling $40-million with four high-potential clean technology companies, enabling them to accelerate growth and demonstrate leadership. "
4/30/2018,207,,Environment and Climate Change,Enhance Canada's tax measures to generate and attract more clean technology investments.,Minister of Finance;Minister of Natural Resources,Underway - on track,"The clean technology sector's contribution to Canada's Gross Domestic Product grows, creating more good-paying, middle class jobs and increasing the number of high-growth companies in Canada.",Budget 2016 changed Canadian tax rules to make certain electric vehicle charging stations and electrical energy storage equipment eligible for accelerated capital cost allowance treatment. Budget 2017 introduced further expansions of this tax treatment to geothermal projects and expenses. Budget 2018 extended the accelerated capital cost allowance for five years to property acquired before 2025. The Government will continue to work towards making Canada the world's most competitive tax jurisdiction for clean technology.
4/30/2018,208,,Safety and Security,Launch an open and transparent competition to replace the CF-18 fighter aircraft.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement;Minister of National Defence,Underway - on track,A new fighter fleet that allows the Canadian Armed Forces to do their job with the equipment they need.,"A modern fighter jet fleet is essential for defending Canada and Canadian sovereignty - especially in our northern skies. It is a vital contribution to our partnership with our most important ally, the United States, and for the protection of the continent that we share. It is also important for enabling Canada to fulfill its international commitments as an engaged and active member of NATO. On December 12, 2017, the Government launched an open and transparent competition to replace Canada's fighter aircraft. The Government also announced its decision to allow the United States' offer for the Super Hornets to expire, and to instead pursue acquiring 18 Australian F/A-18 fighter aircraft and associated spare parts and equipment to supplement the current fleet until the permanent replacement is in place and fully operational. Canada is actively working with Australia to implement this decision. On January 22, 2018, the Government of Canada held an Industry Day to provide details about the planned fighter aircraft procurement process and schedule, project scope and high-level operational objectives of the fighter aircraft, as well as the approach to maintenance and repair and leveraging economic benefits. On February 22, 2018, the Government of Canada published a list of eligible suppliers that will be invited to submit proposals under the competition to replace Canada's fighter fleet. Formal engagement events known as “Suppliers Week” were held with eligible suppliers from March 26 to April 13, 2018 to share and collect detailed information to support finalization of the procurement strategy and the development of the solicitation document."
4/30/2018,209,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that all federal services are delivered in compliance with the Official Languages Act.,President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Canadian Heritage,Underway - on track,More Canadians receive federal services and communications in their official language of choice.,"The Government of Canada conducted the first review of the Official Languages Regulations in over twenty-five years. The Government is committed to ensuring the public is served in their official language of choice. Currently, 86.5% of federal institutions report that oral and written communications in designated bilingual offices ""nearly always"" occur in the official language chosen by the public. The Government has set a target to achieve at least 90% in 2020. "
4/30/2018,210,,Fair and Open Government,Improve access to information to enhance the openness of government.,President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - on track,Greater government transparency and more information available for Canadians to hold their government to account.,"Following an Interim Directive in May 2016 that eliminated all fees except for the application fee and confirmed the principle of ""open by default"", the Government introduced Phase I reforms to modernize and expand the scope of the Access to Information Act. Legislation introduced in June 2017 proposes new requirements for the proactive publication of a broad range of information and would apply to more than 240 federal institutions, as well as the Prime Minister's Office, ministers' offices and administrative bodies that support Parliament and the courts. The legislation would also provide the Information Commissioner with the power to make binding orders to government institutions, including for the release of records. A review of the Act would also be required every five years to ensure that it remains current and continues to improve transparency for Canadians. The first review of Phase II of the Government’s access to information reform initiative would need to be initiated within one year of the legislation coming into force."
4/30/2018,211,,Strong Middle Class,Conduct a review of tax expenditures.,President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"A simpler, fairer tax system.","The Government of Canada has taken action to reduce poorly targeted, complex and inefficient tax measures, including tax credits, that were not available to families with the lowest incomes. Budget 2016 introduced a new Canada Child Benefit (CCB) that is simpler, tax-free, more generous and better targeted than the previous system of federal child benefits. The CCB replaced five tax credits and benefits, provides 9 out of 10 families with more generous benefits and lifts hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty. Budget 2016 also replaced poorly targeted transit tax credits with significant new long-term investments directly in public transit, and replaced tax deductions for text books with measures to significantly improve the affordability of post-secondary education for low- and middle-income families.
Budget 2017 took further action to implement changes resulting from the Government’s review of tax expenditures. The review identified opportunities to eliminate inefficient tax measures and make other existing tax measures more effective, equitable and accessible to Canadians. In this context, Budget 2017 included measures to improve tax relief for caregivers, students, and persons with disabilities. While the formal component of the tax expenditures review has concluded, the results of the review will continue to inform the Government’s ongoing work to make the tax system simpler, fairer and more efficient."
4/30/2018,212,,Safety and Security,Improve marine safety.,"Minister of Transport;Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Underway - on track,Canadians are kept safe and our coasts are protected through evidence-based emergency preparedness and response.,"The Government has announced initiatives valuing over $600 million, including $130 million in new science funding partnerships, improved knowledge and develop new technologies to help mitigate and prevent marine incidents such as oil spills. To date, 58 workshops have been held with multiple Indigenous groups.
As part of the strategy to address abandoned and wrecked vessels, the Government introduced an Act respecting wrecks, abandoned, dilapidated or hazardous vessels and salvage operations in October 2017. The Government announced, on March 12, 2018, $1.3 million in funding under the first call for proposals for: (1) the Abandoned Boats Program; and, (2) the Small Craft Harbours Abandoned and Wrecked Vessels Removal Program.
On March 28, 2018, the Government announced measures to reduce the risk of vessel strikes and entanglement in fishing gear to endangered North Atlantic right whales in the Western Gulf of St. Lawrence. Measures include speed reduction zones with whale monitoring support provided by the National Aerial Surveillance Program, as well as changes to the snow crab fishery. Speed reduction zones came into effect on April 28, 2018.
As part of the Enhanced Maritime Situational Awareness initiative, the Haida Nation and the Gitga'at Nation will host pilot projects, beginning in fall 2018 and concluding in fall 2019. The two Nations will work with Transport Canada, the Canadian Coast Guard and other federal departments to develop, test and evaluate a new maritime awareness information system. They are the first of up to nine communities that will host pilot versions of the new system across the three coasts.
To enhance Arctic marine oversight: the Government added 500 hours of surveillance and committed to building an aircraft hangar and accommodations unit under the National Aerial Surveillance Program; completed 76 vessel inspections; updated the Small Vessel Regulations (flares and paddle boards); and, introduced the Arctic Shipping Safety and Pollution Regulations to implement the international Polar Code for ships operating in polar waters. The Government is modernizing the Coast Guard’s current suite of emergency response assets, including purchasing and deploying approximately 285 assets for the containment, recovery and storage of oil. To date, a number of requests for proposals for equipment have been issued. For example, sweep systems and portable skimmers.
The first of seven new search and rescue lifeboat stations was announced in Old Perlican, Newfoundland and Labrador, in January 2018. The refurbishment of the Coast Guard St. Anthony’s base started in March 2018. The new inshore rescue boat station in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, will enhance search and rescue capabilities in the region and build stronger working relationships with northern communities, as the station will be operated by local Indigenous students.
The request for proposals to procure two emergency towing vessels closed in April 2018. These vessels will conduct emergency towing and assist with search and rescue and environmental response. Indigenous Community Response Training continues, with an additional session for nine participants from eight nations."
4/30/2018,213,,Environment and Climate Change,Review the previous government's changes to the Fisheries Act and Navigable Waters Protection Act.,"Minister of Transport;Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Underway - on track,"Restore lost protections and incorporate modern safeguards into the revised Fisheries Act and Navigation Protection Act to better protect Canada's environment for future generations, advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, and get resources to market.","In February 2018, the Government introduced legislation to restore lost protections and incorporate modern safeguards into the Fisheries Act and the Navigation Protection Act. The proposed legislative, regulatory and policy measures were informed by a federal discussion paper, parliamentary studies, and almost two years of consultations with Indigenous peoples, industry, provinces and territories, non-governmental organizations, academia and the public.
The Government will invest up to $284.2 million over five years to support restoring lost protections to fish and fish habitat and incorporating modern safeguards under the Fisheries Act."
4/30/2018,214,,Indigenous peoples,Promote economic development and create jobs for Indigenous peoples.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Indigenous Services;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,Higher employment rates for Indigenous peoples and stronger economic growth in Indigenous communities.,"The Government of Canada supports a suite of economic development and land management programs that are increasing the participation of Indigenous communities in the Canadian economy and enabling Indigenous people to pursue opportunities for employment, income, and wealth creation. To help close the employment and earning gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, Budget 2018 proposes to invest $2 billion over five years, and $408.2 million per year ongoing, to support the creation of a new Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program. This includes incremental investments of $447 million over five years, and $99.4 million per year ongoing, and a stronger focus on training for higher-quality, better-paying jobs rather than rapid re-employment. This additional funding will assist approximately 15,000 more clients gain greater skills and find jobs that will support their long-term career success. The Government has consulted with, and heard from, Indigenous partners on the importance of a distinctions-based approach that recognizes the unique needs of First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation.
Investments in commercial infrastructure, capacity development and partnerships within the federal government, provinces and the private sector are leading to major developments on and off reserve including commercial initiatives. For examples, these investments will: help First Nations access long-term financing to undertake economic development projects in their communities ($20M), strengthen the First Nations and Inuit Summer Work Experience Program and the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program ($100M), grow Canada's Indigenous tourism industry ($8.6M), and improve Indigenous labour market programs through new Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program ($2B over five years and $408.2M per year ongoing), successor to the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy. In addition, the Government of Canada has increased funding for the Post-Secondary Student Support Program, which will help 4,600 First Nation students over a two-year period ($90M).
The Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business was created to help Indigenous business access procurement opportunities within the federal government. The Government of Canada is one of the largest public buyers of goods and services in Canada, purchasing approximately $16 billion worth every year on behalf of federal departments and agencies. The Government is currently modernizing the federal approach to Indigenous procurement in order to grow Indigenous businesses and contribute to positive socio-economic outcomes in communities.
To enhance Indigenous participation in the public and private sector, the Government provides project-based funding to increase business and economic development strategies. For example, supported women’s participation in business and economic development opportunities; and, the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, to develop Canada’s unique and authentic Indigenous tourism industry and implement the National Aboriginal Tourism Strategy.
The Government provides annual funding to the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association for distribution to the national network of Aboriginal Financial Institutions (AFI). These funds are used to provide loans and grants to Indigenous entrepreneurs to start or expand their businesses.
The Government is currently working closely with partners on the development of options for the creation of a centralized loan fund to take advantage of available capital within the AFI network, in order to redistribute funds from areas of surplus to areas of lack of capital.
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4/30/2018,215,,Indigenous peoples,Undertake an inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in Canada.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister of Status of Women,Underway - with challenges,"Concrete solutions to address systemic causes of violence, resulting in increased safety of Indigenous women and girls in Canada.","The Government of Canada, with the governments of all provinces and territories, launched an independent National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The Commissioners have been asked to examine and report on the systemic and historical social, economic, institutional and cultural factors—as well as practices, policies and institutions—that contribute to the violence that Indigenous women and girls face. The Commission is mandated to complete its work by December 31, 2018. Many legitimate concerns from families and stakeholders have been raised about the Inquiry's progress. The Commission released their interim report on November 1, 2017. The report outlines progress to date, acknowledges challenges in establishing the Inquiry and makes some recommendations for immediate support to assist families that want to participate in the process, including a call to extend the timelines. The Government of Canada is reviewing the interim recommendations and is developing a response to the Interim Report. A working group has been established to work with the Commission to address its administrative challenges and is meeting regularly. The Government is closely monitoring the work of the Inquiry and is encouraging the Commissioners to listen and respond to concerns raised, and to learn from families and survivors as the Commission continues its work. The Government of Canada has standing at all phases of the National Inquiry and looks forward to participating in the anticipated Institutional and Expert hearings. The Government is reviewing the request received on March 6, 2018 from the Commission for an extension."
4/30/2018,216,,Indigenous peoples,Improve services to Indigenous people and those with mental illness throughout the criminal justice system.,Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Underway - on track,"Improved services and increased support to make it easier for Indigenous peoples and those with mental illness to navigate the criminal justice system, and reverse the trend of Indigenous overrepresentation in the justice system.","The Government of Canada has made investments to help ensure that people from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, including Indigenous peoples and those with mental illness, have access to legal aid. The Government has also provided long-term and stable funding to the Indigenous Justice Program which provides funding for community-based programs that use restorative justice approaches as alternative mechanisms to the mainstream justice system. In addition, the Government is investing in the Indigenous Courtwork Program to ensure Indigenous peoples have the representation and services they need to navigate the criminal justice system. It also supports community-based specialized services for Indigenous victims of crime and Family Information Liaison Units for families of murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls. We are working to further identify strategies that will build on these investments. The Government is also exploring changes to the jury selection process to ensure that this process is fair and transparent.
Budget 2018 builds on the investments made in Budget 2017, proposing $20.4 million over five years, beginning in 2018–19, and $5.6 million per year ongoing, for the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) to further support the mental health needs of federal inmates. Funds would largely be targeted towards providing enhanced mental health supports for women in federal correctional facilities. CSC policy now includes non-admissible criteria to administrative segregation for certain inmates and the Government introduced Bill C-56 to establish presumptive release timeframes for inmates in administrative segregation. The Government is also supporting Private Member’s Bill C-375, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (presentence report), to ensure that presentence reports, which help judges make appropriate sentences, reflect relevant mental health information of offenders."
4/30/2018,217,,Healthy Canadians,Legalize and strictly regulate cannabis.,Minister of Health;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - with challenges,"Legalization and strict regulation of cannabis in Canada protects Canadian youth, keep profits out of the hands of criminals and responsibly manages the production and distribution of cannabis.","In April 2017, the Government introduced legislation to legalize, strictly regulate, and restrict access to cannabis, as well as crack down on impaired driving. This legislation will make it a specific criminal offence to sell cannabis to a minor and will create significant penalties for those who use young persons to commit cannabis-related offences. The legislation will maintain the existing prohibition against importing or exporting cannabis and cannabis products without a valid exemption or permit issued by the Government of Canada.
Legislation was introduced following extensive consultation with law enforcement, health and safety experts, and the hard work of the Task Force on Cannabis Legalization and Regulation. On March 22, 2018, Bill C-45 was adopted at second reading in the Senate. Senate leaders have agreed to a legislative timetable that will lead to a final vote on Bill C-45 on or before June 7.
On March 19, Health Canada released a report that summarizes feedback from its 60-day consultation on the proposed regulatory approach to cannabis, including details on two key elements of the proposed regulations: the definitions of micro-scale licences, and the requirements for packaging and labelling of cannabis products.
Budget 2018 proposed investments of $62.5M over 5 years to support the involvement of community-based and Indigenous organizations in educating their communities on the risks associated with cannabis use. This is in addition to the $46 million in cannabis public education, awareness and surveillance funding announced in October 2017. The public education campaign is underway. "
4/30/2018,218,,Safety and Security,Repeal problematic elements of Bill C-51 to balance security with rights and freedoms.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,Canadians' safety and security are strongly protected in a manner consistent with the rights and freedoms Canadians cherish.,"In June 2017, the Government introduced legislation covering a wide range of measures that were informed by the broad consultation with engaged citizens, stakeholders, experts, parliamentarians and others in Fall 2016. The proposed measures represent extensive and much-needed improvements to Canada’s national security framework, and will enhance accountability through a proposed National Security and Intelligence Review Agency and a new Intelligence Commissioner; fulfill the Government's commitment to address problematic elements of Bill C-51 through proposed revisions to threat reduction measures under the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Act, amendments to the Criminal Code, and revisions to the Security of Canada Information Sharing Act; and enhance transparency by introducing new safeguards and accountability measures, and by re-affirming compliance with the Charter. The Government proposes to enhance the Passenger Protect Program with investments of $81.4M over five years, starting in 2018-19, and $14M per year ongoing. These investments would be used to develop a rigorous centralized screening model and establish a redress mechanism for legitimate air travelers who are affected by the program. The enhanced program would help ensure that privacy and fairness concerns are addressed, while keeping Canadians safe."
4/30/2018,219,,Environment and Climate Change,Phase out inefficient fossil fuel industry subsidies over the medium-term.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Finance,Underway - on track,"Phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, consistent with Canada’s commitment with the G20 countries, building a strong, clean economy and preserving our planet for generations to come.","Budget 2016 announced that the accelerated capital cost allowance for facilities used to liquefy natural gas will be allowed to expire at the end of 2024. Budget 2017 proposed changes to rationalize the treatment of exploration expenses for oil and gas producers and phase out their ability to reclassify certain development expenses as more favourably treated exploration expenses. The Government will continue to review, report on and phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, as appropriate."
4/30/2018,220,,Environment and Climate Change,"Increase the proportion of Canada's marine and coastal areas that are protected to five percent by 2017, and ten percent by 2020.","Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Environment and Climate Change",Underway - on track,"Five per cent of Canada's marine and coastal areas are protected by 2017, and 10 per cent by 2020, protecting important habitats, maintaining and promoting tourism, and helping with climate change adaptation.","In October 2017, the Government achieved its commitment to protect 5% of Canada's marine and coastal areas by 2017. Since then, seven new marine refuges have been established off the coasts of Nunavut and Newfoundland and Labrador which have contributed an additional 145,598 square km of protected ocean area to Canada’s coasts. This represents an additional 2.53% of protected ocean, bringing Canada’s current total to 7.75%. The government is on track to achieve the 10% target by 2020.
In November 2016, the Government of Canada announced the designation of the Anguniaqvia niqiqyuam Marine Protected Area (MPA). In February 2017, the Government announced the designation of the Hecate Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound Glass Sponge Reefs MPA. In June 2017, the Government announced the designation of St. Anns Bank MPA. In August 2017, the federal Government, Nunavut and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association together announced an agreement on the final boundary and interim protection of the new Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area in Lancaster Sound -- the largest protected area ever established in Canada. In addition, the Government allocated funding towards exploring with Indigenous and Northern partners the protection of the Last Ice Area in the Arctic. In September 2017, Canada signed a Statement of Intent with the Nunatsiavut Government committing to work together on marine planning in Labrador's offshore area.
Canada has developed science-based criteria for other effective area-based conservation measures that contribute to marine conservation targets. Fisheries area closures that meet these criteria, known as marine refuges, have been established throughout Canada's oceans to protect important species and ecosystem features. The Government will continue working with its partners to enhance the protection of Canada’s oceans.
The Government of Canada has proposed amendments to the Oceans Act to create a new authority to designate an interim MPA through ministerial order and to update existing enforcement officer powers and fines provisions. Amendments are also proposed to the Canada Petroleum Resources Act to allow for orders prohibiting oil and gas activities in designated Oceans Act MPAs, where appropriate. These amendments were informed by engagement with Indigenous peoples, provinces and territories, and stakeholders.
A National Advisory Panel has been established to gather perspectives and offer recommendations to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard on categories and associated protection standards for federal MPAs, using International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) guidance as a baseline. The Panel will also consider Indigenous approaches and governance with respect to marine conservation, including the evolving concept of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas. The Panel is planning to hold nine meetings, and will present its recommendations in a final report to the Minister by September 15, 2018."
4/30/2018,221,,Canada in the World,"Advance human rights, gender equality, peaceful pluralism and respect for diversity internationally.",Minister of International Development and La Francophonie;Minister of Foreign Affairs,On-going commitment,"Inclusive governance, human rights, gender equality, peaceful pluralism and respect for diversity are enhanced around the world.","The Government of Canada promotes, and defends inclusive governance, human rights, gender equality, democracy, inclusion and respect for diversity in every international relationship and at every opportunity. As a respected member of the United Nations, the Commonwealth, La Francophonie and other international bodies, Canada helps to strengthen and maintain international norms related to these values. One of the themes of Canada’s 2018 G7 Presidency is “advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment.” Under this theme, Canada established the Gender Equality Advisory Council to promote a transformative G7 agenda and support Leaders and ministers to ensure that gender equality and gender-based analysis are integrated across all themes, activities and outcomes this year. The Government has expanded and reinvigorated its comprehensive approach to defending and promoting all human rights through the creation of the Office of Human Rights, Freedoms and Inclusion, and, in January 2018, established the Canadian Ombudsman for Responsible Enterprise to investigate allegations of human rights abuses linked to Canadian corporations operating abroad. In addition, the Government introduced guidelines for supporting human rights defenders—a practical tool for Canada’s diplomatic officials to empower human rights defenders as effective advocates and to help protect them from the threats they all too often face. Canada continues to be an active member of the Governing Council of the intergovernmental Community of Democracies Coalition, as well as chair of its Working Group on Enabling and Protecting Civil Society to promote and protect democratic values. Canada also became co-chair, with Chile, of the Equal Rights Coalition, the first global intergovernmental network focused on the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons. In March 2017, Canada led an 83-country Joint Statement on the Power of Inclusion and Benefits of Diversity at the UN Human Rights Council. Canada's Feminist International Assistance Policy emphasizes the empowerment of women and girls and positioning Canada as a leader on gender equality in aid programming. This new policy makes inclusive governance, including human rights, democracy, respect for diversity and inclusion, one of the key action areas and commits to making Canada's international assistance human rights based. Canada successfully negotiated reference to inclusion and diversity and the enjoyment of all human rights online, including specific reference to indigenous people, sexual orientation, gender identity and disability in the Community of Democracies’ Washington Ministerial Declaration in September 2017. Canada continues to champion the rights of indigenous peoples through supporting, without qualification, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Government also added language related to inclusion and respect for diversity into five resolutions and made statements on the issue at the UN General Assembly in autumn 2017. In October 2017, Canada adopted the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act and amendments to the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA) to take action to respond to cases of human rights violations and acts of corruption globally. Canada will have now has the ability to impose asset freezes and travel bans on those responsible for these reprehensible acts or their accomplices. From October to December 2017, Canada’s leadership was instrumental in advancing key human rights priorities in a number of resolutions at the UN General Assembly, including leading efforts to ensure the successful adoption of the resolution on the human rights situation in Iran. It also succeeded at adding language related to inclusion and respect for diversity into 5 resolutions at the UN General Assembly Third Committee, as well as making numerous statements emphasizing the importance of this priority for Canada. Canada also ran a month-long global social media campaign (November 10 – December 10) calling on Twitter users to share what inclusion means to them, ending on International Human Rights Day to emphasize the link between inclusion and respect for human rights. In February 2018, Canada hosted a high-level panel at the 37th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, moderated by Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland, which highlighted the costs of exclusion on the human rights of refugees and migrants, persons with disabilities and the LGBTI community. Canada also co-chairs, with Switzerland, the OECD Development Assistance Committee Network on Governance which aims to improve development assistance policies and practice in support of effective, accountable and participatory institutions of state and civil society. In February 2018, Canada announced $3 million over five years to support the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCR) in its work to strengthen the promotion, monitoring and respect of human rights for vulnerable groups, especially women, girls and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) persons in Honduras. In Guatemala, Canada approved a $2.5 million project over five years with OHCR focusing on the rights of indigenous and other disadvantaged women. Canada also approved $4.1 million in new funding to the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) and a $6.1 million five-year project on women's rights and gender sensitive justice in Guatemala with Canadian organizations CECI (Centre d'Études de Coopération Internationale) and Lawyers without Borders Canada. "
4/30/2018,222,,Canada in the World,Work on development financing issues.,Minister of Finance;Minister of International Development and La Francophonie;Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"Increased international investment, reduced poverty and improved economic development in developing countries.","Budget 2017 confirmed the Government’s decision to launch Canada's new Development Finance Institute Canada, capitalized at $300 million to support poverty reduction in developing countries. The organization opened for business in early 2018 and the first transaction, an investment with M-KOPA (a Kenya-based solar energy provider), was announced in March 2018. Budget 2018 provided $1.5 billion and $492.7 million per year ongoing thereafter to establish an International Assistance Innovation Program and a Sovereign Loans Program. "
4/30/2018,223,,Strong Middle Class,Develop and implement a Youth Service Program.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of International Development and La Francophonie",Underway - on track,"More young Canadians engaged in high quality public and community service, and through this service, gaining valuable skills that will benefit them in life and work.","On January 16, 2018, the Government launched the design phase of the Canada Service Corps, Canada’s new national youth service initiative.
Canada Service Corps will encourage young Canadians to get involved in service to their communities and gain valuable skills and experience that will benefit them in every aspect of life. This initiative will grow over time, creating more opportunities for youth who wish to serve.
During the design phase, the Government of Canada will engage youth directly to find out more about their motivations and interests, and to explore what service means to them. Their input will directly shape the initiative, ensuring that it meets the needs and priorities of young people once it is fully implemented in early 2019."
4/30/2018,224,,Healthy Canadians,Raise awareness on concussion treatment.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities;Minister of Health,Completed - fully met,"Consistent, coordinated Canadian guidelines on concussion in sport and return-to-learn and return-to-play protocols.","The Government is working in partnership with provinces, territories and other key stakeholders on a coordinated pan-Canadian concussion strategy. In June 2016, a framework for the strategy was endorsed by federal, provincial and territorial ministers. Budget 2016 made investments to harmonize concussion management guidelines on prevention, early detection and treatment, with a focus on return-to-play and return-to-learn protocols for athletes and students. In July 2017, federal, provincial and territorial Ministers responsible for sport, physical activity and recreation agreed to a Framework for Action focusing on the areas of awareness, prevention, detection, management, and surveillance of concussions, which will further harmonize the collective approach across jurisdictions. At the same time, Parachute Canada, with the financial support of the Government of Canada, released its “Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport”.
The Government will direct funds to the Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC) for a national awareness campaign. SIRC will work collaboratively with NSOs on an awareness and implementation campaign regarding the sport specific protocols for return-to-play concussions.
The Government has also partnered with the private sector to launch two new projects in 2017-18. The SCHOOLFirst project, led by Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, will provide access to up-to-date information for teachers and school boards on concussion practices to support youth who are returning to school after experiencing a concussion. The Progress Activation and Concussion Education (PACE) app will help parents guide the management of their child’s concussion by identifying symptoms or visual clues that should trigger intervention by them at home and in school."
4/30/2018,225,,Healthy Canadians,Update and expand the Nutrition North program.,Minister of Health;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,More affordable nutritious food for Canadians in the North.,"In Budget 2016, the Government increased funding to expand Nutrition North Canada to isolated northern communities. Nutrition North Canada helps alleviate the high cost of food in 121 isolated northern communities by providing a subsidy on perishable nutritious food. To date, the full benefits of Nutrition North Canada, including nutrition education funding, have been expanded to 37 additional isolated northern communities.
Under the oversight of the Nutrition North Canada Advisory Board, throughout 2016 the Government engaged with Northerners to collect feedback on how to best update the program. In response to the findings from the public engagement, the Nutrition North Canada Advisory Board published the Reflections on the What We Heard Report, and hosted a stakeholder meeting with Indigenous organizations, northern retailers and airlines, provincial and territorial governments and other federal government departments in early May 2017. The purpose was to discuss the feedback received during the public engagement and the key areas where many different views as identified by the Advisory Board. Through facilitated group discussions, participants collaborated on ways the program can be more responsive to the needs of Northerners. An Indigenous Working Group was launched at this meeting, including national and regional Indigenous organizations, which was tasked with co-developing options to help Nutrition North Canada work better for Northerners.
In support of this policy development work, Nutrition North Canada program worked closely with northern retailers to get all options supported by solid, reliable costing figures and data.
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4/30/2018,226,,Healthy Canadians,Develop a coordinated national action plan on post-traumatic stress disorder.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Underway - on track,Canada's public safety officers have better access to support for post-traumatic stress.,"The Government is developing a national action plan on post-traumatic stress injury in consultation with stakeholders. This plan will be evidenced-based and reflect the findings of the Fifth Report of the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security which recently studied this issue. The Government will release further details on the proposed national action plan later in the mandate. The Government has also provided funding to the University of Regina to conduct a study on the effects of policing on the mental health of Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers.
Budget 2018 proposes $20 million over five years, beginning in 2018-19 to support a new national research consortium between the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT). This consortium would work to address the incidence of posttraumatic stress injuries among public safety officers. The Government of Canada would also invest $10 million over five years, starting in 2018-19, for Public Safety Canada to work with the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment to develop an internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy pilot as a means of providing greater access to care and treatment for public safety officers. The Government also proposes to provide the RCMP with $21.4 million over five years, starting in 2018-19, to support the mental health needs of its officers."
4/30/2018,227,,Indigenous peoples,Provide new funding to preserve and enhance Indigenous languages and cultures.,Minister of Canadian Heritage,Underway - on track,"An Indigenous Languages Act co-created with Indigenous peoples that preserves, promotes, and revitalizes Indigenous languages in Canada, resulting in more people speaking Indigenous languages.","Budget 2017 invested $89.9 million to support Indigenous languages and cultures. These investments are supporting community-based projects that facilitate communication in, and revitalization of, Indigenous languages and are also helping to digitize Indigenous languages and oral histories.
On December 6, 2016 the Prime Minister announced that the Government of Canada will enact an Indigenous Languages Act, co-developed with Indigenous peoples, with the goal of ensuring the preservation, promotion, and revitalization of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit languages in Canada. On June 15, 2017, Canadian Heritage, the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Métis Nation Council (on behalf of the Métis Nation) launched the co-development of Indigenous languages legislation and agreed on a collaborative engagement process. Early engagement concluded in February 2018, and intensive engagement will be undertaken by Canadian Heritage with the support of the three National Indigenous Organizations during summer 2018."
4/30/2018,228,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Expand the network of shelters and transition houses for those fleeing domestic violence.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Indigenous Services;Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,More shelters available for those fleeing domestic violence.,"In Budget 2016, the Government made significant investments to repair and expand the number of shelters and transition houses for victims of family violence and ensure that no one fleeing domestic violence is left without a place to go. To date, this funding has supported over 3,200 projects, to assist more than 5,800 households. In Budget 2016, the Government also provided greater funding to renovate, construct and better support shelters serving victims of family violence in First Nation communities. Five communities (in five different provinces) have been identified for the construction of new shelters, and planning and construction activities have begun. All projects are anticipated to be completed by March 31, 2019.
The National Housing Strategy will fund projects that support vulnerable Canadians, including homeless women and those fleeing family violence. Along with Budget 2016, this funding will support the construction and renewal of at least 7,000 shelter spaces as well as commit at least 33% of all investments to support projects that specifically target women and girls. "
4/30/2018,229,,Government Services and Operations,Reduce complexity and strengthen partnerships between National Defence and Veterans Affairs.,Minister of Veterans Affairs;Minister of National Defence,Underway - on track,Simpler programs that give members of Canada's Armed Forces (CAF) the support they need as they transition from the Department of National Defence (DND) to Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC).,"DND/CAF and VAC will work collaboratively to review their programs to ensure our women and men in uniform can better transition from the Canadian Armed Forces to Veterans Affairs. A roadmap with key milestones of action will lead to simpler benefits and offer a streamlined, client centric process so CAF members have an easier time transitioning to civilian life."
4/30/2018,230,,Healthy Canadians,Develop a suicide prevention strategy for Canadian Armed Forces personnel and Veterans.,Minister of National Defence;Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,More Veterans and men and women in the Canadian Armed Forces receive the mental health care they need and suicides are reduced.,"Canada's new defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—invests in the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces and delivers the standard of service and care that current and former members deserve. The new policy will expand the number of Canada's military personnel and significantly invest in the health and welfare of those serving in uniform. As part of the policy, the Government will expand the Department of National Defence Medical Service Branch by 200 personnel to ensure serving members have better access to efficient and effective care anywhere they serve, in Canada or abroad. In October 2017, the Government announced the implementation of a joint Canadian Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Suicide Prevention Strategy composed of 160 different initiatives, programs and services, including the hiring of additional mental health professionals focused on preventing suicide across the entire military and Veteran community. The effectiveness of clinical interventions, training, education and other supports and services will be studied to assess progress in preventing suicide."
4/30/2018,231,,Safety and Security,Create a committee of Parliamentarians to review national security.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Completed - fully met,Parliamentarians have the information they need to ensure Canada's national security framework and activities are effective and protect rights and freedoms and Canadian values.,"The law establishing the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) has been brought into force, funding has been allocated, members have been appointed, a chair designated, and an Executive Director has been appointed. The new NSICOP is an important step towards increased accountability and transparency. The Committee's broad government-wide mandate to scrutinize any national security matter will help ensure the protection of the public and that the rights and freedoms of individual Canadians are upheld. The NSICOP can perform reviews of national security and intelligence activities, including ongoing operations, and strategic and systemic reviews of the legislative, regulatory, policy, expenditure and administrative frameworks under which these activities are conducted."
4/30/2018,232,,Canada in the World,End Canada's combat mission in Iraq and Syria and refocus Canada's efforts on training and humanitarian support.,Minister of National Defence,Completed - fully met,"Canada ceased conducting fighter jet strikes in Iraq and Syria and adopted a more comprehensive approach with increased resources for stabilization, humanitarian assistance, and training.","Effective February 15, 2016, Canada ceased conducting strikes by CF-18 fighter jets on Daesh targets. On February 8, 2016, Canada announced an increased contribution to the training of Iraq Security Forces, as well as humanitarian and stabilization support. The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are contributing many capabilities to the multinational efforts to degrade and defeat Daesh, and up to 830 CAF personnel are assigned to Operation IMPACT, which has been extended until March 31, 2019."
4/30/2018,233,,Canada in the World,Renew Canada's commitment to United Nations peace operations.,Minister of National Defence;Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,"Canadian efforts enhance peace and security, protect human rights, promote stability, and help those most in need around the world.","At the UN peacekeeping conference in Vancouver in November 2017, the Prime Minister unveiled the main elements of Canada’s new approach to peace support operations and announced five types of contributions Canada will make: the launch of the Vancouver Principles on Child Soldiers; the Elsie Initiative to develop innovative approaches to overcome barriers to women's meaningful participation in peace operations; new training support for the UN; deployment of Canadian police; and the offer of high-end military capabilities for deployment - within a five-year timeframe. Since Vancouver, Canada has advanced on the Vancouver Principles (which 63 countries have endorsed), the Elsie Initiative, and the pledges of military capabilities (including Canada's pledge to the UN offering tactical airlift support to Entebbe Uganda). This includes hosting a multi-nation design workshop on the Elsie Initiative in February 2018. As part of Canada’s return to peace operations, on March 19, 2018, the Government of Canada announced the deployment of an Aviation Task Force to the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali for a period of 12 months.
In late March 2018, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of International Development, and the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness provided Ministerial Authorization for up to 20 Canadian police to be deployed to Mali to support UN and EU efforts to build local capacity. In November 2017, Canada launched its second National Action Plan (NAP) for the Implementation of the UN Security Council Resolutions on Women, Peace and Security 2017-2022: A strategy was developed and implementation of the NAP is underway. Through this, Canada will take a leadership role to implement global objectives that will support the integration of the women, peace and security agenda in initiatives related to fragile and conflict-affected states. Through its Peace and Stabilization Operations Program, Canada is providing $95M to support UN activities in peace and security from 2016-2019. This supports peace operations, peace processes, mediation, human rights, accountability, conflict prevention and peace building activities world-wide."
4/30/2018,234,,Strong Middle Class,Ensure that Employment Insurance (EI) contributions are only used to fund EI programs.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Finance",Completed - fully met,Improved sustainability of the Employment Insurance (EI) program to ensure the program is available to Canadians when they need it.,"The Government of Canada continues to make sure that EI contributions are only used to fund EI programs. In April 2016, the seven-year rate setting mechanism came into force, ensuring that the EI account will be balanced. This seven-year rate setting mechanism was implemented in 2017 and allowed the Government to reduce EI premiums for 2017 from $1.88 to $1.63 per $100 of insurable earnings. The 2018 premium rate has been set at $1.66 per $100 of insurable earnings, which reflects important new supports for Canadian families and changing economic conditions."
4/30/2018,235,,Indigenous peoples,Renew and improve the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,"Improved employment outcomes for participants accessing programs through the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS), and reduced employment gaps with non-Indigenous Canadians who use similar employment services.","Budget 2018 proposed an investment of $2 billion over five years, and $408.2 million per year ongoing, to support the creation of a new Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program, which will replace the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy. This builds upon previous increased federal investment, whereby approximately 1,700 additional Indigenous people were supported through the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS) in 2016 compared to 2015. The Government also made investments to increase capacity of service providers to meet the growing demand from Indigenous peoples for skills development and job training and provided an additional $50 million to ASETS in 2017. These programs now serve more clients and also focus on serving the most vulnerable clients and delivering longer-term assistance. Over the last year, the Government of Canada undertook extensive consultations with ASETS holders, Indigenous communities and leadership, and other stakeholders to seek feedback on how the ASETS structure and policy could be redesigned and improved. "
4/30/2018,236,,Strong Middle Class,Provide a 12-month break on Employment Insurance (EI) premiums for firms that hire younger workers into permanent positions.,"Minister of Finance;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Not being pursued,See below,"Based on research conducted by the Department of Finance, it was determined that this was not the most effective or efficient way of spending public resources to create jobs for young people. Budgets 2016 and 2017 invested significantly in a Youth Employment Strategy, nearly doubling the Canada Summer Jobs program, which will help more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop the skills they need to find work, create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians and provide over 1,600 new employment opportunities for youth in the heritage sector. In addition, Budget 2016 announced the creation of an Expert Panel on Youth Employment to assess the barriers faced by vulnerable youth in finding and keeping jobs, and to examine innovative practices used by governments, non-governmental organizations and employers to improve job opportunities for vulnerable youth. The Government has received the Expert Panel's report and is studying its recommendations. Budget 2018 also proposed to provide additional resources to support youth employment, building on the input of the Expert Panel on Youth Employment. "
4/30/2018,237,,Strong Middle Class,Provide more generous and flexible leave for caregivers.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Caregivers of critically ill or injured Canadians receive greater support.,"Effective December 3, 2017, the new Family Caregiver benefit for adults will be available to help families care for a critically ill adult. This benefit will allow eligible caregivers to take up to 15 weeks off work to care for or support an adult family member who is critically ill or injured. Eligible caregivers are family members or individuals that the critically ill or injured adult considers to be like family."
4/30/2018,238,,Strong Middle Class,Develop a Social Innovation and Social Finance strategy.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,A government-wide strategy is established that facilitates new and innovative ways of addressing Canada's biggest social challenges.,"The Government of Canada recognizes that new and innovative approaches are needed to tackle persistent and complex social issues. In June 2017, the Government launched the Social Innovation and Social Finance Steering Group. Through consultations and engagement activities, the Steering Group will seek perspectives of industry, sector and community leaders to co-create a Social Innovation and Social Finance Strategy. Previous findings from government consultations and engagement activities related to social innovation and social finance will help the Steering Group identify policy solutions for the Strategy."
4/30/2018,239,,Strong Middle Class,Introduce the Canada Child Benefit (CCB).,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Finance",Completed - fully met,"A generous, fairer, tax-free monthly Canada Child Benefit (CCB) that gives nine out of ten Canadian families more money to help with the high cost of raising their children.","In Budget 2016, the Government introduced the new, tax-free, income-tested Canada Child Benefit (CCB). In its first year of implementation, over 3.3 million families received more than $23 billion in CCB payments. The CCB has helped lift an estimated 300,000 children out of poverty in Canada. The October 2017 Fall Economic Statement announced the Government's intention to strengthen the CCB by increasing the benefits annually to keep pace with the rising cost of living as of July 2018, two years ahead of schedule.
In Budget 2018, the Government proposes to expand outreach efforts to help Indigenous Peoples access the full range of federal social benefits, including the CCB. "
4/30/2018,240,,Strong Middle Class,Develop a National Early Learning and Childcare Framework with the provinces and territories.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Status of Women",Completed - fully met,"More high-quality, affordable child care spaces.","The Government of Canada is supporting the creation of affordable, high-quality child care spaces for low and modest income families, with the goal of supporting up to 40,000 new subsidized child care spaces over the next three years. The Federal, Provincial and Territorial Governments reached a historic agreement on a Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care Framework on June 12, 2017. The Government has worked with each province and territory to enter into three-year bilateral agreements that will outline their unique early learning and child care needs to be addressed and the funding allocation for each jurisdiction. Bilateral agreements have now been signed with all jurisdictions.
In addition to bilateral agreements with other levels of government, the Government will also dedicate funding towards specific initiatives to support better outcomes for early learning and child care in Canada. Over the next 11 years, this includes:
• $100 million for early learning and child care innovation, which will support new and innovative practices across the country and help to develop more effective services to improve life outcomes for children and their families.
• $95 million to close data gaps in order to better understand what child care looks like in Canada, supporting strong reporting on progress made in implementing the Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care Framework and the Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework."
4/30/2018,241,,Indigenous peoples,Establish a new fiscal relationship with First Nations communities and lift the 2% cap.,Minister of Finance;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,Increased support for Indigenous communities consistent with needs and population growth rather than a fixed 2% cap; co-developed approaches to reforming funding policies and accountability.,"By 2021-22, total federal government spending on Indigenous programs will increase from over $11 billion in 2015-16 to over $15 billion in 2021-22—an increase of 34% over six years. The Government has also committed to a new fiscal relationship that is sufficient, sustainable and predictable. The Government of Canada is advancing a renewed fiscal relationship through two parallel initiatives. The first is with the Assembly of First Nations, through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in July 2016. The first phase of this collaboration with the Assembly of First Nations produced a report, ""A New Approach: Co-development of a New Fiscal Relationship between Canada and First Nation,"" that was submitted to the National Chief and the Minister of Indigenous Services in December 2017. In response to the report, the Minister committed to work with First Nation partners to move ahead on a number of proposals, including: providing more funding flexibility and predictability to support self-determination with the creation of ten-year-grants for qualified First Nations, with the goal of providing them to 100 First Nations by April 1, 2019; replace the Default Prevention and Management Policy; and establish an advisory committee to support ongoing co-development. To better support First Nations communities, to support strong Indigenous institutions and to advance the new fiscal relationship with First Nations, Budget 2018 proposes to invest $188.6 million over five years, starting in 2018–19.
The second collaborative process on fiscal policy is focused on Self-Governing Indigenous groups. Since May 2016, the Government and Self-Governing Indigenous Governments have been engaged in the Collaborative Self-Government Fiscal Policy Development Process, to develop a new policy framework for the provision of federal financial support to self-government. Through Budget 2018, the Government will provide $189.2 million in 2018–19 to begin the implementation of fiscal policy reforms that have been co-developed with self-governing Indigenous Peoples. This funding will support key priorities, including the closing of socio-economic gaps, infrastructure, data collection and governance.
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4/30/2018,242,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Develop a National Disabilities Act.,"Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Federal accessibility legislation that promotes equality of opportunity and increases inclusion and participation of Canadians who have disabilities or functional limitations.,"The Government of Canada completed an extensive nine-month consultation with Canadians in-person and online on February 28, 2017 to inform the development of new federal accessibility legislation. The consultation included 18 public engagement sessions in cities across the country, nine roundtable discussions (which brought together disability stakeholders, academic experts and industry representatives), as well as a National Youth Forum and an online questionnaire. The Government also allocated funding to help disability stakeholder organizations engage their members on the planned legislation. Funding is being provided for five partnerships with national disability organizations and three Indigenous organizations to undertake various activities to engage their members and communities. In May 2017, a report summarizing what we learned from these discussions was released. It is anticipated that new federal accessibility legislation will be introduced to Parliament in spring 2018."
4/30/2018,244,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Ensure any unspent infrastructure funds are transferred to municipalities.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Finance,Underway - on track,Ensure infrastructure funding approved by Parliament does not lapse and is invested in municipal infrastructure projects.,"In March 2017, the Government of Canada announced that $30.2 million in potentially lapsing funding from a number of previously established funding programs would be transferred to municipalities through the federal Gas Tax Fund (GTF).
The Government has also committed to transfer unused legacy funding to the GTF. For example, any funding under the Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component of the 2014 New Building Canada Fund not approved for projects by March 31, 2019 will be transferred to the GTF."
4/30/2018,245,,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Develop a 10-year infrastructure plan, improve governance and promote better data collection and asset management.",Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Transport,Underway - on track,"Agreements with all provinces and territories that improve public transit, roads and bridges; increase access to affordable housing and child care; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; improve access to clean water, and enhance resilience in the face of a changing climate.","Infrastructure plays a central role in building strong communities, creating jobs and growing the economy. Taking into account the investments made in Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government has developed a 12-year plan that will invest over $180 billion across Canada in public transit, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, rural and northern communities infrastructure, and trade and transportation infrastructure. As part of the Plan, the Government signed an agreement with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) to deliver an asset management program to support municipalities in making informed infrastructure investment decisions. The Government partnered with Statistics Canada and other stakeholders to launch an ambitious data collection initiative on Canadian infrastructure – Canada’s Core Public Infrastructure Survey (CCPI), which officially launched in mid-2017. Through the survey, the Government will better track, collect, use and share data on Canadian infrastructure, including tracking comparable data on infrastructure usage and demand across jurisdictions and tracking the state and performance of public infrastructure across asset classes. These measures will help governments maximize taxpayer dollars and report back to Canadians on outcomes achieved. In addition, the Minister of Transport announced the new Canadian Centre on Transportation Data and the new Transportation Data and Information Hub on April 13, 2018. Better information supports better governance and asset management, and data will also be collected that will be complementary to the CCPI."
4/30/2018,246,,Government Services and Operations,"Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency proactively contacts those who are entitled to, but are not receiving, tax benefits.",Minister of National Revenue,Underway - on track,"More Canadians receive the tax benefits and credits to which they are entitled, including vulnerable Canadians and Indigenous people on-reserve.","The Government of Canada has expanded the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) in order to help modest-income Canadians, seniors and other vulnerable groups with tax filing. Budget 2018 proposes doubling the size of the CVITP, to help more individuals complete their taxes and access the benefits they are entitled to. For the 2016 tax year, the Government increased community partnerships by 18%, and filed nearly 770,000 returns on behalf of Canadians so they can get the benefits they are entitled to. The CRA undertook a new initiative in 2016-2017 to proactively contact 260,000 Canadians who were potentially eligible for tax benefits but were not receiving them. The Government has also proactively promoted the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) in Indigenous communities to make sure Indigenous families have full access to this important benefit. In-person visits have been completed with 625 First Nations communities in order to promote the CCB and other benefits. The Government will continue to work to improve these results across all CRA administered benefit programs."
4/30/2018,247,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) offers to complete returns for lower-income Canadians whose financial situation is unchanged year-to-year.,Minister of National Revenue,Underway - on track,Simpler process for low-income Canadians to file their taxes when their financial situation hasn't changed much.,"For the 2016 tax year, through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, volunteers filed nearly 770,000 returns on behalf of Canadians, many of whom are seniors, modest-income Canadians and newcomers with simple tax situations. CRA is continuously looking at improvements so that modest-income Canadians whose financial situation is simple year-to-year can easily file their returns and get the benefits that they are entitled to. The Government of Canada is looking at additional ways to improve these results for the 2017 and subsequent tax years, including allowing Canadians with simple tax situations, such as seniors and Social Assistance Recipients to file by telephone; and holding more tax clinics throughout the year to reach out to Canadians in remote and underserved communities.
The Government of Canada has launched a new service for the 2018 tax?filing season to help eligible individuals with low or fixed income do their taxes. With the new File my Return service, eligible individuals will be able to file their income tax and benefit returns simply by giving some personal information and answering a series of short questions through an automated phone service. File My Return is free, secure and easy to use. There are no paper forms to fill out or calculations to do. Finally, Budget 2018 proposes to double the size of the Community Volunteer Tax Program, helping hundreds of thousands more individuals complete their taxes and access benefits to which they are entitled."
4/30/2018,248,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency supports more Canadians who wish to file taxes using no paper forms.,Minister of National Revenue,Underway - on track,"More Canadians file their taxes online; and filing online is simple, easy and convenient for all CRA administered programs.","The Government of Canada has launched new services to help individuals and authorized representatives submit their returns electronically. Launched in 2015, Auto-fill my return helps fill in parts of the T1 return with data already available to CRA, making filing online simpler and easier. The amount of information available to Auto-fill continues to be expanded so that filing online is the best option for Canadians. To date, Canadians have used CRA’s Auto-fill my return over 21 million times to help them file their returns. For the 2017 tax year, over 86% of Canadians have filed online. With the Express Notice of Assessment service, available in EFILE and NETFILE certified tax preparation software, the notice of assessment is now available right after filing a return.
The new File my Return service allows eligible individuals to file their income tax and benefit returns simply by giving some personal information and answering a series of short questions through an automated phone service. The Government has also made it possible for tax preparers to amend their clients' returns electronically by using the new ReFILE service. In February 2018, the ReFILE service was expanded to allow individuals to submit online adjustments with certified NETFILE software.
The T2 Auto-fill service, introduced in October 2017, allows business owners and their representatives to download information from the CRA to their certified T2 tax preparation software. All corporations filing their T2 returns electronically using certified tax preparation software are able to digitally attach certain supporting documentation with their returns, instead of having to mail or fax them in. In May 2018, the CRA introduced a new service that lets business owners and authorized representatives create their own filing and balance confirmation letters online.
In 2016-2017 alone, Canadians logged into CRA's secure online portals 51 million times, and 86% of filings occurred online—an increase of nearly 750,000 Canadians using this method over the prior year. The Government is currently redesigning CRA's secure portals to enable even more electronic interactions. Budget 2018 investments will update and modernize information technology infrastructure to deliver a more user-friendly experience, allowing Canadians to easily find the tax and benefit information they need."
4/30/2018,249,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency delivers correspondence and other communications that are straightforward and easy to read.,Minister of National Revenue,Underway - on track,"Correspondence is simplified so that Canadians can better understand information they receive from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), leading to increased client satisfaction and fewer inquiries for routine information.","The Government of Canada simplified the correspondence CRA sends Canadians, making it easier to read and understand, including new, simple, and easy-to-read notices of assessment for businesses and individuals, first sent in 2016. As of February 2018, 90% of the correspondence the CRA sends to Canadians has been transformed in the new easy-to-read format. The CRA will have simplified virtually all correspondence by May 2019."
4/30/2018,250,,Fair and Open Government,"Enhance transparency in the political fundraising system for Cabinet members, party leaders and leadership candidates.",Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - on track,A more transparent political fundraising system is in place that strengthens trust and confidence in our democratic institutions.,"In May 2017, the Government introduced legislation to significantly enhance transparency in the political fundraising system for Cabinet members, party leaders and leadership candidates. This legislation will give Canadians more information than ever before: they will know who is going to fundraisers, when and where they are happening, and the amount required to attend."
4/30/2018,251,,Strong Middle Class,Update the Canada Labour Code to address emerging issues such as unpaid internships and ensure modern federal employment standards.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Stronger protections and employment standards that better protect workers and reflect the changing nature of the labour market.,"Budget 2017 aims to eliminate unpaid internships in federally regulated sectors where internships are not part of a formal educational program. In the case of unpaid internships that are part of an educational program, the Government will ensure standard labour protections apply, such as maximum hours of work, weekly days of rest and general holidays. Legislation to implement these changes was tabled in Parliament on October 27, 2017, as part of the Budget Implementation Act, 2017, No. 2 received Royal Assent December 14, 2017.
The Government has also launched consultations on proposed updates to the Canada Labour Code to ensure that Canadians enjoy strong labour protections and standards."
4/30/2018,252,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Increase the labour force participation of women and underrepresented groups.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,"Improved labour market participation and employment outcomes for groups traditionally under-represented in the labour market (women, youth, immigrants, persons with disabilities, racialized communities, and Indigenous peoples).","The Government has introduced several initiatives to help Canadians with the challenges they face when making decisions about pursuing work or going back to school. These initiatives will increase the number of high-quality, affordable child care spaces (up to 40,000 over the next three years), introduce flexible work arrangements, make parental leave more flexible, and expand opportunities for lifelong learning. These initiatives are expected to increase labour force participation among several under-represented groups, particularly mothers in low- and modest-income families. In addition, the Government has increased the number of work experience opportunities for young Canadians through the Youth Employment Strategy, and has also expanded access to job supports and skills training for all Canadians, with a particular focus on the needs of Indigenous peoples and other under-represented groups. Budget 2018 proposed a new Employment Insurance Parental Sharing Benefit which will support greater gender equality in the home and in the workplace. The Benefit will provide additional weeks of “use it or lose it” EI parental benefits, when both parents agree to share parental leave. The renewal of the Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ISETS), the introduction of a Targeted Employment Strategy for Newcomers and the introduction of a federal accessibility act will further support the unique needs of Indigenous peoples, newcomers and persons with disabilities. To support women to enter and succeed in the trades, Budget 2018 proposed to pilot an Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women and implement a Women in Construction Fund."
4/30/2018,253,,Strong Middle Class,"Develop further initiatives to equip Canadians with the skills needed for the jobs of today and tomorrow, and to better assist workers getting help before becoming unemployed.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Canadian workers have the skills they need to find and keep good quality jobs.,"The Government of Canada is working with employers, unions, provinces, territories and educational institutions to ensure that Canadians are equipped to adapt to rapidly changing skills requirements and make successful job transitions. There is a particular focus throughout the suite of government investments in training, education and work experiences on addressing the skills needs of those at risk of being left furthest behind, such as Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, newcomers and vulnerable youth.
To ensure Canadian workers have the skills they need to find and keep good quality jobs, the Government is significantly increasing investment in labour market transfer agreements with provinces and territories and expanding their inclusiveness and scope to improve workers' access to skills training and job supports. The Federal Government is also making post-secondary education more affordable for low- and modest income families, increasing opportunities for graduates to gain work-ready skills for smoother school-to-work transitions and improving access to opportunities for adult upskilling and lifelong learning. The Government is also enhancing supports for skilled trades and apprenticeships, with an increasing focus on women and groups that have traditionally been underrepresented in the labour market.
To ensure skills training is relevant to the jobs of today and tomorrow, in Budget 2018 the Government announced that it will launch Future Skills this spring. Future Skills will bring together expertise from all sectors and leverage experience from partners across the country. It will also include an independent Council to advise on emerging skills and workforce trends, and a research lab focused on developing, testing and rigorously measuring new approaches to skills assessment and development.
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4/30/2018,254,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Introduce proactive pay equity legislation for federally-regulated workers.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Status of Women",Underway - on track,"Equal pay for work of equal value in federally regulated sectors. Proactive pay equity is expected to contribute to:
• reducing the gender wage gap by addressing the undervaluation of work traditionally performed by women; and
• fairness in the workplace.","The Government is replacing the current complaint-based approach to pay equity in the federal jurisdiction with a proactive system. Budget 2018 proposed that historic proactive pay equity legislation be introduced this fall to ensure that on average women and men in federally regulated sectors receive the same pay for work of equal value. According to preliminary estimates, this legislation could improve the gender wage gap from 91.4 cents to 94.1 cents for the core public administration, and from 88.1 cents to 90.7 cents in the federal private sector. The Budget also indicated that additional consultations with employers, unions and other stakeholders will take place in the coming months to ensure that the new regime will be applied fairly and will achieve its intended purpose. These will build on consultations held in 2017 with employer, employee and advocacy groups as well as experts on the design elements of a proactive pay equity system."
4/30/2018,255,,Strong Middle Class,Restore a fair and balanced approach to organized labour.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Public Services and Procurement",Completed - fully met,A fair and balanced labour policy.,"In June 2017, Parliament repealed measures enacted by two pieces of legislation which would have undermined the ability of workers to collectively bargain. This action was supported by both employers and unions, in recognition of the need by all parties for a policy framework that is governed by the principles of fairness and balance."
4/30/2018,256,,Healthy Canadians,Implement Canada's ban on asbestos.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,Canada comprehensively bans asbestos.,"In December 2016, the Government announced a set of comprehensive measures to ban asbestos and products containing asbestos by 2018. In July 2017, the Government brought into force changes to the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations to lower the exposure limit to as close to zero as possible for airborne chrysotile asbestos. These changes will protect federally regulated employees at risk."
4/30/2018,257,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Reduce the wage gap between men and women.,"Minister of Status of Women;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Fair compensation systems in organizations under federal jurisdiction and a more flexible work environment to reduce the pay gap between women and men.,"Proactive pay equity is expected to contribute to fairness in the workplace by reducing the gender wage gap by addressing the undervaluation of work traditionally performed by women.
On October 5, 2016, in its Response to the Special Committee on Pay Equity report titled It’s Time to Act, the Government of Canada made a commitment to table new, proactive pay equity legislation in federally regulated sectors before the end of 2018. Work is underway to achieve this objective.
In addition, Budgets 2016, 2017, and 2018 contain many measures to reduce the gender wage gap and encourage greater workforce participation among women. These measures include investments in early learning and child care, a new Employment Insurance caregiving benefit, a major symposium on women and the workplace, the right to request flexible work arrangements for federally regulated employees and pilot a new Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women. Budget 2018 proposed that historic proactive pay equity legislation be introduced this fall to ensure that on average women and men in federally regulated sectors receive the same pay for work of equal value. According to preliminary estimates, this legislation could improve the gender wage gap from 91.4 cents to 94.1 cents for the core public administration, and from 88.1 cents to 90.7 cents in the federal private sector. In addition, new pay transparency requirements in the federally-regulated sector will provide more information on the pay practices of employers, with specific attention paid to making existing wage gaps more evident.
Other measures include expanding eligibility for Canada Student Grants for part-time students and students with dependent children and supporting the creation of more work-integrated learning opportunities, including co-ops, for post-secondary students and in particular women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) and business programs through a new Student Work-Integrated Learning Program."
4/30/2018,259,,Canada in the World,"Continue joint efforts to address global security threats, combat terrorism and defend our continent.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,On-going commitment,"Canada is protected from global threats and contributes to achieving a safer, more peaceful and prosperous world.","Canada's new defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—supports the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces and provides them with the necessary equipment and capabilities to defend Canada, protect North America and contribute to international peace and security. In addition, Canada is a core member of the Global Coalition Against Daesh and has taken a leadership role in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization by serving as the Framework Nation for the enhanced Forward Presence in Latvia. Canada remains committed to the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD), which has proven itself effective in its roles of deterring, detecting and defending; and continues to play an important role in the defence of North America. Canada also collaborates closely with the U.S. on supporting international measures to advance a diplomatic solution to the North Korea threat. Canada and the U.S. co-hosted the Vancouver Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Security and Stability on the Korean Peninsula on January 16, 2018 to demonstrate solidarity in opposition to North Korea’s dangerous and illegal actions and to work together to strengthen diplomatic efforts toward a secure and denuclearized Korean peninsula. Furthermore, the Government is contributing comprehensive military, diplomatic and international assistance to Iraq and the immediate region and is leading efforts toward nuclear disarmament. Canada has also played a key role in driving international pressure on Syria, including supporting investigations into the use of chemical weapons and other war crimes, and is playing a leading role to deal with non-proliferation more generally through the G7-led Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction. Canada was also confirmed as co-chair (with Algeria) of the West Africa Working Group of the Global Counterterrorism Forum, an international forum of 29 Countries and the European Union with an overarching mission of reducing the vulnerability of people worldwide to terrorism by preventing, combating, and prosecuting terrorist acts and countering radicalization to violence. Canada collaborates bilaterally and multilaterally to combat transnational organized crime (TOC), including drug trafficking and related threats to Canadians, cybercrime, trafficking in persons, and migrant smuggling, and other forms of TOC. In Latin America, Canada is strongly supporting Colombia’s efforts towards the implementation of the peace process with a view to bringing the longest-running conflict in the Western Hemisphere to a peaceful end. In Haiti, Canada is supporting, including through the deployment of Canadian police and correctional agents, the UN mission for Justice Support (MINUJUSTH), launched in October 2017 and focused on assisting the Haitian government in strengthening rule of law institutions, further supporting and developing the Haitian National Police, and engaging in human rights monitoring, reporting and analysis. A theme of Canada’s 2018 G7 presidency is “building a more peaceful and secure world,” driving discussion and collective efforts among G7 partners to support a rules-based international order built around the core principles of democracy, human rights, the rule of law and territorial integrity. In addition to cooperating closely to address crises in multiple regions, Canada and its G7 partners have specifically committed to work together to manage the risks associated with foreign terrorist fighters and associated travellers, as well as to reinforce our democracies and strengthen our societies’ resilience against foreign actors seeking to undermine democratic institutions and processes through coercive, corrupt, covert or malicious means. "
4/30/2018,260,,Environment and Climate Change,Cooperate with the United States on energy security and energy infrastructure.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canada and the United States benefit from a secure and effective cross-border energy infrastructure.,"Collaboration on energy security and infrastructure was included in the February 13, 2017 Joint Statement from President Trump and Prime Minister Trudeau. Canada continues to support several major cross-border energy infrastructure projects, including: Keystone XL, Line 3 and Line 67, Northern Pass, New England Clean Power Link, and Great Northern Transmission Line. All projects are at different stages of review, investment, or approval. The U.S. State Department has issued presidential permits for the construction of these projects. A North American Energy Ministerial meeting took place in November 2017, and identified further areas for North American collaboration, including facilitating cross-border energy infrastructure projects."
4/30/2018,261,,Environment and Climate Change,Advance shared action with the United States on environmental issues and climate change.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canada-U.S. collaboration leads to a cleaner shared environment and clean energy innovation.,"Canada and the United States issued a joint statement in February 2017 confirming both countries' commitment to collaborate closely in energy innovation, especially in the clean energy sphere; in energy cooperation, particularly along our border and at the Great Lakes; and to enhance the quality of our air and water. In November 2017, Canada, Mexico and the state-driven U.S. Climate Alliance (a bipartisan coalition of 15 U.S. Governors) launched the North American Climate Leadership Dialogue to address clean technology, clean power and carbon pricing initiatives. Canada will continue to advance these priorities, including by working with Mexico and sub-national governments in the United States in the context of the North American Climate Leaders’ process.
Previously, in recognition of a shared vision among Canada, the United States and Mexico, the three leaders committed to a North American Climate, Clean Energy, and Environment Partnership in June 2016. In December 2016, a Canada-United States Joint Arctic Leaders' Statement emphasized the importance of a strong, sustainable and viable Arctic economy and ecosystem."
4/30/2018,262,,Exports and Investment,Strengthen trilateral cooperation with the United States and Mexico to enhance North America's global competitiveness.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,On-going commitment,North America is strong and competitive in global markets.,"The Government continues to actively engage Mexico and the United States in order to advance issues in our common interest, including through negotiations to modernize North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). During trade negotiations, the Government of Canada is committed to creating the most favourable conditions for Canadian businesses to compete internationally. In addition to trade, North American cooperation continues in key areas such as energy, security and defence. On February 2, 2018, a North American Foreign Ministers Meeting took place in Mexico City, where the three foreign ministers discussed a range of topics including North American regional competitiveness that touched on NAFTA, energy cooperation and women’s entrepreneurship. "
4/30/2018,263,,Canada in the World,"Strengthen relationships with key bilateral, regional and multilateral partners.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canadian interests and values are promoted through enhanced cooperation with key international partners.,"Canada continues to constructively contribute to multilateral fora to advance its foreign policy priorities, including at the United Nations (UN); the African Union; the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE); the Organization for American States; the Commonwealth; La Francophonie; the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation; the Association of Southeast Asian Nations; the Pacific Alliance; the International Syria Support Group; the Lima Group on Venezuela (Canada hosted the October 2017 meeting); the Organization of American States (Canada chaired the OAS Permanent Council in fall 2017); the World Economic Forum and the Gulf Cooperation Council. The Government signed and provisionally applied the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and the Strategic Partnership Agreement with the European Union and signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Trade Partnership and is negotiating a free trade agreement with MERCOSUR (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay). The Government has also strengthened relationships with key bilateral, regional and multilateral partners in the Asia Pacific, Europe, Eastern Europe and Eurasia, Latin America and Caribbean, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and the Maghreb through high-level engagements, including 290 visits by the Prime Minister and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Development. Canada holds the G7 presidency throughout 2018, further reinforcing and amplifying Canada's ability to promote its interests and values through key international relationships with a focus on the thematic areas of (1) investing in growth that works for everyone; (2) preparing for jobs of the future; (3) advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment; (4) working together on climate change, oceans and clean energy; (5) building a more peaceful and secure world. Moreover, acknowledging that many issues related to advancing Canadian interests and values require multi-stakeholder engagement, Canada has expanded its networks and relationships with international coalitions and forums such as the Freedom Online Coalition; the Internet Governance Forum; the International Parliamentary Union, Women Political Leaders, and the Community of Democracies."
4/30/2018,264,,Canada in the World,Seek leadership opportunities for Canada and Canadians in multilateral institutions.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canada and Canadians play a leading role in international organizations.,"Canada is currently seeking a non-permanent seat on the United Nations (UN) Security Council for 2020-2021 and is leading one of the four North Atlantic Treaty Organization multinational enhanced Forward Presence battlegroups in Eastern Europe. An Action Plan for international staffing will ensure that more Canadians secure positions of influence in multilateral institutions. Several Canadians have recently been appointed to senior positons in the UN and the Government is working with civil society organizations to ensure strong Canadian candidates are on the UN's roster for the position of Special Representative. For example, Canadian Kim Prost was elected to a nine-year term as a judge on the International Criminal Court in December 2017. Canada holds the G7 presidency and will host G7 partners in Canada for a series of ministerial meetings throughout 2018, in addition to the Leaders' Summit in Charlevoix, Quebec, on June 8-9, 2018.
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4/30/2018,265,,Canada in the World,"Ensure that the deployment of the Armed Forces aligns with Canada's interests, our commitments and the government's policy.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,The deployment of the Canadian Armed Forces contributes to the achievement of Canada's broader international priorities.,"The Department of National Defence and Global Affairs Canada established a bi-weekly coordination mechanism to ensure greater policy coherence. The Government has also introduced new planning and policy development arrangements to ensure analysis of military deployments include foreign policy considerations and reflect broader government objectives. Approximately 1,800 Canadian Armed Forces personnel are currently deployed on 18 missions supporting Canada's international priorities."
4/30/2018,270,,Healthy Canadians,Introduce restrictions on the commercial marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,Commercial marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children is significantly reduced leading to better health outcomes for Canadian children.,"The Government launched the Healthy Eating Strategy in October 2016. The Government is working with experts and stakeholders on key issues, including the definition of unhealthy foods and drinks and possible marketing restrictions that should be pursued. During the summer of 2017, Health Canada conducted a public consultation on a proposed policy approach for restricting marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children, and published a report summarizing the comments in December 2017. Health Canada is refining its proposed approach based on feedback received during consultations."
4/30/2018,271,,Healthy Canadians,Bring in tougher regulations to eliminate trans fats and reduce salt in processed foods.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"Industrially produced trans fats are eliminated from food products; the food and restaurant industries systematically reduce sodium levels in the food supply; and consumers are better able to identify foods high in sodium, sugar and saturated fat, resulting in improved public health.","The Government launched the Healthy Eating Strategy in October 2016. As part of this Strategy, a ban on partially hydrogenated oils, the main source of industrial trans fat, was published in September 2017 and will take effect in one year. In addition, a report evaluating industry's efforts to reduce sodium levels in foods was published in January 2018.
On February 10, 2018, Health Canada pre-published proposed regulations that would require a symbol on the front of packaged foods that are high in sodium, sugars, and/or saturated fat in Canada Gazette, Part 1. This initiative would support sodium reduction by providing consumers with quick and easy guidance to identify foods high in sodium and encouraging manufacturers to lower the sodium content of their foods. In addition, Health Canada is currently conducting an online consumer questionnaire to help inform the design of the final symbol. The Government will continue to work with stakeholders to identify additional ways to further reduce sodium in foods. "
4/30/2018,272,,Healthy Canadians,Improve food labels to give more information on added sugars and artificial dyes.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"Canadians have the information, tools and resources to make healthy food choices, improving health outcomes.","The Government launched the Healthy Eating Strategy in October 2016, with the goal of making ""the healthy choice the easy choice."" As part of this Strategy, regulatory amendments were published in December 2016 updating the requirements for nutrition information on food labels, making them easier to understand. This includes making serving sizes more consistent, new information on how to use the Percentage Daily Value, and more information on sugars and food colors in the Nutrition Facts table and list of ingredients. The Front of Package labelling proposal will complement these changes by identifying prepackaged foods that contain high amounts of sodium, sugar and saturated fat."
4/30/2018,273,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Implement Canada's new immigration levels plans.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,"310,000 permanent residents are admitted to Canada in 2018, contributing to economic growth, family reunification and the Government's humanitarian commitments. Canada enjoys increased economic competitiveness through the attraction of global talent.","While the admissions planning range of between 280,000 and 320,000 permanent residents was achieved in 2017, admissions fell short of the 300,000 target by less than 5%.
In November 2017, the Government tabled an immigration levels plan with a target of welcoming 980,000 new permanent residents over the next three years. These targets will increase the number of permanent residents selected in economic programs, while maintaining a commitment to family reunification and resettlement of refugees. The Government is reducing application backlogs, improving the speed at which applications are processed and putting a greater focus on the attraction of highly skilled global talent."
4/30/2018,274,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Ensure the delivery of high-quality settlement services for newcomers, informed by rigorous outcomes data.","Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,"Improved, high-quality settlement services for newcomers to Canada, leading to improved outcomes for immigrants and their children.","The Government is helping immigrants better prepare for a new life in Canada. Enhancements to service delivery for the settlement program are being informed by evaluation findings, pilot projects, and consultations with provincial and territorial partners and stakeholders. Potential longer-term changes to the delivery of settlement services will be informed by expanded reporting and analytic capabilities, beginning in 2017."
4/30/2018,275,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Continue to welcome refugees from Syria and elsewhere.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,"The Government continues to welcome refugees from countries around the world and offer persons fleeing conflict and/or persecution a safe haven. Between January 2015 and December 31, 2017, approximately 51,000 Syrian refugees, and close to 94,000 refugees in total, have been resettled to Canada.","Refugees welcomed to Canada include resettled persons from the Congo, Eritrea, and survivors of Daesh and their families, including Yazidi refugees. The 2018 immigration levels plan increases the target of welcoming refugees and protected persons to Canada from 40,000 to 43,000. This figure remains among the highest in Canadian history, and double the number of refugees that were welcomed in 2015 and preceding years."
4/30/2018,276,,Canada in the World,Conduct a review of the visa policy framework.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,"An evidence-based visa policy framework that promotes Canada’s economic, foreign policy and cultural interests at the same time as protecting the safety and security of all Canadians.","The Government has initiated a review of Canada's visa policy framework to ensure it uses a robust, evidence-based approach when making visa decisions. The Government is also reviewing policies for managing foreign nationals transiting through Canadian airports to increase Canada's air connections with the rest of the world while prioritizing the security of Canadians. In addition, the Government facilitated the travel of low-risk travellers from Brazil, and has lifted previous visa restrictions that applied to visitors from Romania, Bulgaria and Mexico."
4/30/2018,277,,Indigenous peoples,Make changes to the Oath of Canadian Citizenship to reflect the Truth and Reconciliation's Calls to Action.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,Updated Oath of Canadian Citizenship and Citizenship Test that reflect Canadian and Indigenous history.,"The Government of Canada is currently working with national Indigenous organizations to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's recommendations to incorporate recognition of treaties with Indigenous peoples into the Oath of Canadian Citizenship, update the citizenship test to reflect and guide a more inclusive history of Indigenous peoples, and provide information on the history of residential schools for newcomers. The Government will bring forward legislation to modify the Oath. Changes to the citizenship guide are currently being drafted."
4/30/2018,278,,Exports and Investment,Advance Canada's progressive trade agenda.,Minister of International Trade,On-going commitment,"Canadian workers are protected from unfair trade practices, trade agreements maintain or improve Canadian levels of protection in key areas like employment and the environment, and Canada advances the rules-based international order and trading system.","Canada's progressive trade agenda seeks to ensure Canada's trading partners meet their international labour obligations, and enforce their labour laws. The agenda also ensures the continued protection of the environment and ensures that a country’s environmental laws are enforced. The modernized Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement includes a Trade and Gender Chapter, a first for Canada and any G20 country, as does the recently modernized Canada-Israel FTA, demonstrating Canada’s continued commitment to furthering gender equality and women’s participation in international trade. The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement includes provisions on protecting the environment, health and safety, and employment standards. The Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement includes robust labour and environment chapters that are subject to strong dispute settlement. As part of the agenda, the government continues to advocate for stronger provisions on the environment and labour, as well as on trade and gender, Indigenous peoples, SMEs and the right to regulate in public interest. The Government will continue to develop and advance progressive approaches to trade through bilateral and multilateral engagement and play a leadership role in international fora. Canada's implementation of International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 98 in June 2017, which affirms the fundamental right to collectively bargain, is one example of this approach. Canada has now ratified all eight of the ILO Core conventions. Also, in December, 2017, Canada played a leadership role in advancing the WTO Buenos Aires Declaration on Women and Trade, endorsed by over 120 WTO members and observers."
4/30/2018,279,,Exports and Investment,Promote trade and investment with established markets such as Japan.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"Increased two-way trade and investment with Japan, supporting well-paying, middle-class jobs.","The Government is promoting Canada-Japan trade through multilateral engagement with provinces, territories and municipalities. Visits by the Prime Minister, key ministers, and provincial premiers have showcased trade and investment potential in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, agriculture, life sciences and clean tech. In the first half of 2017, over $500 million in Japanese investment has been made in Canada, creating more than 130 jobs. Canada is working closely with Japan to explore ways to further deepen the bilateral trade and investment relationship including building on the recently signed Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Trade Partnership."
4/30/2018,280,,Exports and Investment,Position Canada as a top destination for global investment and promote its economic brand.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"Canada ranks among the top developed economies in global rankings of investment competitiveness, attractiveness and brand.","The Government is encouraging global investment and promoting Canada's economic brand through the creation of the Invest in Canada Agency; the expansion of the Trade Commissioner Service, to increase our presence in strategic markets abroad; and the acceleration of changes to the Investment Canada Act. The changes to the Act will lead to greater transparency of the guidelines used for national security reviews, and increase the threshold for review under the Act to transactions of $1 billion or greater as of 2017. The Government is also developing a comprehensive Progressive Trade Strategy which will bring forward additional measures to enhance business opportunities for Canadian businesses consistent with innovation, investment and job growth goals. Recent global surveys continue to rank Canada as a top place to do business. For example, the Economist Intelligence Unit has ranked Canada first in G20 for doing business over 2017-2021; KPMG has ranked Canada as the most tax competitive country in G7 with the lowest overall business costs in G7; OECD shows that Canada leads G20 in R&D spending in higher education as share of GDP with the best tax incentives in G7 and the most educated talent pool among member nations. Thomson Reuters' investment in a new technology hub, General Motors' announcement of new manufacturing capacity, NOVA Chemicals (Mubadala) expansion of a new world-scale polyethylene plant in Sarnia, ON, Erwin Hymer’s new manufacturing facility in Cambridge, ON and Tech Mahindra's new center of excellence in Toronto, ON are just a few examples of successes to date. Overall, the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) facilitated 101 investment projects to Canada with an estimated value of $2.25 billion and 2,979 jobs created between April 2016 and April 2017. In addition, the TCS facilitated 159 investor visits to Canada to pursue specific investment projects. Since April 2017, TCS has reported 115 wins representing approximately $3.6 billion and over 6,800 new jobs and facilitated 155 site selection visits.
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4/30/2018,281,,Exports and Investment,Ensure alignment between Canada's export and innovation strategies.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"More Canadian businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, export their products and services.","The Government launched a new Innovation and Skills Plan to: retrain Canadians for the jobs of today and tomorrow; drive investments in six high-growth sectors of the Canadian economy; and to make it easier for businesses and innovators to access the support they need. The Government will ensure that the upcoming Trade and Investment Strategy and the Innovation and Skills Plan will be aligned to: focus on free trade agreement promotion, support exporters and grow global firms by Canadian innovators and entrepreneurs, strengthen investment attraction and support a progressive trade policy agenda."
4/30/2018,282,,Exports and Investment,Implement and expand Canada's Free Trade Agreements globally.,Minister of International Trade,On-going commitment,"Free Trade Agreements increase trade and investment, creating good middle-class jobs.","The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement entered into provisional application in September 2017 and has thus far been ratified at a national level by 10 EU Member States. The Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement entered into force in August 2017. On March 8, 2018, the Government signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. The Government has entered into negotiations to modernize the North American Free Trade Agreement to reflect new realities and to integrate progressive approaches to trade and investment. Canada also started negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Pacific Alliance, with the latest round having taken place in May 2018. In addition, Canada continues to engage China on a possible free trade agreement and is working with India to intensify negotiations on a Canada-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement. Canada has worked closely with Israel to modernize the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement, signed on May 28, 2018. In September 2017, Canada and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations agreed to launch exploratory discussions on the potential FTA. The amended Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement, including a chapter on trade and gender, was ratified by Parliament on December 7, 2017. Canada and MERCOSUR launched FTA negotiations on March 9, 2018. A first round of negotiations took place in Ottawa on March 20-23, 2018, and the second round is scheduled for June 11-15, 2018, in Brasilia, Brazil."
4/30/2018,283,,Strong Middle Class,"Improve Canadian competiveness, create jobs and generate economic growth.",Minister of International Trade,On-going commitment,Trade and investment boosts Canadian economic growth.,"Canadian merchandise exports reached an all-time high of $546.1 billion in 2017 after growing 5.6%. Merchandise imports also reached an all-time high in 2017 of $561.1 billion after growing 5.2%. The Canadian economy strengthened more broadly- 427,000 more Canadians were employed by the end of the year compared to the beginning (December 2017 over December 2016). The Canadian unemployment rate closed out the year at a historic low of 5.8%. Annualized real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew 1.7 per cent in the third quarter of 2017 (July-September), an expected slowdown after two quarters of unsustainably rapid growth. The Government launched a new Innovation and Skills Plan, an ambitious agenda to make Canada a centre of innovation, create well-paying, middle class jobs, and help more Canadians adapt to the changing economy. This plan will expand opportunities for skills training, drive investments in six high-growth sectors of the Canadian economy, and make it easier for businesses and innovators to access the support they need. Budget 2018 provides funding to programs such as the Canadian Technology Accelerator (CTA) program and the Business Women in Trade; creates the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise; and allocates resources to develop bilateral relations with China and promote trade between Canada, China and Asia, the Government is taking further concrete steps to improve Canadian competitiveness and generate long-term economic growth."
4/30/2018,285,,Canada in the World,Maintain Canada's strong commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).,Minister of National Defence,On-going commitment,The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) remains strong and Canada is a trusted partner in the alliance.,"Canada has substantially increased its commitment to NATO by renewing the mandate for Operation REASSURANCE and becoming a Framework Nation in Latvia in support of NATO's enhanced Forward Presence. Canada has also participated in NATO activities, programs, and decision-making, including the Warsaw Heads of State and Government Summit. Outside the NATO context but in close coordination with NATO Allies, Canada has continued its support to Ukraine, including renewal of the mandate for Operation UNIFIER (a military training and capacity building mission), until March 31, 2019."
4/30/2018,286,,Safety and Security,Increase the size of the Canadian Rangers.,Minister of National Defence,Underway - on track,"The Canadian Rangers have the numbers, equipment and training needed to do their job properly.","The Government is in the final stages of determining the resource requirements to increase the capability of the Canadian Rangers. Each Canadian Ranger Patrol Group across the country has had an opportunity to provide input. Canada's new defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—commits to following up with related improvements in equipment and training."
4/30/2018,287,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Review collection of gender statistics to evaluate programs and policies.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,"More data available from Statistics Canada, disaggregated by gender, allowing more informed decision-making.","Status of Women Canada and Statistics Canada are developing a plan to improve the availability and use of gender-disaggregated data to inform programs and policies aimed at advancing gender equality. Budgets 2016 and 2017 included many measures to increase access to gender disaggregated data, including investments in the collection of new data related to gender-based violence and the release of existing data through new reports on Women in Canada. Budget 2018 announced $6.7 million in funding over five years, starting in 2018-19 for a new Centre for Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Statistics to support evidence-based decision-making both in and out of the federal government. In addition, the Government is introducing a new Gender Results Framework—a whole-of-government tool to track and monitor progress on gender equality, and will provide $1.5 million over five years starting in 2018–19 to develop a broader set of indicators to track progress on achieving gender equality objectives. "
4/30/2018,288,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Integrate gender-based questions and content into government consultations.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,All government consultations include gender-based questions and content.,"The Government is developing guidelines for departments to ensure all consultations incorporate gender-based questions. Collecting diverse perspectives through these consultations will allow for the assessment of how diverse groups of women, men and non-binary individuals may experience policies, programs and initiatives."
4/30/2018,289,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Host a national Gender-Based Analysis roundtable in 2018.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,"Strengthened awareness of Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+), its potential use by governments, and opportunities for improvement.",Planning for this national event is now underway.
4/30/2018,290,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Build on the first Gender-based Analysis of Budget 2017 to improve future budgets.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,Comprehensive Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) is incorporated into all future budgets improving public policy.,"The Government is continuing to improve the quality and scope of GBA+ in federal budgets. This includes consultation with experts and key stakeholders during the pre-budget consultations process and meetings with experts and leaders globally. In Budget 2018, no budget decision was taken without being informed by Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+). To ensure that gender remains a key consideration for future governments, the Government will introduce new GBA+ legislation to make gender budgeting a permanent part of the federal budget-making process. "
4/30/2018,291,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) is incorporated into key government reports.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,"All major government reports include Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) considerations, improving their policy recommendations.",The Government has provided guidance to departments and agencies as to where and how GBA+ should be incorporated into their Results Frameworks and Reports on Results. The Government has also provided guidance to departments in incorporating GBA+ into Departmental Plans for 2018/19. The Government is now examining how best to extend GBA+ to other key reports.
4/30/2018,292,,Fair and Open Government,Modernize the Communications Policy of the Government to reflect the modern digital environment.,President of the Treasury Board,Completed - fully met,Government communications that reflect the digital environment.,"The Government of Canada has transformed the communications policy to foster more coordinated communications within and across government departments through the use of innovative methods. This policy will help ensure the Government engages in activities that are timely, clear, cost-effective, in both official languages, accessible and non-partisan. In addition, the policy will help to ensure government communications are clearly branded, both in Canada and abroad."
4/30/2018,293,,Fair and Open Government,Take a more modern approach to comptrollership.,President of the Treasury Board,Completed - fully met,Modernized cost analysis for all Government programs and legislation.,The Government has launched a renewed financial management policy in April 2017. The Treasury Board Secretariat engaged key stakeholders through information sessions and developed guidelines to help federal organizations ensure that financial resources are well managed.
4/30/2018,294,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that a fixed percentage of funds is devoted to experimenting with new approaches to challenges and measure the impact of programs.,President of the Treasury Board,Underway - on track,"Innovation and experimentation are part of routine business of government, and new models are identified that improve outcomes for Canadians.","Ethical and rigorous experimentation is central to the Government’s focus on evidence-based policy-making. By testing program options, departments can generate evidence to learn what works and inform decision-making.
The Government has directed federal agencies and departments to allocate a percentage of program funding towards experimenting with new approaches, measuring impact and delivering better results to Canadians. In December 2016, federal Deputy Ministers were given guidance on experimentation and the use of new and innovative approaches, including user-centred design and outcomes-based funding. In April 2017, the Government provided federal departments with new structures that allow departments to distribute grants and contributions more flexibly under the Treasury Board Policy on Transfer Payments.
More recently, the Impact Canada Initiative was launched to use outcomes-based funding experiments, innovative financing approaches and new partnership models to achieve better results for Canadians. The Clerk of the Privy Council also recently endorsed the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Declaration on Public Sector innovation which calls for more experimentation within programs. The Government launched a new procurement initiative, Innovative Solutions Canada, to match businesses offering early stage prototypes with departments in need of new products or services."
4/30/2018,295,,Fair and Open Government,Exercise due diligence regarding costing analysis prepared by departments for all proposed legislation and programs.,President of the Treasury Board,Underway - on track,Modernized costing informs all proposed legislation and programs.,"The Government issued new best practices for calculating program costs and commissioned a study to identify gaps in the existing costing approach, which will help inform future decisions. The Government is also undertaking a pilot project to better estimate future costing requirements for major procurement projects. This pilot project played a critical role in the development of the new defence policy: Strong, Secure, Engaged. These measures will help make sure solid costing information informs decision-making."
4/30/2018,296,,Environment and Climate Change,Restore annual federal funding for freshwater research and make new investments in Canada’s Experimental Lakes Area.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Completed - fully met,Restored annual federal funding for freshwater research and monitoring activities to keep our water safe.,"In April 2016, $197 million was committed to enhance ocean and freshwater science activities. In June 2016, the Government signed a contribution agreement with the International Institute of Sustainable Development (IISD), to support freshwater research at the Experimental Lakes Area. The Government is also conducting scientific research and monitoring activities in lakes and rivers, such as Lake Winnipeg and the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence watersheds. These measures will improve Canada's understanding of freshwater ecosystems and protect the environment we share."
4/30/2018,297,,Safety and Security,Implement a strategy against gender violence.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,"Reduced gender-based violence, greater awareness of gender-based violence and better support and services for survivors.","In June 2017, the Government launched It's Time: Canada's Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence, which takes a whole-of-government approach to prevent gender-based violence (GBV), support survivors and improve responsiveness of the legal and justice systems. As part of the strategy, a Gender-Based Violence Knowledge Centre will be created to share best practices between governments and service providers.
To date, new programs have been established to implement, test and potentially scale up promising approaches to prevent GBV, including child maltreatment and teen dating violence; and to test promising practices to address gaps in support for Indigenous people and other underserved groups of survivors in Canada, including LGBTQ2 communities and people of all genders, non-status/refugee/immigrant women, seniors, women living in an official language minority community, women living in northern, rural and remote communities, and women living with a disability. Statistics Canada also recently launched a new national survey to collect data on GBV, the first such survey in Canada.
Budget 2018 augments these programs and adds enhancements to initiatives to prevent bullying and cyberbullying, investigate child sexual exploitation and increase access to sexual assault services for military personnel and their families. Budget 2018 also supports efforts to engage men and boys in promoting gender equality and announced the funding to establish a national framework for addressing gender-based violence on post-secondary campuses."
4/30/2018,298,,Jobs and Innovation,"Help small- and medium-sized enterprises grow, become more innovative and export oriented.","Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Small Business and Tourism",Underway - on track,"Double the number of high-growth firms in Canada by 2025 to create good, middle class jobs, strengthen communities, and grow the economy.","Small business owners work hard to provide Canadians with quality goods and services while also creating job opportunities that strengthen communities across the country and grow the middle class. The Government is focused on helping small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) export and grow. The Government’s Innovation and Skills Plan, introduced in Budget 2017, introduced a suite of initiatives to help Canadian innovators and entrepreneurs grow their companies. The Strategic Innovation Fund, launched in July 2017, is a $1.26 billion fund designed to help companies from across sectors of the economy access regional and global supply chains and support growth through innovation to create new, good, well-paying jobs. Innovative Solutions Canada, launched in December 2017, is a new program with over $100 million dedicated to supporting the scale up and growth of Canada’s innovators and entrepreneurs by having the federal government act as a first customer. The Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative (VCCI) will make $400 million available through the Business Development Bank of Canada to increase late-stage venture capital funding for Canadian firms looking to grow, expand and compete globally. The call for proposals for VCCI support was launched in December 2017. The Innovation Canada digital platform was launched in January 2018 and provides simplified and customized access to the business innovation support programs that are most appropriate for companies depending on their sector, stage of growth and innovation support needs. These new initiatives complement existing programs such as the Industrial Research Assistance Program and the CanExport Program."
4/30/2018,299,,Strong Middle Class,Support regional economic growth strategies.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,Inclusive growth and economic diversification in all regions through improved programs and strategies.,"The Atlantic Growth Strategy was launched in 2016 and has set an ambitious vision to grow Atlantic Canada's economy. The strategy targets joint areas of priority including: innovation, trade & investment, skills/immigration, clean growth and infrastructure.
In Budget 2018, the Government identified regional development agencies as one of four key platforms which will help to grow Canadian businesses and advance the Innovation and Skills Plan across all regions of Canada (with the other three key platforms being: the Industrial Research Assistance Program, the Strategic Innovation Fund, and the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service).
Starting in 2018–19, the Government is providing more than $500 million over five years to regional development agencies to foster economic growth, including regionally tailored funding for women entrepreneurs as part of the new Women Entrepreneurship Strategy.
The Government is also extending core funding of the regional development agencies that is currently time-limited:
• $20 million per year, starting in 2018–19 and ongoing, to the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency;
• $920 million over six years, starting in 2018–19, to renew the funding for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
On April 9th 2018, the government unveiled a regional economic development strategy for Northern Ontario that is centered on supporting innovation, growing companies and building stronger communities and ensuring communities have the necessary skills for the middle-class jobs of tomorrow."
4/30/2018,300,,Safety and Security,"Review the criminal justice system, including sentencing reforms, to ensure it keeps us safe and it is fair.",Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,"Crime rates are reduced, the justice system has the resources it needs, and all Canadians have access to justice through a fairer system.","The Government continues to review the criminal justice system, including sentencing reforms, to ensure that it keeps Canadians safe, while also addressing the overrepresentation of vulnerable groups in our prisons, including Indigenous people and those with mental illness. Using various platforms, such as in-person meetings and online discussion fora, Canadians had an opportunity to share their views on what can be done to improve the Criminal Justice System. The public consultation closed on January 31, 2018. A consultation report was released on March 22, 2018. This follows a program of broad engagement with justice system partners, stakeholders from diverse perspectives and various sectors. The Government has introduced bills that demonstrate respect for the courts and the Charter, including a bill that allows a judge to waive a federal victim surcharge in cases of genuine inability to pay and a bill to modernize the Criminal Code by removing outdated provisions as well as clarifying and strengthening sexual assault laws. And, in March 2018, the Government tabled legislation to improve the efficiency of the criminal justice system and address court delays in six key areas: (1) modernize and streamline the bail regime; (2) enhance the approach to administration of justice offences, including for youth; (3) restrict the availability of preliminary inquiries to offences carrying life imprisonment; (4) reclassify some offences to provide greater flexibility and court efficiencies; (5) improve the jury composition and selection process; and, (6) strengthen case management measures and processes for making rules of court. Further, a number of these reforms will assist in reducing the overrepresentation of Indigenous people and vulnerable populations in the criminal justice system, including those with addictions and mental illness. Budget 2016 and 2017 committed funding for more judges in Superior Courts, greater support programming on judicial education, ethics and conduct, further funding for court translation in both of Canada's official languages, and more legal aid services provided in the provinces and territories, including specialized services to Indigenous people, and those with mental illness. Additional representation and services will also be offered through the Indigenous Courtwork Program for Indigenous people to help them navigate the criminal justice system. "
4/30/2018,305,,Strong Middle Class,"Eliminate the $1,000 Labour Market Impact Assessment fee to hire caregivers.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Elimination of the Labour Market Impact Assessment fee to hire caregivers so those in need of assistance can meet their family caregiving responsibilities.,"Effective December 8, 2017, the Government eliminated the Labour Market Impact Assessment processing fee for families seeking to hire foreign caregivers to provide care for persons with high medical needs, and for families with an income of less than $150,000 in annual income seeking to hire foreign caregivers to provide child care. These changes will ensure that support is targeted at those most in need of assistance to meet their family caregiving responsibilities."
4/30/2018,307,,Strong Middle Class,Promote good quality jobs by developing the Global Skills Strategy.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,"Shorter processing times and a dedicated service channel for employers seeking to attract highly skilled, in-demand global talent, leading to more investment and job creation in Canada.","In June 2017, as part of the Global Skills Strategy, the Government of Canada launched the new Global Talent Stream under the Temporary Foreign Worker program for a period of two years. This new Stream helps eligible companies attract highly-skilled global talent to scale up and remain globally competitive while creating good, middle class jobs in Canada. High-growth Canadian companies and global businesses making large investments in Canada can apply. Companies that apply have to demonstrate that the talent they wish to bring to Canada will provide labour market benefits for Canadians and that the position is in high-demand. They have access to an expedited review process lasting no more than a combined 20 business days from end to end, including reviews conducted by Employment and Social Development Canada and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada."
4/30/2018,308,,Government Services and Operations,Develop a strategy that aims to create a single online window for all government services.,President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Public Services and Procurement;Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - with challenges,Government of Canada services and programs are simpler and Canadians can access them more easily.,"The Government of Canada Service Strategy will be released through the Government's long-term plan to improve services to Canadians. This plan will include measures to improve service standards and create a simpler, more focused online window for services. This plan will also include targeted investments to improve specific services, which will lead to simpler and more online tax filing options; more online services from the Canadian Border Services Agency; more digital options and self-service capabilities for student loans; auto-enrollment to Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement services; shorter immigration processing times; better integration of Veterans services; improved access to Employment Insurance; and simpler, more integrated information sharing to reduce administration and red tape hindering access to business services. In keeping with its Budget 2017 commitment to use technology to better serve Canadians, the Government has also established the Canadian Digital Service (CDS). The CDS is working with departments to make it faster, simpler and easier for Canadians to access benefits and services online. Achieving integrated online government service delivery will take time due to required Government-wide IT transformation and legislative changes."
4/30/2018,309,,Government Services and Operations,Set transparent service standards for the delivery of Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,"Canadians making inquiries about Employment Insurance (EI) will receive answers more quickly, consistent with new, higher service standards.","As a result of Budget 2016 investments ($73 million), the EI Call Centre network significantly increased its capacity and improved its service accessibility. Building on these investments, Budget 2018 will provide an additional $127.7 million over three years to further improve accessibility and ensure Canadians receive timely and accurate information and assistance with EI benefits.
In May 2016, the Government launched the EI Service Quality Review (SQR). The SQR sought input from stakeholders and Canadians on ways Service Canada could improve the quality of EI services on the phone, online and in person. The final report provided ten recommendations on how to make EI service delivery more responsive to the needs of Canadians. Service Canada used this input to review EI service standards, completed in March 2018, and is considering next steps.
"
4/30/2018,311,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Improve the Temporary Foreign Worker Program so it meets the needs of Canadian workers and employers.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,"The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) contributes to sustained economic growth without displacing qualified Canadians, meets the needs of workers and employers and protects the vulnerable.","The Government has taken action in a number of areas to improve the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) guided, in part, by the 2016 recommendations of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons' with Disabilities study of the TFWP. Budget 2017 confirmed permanent funding for the risk-based, TFWP employer compliance inspection regime, an increase in on-site inspections in sectors with high volumes of vulnerable workers such as Primary Agriculture, and to support work with industry sectors that rely on Temporary Foreign Workers to develop comprehensive workforce development strategies in partnership with employers, organized labour and other stakeholders. To ensure that Canadians always have the first opportunity at available jobs, the Government introduced a number of changes to improve the TFWP. Changes include: ending the four year cumulative duration rule; introducing the new Global Talent Stream for high-skill to help high-growth Canadian companies attract specialized global talent that will create new jobs for Canadians; increasing the requirement of employers to recruit Canadians typically under-represented in our workforce; extending the low-wage cap for seasonal employment; increasing on-site inspections of workplaces that employ temporary foreign workers; committing to further develop pathways to permanent residency so that eligible newcomers are able to more fully contribute to Canadian society; and working with heavy users of the TFWP to create Canadian workforce development strategies in partnership with employers, organized labour and other stakeholders.
The Government is collaborating with stakeholders across the country to improve migrant workers’ experience. Recently, the Government announced funding for the Migrant Workers’ Dignity Association to help migrant workers become better informed about their rights as workers in Canada through the development of workshops, information tools and other materials aimed at informing TFWs on topics such as housing, health care, access to special benefits, and other rights. Budget 2018 proposed $3.4 million over two years, beginning 2018-19, to establish, on a pilot basis a network of support organizations for temporary foreign workers dealing with potential abuse by their employers. This network would support these workers in reporting wrongdoing and provide information on their rights to temporarily remain and work in Canada free from harassment and abuse. Additionally, Budget 2018 proposed $194.1 million over five years, beginning in 2018-19, and $33.2 million per year ongoing for unannounced inspections under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, continued implementation of the International Mobility Program compliance regime, and the ongoing collection of labour market information related to open work permits. The Government continues to monitor the program and look at opportunities for further improvement.
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4/30/2018,312,,Fair and Open Government,Make meetings of the Board of Internal Economy open by default.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,Improved transparency in the administration of Parliament.,"The House of Commons has adopted changes to ensure that meetings of the Board of Internal Economy are open by default, meaning they will be public unless it is necessary to deal with particular items in-camera, as outlined in the Parliament of Canada Act, or the by-laws of the Board. Unanimous consent of all members present at the meeting would be required should the Board wish to hold a closed meeting on any other issue. These changes will increase parliamentary transparency for Canadians."
4/30/2018,313,,Strong Middle Class,Make post-secondary education more affordable for low and middle income families.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,Hundreds of thousands of students receive increased grant-based aid through Canada Student Grants and students are better able to manage student loan repayments upon graduation. The Government expects more low and middle income students to attend post-secondary education.,"In 2016, the Government increased Canada Student Grants (CSGs) by 50%, helping over 360,000 students from low- and middle-income families to receive up to $1,000 more per year in grants. Starting in 2017-18, new CSG thresholds were introduced, meaning that over 400,000 students from low- and middle-income families are estimated to receive up to $3,000 in non-repayable financial aid each and every year, 46,000 of whom are newly eligible for grants.
The Government also increased thresholds for the Repayment Assistance Plan so that no graduate will have to repay their Canada Student Loan until they earn at least $25,000 per year. This change has already helped about 23,000 Canadians delay their payments.
Under the Skills Boost initiative, additional measures announced in Budget 2017 will be available in 2018-19. These include: increasing eligibility thresholds for CSGs for students with dependent children, helping an additional 13,000 students; increasing eligibility thresholds for part-time students, helping an additional 10,000 students; and introducing a three-year pilot project targeted to adult learners that will provide an estimated 43,000 students an additional $1,600 in grant support and allow flexibility to base CSG eligibility on current year’s income. The Skills Boost will also provide greater flexibility for Canadians on Employment Insurance (EI) to get new certificates or training without fear of losing their benefits.
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4/30/2018,315,,Strong Middle Class,Index Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) payments to a new Seniors' Price Index.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,The cost of living for seniors is better reflected in their Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) benefits through a Seniors' Price Index.,The Government of Canada is exploring options and international best practices for a new Seniors' Price Index to make sure support for seniors reflects their needs.
4/30/2018,316,,Strong Middle Class,Cancel the increase in age of eligibility for Old Age Security (OAS) from 65 to 67.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,The age of eligibility for Old Age Security (OAS) has been returned to 65 and provides greater financial security for our most vulnerable seniors.,"The Government of Canada cancelled the planned increase in age of eligibility for Old Age Security, so that eligibility is maintained at age 65. This will help ensure they benefit from a secure and dignified retirement."
4/30/2018,317,,Strong Middle Class,Coordinate programs to support low income seniors with provinces and territories.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",On-going commitment,"Federal, provincial and territorial governments collaborate so seniors get the full benefits to which they are entitled.",The Government of Canada implemented the increase to the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and engaged with provinces and territories (PT) to ensure that low-income seniors who receive PT income supplements fully benefit from the increase. The Government will continue to seek new opportunities to work together to support our most vulnerable seniors and ensure that seniors receive the full benefit of the GIS.
4/30/2018,318,,Strong Middle Class,Prioritize affordable housing and seniors' housing as part of the National Housing Strategy.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",On-going commitment,"Reduced housing need for seniors through rental support to reduce the cost of housing and enable seniors to age in place, and increased supply of affordable housing units specifically targeted towards seniors.","On November 22, 2017 the Government announced a 10-year, $40 billion National Housing Strategy that will help reduce homelessness and improve the availability and quality of housing for Canadians in need. This Strategy is part of a long-term vision to strengthen the middle class and provide affordable housing to Canadians, and lift more Canadians out of poverty. The strategy sets clear goals to remove 530,000 Canadians from housing need and reduce chronic homelessness, prioritizing the most vulnerable Canadians including seniors.
Budget 2016 provided investments of $200.7 million over two years to increase affordable housing for seniors and improve their housing conditions, to be delivered by provinces and territories through the Investment in Affordable Housing. The National Housing Strategy re-establishes the federal government as a leader in the area of affordable housing. Working in collaboration with provinces, territories and local communities, the Strategy will leverage significant new capacity to build, repair and renew affordable housing across the country. As part of the Strategy, the new National Housing Co-Investment Fund will prioritize projects that have the greatest impact on communities and vulnerable populations, including seniors. As a result of these investments, at least 12,000 new affordable units will be created for seniors."
4/30/2018,319,,Strong Middle Class,Provide support to maintain rent-geared-to-income subsidies in existing social housing.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Affordable housing remains accessible to Canadians who need it during the transition through the expiry of current operating agreements.,"Community housing has been the backbone of Canada’s response to housing challenges for more than 60 years and provides an affordable place to live for thousands of Canadians. Federal investments have supported the creation of community housing for low- and modest-income families and individuals. About 80% of all community housing is administered by the provinces and territories. As long-term social housing operating agreements expire, the Government will renew its investments in provinces and territories to protect low-income households and stabilize the operations of housing providers. The Government is deeply committed to ensuring that Canada’s existing community housing stock remains affordable and in good repair well into the future.
On November 22, 2017 the Government announced a 10-year, $40 billion National Housing Strategy that will help reduce homelessness and improve the availability and quality of housing for Canadians in need. This Strategy is part of a long-term vision to strengthen the middle class and provide affordable housing to Canadians, and lift more Canadians out of poverty. The strategy sets clear goals to remove 530,000 Canadians from housing need and reduce chronic homelessness, prioritizing the most vulnerable Canadians including seniors.
As part of the National Housing Strategy, the Government will support the provinces and territories as they protect and build a sustainable community-based housing sector, through a $4.3-billion Canada Community Housing Initiative. Additionally, to protect tenants living in federally administered community housing as operating agreements expire and to stabilize the operations of housing providers, the federal government will implement a new 10-year, $500-million Federal Community Housing Initiative. This initiative will put in place new operating agreements as old social housing operating agreements expire. As a result of these investments, 385,000 households will be protected from losing an affordable home."
4/30/2018,320,,Strong Middle Class,Invest in Housing First to reduce homelessness.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Chronic and episodic homelessness is reduced by as much as 50% compared to current levels.,"On November 22, 2017 the Government announced a 10-year, $40 billion National Housing Strategy that will help reduce homelessness and improve the availability and quality of housing for Canadians in need. This Strategy is part of a long-term vision to strengthen the middle class and provide affordable housing to Canadians, and lift more Canadians out of poverty. The strategy sets clear goals to remove 530,000 Canadians from housing need and reduce chronic homelessness, and to reduce chronic homelessness by half.
As part of the National Housing Strategy, the Government announced a total investment of $2.2 billion for homelessness over 10 years, building on Budget 2016 funding of $111.8 million over two years (2016-2017 and 2017-2018). By 2021-22, this will nearly double the investments made in 2015-16. These increased investment levels are expected to reduce the number of Canadians who are chronically or episodically homeless by as much as 50% compared to current levels. The Government has also been consulting with stakeholders, provinces, territories and Indigenous partners to redesign the program. These consultations are guided by the work of an Advisory Committee launched on June 22, 2017 and chaired by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. As part of the engagement process, an online consultation inviting Canadians to share their ideas on how to prevent and reduce homelessness took place and closed on September 15, 2017. A What We Heard report is expected to be made public in spring 2018. A redesigned federal response to homelessness will be implemented starting April 1, 2019."
4/30/2018,321,,Strong Middle Class,Remove all GST on new capital investments in affordable rental housing.,"Minister of Finance;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Not being pursued,See below.,"All Canadians should have a safe and affordable place to call home. The Government concluded, based on research and evidence, that there were more effective ways of encouraging the construction of affordable rental housing. Budget 2016 introduced a targeted approach to stimulate the construction of affordable rental housing by providing funding to establish the Affordable Rental Housing Innovation Fund and Rental Construction Financing Initiative. Budget 2017 announced the investment of more than $11.2 billion over 11 years in various initiatives that will help build, renew and repair Canada’s affordable housing and make sure Canadians have affordable housing that meets their needs. The National Housing Strategy, launched on November 22, 2017, includes additional measures to stimulate the construction of affordable rental housing. The Rental Construction Financing Initiative offers $2.5 billion in low-cost loans to support the construction of new rental housing. Budget 2018 proposed expanding this initiative with an additional $1.25B in low-cost loan over the next three years.
Through the National Housing Strategy, the federal government is re-engaging in affordable housing by investing in the growth of livable communities and the resilience of the community housing sector. To ensure existing rental housing is not lost to disrepair and to develop new, high-performing affordable housing integrated with supports and services, the federal government is creating a $15.9-billion federally managed National Housing Co-Investment Fund. The National Housing Co-Investment Fund alone is expected to create up to 60,000 new units of housing and repair up to 240,000 units of existing affordable and community housing. The Fund will consist of nearly $4.7 billion in financial contributions and $11.2 billion in low interest loans. The Government’s recently announced Rental Construction Financing Initiative will be integrated into the National Housing Co-Investment Fund, as will the Government’s recently created Affordable Rental Innovation Fund. Applications for the National Housing Co-Investment Fund will be accepted starting April 2018.
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4/30/2018,322,,Strong Middle Class,Modernize the Home Buyers' Plan.,"Minister of Finance;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - with challenges,Canadians impacted by a sudden and significant life change are better able to manage the costs of finding a home or relocating.,"In considering this proposal, the Government is examining how best to balance support for Canadians who have had a change of circumstance, such as a divorce or a change in employment, with the need to preserve and maintain retirement savings (e.g. Registered Retirement Savings Plans). To date, the Government has made other changes to provide greater legal support for families facing divorce and training programs to help Canadians transitioning between jobs. The Government has also taken a number of steps to ensure Canada has a regulated and stable housing market, including: improving mortgage financing rules, creating the Affordable Housing Innovation Fund and Rental Construction Financing Initiative, and investing $11.2 billion over the next 11 years to help build, repair and maintain affordable housing across Canada. These measures will help address the challenges of housing affordability faced by Canadians in many large urban centres, encourage the creation of new rental housing construction and re-establish a long-term federal role in housing."
4/30/2018,324,,Strong Middle Class,Identify available federal lands that could be repurposed for affordable housing.,"Minister of Public Services and Procurement;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Increased available land to build new affordable housing and increased housing supply where it is needed.,"The Government is creating a new Federal Lands initiative to make surplus federal lands and buildings available at a discounted cost (up to no cost) for new affordable housing. Over the next 10 years, up to $200 million in federal lands will be transferred to eligible participants to encourage the development of sustainable, accessible, mixed-income, mixed-use developments and communities. Starting in 2018-19, this initiative will also provide funding for renovations or retrofits and environmental remediation and to ensure surplus federal buildings are suitable for use as housing."
4/30/2018,325,,Strong Middle Class,Review prices in high-priced housing markets and consider all policy tools that could keep home ownership within reach for more Canadians.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",On-going commitment,Federal policy tools are employed to help keep home ownership within reach for more Canadians.,"The Government has completed analysis of factors impacting house prices, including identifying important data gaps and strategies to reduce these gaps, informed by consultations with a number of industry, academic, provincial and municipal government stakeholders. A final report, ""Examining Escalating House Prices in Large Canadian Cities"", providing an analysis of the underlying drivers of house price increases and a set of policy tools to help keep home ownership within reach for more Canadians, was publicly released on February 7, 2018. The release of this final report sets the stage for additional policy discussion and coordination across various levels of government."
4/30/2018,326,,Strong Middle Class,Bring forward a proposal to prevent mortgage fraud.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Mortgage fraud is reduced.,"Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has developed an Action Plan with measures to mitigate and prevent mortgage fraud, and is engaging industry stakeholders to implement the plan.
As of January 1, 2018, CMHC has joined the Citadel fraud management consortium operated by Equifax. CMHC will participate in the Competition Bureau’s Fraud Prevention Month program with announcements on fraud prevention activities and efforts to raise public awareness of issues related to mortgage fraud. CMHC is also co-sponsoring a fraud prevention conference in Quebec City, hosted by École nationale d’administration publique (ENAC), in September 2018."
4/30/2018,327,,Strong Middle Class,Use the best data available to make decisions on housing.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",On-going commitment,Better data and understanding of the housing market to inform policy decisions so that the Government can help Canadians secure good housing.,"The Government is developing a new Housing Statistics Framework that will be administered by Statistics Canada, and is investing to improve data collection and analytics through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). These investments will help track progress on the National Housing Strategy, better support informed policy decisions, and build on the reintroduction of the mandatory long-form census for 2016, which provides for more accurate collection of data on key things like housing."
4/30/2018,328,,Strong Middle Class,Raise taxes on the top 1% of earners.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,A fairer tax system where the richest pay their share.,"On December 7, 2015, the Government of Canada announced it would create a new top personal income tax rate of 33% for individual taxable incomes above $200,000, effective January 1, 2016 (increased from 29%). The Government continues to explore other measures to ensure tax fairness."
4/30/2018,329,,Fair and Open Government,Repeal elements of the Fair Elections Act which make it harder for Canadians to vote.,Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - on track,Barriers are reduced to electoral participation for all Canadians and there is greater integrity in the electoral process.,"On April 30, 2018, the Government introduced the Elections Modernization Act (Bill C-76). Among other changes, the legislation proposes improvements to the integrity of the electoral system, and repeal provisions in the previous Fair Elections Act that made it harder for Canadians to vote. The legislation includes the measures that were previously introduced through Bill C-33. Notably, the changes reinstate the Voter Information Card as authorized identification (ID), restore vouching for those without proper ID, expand voting rights to more than 1 million Canadians living abroad, expand the Chief Electoral Officer’s ability to educate Canadians to improve civic literacy and knowledge and help future young voters participate in the electoral process by pre-registering youth aged 14-17 so they can more easily vote when they turn 18."
4/30/2018,330,,Fair and Open Government,Conduct a review of government spending to reduce poorly targeted and inefficient programs.,President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Finance,Underway - on track,Programs are effective and deliver measurable results for Canadians.,"Launched in Budget 2017, the horizontal review on innovation and clean technology is now complete, with results announced in Budget 2018. The second launched horizontal review on fixed assets is ongoing, which is being conducted in phases and is expected to be completed in 2019-20. The three departmental reviews also announced in Budget 2017, the Canada Border Services Agency, the Canada School of Public Service, and Health Canada, are yet to be completed, but details will be announced when available. As part of Budget 2018, the Government launched a review on the Canada Revenue Agency’s service model to ensure that Canadians interacting with the Agency feel like valued clients, not just taxpayers. Budget 2018 also proposes to undertake a horizontal review of skills programming over the next year to maximize the effectiveness of programs that provide support to Canada’s labour force to ensure they have the information and training needed to meet future challenges and opportunities head on. In addition, Budget 2018 announced a set of targeted reviews over the next three years of regulatory requirements and practices that are bottlenecks to innovation and growth with an initial focus on agri-food and aquaculture, health/bio-sciences, and transportation and infrastructure. Further details about these reviews will be available in the coming months."
4/30/2018,331,,Strong Middle Class,Provide more flexible parental leave.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Parents who want to spend more time at home with their children have the option of doing so with protected Employment Insurance parental benefits.,"With Budget 2017, the Government of Canada created more flexible maternity and parental leave benefits. The changes allow parents to spread their parental benefit over a longer period of time (18 months), and give mothers the option to begin receiving Employment Insurance maternity benefits up to 12 weeks before their due date – up from eight weeks. The changes took effect December 3rd and give parents more support to spend time with their kids.
Further, to support greater gender equality in the home and in the workplace, Budget 2018 proposes to introduce a new EI Parental Sharing Benefit which will provide additional weeks of “use it or lose it” EI parental benefits, when both parents agree to share parental leave. "
4/30/2018,332,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure the successful integration of refugees into Canadian society.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,Improved social and economic outcomes for refugees.,"The Government is currently studying how to deliver language training and employment services in a better, more collaborative way, as well as test innovative approaches, to improve the participation of newcomers in social, cultural, civic, and economic life in Canada."
4/30/2018,334,,Healthy Canadians,Ensure safety and non-discrimination in blood donation policies.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"An evidence-based, safe and non-discriminatory approach to ensuring an adequate blood supply.","A safe and effective blood system is a cornerstone of health care delivery. In June 2016, Health Canada (HC) approved a request from Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec to reduce the blood donation ineligibility period for men who have sex with men (MSM) from five years to one year. This change was based on scientific evidence brought forward by the blood operators and brought Canada in line with other global regulators, such as the United States, France, Australia and the Netherlands. At the same time, the Government of Canada provided $3 million to Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec to conduct behavioural research and organize an international seminar. In 2017, a research competition was completed which resulted in funding eleven research projects, which will inform further changes that could be undertaken to implement an evidence-based, safe and non-discriminatory approach to MSM donations."
4/30/2018,335,,Healthy Canadians,Facilitate collaboration on an organ and tissue donation and transplant system that gives Canadians timely access to care.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,An increase in the supply of organs and tissue available so that Canadians get timely and effective access to care.,"Since April 2008, the Government has worked collaboratively with provinces and territories to improve the Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplant system in Canada. This includes better collaboration, public education and use of best practices to increase donations and ultimately an increase in the supply of organs and tissue so that Canadians are able to access them when needed.
According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, a total of 2,835 lifesaving transplants were performed in Canada (including Quebec) in 2016, a 32% increase since 2007. Over the last 10 years, the rate of deceased donation has increased 42% but the rate of living donation has decreased 11%. There were 4,500 patients on organ waitlists at the end of 2016, and 260 patients died in 2016 while waiting for a transplant."
4/30/2018,336,,Healthy Canadians,"Ensure Canada's response to the current opioid crisis is robust, well-coordinated and effective.",Minister of Health,Underway - with challenges,"Federal opioid response is evidence-based, collaborative and comprehensive, and the harm caused by opioid use—including overdoses and accidental deaths—is reduced.","Problematic opioid use and overdose is currently a crisis in Canada, causing devastation to individuals, families and communities. The Government of Canada is deeply concerned about the growing number of opioid-related overdoses and deaths and is committed to taking strong action. Despite early efforts, evidence suggests that the opioid crisis is intensifying and spreading.
The federal government is working with all partners to confront this crisis and develop a pan-Canadian response. On November 19, 2016, a Joint Statement of Action to Address the Opioid Crisis was announced and included key actions by the federal health portfolio, provincial/territorial governments and national health organizations. Federal Government actions include coordinating the opioid response with provincial and territorial counterparts through the Special Advisory Committee on the Epidemic of Opioid Overdoses and the Problematic Substance Use and Harms Committee. Budget 2017 committed $100 million over five years to support the federal response to the crisis focused in four areas: public education, harm reduction, addiction treatment and counselling, and law enforcement. Budget 2018 commits a further $231.4 million over five years for additional measures to help address the opioid crisis, including $150 million to support provinces and territories in improving access to treatment services for problematic substance use.
The Government of Canada also regularly engages non-government partners, including people who use drugs and people with lived and living experience, through regular multisector discussions, Ministerial roundtables, consultations, working meetings, and other mechanisms. Federal efforts are focused on working with provinces and territories to implement harm reduction approaches and increase access to treatment, supporting innovative approaches to address the crisis, and addressing stigma related to opioid use. The Government is also working towards finding new approaches to reduce opioid-related deaths and prevent future tragedies. An Impact Canada Challenge is currently being designed to encourage the development of opioid detection and testing technologies to help reduce harm to those who use drugs."
4/30/2018,337,,Healthy Canadians,Ensure Canada has a solid surveillance system for monitoring and reporting overdoses and deaths related to opioids.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,Effective monitoring and reporting of overdoses and deaths related to opioids.,"The Government is committed to releasing updated data on a quarterly basis, in collaboration with provinces and territories. The Government is also working with provinces and territories to collect additional data on opioid use and harms. On March 27, 2018, the Government released an updated national report on apparent opioid-related deaths in 2016 and the first three quarters of 2017."
4/30/2018,338,,Healthy Canadians,Review Canada's framework for dealing with public health emergencies.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"Public health emergencies and events are prevented, detected, and responded to effectively","The Public Health Agency of Canada is working with Health Portfolio partners and Public Safety Canada to assess its processes, mechanisms and tools to ensure timely and effective response to public health emergencies."
4/30/2018,339,,Healthy Canadians,"Curb opioid misuse by introducing prescribing guidelines, tracking prescriptions at the patient level, and increasing transparency in marketing and promotion of therapies.",Minister of Health,Underway - with challenges,"A reduction in inappropriate prescription of opioids, improved tracking of prescriptions, and better management of transitions where opioids are no longer required so as to reduce opioid dependency.","The Government is working with provinces, territories, and partners to address prescribing practices and prescription monitoring in Canada. The Canadian Institutes of Health Research is funding the Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse to develop a national guideline for medication-assisted treatment of opioid use disorder, which was published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal on March 5, 2018. The Government is collaborating with provinces and territories through the Problematic Substance Use and Harms Committee to share lessons learned and best practices in prescription monitoring.
In January 2018, Health Canada hosted a working session with provinces and territories to develop national standards for prescription monitoring programs. The Government is also exploring options to increase transparency in the marketing of therapies, and will be engaging with provinces and territories and other stakeholders in the coming months."
4/30/2018,340,,Healthy Canadians,Ensure communities can introduce effective opioid treatments and programs.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,Canadians have access to community-based opioid treatments and programs that are effective in reducing harm.,"Treatment is the key to moving people from using drugs to recovery. Budget 2018 includes measures to provide one-time emergency funding of $150 million for provinces and territories for multi-year projects that improve access to evidence-based treatments.
In addition, the federal government has used its regulatory powers to make naloxone more widely available and to expedite approval of the nasal spray version. Further, the Government published regulations allowing the import of drugs for opioid use disorder treatments not yet approved in Canada. On March 26, 2018, the Minister of Health announced the removal of barriers to accessing diacetylmorphine (prescription-grade heroin) and methadone for the treatment of opioid use disorder. The regulatory amendments were published in the Canada Gazette, Part II on March 21, 2018. "
4/30/2018,341,,Healthy Canadians,Promote the Canada Health Act to make absolutely clear that extra-billings and user fees are illegal and reporting is improved.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"Canadians have access to publicly funded health care, without financial barriers at point of service.","The Government of Canada is engaging with provinces and territories to ensure patients are not inappropriately charged for publicly insured services. Under the Canada Health Act, provinces and territories that permit extra-billing and user charges for insured health care services are subject to mandatory dollar-for-dollar deductions from their federal Canada Health Transfer entitlement. To better encourage provinces to re-align their publicly funded health care systems with the Canada Health Act when instances of non-compliance arise, and to recognize when provinces take corrective action, the Government is proposing legislative amendments to allow Canada Health Transfer deductions to be reimbursed when a province or territory has taken the necessary steps to eliminate extra-billing and user charges. The Government of Canada is also consulting with provinces and territories on ways to improve reporting on Canada Health Act compliance to Canadians.
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4/30/2018,342,,Healthy Canadians,Develop a new self-governed approach to delivering health services to Indigenous peoples and reduce health inequities between Indigenous peoples and non-Indigenous Canadians.,Minister of Health;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs;Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - on track,"New co-developed approaches to Indigenous health services that will be client-centred, culturally relevant and sustainable, resulting in healthier children, families and improved community wellness.","The Government is in the process of formally creating a new Department of Indigenous Services to focus on improving service delivery to Indigenous peoples. This new department includes the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch.
Budget 2017 announced an investment of $828 million over 5 years (starting in 2017-18) to improve a range of health outcomes. The Government is currently working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis to co-develop distinctions-based approaches to the delivery of health care. The Government's goal is to support capacity building in Indigenous communities so that they are able to manage their own health services.
This gap in health outcomes can be narrowed, and providing access to quality health care close to home is an essential part of that change. To keep Indigenous families healthy, Budget 2018 proposes to invest over $1.5 billion over five years, for Indigenous health, starting in 2018–19, and $149 million per year ongoing thereafter. This includes $498 million over five years, with $97.6 million per year ongoing, to sustain access to critical medical care and services, and $27.5 million over five years to eliminate tuberculosis in Inuit Nunangat.
Of this funding, $235 million will support work with First Nations partners to transform First Nations health systems by expanding successful models of self-determination so that health programs and services are developed, delivered and controlled by and for First Nations. This investment will also support access to quality and First Nations-controlled health care in remote and isolated James Bay communities as part of the Weeneebayko Area Health Integration Framework Agreement. First Nations are leading processes (in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec) to develop models for self-determination in health service-delivery. Memoranda of Understanding/agreements to advance these processes have/are being signed to confirm shared priorities. Other regional engagement efforts are underway across the country to identify strategies for transforming service delivery, including opportunities for increasing Indigenous control over services. In addition to the ongoing implementation of the historic British Columbia Tripartite Framework Agreement, which transferred operational control of health programs and services to the British Columbia First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), the Government is also facilitating a dialogue with the FNHA on how they might address the wider social determinants of health (initial focus on mental wellness and addictions)."
4/30/2018,343,,Government Services and Operations,Help Veterans gain skills to successfully transition to the civilian workforce.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"More Veterans, Canadian Armed Forces members, and their spouses/common-law partners successfully transition to the civilian labour market. The Government hires more veterans into meaningful work.","As of April 1, 2018, eligible Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans, their spouses/common-law partners and survivors are now able to apply for a new, modernized set of career transition services, delivered consistently across Canada. Services will be delivered by qualified career support professionals who understand military life and culture. For Veterans and survivors, these career transition services will be available throughout a person's post service working life, meaning they can get help when and where needed.
The Government of Canada also continues to provides access to hiring opportunities in the public service for certain serving and former members of the Canadian Armed Forces who are released for medical reasons. Priority for public service jobs is given to these members and Veterans over all other individuals."
4/30/2018,344,,Government Services and Operations,"Implement the Caregiver Recognition Benefit, paid directly to Veterans' caregivers.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,Increased recognition and support for caregivers of ill and injured Veterans so that Veterans get better care.,"As of April 1, 2018, the Government of Canada has introduced the new Caregiver Recognition Benefit, replacing the Family Caregiver Relief Benefit. This new benefit will provide a generous non-taxable $1,000 monthly benefit payable directly to informal caregivers of Veterans to better recognize and honour the vital role they play in supporting CAF members and Veterans. "
4/30/2018,345,,Government Services and Operations,Implement the new Veteran Emergency Fund and Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,Improve the quality of life of Veterans and their families.,"As of April 1, 2018, the Veterans Emergency Fund provides emergency financial support to Veterans, their families and survivors whose well-being is at risk due to an urgent and unexpected situation ($4 million over 4 years).
In addition, the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund is one of the many new and enhanced program and services brought forth in Budget 2017, focused on supporting innovative solutions to better support Veterans and their families. This new fund will support research and foster innovation across the public, private and academic fields to make a real difference in the lives of Veterans and families. The fund will support a wide range of projects, such as suicide prevention research, an initiative that helps homeless Veterans find housing, or any innovative projects that contribute to the well-being of Veterans and their families.
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4/30/2018,346,,Government Services and Operations,"Streamline the suite of benefits, improve transparency and communications, and improve the experience of Veterans as their needs change throughout their lives.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,"A streamlined, client-centric process that is easier to navigate, provides timely service and helps Veterans transition to civilian life.","Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) is streamlining its suite of benefits with the goal of reducing overlap and administrative burden to ensure a positive client experience for Veterans both as they transition to civilian life and as their needs change throughout their lives. A three-year communications and outreach strategy was launched to ensure that Veterans and their families are well-informed of the range of supports and services available to them. On December 20, 2017, the Government announced its Pension for Life plan, which will consolidate six existing income support programs into a single financial benefit – the Income Replacement Benefit (IRB) - to simplify and streamline access to VAC programs and services. Specifically, the new IRB will replace the Earnings Loss Benefit; Extended Earnings Loss Benefit, Retirement Income Security Benefit, Supplementary Retirement Benefit, the Career Impact Allowance and Career Impact Allowance Supplement. This will reduce the burden on the Veteran and their Caregivers as there will be one application form where there used to be six."
4/30/2018,347,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure public servants are paid accurately and promptly.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - with challenges,Public servants are paid in a timely manner and without errors.,"The ongoing public service pay problems are unacceptable, creating emotional and financial hardships, as well as unnecessary stress for many employees and their families.
The Government of Canada will ensure that employees receive timely and accurate pay and benefits, and we are working hard to resolve issues as quickly as possible, but there are no quick fixes. We are committed to doing better.
The Clerk of the Privy Council Office instructed Deputy Ministers to take a personal interest in seeing that employees are paid accurately and on time. Employees should not feel that they are facing these difficulties alone.
The Government is implementing a suite of measures, informed by recommendations from the Office of Auditor General of Canada as well as the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, to stabilize the pay system so that transactions are processed more quickly and accurately, pay issues are resolved and employees receive better service. Budget 2018 announced an investment of $454 million over six years, starting in 2017-18, to increase the number of compensation employees at the Pay Centre and satellite offices to more than 1,500, hire more HR advisors within departments to assist employees and to provide employees with tax support. In addition, over the next two years, the Government will work with experts, unions and technology providers on a way forward for a new pay system.
Progress is reported regularly through a monthly, publically available Dashboard, a Pay Bulletin and other online content, ensuring ongoing transparency and accountability.
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4/30/2018,348,,Fair and Open Government,Increase the diversity of bidders on government contracts.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,"The diversity of bidders and contractors will increase, including participation by businesses owned by women and Indigenous peoples.","The Government has participated in approximately 1,770 outreach events across Canada including 614 events related to under-represented groups such as women, Indigenous and multicultural communities. In all, the Government has engaged with 10,909 individuals belonging to under-represented communities to promote how to do business with the Government of Canada. As well, PSPC has launched social procurement pilots to increase the participation of small and diverse suppliers. As part of this, there is an increased focus on providing women-owned and Indigenous small and medium-sized businesses with the tools and guidance to compete for government opportunities. The Government's aim to make procurement simpler, faster and accessible will also serve to increase bidder diversity. PSPC developed a common set of definitions for social procurement, and all industry consultations now include a segment on supplier diversity. The Government has set a target for the participation of women-owned businesses to federal procurement in Budget 2018."
4/30/2018,349,,Fair and Open Government,"Develop better tools to hold contractors accountable, particularly in large scale procurements.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,"Suppliers will be accountable for their contractual performance, which is expected to improve procurement results.","Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) created a Vendor Relationship and Performance Management Office.
Shared Services Canada (SSC) created a vendor management office to oversee the commercial relationships with large contractors to favour a positive and strategic working relationship with key vendors.
SSC is also developing a vendor performance program that aligns with the broader PSPC initiative supporting accountability and performance standards.
PSPC has conducted an extensive environmental scan of existing vendor performance management practices in Canada and abroad to establish a baseline of best practices. PSPC is developing a draft suite of policy instruments that aligns with the best practices and has begun consulting with key stakeholders, including Government of Canada departments and agencies and industry.
PSPC is leading the development of a Government-wide approach to vendor performance management. PSPC is developing the initiative in close collaboration and consultation with representatives from central departments and agencies, including SSC and the largest Government of Canada purchasers.
A framework for PSPC’s Vendor Relationship and Performance Management regime is being planned for 2018-19."
4/30/2018,350,,Fair and Open Government,"Publish clear metrics on the competitiveness, cost and timeliness of procurement.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,The Government of Canada will make more informed contract decisions based on feedback obtained from comprehensive data and sampling of procurement activities and surveys.,"
Metrics on competitiveness, cost and timeliness are published in the annual Departmental Plans and Departmental Results Reports, as well as in Our Services, Standards and Results. A data strategy is being developed to increase the number of metrics available to clients, suppliers and Canadians, including competitiveness, cost and timeliness. PSPC established strong Key Performance Indicators for the 2018-19 Departmental Results Framework."
4/30/2018,351,,Fair and Open Government,Make more government data available to vendors participating in procurement bidding to encourage better bids.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,Vendors and government decision makers have access to modern analytics to better understand Government of Canada procurement. This will help vendors decide when and how to compete in order to encourage more and better bids.,"Information on contracts over $10,000 is available on the Government of Canada Open Government Portal. The Government is developing a data strategy to improve the contract data provided to suppliers and decision makers. It is expected that the Government will begin the implementation of the strategy in fall 2018. The Government's goal of making procurement simpler, faster and accessible will also serve to encourage better bids."
4/30/2018,352,,Fair and Open Government,Ensure prompt payment of contractors and sub-contractors.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,Barriers to accessing government contracts are reduced and small and medium enterprises require less working capital (cash flow) to do business with the Government of Canada because they get paid more quickly for work they've done.,"The Government is looking at different approaches to ensure expedited payment to its suppliers. Current initiatives include the launch of a pilot to pay certain types of invoices within a shorter timeframe than the current 30 days. This will mean that small and medium-sized enterprises will require less working capital (cash flow) to do business with the Government. This initiative will also remove barriers to accessing government contracts.
Independent experts have been contracted to seek input from the construction industry to identify the elements required to develop a robust federal prompt payment regime. The federal government will use the proposed recommendations to inform the development of an effective legislative solution that will direct terms of payment and provide for an adjudication process for federal construction contracts."
4/30/2018,353,,Government Services and Operations,"Improve the delivery of information technology within the Government, including the renewal of Shared Services Canada.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,"An agile, reliable and secure information technology platform to support the delivery of digital services to Canadians.","Shared Services Canada has completed broad-based consultations with industry, Canadians and federal departments on the best approaches for managing the Government of Canada's information technology assets and services. More than 2,500 submissions from these stakeholders provided suggestions for improving information technology service delivery and project management. At the same time, the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat has also released the independent review of Shared Services Canada commissioned from Gartner Canada Co. Results of the review and feedback from the consultations are informing the way forward for information technology that enables the digital delivery of Government of Canada programs and services, including a new governance structure under the Government of Canada Chief Information Officer to help set direction and priorities across government.
Budget 2018 provided $2.2 billion over six years, with $349.8 million ongoing, starting in 2018-2019 to improve the management and provision of IT infrastructure and services within government and support the migration of applications from older data centres into more secure modern data centres or cloud solutions, and to support related cyber security measures."
4/30/2018,354,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure the timely and orderly transition of Parliamentary operations during the renewal of the Parliamentary precinct.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,"The Government of Canada is restoring and modernizing the Parliamentary Precinct for current and future generations of Canadians, and to provide Parliament with the accommodations it needs to operate effectively and safely in a modern, connected and sustainable world. ","The transition of parliamentary operations from the Centre Block and the start of its major restoration is a major milestone in this effort. The Government has completed the restoration of the 180 Wellington building in 2016 and is poised to complete the West Block, Visitor Welcome Centre and Government Conference Centre in the next several months to enable a smooth transition of Parliamentary operations targeted for Fall 2018, enabling the restoration of the Centre Block to begin.
A Deputy Minister level committee has been established to provide direction and oversight on a coordinated, timely and orderly transition of operations from the Centre Block to the West Block and the Government Conference Centre. The committee is chaired by Public Services and Procurement Canada, and comprises representatives from the House of Commons, the Senate, the Library of Parliament, Parliamentary Protective Services, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Privy Council Office. "
4/30/2018,355,,Indigenous peoples,Develop a vision for a national space for Indigenous peoples at 100 Wellington.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs;Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,"Creating a space for Indigenous peoples directly across from Parliament Hill will symbolize a turning point in Canada's relationship with Indigenous peoples. This location will provide a concrete marker of the importance of Indigenous peoples to this country's past, present, and future.","On June 21, 2017, the Government announced that a new space for Indigenous peoples will be established at 100 Wellington Street in the National Capital Region that reflects the vision of Indigenous peoples and the spirit of reconciliation. To advance this project, an interim working group has been established with representatives from the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the Métis National Council and the Government of Canada to recommend next steps to ensure 100 Wellington becomes an inclusive space. Next steps will include identifying the process for comprehensive engagement to ensure that Indigenous peoples shape the future use of the building and are full partners in leading the project.
This multi-year, large-scale project will involve broad consultations with Indigenous peoples on a national scale.
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4/30/2018,356,,Government Services and Operations,"Enhance the quality and capacity of services provided by the Translation Bureau, and promote the economic vitality of Canada's translation and interpretation community.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,The Government of Canada has access to high quality linguistic services that enable it to operate and to serve Canadians in both official languages.,"In October 2017, the Government hired a Chief Quality Officer at the Translation Bureau to structure all of the Bureau’s quality initiatives. It remains committed to hiring over 50 students at the Translation Bureau per year over the next 5 years to train the next generation of language specialists. In 2017-2018, more than 150 students were hired. To promote the economic vitality of Canada's translation and interpretation community, the Government has created a new panel to improve collaboration with the interpretation industry and facilitate the implementation of a new procurement tool for conference interpretation. In order to reposition the Translation Bureau as a centre of excellence, the Government is now implementing a new vision which includes various projects that seek to improve quality of services, strengthen relationships with professional associations, universities and clients, ensure effective resource management and planning and guarantee that linguistic tools meet the needs of employees.
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4/30/2018,357,,Jobs and Innovation,Develop the vision for the new federal science infrastructure.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,A modern science infrastructure that fosters collaboration to achieve policy goals and protects the safety and security and health of Canadians.,"In Budget 2018, the Government announced $2.8 billion over five years as part of an ambitious plan to renew federal laboratories. The Government is launching the first phase of a plan to renew federal laboratories, which will begin the process for the construction of multipurpose, collaborative federal science and technology facilities. The strategy will offer a more integrated and effective approach to federal labs, information technology and human resources. This plan will ensure that federal scientists have access to world class infrastructure, equipment, and computer networks to produce the best results for Canadians.
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4/30/2018,358,,Jobs and Innovation,Use work on accessibility as a catalyst for new ideas and business strategies through technology and design.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Underway - on track,Canadians with disabilities are participating more in the digital economy with the help of assistive and adaptive digital devices and technologies.,"The Accessible Technology Program will help fill the gap in support for the development of assistive and adaptive digital devices and technologies that enable persons with disabilities to fully participate in society. It will help remove barriers to Internet access and other digital services for Canadians with disabilities, will help them gain the digital skills they need for good jobs, and enable them to fully participate in the digital economy."
4/30/2018,359,,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Monitor federal allocations to improve public transit accessibility, and create reporting obligations on these expenditures.",Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Underway - on track,"Improved reliability, efficiency, safety and accessibility of public transit systems in Canada.","Canadian cities have been growing at a rapid rate, but investment in public transit has not kept pace and investments have not always considered accessibility issues. To improve public transit systems across Canada and make them more accessible, Budget 2016 announced immediate federal investments of up to $3.4 billion in public transit, starting in 2016–17 to be provided through a new Public Transit Infrastructure Fund. These investments are helping to improve commutes, cut air pollution, strengthen communities and grow Canada's economy. Public Transit Infrastructure funding is being provided to support the rehabilitation of public transit systems, the planning of future system improvements and expansions, enhanced asset management, and system optimization and modernization."
4/30/2018,360,,Indigenous peoples,Promote culturally relevant sport for Indigenous youth.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities;Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - on track,"Increased and sustained participation of Indigenous children and youth in culturally relevant sport programming. In addition, sport programming is used to reduce the gap between Indigenous communities and the rest of Canada in areas of social development.","Budget 2017 invested $18.9 million over five years starting in 2017-2018, and ongoing funding of $5.5 million every four years thereafter to support Indigenous youth and sport. This included funding to the Aboriginal Sport Circle in the amount of $800,000 in 2017-18 to enable the organization to assume a leadership role on Indigenous sport development, as well as funding to the provinces and territories to promote culturally relevant sport programming in Indigenous communities. The Government also provided $3.5 million for the hosting of the North American Indigenous Games in Toronto from July 16 to 23, 2017. In addition, in 2017-18, approximately $4.85 million was provided to eleven national organizations to pilot physical activity and sport projects in 61 First Nation communities across the country. At present, 6,145 First Nation students, 595 parents/community members, 364 on reserve teachers, and 212 Elders are participating in the ongoing pilot projects. All pilots were ongoing until March 31, 2018, and each organization will submit a final project report in May, 2018. The most successful programs will be identified with the goal of increasing Indigenous participation in culturally relevant sports and recreation and to improve the health and well-being of Indigenous communities through sport participation.
Through Budget 2018, the Government invested $47.5 million over five years, and $9.5 million per year ongoing, to expand the use of sports for social development in more than 300 Indigenous communities. The Government is working closely with the Aboriginal Sport Circle to design the program to deliver these funds.
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4/30/2018,361,,Healthy Canadians,Better support Canadian athletes through the Athlete Assistance Program.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Underway - on track,High-performance Canadian athletes are better able to focus on training for world class performances due to greater financial support.,"The Government committed to investing an additional $25 million over 5 years through Budget 2017, with $5 million per year ongoing, to the Athlete Assistance Program. This investment represents an 18 percent increase over existing funding levels. New investments are being distributed in the following way: $4.25 million for the living and training allowance, $250,000 for tuition support and $500,000 for supplementary support. This new investment will directly assist approximately 1,900 athletes across Canada and enable them to continue to combine their sport and academic or working careers while training intensively in pursuit of world-class performance."
4/30/2018,362,,Indigenous peoples,"Dissolve Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, and create a new Department of Indigenous Services and a new Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs to better serve Indigenous peoples.",Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs;Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - on track,"Improved delivery and quality of day-to-day services for First Nations, Inuit and Métis. An improved nation-to-nation relationship and greater self-determination for Indigenous peoples who rightfully want and need to control service delivery for their own people.","The Government of Canada announced the creation of the Department of Indigenous Services Canada in early December 2017. The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs has been mandated to lead consultations on the structure of two new departments.
An Order-in-Council was adopted to designate Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) as a department. A Memorandum of Understanding between Health Canada and ISC was signed to ensure the seamless continuity of internal services to First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB), which was previously under Health Canada. As of April 1, 2018, employees who worked in Internal Services at Health Canada supporting the FNIHB are officially employees of ISC. This is an important step in the transformation towards a stronger service culture within ISC’s service to, and empowerment of, Indigenous peoples.
A national engagement led by the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs is currently underway which will inform the introduction of legislation concerning the formal establishment of the two new departments.
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4/30/2018,363,,Indigenous peoples,"Lead a whole-of-government approach to renew the nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relationship with Indigenous people.",Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,"A renewed relationship with Indigenous peoples based on co-developed policies that support strong and effective nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relationships that consider and respond to the unique realities of Indigenous peoples in Canada.","Three permanent bilateral mechanisms have been created, with the Prime Minister, the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and the Métis National Council, to jointly set priorities and oversee outcomes. On February 9, 2017, the Prime Minister and Inuit leaders signed a declaration to create the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee, demonstrating the shared commitment to a renewed Inuit-Crown relationship between Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Government of Canada. The first Métis Nation-Crown Summit took place on April 13, 2017, where the Prime Minister and the President of the Métis National Council and its Governing Members signed the Canada-Métis Nation Accord. On June 12, 2017, the Prime Minister and the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations signed a Memorandum of Understanding during the first Assembly of First Nations-Crown meeting. Over the past year, regular meetings at the Ministerial and senior official level have helped guide the substantive work underway in the co-developed joint priorities. As progress continues on the joint priorities, preparations are ongoing to plan the second annual meetings between the Prime Minister and leaders of the National Indigenous Organizations.
A successful Canada-Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations Forum, chaired by the Prime Minister and attended by 23 Indigenous Leaders was held on November 1, 2017. At this historic Forum, the Prime Minister committed to holding an annual Forum to discuss progress.
On February 14, 2018, the Government of Canada announced that it will develop in full partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, a Recognition and Implementation of Indigenous Rights Framework. The contents of the Framework will be determined through national engagement that will continue throughout the spring, with the intention to have the Framework introduced in 2018.
Through Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions, the Government is working with Indigenous people to co-develop mandates that better address their needs and priorities and help advance, in partnership, community-identified priorities. These discussions also provide a forum for the Government to support the reconstitution of Indigenous nations, as well as self-determination and self-government. Over 60 of these discussions are underway with Indigenous communities, representing over 320 communities and a population of approximately 700,000 people.
Budget 2018 proposes to invest $74.9 million over five years, with $15.5 million per year ongoing, to provide ongoing support to these policy co-development forums."
4/30/2018,364,,Indigenous peoples,Include Indigenous representatives in a meaningful way in Canada's federal-provincial-territorial dialogues.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - with challenges,A consensus based approach to meaningful and collaborative engagement with Indigenous representatives in federal-provincial-territorial dialogues.,"Indigenous organizations have been active participants in ongoing federal-provincial-territorial (FPT) dialogues in policy areas that matter most to Indigenous peoples. These dialogues played a key role in identifying priorities and shaping the path forward in a number of areas, including justice and public safety, health, culture and heritage, sport and recreation, and early learning and childcare. In October 2017, national Indigenous organizations met with First Ministers to discuss measures to promote the inclusion of Indigenous peoples in an economic growth agenda and the connection to the broader reconciliation agenda. In January 2018, Indigenous leaders met with FPT Ministers responsible for Child and Family Services to discuss a plan for addressing the critical challenges being faced regarding Indigenous children in care. In addition, in April 2018, more than 300 Indigenous participants attended the Recognition and Implementation of Rights Forum in Vancouver, BC, which was co-hosted by Canada, BC, and the First Nations Leadership Council. "
4/30/2018,365,,Canada in the World,Develop a new Arctic Policy and a shared Arctic Leadership model for the government's work in the North.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,"Strong, resilient Arctic communities, sustainable and diversified Arctic economies and comprehensive Arctic infrastructure. Environmental sustainability and conservation of Arctic biodiversity.","In November 2017, the Government launched public engagement to support the development of an Arctic Policy Framework for Canada to replace Canada's Northern Strategy and Statement on Foreign Arctic Policy. This Framework is intended to identify a vision and plan to guide federal activities in the region. Public engagement is completed and included roundtables with northern residents and organizations, business, youth, non-governmental organizations and researchers. Federal, Provincial, Territorial and Indigenous partners continue to collaborate on the co-development of domestic and international elements of the framework. As of March 2018, work on a new Arctic Policy Framework proceeded from public engagement to co-development with Territorial, Indigenous, and Provincial partners. "
4/30/2018,366,,Indigenous peoples,Advance devolution in Nunavut in collaboration with the government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,"Greater control for Nunavut over their lands and resources, leading to increased investment and economic growth, more job opportunities and lower unemployment, and increased revenues for the Government of Nunavut. Devolution will also contribute to the broader goal of reconciliation and will be a key result under a new Arctic Policy Framework.","On July 9, 2016, the Government appointed a new Chief Federal Negotiator for Nunavut devolution. The Chief Federal Negotiator is meeting on specific issues to build common ground and facilitate the achievement of an Agreement-in-Principle. The Agreement-in-Principle will lead to a devolution agreement which would provide for the transfer of responsibilities for land and resource management to the Government of Nunavut."
4/30/2018,367,,Indigenous peoples,Increase the number of comprehensive modern treaties and new self-government agreements for Indigenous communities.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - with challenges,"An increased number of modern treaties (comprehensive land claim agreements, self-government agreements) that supports Indigenous peoples' self-determination, self-government and nation rebuilding.","The Government is working with negotiating partners and other stakeholders to reform section, 35 Constitution Act , 1982, related policies and processes to address concerns expressed by Indigenous partners. Through Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions and the Collaborative Fiscal Policy Development Process with Self-Governing Indigenous Governments, the Government is also working with Indigenous people to co-develop policies, and approaches that lead to greater self-determination. In British Columbia, the Government is working in partnership with the province of British Columbia and the First Nations Summit to implement the proposals in the report on the ""Multilateral Engagement Process to Improve and Expedite Treaty Negotiations in British Columbia"" that was endorsed by the Principals to the British Columbia treaty process in May 2016.
Budget 2018 outlines new steps the Government will take to increase the number of modern treaties and self-determination agreements in a manner that reflects a recognition of rights approach. These changes, along with the new approach brought forward through the Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination negotiations, will shorten the time it takes to reach new treaties and agreements, at a lower cost to all parties. As part of this new approach, the Government of Canada will be moving away from the use of loans to fund Indigenous participation in the negotiation of modern treaties. Starting in 2018–19, Indigenous participation in modern treaty negotiations will be funded through non-repayable contributions. The Government will engage with affected Indigenous groups on how best to address past and present negotiation loans, including forgiveness of loans. Through Budget 2018, the Government also proposes to invest $51.4 million over the next two years to continue its support for federal and Indigenous participation in the Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussion tables.
For example, on March 29th, 2018 Bill C-70 received Royal Assent giving effect to the Agreement on Cree Nation Governance between the Crees of Eeyou Istchee and the Government of Canada thereby advancing Self-Determination for approximately 18,000 Indigenous people in nine Cree communities in North-West Quebec, and on April 1 2018, the Anishinabek Education Agreement between 23 Anishinabek Nation First Nations and the Government of Canada came into effect, recognizing Anishinabek law-making powers and authority over education on reserve and setting the stage for the Participating First Nations to develop culturally relevant and community-tailored education programs for the benefit of approximately 2,000 Anishinabek students.
On February 14, 2018, the Prime Minister announced the development of a Recognition and Implementation of Indigenous Rights Framework in full partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. As a starting point, the Prime Minister stated that the Framework would replace the Comprehensive Land Claims Policy and Inherent Right Policy with new and better approaches that fully embrace and give live to section 35 Constitution Act, 1982 and respect the distinctions between First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. By focusing on the recognition and implementation of rights, the new policy will support and advance Indigenous peoples’ self-determination, self-government and nation building.
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4/30/2018,368,,Indigenous peoples,Support Indigenous peoples in their work to advance self-determination.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - with challenges,"Indigenous peoples will have sufficient capacity and resources to work towards rebuilding and reconstituting their nations, advancing self-determination, and, for First Nations, facilitating transitions away from the Indian Act and toward self-government.","The Government continues to support Indigenous peoples as they reconstitute their nations and advance self-determination and self-government. This is being accomplished through nation-level dialogues and community-level processes that are exploring the rights and priorities of Indigenous peoples and working towards their implementation in ways that make sense for Indigenous communities. For example, the Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions allow for the co-development of flexible negotiation mandates so that key issues can be appropriately prioritized and addressed. Over 60 of these discussions are underway with Indigenous communities and 19 preliminary agreements have been signed. The Government is also continuing to reform laws, policies and operational practices to better support Indigenous self-determination across the country. The Government has also launched a national engagement, led by the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, to develop a Recognition and Implementation of Indigenous Rights Framework in partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. As of April 25, 2018, 68 engagement sessions have been held with Indigenous communities, Provinces and Territories, as well as stakeholders, such as industry. The Framework will support the rebuilding of Indigenous governments and nations, and advance Indigenous self-determination, including the inherent right of self-government.
Through Budget 2018, the Government also proposes to invest $51.4 million over the next two years to continue its support for federal and Indigenous participation in the Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussion tables. Further, through Budget 2018, the Government proposes to provide $101.5 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, to support capacity development for Indigenous Peoples. Funding would be made available to Indigenous groups to support activities that would facilitate their own path to reconstituting their nations.
To support the expansion of the First Nations Land Management Act and the successful participation of First Nations under the Act, Budget 2018 proposes to invest $143.5 million over five years, beginning in 2018–19, and $19 million per year ongoing. This funding will allow an additional 50 First Nations to enter into the Land Management Regime, while providing pre-readiness support and capacity development to ensure their successful participation. Additionally, this will support over 200 First Nations to opt-out, or begin the process of opting-out, of the 33 lands related sections of the Indian Act and assume jurisdiction over their lands, environment, and natural resources under their own First Nations Land Codes.
Through Budget 2018, the Government proposes to provide $5.5 million over two years to continue the activities of the Matrimonial Real Property Implementation Support Program. In addition, this funding will support new and more targeted training and awareness activities, such as the development of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, to respond to gaps in the administration of justice. This funding will provide for the continuation of a First Nation Centre of Excellence providing training to enhance knowledge and awareness of rights and protections available under related federal legislation; and support for First Nation law-making in this area."
4/30/2018,369,,Indigenous peoples,Advance positions in co-operative dispute resolution processes that are consistent with the resolution of past wrongs toward Indigenous peoples.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - with challenges,"Resolution of past grievances through collaborative, trusted, mutually respectful processes consistent with the Government's commitment to a renewed nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown and government-to-government relationship.","Recent legal settlement agreements between the Government of Canada and Indigenous peoples signify progress on this commitment. This includes the Newfoundland and Labrador residential schools settlement agreement (September 2016) which has now entered into the phase where the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs' Special Representative is facilitating Healing and Commemoration sessions with survivors in impacted communities. Additionally, the parties to Sixties Scoop Final Agreement, which was signed on November 30, 2017, will be seeking approval of this agreement in the Federal Court on May 10-11, 2018, and in the Ontario Superior Court scheduled on May 29-30, 2018. Joint development of the parameters of the Sixties Scoop Foundation is also underway. Led by Ministerial Special Representative Tom Isaac, Canada continues to advance engaged exploratory discussions to negotiations toward a future resolution of the Gottfriedson class action, which respects the experience of day scholars at Indian Residential Schools.
The Government is also advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples through symbolic Ministerial statements of posthumous exoneration and/or pardon that address historical incidents of cultural conflict and misunderstanding. A posthumous exoneration stands as an important symbol of the Government of Canada's commitment to reconciliation.
For example, on March 26, 2018, the Prime Minister delivered a statement of exoneration on behalf of the Government of Canada to the Tsilhqot’in Nation and the descendants of six Tsilhqot’in Chiefs who led the Tsilhqot’in war effort in 1864 in response to a colonial road crew attempting to build a road through Tsilhqot'in territory without the agreement of the Tsilhqot'in Nation, and were executed in 1864 and 1865.
In addition, the Government is working with the Poundmaker Cree Nation to exonerate Chief Poundmaker who was wrongly convicted for treason against the Crown as one of the leaders of a community that had been involved in armed conflict against the Canadian Expeditionary Force following the looting of Battleford in 1855 (present day Saskatchewan).
Canada is engaged in over 60 Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities across the country. These discussions seek to advance, in partnership, community-identified priorities. Several Indigenous groups have entered into discussions in response to or as an alternative to litigation. By entering into these flexible discussions with Canada, groups seek to settle litigation through out of court settlements.
Specific claims are claims made by a First Nation against the Government of Canada which relate to the administration of land and other First Nation assets and to the fulfilment of pre-1975 treaties. An Assembly of First Nations – Canada Joint Technical Working Group on Specific Claims, which includes representatives from a number of First Nation organizations is currently developing concrete proposals to improve the process for resolving specific claims. The resolution of these historic grievances is key to the recognition of First Nations’ rights, respect and advancing reconciliation.
The Reconciliation Measures workplan is central to the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee because the actions it encompasses are fundamental to a just and lasting reconciliation between Inuit and the Crown.
Further efforts in reconciliation have been made. For example, the Government has been working with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) and Inuit Land Claims on the Nanilavut Initiative, which concerns the Government’s role in the past tuberculosis epidemic among Inuit. The Nanilavut Initiative is included in the work plan of the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee under the Reconciliation Measures Theme. Discussions are underway with ITK and Inuit Land Claims for the launch of the Nanilavut Initiative.
The Government is also working on the Qikiqtani Truth Commission (QTC) Final Report (2013) as a member of the Saimaqatiqiingniq Working Group which provides a space where partners can discuss ways to implement the QTC’s 25 recommendations. Discussions to date have focused on quantifying the size and scope of the recommendations and determining the best way to implement them."
4/30/2018,370,,Indigenous peoples,"Ensure the implementation of pre-Confederation, historic, and modern treaties and agreements.",Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,On-going commitment,"Strengthened Crown-Indigenous relationships, greater autonomy, and improved social and economic outcomes for Indigenous peoples.","Collaborative work with Indigenous partners is ongoing, such as through the Inuit Crown Partnership Committee Permanent Bilateral Mechanism and the annual Canada-Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations Forum (the first forum was chaired by the Prime Minister in November 2017). Issue areas addressed through these fora include: collaborative participation in the formal Implementation Committees that each modern agreement entails; renewing the fiscal relationship with self-governing Indigenous governments, structures of governments, and furthering shared priorities through participation and engagement, and improving treaty implementation. The treaty relationship is maintained through various policies, mechanisms and processes including treaty discussion tables and treaty commissions. A number of historic treaty groups have positioned or re-positioned themselves to engage Canada in discussions toward reinvigorating the treaty relationship and exploring reconciliation-focused approaches to address treaty-related interests. The Government is also supporting the implementation of the Additions to Reserve Policy Directive to ensure Canada meets its historic treaty obligations and to improve access to community lands and resources.
An annual forum with the Prime Minister was committed to at the November 1, 2017, Canada-Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations Forum. The Inuit Crown Partnership Committee has also identified land claims implementation as a priority issue and is pursuing recommendations echoed at the November 1, 2017 forum. First meetings were held in 2017 with the Prime Minister and Indigenous leaders, and these processes are expected to be ongoing. Other ongoing engagement, including with respect to departmental transformation, and with modern treaty and self-governing groups will be essential to positively advancing implementation of treaties and agreements.
Canada and Indigenous governments continue to engage in respectful and collaborative government-to-government discussions at regular meetings dedicated to the effective implementation of modern treaties and self-government agreements, with 50 having taken place to date in 2017-18.
In Québec, the Cree Nation Governance Agreement (signed on July 18, 2017) will modernize existing governance regimes on Cree lands. The implementing Bill on Cree Nation Governance Agreement received Royal Assent on March 29, 2018. This represents another step in implementing Cree self-governance in compliance with the 1975 James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement. It will provide the Cree First Nations and the Cree Nation Government with important tools to assume greater autonomy and responsibility in the governance of Cree community lands subject to federal jurisdiction. The Agreement on Cree Nation Governance and the Cree Constitution demonstrate that the Cree Nation Government and the Cree First Nations are mature governments. They are a step towards reconciliation and a respectful nation-to-nation relationship between the Cree and Canada in the spirit of the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement.
Additions to Reserves enable Canada to fulfill legal obligations established by Treaty Lands Entitlement, Specific Claims, and other legal agreements. Expanding the reserve land base is also an important mechanism by which First Nations can foster community and economic development. A National Additions to Reserve Advisory Committee made up of Indigenous organizations and stakeholders was created to identify and implement process improvements that will streamline and accelerate the Additions to Reserve process. There have been 111 Additions to Reserve approved in 2017-18, of which 98 represent the fulfillment of legal obligations on the part of the Crown.
In April 2017, Canada obtained a mandate to negotiate Rights Reconciliation Agreements on fisheries and National Parks with the 35 Mi’kmaq, Maliseet, and Peskotomuhkati Indigenous communities in the Atlantic and Gaspé region of Québec. Rights Reconciliation Agreements seek to implement the historic treaty rights affirmed in 1999 Marshall decision, create new opportunities for economic development, and create operational stability. To achieve success in implementing these Agreements, the Parties are also focusing on building governance capacity at the Nation level."
4/30/2018,371,,Indigenous peoples,"Collaboratively, identify the best models for delivering improved services to Indigenous peoples, and improve accountability.",Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - with challenges,"Co-creation of new and meaningful partnership models that strengthen service delivery for Indigenous peoples, resulting in improved outcomes in key areas including health, education, child welfare and community infrastructure.","The Government will work in partnership with Indigenous peoples to identify the best models for improving the delivery of services and improving accountability to Indigenous peoples for the quality of those services. This will be achieved by strengthening engagement practices, supporting the transfer of services to be Indigenous-led where possible, recognizing the inherent knowledge of communities and ensuring that services are culturally appropriate. The Government will also work with Indigenous peoples to measure and monitor progress and improve service delivery on an ongoing basis.
The Government continues to work collaboratively with the First Nations Fiscal Management Act institutions, the First Nations Finance Authority, the First Nations Financial Management Board and the First Nations Tax Commission, who provide direct services to First Nations and a legislative and institutional framework to exercise jurisdiction over core fiscal and governance matters, including the financing of infrastructure and economic development projects through the issuance of bonds on capital markets. For an example of some of the results achieved, the First Nations Finance Authority’s October 2017 debenture issuance on the financial markets added an additional $126 million to the existing debentures and bringing the total to $376 million. These debentures allow for investments in infrastructure and socio-economic development projects including water treatment, roads, housing, schools, health, security and emergency services, renewable energy and aquaculture. In addition to the high quality services that they provide, these institutions are working collaboratively with the Government and other First Nation partners to lead the way on innovative initiatives that support a renewed nation-to-nation relationship, such as a proposed First Nation infrastructure institution, under the umbrella of a New Fiscal Relationship and 10 year grants, and exploring the potential to monetize federal capital transfers.
The Government also continues to work in close collaboration with other key partner Indigenous organizations such as the National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association, the First Nations Lands Management Resource Centre and the Tulo Centre of Indigenous Economics. These technical organizations play a crucial role in developing capacity, certifying First Nations through accredited programs and providing ongoing professional development and technical support in areas of relevance to First Nations - land use planning and surveys, matrimonial real property, resource development, environmental management, etc. The government will continue to look for opportunities to further devolve responsibilities to our partners as they have proven to be effective and efficient in providing culturally appropriate services and capacity development opportunities.
Budget 2018 proposes to invest $50 million over five years, and $11 million per year ongoing, to strengthen the First Nations Financial Management Board, the First Nations Finance Authority and the First Nations Tax Commission.
The Government is in discussions with the Metis National Council on increasing access to capital for the Metis Capital Corporations as well as the possibility of holding a MEDS 4 (Metis Economic Development Symposium)."
4/30/2018,372,,Indigenous peoples,"Continue to provide services to Indigenous peoples, including community infrastructure, emergency management, water, education, moneys and trusts, and registration.",Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - with challenges,"Indigenous communities will have access to and benefit from quality community infrastructure including housing, water, schools and other forms of community infrastructure, and services (moneys and trusts, and registration).","Water: In January 2018, the scope of the commitment to resolve additional long-term drinking water advisories (LT-DWAs) was expanded. Between November 2015 and May 17, 2018, the total number of LT-DWAs on public systems on reserve declined from 105 to 76.
Budget 2018 builds on prior investments and reaffirms the Government’s commitment by proposing to provide an additional $172.6 million over three years, beginning in 2018–19, to improve access to clean and safe drinking water on reserve. The latest results on eliminating LT-DWA can be found here .
Housing: Investments in Indigenous housing from Budget 2016 are expected to build/renovate/lot service 13,093 units in First Nation communities. As of December 31, 2017, 5,536 of the planned 13,093 housing units (42%) have been completed.
With respect to Inuit housing, 193 units are expected to be built/renovated in 2016/17 and 2017/18. Through investments made in Budget 2017 and Budget 2018, the Government proposes dedicated funding to support the successful implementation of each of the distinctions-based housing strategies, including:
•$600 million over three years to support housing on reserve as part of a 10-year First Nations Housing Strategy that is being developed with First Nations.
•$400 million over 10 years to support an Inuit-led housing plan in the Inuit regions of Nunavik, Nunatsiavut and Inuvialuit Settlement Region. This is in addition to the $240 million over 10 years announced in Budget 2017 to support housing in Nunavut.,
•$500 million over 10 years to support the Métis Nation’s housing strategy.
Schools: Over $300 million was invested in schools in 2016/17 and 2017/18. This includes 74 new schools and 85 renovated/upgraded schools. As of December 31, 2017, 11 out of the 74 new school projects have been completed, and renovations/upgrades on 10 of the 85 schools have been completed.
Health facilities: As of March 31, 2018, investments have been made in more than 213 First Nations infrastructure projects to build and renovate health facilities such as nursing stations, health centres, acute care facilities, drug and alcohol treatment centres, as well as facilities hosting Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve (AHSOR) programming. 151 (71%) of these projects are complete Budget 2018 proposes $498 million over the next five years, with $97.6 million ongoing, to sustain access to critical medical care and services, including 24/7 nursing services in 79 remote and isolated First Nations communities.
Emergency Management: In 2016/17, the Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP) invested $115.69 million to support First Nations in their efforts to prepare for, mitigate against, respond to and recover from emergency disasters. There were 117 emergency events affecting First Nation communities of which 37 caused evacuations involving approximately 6,668 evacuees (99.6% of whom have returned to their communities).
For 2017/18, forecasted expenditures for EMAP are approximately $137 million, with approximately $103.2 million of this for emergency response and recovery. There were 153 emergency events affecting First Nation communities, of which 55 caused evacuations involving approximately 14,888 evacuees (99.2% of whom have returned to their communities to date). So far in 2018/19, there have been 25 EMAP-eligible emergency events affecting First Nation communities, of which 3 resulted in evacuations involving approximately 16 evacuees. Kashechewan is currently in the process of evacuating approximately 1,600 evacuees as a precautionary evacuation due to flood risk.
Land Use Planning: Over $10 million was invested in 2016/17 and 2017/18 to allow over 50 communities begin developing community-led land use plans, which will support healthy and environmentally sustainable community development by ensuring infrastructure investments are planned and implemented in a manner that serves the short and long term needs and priorities of communities.
Moneys and Trusts: Since April 2017, the Government processed 1,044 band moneys payment transactions totaling of $180.9 million, 6,059 individual moneys payment transactions totaling $9.3 million, and 1,051 suspense account payment transactions totaling $5.6 million.
From January to December 2017, the Government paid out $ 1,968,805.00 in treaty payments to 144,016 individuals at 342 Treaty payment events across Canada.
Registration: On December 22, 2017, the Indian Act was amended in response to the Superior Court of Quebec decision in Descheneaux v. Canada (Procureur général). Amendments to address the specific issues raised by the Court will immediately correct sex-based inequities in Indian registration going back to 1951. Broader amendments that will remove sex-based inequities going back to 1869 will come into force at a later date after Canada has consulted with First Nations and other parties on how to implement the changes.
Estates: Since April 2017, the Government provided service to complete the administration for 4,813 decedent estates and opened the administration of 3,285 new decedent estates. Services were provided in the administration of 98 new Living estates."
4/30/2018,373,,Healthy Canadians,Eliminate all long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve by March 2021.,Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - on track,"Continued progress in eliminating long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve, leading to the elimination of all long-term advisories by March 2021.","In January 2018, the scope of the commitment to resolve additional long-term drinking water advisories (LT-DWAs) was expanded. Between November 2015 and May 17 2018, the number of LT-DWAs on public systems in First Nations communities has declined from 105 to 76. Over this period, 62 LT-DWAs were lifted, and 33 new LT-DWAs were added. Work is ongoing in partnership with First Nation communities and an action plan is in place to address all 76 LT-DWAs currently in effect.
To support this commitment, the Government of Canada is investing in First Nation water infrastructure projects, assisting First Nation communities in monitoring the quality of drinking water and advising on issues related to drinking water safety. Through joint efforts, First Nations communities have access to trained personnel, including community-based water monitoring, to sample and test drinking water quality. This increased capacity means water is being monitored more often, and potential problems can now be identified sooner.
Budget 2018 builds on prior investments and reaffirms the Government’s commitment by proposing to provide an additional $172.6 million over three years, beginning in 2018–19, to improve access to clean and safe drinking water on reserve."
4/30/2018,374,,Healthy Canadians,Improve the delivery of child welfare and health care under Jordan's Principle to focus on the best interests of the child.,Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - on track,"First Nations children have access to the health and social supports they need when they need them, no matter where they live.","From July 2016 to March 2018, Canada has approved 73,447 products, supports and services for First Nations children and youth under Jordan's Principle.
Significant progress has been made in recent months in the provision of health, educational and social supports:
• From July 2016 to March 2017, funding was approved for approximately 5,000 product, service, and supports totaling $11 million.
• From April 2017 to March 2018, there were 68,507 approved product, service, and supports totaling $138 million.
Actions to support Jordan's Principle, include:
• Increasing awareness of Jordan's Principle amongst First Nations families, health providers, provincial school boards and provincial/territorial stakeholders through a proactive and multi-faceted communications and marketing approach with a focus on Indigenous mediums (e.g. social media, radio advertisements, targeted mailouts to Child and Family Service agencies, educational institutions, etc.);
• Co-developing the future direction of Jordan's Principle, through national engagement in partnership with the Assembly of First Nations, and other First Nations stakeholders, through the Jordan's Principle Action Table (sub-committee of the National Advisory Committee) to inform Cabinet decision making in fall 2018;
• Launching of the Jordan’s Principle National Call Centre to help First Nations children access the products, services and supports they need. 1-855-JP-CHILD (1-855-572-4453);
• Participation of all interested Canadian Human Rights Tribunal parties at the Jordan’s Principle Oversight Committee, a committee established to increase dialogue and timely advice on Jordan’s Principle implementation and planning activities;
• Ongoing monitoring, tracking and reporting of Jordan's Principle processes to comply with Canadian Human Right's Tribunal orders. The next Affidavit compliance report is due to the Tribunal by May 15, 2018;.
• Development of a Client Satisfaction Survey in consultation with the parties to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal decision, to help assess the impact of Jordan's Principle. The survey is to be distributed to recipients who have accessed services and supports through Jordan's Principle s and responses are expected by the end of May 2018;
•Updating of the Jordan's Principle webpages to provide guidance on the application of substantive equality under Jordan's Principle; and
•Communiqués issued across all regions to support Jordan's Principle implementation.
Efforts are being undertaken to improve the delivery of child welfare, including:
• To address the funding pressures facing child and family service agencies, while also increasing prevention resources for communities so that children are safe and families can stay together, Budget 2018 proposes to provide more than $1.4 billion in new funding over six years, starting in 2017–18, for First Nations Child and Family Services. The Government will continue to work with First Nations, Inuit and the Metis Nation, as well as other partners, to advance the reforms to child and family services that are needed and develop Indigenous-led solutions that put the well-being of children first.
• Government’s commitment to continue to fully implement the orders of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, in consultation with the parties, including funding on actuals for retroactive and ongoing agency expenses in areas such as prevention/least disruptive measures, intake and investigation, building repairs, and legal fees.
• Engagement nationally and regionally to implement the six point plan on Indigenous child welfare, including developing a data and reporting strategy with provinces, territories, and Indigenous partners and advancing discussions on increasing jurisdiction for Indigenous communities."
4/30/2018,375,,Indigenous peoples,Implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in full partnership with Indigenous peoples.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - with challenges,"Strengthened relationships between the Government and Indigenous peoples, and alignment of federal laws and policies related to Indigenous peoples with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).","The Government has created a Working Group of Ministers, chaired by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, on the Review of Laws and Policies Related to Indigenous peoples to identify opportunities to amend federal laws and policies to align with the spirit and intent of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples(UNDRIP). As of November 2017, Canada is engaged in over 60 Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions, which are an opportunity for the Government to work collaboratively with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities to advance their rights, needs and interests through flexible approaches. These discussions are guided by the spirit and intent of the UNDRIP and by the Principles Respecting the Government of Canada's Relationship with Indigenous peoples. What is heard through these discussions will help inform forthcoming reforms to section-35 related policies to align with a recognition of rights approach and Indigenous self-determination as expressed in the UNDRIP.
The Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions are one of the mechanisms Canada is using to advance implementation of Articles 3, 4, 5 and 9 of the UNDRIP. The Government of Canada is working together with Indigenous groups to strengthen their self-determination as well as advance shared priorities, including nation building and governance. In addition, Canada is implementing our commitment to co-development through the co-development of negotiation mandates for Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions. This reflects Article 18 of the Declaration affirming that Indigenous peoples have the right to participate in decision-making about matters affecting their rights through their own representatives.
The Government of Canada is also fulfilling its commitment to implement the UNDRIP by:
• Supporting Private Member’s Bill C-262: The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, as a strong first step in the process of implementation. More legislation will be needed in order to fully implement the Declaration in Canada;
• Co-developing Indigenous Languages legislation with national First Nation, Inuit, and Métis leaders;
• Establishing the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls;
• Adopting a set of Principles respecting the Government of Canada's relationship with Indigenous peoples;
• Undertaking major changes to the machinery of government through the creation of the new Department of Indigenous Services and Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, to be better partners in new, recognition-based, nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relations;
• Working with Indigenous self-governments to review financing policies as a first step to support Indigenous governance, self-sufficiency and economic development;
• Creating new pathways to self-determination in health and education, including concluding significant education agreements, like the Anishnabek Nation Education Agreement, that recognizes Anishnabek control over education for 23 participating First Nations, and the opening of the Manitoba First Nations School System;
• Co-developing amendments to the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management and the First Nations Land Management Act with the Lands Advisory Board; and
• Developing a Recognition and Implementation of Indigenous Rights Framework to support the rebuilding of nations; advance self-determination; and, make the recognition and implementation of rights the basis for all relations between Indigenous peoples and the federal government.
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4/30/2018,376,,Safety and Security,Undertake modernization efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the criminal justice system.,Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,"Canadians are kept safer and offenders are held to account, the system shows greater compassion for victims, the needs of vulnerable populations are addressed and the criminal justice system is more efficient.","On March 29, 2018, the Government tabled legislation to improve efficiencies in the criminal justice system and reduce court delays in six key areas:
o modernize and streamline the bail regime;
o enhance the approach to administration of justice offences, including for youth;
o restrict the availability of preliminary inquiries to offences carrying life imprisonment;
o reclassify some offences to provide greater flexibility and court efficiencies;
o improve the jury composition and selection process; and,
o strengthen case management measures and processes for making rules of court.
A number of these reforms will respond to victims and the needs of vulnerable populations, for instance, by providing better protection for victims of intimate partner violence; preventing victims from having to testify twice; and, by providing that circumstances of the accused, in particular Indigenous accused and accused persons from vulnerable populations, are considered at bail, and in determining how to address a breach of condition.
To enhance access to justice and improve outcomes for a significant number of Canadian families, Budget 2018 proposed to provide $77.2 million over four years, starting in 2019-2020, and $20.8 million per year ongoing to support the creation and expansion of Unified Family Courts in Alberta, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador"
4/30/2018,377,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Lead preparations for future international sporting events.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Underway - on track,Canadian athletes and national sport organizations are better prepared and supported for domestic and international events.,"Canada recorded its best ever Winter Olympics performance medal-wise at the PyeongChang Olympics with 29 medals (11 gold, eight silver, 10 bronze). Canada also recorded its best ever Winter Paralympic performance at the PyeongChang Paralympics with 28 medals (eight gold, four silver and 16 bronze). Though the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics and Paralympics have ended, the Government will continue to support Canadian athletes and national sport organizations in preparation for international events, such as the upcoming Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games in April 2018. Each year, Canada hosts more than 70 international single sport events that are supported through the Government's Hosting Program.
Canada’s female athletes do us proud at high-performance sport events. They regularly achieve podium success at Senior World Championships, and Olympic and Paralympic Games, but fewer Canadian women and girls participate in sport and physical activity than men and boys. Through Budget 2018, the Government proposed an initial $30 million in funding over three years to support data, research and innovative practices to promote women and girls’ participation in sport, and encourage greater inclusion of women and girls in all facets of sport. As such, in April 2018, a Working Group on gender Equity in Sport has been created in order to examine issues that may affect participation and propose ideas, approaches, and strategies for eliminating barriers and to increase participation of women and girls in all facets of sport.
Budget 2018 also proposes to provide $16 million over five years with $2 million in ongoing funding for Special Olympics Canada to sustain its empowering movement. This includes support to the National Team Program which ensures optimal performance preparation for Special Olympics Team Canada to represent Canada on the world stage.
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4/30/2018,101_1,,Government Services and Operations,Implement the Auditor General's recommendations on enhancing mental health service delivery to Veterans.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,Veterans have increased awareness of available mental health services so that they know when they can expect care and get it quickly; there is improved performance management in the delivery of mental health services; and all recommendations of the Auditor General's 2014 report have been implemented.,"The Government of Canada has fully implemented the recommendations from the Auditor General's 2014 report on mental health services for Veterans, with the opening of a satellite operational stress injury clinic in Montreal on January 8, 2018. In addition, a new information system has been implemented to better track operational stress injuries and mental health needs among Veterans. This system will address the quality and impact of service, help identify those at risk and provide recommendations for Veterans and their mental health service providers. These and other changes, reinforced by a new performance management framework, will improve the quality and effectiveness of how mental health services and outreach activities are delivered to Veterans. Lastly, Veterans Affairs Canada is continuously communicating about mental health services amongst the Veteran community to ensure those requiring assistance can access it."
4/30/2018,14_1,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and all other parts of the Public Safety portfolio are workplaces free from harassment and sexual violence.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Underway - on track,"Reduced incidents of harassment and sexual violence across Public Safety portfolio workplaces. Better training for staff at all levels, and implementation of all recommendations related to workplace safety and wellness at the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).","The Government is taking all necessary steps to ensure the RCMP is a workplace free from harassment and sexual violence. These steps include implementing all recommendations from the July 2016 Report on Allegations of Harassment and Sexual Misconduct at the RCMP's Canadian Police College Explosives Training Unit, providing $100 million for a settlement between the RCMP and female members and public service employees regarding gender and sexual orientation based harassment and discrimination, and establishing a senior executive responsible for Workforce Culture and Employee Engagement. The Government is also reviewing the report by Special Advisor Sheila Fraser on four cases of civil litigation against the RCMP regarding workplace harassment and the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission's comprehensive review of workplace harassment. Agencies in the Public Safety portfolio, including the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC), Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), have also put initiatives in place to address harassment and sexual violence in the workplace. As well, with the November 2017 signing of an Agreement in Principle (AIP) by the Government of Canada and parties to the Todd Edwards Ross et al v. Her Majesty the Queen class action, a total of $110 million will be available to compensate class members — federal public servants, including members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who were directly impacted by anti-LGBTQ2 (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and two-spirit) policies and practices. The AIP also earmarks $15 million for remembrance to prevent future discrimination and for reconciliation with LGBTQ2 communities."
4/30/2018,175_1,,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Make sure the Infrastructure Bank supports the construction of new, affordable rental housing.","Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",On-going commitment,"Where relevant, the Canada Infrastructure Bank undertakes complementary projects that support the goals of the National Housing Strategy.","The Canada Infrastructure Bank was legally established in June 2017 as an arm’s length Crown corporation focused on making and attracting investments in revenue-generating infrastructure projects in the public interest. The Bank is responsible for investments of at least $35 billion over 11 years, focused on public transit, green infrastructure, and trade and transportation projects. In parallel, the Government launched the National Housing Strategy which includes a new National Housing Co-investment Fund which will support initiatives designed to build, renew and repair Canada’s stock of affordable housing and ensure Canadians have greater access to affordable housing that meets their needs. The Bank may undertake projects in the future related to housing, and if so these will complement the National Housing Strategy. But, to avoid duplication, the construction of affordable rental housing is not likely to be part of the Bank's primary mandate."
4/30/2018,240_1,,Strong Middle Class,Co-develop an Indigenous Early Learning and Childcare Framework with Indigenous partners.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Indigenous Services;Minister of Status of Women",Underway - on track,"Strengthened early learning and child care that reflects the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit and Métis children and families.","In addition to investments to support early learning and child care under the Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care Framework with provinces and territories, the Government has been collaborating with Indigenous partners to develop an Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework that reflects the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children and families across Canada. The Framework will inform additional investments of at least $130 million a year for 10 years to strengthen early learning and childcare programs and services for Indigenous children. Budget 2018 reiterated that a commitment of $360 million, starting in 2017-18, has been made towards the Framework over the next three years.
Budget 2016 announced $29.4 million in 2016-17 to support repairs and renovations of the facilities used by the First Nations and Inuit Child Care Initiative child care (FNICCI) and the Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve (AHSOR) program. Repairs and renovations were undertaken in 210 FNICCI child care centers and in 70 AHSOR facilities.
Budget 2016 also proposed investments of $100 million in 2017-18 to build capacity in existing Indigenous early learning and child care programs while the Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework is being co-developed. With these investments, repairs and renovations have been undertaken in 335 FNICCI child care centers, in 97 AHSOR facilities and in 89 Aboriginal Head Start in Urban and Northern Communities facilities.
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4/30/2018,257_1,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Encourage an increase in the number of women in senior positions and on boards in Canada.,"Minister of Status of Women;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,More women occupy senior leadership positions in Canada.,"In his first act as Prime Minister, Prime Minister Trudeau appointed the first gender-balanced federal Cabinet. The Government has also adopted an open, transparent and merit-based approach to select candidates for federal appointments which, to date, has selected 54% women for these important roles. In addition, the Government has announced a process to address the underrepresentation of women as Canada Research Chairs, and introduced legislative amendments to require corporations to publicly disclose the gender diversity of their senior management and boards, which was adopted in the House of Commons. Proposed legislation, introduced in September 2016 and currently before the Senate, would require publicly-traded, federally-incorporated companies to disclose annually information on the diversity makeup of their boards and senior management, as well as their diversity policies (or explain why they do not have one)."
4/30/2018,257_2,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Increase women representation where they have been traditionally under-represented, such as in the skilled trades.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,"Increase representation of women in professions and sectors traditionally dominated by men, including the skilled trades.","Budget 2017 investments in the PromoScience Program and FuturPreneur Canada are aimed at increasing the participation of underrepresented groups, including women, in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields as well as in entrepreneurship. Budget 2018 proposed to allocate approximately $20 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, to pilot an Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women. Under the Grant, women in male-dominated Red Seal trades would receive $3,000 for each of their first two years of training (up to $6,000). Working in partnership with provinces, territories, post-secondary institutions, training providers, unions and employers, the Government will provide $46 million over five years, starting in 2018-19, and $10 million per year thereafter, for the Pre-Apprenticeship Program that will help Canadians explore the trades, gain work experience, make informed career choices and develop the skills needed to find and keep good, well-paying jobs in the trades. To help increase the number of women in the skilled trades, the Women in Construction Fund will be launched in 2018-19 with an investment of $10M over three years. The Program will build on existing models that have proven to be effective in attracting women to the trades. These models provide supports such as mentoring, coaching and tailored supports that help women to progress through their training and find and retain jobs in the trades."
4/30/2018,39_1,,Environment and Climate Change,"Implement the Pan-Canadian framework, including targeted federal funding and a flexible national carbon pricing policy.",Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Finance;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,"Reduction in Canada's greenhouse gas emissions and progress to Canada's 2030 emission reduction targets as committed to in the Paris Agreement, ensuring that a cleaner, more sustainable world is left for our children and generations to come.","In December 2016, First Ministers adopted the Pan-Canadian Framework (PCF) on Clean Growth and Climate Change. The Government of Canada is working closely with the provinces and territories, Indigenous Peoples, and Canadians to implement over 50 measures outlined in the PCF. These actions, supported by significant federal investments announced in Budget 2016 and Budget 2017, will decrease emissions, reduce air pollution, advance technology innovation and increase resilience across the broad range of impacts of climate change.
In December 2017, the first annual report on progress made in implementing the PCF was released. This report highlights significant federal, provincial and territorial accomplishments of the past year under all four pillars of the Framework.
In addition, the Government released the Clean Fuel Standard Regulatory Framework to clarify key issues relating to the planned regulations.
Under the pan-Canadian approach to pricing carbon pollution, provinces and territories have the flexibility to implement their own carbon pollution pricing systems to meet the federal benchmark. Four provinces already have systems in place. In January 2018, the Government released draft legislative proposals and a regulatory framework paper related to the federal carbon pollution pricing system that will apply in jurisdictions that request it or that do not have a carbon pollution pricing system in place in 2018 that meets the benchmark. The federal system would take effect January 1, 2019,
or in fall 2018 if a province or territory requests it. Budget 2018 reiterated the Government’s intention to introduce legislation to establish that system. On February 23, 2018, the Governments of Canada and Manitoba announced that Manitoba will join the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change. In the same month, Canada published two proposed regulations to limit carbon dioxide emissions: one amendment to accelerate the phase-out of coal-fired power by 2030, and the other to set emission performance standards for new natural gas-fired electricity generation and coal boilers converted to run on natural gas.
Canada is also working on a full suite of adaptation programs, codes and standards for climate resilience, a Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund, investments of $21.9 billion in green infrastructure funding (including $9.2 billion for bilateral agreements with provinces and territories), establishment of the Canadian Centre for Climate Services, and $2 billion for a Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund.
In addition, the Government of Canada – working in partnership with the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and the Métis National Council – has launched three separate senior-level tables to engage with First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation in the implementation of the PCF.
In March 2018, the $500 million Low Carbon Economy Challenge was launched, and the proposed legislation for the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act was introduced in Parliament to establish the federal carbon pollution backstop pricing system.
In April 2018, the final Regulations Respecting Reductions in the Release of Methane and Certain Volatile Organic Compounds (upstream oil and gas sector) were published."
4/30/2018,77_1,,Healthy Canadians,New Health Accord supports the delivery of more and better home care services.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,Improved access to home care services.,"The Government of Canada has reached agreement with all provinces and territories on collective priorities and 10-year funding to strengthen health care and will invest $6 billion over 10 years for provinces and territories to expand access to home and community care options, and better support the millions of Canadians who provide informal care to loved ones. Based on the collective priorities, bilateral funding agreements detailing how federal funding will be used are now being negotiated. Agreements have been signed with five provinces and territories (New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Prince Edward Island and Saskatchewan). The Government has also introduced a 15-week Employment Insurance benefit for those caring for critically ill or injured adult family members and created the new Canada Caregiving Credit to simplify and expand tax credits for caregivers.
The Progress Report on Selecting Pan-Canadian Indicators for Access to Mental Health and Addiction Services and to Home and Community Care was published by Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) on March 22, 2018. Its purpose is to report on progress made to date regarding the selection of common indicators. Annual reporting is expected to begin in 2019. The proposed common indicators support the performance measurement commitments under the Common Statement of Principles on Shared Health Priorities and were presented to, and endorsed by, the Conference of Deputy Ministers of Health on April 5, 2018. The indicators will be brought forward to Federal, Provincial, and Territorial Health Ministers for approval in June. "
4/30/2018,77_2,,Healthy Canadians,New Health Accord advances pan-Canadian collaboration on health innovation.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"More innovation within the health care system, including new digital and mobile technologies to improve results.","To support health innovation, Budget 2017 confirmed $300 million over five years for Canada Health Infoway to expand e-prescribing and virtual care initiatives. In addition, Budget 2017 committed $53 million over five years, with $15.0 million per year ongoing, to the Canadian Institute for Health Information to address health data gaps, support improved decision-making and strengthen health system performance reporting. Budget 2017 also committed $51 million over three years, starting in 2019-20, with $17 million ongoing, to the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement to continue to accelerate innovations in all provinces and territories."
4/30/2018,77_3,,Healthy Canadians,New Health Accord improves access to necessary prescription medications.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,Canadians have access to lower cost prescription medications.,"The Government is working on enhancing the affordability, accessibility and appropriate use of prescription drugs in collaboration with provinces, territories and other partners. The Government has joined the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance, which leverages combined federal-provincial-territorial purchasing power to make patented prescription drugs cheaper for public plans and lower prescription generic drug prices for all payers. Following an initial consultation in Spring 2017, proposed amendments to the Patented Medicines Regulations were published in Canada Gazette I on December 20, 2017, launching a 75-day period during which stakeholders and interested Canadians are invited to provide feedback. Budget 2017 invested $140.3 million over five years and $18.2 million per year ongoing for Health Canada, the Patented Medicines Prices Review Board and the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health.
As part of Budget 2018, the Government announced it is creating an Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare. The Advisory Council will conduct an economic and social assessment of domestic and international models, and will recommend options on how to move forward."
4/30/2018,77_4,,Healthy Canadians,New Health Accord makes high quality mental health services available.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"Improved access to mental health and addictions services, particularly for vulnerable populations and youth.","The Government of Canada has reached agreement with all provinces and territories on collective priorities and 10-year funding to strengthen health care and will invest $5 billion over 10 years to increase access to mental health and addictions services, including for young Canadians, where early interventions can significantly improve outcomes. Based on the collective priorities, bilateral funding agreements detailing how federal funding will be used are being negotiated. Agreements have now been signed with four provinces and one territory (New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan).
The Progress Report on Selecting Pan-Canadian Indicators for Access to Mental Health and Addiction Services and to Home and Community Care was published by Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) on March 22, 2018. Its purpose is to report on progress made to date regarding the selection of common indicators. Annual reporting is expected to begin in 2019. The proposed common indicators support the performance measurement commitments under the Common Statement of Principles on Shared Health Priorities and were presented to, and endorsed by, the Conference of Deputy Ministers of Health on April 5, 2018. The indicators will be brought forward to FPT Health Ministers for approval in June.
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4/30/2018,90_1,,Strong Middle Class,Continue to reduce the federal debt-to-Gross Domestic Product ratio.,Minister of Finance,Underway - on track,A federal debt-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio that continues to go down.,"The Government is committed to building a strong middle class, making investments that lead to economic growth and reducing Canada’s already low debt-to-GDP ratio. In 2016-2017, federal debt was 31.2 per cent of GDP. As shown in Budget 2018, the debt-to-GDP ratio is projected to continue falling, from 30.1 per cent in 2018-19 and reaching 28.4 per cent in 2022-23. The Government will maintain this downward debt ratio track—preserving Canada's low-debt advantage for current and future generations. Economic growth is the strongest in the G7, the youth unemployment rate is near the lowest it has ever been, and Canada is maintaining its low-debt advantage. The Government's approach has received praise from organizations including the International Monetary Fund."
4/30/2018,95_1,,Government Services and Operations,Increase the value of the Disability Award.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"Increased the maximum Disability Award to $360,000 and indexed it to inflation so ill or injured Veterans receive better financial support.","The maximum Disability Award has been increased to a maximum of $360,000 for ill and injured Veterans in recognition of pain and suffering, commensurate with industry benchmarks and indexed to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This will provide support to Veterans and their families for an injury or illness resulting from military service. All Veterans who received a Disability Award since 2006 have already or will receive an additional lump-sum payment as a result of these changes."
5/31/2018,1,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency is a client-focused agency.,Minister of National Revenue,On-going commitment,"Improved client satisfaction levels, reduced wait times for inquiries, and simplified and easy to use processes.","To improve client service at the CRA, the Government of Canada has introduced new e-services and simplified letters and notices.
Introduced in November 2017, the ""tell us once"" approach is a consent-based service that will make it easier for Canada Pension Plan recipients to update and share their direct deposit banking information quickly and safely between the CRA and Employment and Social Development Canada. The CRA has expanded the Liaison Officer service, and small businesses can now request free in-person help from a CRA liaison officer. Individuals can now make payments in person at any Canada Post retail outlet using cash or debit card by using the personalized quick response (QR) code found on individual remittance vouchers mailed to taxpayers or by creating a QR code online. Following consultations with taxpayers living in the North, the CRA is committed to improving the services it offers to northern residents and enhancing its service culture, as indicated in the ""Serving You Better"" report. As of May 14, 2018, more than 94,000 ""tell us once"" requests were made through the CRA. Of these requests, 86% came through the CRA online portals.
To ensure that Indigenous peoples are able to fully participate in the Canadian tax and benefit system, the CRA conducted research with Indigenous communities to identify issues and challenges related to tax filing. The CRA intends to use the research findings to develop outreach programs and communication products to help individuals access benefits and credits available through the tax system, including the new, non-taxable, Canada Child Benefit.
Budget 2018 is committed to a more client-centered approach. The Government will undertake a comprehensive departmental review of the CRA’s service model. While this review is underway, Budget 2018 announced $206 million over five years and $33.6 million in ongoing funding to address commitments to service excellence in three key areas. First, to improve telephone service the budget proposes additional funding to enhance telephone technology, to hire more agents and to provide additional training for agents. The CRA now allows more callers to reach its call centres, rather than be faced with a busy signal, by extending wait times in the queue. This has reduced the number of attempts that callers need to make to reach an agent. The CRA continues to expand its telephone self-service options. Since February 2018, callers can obtain their account balance and details about the last payment made to the CRA without needing to speak to an agent.
Budget 2018 proposes doubling the size of the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, to help more individuals complete their taxes and access the benefits they are entitled to. Finally, Budget 2018 announced investments to update and modernize the CRA’s information technology infrastructure to deliver a more user-friendly experience that will allow Canadians to more easily find the tax and benefit information they need.
In October 2017, the CRA released a new mobile web app called CRA BizApp. This app lets small businesses and sole proprietors view their business account balances and make payments by pre-authorized debit to their corporation, goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST), payroll, and excise duty accounts."
5/31/2018,2,,Strong Middle Class,Crack down on tax evaders.,Minister of National Revenue,Underway - on track,"A fairer tax system, and billions of dollars recovered from those who are evading taxes.","In recent years, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has implemented transformational changes to its compliance programs. By targeting non-compliance in the highest-risk areas, including wealthy individuals with offshore accounts, the CRA is able to more effectively limit tax evasion and avoidance. These efforts are showing concrete results for Canadians. Over the last two fiscal years, the Government reviewed all large money transfers between Canada and eight countries of concern—a total of 187,000 transactions worth a total of over $177 billion that merited closer scrutiny. Working closely with partners in Canada and around the world, there are now over 1,000 offshore audits, and more than 40 criminal investigations with links to offshore transactions underway. The Government is also aggressively going after those who promote tax avoidance schemes, and so far has imposed $44 million in penalties on these third parties. To further combat tax evasion and tax avoidance, the Government will invest an additional $90.6 million over five years to address additional cases that have been identified through enhanced risk assessment systems, both domestically and internationally.
Work is currently underway with international partners and the government is collaborating on recommendations of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Base Erosion and Profit Sharing initiative. "
5/31/2018,3,,Environment and Climate Change,Develop a Canadian energy strategy with provinces and territories.,Minister of Natural Resources,Underway - on track,"Greater energy conservation, greater inclusion of clean energy and innovative technologies in Canada's energy future, reduced diesel use in remote and off-grid communities, and effective market access for Canadian energy exports.","Federal, provincial and territorial Energy Ministers are taking joint action under the Canadian Energy Strategy on shared goals to promote energy efficiency, develop new energy technology and innovations, and identify priority energy infrastructure and advance international energy collaboration. These initiatives complement the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, which is meant to help Canada meet our emissions reduction target and grow the economy."
5/31/2018,4,,Environment and Climate Change,Modernize the National Energy Board.,Minister of Natural Resources,Underway - on track,"Canada has a modern energy regulator that is more representative of Canada's regions and diversity and has greater expertise to undertake its responsibilities in considering environmental science, the knowledge and perspective of Indigenous peoples, and community development.","As announced in February 2018, the Government is proposing to create the Canadian Energy Regulator (CER), a new and modern federal energy regulator with the required independence and the proper accountability to oversee a strong, safe and sustainable Canadian energy sector in the 21st century. The legislation and policy measures to modernize the National Energy Board were informed by an Expert Panel report, a federal discussion paper, parliamentary studies, and almost two years of consultations with Indigenous peoples, industry, provinces and territories, non-government organizations, academia and the public."
5/31/2018,5,,Environment and Climate Change,Develop a North American clean energy and environment agreement.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of Natural Resources,Completed - fully met,"Reduced greenhouse gas emissions, alignment of energy efficiency regulations and enhanced development of the clean technology sector in North America, setting the foundation for a stronger, more sustainable economy.","At the trilateral North American Leaders’ Summit in June 2016, an Action Plan for a North American Climate, Clean Energy, and Environment Partnership was publicly released. It announced ambitious targets to advance clean and secure energy, drive down short-lived climate pollutants, promote clean and efficient transportation, and show global leadership in addressing climate change. The February 13, 2017 Joint Statement from President Trump and Prime Minister Trudeau affirmed the importance of close collaboration on energy security, clean energy innovation and the environment, including clean air and water. Canada will continue to advance these priorities, including by working with Mexico and sub-national governments in the United States in the context of the North American Climate Leaders’ process."
5/31/2018,6,,Government Services and Operations,Undertake a review of Canada Post to make sure it provides high-quality service at a reasonable price.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,"Canadians receive the services they expect from Canada Post at a reasonable price. In addition, Canada Post is able to effectively adapt to changes in technology and consumer preferences.","The Canada Post Review has produced two public reports from an Independent Task Force and the House of Commons Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates. On January 24, 2018, the Government completed the Review and announced:
• the Government’s service-focused vision for renewal at Canada Post;
• concrete measures including the end of the program to convert from door-to-door to community mailboxes, an enhanced accessible delivery program to seniors and better promotion of remittance services; and
• guidance to the Board of Directors for the renewal of Canada Post.
Renewing Leadership:
• A new Chair of Canada Post's Board of Directors was appointed in December 2017.
• On January 24, 2018, the Minister’s letter of expectations was sent to the newly appointed Chair of Canada Post's Board of Directors.
• In May 2018, the Government announced five appointments to the Canada Post Board of Directors.
• The appointment process for a new CEO is underway."
5/31/2018,7,,Safety and Security,Renew the Canadian Coast Guard fleet.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Public Services and Procurement;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - with challenges,Enhanced protection and improved safety of Canadians along Canada's coasts.,"Through the Oceans Protection Plan and re-investments in the Canadian Coast Guard, the Government has significantly enhanced support to the Coast Guard fleet. The Government is investing to: repair and modernize many of the Coast Guard's vessels with new towing equipment and technology, improve collaborations between the Coast Guard with Indigenous communities, and harness cutting edge science and technology to understand ocean currents, real-time shipping movements and threat monitoring.
Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), the Government has started renewing Canada's federal fleet so that needed vessels are delivered to the Canadian Coast Guard in a timely and affordable manner.
Construction is underway on all three Offshore Fisheries Science Vessels and two Channel Survey and Sounding Vessels. The first Offshore Fisheries Science Vessel was launched in December 2017, and subsequently towed to Victoria where it will undergo a period of outfitting/build completion and trials. Construction engineering is also underway for the Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel and the first two of 20 new Search and Rescue (SAR) lifeboats were delivered in late 2017 to help keep Canadians and Canadian waterways safe. Moreover, discussions with Chantier Davie Canada Inc. on options to fulfill the Canadian Coast Guard’s interim icebreaking requirements are ongoing.
The schedule of the non-combat program has been adjusted to reflect the progress to date, and work is underway to minimize projected production slowdowns.
To advance the development of National Repair, Refit and Maintenance and Small Vessel Construction program strategies, Public Services and Procurement Canada hosted a series of four regional workshops (November 2017 – April 2018). The results of these workshops will be used to identify opportunities to improve and streamline the procurement processes.
The NSS continues to generate significant economic benefits across the country. Approximately $1.3 billion of NSS contracts were awarded in 2017. NSS contracts awarded between 2012 and 2017 are estimated to contribute close to $8.9 billion of gross domestic product, and create or maintain almost 8,800 jobs annually during the period of 2012 to 2022 in the Canadian economy. NSS shipyards also continue to engage with small and medium Canadian enterprises by awarding contracts for NSS related projects.
Given the scope and complexity of the construction of vessels, delivering on time and on budget presents implementation challenges that must be closely monitored and managed, which is the purview of the Cabinet Committee on Defence Procurement.
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5/31/2018,8,,Government Services and Operations,Modernize procurement practices.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,"Government procurement is faster, simpler, more competitive, and more predictable in terms of cost. Businesses with innovative ideas are able to more easily sell to the Government, and procurement processes benefit Canadians and communities across Canada.","The Government is improving its procurement processes so that businesses can engage with Government in a simpler and faster way. The procurement platform was enhanced so that suppliers have easier access to bidding opportunities and are given a second opportunity to comply with the mandatory requirements of bid solicitations. Steps have also been taken to adopt an agile approach to procurement, that provides a fair, transparent and inclusive process open to all businesses across Canada. The Government announced the new Innovative Solutions Canada, which matches businesses offering early-stage prototypes with federal departments in need of innovative products or services. Budget 2018 announced $196.8 million over five years to establish a new electronic procurement platform, which will also help make government procurement simpler, faster, and more accessible.
The Government is also making strides to increase bidder diversity. It participated in approximately 1,770 outreach events across Canada including 614 events that gathered 10,909 individuals belonging to under-represented groups such as women, Indigenous and multicultural communities to promote how to do business with the Government of Canada. PSPC also launched social procurement pilot to increase participation of small and diverse suppliers with a bigger focus on women-owned and Indigenous small and medium-sized businesses. These efforts also complement initiatives undertaken to support green and social procurement in order to deliver improved community and environmental benefits.
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5/31/2018,9,,Government Services and Operations,Establish new performance standards for government services and measure and report on performance.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Public Services and Procurement;Minister of Democratic Institutions",Underway - on track,Government services that better meet the needs of Canadians.,"The Government of Canada is assessing its service standards to ensure that they are comprehensive and meaningful. Among its initial achievements, the Government has: implemented new and better service standards for new clients applying for Canada Pension Plan Disability benefits; completed a Service Delivery Review for Veterans Affairs Canada to help drive wholesale change to delivering services and benefits to Veterans; re-opened nine Veterans Affairs Canada offices that were closed by the previous government, and opened a new tenth office; expanded auto-enrollment for Old Age Security benefits; and added new capacity for call centres handling inquiries related to EI and Canada Revenue Agency."
5/31/2018,10,,Fair and Open Government,Strengthen oversight on government advertising.,President of the Treasury Board,Underway - on track,Increased oversight of government advertising so that public dollars aren't spent on partisan advertising.,"In May 2016, an interim process was established so that advertising campaigns with budgets greater than $500,000 undergo independent, mandatory reviews. These reviews ensure the campaigns are non-partisan. The results of these reviews are posted online. Following consultations with parliamentarians and other stakeholders, the Government will entrench independent third-party oversight of federal advertising in law. The Office of the Auditor General of Canada has also committed to review the interim process."
5/31/2018,11,,Fair and Open Government,Improve the use of evidence in program evaluation.,President of the Treasury Board,Underway - on track,"Evidence-based reporting, measurement and evaluation of government activities are in place.","The Government established a new Policy on Results in July 2016 that aims to improve how government organizations measure, evaluate, and report results. The policy also seeks to improve how departments and agencies gather and use evidence to inform decisions. As of May 2018, 79 departments have fully adopted the new policy and the remaining departments are continuing to work to do so.
Following the announcement in Budget 2018, planning has begun to establish a central performance evaluation team to undertake innovation performance evaluations on an ongoing basis."
5/31/2018,12,,Fair and Open Government,Make government data available digitally.,"President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,Digitized government data that are accessible to Canadians.,"The Government has improved the Open Government portal, Open.canada.ca, by adding content from across the Government of Canada and by simplifying the process for users to search. In addition, the Government of Canada added the Open by Default Pilot section to the portal, which gives Canadians early access to select draft and working documents from participating departments.
The Government has increased the number of participating federal entities from 45 in 2014 to 66 as of March 2018. In the last year, over 30,000 new data sets have been published, which were accessed hundreds of thousands of times. New data sets continue to be made available regularly.
The Government also continues to strengthen the quality, accessibility, and searchability of open data.
The Government of Canada was recognized for its leadership on open government, achieving the position of government co-chair of the Open Government Partnership, which is the global organization that coordinates open government. Budget 2018 also announced an investment of $1 million for the Treasury Board Secretariat in support of Canada’s co-chairmanship of the Open Government Partnership. Finally, Canada ranked 2nd globally on the World Wide Web Foundation’s Open Data Barometer."
5/31/2018,13,,Fair and Open Government,Bargain in good faith with Canada's public sector unions.,President of the Treasury Board,Underway - on track,"Collective agreements with Canada's public sector unions are fair and reasonable for employees and Canadians, and are bargained in good faith.","The Government of Canada is committed to building a culture of respect for, and within, the federal public service. For the 2014-2018 round of bargaining, through good-faith negotiations, the Government has reached 23 agreements with bargaining agents, representing over 97% of unionized employees in the core public administration. The Government will continue to bargain in good faith with public sector unions and remains committed to negotiating deals that are fair for public servants, and good for all Canadians. For the 2018-2022 round of collective bargaining, bargaining agents are beginning to serve notice to bargain for the next round of negotiations."
5/31/2018,14,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that Parliament and federal institutions are free from harassment and sexual violence.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Status of Women;Leader of the Government in the House of Commons",Underway - on track,"To ensure that Parliament and federal institutions are free from harassment and sexual violence, strategies are informed by expert and stakeholder consultations and are supported by new proposals and legislation introduced in fall 2017.","In 2016 and 2017, the Government consulted experts and stakeholders to determine how to address violence and sexual harassment in workplaces under federal jurisdiction. The outcomes report, Harassment and Sexual Violence in the Workplace Public Consultations: What We Heard, released November 2, 2017, indicates that incidents of harassment and sexual violence are not only underreported, but are also dealt with ineffectively. As part of its response, the Government introduced new legislation in November 2017 (Bill C-65), aimed at replacing the current patchwork of laws and policies that address violence and harassment in workplaces across the federal jurisdiction – including the federal public service, Parliament and Ministers’ offices - and enhancing prevention, protection and support when harassment and violence occurs. Budget 2018 proposed $34.9 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, with $7.4 million per year ongoing, to support the legislation. In addition, the Budget proposed $20 million over five years to establish a Centre of Diversity, Inclusion and Wellness within the public service that will have, as part of its mandate, to better support public servants in dealing with sexual harassment in the workplace. In parallel, with the November 2017 signing of an Agreement in Principle (AIP) by the Government of Canada and parties to the Todd Edward Ross et al v. Her Majesty the Queen class action, a total of $110 million will be available to compensate class members — federal public servants, including members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who were directly impacted by anti-LGBTQ2 (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and two-spirit) policies and practices. The AIP also earmarks $15 million for remembrance to prevent future discrimination and for reconciliation with LGBTQ2 communities. Additionally, the Joint Union/Management Task Force on Diversity and Inclusion in the Public Service released its final report in December 2017, which includes 44 recommendations for action in the areas of people management, leadership and accountability, education and awareness, and applying the diversity and inclusion lens."
5/31/2018,15,,Safety and Security,Reinforce railway safety.,Minister of Transport,Underway - on track,"Stronger railway safety regulations, improved communication with Canadians and rail infrastructure that is safer and in better condition, leading to fewer accidents and injuries and reduced loss of life.","The Government tabled the final Report of the Railway Safety Act Review in Parliament on May 31, 2018. The statutory review was launched on April 27, 2017, one year earlier than required, to ensure this main piece of legislation governing rail safety in Canada continues to uphold the best interests of Canadians. Transport Canada will carefully consider the Report’s findings and recommendations, taking appropriate action to further strengthen the safety of Canada’s rail transportation system. The Government is investing in infrastructure improvements to existing rail lines and crossings, safety-related research and innovative development, public education and awareness initiatives, as well as providing grants to encourage the closure of unsafe crossings. The Government has supported 555 projects across Canada to reduce injuries and fatalities. In addition, collaboration is underway with local communities to improve the sharing of information for emergency responses and to educate the public about railway crossings and infrastructure in their communities. The Government has also revised the rules governing the transportation of dangerous goods by rail, introduced a mandatory minimum level of insurance for federal railways and accelerated the timeline to phase out the DOT-111 tank cars for crude oil service. To assist municipalities with emergency planning, risk assessment and to help train first responders, the Government issued Protective Direction 36 on April 28, 2016 to provide jurisdictions with access to comprehensive dangerous goods information from railways, including information that they can make publically available. Now that the Transportation Modernization Act has received Royal Assent, the Government will move to develop regulations to implement its amendments to the Railway Safety Act which will improve rail safety by requiring the mandatory installation of recording instruments on locomotives. The Government has also developed a strategy for addressing fatigue in the rail industry that includes the publication of a Notice of Intent in the Canada Gazette, Part I on November 11, 2017, communicating to Canadians and interested stakeholders its most current policy direction on the management of fatigue in the rail industry."
5/31/2018,16,,Exports and Investment,Undertake a full review of the Canadian grain transportation system to help farmers get their product to market.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food;Minister of Transport,Completed - fully met,"A more transparent and fair grain transportation system is in place so Canadian farmers can get their products to market, both in Canada and internationally.","The Government has held consultations with grain sector stakeholders on rail transportation issues and the Canada Transportation Act Review, leading to the introduction of the Transportation Modernization Act to advance a long-term agenda for a more transparent, balanced, efficient and reliable rail system to move Canadian goods, including grain, to global markets. The Transportation Modernization Act received Royal Assent on May 23, 2018. Key measures include: new data reporting requirements for railways; a new Long-Haul Interswitching mechanism to provide captive shippers across multiple sectors and regions of Canada with access to a competing railway; a clear definition of “adequate and suitable” rail service; the ability for shippers to seek reciprocal financial penalties in their service agreements with railways; and more accessible and timely remedies for shippers. The Transportation Modernization Act also modernizes the Maximum Revenue Entitlement for Western grain, to better incent investments in hopper cars, and adds soybeans to the list of eligible crops. Furthermore, the Government has renewed the western Grain Monitoring Program for three years."
5/31/2018,17,,Environment and Climate Change,Formalize a moratorium on crude oil tanker traffic on British Columbia's North Coast.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Transport",Underway - on track,"A moratorium is in place on crude oil tanker traffic on British Columbia's North Coast, protecting habitats and communities.","In May 2017, the Government of Canada introduced legislation to prohibit oil tankers carrying crude and persistent oils as cargo from stopping, loading or unloading at ports or marine installations in northern British Columbia. Vessels carrying less than 12,500 metric tonnes of crude or persistent oil as cargo will continue to be permitted in the moratorium area to ensure northern communities can receive critical shipments of heating oils and other products. The legislation proposes strong penalty provisions for contravention that could reach up to $5 million. The proposed Oil Tanker Moratorium Act complements the Oceans Protection Plan. The draft legislation passed the third reading stage in the House of Commons in May 2018. Second reading debate in the Senate has started."
5/31/2018,18,,Fair and Open Government,Restore the long-form census.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Completed - fully met,"Restored the long-form census so communities, governments, businesses and other organizations have the data they need to do their jobs.","Our country and economy depend on knowing about ourselves, and on having the data necessary to make informed decisions. That is why the Government of Canada reinstated the long-form census. The 2016 long-form census saw an unprecedented response rate of 97.8%. The first set of data from the 2016 Census was released in February, 2017. The release of all Census-related data was completed in November 2017, 10 months earlier than for the 2011 Census."
5/31/2018,19,,Fair and Open Government,Reinforce Statistics Canada's independence.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Completed - fully met,Statistics Canada meets international standards for the independence of a national statistics office.,"Data collected by Statistics Canada helps the private sector, government, not-for-profit groups, and researchers make better decisions. In December 2016, the Government introduced legislation that will reinforce Statistics Canada's independence. The legislation aligns with international standards for national statistical agencies and makes the Chief Statistician responsible for all operational decisions, statistical methodology and the communication of statistical products produced by Statistics Canada. The amended legislation is consistent with the United Nations Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics and the OECD Recommendations on Good Statistical Practice. The amended Statistics Act received Royal Assent on December 12, 2017."
5/31/2018,20,,Jobs and Innovation,Develop and implement an Innovation Agenda.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,"Improved programs support more skills training and life-long learning for Canadians, increased investment in high growth industries, and more high growth, innovative and trade-oriented companies.","Through the Innovation and Skills Plan, the Government will more than double the number of Canadians potentially eligible for employment support and skills training programs to as many as 1.4 million per year; expand programs to support up to 10,000 work integrated learning placements each year; provide more affordable and accessible broadband services for low-income Canadians and Canadians in remote communities through investments in broadband infrastructure and low-income support programs; encourage the development of assistive technologies that make it easier for persons with disabilities to participate in the digital economy; expand access to venture capital financing; support a series of superclusters that will promote innovation opportunities in high-growth industries. These and other supporting initiatives are at different stages of development and will be implemented and reported on over the course of the next several years. The Government has also conducted a comprehensive review of innovation program and the results were announced in Budget 2018. Budget 2018 articulates a new simplified strategy for the delivery of business innovation programs to make the services more responsive to client needs. Total funding for innovation programming will increase by $2.6 billion over five years, and the reforms will result in a reduction in the total number of business innovation programs by roughly two-thirds (92 to 35+)."
5/31/2018,21,,Exports and Investment,Implement a new Trade and Investment Strategy.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Small Business and Tourism;Minister of International Trade",Underway - on track,"Double the number of high-growth firms in Canada by 2025; increase Canada's goods and services exports—from natural resources, advance manufacturing, agri-food and others—by 30% by 2025; increase global investment in Canada; more good-paying, middle class jobs for Canadians.","The Government is encouraging global investment and promoting our economic brand through the creation of the Invest in Canada Agency. The Government has successfully completed the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. Provisional application of the trade agreement took effect in September 2017 and will give consumers more choice, boost Canadian businesses' access to new customers, create good, middle-class jobs and help grow the economy. The Government also recently signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) with 10 countries in the Pacific region and launched negotiations toward a comprehensive free trade agreement between the Mercosur member states and Canada. Canada is currently negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Pacific Alliance, which will upgrade its association with this trading bloc made up of Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru. The latest round took place in May 2018. As a concrete example of the Strategy's results, since it was launched, CanExport has provided financial support to about one thousand Small and Medium Enterprise-led projects aimed at diversifying export markets, in a variety of sectors, and reaching over 75 different markets around the world. To date, for every hundred supported projects, participating firms have reported on average some 85 export successes at the time of project completion, for a collective impact of almost $95 million in exports to new markets. Budget 2017 announced $950 million to superclusters in highly innovative industries, and in February 2018, in cooperation with the private sector and academic partners, the Government announced the creation of five superclusters (Digital Technology; Protein Industries; Advanced Manufacturing; Artificial Intelligence; and Ocean) that will create great new opportunities for Canadian companies to innovate, scale up and export. To support Canadian firms and increase exports to new markets, Budget 2018 provides up to $75 million to build a stronger diplomatic presence and Trade Commissioner Service salesforce in China and Asia, as well as other initiatives to open market opportunities in the region."
5/31/2018,22,,Exports and Investment,Prepare the auto sector for the potential participation of Canada in the Trans-Pacific Partnership.,"Minister of Finance;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,Greater access to growing markets under conditions that are fair to Canadian workers.,"The Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership was signed on March 8, 2018. Budget 2018 committed the Government to work with key sectors, including the auto sector, to evaluate the potential economic impacts of trade agreements, and ensure these key sectors remain strong and competitive.
Actions, including the creation of the Strategic Innovation Fund, the establishment of the Invest in Canada agency, and the launch of the Global Skills Strategy are seeking to enhance the competitiveness of the Canadian automotive industry. These changes have helped to secure investments of $1.4 billion by Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, $500 million by Honda of Canada Manufacturing, more than $1 billion by Ford Motor Company of Canada, and $750 million from Linamar Corp., among other recent automotive investments. These investments have created and secured thousands of long-term jobs in manufacturing and research and development, while fostering innovation to position Canada as a leader in the development of the ""car of the future""."
5/31/2018,23,,Jobs and Innovation,Increase high-speed broadband coverage and keep Canada at the leading edge of the digital economy.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,More Canadians have access to high-speed and ultra-high-speed broadband services.,"Greater availability and affordability for high-speed internet in rural and remote areas of Canada gives Canadians more opportunity to participate in the economy, democracy and connected way of life. The Connect to Innovate program will bring high-speed internet to rural and remote communities in Canada by supporting new ""backbone"" infrastructure to connect institutions like schools and hospitals, and ""last-mile"" infrastructure to connect households and businesses. Applications closed at the end of April 2017, and the Government is now announcing project decisions. As of May 2018, 169 projects under the $500 million Connect to Innovate program have been announced representing an investment to date of $340 million and targeting 825 communities (more than doubling the initial target of 300) that will receive new or enhanced backbone connectivity. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is expanding competition on new fibre networks and examining how to further improve innovative wireless pricing options. In addition, the CRTC's new fund will expand much faster Internet speeds to rural and remote communities. Budget 2017 investments are also supporting affordable access to the internet for low-income families, digital literacy programming and better access to assistive devices. Budget 2018 proposes funding of $100 million over five years for the Strategic Innovation Fund, with a particular focus on supporting projects that relate to Low-Earth Orbit satellites and next generation rural broadband. "
5/31/2018,24,,Jobs and Innovation,Create a Chief Science Officer.,Minister of Science,Completed - fully met,"Following an open, transparent and merit-based process, the Chief Science Advisor, Dr. Mona Nemer, was appointed by the Government on September 26, 2017.","As the Chief Science Advisor, Dr. Nemer will help to improve dissemination and use of independent scientific information and strengthened evidence-based policy making within government. Dr. Nemer will also advise the Government on how to ensure that government science is fully available to the public, that scientists are able to speak freely about their work, and that scientific analyses are considered when the government makes decisions. Dr. Nemer will report to the Prime Minister and Minister of Science."
5/31/2018,25,,Jobs and Innovation,Re-insert scientific considerations into the heart of decision-making and investment choices.,Minister of Science,Underway - on track,"Government scientists are able to speak freely about their work, and the role of scientific information and empirical evidence is strengthened in government decision making.","The Government has updated the Communications Policy to ensure scientists are free to speak in an official capacity on subjects for which they have expertise, and have enshrined this provision into collective agreements covering 15,000 government scientists. The Government also reinstated the mandatory long-form census as well as the University and College Academic Staff System survey, which will provide accurate information about Canada's research community. To promote better use of science and evidence in government decision-making, the Government updated the guidance on preparing Memoranda to Cabinet. The Government is examining additional opportunities to improve the use of evidence and scientific information. The new Chief Science Advisor will advise the Government on how to ensure scientific evidence is considered when making decisions. In addition, to ensure the Government continues to have access to world-class, independent scientific assessments to inform policy development in priority areas, Budget 2018 proposed $9 million for the Council of Canadian Academies, a not-for-profit research organization. "
5/31/2018,26,,Jobs and Innovation,Establish new Canada Research Chairs in sustainable technologies.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Science",Underway - on track,Two new Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC) will be appointed to further research in clean and sustainable technology.,"Budget 2016 identified $20 million over eight years starting in 2018-19 for the creation of two new Canada Excellence Research Chairs in fields related to clean and sustainable technology. On October 12, 2016, the Minister of Science announced the launch of a competition for these Chairs, in addition to nine others, which will be selected in 2019. In December 2017 the Phase 1 results of the competition were announced. Two institutions were invited to submit nominees in fields related to clean and sustainable technology: Concordia University (Smart, Sustainable and Resilient Communities and Cities) and University of Manitoba (Arctic Sea Ice, Freshwater-Marine Coupling, and Climate Change). To address the CERC gender imbalance, this competition will require institutions to include detailed equity plans and recruitment strategies that promote the participation of women and other underrepresented groups in the CERC program."
5/31/2018,27,,Jobs and Innovation,Strengthen support for fundamental research to support new discoveries.,Minister of Science,Underway - on track,"Modernized research infrastructure at post-secondary institutions, new research Chairs appointed in areas of strategic priority, and enhanced capacity for granting councils to support fundamental research.","Since 2016, the Government has approved and funded more than 300 projects to modernize research and training facilities on campuses across Canada. These investments will support key discovery research and facilitate the expansion of ongoing research efforts. The Government has also set aside $20 million to fund new Canada Excellence Research Chairs in the areas of clean and sustainable technologies (competition ongoing), and increased support for Canada's three granting councils. In 2017, the Government announced the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy, which will develop centres of expertise in Toronto, Montreal and Edmonton related to AI to train and attract key research talent in this emerging area of fundamental research. The final report of an independent review of federal funding for higher education was published in April 2017. A number of actions have already been taken in response to this report, for example, placing a limit on Tier 1 Canada Research Chair renewal to enhance opportunities for broad pools of qualified candidates and to strengthen equity, diversity and inclusion in research and launching the Canada Research Coordinating Committee (CRCC) to achieve greater harmonization and coordination of the granting councils and the Canada Foundation for Innovation. Budget 2018 proposes to provide $1.7 billion over five years starting in 2018-19 and ongoing funding to support researchers through Canada's granting councils and research institutes. This includes $925 million for fundamental research through Canada's three granting councils; $231.5 million to increase the Research Support Fund to cover the indirect costs of research; $210 million for the Canada Research Chairs program to attract and retain early-career researchers at post-secondary institutions across the country while increasing diversity; and $275 million to create a new tri-council fund to support international, interdisciplinary, fast-breaking and higher risk researches. Budget 2018 further proposes $3.8 million to develop a strategic research plan that identifies new ways of doing research with Indigenous communities; $15 million for the granting councils to develop new plans, strategies and targets to ensure improved equity and diversity outcomes for underrepresented groups, including women; and $6 million to support surveys to collect better data on researchers to further advance equity and diversity in Canada's research community. Budget 2018 proposes over $1.3 billion for investments in the laboratories, equipment and infrastructure researchers rely on every day including: $763 million to the Canada Foundation for Innovation including $160 million for increased support to Canada's nationally important research facilities through the Major Science Initiatives fund; $572.5 million to implement a Digital Research Infrastructure Strategy that will deliver more open and equitable access to advanced computing and big data resources to researchers across Canada."
5/31/2018,28,,Government Services and Operations,Align business support programs across governments.,Minister of Small Business and Tourism,Underway - on track,It is easier and simpler for Canadian innovators and entrepreneurs to access and benefit from government programs that help Canadian businesses grow.,"Since 2016, the Accelerated Growth Service has helped 322 firms to scale up and grow their businesses, with a broader goal of helping 1,000 firms expand and create more well-paying jobs. The Government has established Innovation Canada, a platform that coordinates and simplifies the support available to Canadian businesses. The new Innovation Canada platform (launched in January 2018) is a one-stop-shop for Canada’s innovators and entrepreneurs so they no longer need to spend time figuring out which department to go to or which program best meets their needs. The website is able to quickly match users with the federal and provincial/territorial programs and services to help them innovate, create jobs and grow Canada's economy. Innovation Canada will help create economic growth strategies in six high-growth sectors. The Government is also working with provinces to find co-delivery options for a variety of business support programs and services."
5/31/2018,29,,Exports and Investment,Increase tourism and strengthen the Canadian brand abroad.,Minister of Small Business and Tourism,Underway - on track,"30% overall increase in tourism by 2021, increased tourism from the United States (U.S.) and China, and improved international ranking of Canada as a top tourist destination.","The Government has launched Canada’s New Tourism Vision to increase the number of international tourists to Canada by 30% by 2021. This goal includes doubling the number of Chinese visitors by the same year and positioning Canada as a top-10 destination ranking by 2025. The Government also launched the Millennial Travel Program to encourage youth travel during Canada 150.
The first annual report on progress towards implementing the Vision was released in May. Spending by international visitors to Canada reached $21.3 billion in 2017, representing an increase of 6.4% over 2016. Canada set a new record high number of tourist arrivals in 2017 of 20.8 million. The New York Times, Lonely Planet and Condé Nast have all recognized Canada as a top international destination to visit in 2017.
The Canada-China Year of Tourism in 2018 will be an opportunity to increase visitation from China, which is being supported by the opening of new Visa Application Centres in China. Budget 2018 proposed approximately $11 million in funding to support activities such as hosting the closing ceremony for the Canada?China Year of Tourism and working closely with Canadian businesses as they prepare to welcome an increased number of tourists from China."
5/31/2018,30,,Government Services and Operations,Reduce the administrative burden on small business.,Minister of Small Business and Tourism,Underway - on track,"Reduced administrative burden and simpler, clearer, and faster online services to help small businesses.","The new Innovation Canada platform launched in January 2018 is a one-stop-shop for Canada’s innovators and entrepreneurs so they no longer need to spend time figuring out which department to go to or which program best meets their needs. The website is able to quickly match users with the federal and provincial/territorial programs and services to help them innovate, create jobs and grow Canada's economy.
Federally, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada continues to drive the use of the Business Number (BN) by all departments as the standard identifier for business clients. More than half of the Department’s own services already use the Business Number. The BN is a key component of digital identity for business, and its adoption across the Government of Canada will enable more seamless service delivery. The Government has partnered with a number of provinces to pilot integrated tools, such as a business registries search and data exchanges between registries, so that registering and finding a business is easier."
5/31/2018,31,,Healthy Canadians,Respond to the Supreme Court of Canada decision regarding physician-assisted death.,Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Completed - fully met,Adult Canadians suffering from grievous and irremediable medical conditions and whose death is reasonably foreseeable are able to easily and effectively access medical assistance in dying if they so choose.,"On June 17, 2016, medical assistance in dying (MAID) became a reality in Canada following Royal Assent of the federal legal framework, which protects vulnerable persons while providing options to eligible Canadians to make an informed decision about the end of life. In December 2016, as required by the new law, the Government initiated independent study reports to consider in more detail three particularly complex types of requests for MAID. These include: requests by mature minors, advance requests, and requests where mental illness is the sole underlying medical condition. Independent expert panels, organized by the Council of Canadian Academies, are conducting these reviews. They will report on their results by the end of 2018. As of April 2017, Health Canada has begun to provide initial public reporting on the use of MAID across Canada."
5/31/2018,32,,Fair and Open Government,"Review the government litigation strategy and end appeals or positions that are not consistent with our commitments, the Charter or our values.",Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,"Legal positions taken by the Government are consistent with Government commitments, the Charter and our values.","To date, several early decisions have been made to end appeals and withdraw positions not consistent with Government commitments, the Charter, or Canadian values. For instance, the Government ended the appeal of the Federal Court's ruling that the 2012 cuts to the Interim Federal Health Program—reducing health coverage to refugees—were unconstitutional. The Government dropped the appeal of this decision and in April 2016 restored refugee health care coverage to pre-2012 levels. In August 2016, the Government of Canada created a new Cabinet Committee on Litigation Management to provide an ongoing review of the Government's litigation strategy and consideration of the policy, financial and legal implications of litigation involving the federal government. To promote increased transparency and track the results of this mandate commitment, we have begun publishing a Litigation Year in Review report."
5/31/2018,35,,Fair and Open Government,"Ensure that the appointment of Supreme Court Justices is transparent, inclusive and accountable to Canadians.",Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Completed - fully met,"Greater transparency, accountability and diversity in the appointment of Supreme Court Justices.","In August 2016, the Government of Canada announced a new, open and transparent process for filling vacancies on the Supreme Court of Canada. This new process includes: an open application process; the establishment of an Independent Advisory Board to assess all applications and prepare a shortlist; requiring functional bilingualism as an essential qualification for all shortlisted candidates; and ensuring there are consultations regarding the shortlist with key stakeholders, including members of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice. Justice Malcolm Rowe was the first Supreme Court Justice appointed under this new process in October 2016. Justice Sheilah L. Martin, appointed in December 2017, is the second appointment made under the Government of Canada’s new Supreme Court selection process, which promotes greater openness, transparency, and accountability."
5/31/2018,36,,Safety and Security,"Toughen criminal laws in cases of domestic assault, with the goal of keeping survivors and children safe.",Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,Greater protections for complainants and survivors of sexual assault and domestic assault.,"On March 29, 2018, the Government tabled legislation to improve efficiencies in the criminal justice system and reduce court delays. This legislation includes reforms to strengthen responses to intimate partner violence (IPV). These reforms would:
o impose a reverse onus at bail for accused charged with an IPV offence if they have a prior conviction for violence against an intimate partner;
o require courts to consider whether an accused is charged with an IPV offence when determining whether to release on bail or detain the accused;
o clarify that strangulation, choking and suffocation is an elevated form of assault;
o define “intimate partner” for all Criminal Code purposes and clarify that it includes current or former spouse, common-law partner and dating partner;
o clarify that the current sentencing provisions, which treat abuse against a spouse or common law partner as an aggravating factor, apply to both current and former spouses/common law partners and dating partners; and,
o allow for the possibility of seeking a higher maximum penalty in cases involving a repeat IPV offender.
In June 2017, the Government introduced legislation to clarify and strengthen the sexual assault provisions in the Criminal Code. The legislation would clarify that an unconscious person, or otherwise incapacitated, is incapable of consenting; clarify the defence of mistaken belief to indicate that it cannot be relied upon if there is no evidence upon which the belief was founded; clarify rape shield provisions to explicitly include communications of a sexual nature or communications for a sexual purpose, so these types of communications cannot be used to suggest that the complainant was more likely to have consented or is less worth of belief; provide that a complainant has right to legal representation in rape shield proceedings; and create a regime to determine whether an accused can introduce a complainant's private records at trial that are in their possession. "
5/31/2018,37,,Jobs and Innovation,"Ensure tax measures are efficient and encourage innovation, trade and the growth of Canadian businesses.","Minister of Finance;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,"Tax measures encourage innovation, trade, and the growth of Canadian businesses.","The Government completed a whole-of-government review of business innovation programs to ensure that they are simple and effective and best meet the needs of Canada’s innovators. The review launched in Budget 2017 and results were announced in Budget 2018. The Government is also proposing to reduce the small business tax rate from 10.5% to 10% as of January 1, 2018 and to 9% as of January 1, 2019."
5/31/2018,38,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Add gender identity as a prohibited ground for discrimination under the Canadian Human Rights Act and add it to the list of characteristics of identifiable groups protected by the hate speech provisions of the Criminal Code.,Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Completed - fully met,Discrimination on the basis of gender identity and gender expression is now illegal.,"In June 2017, amendments to the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code received Royal Assent, ensuring the full protection of transgender people across Canada. These amendments formally add gender identity and gender expression to the Canadian Human Rights Act as prohibited grounds of discrimination, as well as amend the Criminal Code to deal with hate crimes related to gender identity and gender expression."
5/31/2018,39,,Environment and Climate Change,Ratify the Paris agreement and develop a Pan-Canadian framework for combating climate change.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Completed - fully met,Canada ratified the Paris Agreement and created the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change.,"The Government of Canada ratified the Paris Agreement on October 5, 2016, following a vote in Parliament. The Paris Agreement entered into force on November 4, 2016 and Canada continues to work with all countries on its implementation. In December 2016, First Ministers adopted the Pan-Canadian Framework (PCF) on Clean Growth and Climate Change, which is Canada’s comprehensive plan to reduce emissions across all sectors of the economy, accelerate clean economic growth and build resilience to the impacts of climate change. The PCF was developed with provinces and territories, in collaboration with Indigenous peoples, and was informed by input from Canadians across the country. The first annual synthesis report on the status of implementation was published in December 2017. To support and complement its commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Canada ratified the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on November 3, 2017, which will phase down hydrofluorocarbons (powerful greenhouse gases), and was instrumental in achieving the required number of ratifications at the Montreal Protocol meeting in Montreal in November which will allow the Kigali Amendment to come into force in January 2019. On November 16, 2017, Canada launched the Powering Past Coal Alliance with the United Kingdom to accelerate the global phase-out of traditionally coal-fired electricity."
5/31/2018,41,,Environment and Climate Change,Improve protection and stewardship of our freshwater resources.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,"The protection of freshwater resources is improved, and water and wastewater infrastructure is in better repair.","Through research, assessment and regulation, the Government of Canada is working to ensure sustainable water management. The Government has taken action to protect the Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg Basin and the St. Lawrence River by improving water quality, increasing conservation activities, addressing threats posed by invasive species, and improving collaboration with Indigenous peoples. As announced in Budget 2017, the Government is investing $44.84 million to protect Great Lakes water quality, and $25.7 million for the Lake Winnipeg Basin Program. The Government is collaborating with the United States to protect shared waters through the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, and has also established a Clean Water and Wastewater Fund to help provinces, territories and municipalities make immediate repairs to water and wastewater infrastructure. Work is also underway to enhance the Environmental Assessment process as it relates to freshwater areas."
5/31/2018,42,,Environment and Climate Change,Enhance protection of Canada's endangered species.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,Species at risk are protected.,"The Government of Canada has developed a three-year plan to address the backlog of 149 terrestrial species eligible for listing under the Species at Risk Act. Since February 2017, final listing decisions were made for 76 of these species and proposed listing decisions were published for another 13 species. The Government of Canada has posted three-year plans (2014-15 to 2016-17) to address the backlog of overdue recovery documents for terrestrial species on the Species at Risk Public Registry. As of April 2018, 178 of the 192 overdue proposed recovery documents were completed and posted on the Species at Risk Public Registry. Parks Canada has completed and posted 21 multi-species action plans, addressing 174 species at risk occurring across 42 Parks Canada places in total, on the Species at Risk Public Registry. These measures will help make sure species at risk receive the protection they need.
As announced in Budget 2018, to support Canada's biodiversity and protect species at risk, the Government proposes to make historic investments totaling $1.3 billion over five years, one of the most significant investments in nature conservation in Canadian history.
This investment will contribute $500 million from the federal government to create a new $1 billion Nature Fund in partnership with corporate, not?for-profit, provincial, territorial and other partners. In collaboration with partners, the Nature Fund will make it possible to secure private land, support provincial and territorial species protection efforts, and help build Indigenous capacity to conserve land and species, for the benefit of current and future generations."
5/31/2018,43,,Environment and Climate Change,Work with provinces and territories to set stronger air quality standards.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,"New national standards are put in place to improve air quality and reduce air pollutants from key sources, with progress demonstrated in recurring State of the Air reports.","The Government of Canada is implementing a national Air Quality Management System (AQMS) with provinces and territories to improve air quality and protect the health of Canadians and the environment. As part of this system, new ambient air quality standards for sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide were published in the Canada Gazette on October 28 and December 9, 2017 respectively. A review of the existing ambient air quality standards for ozone has been initiated. A new State of the Air Report was launched at the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment in November 2017 to inform Canadians about air quality and air pollution. The Government is also establishing national standards to reduce air pollutants from industrial sources, including in the following sectors: iron and steel; aluminum; potash; pulp and paper; iron ore pellets; base metals smelting; cement; and stationary combustion turbines. In February 2018, Canada published two proposed regulations to limit carbon dioxide emissions: one amendment to accelerate the phase-out of coal-fired power by 2030, and the other to set emission performance standards for new natural gas-fired electricity generation and coal boilers converted to run on natural gas. This will significantly improve air quality and the health of Canadians and will reduce Canada's greenhouse gas emissions by more than five megatonnes in 2030—equivalent to taking 1.3 million cars off the road."
5/31/2018,44,,Environment and Climate Change,Review Canada's environmental assessment processes.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Natural Resources;Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Science;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs",Underway - on track,"Environmental assessment processes that are fair to all parties, rely on scientific evidence, respect the rights of Indigenous Peoples and protect the environment for generations to come.","Following an extensive review of Canada's environmental assessment processes, the government tabled proposed legislation in February 2018 that will build a new impact assessment and regulatory system for Canada, including the proposed Impact Assessment Act. This new system is fair, based on science, respects the rights of Indigenous peoples, provides certainty to businesses and protects our environment and human health for generations to come. Its development was informed by Expert Panels and Parliamentary Committee reports, a federal discussion paper, parliamentary studies, and almost two years of consultations with Indigenous peoples, industry, provinces and territories, non-government organizations, academia and the public. These reforms are based on the guiding principles of predictable processes that build on what works, partnership with Indigenous peoples at every stage of the process, early and inclusive public engagement; timely, evidence-based decisions reflecting the best available science and Indigenous knowledge; and one assessment for one project, with the scale of assessment aligned with the scale of the potential impacts of the project.
The Government also announced that it will invest about $1 billion over five years to support the proposed new impact assessment system and Canadian Energy Regulator, increase federal scientific capacity, implement the changes required to protect water, fish and navigation, and increase Indigenous and public participation.
The House of Commons Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development completed its clause by clause review of the draft legislation and proposed amendments intended to provide greater clarity and certainty with respect to impact assessment, strengthen public participation and consideration of science and Indigenous knowledge in assessments, and reflect the Government’s commitment to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples."
5/31/2018,45,,Environment and Climate Change,"Develop Canada's National Parks system, as well as manage and expand National Wildlife Areas and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries.",Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,Terrestrial areas and inland water are conserved through networks of protected areas.,"The Government of Canada continues to work to conserve and connect terrestrial areas. A comprehensive plan is being developed to conserve at least 17% of terrestrial areas and inland water through networks of protected and conserved areas by 2020. In March 2018, a National Advisory Panel and an Indigenous Circle of Experts provided their recommendations to inform the development of the federal, provincial, and territorial plan. Work on expanding the system of National Parks includes the proposed Thaidene Nëné National Park Reserve. Negotiations with the Government of the Northwest Territories, Lutsël K’e Dene First Nation and Northwest Territories Metis are close to completion. The Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia and the Syilx/Okanagan Nation announced re-engagement on a proposed national park reserve in the South Okanagan. Parks Canada has contacted the Manitoba Government to re-engage on a proposed national park in the Manitoba Lowlands. As part of the expansion of National Wildlife Areas and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries, the Government is working closely with Indigenous peoples, Provinces, Territories, and stakeholders to secure new protected areas by the end of 2020. The Government of Canada is working with the Dehcho First Nation and the Tlicho Government to establish the Edéhzhíe National Wildlife Area in the Northwest Territories, which will protect over 1.4 million hectares of habitat for boreal caribou. The proposed Scott Islands Marine National Wildlife Area will conserve 1.2 million hectares for the benefit of sea birds in the Pacific Ocean. Important Prairie Habitat in South West Saskatchewan will be conserved with the transfer of the Govenlock Community Pasture to Environment and Climate Change Canada in 2019.
As announced in Budget 2018, to support Canada’s biodiversity and protect species at risk, the Government of Canada is making historic investments totaling $1.3 billion over five years, one of the most significant investments in nature conservation in Canadian history.
This investment will contribute $500 million from the federal government to create a new $1 billion Nature Fund in partnership with corporate, not?for-profit, provincial, territorial and other partners. In collaboration with partners, the Nature Fund will make it possible to secure private land, support provincial and territorial species protection efforts, and help build Indigenous capacity to conserve land and species, for the benefit of current and future generations."
5/31/2018,46,,Environment and Climate Change,Develop Parks Canada services so that more Canadians can experience our National Parks.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,More Canadians visit and experience Parks Canada administered sites and the Trans Canada Trail is completed.,"The Government has taken steps to make sites more accessible and to improve overall visitor experiences by investing approximately $3.6 billion, including an additional $364 million announced in Budget 2017 to renew infrastructure assets such as trails, heritage buildings, visitor centres, waterways and highways. The Government of Canada is improving bike and walking trails in national parks as well as highway access through Wood Buffalo National Park and Yoho National Park. The Government will also contribute $30 million over five years to enhance and maintain the Great Trail (formerly known as the Trans Canada Trail). This funding will improve trail safety, accessibility, and sustainability. Since completion in 2017, the Trail provides 24,000 km of recreational trails within 30 minutes of about 29 million Canadians. The Government is working with Indigenous peoples and stakeholders to improve interpretation and heritage programming and make sites more accessible. In February 2018 Parks Canada entered into a four-year contribution agreement with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) with the goal of enhancing and growing authentic Indigenous experiences in regions across the country. "
5/31/2018,47,,Environment and Climate Change,"Make admission to National Parks free for all in 2017 and, afterwards, free for children under 18 and new citizens.",Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Completed - fully met,Free admission to National Parks in 2017; free admission for children under 18 and new citizens in future years.,"To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation, the Government of Canada offered free admission to all national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas, as well as free passage through lock systems on all national historic canals. More than 8.5 million Discovery Passes were ordered and distributed to Canadians and people in 160 countries. Parks Canada welcomed over 27.2 million visitors in 2017, an 11% increase from 2016. Canada 150 programs offered by Parks Canada included the expanded National Indigenous Peoples Day and Canada Day celebrations, the first annual Canada Historic Places Day with more than 60 sites participating, as well as hosting numerous Canada 150 Signature Projects. Starting in 2018, admission for children under 18 is free for national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas. Parks Canada is also continuing to offer free admission for one year to new Canadian citizens through the Institute for Canadian Citizenship’s Cultural Access Pass Program."
5/31/2018,48,,Environment and Climate Change,Expand Learn to Camp programs.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Completed - fully met,More low to middle-income families participate in Learn to Camp and have greater opportunity to experience Canada's outdoors.,"In 2017, Parks Canada expanded the popular Learn-to Camp Program so that more low- to middle-income families could experience Canada’s outdoors. Throughout the year, Parks Canada hosted 30 overnight Learn-to Camp events as well as over 500 other Learn-to events and activities across Canada, reaching more than 70,000 Canadians."
5/31/2018,49,,Environment and Climate Change,Protect our National Parks by limiting development within them and help local eco-tourism industries.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Small Business and Tourism,Underway - on track,Development is limited within Canada's National Parks so future generations can experience their natural beauty.,"One pillar of Canada's new Vision for Tourism is to distinguish Canada as a premier tourism destination through Canada's national parks. A number of initiatives have been developed to enhance visitation of Parks Canada places. One initiative starting in 2018 is to provide free admission to youth 17 and under to all national parks, national historic sites, and national marine conservation areas operated by Parks Canada. The Government is maintaining and restoring ecological integrity within Canada's national parks while continuing to provide meaningful services and experiences to visitors. The Government has established strict development limits to ensure ecological integrity in Canada's national parks. Parks Canada has put forward a rigorous environmental assessment process which applies to development proposals to ensure compliance with park-wide ecological objectives and maintenance of ecological integrity. Parks Canada is in the process of developing strategies to help grow local eco-tourism industries and create jobs."
5/31/2018,50,,Environment and Climate Change,Work with Ontario to enhance the country's first urban National Park: Rouge National Urban Park.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Completed - fully met,"Created Canada's first urban National Park, Rouge National Urban Park.","In June 2017, legislation was passed to expand the size of the Rouge National Urban Park and guide how the park will be managed. This legislation strengthens ecological protections and will ensure that ecological integrity is the first priority in the management of Canada's first national urban park, while recognizing its important cultural heritage and providing greater certainty for the continuation of park agriculture. In October 2017, the Government of Ontario transferred 6.5 square km of land to Parks Canada for inclusion in the Park."
5/31/2018,51,,Environment and Climate Change,"Protect the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River Basin and the Lake Winnipeg Basin.","Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",On-going commitment,"Increased protection for the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River Basin and the Lake Winnipeg Basin so they can continue to be enjoyed by future generations.","Through Budget 2017, the Government is providing funding to protect Canada’s freshwater resources, including the Great Lakes and Lake Winnipeg basins. The Government is expanding efforts to address toxic and nuisance algae, as well as aquatic invasive species programming, which will further help address the threats posed by such species as Asian Carps and Sea Lamprey. As announced in Budget 2017, the Government is investing $44.84 million to protect Great Lakes water quality, and $25.7 million for the Lake Winnipeg Basin Program. In addition, the Government invested $43.8 million to protect against aquatic invasive species in Canadian waters. The Asian Carp Program received funding as part of this investment, which has allowed the Government to improve early detection capabilities and increase the number of sites being monitored for Asian carp in the Great Lakes. The funding has also increased the capacity of Canada’s Sea Lamprey Control Program to reduce the numbers of this destructive, invasive species by assessing larval populations, treating them with lampricides and maintaining and improving physical barriers and dams that prevent sea lamprey from accessing spawning habitat in tributaries to the Great Lakes.
A program on freshwater aquatic invasive species is being deployed in Quebec in 2018-2019, which will complement marine species monitoring already underway in the Saint Lawrence and fund work with the Government of Quebec to detect and prevent the invasion of Asian carps in Quebec.
The Government is also increasing outreach to assist Canadians with identifying, responding and properly reporting any invasive species they catch. In June 2017, the governments of Canada and Quebec announced continued investment in the conservation and enhancement of the St. Lawrence River Basin to enhance water quality, protect biodiversity and ensure its sustainable use. The Government has also begun two research projects to assess the contribution of organic matter and nutrient inputs and oxygen depletion in the deep waters of the Laurentian Channel."
5/31/2018,52,,Environment and Climate Change,Examine the implications of climate change on Arctic marine ecosystems.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Science",Underway - on track,Greater knowledge and understanding of the changes occurring in Canada's Arctic and a better understanding of how Canada might adapt to ensure the continued welfare of Canada's Arctic communities.,"The official opening of the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) will significantly enhance Arctic research, including on the impacts of climate change. The Government of Canada is also investing in the Aquatic Climate Change Adaptation Services Program to conduct the research and monitoring necessary to identify climate change impacts and vulnerabilities, develop adaptation tools, and improve ocean forecasting in vulnerable coastal regions to inform management decisions. This Program has supported ocean chemistry monitoring, fisheries vulnerability assessments and predictive modelling activities in the Arctic. As part of the Oceans Protection Plan, the Government will be working with Indigenous and coastal communities to collect baseline environmental information at six sites across Canada, including one in the Arctic. The Government has also concluded new international agreements to strengthen Arctic scientific cooperation. The Minister of Science attended the first White House Arctic Science Ministerial event in September 2016, helping to advance several joint international research projects. The Canadian Space Agency is collaborating on a US-France mission—Surface Water & Ocean Topography—that will provide the first global survey of earth surface water, ocean surface topography, ocean currents, and measure change over time. In addition, the Government of Canada has committed to work together in collaboration with northern partners to better understand the “Last Ice Area.” This region in the high Arctic is the only region that is expected to retain summer sea ice until 2050."
5/31/2018,53,,Canada in the World,Refocus Canada's development assistance on helping the most vulnerable and supporting fragile states.,Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,Underway - on track,Global poverty is reduced by investing in gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls and by focusing on the poorest and most vulnerable.,"In June 2017, the Government launched Canada's new Feminist International Assistance Policy to eradicate poverty and build a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous world. Canada will invest in women's empowerment and gender equality as the best ways to achieve its objectives, grounded in the Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Canada is focusing its assistance on closing gaps and barriers faced by women and girls in areas such as health and nutrition including sexual and reproductive health and rights, education, humanitarian action, inclusive governance, environment and climate action, peace and security, and growth that works for everyone. These commitments are reflected in the Women’s Voice and Leadership Program and Small and Medium Organizations for Impact and Innovation Initiative launched over the last year. The Feminist International Assistance Policy commits to directing no less than 50% of Canada's annual bilateral international development assistance to sub-Saharan African countries by 2021-2022 and ensuring 95% of bilateral international development assistance integrates or targets gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. To support the Feminist International Assistance Policy, the Government is providing up to $2 billion in new resources in Budget 2018. This is the largest increase to Canadian International Assistance since 2002."
5/31/2018,54,,Canada in the World,"Create a new policy and funding framework to ensure that Canada's aid empowers people and supports broad-based, sustainable growth in the developing world.",Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,Completed - fully met,"A comprehensive, feminist international assistance policy is in place that will reduce global poverty by investing in gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls and by focusing on the poorest and most vulnerable.","After a year of consultations with over 15,000 people in 65 countries, Canada released its Feminist International Assistance Policy in June 2017. The Government engaged with people online and in person on how Canada's international assistance should be invested and focused. The consultation summary report was released in December 2016 and formed the basis of the new policy."
5/31/2018,55,,Canada in the World,"Support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by the United Nations in September 2015.",Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,Underway - on track,"Canada's international assistance helps countries make progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and helps to build a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous world.","Canada's Feminist International Assistance Policy is explicitly aligned with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure our investments are coordinated with the rest of the international community. Sustainable Development Goal 5—achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls—is at the heart of Canada's approach to implement the SDGs because it will help to drive progress on all other SDGs and to eradicate poverty. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is central to the Government's partnership with all civil society organizations to maximize the impact of Canada’s international assistance. The Government of Canada is co-leading groups of United Nations member states to foster innovative financing solutions to achieve the SDGs. Budget 2018 highlighted the Government's commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals at home and abroad. In April, the Government announced the development of a national strategy that will catalyze action on the SDGs across the country, and launched the Voluntary National Review Web portal to invite Canadians to share their stories of how they are helping to advance the SDGs. On May 16th, the Government launched the “SDG Data Hub,” a web portal that provides Canadian data on the global SDG indicators."
5/31/2018,56,,Canada in the World,"Support the full range of reproductive health services and close the gap in the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Initiative.",Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,Underway - on track,"More women and girls are able to make informed reproductive health choices and assert control over their own bodies, saving the lives of women and children.","From 2017-2020, the Government will focus on closing key gaps in sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls(e.g. contraceptives and safe, legal abortion), and on preventing and responding to sexual and gender-based violence including child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation and cutting. This will help reduce the number of women and girls around the world who have unmet needs for modern contraception, currently estimated to be 214 million. Consistent with Canada's new Feminist International Assistance Policy, the Government also now strongly encourages partners funded by the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health programs to integrate the full range of sexual and reproductive health services into their programming. Canada also joined key global partnerships, such as Family Planning 2020, which will help enable up to 120 million more women and girls to access family planning by 2020, as well as the Ouagadougou Partnership, which will accelerate the use of these services in nine countries in West Africa. Canada will continue to promote sexual and reproductive health rights through its participation in movements such as SheDecides and will host the 2019 Women Deliver 5th Global Conference in Vancouver on June 3-6, 2019. In March 2018, the Government launched a $40 million call for preliminary proposals ""Partnerships for Her Voice, Her Choice"" aimed at funding sexual reproductive health and rights initiatives implemented by Canadian organizations."
5/31/2018,57,,Canada in the World,"Support innovative, evidence-based approaches to development assistance.",Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,Underway - on track,More effective international assistance and more rigorous use of evidence-based practice and innovative solutions within decision-making processes.,"Guided by the June 2017 Feminist International Assistance Policy, Canada will provide more integrated and responsive assistance, support innovation and research, provide better reporting on results, develop more effective partnerships, and concentrate on those regions of the world where Canada can make the greatest difference in reducing poverty and inequality, particularly for women and girls. Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and its recipient partners will measure and report progress and results, conduct gender-based and human rights-based analyses of programs, and implement new programming to support innovative partnerships. In 2017, the Government collaborated with the Canadian Council for International Co-operation, the Canadian Association for the Study of International Development and the International Development Research Centre to enhance innovative multi-stakeholder approaches to global development research. This initiative included the launch of an online searchable tool of more than 500 Canadian international development researchers from universities, colleges, institutes, think-tanks, and civil society organizations. The Government also launched the International Policy Ideas Challenge (IPIC), in which early career and graduate researchers in Canada were selected to conduct and present innovative research on foreign policy, international trade and international development issues. The IPIC remains an ongoing program. In the context of a call for preliminary proposals for the Small and Medium Organizations for Impact and Innovation initiative, which aims to attract new and diverse partners to GAC and encourage innovation in international development, GAC is concluding the initial merit assessment. In February and March 2018, more than 250 stakeholders submitted over 600 comments as part of the virtual engagement process on the development of Action Area policies under the Feminist International Assistance Policy. Feedback is being carefully considered as the policies are finalized and prepared for public release. Global Affairs Canada continues to engage with the International Development Innovation Alliance, the OECD Development Assistance Committee and Canadian civil society partners to learn about and share good practices on innovative evidence-based approaches in development assistance. To increase the transparency of Canada's international assistance, the Government expects to start publicly reporting the planned level of the International Assistance Envelope every year starting in 2018. To support innovation in Canada’s international assistance, the Government will provide up to $1.5 billion over five years and $492.7 million per year ongoing to the International Assistance Innovation Program and the Sovereign Loans Program. In April 2018, the Government co-hosted a meeting in Washington D.C. with the OECD, the World Economic Forum and the U.N. on blended finance."
5/31/2018,58,,Canada in the World,Provide assistance to countries that are vulnerable to the destabilizing effects of climate change.,Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,Underway - on track,Countries receiving Canadian international assistance are better equipped to deal with the destabilizing effects of climate change.,"Canada is providing $2.65 billion over five years to help developing countries, in particular the poorest and most vulnerable transition to low carbon and climate resilient economies. To date, the federal government has announced more than $900 million in funding contributions. This includes $200 million to the Asian Development Bank to catalyze private investments for climate action in Asia and the Pacific, $150 million in support of renewable energy in Africa, $40 million for the African Risk Capacity agency to help developing countries protect themselves against the economic consequences of natural catastrophes (such as droughts caused by climate change), and $39 million to help build the resilience of farming households in Senegal, with a particular emphasis on women and young people. In February 2018, Canada announced that it would provide $20 million to support women's health and economic opportunities in Haiti through the adoption of clean cookstoves in 150,000 households. Canada also recently pledged $100 million to support reconstruction and climate resilience initiatives across the Caribbean over the next five years, part of which will contribute to Canada's overall climate finance commitments. Canada is providing $16.2 million to support a $36 million Climate Resilience and Green Infrastructure project that puts specific emphasis on the role of women in managing water resources in Peru, one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. Canada's new Development Finance Institute, capitalized with $300 million over five years, will mobilize its resources to promote green economic growth, which in turn will provide access to clean technology and climate-resilient infrastructure to those people most affected by climate change."
5/31/2018,59,,Canada in the World,Ensure Canada's strong and sustained engagement in the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie.,Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,On-going commitment,Promotion of Canadian values of diversity and inclusion through La Francophonie and promotion of French Canadian culture globally.,"Canada has maintained strong and sustained commitment to the International Organisation of La Francophonie and continues to use it as an important platform to engage the international community on priority areas. On gender equality, Canada has continued to play an active role in the development of La Francophonie's gender equality Strategy, which will be adopted at the upcoming Francophonie Summit in Armenia in October 2018. Canada has also played an active role in the promotion of women and youth empowerment and in the development of La Francophonie’s Action Plan on Women's Economic Empowerment, adopted on March 12, 2018. In May 2018, Canada supported the organisation of an international conference on conflict prevention and human security in Ottawa. The conference, which was organized by the University of Ottawa and the OIF, aimed to develop a roadmap to update existing Francophonie tools and instruments to address conflict prevention and human security in Francophonie member countries.
On the Organisation’s governance, GAC has continued to advocate in support of enhanced governance and transparency measures to further strengthen the Organisation's administrative and financial governance practices, with examples of best practices regarding governance, transparency, and the communication of results being shared. Canada is supporting the renewal of Michaëlle Jean's mandate as Secretary General of La Francophonie. The Organization will make a decision on this at the Francophonie Summit in Armenia in October 2018."
5/31/2018,60,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Resettle 25,000 refugees from Syria.","Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship;Minister of International Development and La Francophonie",Completed - modified,"The Government welcomed 26,172 Syrian refugees (government-assisted and privately sponsored) between November 4, 2015, and February 29, 2016.","As of January 29, 2017, Canada had welcomed 40,081 refugees from Syria: 21,876 government-assisted refugees, 3,931 blended visa office-referred refugees, and 14,274 privately sponsored refugees. Although the Government hit and surpassed its targets, it did so two months later than the initial timeline to ensure proper security and medical examinations and resettlement preparations."
5/31/2018,61,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Double the number of entry applications for parents and grandparents of immigrants to 10,000 a year.","Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,"The Government made reuniting families a top priority and doubled the number of parents and grandparents sponsorship applications accepted to 10,000 in 2016. The new cap of 10,000 per year will apply going forward.","Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has formally increased the number of applications it will take in through its Parent and Grandparent (PGP) Program."
5/31/2018,62,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Give additional points under the Express Entry system to applicants who have Canadian siblings.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,"Changes to Canada's Express Entry program, including additional points for candidates with Canadian siblings and candidates who have strong French and/or English languages skills were implemented on June 6, 2017. This is increasing the number of eligible economic immigrants who have the support they need to more easily integrate into the labour market and contribute to the economic success of all Canadians.","Changes to Canada's Express Entry program were implemented on June 6, 2017"
5/31/2018,63,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Increase the maximum age for dependents from 19 to 22 to allow more families to stay together and bring their children to Canada.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,More family reunification.,"The Government has made reuniting families a top priority. Regulatory amendments to increase the maximum age of dependent children from 19 to 22 years of age came into force October 24, 2017."
5/31/2018,64,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Bring forward a proposal regarding permanent residency for new spouses entering Canada.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Sponsored spouses and partners no longer have to remain in abusive relationships for fear of losing their immigration status.,"To address concerns that some vulnerable sponsored spouses or partners were staying in abusive relationships out of fear of losing their permanent resident status, the Government repealed the requirement of conditional residency. This means sponsored spouses and partners are no longer required to live with their sponsor for two years in order to maintain their permanent resident status, thereby reducing vulnerability and dependence."
5/31/2018,65,,Government Services and Operations,"Improve client service delivery and immigration, refugees and citizenship application processing times.","Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,"Enhanced client service and timely processing of immigration, refugee and citizenship applications.","The Government is developing initiatives to reduce processing times in several programs and a client service strategy to enhance the client experience. In December 2016, spousal sponsorship was reformed to speed up processing and simplify the sponsorship process. In 2017, IRCC met its commitment to process 80% of spousal applications received before December 2016. For 2018, we will continue to monitor progress as against commitment. The Government also announced an intake management strategy for privately sponsored refugees and the goal of reducing wait times for new applications to 12 months. Service standards in other programs are being maintained: 80% of citizenship grant applications received since April 2015 are processed within a 12-month timeframe, and Express Entry permanent residency applications are processed within a six-month timeframe. Since June 2017, the Global Skills Strategy continues to assist companies in getting workers to Canada faster, including through two-week processing time for 80% of eligible work permit applications. The Dedicated Service Channel helps guide companies making significant, job-creating investments in Canada. Enhancements to the asylum system will be informed by upcoming findings of the independent review of the Immigration and Refugee Board."
5/31/2018,66,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Restore the Interim Federal Health Program that provides health benefits to refugees.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Improved access to necessary health care for refugees.,"In April 2016, the Government restored the Interim Federal Health Program for all eligible refugee beneficiaries. In addition, the Government eliminated the coverage expiry date to ensure refugee claimants remain covered until they are eligible for provincial/territorial health insurance. "
5/31/2018,67,,Canada in the World,Establish an expert human rights panel to help determine designated countries of origin and provide a right to appeal refugee decisions for citizens from these countries.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,"Canada upholds its commitment to welcoming those seeking refuge from conflict and war, while leveraging expertise and systems to strengthen program integrity and efficiency.","As of July 2015, claimants from Designated Countries of Origin - countries that do not normally produce refugees and do respect human rights and offer state protection - have had access to an appeal at the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. An independent review of the Immigration and Refugee Board and the asylum system is underway, and findings will inform how the Government will enhance the asylum system to achieve both efficiency and fairness for all claimants."
5/31/2018,68,,Environment and Climate Change,Work with stakeholders to better co-manage our three oceans.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",On-going commitment,"Better planning, management and protection of oceans, marine mammals, and coastal communities.","Through the Oceans Protection Plan (OPP), Canada has been engaging Indigenous and coastal communities, stakeholders and other levels of government in OPP implementation, including improved marine safety, protection of the marine environment, restoration of Canada’s coastlines, waterways management, and new opportunities for Indigenous and coastal communities in emergency response.
The Oceans Protection Plan (OPP) includes new research on the effects of oil spills, measures to protect marine mammals, and increased emergency response capacity where coastal communities will play a greater role. The OPP is a key part of the Government's commitment to redefine its relationship with Indigenous peoples and engage in a meaningful and productive partnership with Indigenous communities. In addition to the OPP, the Government has officially endorsed the Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area Plan with the Province of British Columbia and Pacific North Coast First Nations, explored partnerships with land claims organizations in the North to advance Canada’s marine conservation agenda, and signed a statement of intent between Canada and the Nunatsiavut Government to work together on oceans management in northern Labrador.
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5/31/2018,69,,Canada in the World,Facilitate the temporary entry of low risk travellers and lift the visa requirement for Mexico.,"Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,"Canada is a more open country that does not impose unnecessary barriers to business travellers, tourists and other visitors.","On December 1, 2016, Canada lifted the requirement for Mexican travellers to have a visa. To facilitate the temporary entry of low-risk travellers, the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) was put in place on November 10, 2016 for visa-exempt foreign nationals (other than U.S. citizens) boarding their flight to Canada. With a valid eTA, travellers can travel to Canada multiple times for short stays. On May 1, 2017, Canada expanded eTA to Brazil, Bulgaria and Romania to facilitate air travel for low-risk travellers. The visa requirement for Bulgaria and Romania was fully lifted on December 1, 2017."
5/31/2018,70,,Fair and Open Government,Repeal provisions in the Citizenship Act that give the government the right to strip citizenship from dual nationals.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Repealed provisions in the Citizenship Act that gave the Government the right to strip citizenship from dual nationals.,"In June 2017, legislation was passed that repealed the unfair elements of the Citizenship Act that applied only to Canadians with dual or multiple citizenships and allowed the government to strip them of their Canadian citizenship. This legislation also makes it easier for applicants to meet the requirements for citizenship, and helps immigrants obtain citizenship earlier and faster."
5/31/2018,72,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Make it easier for international students to stay in Canada after their studies.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Better outcomes for immigrants to Canada because those who become permanent residents and citizens have Canadian educational experience.,"It is now easier for international students to become permanent residents or Canadian citizens after completing their studies. The Government made changes to the Express Entry system that award more points to those who have studied in Canada, making it easier for international students to become permanent residents. As well, in October 2017, regulatory changes introduced by the Government came into force, providing greater flexibility for international students who want to become Canadian citizens."
5/31/2018,73,,Environment and Climate Change,Restore funding to support federal ocean science and monitoring programs.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Completed - fully met,"Restored funding to support the hiring of new scientific staff, the acquisition of new lab equipment, and added capacity for ocean science and monitoring.","The Government of Canada restored funding for federal ocean science and monitoring programs. In April 2016, $197 million was committed to fund ocean and freshwater science activities, which will help better understand aquatic ecosystems and support evidence-based management decisions. The Government is recruiting 135 new scientific staff and creating a new Partnership Fund to build capacity in the Canadian ocean and freshwater science community. The Government is also investing in high-performance lab equipment to mitigate life-cycle management concerns, procuring new state-of-the-art acoustic and remote sensing technology, and enhancing monitoring activities for various species of marine mammals, fish and invertebrates."
5/31/2018,74,,Environment and Climate Change,Use good scientific evidence when making decisions affecting fish stocks and ecosystem management.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Underway - on track,"A new, strong process that integrates scientific information in all major fish stock and ecosystem management decisions.",The Government of Canada has changed its internal processes to ensure that scientific information and advice are presented as part of decision making. The Government is currently developing a plan to implement the precautionary approach policy for all major fish stocks. The new Chief Science Advisor will provide guidance on this.
5/31/2018,75,,Environment and Climate Change,Act on recommendations of the Cohen Commission on restoring sockeye salmon stocks in the Fraser River.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Underway - on track,"A new Wild Salmon Policy implementation plan to restore and maintain salmon stock which highlights measures for sustainable aquaculture, is co-developed and implemented in collaboration with experts, regional stakeholders and Indigenous peoples.","In August 2016, the Government released its formal response to the final report of the Cohen Commission. In October 2016, the Government launched public consultations and met with Indigenous peoples on the development of an implementation plan for the conservation of wild salmon. In September 2017, the Government provided a status update showing that 64 out of the 75 recommendations from the Cohen Commission have been acted on. The Government continues to engage with scientific experts and stakeholders to further act upon many of the Commission's 75 recommendations.
Extensive engagement with Indigenous peoples, stakeholders and the general public has informed a draft five-year Wild Salmon Policy (WSP) implementation plan. More than 32 consultation sessions occurred across British Columbia and the Yukon in fall 2017. Feedback from these sessions, as well as hundreds of electronic submissions, are now being incorporated. A final WSP implementation plan is expected in 2018."
5/31/2018,76,,Safety and Security,"Re-open the Maritime Rescue Sub-centre in St. John's, Newfoundland, and the Kitsilano Coast Guard Base in Vancouver.","Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Completed - fully met,Kitsilano Coast Guard Base and St. John's Maritime Rescue Sub-centre are re-opened to restore search and rescue services and save lives.,"In May 2016, the Kitsilano Coast Guard Base in Vancouver was re-opened to provide 24/7 search and rescue services. The base accepted delivery of a new Search and Rescue Vessel, Response Boat Medium in December 2017. The Maritime Rescue Sub-centre in St. John's officially re-opened May 18, 2018."
5/31/2018,77,,Healthy Canadians,Sign new Health Accord with the provinces and territories.,Minister of Health,Completed - fully met,"A new, multi-year agreement to strengthen health care has been reached between the Government of Canada and provinces and territories.","The Government of Canada has reached agreements with all provinces and territories on collective priorities and 10-year funding to strengthen health care. In August 2017, federal, provincial and territorial governments reached agreement on a Common Statement of Principles on Shared Health Priorities, which outlines key priorities for federal investments to improve access to mental health and addictions services, as well as home and community care and a joint commitment to advance health innovation and prescription drugs. Budget 2017 confirmed a targeted investment of $11 billion over 10 years to support these priorities. Governments also committed to develop and report on a set of common metrics to ensure that these investments bring Canadians improved health outcomes.
The federal government is now in the process of developing bilateral agreements with each province and territory that will set out details of how each jurisdiction will use federal funding in future years, based on the priority areas of action outlined in the Common Statement. The Canadian Institute for Health Information is leading a process with federal, provincial and territorial officials to develop a focused set of common indicators in home care and mental health to enable Canadians to assess progress on shared priorities."
5/31/2018,78,,Healthy Canadians,Increase rates of vaccination.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"By 2025, 95% of children under the age of two have received all recommended vaccinations.","The Government of Canada, with provincial and territorial partners, has updated the national vaccination coverage goals and vaccine preventable disease reduction targets; which have been endorsed by all jurisdictions. The Government also enhanced its Childhood National Immunization Coverage Survey to better estimate vaccination coverage and measure vaccine hesitancy. The new Survey was launched in fall 2017 and initial reporting is expected in 2019."
5/31/2018,79,,Healthy Canadians,Introduce plain packaging requirements for tobacco products.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,New plain packaging requirements for tobacco products will contribute to continued decrease in use.,"The new Tobacco and Vaping Products Act came into force on May 23, 2018 (following Royal Assent of Bill S-5) and includes measures to support plain packaging. Health Canada is now developing the regulations to implement a comprehensive approach to plain and standardized packaging."
5/31/2018,80,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Promote the celebration of Canada 150.,Minister of Canadian Heritage;Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Completed - fully met,"Canadians came together to celebrate the best of Canada and to experience Canada’s rich cultural, linguistic, and geographical diversity.","Canada 150 celebrations came to a close. The Canada 150 Fund supported over six hundred community projects and thirty eight pan-Canadian Signature projects through non-governmental organizations. Canada 150 enabled the promotion of active living, sport and athleticism to students and communities across Canada, and it highlighted diversity and inclusion, reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, the environment, and youth. More than 31 million people participated in Canada 150 events. Programming included an investment of more than $1 million into the 2017 Canada Summer Games and an accompanying cultural festival. The closing of Canada 150 in December 2017 included Skating Day, one of a suite of community events supported by micro-grants that brought Canadians together, emphasized the connection all Canadians share as a northern people, and underscored Canada 150’s four major themes."
5/31/2018,81,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Restore and increase funding for CBC/Radio-Canada.,Minister of Canadian Heritage,Completed - fully met,"Increased funding for CBC/Radio-Canada, leading to the creation of new, high-quality content across all platforms.","In Budget 2016, the Government increased CBC/Radio-Canada funding by $675 million over five years. In 2017/18, this funding was directed toward CBC/Radio-Canada’s key programming and initiatives; the creation of new, high-quality content, including local content, across all platforms; digital transformation, and continued development of both its existing services and the next generation of digital talent."
5/31/2018,82,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that the appointment process to the CBC/Radio-Canada Board of Directors is merit-based and independent.,Minister of Canadian Heritage,Completed - fully met,A new independent and merit-based appointment process has been established for selecting the CBC/Radio-Canada Board of Directors.,"The Government has appointed an independent and non-partisan Advisory Committee that will provide the Minister of Canadian Heritage with recommendations of qualified candidates for appointments to CBC/Radio-Canada. Published, merit-based criteria will guide the Advisory Committee as they identify Canadians who would make significant contributions to the work of the Board of Directors of CBC/Radio-Canada. On December 18, 2017, the Minister of Canadian Heritage announced the appointment of five directors to the CBC/RC Board of Directors. On April 3, 2018, the Minister of Canadian Heritage announced the appointment of the new Chair, President and CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada, and three additional members of the Board. "
5/31/2018,83,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Double investment in the Canada Council for the Arts.,Minister of Canadian Heritage,Completed - fully met,The Government invested $550 million in the Canada Council for the Arts to foster the development of the arts in Canada.,"New investments are being made in the form of grants, services and awards to professional Canadian artists and arts organizations, as well as through scholarly awards. The Government of Canada's annual investment in the Council is doubling over the next five years, growing local economies and creating good middle-class jobs."
5/31/2018,84,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Increase funding for Telefilm Canada and the National Film Board.,Minister of Canadian Heritage,Completed - fully met,"Increased funding for Canada's film industry, creating growth and jobs in the creative industries.","The Government invested $22 million in Telefilm Canada to fund and promote programs dedicated to the cultural, commercial and industrial success of Canada’s audiovisual industry and provided the National Film Board of Canada with $13.5 million to create social issue documentaries, animation, and digital content."
5/31/2018,85,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Restore PromArt and Trade Routes international cultural promotion programs.,Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of Canadian Heritage;Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"Greater awareness of Canadian excellence in arts and culture, greater international demand for Canadian creators and more jobs in the creative industries.","In fall 2017 the Government announced an investment of $125 million over five years towards the implementation of a new Creative Export Strategy. This initiative will help Canada's creative industries seize business opportunities abroad and increase Canada’s interactions with the world through culture, supporting cultural diplomacy efforts. Building on the $35 million committed in Budget 2016, the Strategy provides improved measures and redesigned cultural programs. Based on former PromArt and Trade Routes, it will help artists and creative industries kick start or promote their creative offerings abroad. This will include more support from Canadian missions abroad to coordinate events showcasing Canadian artists on the world stage, as well as direct on-the-ground support from Canadian Trade Commissioners in key markets including London, Paris, Los Angeles, New York and China. With this support, Canadian creative industries will be able to better navigate export markets, meet key foreign contacts, and conclude business deals abroad. The Government also expanded access to cultural trade data through Statistics Canada to provide more accurate and up-to-date information to help guide and focus Canadian creative exporters abroad."
5/31/2018,86,,Strong Middle Class,"Increase funding to ""Young Canada Works"" to help prepare the next generation working in the heritage sector.",Minister of Canadian Heritage,Completed - fully met,More jobs for young Canadians in the heritage sector.,"The Government has increased jobs for young Canadians in the heritage sector. Investments in the Youth Employment Strategy helped to create over 1,600 new employment opportunities in the heritage sector in 2016-17. In addition, increased funding for the Young Canada Works initiative created 150 new internships for recent graduates in 2016-17. Budget 2017 confirmed an additional investment of $14.05 million over three years in funding in Young Canada Works Heritage programming. These new funds will enable the creation of over 1,500 more summer jobs and graduate internships for Canadian youth in Canadian museums and related heritage organizations."
5/31/2018,87,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Develop a multi-year Official Languages plan to support English and French linguistic minorities.,Minister of Canadian Heritage,Completed - fully met,A new Official Languages plan will be implemented to support English and French linguistic minorities across Canada.,"On March 28, The Prime Minister and the Minister of Canadian Heritage unveiled the Action Plan for Official Languages 2018-2023: Investing in our Future. The Action Plan includes a new investment of almost $500 million to support official-language minority communities across the country and promote bilingualism of Canadians starting in 2018-19. The new plan took effect on April 1, 2018. New initiatives will be gradually implemented over 2018-19."
5/31/2018,88,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Establish a free, online service for learning and retaining English and French as second languages.",Minister of Canadian Heritage,Underway - with challenges,"A cross-platform, web-based application will enable adult Canadians to learn and retain – in a way that is flexible, accessible and free – their second official language (English or French).","Canadian Heritage has conducted consultations with industry to identify possible approaches for providing an e-learning tool for Canadians. Budget 2018 and the announcement on March 28, 2018 of the 2018-2023 Action Plan for Official Languages confirmed the funding for the web-based application. The solution’s architecture and the information technology requirements are being developed. A Request for Proposals will be launched in the fall of 2018."
5/31/2018,89,,Fair and Open Government,Restore a modern Court Challenges Program.,Minister of Canadian Heritage;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,Increased protection for human rights and official language rights through a modernized Court Challenges Program.,"The Government has reinstated a modernized Court Challenges Program to provide financial support to Canadians to access the courts for the litigation of test cases of national significance, to help clarify and assert certain constitutional and quasi-constitutional official language rights and human rights in Canada. In February 2017, the Government launched a process to select an independent body to implement and manage the modernized program. Interested parties had until March 6, 2017 to submit an application. On September 1, 2017, the Government announced that the University of Ottawa had been selected to manage the modernized program. It also announced the members of the Selection Committee who will assess potential candidates for the program's Official Languages Expert Panel and its Human Rights Expert Panel. Canadian Heritage is working to establish the panels. Work is underway with the University of Ottawa to implement the program."
5/31/2018,90,,Strong Middle Class,Balance the budget in 2019/20.,Minister of Finance,Underway - with challenges,Balance the budget over the long-term and continue to reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio.,"Budget 2018 shows that the fiscal framework does not forecast a balanced budget in 2019/20. Before the Government delivered the 2016 Budget, the baseline fiscal track weakened as a result of low oil prices and slow global economic growth. Important fiscal investments were made to kick-start the economy, support the middle class and address the long-term challenges that were limiting Canada's potential. Canada continues to have the strongest economic growth in the G7 and increased consumer and business confidence. As a result, the current fiscal track shows steady improvements in the Government's budgetary position along with a continued decline in the federal debt-to-GDP ratio. In fact, the Budget 2018 fiscal track continues to show steady improvements in the Government’s annual budgetary balance, which is nearly $7 billion lower annually, on average, than projected in Budget 2017. The budgetary deficit is on track to fall from 0.9% of GDP in 2016-17 to 0.5% of GDP by 2022-23. The Government will maintain this downward deficit and debt ratio track—preserving Canada's low-debt advantage for current and future generations."
5/31/2018,91,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Lead preparations for the 2016 Rio Olympics and Paralympics.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Completed - fully met,Canadian athletes and national sport organizations were well prepared for and supported at a successful showing at the 2016 Rio Olympics and Paralympics.,"Canadian athletes excelled during the 2016 Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games. Nearly 15% more Canadian athletes were able to attend the Games compared to 2012. Canadian athletes placed 10th in total Olympic medals, up from 14th in 2012 and Paralympians also had a very strong showing, bringing home 29 medals."
5/31/2018,92,,Healthy Canadians,Create greater links between our elite athletes and young Canadians to promote health and achievement among youth.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Underway - on track,Increased number of events organized to connect young Canadians and Canada's elite athletes.,"Last year, the Government organized a number of events both online and in person at schools across the country, to connect young Canadians with Canada's elite athletes. Approximately 250 Olympic and Paralympic athletes and coaches from the 2016 Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games participated in these events, reaching tens of thousands of students across Canada. The Government will continue to create these and other opportunities for young Canadians to learn from and be inspired by Canada's elite athletes."
5/31/2018,93,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Raise the quality of the Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) applied to Cabinet proposals.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) is effectively integrated into policy-making across government.,"Since 2016, proposals to Cabinet now require a full GBA+ analysis, which includes an analysis of the proposal's impact on diverse groups of people. Budget submissions also require a full GBA+ analysis. The Government will continue to improve the quality of the analysis through new training tools and videos. In addition, to ensure that gender remains a key consideration for future governments, Budget 2018 announced that the Government will introduce new GBA+ legislation to make gender budgeting a permanent part of the federal budget-making process."
5/31/2018,94,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that the Government's senior appointments are merit-based and demonstrate gender parity.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,Greater representation of Canada's gender diversity in senior appointments.,"In 2016, the Government put in place a new open, transparent and merit-based approach to selecting candidates for some 1500 federal Governor in Council (GIC) appointments. This will help over time to close gaps in the representation of women in GIC positions. Since late 2015, the representation of women serving as GIC appointees has increased by 10 percentage points and is now at 44 per cent. Budget 2018 also proposed a new investment of $210 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, for the Canada Research Chairs Program to better support early-career researchers and increase diversity, including increasing the number of women who are nominated for Canada Research Chairs. "
5/31/2018,95,,Government Services and Operations,Help injured Veterans by re-establishing lifelong pensions and insuring that they all have access to financial advice and support.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,"Injured Veterans have the option of taking a monthly, tax free payment for life and are provided financial advice and support to assist them in determining the form of compensation that works best for them and their families.","The recently introduced Pension for Life initiative is a combination of benefits that provide recognition, income support and better overall stability to Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and Veterans who are living with a disability due to a service-related injury and/or illness.
As of April 1, 2019, Pension for Life will provide a holistic package that reintroduces lifelong monthly pain and suffering payments, implement a new recognition benefit, and consolidate six existing income-related financial benefits.
The resulting Pension for Life benefits package includes: The Pain and Suffering Compensation, Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation, and the Income Replacement Benefit.
1) For injured Veterans, the Pain and Suffering Compensation (PSC) recognizes pain and suffering caused by a disability resulting from a service-related injury and/or illness. The PSC replaces the lump sum Disability Award announced in 2006. It delivers a maximum of $1,150 per month for the life of the serving member or Veteran, or if a Veteran chooses, they can elect to have the monthly PSC cashed out for a lump sum payment that will be equal to the lump sum offered less any monthly payments already paid. The maximum lump sum cash out for the PSC will be equivalent to maximum lump sum payment available under the Disability Award on March 31, 2019, which is being replaced by PSC. The amount provided by the PSC will be adjusted annually by the percent increase in the Consumer Price Index.
2) Some injured Veterans will also benefit from Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation (APSC). This benefit provides additional support to Veterans who are experiencing barriers to re-establishment in post-service life due to a service related severe and permanent impairment. Depending on the extent of the Veteran’s impairment, the monthly payment would be $500, $1,000 or $1,500 adjusted annually by the percent increase in the Consumer Price Index. This benefit is not intended to replace lost earnings and so is tax-free.
3) In addition to the PSC and APSC recognition benefits, PFL will introduce the Income Replacement Benefit (IRB). The Income Replacement Benefit (IRB) is a monthly benefit designed to provide income support to Veterans who are experiencing barriers to re-establishment due to a health problem resulting primarily from service. As the IRB is designed to replace income, it is an economic benefit and as such is taxable. The benefit is available to Veterans and survivors, for life, and orphans, should they need it. For Veterans who have not yet served a full career in the military, the monthly salary will be increased by 1% every year until the Veteran reaches what would have been 20 years of service or age 60. The IRB replaces six pre-existing benefits (i.e. Earnings Loss, Benefit, Extended Earnings Loss Benefit, Career Impact Allowance, Career Impact Allowance Supplement, Supplementary Retirement Benefit and Retirement Income Security Benefit) with one, simpler benefit. Veterans who wish to join the workforce may also earn up to $20,000 from employment before any reduction will be made to their IRB payment. "
5/31/2018,96,,Government Services and Operations,Expand access to the Permanent Impairment Allowance to better support Veterans.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,More Veterans qualify for higher benefit amounts if they have had their career options limited by service-related illness or injury.,As of April 2017 the Government of Canada has replaced the outdated Permanent Impairment Allowance with the new Career Impact Allowance. This new measure provides broader eligibility to more generous benefit amounts for the most seriously ill and injured Veterans whose careers are impacted by service-related illness or injury. The benefit amount that a Veteran receives will depend on the unique circumstances of each case.
5/31/2018,97,,Government Services and Operations,"Provide injured veterans with 90% of their pre-release salary, and index this benefit to inflation.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"Veterans now receive 90 per cent of their pre-release salary under the Earnings Loss Benefit (ELB), and benefits are indexed to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).","Canada's women and men in uniform put their lives at risk to protect the values that Canadians cherish most. In Budget 2016, the Government of Canada made significant investments to give more money to Veterans with disabilities primarily resulting from military service. In particular, in October 2016 ELB eligibility was increased from 75% to 90% of a Veteran's monthly pre-release military salary. This benefit provides financial support to injured Veterans while they are undergoing rehabilitation or up to age 65 if they are determined to have a diminished earning capacity. As of June 30, 2017, a total of 12,461 Veterans have received an increase or are newly in receipt of benefits since changes to the ELB were made. Effective, April 1, 2019, the Earnings Loss Benefit will be consolidated as part of the new Income Replacement Benefit announced under Pension for Life. All eligible Veterans will continue to receive 90% of their pre-release salary, indexed to CPI during rehabilitation and for life if they are found to have a diminished earning capacity."
5/31/2018,98,,Government Services and Operations,Create a Veterans Education Benefit that supports the education costs of Canadian Forces Veterans after completion of service.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,More Veterans receive education and training upon release and are given the means to achieve their education and post-service employment goals.,"As of April 1, 2018, the Government of Canada has implemented the new Education and Training Benefit which provides Veterans who have a total of at least six years of service in the Regular or Reserve Force and who were honourably released on or after April 1, 2006 with up to $40,000 for college, university or technical education. Veterans with at least 12 years of service can receive up to $80,000. This will help Veterans cover the cost of getting a new degree or certificate, which is often critical in making a successful transition to post-service life. "
5/31/2018,99,,Government Services and Operations,Improve career and vocational assistance for Veterans.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,Improve career and vocational assistance for Veterans and ensure jobs for Veterans are included in federally-funded infrastructure projects.,"The Government has introduced new initiatives to support Veterans’ transition to the labour market.
• Through the Veterans Hiring Act (VHA), which came into effect July 1, 2015, current and former members of the Canadian Armed Forces are given priority within some public service hiring processes. As of May 31, 2018, 612 medically-released Veterans have been hired as permanent employees into the federal public service through this process.
• As of April 1, 2018, eligible Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans, their spouses/common-law partners and survivors can now apply for a new, modernized set of Career Transition Services delivered by career support professionals familiar with the military culture, whenever and wherever needed. These services also ensure that Veterans have the knowledge, skills and abilities required to search for employment in the civilian work force so that they are more likely to gain employment and feel satisfaction in their employment.
• The Government is working with provinces and territories as part of infrastructure negotiations to ensure Community Benefits Agreements integrate jobs for Veterans into infrastructure projects."
5/31/2018,100,,Government Services and Operations,"Deliver a higher standard of service and care, and ensure that a ""one veteran, one standard"" approach is upheld.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,"Veterans and their families have seamless support as they transition out of the military, with simplified application processes, improved client services and reduced wait times to receive benefits.","The Government has invested $42.8 million to increase service delivery capacity and reduce the backlog in key programs at Veterans Affairs Canada.
The Government is lowering its case-management ratios so that Veterans who require more in-depth, one-on-one personal based support can access services in a timely manner.
The Government's recently completed a Service Delivery Review which will shape efforts to reduce complexity and strengthen partnerships between Veterans Affairs and National Defence.
"
5/31/2018,101,,Government Services and Operations,Re-open the nine Veterans Affairs service offices recently closed.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"To improve services for Veterans, all Veterans Affairs Canada offices closed by the previous government have been re-opened and resources have been added in new areas not previously served.","All nine offices previously closed have been reopened and a new tenth office has been opened to serve the needs of veterans in Surrey, BC, and the Lower Mainland. In addition, the Government of Canada has expanded outreach to the territories and other northern communities to provide an enhanced level of service and outreach to Veterans and their families. As of April 2018, the Government has hired more than 470 new employees, including 190 new case managers, to improve services for veterans."
5/31/2018,102,,Government Services and Operations,"Create two centres of excellence in Veterans' care, including one specialized in mental health and post-traumatic stress disorder.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,Veterans and their caregivers and providers have better access to better knowledge and expertise to address the unique care needs of someone who previously served.,"Budget 2017 invested in the creation of the first centre of excellence that will focus on the creation and dissemination of knowledge on prevention, assessment and treatment of PTSD and related mental health conditions for Veterans and Canadian Armed Forces members. Plans for the second centre of excellence are at an early stage of development and consultation."
5/31/2018,103,,Government Services and Operations,Support families who are providing care and support to Veterans living with physical and/or mental health issues.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,Increased support for families who are providing care and support to Veterans living with physical and/or mental health issues.,"As of April 1, 2018, military members who leave the service for medical reasons, as well as their families, have access to a full range of support services at all of Canada's 32 Military Family Resource Centres as well as through services delivered over the phone and online. Further support is offered to families by the new Caregiver Recognition Benefit which provides a more generous non-taxable monthly benefit payable directly to caregivers of Veterans to better recognize and honour the vital role they play."
5/31/2018,104,,Government Services and Operations,End the time limit for surviving spouses applying for vocational rehabilitation and assistance services.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,Surviving spouses are able to receive vocational rehabilitation and assistance services whenever they need them.,"As of April 1, 2018, the Government of Canada has enhanced support for survivors and common-law/spouses by eliminating the current one-year time limit on applications for Rehabilitation Services and Vocational Assistance. This change allows survivors to now apply for assistance whenever they are prepared to return to work."
5/31/2018,105,,Government Services and Operations,Increase the Veteran survivor's pension amount from 50% to 70%.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,"Surviving spouses receive better support, and benefits are delivered in a more client-centred, streamlined fashion.","Announced on December 20, 2017 as part of the Pension for Life initiative, support for eligible spouses will increase from 50% to 70% of the Veteran’s post age 65 Income Replacement Benefit, providing them with enhanced financial security when they need it most. This measure, effective April 1, 2019, will improve the delivery of benefits so that surviving spouses and their families have a simpler system to navigate."
5/31/2018,106,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that surviving spouses of Veterans receive appropriate benefits by eliminating the marriage after 60 clawback.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,Surviving spouses receive the same pension amounts as all other survivors regardless of the age at which they were married.,The Government of Canada is working to eliminate the pension clawback for spouses married to Veterans over the age of 60 at the time of marriage that currently exists in the Canadian Armed Forces Superannuation Act. Progress on this commitment has taken longer than anticipated.
5/31/2018,107,,Government Services and Operations,Double funding to the Last Post Fund to ensure that all veterans receive a dignified burial.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"Funding is doubled to the Last Post Fund, and more families qualify for a burial or marking benefit when a Veteran dies.","As of October 2016, the Government of Canada enhanced the Funeral and Burial Program, which is delivered by the Last Post Fund Corporation so that more families can qualify for financial support for the funeral and burial of a recently deceased Veteran. The Government nearly tripled the survivor estate exemption from approximately $12,000 to $35,200 so that more people can access this support in their time of need. Going forward, this amount will be indexed annually."
5/31/2018,108,,Safety and Security,Create an Office of Community Outreach and Counter-radicalization Coordinator.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Underway - on track,Reduced radicalization and greater understanding of how to prevent radicalization.,"On June 26, 2017, the Government established the Canada Centre for Community Engagement and Prevention of Violence to help provide leadership on Canada's response to radicalization to violence, coordinate domestic and international initiatives, and support community outreach. The Government is in the process of appointing a Special Advisor and Advisory Committee. The Community Resilience Fund was also launched to provide financial assistance to organizations undertaking programming and research to address radicalization to violence in Canada."
5/31/2018,109,,Safety and Security,Protect Canadians and our critical infrastructure from cyber threats.,"Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of National Defence;Minister of Democratic Institutions",Underway - on track,"Increased cyber security for Canada's critical infrastructure, economy, and democratic institutions, resulting in better protection for Canadian businesses and individuals from cyber threats.","The Government has completed a consultation and review of current measures, and published the results in March 2017. To strengthen Canada’s cyber security and the cyber resilience of Canadians, including protecting their privacy, Budget 2018 commits $507.7 million over five years, and $108.8 million per year thereafter. The Government proposes to provide $236.5 million over five years, and $41.2 million per year ongoing, to further support a new National Cyber Security Strategy guided by the principles of resilience, collaboration, capability and innovation. The investment includes $155.2 million over five years, and $44.5 million per year ongoing, to create a new Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, which will consolidate expertise from across the federal government into a single point of contact for expert advice, guidance, services and support. It also includes $116.0 million over five years, and $23.2 million per year ongoing, to the RCMP to support the creation of the National Cybercrime Coordination Unit. As well, the Government will help businesses improve their cyber security approach through the creation of a voluntary cyber certification program. Furthermore, the cyber hacking of elections is a growing issue around the world, and the Government will take proactive measures to identify and mitigate against potential threats."
5/31/2018,110,,Safety and Security,Strengthen controls on handguns and assault weapons.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,"Reduced gun violence through balanced, effective firearms measures.","The Government is developing effective firearms measures that prioritize public safety while ensuring law-abiding Canadians are not unduly impacted. To support this objective, the Government established a more representative Firearms Advisory Committee that includes representation from law enforcement, civilian firearms users, public health advocates, women’s groups, farmers, conservation organizations, and the legal community. The Government also reversed a ministerial directive that could have allowed gun manufacturers to determine the classification of their own products under certain conditions. On November 17, 2017, the Government announced up to $327.6 million over five years, and $100 million annually thereafter, in new funding for initiatives to reduce gun crime and criminal gang activities. A Summit on Gun and Gang Violence was held in March 2018 to bring together stakeholders to share information on the realities, issues and best practices to combat criminal gun and gang violence. On March 20, 2018, the Government introduced legislation that prioritizes public safety and effective police work, while respecting law-abiding firearms owners. It will not recreate a federal long-gun registry."
5/31/2018,111,,Safety and Security,Enhance compensation for public safety officers who are permanently disabled or killed in the line of duty.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Underway - on track,"Public safety officers who are permanently disabled or killed in the line of duty, and their families, are appropriately compensated.","In March 2017, the Government announced the creation of a tax-free community heroes benefit that will support the families of firefighters, police officers and paramedics who died in the line of duty. Through the Memorial Grant Program for First Responders, families of first responders that lose a loved one as a direct result of their duties, will receive a one-time lump sum, tax-free payment of $300,000. The Program took effect on April 1, 2018. Further details will be announced in the coming months."
5/31/2018,112,,Safety and Security,Restore funding to provinces and territories to support Heavy Urban Search and Rescue teams.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Completed - fully met,"Search and rescue capacity across Canada is strengthened, helping save lives.","Last year, the Government restored funding of $15.5 million previously cut from the Heavy Urban Search and Rescue taskforces in Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, and across Manitoba. The Government is also providing support to build new heavy urban search and rescue capacity in Montreal and Halifax."
5/31/2018,113,,Safety and Security,"Develop a plan to better predict, prepare for, and respond to weather-related emergencies and natural disasters.",Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Underway - on track,"Canadians are quickly and effectively supported when natural disasters occur, and communities are better prepared for weather-related emergencies.","In collaboration with provinces and territories, and Indigenous peoples, the Government is working with stakeholders including municipalities, to develop a comprehensive plan to reduce disaster risk in Canada. The Government has begun a series of consultations on the development of a pan-Canadian Emergency Management Strategy, which includes weather-related events and natural disasters. The Government has responded quickly and effectively to support Canadians and communities affected by fires in northern Alberta, floods in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada, and recent wildfires in British Columbia. This has included partnerships with the Red Cross, payments to assist provincial governments, and the creation of ad hoc Cabinet committees to coordinate a response across government. Additionally, Canada is playing a leading role globally on the issues of disaster risk reduction, having hosted the United Nations Fifth Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in March 2017."
5/31/2018,114,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure strong and effective gender and culturally sensitive training policies for federal front-line law enforcement officers.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,Increased cultural competency and trauma-informed gender-based violence training across the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).,"In 2018-19, the RCMP will be developing cultural competency and gender-based violence (GBV) training that will be offered to RCMP employees starting in 2019-20. Through this training, there will be an improved capacity across the RCMP to effectively respond to GBV, including violence against Indigenous women and girls, in a gender and culturally sensitive manner. All training material will be examined using the GBA+ tool. "
5/31/2018,115,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Move forward on a toll-free replacement for the Champlain Bridge.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities,Underway - on track,New toll-free Champlain Bridge opened by December 2018.,"The Champlain Bridge is vital to local residents and commuters and plays an important role in the Canadian economy. The objective remains to open the new, toll-free bridge in December 2018. Construction of the new bridge is now more than 75 per cent complete. In April 2018, the Government of Canada reached a settlement with the project’s private partner to resolve outstanding contract issues and pressures on the construction schedule. The current bridge is safe and continuously monitored in real time."
5/31/2018,116,,Fair and Open Government,"Work with Parliamentarians to reform Question Period so that all ministers, including the Prime Minister, are held to greater account.",Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,"Increased accountability of all ministers, including the Prime Minister, during Question Period.","Since April 2017, the Prime Minister has adopted the practice of taking all questions during Wednesday sittings, as his schedule permits. In addition, when invited, ministers have participated in Senate Question Period."
5/31/2018,117,,Fair and Open Government,Promote free votes and limit the circumstances in which Liberal Members of Parliament will be required to vote with the Government.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,Members of Parliament are strong voices for their communities and there is greater accountability within Parliament.,"Since Fall 2015, all House of Commons votes have been free votes for Liberal Members of Parliament with the exception of those relating to: platform commitments, matters of confidence, and protections guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms."
5/31/2018,118,,Fair and Open Government,End the improper use of omnibus bills and prorogation.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,Measures are in place to end the improper use of omnibus bills and prorogation.,"In June 2017, the House of Commons adopted a Government motion that changed the Standing Orders to prevent the improper use of omnibus bills and prorogation. The motion gives the Speaker power to split omnibus bills for the purposes of voting except for budget implementation bills that contain only provisions that were announced in a budget presentation or in the budget documents. The motion also forces the Government to justify, in writing, the reasons for a prorogation and the House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs has the power to study the Government's justification."
5/31/2018,119,,Fair and Open Government,"Make government accounting and financial reporting more consistent, transparent and understandable to Canadians.",President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Finance;Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Underway - on track,"Government reporting is easier for Canadians to find, understand and use to hold the Government accountable.","The Government has introduced significant changes to improve accountability and make financial reporting more transparent and easier to understand. These changes include: making the Parliamentary Budget Officer an independent officer of Parliament with new powers and resources to more rigorously examine the country's finances; publishing fiscal decisions between budgets; publishing accrual versus cash reconciliation for the Estimates; and changing the Standing Orders of the House of Commons to allow Main Estimates to be published later in the calendar year, with the goal of having the Main Estimates reflect the federal budget. For the first time, in Budget 2018, the Government presented a detailed reconciliation between accrual expenses forecasted in the budget and planned Estimates for the government as a whole and the 23 largest departments."
5/31/2018,120,,Fair and Open Government,Improve reporting to Parliament.,President of the Treasury Board,Underway - on track,Increased transparency so that parliamentarians and all Canadians can more easily hold the Government to account.,"Part III of the Estimates (i.e., Departmental Plans and Departmental Results Reports) have been simplified and new features and data have been added to the online GC InfoBase. In addition, the Government introduced and adopted changes to the Standing Orders to better ensure consistency across the Budget, Estimates and Public Accounts, and provide greater clarity in voting on appropriations. These changes will help parliamentarians and Canadians better examine government spending and allow for the timely flow of funding outlined in budget plans."
5/31/2018,121,,Fair and Open Government,Ensure that Agents of Parliament are properly funded and accountable only to Parliament.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Underway - on track,Agents of Parliament are independent and are properly funded.,"In June 2017, legislation was passed that established the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) as an independent agent of Parliament, reporting directly to Parliament. This legislation provides the PBO with the ability to request the funds from the Speakers of the House and Senate needed to fulfill their mandate. The Government will continue to work with Agents of Parliament to support their important work."
5/31/2018,122,,Fair and Open Government,Ensure that the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) is properly funded and independent of the Government.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,The Parliamentary Budget Officer is independent and properly funded to conduct analyses on behalf of Parliament.,"In June 2017, legislation was passed that established the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) as an independent agent of Parliament, reporting directly to Parliament. This legislation provides the PBO with the ability to request the funds from the Speakers of the House and Senate needed to fulfill their mandate. This is consistent with the practice for all other independent agents of Parliament. The PBO will also have greater access to relevant information within departments, agencies and Crown Corporations; will be appointed for a term of seven years and can only be removed with cause, subject to the approval of parliamentarians; and will be able to cost election platform proposals at the request of political parties."
5/31/2018,123,,Fair and Open Government,Strengthen Parliamentary committees so that they can better scrutinize legislation.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,Parliamentary committees are freer and better equipped to study legislation.,"The Government of Canada has strengthened parliamentary committees by giving them more funding through the Board of Internal Economy so they can undertake the appropriate research and engage with Canadians. The Government has also ensured that the practice of electing committee chairs by secret ballot has continued. In addition, the House of Commons adopted a motion that enables Parliamentary Secretaries to be non-voting members of committees, ensuring that they can no longer vote on committees that fall within their minister's mandate, helping assure the freedom and independence of House of Commons standing committees."
5/31/2018,124,,Fair and Open Government,Disclose the expenses of all Parliamentarians in detail each quarter.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Underway - on track,"Increased transparency through the quarterly, detailed disclosure of parliamentarians' expenses.",The Government of Canada has introduced legislation to codify in law that the expenses of all parliamentarians continue to be disclosed on a quarterly basis. Details are disclosed on the Parliament of Canada website in an accessible and easy-to-read format.
5/31/2018,125,,Fair and Open Government,Examine ways to make the House of Commons more family-friendly for Members of Parliament.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Underway - on track,"A House of Commons that is truly a modern, professional, family-friendly workplace for Members of Parliament and their staff.","The House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs released a report in June 2016 outlining ways to make the House of Commons more family-friendly for Members of Parliament and their staff. The Government is currently implementing the principal recommendations of this report, which include scheduling votes immediately following Question Period rather than later in the evening, and tabling the House sitting calendar prior to the summer adjournment so that Members and staff are able to better plan their schedules. The Board of Internal Economy has also taken steps to implement more family-friendly administrative practices, such as providing more flexible childcare services and making high chairs available in Parliamentary cafeterias. Recently, the Board of Internal Economy made changes to travel policies for Members to promote a family friendly environment and facilitate family reunification. The government has also introduced legislation to make it possible for Parliamentarians to take maternity and parental leave. More needs to be done to ensure Parliament, as a workplace, fully recognizes the challenges and pressures of raising a family. The Government is fully committed to working with all parties to make this happen."
5/31/2018,126,,Exports and Investment,"Invest in an Agri-Food Investment Fund to attract investment and create good, well-paying jobs in food processing.",Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,Underway - on track,The agri-food sector is a leading area for economic growth over the next 10 years.,"The Government is increasing investment in the agri-food sector to increase and diversify exports to create good middle-class jobs. Budget 2017 identified agri-food as one of the six key sectors for future economic growth and set an ambitious objective of increasing annual agri-food exports to $75 billion by 2025. The Government announced a $1.26 billion five-year Strategic Innovation Fund to attract and support new high-quality business investments, including for agri-food value added processors. The Canadian Agricultural Partnership, launched on April 1, 2018, includes a commitment to facilitate the maintenance and expansion of both domestic and international agricultural and agri-food markets, as well as to enhance the ability of the agriculture and agri-food sector to diversify market opportunities."
5/31/2018,127,,Healthy Canadians,Develop a food policy that promotes healthy living and safe food.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,Underway - on track,A whole of government food policy that promotes Canadians' health and quality of life.,"In May 2017, the Government launched consultations to support the development of a Food Policy for Canada. This policy is intended to identify a vision and plan to address challenges such as increasing access to safe and nutritious food; improving health and food safety; conserving our soil, water and air; and growing more high-quality food. A national Food Policy Summit was held in June 2017 and six regional roundtables were held in August and September 2017. An online survey was conducted, receiving 45,000 responses, and other grassroots engagement with Canadians was led by Members of Parliament, and stakeholder groups. These are just some of the many engagement activities being conducted to inform the development of a food policy. The Government is working towards launching a Food Policy for Canada. "
5/31/2018,128,,Jobs and Innovation,Invest in agricultural research to support discovery science and innovation.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,Underway - on track,"Advance research in agricultural genomics, digitize nearly six million specimens by 2022 and invest in discovery research in priority areas.","Over the next six years, the Government will accelerate DNA analysis, sequencing and digital recording of our taxonomic collections, completing the digitization of nearly six million specimens. In addition, Budget 2017 announced $70 million to further support agricultural discovery science and innovation, with a focus on addressing emerging priorities such as climate change and soil and water conservation."
5/31/2018,129,,Exports and Investment,Promote Canadian agricultural interests during trade negotiations.,Minister of International Trade;Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,On-going commitment,"Achieve the target of $75 billion annually in agri-food exports, and create more middle class jobs and higher incomes for the many rural and urban Canadians employed in the agri-food sector.","The Government has made agriculture and agri-food trade a priority in the trade expansion strategy. The Prime Minister and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Agriculture and Agri-Food have completed trade missions to Mexico, China, Japan, India, South Korea, the European Union and the United States promoting agri-food. The Government concluded and signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, which will improve market access for Canadian agriculture exports to key markets in the Asia-Pacific. The Government is implementing the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement that expands opportunities for Canadian agri-food products with 94% of EU agricultural tariff lines now duty free. Canada has also signed a memorandum of understanding with China on canola and negotiated new market access in China for Canadian beef and pork exporters. Canada will continue to work to resolve regulatory, quota and tariff issues with India to ensure long-term access to the Indian market for Canadian pulse exports (e.g., peas, chickpeas, beans and lentils). The Government will continue to strongly defend the interests of its agricultural industries, including supply management, with all trading partners, for example, when engaging with the United States and Mexico in the modernization of the North American Free Trade Agreement, and with Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay in the negotiation of a Free Trade Agreement between Canada and MERCOSUR. Canadian exports of agriculture, agri-food, fish and seafood to all countries in 2017 rose to $64.6 billion, a $2-billion increase from 2016 exports."
5/31/2018,130,,Government Services and Operations,Assess whether current farm income safety nets meet the needs of Canadian farmers.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,Underway - on track,"Implement a new agricultural policy framework, with updated business risk management programs, to support an agricultural and agri-food sector that is strong, innovative and resilient.","The Government of Canada is committed to a progressive federal-provincial-territorial agricultural policy framework, the Canadian Agricultural Partnership which was launched April 1, 2018. Consultations with stakeholders have been completed, including focused engagement sessions with Indigenous peoples, women and youth. A meeting of federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Agriculture took place in July 2017, where they reached agreement on key elements of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership and committed to a review of business risk management programs. On November 24, 2017, the Government announced the initiatives and priorities of the $1 billion federal investment under the $3 billion Canadian Agricultural Partnership, including the six federal programs: AgriMarketing, AgriCompetitiveness, AgriScience, AgriInnovate, AgriDiversity and AgriAssurance. Federal program details were announced on February 13, 2018 and application forms are now available. The Government is finalizing bilateral negotiations with provinces and territories on the $2-billion in federal, provincial and territorial cost-shared initiatives, which will be announced as they become available. "
5/31/2018,131,,Environment and Climate Change,Help the agriculture sector adjust to climate change and better address water and soil conservation issues.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,Underway - on track,An agricultural food sector that succeeds in the face of a changing climate.,"In April 2018 the Government of Canada launched the Canadian Agricultural Partnership to support an agriculture and agri-food sector that is strong, innovative and resilient. The Government is finalizing bilateral agreements with provinces and territories on the Partnership, including on environment and climate change programming. The Government is also working on soil, water and climate change issues through: the Agricultural Clean Technology Program; A Food Policy for Canada; Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Program; the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change; the Lake Erie Domestic Action Plan; and the re-accession of Canada to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. Budget 2017 announced $70 million to support agricultural discovery science and innovation with a focus on addressing emerging priorities, including climate change and soil and water conservation."
5/31/2018,132,,Safety and Security,Ensure that the Canadian Armed Forces have the equipment they need.,Minister of National Defence;Minister of Public Services and Procurement,On-going commitment,"The Canadian Armed Forces receive the ships, fighter jets and other equipment that it needs over the next 20 years as planned for and funded in the new defence policy.","Canada's new defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—invests in the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces and delivers the standard of service and care that current and former members deserve. The Government is investing to expand the Regular and Reserve Forces, build 15 new surface combatant ships, replace the current fighter jet fleet with 88 advanced fighter aircraft, and develop new space capabilities and global communications in the Arctic, among other key projects.
In accordance with Strong, Secure, Engaged, measures being pursued to improve defence and marine procurements include: enhancing governance and strategic oversight; streamlining processes and undertaking process transformation; leveraging defence and marine procurements to advance national economic priorities; improving communications; and growing and professionalizing the workforce."
5/31/2018,133,,Safety and Security,"Maintain current National Defence spending levels, including current planned increases.",Minister of National Defence,Underway - on track,The Government will exceed previous funding levels.,"Under Canada's new defence policy, the annual budget will grow, on a cash-basis, from $18.9 billion in 2017-18 to $32.7 billion in 2026-27. Funding is allocated to ensure that it is available when the Department needs it, meaning that funds can be spent and do not lapse. "
5/31/2018,134,,Safety and Security,Maintain Canada's strong commitment to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).,Minister of National Defence,On-going commitment,North America is safe and secure and Canada remains a strong and responsible partner in NORAD.,"Canada is meeting its commitment to NORAD on an ongoing basis, focusing on four key areas: personnel, capabilities, infrastructure, and participation in key decision-making fora on the future of NORAD. The Government is also expanding the Royal Canadian Air Force fighter jet fleet in order to properly fulfill our NORAD and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) commitments."
5/31/2018,135,,Safety and Security,Conduct an open and transparent defence strategy review.,Minister of National Defence,Completed - fully met,Canada now has a new defence policy that was built on extensive input from Canadians and delivers the standard of service and care that current and former Canadian Armed Forces members deserve.,"On June 7, 2017, the Minister of National Defence launched Canada's new defence policy: Strong, Secure, Engaged. This followed extensive external consultations, including engagement with the Canadian public, Parliamentarians, defence experts, and allies and partners. The new policy will allocate realistic funding to projects that will keep our military running efficiently and effectively for years to come, and ensure Canada remains a trusted and capable ally. Through this plan, the Government will build an even stronger military and, most importantly, deliver the standard of service and care our women and men in uniform deserve."
5/31/2018,136,,Safety and Security,"Renew the focus on surveillance and control of Canadian territory, and approaches, particularly for our Arctic regions.",Minister of National Defence,Underway - on track,"The Canadian Armed Forces has developed the necessary capabilities to expand its presence in Canada's air, maritime, land, space, and cyber domains to protect our sovereignty and keep Canadians safe.","As outlined in Strong, Secure, Engaged; Canada's new defence policy, the Government will invest in new space capabilities and prioritize Arctic Joint Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance in defence research and innovation. The Canadian Armed Forces has expanded Operation LIMPID (which provides domestic surveillance and presence in Canada's air, maritime, land, space, and cyber domains) to include additional domains and all Joint Task Forces. The Department of Defence is investing in surveillance solutions that will support Canada's ability to exercise sovereignty in the North (RADARSAT Constellation Mission and Polar Epsilon 2, Enhanced Satellite Communications and Tactical Narrow Band Satellite Communications) and is conducting a binational study of alternatives for the North Warning System. The Arctic Offshore Patrol vessels will be at initial operating capacity in 2019."
5/31/2018,137,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that the Canadian Armed Forces are a workplace free from harassment and discrimination.,Minister of National Defence,Underway - on track,"The Chief of Defence Staff and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) senior leaders continue to lead the full implementation of recommendations made by the Deschamps report and in Operation HONOUR, the Canadian Armed Forces mission to eliminate harmful and inappropriate sexual behaviour in the military. CAF members have access to a full range of victim and survivor services, and harassment complaints are dealt with in a timely manner.","The new defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—has reaffirmed that the Government of Canada will not tolerate gender-based violence or workplace harassment. The CAF will continue to work on gender, diversity and inclusion initiatives to eliminate harmful behaviours and ensure a work environment free from harassment and discrimination. On January 31, 2018, DND and the Canadian Armed Forces launched the Positive Space initiative to promote a safe and inclusive work environment for all employees regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. More broadly, with the November 2017 signing of an Agreement in Principle (AIP) by the Government of Canada and parties to the Todd Edward Ross et al v. Her Majesty the Queen class action, a total of $110 million will be available to compensate class members (federal public servants; members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police) who were directly impacted by anti-LGBTQ2 (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and two-spirit) policies and practices. The AIP also earmarks $15 million for remembrance to prevent future discrimination and for reconciliation with LGBTQ2 communities."
5/31/2018,139,,Strong Middle Class,Repeal the recent changes made to the Employment Insurance (EI) system that have been punitive to unemployed workers.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Repealed the 2012 changes to Employment Insurance (EI) so that unemployed Canadians have better benefits and more opportunities for good quality jobs.,"In 2016, the Government of Canada reversed EI restrictions related to commute times and work type. Now, workers are no longer forced to accept lower-paying work that is far away from their homes. This change simplifies job search responsibilities, while maintaining the long-standing requirement to search for and accept available work."
5/31/2018,140,,Strong Middle Class,Reduce Employment Insurance (EI) premiums.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,"Employment Insurance (EI) premium rates have been reduced and a new, transparent EI premium rate setting process has been established so that revenues and costs remain in line over the long-term.","The EI premium rate was lowered from $1.88 in 2016 to $1.63 in 2017. The premium rate has been announced and set at $1.66 for 2018, which reflects important new supports for Canadian families and changing economic conditions. For the first time, beginning with the 2017 premium rate, the EI Commission has assumed responsibility for setting the annual EI premium rate."
5/31/2018,141,,Strong Middle Class,Improve the Employment Insurance (EI) system that currently leaves too many unemployed workers with no safety net.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Employment Insurance (EI) remains responsive over the long-term to the needs of workers and employers and reflects the diversity of needs across the country.,"In 2016, the Government reduced the waiting period for EI and made benefits more flexible, easier to access and more generous for workers who need it. For example, the New Entrants and Re-Entrants provision has been eliminated—which set higher eligibility requirements for youth, newcomers and other workers new to the labour market—enabling over 50,000 more Canadians annually to qualify in the event of job loss. In addition, extra weeks of benefits were provided to regions most affected by the commodities downturn and job search responsibilities were simplified. Over the last year, the Government has heard from Parliamentarians, stakeholders and experts as to how to further modernize EI. Through Budget 2018, the Government proposes to introduce a permanent successor strategy to the current EI Working While on Claim pilot that expires in August 2018. In addition, Budget 2018 announced that Working While on Claim provisions will be extended to EI maternity and sickness benefits, so that workers can maintain their connection to the labour force during periods of temporary unemployment. In addition, Budget 2018 proposed to better assist workers in seasonal industries that experience a gap in income support before the start of the next season. The Government will continue to look for ways to better serve Canadians as they deal with important life events. "
5/31/2018,142,,Strong Middle Class,"Eliminate Employment Insurance (EI) discrimination against immigrants, younger workers and parents re-entering the workforce.","Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Canadian workers in the same economic region are now treated equally in the Employment Insurance (EI) system.,"In July 2016, the Government of Canada eliminated rules that limited access to EI for those new to the labour market or re-entering the labour market. Under the previous rules, workers who were entering the workforce or re-entering after being away for two years were required to have 910 hours of insurable employment, regardless of their actual work history prior to unemployment. Now, these workers are treated the same as other Canadians. This will help approximately 50,000 Canadians every year qualify for EI in the event of job loss, particularly immigrants, young workers and parents returning to the workforce."
5/31/2018,143,,Strong Middle Class,Reduce the wait time for new Employment Insurance (EI) recipients from two weeks to one week.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Canadians are able to access Employment Insurance (EI) benefits more quickly.,"On January 1, 2017, the EI waiting period was reduced from two weeks to one week. With this measure, claimants are now eligible to receive benefits starting one week earlier. This helps approximately 1.8 million EI claimants each year pay their bills during a time of unemployment and provides higher benefits at the beginning of the claim period."
5/31/2018,144,,Strong Middle Class,Improve Canadians' access to good quality job training.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,"Canada will have one of the most skilled, talented, creative and diverse workforces in the world, with more opportunities for all Canadians to get the education, skills, and work experience they need to participate fully in the workforce of today, as they—and their children—prepare for the jobs of tomorrow.","The Government is expanding workers' access to skills training and job supports, improving access to opportunities for lifelong learning, and increasing work experience opportunities for young Canadians. The Government is significantly expanding the federal investment that will be provided to provinces and territories over the next six years through the labour market transfer agreements, and negotiating a new set of modern agreements. Negotiations with the provinces and territories (PTs) are currently underway and are expected to conclude later this year.
In Budget 2017, as part of the Government's Innovation and Skills Plan, the Government of Canada announced several measures to help more Canadians get the education, skills and work experience they need to succeed today and prepare for the jobs of tomorrow. In support of this, the Skills Boost initiative will introduce several measures for 2018-19, including: increased eligibility for Canada Student Grants and Loans for part-time students as well as Canada Student Grants for students with dependents; and a three-year pilot project targeted to adult learners that will provide an additional $1,600 in grant support and allow flexibility to base Canada Student Grant eligibility on current year's income. The Skills Boost will also provide greater flexibility for Canadians on Employment Insurance (EI) to get new certificates or training without fear of losing their benefits. "
5/31/2018,145,,Strong Middle Class,Rationalize and expand the intergovernmental agreements that support skills training.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Agreements with provinces and territories that expand and support skills training for Canadians.,"To help more Canadians get the skills they need, the Government of Canada provided funding to temporarily boost existing Labour Market Transfer Agreements in 2016. In 2017, the Government increased federal support for provinces and territories and amended the Employment Insurance Act to broaden eligibility for job training under the Labour Market Development Agreements. Work continues with provinces and territories to develop more effective training programs and share best practices. In addition, in Budget 2018 the Government announced that it will launch Future Skills this spring. Future Skills will bring together expertise from all sectors and leverage experience from partners across the country. It will also include an independent Council to advise on emerging skills and workforce trends, and a research lab focused on developing, testing and rigorously measuring new approaches to skills assessment and development. "
5/31/2018,146,,Strong Middle Class,Develop a framework to fund training facilities delivered in partnership with labour unions.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Establish a program to support union-based training centres that provide Canadians with the skills that are needed by employers.,"The Government of Canada has consulted with labour, industry and other stakeholders. The new Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) was launched in July 2017 with a call for proposals. Projects are starting to roll out and most are aimed specifically at increasing the participation and success of women in the trades and/or Indigenous Peoples."
5/31/2018,148,,Strong Middle Class,"Change the Repayment Assistance Plan so that graduates are required to repay only once they earn at least $25,000 per year.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,"Recent graduates earning less than $25,000 are able to delay repayment of their Canada Student Loans until they are more financially secure.","Effective November 2016, thresholds for the Repayment Assistance Plan have been increased so that no borrower will have to repay their Canada Student Loan until they are earning at least $25,000 per year. An estimated 23,000 additional Canadians will be able to delay payment and many more will have lower payments until they can afford to pay back their debts."
5/31/2018,149,,Strong Middle Class,Increase take up rates of Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) and Canada Learning Bonds by making registration easier.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Increased number of low and middle income families using Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) and receiving Canada Learning Bonds so that more Canadians get access to post-secondary education.,"In 2016, 126,979 children received the Canada Learning Bond (CLB) for the first time, bringing the total number of children in receipt of the CLB to over 1 million. In addition, 293,000 children received the Canada Education Savings Grants (CESG) for the first time, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to over 3.59 million.
The Government of Canada is exploring new and innovative approaches to increase awareness and take-up of the CLB.
Of note, a Call for Concepts was launched in November 2017. Proposals are being considered for funding under three themes:
• Support for Indigenous Peoples;
• Facilitated Access; and
• Research and Innovation.
Funding to successful projects will begin in 2018-19. The findings from these projects will help inform additional efforts that the Government will undertake to increase take-up of the CLB and RESP by low and middle income families.
In addition, the Canada Education Savings Act was amended to allow the cohabitating spouse or common-law partner of the primary caregiver to request the CLB and/or the additional amount of the CESG on behalf of an eligible child.
Also, Budget 2018 announced that the Government of Canada is collaborating with the Province of Ontario to integrate an “Education Savings Referral” into Service Ontario’s online Birth Registration Service. As early as March 2018, parents of newborns will be able to request to be contacted by a participating RESP promoter to learn more about and initiate the process to open an RESP, and request the education savings incentives for an eligible child. "
5/31/2018,150,,Strong Middle Class,"Collaborate with provinces and territories on the Canada Student Loans Program, and compensate provinces and territories that do not participate in it.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,"Changes to the Canada Student Loans Program increase participation of low and middle income students, with accommodations for any province or territory that does not wish to participate.",Canada Student Loans Program (CSLP) funding is delivered in partnership with participating provinces and territories with costs being covered by the federal government. CSLP is working closely with provinces and territories to implement changes to the program announced in Budgets 2016 and 2017. The Government of Canada is committed to respecting existing arrangements for compensation with the provinces or territories that do not participate.
5/31/2018,151,,Indigenous peoples,Increase annual support to the Post-Secondary Student Support Program.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Indigenous Services",Underway - on track,"Indigenous students have greater access to financial support, boosting their post-secondary education participation and completion rates.","The Government of Canada has enhanced support for the Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP) for 2017-18 and 2018-19, which will help meet the financial needs of an additional 4,600 Indigenous students attending post-secondary education. This funding is an interim step while the Government undertakes a review of federal support for Indigenous students pursuing a post-secondary education credential, in order to develop student-centered solutions to improve access and attainment. The Government of Canada is working with Indigenous partners and stakeholders to inform the review and the future approach.
Changes have been made to the PSSSP and University and College Entrance Preparation Program reflecting early engagement with the Assembly of First Nations and consistent with Budget 2016 and Budget 2017 commitments. These changes improve program flexibility by:
•Increasing maximum amounts payable to individual students, to better respond to rising tuition costs;
•Expanding eligible expenditures to include transcript and application fees;
• Allowing students more time to complete their programs of study, by removing or adjusting limitations on duration of financial assistance; and
• Providing greater flexibility for students who wish to pursue more than one certificate or degree program.
To support Indigenous students in having greater access to financial support to boost their post-secondary education participation and completion rates, additional efforts have been undertaken. Starting in the 2017-18 academic year, Indigenous students are more likely to be eligible for support under the Canada Student Loans Program (CSLP) since funds they receive through PSSSP are no longer considered assets during their assessment. Learners who self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, including status and non-status Indians, Métis, or Inuit) are exempt from making a fixed student contribution. This exemption means that Indigenous students will be eligible for more grant and loan funding and will have access to the full suite of CSLP supports to help with the costs of PSE. Finally, Budget 2017 proposed amendments to the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act, so that students who are registered under the Indian Act but do not have Canadian citizenship can access the CSLP. "
5/31/2018,152,,Strong Middle Class,"Increase the number of good quality, permanent jobs for younger workers.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",On-going commitment,"Reduced youth unemployment, greater opportunities for work experience, and improved access to job supports for youth.","The Government recognizes the importance of good quality jobs for younger workers. In Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government made significant incremental investments in the Youth Employment Strategy (YES). Thanks to these investments, the Government will help more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop skills to find work or go back to school, create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians, and over 1,600 new youth job opportunities in the heritage sector. For instance, the number of jobs supported under Canada Summer Jobs increased from approximately 34,500 in 2015 to approximately 68,900 in 2017. Changes have also been made to Employment Insurance (EI) to remove the discriminatory New Entrants and Re-Entrants requirement, ensuring that young workers are treated fairly when they need to access job support through EI.
In Budget 2018, the Government proposes to provide an additional $448.5 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, to the YES. This funding will support the continued doubling of the number of job placements funded under the Canada Summer Jobs program in 2019-20 and provide additional resources for a modernized YES in the following years.
The Government is creating more opportunities for co-op and work integrated learning for students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and business programs through a new Student Work Placement (SWP) initiative. The SWP will create up to 10,000 new work placements for STEM and business students by 2021 in key sectors. To support Canada's National Cyber Security Strategy, Budget 2018 proposed additional funding of $8.3 million for the Student Work Placement initiative to support the creation of up to 1,000 new student work placements specifically in the cyber security sector. In the context of the G7, Minister Hajdu also recently announced additional investments of $3 million over three years, to support the creation of up to 500 new student work placements in the artificial intelligence field, including targeted support for students in underrepresented groups, including women in STEM.
The Expert Panel on Youth Employment delivered a report in June 2017 outlining ways the Government of Canada can improve labour market outcomes for youth. These recommendations are currently being reviewed to determine possible areas for future action. A renewed YES will be announced over the course of the next year.
"
5/31/2018,153,,Strong Middle Class,Increase our investment in the Youth Employment Strategy and improve the strategy's impact.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Increased investment in the Youth Employment Strategy helps more youth succeed in the labour market.,"The Government recognizes the importance of good quality jobs for younger workers. Thanks to incremental investments made in the Youth Employment Strategy (YES) in Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government will help more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop skills to find work or go back to school, create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians, and over 1,600 new youth job opportunities in the heritage sector. In Budget 2018, the Government proposes to provide an additional $448.5 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, to the YES. This funding will support the continued doubling of the number of job placements funded under the Canada Summer Jobs program in 2019-20 and provide additional resources for a modernized YES in the following years.
The Government is creating more opportunities for co-op and work integrated learning for students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and business programs through a new Student Work Placement SWP) initiative. The SWP will create up to 10,000 new work placements for STEM and business students by 2021 in key sectors. To support Canada's National Cyber Security Strategy, Budget 2018 proposed additional funding of $8.3 million for the Student Work Placement initiative to support the creation of up to 1,000 new student work placements specifically in the cyber security sector. In the context of the G7, Minister Hajdu also recently announced additional investments of $3 million over three years, to support the creation of up to 500 new student work placements in the artificial intelligence field, including targeted support for students in underrepresented groups, including women in STEM.
The Expert Panel on Youth Employment was created to assess the barriers faced by vulnerable youth in finding and keeping jobs, and to examine innovative practices used by governments, nongovernmental organizations and employers both at home and abroad to improve job opportunities for vulnerable youth. The Government is reviewing the Panel's 2017 report, outlining ways the Government of Canada can improve labour market outcomes for youth. These recommendations are currently being reviewed to determine possible areas for future action. A renewed YES will be announced over the course of the next year."
5/31/2018,154,,Strong Middle Class,Develop or expand Pre-Apprenticeship Training Programs.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - with challenges,Increased pre-apprenticeship training and improved literacy and essential skills among incoming apprentices.,"Consultations with provincial and territorial officials and stakeholders, including post-secondary institutions, were completed in Fall 2016. Additional targeted consultations are taking place to discuss how best to meet this commitment. Working in partnership with provinces, territories, post-secondary institutions, training providers, unions and employers, the Pre-Apprenticeship Program will help Canadians explore the trades, gain work experience, make informed career choices and develop the skills needed to find and keep good, well-paying jobs in the trades. Through Budget 2018, the Government proposes to provide $46 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, and $10 million per year thereafter, for the Pre-Apprenticeship Program. Progress has taken longer than expected but the Government believes the commitment can still be delivered before the end of the mandate."
5/31/2018,155,,Strong Middle Class,Respond to the recommendations of the Expert Panel on Youth Employment.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,The recommendations of the Expert Panel on Youth Employment will help inform future decisions on how best to help young Canadians succeed in the labour market.,"The Government created an Expert Panel on Youth Employment to examine the key barriers faced by youth in obtaining employment, and the main challenges faced by employers in hiring youth. The Panel delivered its final report in June 2017, which included recommendations on how to best help young Canadians succeed in the labour market. The Panel's report will inform ongoing work on the renewal of the Youth Employment Strategy. Through Budget 2017, the Government is investing an additional $395.5 million over three years, starting in 2017–18, for the Youth Employment Strategy. Combined with Budget 2016 measures, these investments will help more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop the skills they need to find work or go back to school; create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians; and provide over 1,600 new employment opportunities for youth in the heritage sector. Through Budget 2018, the Government proposes to provide an additional $448.5 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, to the Youth Employment Strategy. This funding will support the continued doubling of the number of job placements funded under the Canada Summer Jobs program in 2019-20 and provide additional resources for a modernized Youth Employment Strategy in the following years, building on the input of the Expert Panel on Youth Employment. A renewed Youth Employment Strategy will be announced over the course of the next year."
5/31/2018,156,,Strong Middle Class,Implement a modern Fair Wages Policy.,"Minister of Public Services and Procurement;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Businesses receiving federal government contracts adopt policy setting out fair wage practices to create good-paying middle class jobs.,The government has completed its policy research and analysis on fair wages policies. The Government is now considering options for a modernized fair wages policy to be in place within the current mandate.
5/31/2018,157,,Strong Middle Class,Amend the Canada Labour Code to allow workers to formally request flexible work arrangements.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,Federally regulated workers are now able to request flexible work arrangements.,"Budget 2017 aims to give federally regulated workers the right to request flexible work arrangements from their employer, such as flexible start and finish times and the ability to work from home. Changes will also provide federally regulated workers with new unpaid leave for family responsibilities, to participate in traditional Indigenous practices, and to seek care if they are victims of family violence. Changes will also make bereavement leave more flexible. Legislation to implement these changes was tabled in Parliament on October 27, 2017, as part of the Budget Implementation Act, 2017, No. 2, and received Royal Assent on December 14, 2017."
5/31/2018,158,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Determine an appropriate apprenticeship target for federal infrastructure projects.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - with challenges,An appropriate apprenticeship target for federal infrastructure projects that leads to greater apprenticeship opportunities for Canadians.,"Progress continues to be made on this priority, but has taken longer than anticipated. The Government remains committed to leveraging federal projects as opportunities for training and skill development and is engaging a range of stakeholders, including provinces, territories, employers and unions on how best to support apprentices through these public investments. This commitment has taken longer to implement than anticipated."
5/31/2018,159,,Jobs and Innovation,"Create more co-op placements for students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and business programs.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Science",Underway - on track,"More co-op and work-integrated learning placements for students enrolled in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and business programs, to help students gain the necessary experience for the jobs of today and tomorrow.","The Government is creating more opportunities for co-op and work integrated learning for students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and business programs through multiple initiatives. The $73 million Student Work Placement initiative will create up to 10,000 placements by 2021. Expanded federal support of $221 million for Mitacs, a not-for-profit organization that builds partnerships between industry and educational institutions, will fund over 44,000 placements by 2021-22.
To support Canada's National Cyber Security Strategy, Budget 2018 included $8.3 million in additional funding for the Student Work Placement initiative to support the creation of up to 1,000 student work placements in the cyber security sector. In the context of the G7, the Government also recently announced an additional investments of $3 million over three years to support the creation of up to 500 new student work placements in the artificial intelligence field, including targeted support for students in underrepresented groups, including women in STEM. Together, these initiatives will create close to 60,000 placements over five years. In addition, the Government is investing in the PromoScience program, which will support STEM learning activities for youth."
5/31/2018,160,,Exports and Investment,Maintain constructive relations and deepen trade and commerce with the United States.,Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of International Trade,On-going commitment,"Strong economic growth and well-paying, middle-class jobs on both sides of the border.","The Government, in coordination with provinces and territories, continues to work with the United States (U.S.) administration, the U.S. Congress and officials at the state and local levels to grow Canada's economy, create well-paying middle class jobs, and address global challenges. The Prime Minister, Cabinet ministers, parliamentary secretaries, premiers and provincial and territorial ministers, Parliamentary committees and other Parliamentarians have cumulatively undertaken over 310 visits to the U.S. and engagements in Canada and abroad with senior U.S. officials since 2015. In February 2017, Canada and the U.S. announced the creation of the Canada-United States Council for Advancement of Women Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders to promote the growth of women-owned enterprises and to further contribute to our overall economic growth and competitiveness. The Government is actively engaged in the modernization of the North American Free Trade Agreement to reflect new realities and to integrate progressive and fair approaches to trade and investment. Canada continues to advocate against protectionist policies to maintain an open market. In cases where the U.S. has imposed unfair duties, Canada is forcefully challenging such duties under international disputes settlement processes (e.g. softwood lumber, paper products). The Government also regularly engages with the U.S. on areas for collaboration to respond to increasingly complex global security issues."
5/31/2018,161,,Exports and Investment,"Ensure border security and facilitate the movement of people, goods and services.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,"The Canada-United States border is secure and facilitates the safe and efficient movement of people, goods and services.","In February 2017, the Prime Minister visited Washington, D.C., where both countries confirmed their commitment to working together on border security and efficiency. This joint effort includes preclearance and integrated cross-border law enforcement operations, full implementation of the Entry/Exit initiative, increased regulatory cooperation, and the expeditious construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge. In addition, both countries committed to establishing preclearance operations for cargo, accelerating the completion of preclearance for additional cities, and continuing to expand this program under the Land, Rail, Marine and Air Preclearance Agreement, once it is ratified. In December 2016, the United States preclearance legislation became law, a step forward for the new agreement with Canada. Canada's preclearance implementing legislation received Royal Assent in December 2017. The Entry/Exit implementing legislation has passed Second Reading in the House of Commons. The Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security presented its report on this legislation to the House of Commons on October 30, 2017. These two pieces of legislations are crucial to ensure security and facilitate movement at the border."
5/31/2018,162,,Canada in the World,Prepare for the North American Leaders Summit in Canada.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Completed - fully met,"Canada hosted the North American Leaders’ Summit on June 29, 2016.","The leaders from the three countries discussed key priorities of creating jobs, strengthening communities and building a clean growth economy for North America. The leaders also took important steps to create a more integrated, sustainable and globally competitive North American economy."
5/31/2018,163,,Canada in the World,"Ensure a close link between foreign, defence, development and trade policy.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canadian interests and values are effectively pursued through an integrated and comprehensive international approach.,"The Ministers of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, International Development, and National Defence have been working closely together on the Defence Policy, the Feminist International Assistance Policy, the Sustainable Development Goals, Canada's multinational North Atlantic Treaty Organization battlegroup in Latvia. The Government has put in place a whole-of-government approach to address the crisis in Iraq and Syria. In addition, the government has established the Peace and Stabilization Operations Program to provide a whole-of-government platform for preventing, mitigating and resolving violent conflict, crises and natural disasters abroad."
5/31/2018,164,,Canada in the World,Expand Canadian diplomacy and leadership on global issues and in international institutions.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canadian diplomatic activities advance Canadian interests and values abroad.,"Canada is active in multilateral fora and international institutions to pursue Canadian foreign policy interests and values. Canadian-led initiatives—such as supporting humanitarian access and monitoring in Syria, addressing the violation of human rights in Iran, supporting women's political participation and leadership, combatting violence against women and girls, supporting compliance with international law, and promoting respect for diversity and inclusion—secured widespread support in UN fora. Canada is active in coordinating hemispheric response to the crisis in Venezuela and hosted the third Ministerial meeting of the Lima Group in Toronto on October 26, 2017. Canada has successfully advocated for new language about the online dimension of violence against women and girls, including female human rights defenders at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the UN. Canada played a leading role in the creation of a group of experts to monitor the human rights situation in Yemen and report back to the Human Rights Council. Canada also demonstrated its multilateral leadership by hosting the UN Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial in Vancouver in November 2017, which resulted in a significant number of new pledges to support the UN by participating countries and advanced the global peacekeeping reform agenda. The Government played a major role in the NATO Warsaw Summit by becoming the Framework Nation for the enhanced Forward Presence in Latvia. In addition, Canada is increasingly working with new and existing partners including civil society and business to increase the effectiveness of its global initiatives. Canadian diplomatic network abroad continues to amplify Canada's role on the world stage and bolster Canadian reputation through proactive communication, stakeholder outreach and social media. This year, Canada is using its G7 presidency to work with its like-minded partners to advance a common agenda based on respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms, democracy and the rule of law,. Canada hosted the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Toronto on April 22-23, 2018, where ministers exchanged views and planned to coordinate action with respect to building a more peaceful and secure world, including through a negotiated joint communiqué. G7 foreign ministers also agreed to concrete shared commitments related to the implementation of international humanitarian law and the advancement of the women, peace and security (WPS) agenda and, together with G7 security ministers, on defending democracy against foreign threats and on managing foreign terrorist fighters and associated travellers. Canada is also exercising a leadership role on nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament by chairing a UN group of experts on a fissile material cut-off treaty, which concludes in June 2018."
5/31/2018,166,,Environment and Climate Change,Make Canada a leader of international efforts to combat climate change.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,On-going commitment,Canada meaningfully advances international solutions to climate change.,"Canada is leading efforts under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to implement a platform for the engagement of Indigenous peoples and to advance gender-responsive policy development and women's participation. Canada is also delivering on its five-year, $2.65 billion commitment to help developing countries achieve sustained emissions reductions and build resilience against the adverse effects of climate change. This includes providing support to Caribbean countries for disaster reconstruction and resilience and, under the Canadian G7 presidency, pursuing a focus on climate change and adaptation.
In addition to advocating for the effective implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement, Canada is engaged in key initiatives aimed at enhancing global ambition on climate change and clean growth, such as Mission Innovation, the World Bank’s Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition, the Global Methane Initiative, and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition. Canada and the United States also issued a joint statement in February 2017 confirming both countries' commitment to collaborate on energy innovation. In September 2017, Canada co-hosted a Ministerial Meeting on Climate Action with China and the European Union to advance the global climate dialogue and will continue to play a leadership role in this new forum in 2018. In November 2017, Canada hosted the 29th Montreal Protocol Conference, where Parties agreed to adopt the Kigali Amendment to reduce hydrofluorocarbons, a powerful greenhouse gas. Canada's early ratification of the Amendment on November 3, 2017 helped it reach the number of ratifications required to come into force. In addition, Canada and the United Kingdom jointly announced the creation of the Powering Past Coal Alliance, which aims to accelerate the global phase-out of unabated coal-fired electricity. Canada was also an active participant in the Bonn Climate Conference in November hosted by Fiji and the One Planet Summit hosted by France in December. In December 2017, Canada and China released a Joint Leaders' Statement on Climate Change and Clean Growth and held the first Ministerial Dialogue on the Environment in Bejing. Canada continues to highlight the serious impacts of climate change on the North through its participation in the Arctic Council.
In order to meet these commitments and drive action here at home, the Government is implementing the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change that was developed with the provinces and territories. This plan includes pricing carbon pollution and measures to reduce emissions across all sectors, as well as investments to drive innovation and ensure Canadian businesses are competitive in the global low-carbon economy."
5/31/2018,167,,Canada in the World,Accede to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canada implements the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).,"Legislation to accede to the ATT and further strengthen Canada’s export control regime, including by providing greater transparency and accountability in public reporting, is being considered in Parliament."
5/31/2018,168,,Strong Middle Class,Increase the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) by 10%.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,"Nearly 900,000 low income, single seniors have greater financial security.","Starting in July 2016, the Government of Canada increased the Guaranteed Income Supplement by up to $947 per year for the most vulnerable single seniors. Over the past year, this has improved financial security for nearly 900,000 seniors—approximately 70% of whom are women—and lifted an estimated 13,000 people out of poverty."
5/31/2018,169,,Strong Middle Class,Develop and implement a Poverty Reduction Strategy.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Fewer Canadians living in poverty.,"The Government of Canada is committed to developing a Poverty Reduction Strategy. It is anticipated that the Strategy will set targets to reduce poverty, align with existing provincial/territorial and municipal strategies, and include a plan to measure and publicly report on progress.
Meanwhile, several measures to reduce poverty across Canada have already been implemented. Since its inception in 2016, the new, tax-free, income-tested Canada Child Benefit (CCB) has helped to lift hundreds of thousands of Canadian children out of poverty. An increase to the Guaranteed Income Supplement is improving the financial security for nearly 900,000 low-income seniors, of whom 70% are women, and lifting an estimated 13,000 vulnerable seniors out of poverty. Through the Government's significant investments in affordable housing and the Homelessness Partnering Strategy, it is anticipated that the number of chronically homeless Canadians can be reduced by as much as 50%.
Building on these, Budget 2018 proposes the Canada Workers Benefit, a more generous and more accesible benefit for low-income workers that will replace the Working Income Tax Benefit, starting in 2019. An unattached worker could receive up to $1,355 from the CWB in 2019, while a single parent or a worker in a couple could receive up to $2,335, depending on their incomes. Budget 2018 also proposes changes that will make the new benefit easier to access by allowing the Canada Revenue Agency to automatically calculate the CWB for anyone who has not claimed it themselves.
In developing the Poverty Reduction Strategy, the Government has conducted a nation-wide consultation process with community organizations, experts and those with lived experience of poverty. this included the Tackling Poverty Together Project, which examined poverty with case studies in six cities across Canada and a final report has been published. An advisory committee on poverty has been created to help identify the best ideas from the consultations and provide independent advice to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. A major milestone in the consultation process was the two day National Poverty Conference in September 2017. The Academic Conference, which was on the first day, included academics from across Canada who did a deep dive into poverty measurement and indicators. The second day of the conference was with stakeholders and brought together many of the Canadians who participated in the consultation process to confirm what was heard. The What We Heard About Poverty So Far Report was published in February 20, 2018. In addition, further community-level discussions with First Nations, Métis and Inuit people took place to help ensure their priorities are reflected. Of note, ESDC provided funding to five National Indigenous Organizations to undertake engagement with their members, and share their findings with the Government."
5/31/2018,170,,Strong Middle Class,Create a housing strategy.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Infrastructure and Communities",Underway - on track,Hundreds of thousands more Canadians have access to affordable housing.,"On November 22, 2017 the Government announced a 10-year, $40 billion National Housing Strategy that will help reduce homelessness and improve the availability and quality of housing for Canadians in need. This Strategy is part of a long-term vision to strengthen the middle class and provide affordable housing to Canadians, and lift more Canadians out of poverty. The strategy sets clear goals to remove 530,000 Canadians from housing need and reduce chronic homelessness. The Strategy – funded through new and existing programs – follows a human rights-based approach, and includes a National Housing Co-Investment Fund, community housing initiatives, and the Canada Housing Benefit.
On April 9, federal, provincial and territorial Ministers responsible for housing met to endorse a multilateral Housing Partnership Framework (except Québec), setting the foundation for federal, provincial and territorial governments to work together toward achieving a long-term shared vision for housing. As part of the Partnership, Ministers responsible for housing agreed that governments will achieve better housing outcomes by sharing data and information that will make program development and delivery more effective, collaborating with diverse stakeholders and aligning housing policies and planning with other sectors to create effective housing solutions and vibrant communities. Provinces and territories will be invited to participate in federal programs designed to increase affordable housing supply, such as the National Housing Co-Investment Fund, by supporting decision-making and co-investing."
5/31/2018,171,,Strong Middle Class,Implement the middle class tax cut.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,The Government reduced the 22 percent federal personal income tax rate to 20.5 per cent to benefit millions of middle class Canadians.,"The middle class tax cut was announced on December 7, 2015, and came into effect as of January 1, 2016. Nearly nine million Canadians benefit from this tax cut. Single Canadians who benefit are saving an average of $330 each year and couples who benefit are saving an average of $540 each year."
5/31/2018,172,,Strong Middle Class,Cut taxes for small businesses.,Minister of Small Business and Tourism,Underway - on track,Lower tax rates for small businesses.,"The Government is working to build a fairer and more efficient tax system that benefits all Canadians. As one of its first actions, the Government raised taxes on the wealthiest one per cent in order to cut taxes for the middle class. As announced in October 2017, the Government intends to reduce taxes for small businesses so they can invest in new equipment, grow and create jobs. The Government intends to lower the small business tax rate to 10%, effective January 1, 2018, and to 9%, effective January 1, 2019. This will help small businesses keep up to $7,500 of their hard earned money which they can use to grow and reinvest."
5/31/2018,173,,Strong Middle Class,"Cancel income splitting, while retaining income splitting of pensions for seniors.",Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"Cancelled income splitting for couples with children under 18, allowing for an increase in child benefits.","As the Canada Child Benefit was introduced, Budget 2016 eliminated income splitting for couples with children under 18. Pension income splitting was not affected by this change."
5/31/2018,174,,Strong Middle Class,Enhance the Canada Pension Plan to provide more income security to retired Canadians.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"When fully mature, maximum Canada Pension Plan (CPP) benefits will increase by as much as 50 per cent, helping more Canadians achieve their goal of a strong, stable and secure retirement.","Canada’s Ministers of Finance reached a historic agreement on June 20, 2016, to enhance the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). In March 2017, all necessary legislative requirements were met by Canada's nine CPP participating provinces to implement the agreed-upon enhancements. Canada's Finance Ministers also agreed to further improvements in December 2017 to increase benefits for parents of young children and persons with disabilities. These CPP enhancements, which will begin in January 2019, will help provide a secure and stable retirement for more Canadians."
5/31/2018,175,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Create the Canada Infrastructure Bank.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"The Infrastructure Bank was created to produce large, transformative infrastructure projects that create good, well-paying middle-class jobs and support economic growth and prosperity for years to come.","In June 2017, the Government passed legislation to create the Canada Infrastructure Bank, a Crown corporation at arm’s-length from government that leverages the expertise and capital of the private sector. The Bank will support the transformational infrastructure that Canadian communities need now. It will make strategic investments with a focus on projects like green infrastructure, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and public transit, so Canadians can spend less time in traffic and more time with family and friends. The Bank is now operational, with its headquarters in Toronto. A Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer has been appointed, effective June 1, 2018. Following an open, transparent, and merit-based selection process supported by the board of directors for the Canada Infrastructure Bank and an executive search firm, the search for a Chief Executive Officer has concluded. On May 24, 2018, Pierre Lavallée was appointed as the President and CEO of the Infrastructure Bank, effective June 18, 2018."
5/31/2018,177,,Environment and Climate Change,Develop proposals to limit Exploration Expenses tax deduction to unsuccessful projects.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,Successful exploration expenses incurred to develop discovery wells no longer benefit from favorable tax treatment.,"Budget 2017 announced changes that will ensure the costs of drilling discovery wells are deducted gradually over time as development expenses, rather than deducted immediately as exploration expenses. With these changes, Canadian exploration expense treatment will effectively be limited to unsuccessful exploration or cases where the linkage to success cannot reasonably be determined in the year the activity takes place."
5/31/2018,178,,Strong Middle Class,Restore the tax credit for labour-sponsored funds.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"Canadian companies have greater access to venture capital, with the support of labour unions.","To help Canadian companies grow, the Government of Canada restored the Labour-Sponsored Venture Capital Corporations (LSVCC) Tax Credit to 15% for share purchases of provincially-registered LSVCCs for 2016 and subsequent tax years."
5/31/2018,179,,Strong Middle Class,Introduce a tax benefit to help teachers and early childhood educators with the cost of school supplies.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,Teachers and Early Childhood Educators are able to buy necessary supplies to help kids learn.,"The Government of Canada introduced a new, refundable Teacher and Early Childhood Educator School Supply Tax Credit for the 2016 and subsequent tax years, which will provide a benefit to teachers and early education educators to help cover the cost of school supplies."
5/31/2018,180,,Strong Middle Class,Enhance the Northern Residents Deduction to help with the high cost of living.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"Increased the Northern Residents Deduction to help approximately 225,000 Canadians with the high cost of living in northern and isolated communities.","Effective January 1, 2016, the Government of Canada increased the maximum daily residency deduction from $16.50 to $22 for residents in the Northern Zone and from $8.25 to $11 per day for residents in the Intermediate Zone. This measure is anticipated to put about $260 million back in the pockets of Canadians in northern and isolated communities over the 2015-16 to 2020-21 period and help these Canadians get the support they need."
5/31/2018,181,,Strong Middle Class,Repeal the Federal Balanced Budget Act.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,The Act has been repealed.,"Parliament repealed this Act, effective June 22, 2016."
5/31/2018,182,,Exports and Investment,Ratify and implement the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is now implemented, creating jobs for Canadians across the country, giving consumers more choice, and increasing Canadian businesses' access to new customers.","Provisional application of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) took effect in September 2017 and all economically significant parts are now in force, e.g. tariff elimination on 98 per cent of European Union (EU) tariff lines for Canadian goods, increased quotas, services commitments, temporary entry commitments, and government procurement obligations. The Government has announced programs to help dairy farmers and processors adjust to increased EU cheese access under CETA. The Government is also working with the Atlantic provinces to support Canada's seafood sector in capitalizing on new opportunities in the European market. With CETA's provisional entry into force, Canadian exporters now enjoy improved access to more than 40 countries with nearly 1.2 billion of the world’s wealthiest consumers. The Parliamentary Budget Officer has estimated that CETA implementation could raise Canada's potential real gross domestic product by 0.4 percentage points. For the Agreement to come fully into force, all 28 EU Member States must ratify CETA in their national parliaments. To date, ten Member States have ratified the Agreement. "
5/31/2018,183,,Exports and Investment,Modernize agreements with Israel and Chile.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,Canada has modernized free trade agreements in force with Israel and Chile.,"Canada is working closely with Israel to modernize the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement. In June 2017, Canada and Chile signed Amending Agreements to modernize the Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement. The modernized Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement will include a chapter dedicated to trade and gender—a first for Canada or any G20 nation. The updated agreement will also provide better mechanisms to address technical barriers to trade; add new progressive elements to the existing investment chapter, and amend the existing government procurement chapter. The Government notified Chile of ratification by Parliament on December 12, 2017."
5/31/2018,184,,Exports and Investment,Establish the Invest in Canada Agency.,Minister of International Trade,Completed - fully met,"Canada is positioned to attract more global investment, creating well-paying, middle-class jobs by making it simpler and faster for businesses to invest in Canada.","Parliament passed legislation in the spring of 2017 to establish the Invest in Canada Agency, which will help bring together all levels of government to provide seamless service to help global investors navigate Canada’s investment landscape. Increased foreign investment in Canada connects Canadian industries to global value chains and facilitates the transfer of knowledge and technology, increasing competitiveness, stimulating innovation, and promoting the prosperity of Canadians. As part of this initiative, the Government is also increasing the number of investment-focused trade commissioners across key global markets. The Invest in Canada Agency was officially launched on March 12, 2018 and will become increasingly operational over the coming months. The Chair of the Board of Directors and CEO have been appointed. The Trade Commissioner Service has hired 15 new investment-focused trade commissioners and will add another five in each of the next two years."
5/31/2018,186,,Exports and Investment,Promote trade and investment with emerging markets including China and India.,Minister of International Trade,On-going commitment,"Two-way trade and investment with China, India and other emerging economies is increased, creating good, middle class jobs, expanding opportunities for Canadian exports, and increasing access to goods for Canadian consumers.","The Government continues to engage China on a possible free trade agreement while working to implement the trade and investment commitments that were made by Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier Li of China in 2016 and 2017. The Government is engaged in exploratory discussions for a possible Free Trade Agreement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The Government is also working with India to intensify negotiations on a Canada-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA). Canada will continue to work to resolve regulatory and tariff issues with India to ensure Canadian pulse exports (e.g., peas, chickpeas, beans and lentils) continue to enter India unimpeded. During a visit to India in February 2018, the Prime Minister announced foreign direct investment commitments that will lead to the creation of more than 5,800 jobs in Canada. In addition, Canadian and Indian companies signed 66 new commercial contracts and agreements worth more than $1 billion. Since October 2015, six FIPAs with emerging markets in Sub-Saharan Africa have also come into force. In addition, the Canada-Hong Kong FIPA came into force in September 2016, and the Canada-Mongolia FIPA came into force in February 2017. Preliminary discussions are in the works regarding additional possible measures to enhance Canada-Hong Kong commercial relationship. On March 8, 2018, the Government signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and is actively promoting the new market opportunities for Canadian businesses. As a concrete example of supporting companies to export, since it was launched, CanExport has provided financial support to about one thousand Small and Medium Enterprise-led projects aimed at diversifying export markets, in a variety of sectors, and reaching over 75 different markets around the world. To date, for every hundred supported projects, participating firms have reported on average some 85 export successes at the time of project completion, for a collective impact of almost $95 million in exports to new markets. The Government is also undertaking negotiations for a free trade agreement between Canada and the Pacific Alliance. To support Canadian firms and increase exports to new markets, the Government is implementing provisions from Budget 2018 that provide up to $75 million to build a stronger diplomatic presence and Trade Commissioner Service salesforce in China and Asia, as well as other initiatives to open market opportunities in the region."
5/31/2018,187,,Exports and Investment,Improve support to companies looking to export and help communities looking to attract investments.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"Double the number of high-growth firms in Canada by 2025; increase Canada's goods and services exports—from natural resources, advanced manufacturing, agri-food and others—by 30 per cent by 2025; increase global investment in Canada; and create more well-paying, middle-class jobs for Canadians.","The Government is encouraging global investment and promoting our economic brand through the creation of the Invest in Canada Agency. The Government has successfully completed the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). Provisional application of the trade agreement took effect in September 2017, and will give consumers more choice, boost Canadian businesses' access to new customers, create good, middle-class jobs and help grow the economy. The Government also recently signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). As a concrete example of supporting companies to export, since it was launched, CanExport has provided financial support to about one thousand Small and Medium Enterprise-led projects aimed at diversifying export markets, in a variety of sectors, and reaching over 75 different markets around the world. To date, for every hundred supported projects, participating firms have reported on average some 85 export successes at the time of project completion, for a collective impact of almost $95 million in exports to new markets. In 2018, the Invest Canada-Community Initiatives (ICCI) program, which provides support to communities to improve their capacity to attract, retain and expand foreign direct investment, allocated $3.5 million to 240 projects from 88 communities to attract job-creating investment. Budget 2017 announced $950 million to superclusters in highly innovative industries, created the Strategic Innovation Fund to boost investment in Canadian innovations, and created six Economic Strategy Tables to boost growth and exports from advanced manufacturing; agri-food; clean technology; digital industries; health and biosciences; and clean resources sectors. To support Canadian firms and increase exports to new markets, Budget 2018 provides up to $75 million to build a stronger diplomatic presence and Trade Commissioner Service salesforce in China and Asia, as well as other initiatives to open market opportunities in the region."
5/31/2018,188,,Exports and Investment,Reduce administrative burden for investors and companies associated with international trade.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"Canadian businesses export and trade with international partners more easily and with less of an administrative burden, and international investors benefit from faster, clearer and more efficient engagement with government programs.","The Invest in Canada Agency, launched on March 12, 2018, will increase cooperation between provinces, territories and municipalities to bolster trade promotion by providing companies with a one-stop-shop for investment in Canada thereby reducing complexity and administrative burden for investors. The new Global Skills Strategy, launched in June 2017, will make it easier for companies that are making large investments in Canada to bring in highly skilled global talent, while supporting well-paying, middle-class jobs for Canadians. Canadian companies will have access to an expedited review process lasting no more than a combined 20 business days from end to end, including reviews conducted by Employment and Social Development Canada and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Canada has worked closely with the United States (US), as part of the Canada-US Regulatory Cooperation Council, to facilitate greater alignment of regulatory systems where appropriate. Furthermore, to help Canadian firms unlock growth opportunities through exports, the Trade Commissioner Service will undergo transformative enhancements in the coming year to simplify the client experience, modernize tools and offer innovative services."
5/31/2018,189,,Indigenous peoples,"Improve essential infrastructure for Indigenous communities, including improving housing.",Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - with challenges,"Infrastructure on reserves is improved, schools on reserve are newer and in better condition; language and cultural knowledge is strengthened; more First Nations children graduate from high school and go on to post-secondary education; elimination of long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve by 2021; enhanced access to affordable housing for First Nations on-reserve, and to Inuit and Métis.","In Budget 2016, the Government of Canada made an investment of $4.6 billion over five years to support infrastructure development in communities to improve the quality of life of the people who live in them. Budget 2017 built on this momentum, with new, additional investments of $4 billion over ten years to build and improve housing, and other community infrastructure. As of December 31, 2017, and since the Budget 2016 announcement, more than $2 billion of targeted funds have been allocated towards 2,899 on-reserve community infrastructure projects across all asset classes, 966 of which are completed. The Government is also improving primary and secondary education on reserve by building and renovating school facilities thereby supporting the enhancement of the quality of language and cultural programs; expansion of innovative pilot programs that have been proven to substantially increase literacy and numeracy rates among First Nations children; and empowering communities to establish First Nations' planned and led education systems. More than $300 million was invested in 2016/17 and 2017/18 to build/upgrade First Nation schools. This includes 74 new schools and 85 renovated/upgraded schools. As of December 31, 2017, 11 of the 74 new schools have been constructed, and renovations/upgrades on 10 of the 85 schools have been completed. In Budget 2016, the Government announced significant new funding to end long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve by 2021. As of December 31, 2017, and since the Budget 2016 announcement, more than $750 million was invested to support 420 projects to strengthen on-reserve water infrastructure. On January 23, 2018, an expansion of the number of drinking water systems on public systems on reserve that will be supported by the Government was announced. Taking this expansion into account, as of June 20, 2018 there are 74 long-term drinking water advisories in effect, down from 105 in November 2015. Since November 2015, 64 long-term drinking water advisories have been lifted, while 33 have been added. The latest results on eliminating LT-DWAs are available here.The Government is improving on-reserve housing conditions while engaging with First Nations and other partners to develop an effective long term strategy. As of December 31, 2017, and since the Budget 2016 announcement, 13,093 housing units were under construction, renovation/retrofit or being serviced. Of these 13,093 units, 42% (5,536 housing units) have been completed. With respect to Inuit housing, 193 housing units are expected to be built/renovated in 2016/17 and 2017/18. The Government is also improving health facilities. As of April 30, 2018, investments have been made in more than 213 First Nations infrastructure projects to design, replace, expand or renovate health facilities for which 158 (74.2%) of these projects are complete.
As of December 31, 2018, $108.1 million of targeted funds have been allocated to support approximately 462 solid waste management projects on reserves across Canada through the First Nations Solid Waste Management Initiative. So far, 117 of the projects have been completed. As of May 2018, in collaboration with First Nations, approximately 400 projects have been planned to improve solid waste management on reserve for 2018-19.
Budget 2018 builds on prior investments and reaffirms the Government’s commitment by proposing to provide an additional $172.6 million over three years, beginning in 2018–19, to improve access to clean and safe drinking water on reserve.
Indigenous leaders have told the Government that when it comes to housing in First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation communities, the best approach is one that respects the distinct needs of each Indigenous group. Through investments made in Budget 2017 and Budget 2018, the Government proposes dedicated funding to support the successful implementation of each of the distinctions-based housing strategies, including:
•$600 million over three years to support housing on reserve as part of a 10-year First Nations Housing Strategy that is being developed with First Nations.
•$400 million over 10 years to support an Inuit-led housing plan in the Inuit regions of Nunavik, Nunatsiavut and Inuvialuit Settlement Region. This is in addition to the $240 million over 10 years announced in Budget 2017 to support housing in Nunavut.
•$500 million over 10 years to support the Métis Nation’s housing strategy.
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5/31/2018,190,,Indigenous peoples,Implement the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - with challenges,All Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action are implemented.,"The Truth and Reconciliation Commission identified 94 Calls to Action, 76 of which fall under federal or shared responsibility with other partners, implicating 25 federal departments or agencies. Progress has been made on implementing over 80 per cent of the Calls to Action under federal or shared purview. Four Calls to Action are complete, with at least 28 others expected to be completed within the next 18 months. Information on the implementation status of all 76 Calls to Action within federal or shared responsibility can be found on the new Calls to Action webpage entitled Delivering on Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, which was launched in May 2018. Important progress has already been made and will lead to greater and more equitable access to quality education, health care, clean water, housing and employment services for Indigenous peoples. This includes the announcement in May 2016 of Canada’s unequivocal support to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples, which directly relates to Calls to Action number 43 and 44. The Calls to Action are extensive and some require longer-term, transformative change. Many involve multiple parties and require significant consultation and coordination. Taking into account the scope of the task and the wide range of partners involved, it will take time to ensure it is done right, with careful consideration of how best to support ongoing healing. The Government of Canada is also working with other jurisdictions and partners to advance implementation of those 18 Calls to Action outside of the federal purview. The establishment of the National Council for Reconciliation (Calls to Action 53-56) will support ongoing efforts to advance and fully implement the Calls to Action. To this end, on December 14, 2017, the Government of Canada announced the creation of a six member interim board that will provide advice on the establishment of the Council, the scope and scale of its proposed mandate, and will undertake independent engagement. The Interim Board submitted its interim report on May 14, 2018 and is expected to submit a final report, with recommendations, in June 2018."
5/31/2018,191,,Indigenous peoples,Undertake a review of laws and policies to ensure the Crown is fulfilling its obligations and commitments to the recognition and implementation of Indigenous peoples' rights.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs;Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - on track,"Canada's laws and policies reflect the Government's commitment to advancing a nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown and government-to-government relationship with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation, respectively.","A Working Group of Ministers, chaired by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, was established in February 2017 to examine relevant federal laws, policies, and operational practices to help ensure the Crown is meeting its constitutional obligations with respect to Aboriginal and treaty rights; adhering to international human rights standards, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; and supporting the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. The Working Group has completed its start-up phase and in July 2017 released Principles respecting the Government of Canada's relationship with Indigenous peoples that should guide the review. The Working Group will continue to work in partnership with Indigenous peoples in carrying out this review. Working with other Ministers, the Working Group is looking at Canada’s laws, policies and operational practices to align them with its constitutional duties and its international commitments, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples, with respect to the recognition of Indigenous peoples and the implementation of Indigenous rights. The Working Group will provide an integrated whole-of-government approach to fulfil the promise of section-35 as a fundamental element of renewing the relationship with Indigenous peoples."
5/31/2018,192,,Indigenous peoples,Invest in First Nations education to ensure that First Nations children on reserve receive a quality education.,Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - with challenges,Literacy and numeracy rates are improved; language and cultural knowledge is strengthened; and more First Nations children graduate from high school and go on to post-secondary education.,"The Government of Canada committed a $2.6 billion increase for First Nations K-12 education and an additional $969.4 million for education infrastructure. These investments will improve primary and secondary education on reserve by building and renovating school facilities; enhancing the quality of language and cultural programs; expanding innovative pilot programs that have been proven to substantially increase literacy and numeracy rates among First Nations children; increasing special education support; and empowering communities to establish education systems planned and led by First Nations. After signing an agreement with the Government of Canada, the Manitoba First Nations School System officially began operating in July 2017. As of September 2017, students in this school system began receiving education programs that are designed, delivered and run by First Nations with funding that is comparable to provincial school boards with enhancements that meets their specific needs. As of April 1, 2018, 23 Anishinabek Nation First Nations are self-governing in the area of education. This education self-governing agreement is the first of its kind in Ontario and the largest in Canada. The government and the Maskwacîs Education Schools Commission signed an agreement in spring 2018 to establish the Maskwacîs Cree School System, which will begin operations on July 1, 2018. The Government is engaged in discussions to establish similar initiatives in other regions of the country. Finally, as noted by the Parliamentary Budget Officer in November 2016, the Government's investments in education will, over the next several years, help fill critical and long-standing gaps in how on-reserve schools are funded compared to those under provincial jurisdiction. These investments will ensure that First Nations children get the best possible start in life and see an improvement in educational outcomes."
5/31/2018,193,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Implement an Infrastructure Strategy that improves public transit.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Transport,Underway - on track,Canadians spend less time in traffic and have greater access to modern public transit.,"Through Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government has committed $28.7 billion to public transit projects over the next 10 years. Over 1,100 public transit projects have been approved to date under the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund that will expand transit systems across the country and transform the way Canadians live, move, and work by spending less time in traffic. In order to provide Canadians with greater access to inclusive public transit, this fund has contributed to 3,301 new buses and rehabilitated or enhanced 3,750 others. Larger projects to improve access to public transit are expected to reduce congestion, improve mobility and safety, and provide economic benefits while reducing harmful emissions. These projects include: the Regional Express Rail project in the Greater Toronto Area which will save 1.8 billion hours of commuter travel time and $14.7 billion in automobile operating savings over the lifetime of the project; Calgary’s Green Line Light Rail Transit route, a project that will provide 400 long-term jobs and improve interconnectivity between hospitals, employment hubs, and community centres; the Stage 2 (OLRT2) of the Ottawa Light Rail Transit project will contribute to increasing overall public transit modal share from 22% in 2011 to 25% by 2048 and produce environmental benefits that will ultimately reduce overall incremental greenhouse gas emissions by 115,000 tonnes in the same time period."
5/31/2018,194,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Implement an Infrastructure Strategy that improves social infrastructure.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Canadian Heritage;Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Underway - on track,"More Canadians with access to affordable housing, child care, cultural and recreational infrastructure.","In Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government made investments in social infrastructure across Canada. As of March 31, 2018, over 5,700 projects to retrofit or renovate social housing have been approved, helping improve energy and water efficiency in more than 109,000 existing social housing units off and on reserve. The National Housing Strategy re-establishes the federal government as a leader in the area of affordable housing. Working in collaboration with provinces, territories and local communities, the Strategy leverages significant new capacity to build, repair and make housing more affordable across the country. As part of the Strategy, the new National Housing Co-investment Fund will include accessibility and energy efficiency requirements, and prioritize projects that have the greatest impact on communities and vulnerable populations, including women and children fleeing domestic violence, persons with disabilities, veterans, refugees, seniors, Indigenous peoples and persons with mental health and/or addictions issues. It is anticipated that the National Housing Strategy will reduce the number of Canadians in housing need by as much as 530,000 compared to current levels. The investment of incremental resources in the Enabling Accessibility Fund will support an estimated 1,970 additional projects to further improve the safety and accessibility of community spaces and workplaces, making it possible for Canadians with disabilities to participate more fully in their communities and in the labour market. The Government is also creating affordable, high-quality child care spaces for low- and modest-income families, with the goal of supporting up to 40,000 new subsidized child care spaces over the next three years. In addition, the Government will create a distinct Indigenous Framework on Early Learning and Child Care in cooperation with Indigenous partners to reflect the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children across Canada.
As part of the Government’s Investing in Canada Plan, $164.8 million dollars in additional Budget 2016 funding has been spent over the last two fiscal years to support the improvement, renovation and construction of arts and heritage facilities, and the acquisition of specialized equipment under the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund. Budget 2017 announced further investments in cultural infrastructure in the amount of $300 million, which will be made over 10 years starting in 2018-19 through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund to further support cultural spaces and creative hubs. The Government will also invest $80 million over 10 years starting in 2018-19 to support the construction of community educational infrastructure in official language minority communities through the Development of Official Language Communities program at Canadian Heritage. The Government will provide $1.3 billion in funding for cultural, recreational and community infrastructure to provinces and territories through bilateral agreements negotiated by Infrastructure Canada.
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5/31/2018,195,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Implement an Infrastructure Strategy that improves green infrastructure.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Transport;Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,"More infrastructure in place to ensure access to clean water, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and increased resilience against the impacts of climate change.","Through Budget 2016 and 2017, the Government of Canada is investing $26.9 billion in Green infrastructure over 12 years, including projects to improve access to clean water, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase resilience against the impacts of climate change. To ensure that investments are made towards more resilient, sustainable communities, Infrastructure Canada has adopted a Climate Lens as a requirement for funding under its new programs. The Climate Lens will help applicants to better understand how their projects will contribute to or reduce carbon pollution, and to consider climate change risks. Significant investments towards clean water have been made across Canada. For example, the Government has invested over $1 billion in 777 drinking water systems as well as $830 million in 655 wastewater systems. In Budget 2016, the Government announced significant new funding to end long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserves by 2021. As of December 31, 2017, and since the Budget 2016 announcement, more than $750 million was invested to support 420 projects to strengthen on-reserve water infrastructure. On January 23, 2018, an expansion of the number of drinking water systems on public systems on reserve that will be supported by the Government was announced. Taking this expansion into account, as of April 24, 2018 there are 76 long-term drinking water advisories in effect, down from 105 in November 2015. Since November 2015, 61 long-term drinking water advisories have been lifted, while 32 have been added. The latest results on eliminating long-term drinking water advisories are available here. Through the Canada Infrastructure Bank, at least $5 billion will be available for green infrastructure projects. As well, national “green” programs, totaling $2.8 billion, will be provided to address a number of priorities identified in the Pan-Canadian Framework. This includes investments of over $180 million in charging and alternative fuel infrastructure to support greater deployment of zero-emission vehicles. On May 17, 2018, the Government of Canada launched the $2 billion Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF). The DMAF is designed to strengthen the resilience of Canadian communities through investments in large-scale infrastructure projects to better manage the risk associated with natural hazards such as floods, wildfires and droughts. The first project intake is open and Expression of Interest applications are being accepted. In addition, $9.2 billion is being provided to provinces and territories through the Integrated Bilateral Agreements for green infrastructure. Natural infrastructure projects will be eligible under both the DMAF and the green stream of the Integrated Bilateral Agreements. In addition to this, delivered through the Rural and Northern Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure program, the Arctic Energy Fund will provide $400 million to support energy security in the territories. "
5/31/2018,196,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Invest in transportation infrastructure that helps get goods to market.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food;Minister of Transport,Underway - on track,"Get Canadian goods to markets more quickly and increase exports, including natural resources, manufactured goods and agri-food products, by 30 per cent by 2025.","The Government of Canada established a new $2 billion National Trade Corridors Fund (NTCF) to address urgent capacity constraints and freight bottlenecks at major ports of entry, and to better connect the rail and highway infrastructure that delivers economic growth across Canada. Investments through this fund will target congestion and inefficiencies at marine ports, as well as along the busiest rail and highway corridors. The Canada Infrastructure Bank will make at least $5 billion in additional funding available to address trade and transportation projects. The Government is tracking transportation flows and will report publicly on how long it takes to get goods to market.
The Government of Canada formally launched the first call for proposals under the NTCF on July 4, 2017. Eligible projects were invited to submit Comprehensive Project Proposals, and the Government evaluated 133 complete project proposals, seeking a total of $4.4 billion in NTCF funding. The Minister of Transport and other Ministers and Members of Parliament continue to announce NTCF investments in successful projects."
5/31/2018,197,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Establish bilateral agreements with provinces and territories on infrastructure investments.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities,Underway - on track,"Agreements with all provinces and territories that improve public transit; increase access to affordable housing and child care; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; improve access to clean water, and enhance resilience in the face of a changing climate.","Infrastructure plays a central role in building strong communities, creating jobs and growing the economy. In Budget 2017, the Government of Canada established a plan to sign bilateral agreements with provinces and territories in order to provide infrastructure funding to key priority areas. As part of this plan, over $33 billion is being committed for integrated bilateral agreements for public transit, green infrastructure, rural and northern infrastructure, community, culture and recreation infrastructure. Nine of these agreements have been announced so far between the Government of Canada and the Northwest Territories (March 7, 2018), Ontario (March 14, 2018), New Brunswick (March 15, 2018), Nunavut (March 28, 2018), British Columbia (April 2, 2018), Alberta (April 3, 2018), Nova Scotia (April 10, 2018), Yukon (May 3, 2018), and Manitoba (June 4, 2018). The Government of Canada has integrated a community employment benefits requirement within these agreements.
In Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government of Canada made investments in public transit, green infrastructure and social infrastructure across Canada. To date, over 1,100 public transit projects and over 2,500 projects to retrofit or renovate social housing have been approved. Through the National Housing Strategy, the Government aims to reduce or eliminate housing need for 530,000 Canadians by building, and repairing affordable housing across the country in addition to providing housing affordability support.
The Government is also creating affordable, high-quality child care spaces for low- and modest-income families, with the goal of supporting up to 40,000 new subsidized child care spaces over the next three years. Bilateral agreements have now been signed with all jurisdictions. In addition, the Government will create a distinct Indigenous Framework on Early Learning and Child Care in cooperation with Indigenous partners to reflect the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children across Canada. To date, repairs and renovations have been undertaken in 210 First Nations and Inuit Childcare Initiative child care centers and in 63 Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve facilities. The Government has also invested more than $1 billion in 777 drinking water systems and over $830 million in 655 wastewater systems in order to improve access to clean water, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase protection against the impacts of climate change. These investments will lead to improvements in water/wastewater systems in 1,100 communities across the country. In Budget 2016, the Government announced significant new funding to end boil water advisories on reserves by 2021. "
5/31/2018,198,,Indigenous peoples,"Incorporate Aboriginal and treaty rights, residential schools and Indigenous contributions into school curricula.",Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,"School curricula that is inclusive of Indigenous history and knowledge, resulting in improved knowledge and understanding.","The Government provides financial support to the Office of the Treaty Commissioner in Saskatchewan and Treaty Relations Commissions of Manitoba to, among other things, provide materials and training to teachers in support of the delivery of K-12 treaty education curricula to all provincial school students. The organizations are also working with universities in their respective provinces to develop treaty curricula and courses that will be mandatory for every university student.
The Government of Canada is working with the Council of Ministers of Education to enhance knowledge and awareness of First Nations, Inuit and Métis history and culture across Canada and to enhance the knowledge and awareness of teachers, students and school leaders on the history and culture of Indigenous peoples.
Further, Budget 2016 invested $275 million in First Nations language and culture over five years until 2020-2021. The Government of Canada is also working with First Nation partners to transform First Nations elementary and secondary education on reserve, which will include new funding formulas that are enhanced with language and culture investments to meet the specific needs of Indigenous students.
Starting in 2017-2018, the Government of Canada is contributing $3 million per year, for three years, to the First Nations University of Canada to develop a National Centre for Collaboration in Indigenous Education. The national centre will serve as an informational resource base for reconciliation, and will focus on the growing needs of students, educators and the various policy and other decision makers involved in Indigenous elementary and secondary education in Canada.
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5/31/2018,199,,Indigenous peoples,Work with the Métis Nation to advance reconciliation and renew the relationship.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,A renewed relationship with the Métis Nation based on the principles of reconciliation.,"The Prime Minister and the Métis Nation signed the Canada-Métis Nation Accord in April 2017 establishing a permanent bilateral mechanism to develop policy on shared priorities. The President of the Métis National Council and its Governing Members’ Presidents met with key federal Ministers on September 21, 2017 to discuss progress in advancing and implementing first year priorities of the Accord, specifically: early learning and child care, housing, and skills and employment training. Progress in these priority areas was confirmed in Budget 2018, which proposes to invest $500 million over 10 years to support a Métis Nation housing strategy, $10 million in 2018–19 to support Métis Nation post-secondary education, and $6 million over five years to support the Métis Nation in gathering health data and developing a health strategy. Furthermore, Budget 2018 also proposes to invest $325 million in the Métis Nation stream of the Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program, which supports employment services, skills development and job training.
On March 19, 2018, the President of the Métis National Council and its Governing Members’ Presidents met with key federal Ministers to discuss progress under the first year of the process. At this meeting, the parties agreed that the focus of the second year of the permanent bilateral mechanism process would be to undertake joint work and policy co-development on Métis health, education, child and family services, economic development and the new fiscal relationship.
In addition, the Urban Programming for Indigenous peoples, launched in May 2017, provides funding to organizations that support urban Indigenous peoples in cities and urban areas, including an annual $7.27 million set-aside allocation under the Programs and Services stream for the Métis Nation. Consultations on the Self-Government Framework Agreement with the Northwest Territory Métis Nation are expected to commence in spring 2018, prior to seeking approval of the Framework Agreement to commence negotiations.
Canada has engaged in Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions with each of the governing members of the Métis National Council as well as the Metis Settlements General Council. To date, Canada has signed Framework Agreements with the Manitoba Metis Federation (November 2016), Métis Nation of Alberta (November 2017) and Métis Nation of Ontario (December 2017). Memorandums of Understanding have also been reached with the Metis Settlements General Council (December 2017) and Metis Nation of Saskatchewan (February 2018). Discussions towards a Memorandum of Understanding are underway with the Metis Nation of British Columbia. In addition, Canada is providing support to the Métis Settlements General Council, the Métis Nation of Alberta and the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan, on a pilot basis, to support consultation resource centres which are aimed at ensuring meaningful participation in consultation through the provision of tools, technical expertise, training, etc. Canada has entered into preliminary discussions with the Métis Nation of Alberta regarding the negotiation of a consultation protocol. "
5/31/2018,200,,Fair and Open Government,"Develop a non-partisan, merit-based process to advise the Prime Minister on Senate appointments.",Minister of Democratic Institutions,Completed - fully met,"An Independent Advisory Board has been established to provide a non-partisan, merit-based process of advice for recommending Senators, resulting in the appointment of 33 independent Senators thus far.","An Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments was established in January 2016 to provide advice to the Prime Minister on candidates for the Senate. As of July 7, 2016, Canadians were permitted, for the first time ever, to apply to be considered for appointment to the Senate through an open online application process. In the first application process, over 2,757 Canadians applied, demonstrating unprecedented engagement. A second open application process took place between December 2016 and January 2017. Thirty-three non-partisan appointments to the Senate have been made under the new process so far. Thanks to these actions, a plurality of Senators is not affiliated with a political party. In February 2018, the Minister of Democratic Institutions announced additional improvements to the Senate appointments process, including: keeping applications open year-round, retaining submitted applications for two years, and adding the ability for organizations or individuals to nominate potential candidates. "
5/31/2018,201,,Fair and Open Government,Establish a special parliamentary committee to consult on electoral reform.,Minister of Democratic Institutions,Not being pursued,A special parliamentary committee was established.,"A Special Committee, which included all five parties represented in the House of Commons, was established in June 2016 and presented its final report in December 2016. In addition to the consultation undertaken by the Special Committee, the Minister also consulted Members of Parliament of all parties, and oversaw an engagement process with 360,000 Canadians through mydemocracy.ca. Following extensive consultation with Canadians, it was determined that no clear preference for a new electoral system had emerged. The Government will not proceed with electoral reform."
5/31/2018,202,,Fair and Open Government,Make the Commissioner of Canada Elections more independent.,Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - on track,A truly independent Commissioner of Canada Elections who can pursue their work free from political or partisan direction.,"In November 2016, the Government introduced legislation to enhance the independence of the Commissioner of Canada Elections (CCE) by repealing changes that created a reporting relationship for the CCE with the Minister of Justice. This enhances the independent role that the CCE held for decades before it was altered in 2014."
5/31/2018,203,,Fair and Open Government,Bring forward options to create an independent commissioner to organize political party leaders' debates.,Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - on track,A new independent commission or commissioner for political party leaders' debates to ensure debates serve the public interest rather than the interests of any one party.,"The Government of Canada's online consultations and cross-country roundtables with Canadians were completed in February 2018. The information gathered during consultations will be used to help inform policy decisions, with the goal of having an independent commission or commissioner in place in advance of the next federal election campaign."
5/31/2018,204,,Fair and Open Government,"Review limits that political and third parties can spend during elections, and propose measures to control spending between elections.",Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - on track,Political and third party spending is limited and controlled to help strengthen Canadian democracy.,"On April 30, 2018, the Government introduced the Elections Modernization Act . Among other changes, the legislation establishes spending limits for political parties and third parties during a pre-election period that would start on June 30th the year of a fixed-date election and end with the issue of the writ of election. The legislation also modernizes the electoral system to make it more accessible, transparent and secure. The legislation has been referred to Committee in the House of Commons. "
5/31/2018,205,,Fair and Open Government,"Allow charities to do their work free from political harassment, and modernize the rules governing the charitable and not-for-profit sectors.",Minister of Finance;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister of National Revenue,Underway - on track,A transparent and rules-based legal framework for Canada's charities is in place and charities in Canada are free from political harassment.,"In September 2016, the Government launched a consultation process with the charitable sector and the public to assist in clarifying the rules for the participation of charities in political activities. A consultation panel reviewed the submissions and presented the Minister of National Revenue with recommendations at the end of March 2017. The Government is carefully reviewing the Panel’s report to help inform regulation of charities going forward and will provide a response to this report in the coming months, as indicated in Budget 2018. As an immediate first step to respond to the Panel’s recommendations, the Government has suspended all action in relation to the remaining audits and objections that were part of the Political Activities Audit Program."
5/31/2018,206,,Environment and Climate Change,Make strategic investments in the clean technology sector.,"Minister of Natural Resources;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food;Minister of International Trade",Underway - on track,"The clean technology sector's contribution to Canada's Gross Domestic Product grows, creating more good-paying, middle class jobs and increasing the number of high-growth companies in Canada.","Since 2016, the Government of Canada has committed to several measures to grow clean technology in Canada as part of the Innovation and Skills Plan and the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change. The major points of focus of these investments are: building early-stage innovation, accelerating commercialization and growth, fostering greater adoption of clean technologies, increasing exports of clean technologies and processes, and strengthening collaboration and metrics for success.
Examples of key initiatives include: $1.4 billion in financing through the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and Export Development Canada (EDC) to help Canada's clean technology firms grow and expand, protect the environment and create jobs; $820 million for demonstration and deployment of clean energy infrastructure; $400 million for Sustainable Development Technology Canada to develop and demonstrate new clean technologies; $200 million to support research, development, demonstration and the adoption of clean technology in Canada's natural resources sectors; and $14.5 million for a Clean Technology Data Strategy.
Implementation is underway. In December 2017, Statistics Canada released data showing how clean technologies and environmental goods and services benefit the Canadian economy. This is part of the Clean Technology Data Strategy to improve data on clean technology development and use in Canada.
The Clean Growth Hub officially launched in January 2018 as a whole-of-government focal point for clean technology focused on supporting clean technology producers and users, coordinating program delivery and tracking results. The Hub has provided advisory services to over 450 clean technology clients to date.
In March 2018, the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service officially launched $15 million over four years for the International Business Development Strategy for Clean Technology. The Government also launched the $25 million Agricultural Clean Technology Program in April 2018 to help the agricultural sector reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the research, development and adoption of clean technologies.
In April 2018, BDC announced financing agreements totaling $40-million with four high-potential clean technology companies, enabling them to accelerate growth and demonstrate leadership. "
5/31/2018,207,,Environment and Climate Change,Enhance Canada's tax measures to generate and attract more clean technology investments.,Minister of Finance;Minister of Natural Resources,Underway - on track,"The clean technology sector's contribution to Canada's Gross Domestic Product grows, creating more good-paying, middle class jobs and increasing the number of high-growth companies in Canada.",Budget 2016 changed Canadian tax rules to make certain electric vehicle charging stations and electrical energy storage equipment eligible for accelerated capital cost allowance treatment. Budget 2017 introduced further expansions of this tax treatment to geothermal projects and expenses. Budget 2018 extended the accelerated capital cost allowance for five years to property acquired before 2025. The Government will continue to work towards making Canada the world's most competitive tax jurisdiction for clean technology.
5/31/2018,208,,Safety and Security,Launch an open and transparent competition to replace the CF-18 fighter aircraft.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement;Minister of National Defence,Underway - on track,A new fighter fleet that allows the Canadian Armed Forces to do their job with the equipment they need.,"A modern fighter jet fleet is essential for defending Canada and Canadian sovereignty - especially in the northern skies. It is a vital contribution to the partnership with the most important ally of Canada, the United States, and for the protection of the continent that is shared. It is also important for enabling Canada to fulfill its international commitments as an engaged and active member of NATO. On December 12, 2017, the Government launched an open and transparent competition to replace Canada's fighter aircraft by acquiring 88 advanced fighter jets. The Government also announced its decision to allow the United States' offer for the Super Hornets to expire, and to instead pursue acquiring 18 Australian F/A-18 fighter aircraft and associated spare parts and equipment to supplement the current fleet until the permanent replacement is in place and fully operational. Canada is actively working with Australia to implement this decision. On January 22, 2018, the Government of Canada held a Future Fighter Industry Day to provide information on the planned fighter aircraft procurement process and timeline, project scope and high-level operational objectives of the fighter aircraft, as well as the approach to maintenance and repair and leveraging economic benefits. On February 22, 2018, the Government of Canada published a list of eligible suppliers that will be invited to submit proposals under the competition to replace Canada's current fighter fleet. The first event of the Formal Engagement events known as “Suppliers Week” was held from March 26 to April 13, 2018, in which all five eligible suppliers participated. The purpose of the event was to share and collect detailed information to support finalization of the procurement strategy and the development of the solicitation document."
5/31/2018,209,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that all federal services are delivered in compliance with the Official Languages Act.,President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Canadian Heritage,Underway - on track,More Canadians receive federal services and communications in their official language of choice.,"The Government of Canada conducted the first review of the Official Languages Regulations in over twenty-five years. The Government is committed to ensuring the public is served in their official language of choice. Currently, 86.5% of federal institutions report that oral and written communications in designated bilingual offices ""nearly always"" occur in the official language chosen by the public. The Government has set a target to achieve at least 90% in 2020. "
5/31/2018,210,,Fair and Open Government,Improve access to information to enhance the openness of government.,President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - on track,Greater government transparency and more information available for Canadians to hold their government to account.,"Following an Interim Directive in May 2016 that eliminated all fees except for the application fee and confirmed the principle of ""open by default"", the Government introduced Phase I reforms to modernize and expand the scope of the Access to Information Act. Legislation introduced in June 2017 proposes new requirements for the proactive publication of a broad range of information and would apply to more than 240 federal institutions, as well as the Prime Minister's Office, ministers' offices and administrative bodies that support Parliament and the courts. The legislation would also provide the Information Commissioner with the power to make binding orders to government institutions, including for the release of records. A review of the Act would also be required every five years to ensure that it remains current and continues to improve transparency for Canadians. The first review of Phase II of the Government’s access to information reform initiative would need to be initiated within one year of the legislation coming into force."
5/31/2018,211,,Strong Middle Class,Conduct a review of tax expenditures.,President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"A simpler, fairer tax system.","The Government of Canada has taken action to reduce poorly targeted, complex and inefficient tax measures, including tax credits, that were not available to families with the lowest incomes. Budget 2016 introduced a new Canada Child Benefit (CCB) that is simpler, tax-free, more generous and better targeted than the previous system of federal child benefits. The CCB replaced five tax credits and benefits, provides nine out of ten families with more generous benefits and lifts hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty. Budget 2016 also replaced poorly targeted transit tax credits with significant new long-term investments directly in public transit, and replaced tax deductions for text books with measures to significantly improve the affordability of post-secondary education for low- and middle-income families.
Budget 2017 took further action to implement changes resulting from the Government’s review of tax expenditures. The review identified opportunities to eliminate inefficient tax measures and make other existing tax measures more effective, equitable and accessible to Canadians. In this context, Budget 2017 included measures to improve tax relief for caregivers, students, and persons with disabilities. While the formal component of the tax expenditures review has concluded, the results of the review will continue to inform the Government’s ongoing work to make the tax system simpler, fairer and more efficient."
5/31/2018,212,,Safety and Security,Improve marine safety.,"Minister of Transport;Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Underway - on track,Canadians are kept safe and our coasts are protected through evidence-based emergency preparedness and response.,"The Government has announced initiatives valuing over $600 million, including $130 million in new science funding partnerships, improved knowledge and develop new technologies to help mitigate and prevent marine incidents such as oil spills. To date, 98 workshops have been held with multiple Indigenous groups.
As part of the strategy to address abandoned and wrecked vessels, the Government introduced an Act respecting wrecks, abandoned, dilapidated or hazardous vessels and salvage operations in October 2017. Funding for nine projects has been announced under the Small Craft Harbours Abandoned and Wrecked Vessels Removal Program. The Abandoned Boats Program announced, on May 18, 2018, $200K in funding under the second call for proposals. There is currently a third call for proposals that is open until March 31, 2019.
On April 28, 2018, the Government's measures to reduce the risk of vessel strikes and entanglement in fishing gear to endangered North Atlantic right whales in the Western Gulf of St. Lawrence came into effect. Measures include speed reduction zones with whale monitoring support provided by Transport Canada's National Aerial Surveillance Program, as well as changes to the snow crab fishery. In addition, 293 hours were flown to support the North Atlantic right whale scientific survey initiative.
The Enhanced Maritime Situational Awareness initiative will make a range of maritime information – such as vessel traffic – available to coastal partners and stakeholders. Nine pilot project partners and locations have been announced and these partners will work with Transport Canada, the Canadian Coast Guard and other federal departments to develop, test and evaluate a new maritime awareness information system over the course of one year, beginning in fall 2018.
To enhance Arctic marine oversight: the Government added 500 hours of surveillance and committed to building an aircraft hangar and accommodations unit under the National Aerial Surveillance Program; completed 76 vessel inspections; updated the Small Vessel Regulations (flares and paddle boards); and, introduced the Arctic Shipping Safety and Pollution Regulations to implement the international Polar Code for ships operating in polar waters. The Government is modernizing the Coast Guard’s current suite of emergency response assets, including purchasing and deploying approximately 302 assets for the containment, recovery and storage of oil and has awarded a contract for a Portable Multi-Cassette-Skimmer package.
The Coastal Restoration Fund (CRF) is part of the Oceans Protection Plan that will protect Canada’s oceans and coastlines from damage caused by increased marine shipping and other associated marine stressors. The program will provide $75 million over five years to support coastal habitat restoration projects at the local and community level along Canada’s coasts, and to contribute to mitigating these stressors.
On April 23, 2018, the Government ratified the 2010 Hazardous and Noxious Substances Convention on liability and compensation for incidents involving dangerous goods carried by ships. The locations of two new search and rescue lifeboat stations were announced, out of the total seven to be opened. The two stations will be located in Old Perlican Bay and Twillingate, both in Newfoundland and Labrador. The refurbishment of the Coast Guard St. Anthony’s base in Newfoundland and Labrador started in March 2018. The remaining lifeboat stations will be located in the areas of Victoria, Hartley Bay, Port Renfrew and Nookta in British Columbia. The Maritime Rescue Sub-centre in St. John's officially re-opened May 18, 2018, and six new officers have been hired and trained. The new inshore rescue boat station in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut is expected to be operational in Summer 2018. It will enhance search and rescue capabilities in the region and build stronger working relationships with northern communities, as the station will be operated by local Indigenous students. The station’s hired crew completed their training in May 2018.
A contract was awarded for vessel tow kits. The request for proposals to procure two emergency towing vessels closed in April 2018. These vessels will conduct emergency towing and assist with search and rescue and environmental response. Three Indigenous Community Response Training courses have been completed, which included a total of 25 members from 17 BC First Nations."
5/31/2018,213,,Environment and Climate Change,Review the previous government's changes to the Fisheries Act and Navigable Waters Protection Act.,"Minister of Transport;Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Underway - on track,"Restore lost protections and incorporate modern safeguards into the revised Fisheries Act and Navigation Protection Act to better protect Canada's environment for future generations, advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, and get resources to market.","In February 2018, the Government introduced legislation to restore lost protections and incorporate modern safeguards into the Fisheries Act and the Navigation Protection Act. The proposed legislative, regulatory and policy measures were informed by a federal discussion paper, parliamentary studies, and almost two years of consultations with Indigenous peoples, industry, provinces and territories, non-governmental organizations, academia and the public.
The Government will invest up to $284.2 million over five years to support restoring lost protections to fish and fish habitat and incorporating modern safeguards under the Fisheries Act."
5/31/2018,214,,Indigenous peoples,Promote economic development and create jobs for Indigenous peoples.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Indigenous Services;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,Higher employment rates for Indigenous peoples and stronger economic growth in Indigenous communities.,"The Government is coordinating federal efforts in its response to this mandate commitment for Indigenous peoples to identify potential areas of collaboration at both the regional and national levels and have explored potential policy and expenditure linkages to facilitate success, e.g. Atlantic Growth Strategy and Economic Pathways Partnership. In addition, the Government is engaging with national Indigenous organizations to discuss approaches to economic development and collaborating on opportunities to ensure better service delivery models at the community level.
The Government of Canada supports a suite of economic development and land management programs that are increasing the participation of Indigenous communities in the Canadian economy and enabling Indigenous people to pursue opportunities for employment, income, and wealth creation. To help close the employment and earning gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, Budget 2018 proposes to invest $2 billion over five years, and $408.2 million per year ongoing, to support the creation of a new Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program. This includes incremental investments of $447 million over five years, and $99.4 million per year ongoing, and a stronger focus on training for higher quality, better paying jobs rather than rapid re-employment. This additional funding will assist approximately 15,000 more clients gain greater skills and find jobs that will support their long-term career success. The Government has consulted with, and heard from, Indigenous partners on the importance of a distinctions-based approach that recognizes the unique needs of First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation.
Investments in commercial infrastructure, capacity development and partnerships within the federal government, provinces and the private sector are leading to major developments on and off reserve including commercial initiatives. For examples, these investments will: help First Nations access long-term financing to undertake economic development projects in their communities ($20M), strengthen the First Nations and Inuit Summer Work Experience Program and the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program ($100M), grow Canada's Indigenous tourism industry ($8.6M), and improve Indigenous labour market programs through new Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program ($2B over five years and $408.2M per year ongoing), successor to the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy. In addition, the Government of Canada has increased funding for the Post-Secondary Student Support Program, which will help 4,600 First Nation students over a two-year period ($90M).
The Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business was created to help Indigenous business access procurement opportunities within the federal government. The Government of Canada is one of the largest public buyers of goods and services in Canada, purchasing approximately $16 billion worth every year on behalf of federal departments and agencies. The Government is currently modernizing the federal approach to Indigenous procurement in order to grow Indigenous businesses and contribute to positive socio-economic outcomes in communities.
To enhance Indigenous participation in the public and private sector, the Government provides project-based funding to increase business and economic development strategies. For example, supported women’s participation in business and economic development opportunities; and, the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, to develop Canada’s unique and authentic Indigenous tourism industry and implement the National Aboriginal Tourism Strategy.
The Government provides annual funding to the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association for distribution to the national network of Aboriginal Financial Institutions (AFI). The Government is currently working closely with partners on the development of options to recapitalize the AFI network to enhance access to capital for Indigenous entrepreneurs to start or expand their businesses.
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5/31/2018,215,,Indigenous peoples,Undertake an inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in Canada.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister of Status of Women,Underway - with challenges,"Concrete solutions to address systemic causes of violence, resulting in increased safety of Indigenous women and girls in Canada.","The Government of Canada, with the governments of all provinces and territories, launched an independent National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The Commissioners have been asked to examine and report on the systemic and historical social, economic, institutional and cultural factors—as well as practices, policies and institutions—that contribute to the violence that Indigenous women and girls face. The Commission was mandated to complete its work by December 31, 2018. Many legitimate concerns from families and stakeholders have been raised about the Inquiry's progress. The Commission released their interim report on November 1, 2017. Following a thorough review of the interim report, the Government of Canada is taking action to address the interim recommendations by increasing health supports and victim services for families and survivors, establishing a commemoration fund, funding organizations with expertise in law enforcement and policing to lead a review of police policies and practices concerning their relations with the Indigenous peoples, as well as supporting a new Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) National Investigative Standards and Practices Unit with additional funding.
On March 6, 2018, the Commission submitted a request to the Government of Canada seeking an extension until December 31, 2020. The Government of Canada has granted the Inquiry an extension until April 30, 2019 to submit its final report. The Inquiry can choose to use this time to hear from more families and survivors, further examine institutional practices and policies, and undertake the research necessary to inform their recommendations on the systemic causes of all forms of violence against Indigenous women and girls in Canada. An additional $5.4 million was also made available through Justice Canada to extend the Family Information Liaison Units and to support community-based services for families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls for 2019-2020.
The Government is also establishing a commemoration fund by providing $10 million to honour the lives and legacies of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls and LGBTQ2S individuals, and is engaging with Indigenous organizations (through It's Time: Canada's Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence) to put forward a range of actions to help address violence against Indigenous women and girls."
5/31/2018,216,,Indigenous peoples,Improve services to Indigenous people and those with mental illness throughout the criminal justice system.,Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Underway - on track,"Improved services and increased support to make it easier for Indigenous peoples and those with mental illness to navigate the criminal justice system, and reverse the trend of Indigenous overrepresentation in the justice system.","The Government of Canada has made investments to help ensure that people from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, including Indigenous peoples and those with mental illness, have access to legal aid. The Government has also provided long-term and stable funding to the Indigenous Justice Program which provides funding for community-based programs that use restorative justice approaches as alternative mechanisms to the mainstream justice system. In addition, the Government is investing in the Indigenous Courtwork Program to ensure Indigenous peoples have the representation and services they need to navigate the criminal justice system. It also supports community-based specialized services for Indigenous victims of crime and Family Information Liaison Units for families of murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls. We are working to further identify strategies that will build on these investments. The Government is also exploring changes to the jury selection process to ensure that this process is fair and transparent.
Budget 2018 builds on the investments made in Budget 2017, proposing $20.4 million over five years, beginning in 2018–19, and $5.6 million per year ongoing, for the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) to further support the mental health needs of federal inmates. Funds would largely be targeted towards providing enhanced mental health supports for women in federal correctional facilities. CSC policy now includes non-admissible criteria to administrative segregation for certain inmates and the Government introduced Bill C-56 to establish presumptive release timeframes for inmates in administrative segregation. The Government is also supporting Private Member’s Bill C-375, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (presentence report), to ensure that presentence reports, which help judges make appropriate sentences, reflect relevant mental health information of offenders."
5/31/2018,217,,Healthy Canadians,Legalize and strictly regulate cannabis.,Minister of Health;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,"Legalization and strict regulation of cannabis in Canada protects Canadian youth, keep profits out of the hands of criminals and organized crime and responsibly manages the production and distribution of cannabis.","The Cannabis Act received Royal Assent on June 21, 2018 and will come into force on October 17, 2018. The Act will legalize and regulate cannabis, with the objective of better protecting Canadian youth and keeping profits out of the hands of criminals and organized crime. It will also make it a specific criminal offence to sell cannabis to a minor and will create significant penalties for those who use young persons to commit cannabis-related offences.
The legislation was based on the advice from the Task Force on Cannabis Legalization and Regulation, following extensive engagement with Canadians, representatives of provincial, territorial and municipal governments, experts on public health, law enforcement and justice officials, patients, young people, advocates, Indigenous governments and representative organizations, employers and industry.
In July 2018, regulations to support the coming into force of the Cannabis Act will be published. The regulations will come into force at the same time as the Act, on October 17, 2018.
Companion legislation to strengthen impaired driving laws (Bill C-46) also received Royal Assent on June 21, 2018, and includes three new offences for having a prohibited concentration of drugs (including THC) in the blood within two hours of driving.
Budget 2018 proposed investments of $62.5M over five years to support the involvement of community-based and Indigenous organizations in educating their communities on the risks associated with cannabis use. This is in addition to the $46 million investments in cannabis public education, awareness and surveillance announced in October 2017.
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5/31/2018,218,,Safety and Security,Repeal problematic elements of Bill C-51 to balance security with rights and freedoms.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,Canadians' safety and security are strongly protected in a manner consistent with the rights and freedoms Canadians cherish.,"In June 2017, the Government introduced legislation covering a wide range of measures that were informed by the broad consultation with engaged citizens, stakeholders, experts, parliamentarians and others in Fall 2016. The proposed measures represent extensive and much-needed improvements to Canada’s national security framework, and will enhance accountability through a proposed National Security and Intelligence Review Agency and a new Intelligence Commissioner; fulfill the Government's commitment to address problematic elements of Bill C-51 through proposed revisions to threat reduction measures under the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Act, amendments to the Criminal Code, and revisions to the Security of Canada Information Sharing Act; and enhance transparency by introducing new safeguards and accountability measures, and by re-affirming compliance with the Charter. The Government proposes to enhance the Passenger Protect Program with investments of $81.4M over five years, starting in 2018-19, and $14M per year ongoing. These investments would be used to develop a rigorous centralized screening model and establish a redress mechanism for legitimate air travelers who are affected by the program. The enhanced program would help ensure that privacy and fairness concerns are addressed, while keeping Canadians safe."
5/31/2018,219,,Environment and Climate Change,Phase out inefficient fossil fuel industry subsidies over the medium-term.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Finance,Underway - on track,"Phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, consistent with Canada’s commitment with the G20 countries, building a strong, clean economy and preserving our planet for generations to come.","Budget 2016 announced that the accelerated capital cost allowance for facilities used to liquefy natural gas will be allowed to expire at the end of 2024. Budget 2017 proposed changes to rationalize the treatment of exploration expenses for oil and gas producers and phase out their ability to reclassify certain development expenses as more favourably treated exploration expenses. The Government will continue to review, report on and phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, as appropriate."
5/31/2018,220,,Environment and Climate Change,"Increase the proportion of Canada's marine and coastal areas that are protected to five percent by 2017, and ten percent by 2020.","Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Environment and Climate Change",Underway - on track,"Five per cent of Canada's marine and coastal areas are protected by 2017, and 10 per cent by 2020, protecting important habitats, maintaining and promoting tourism, and helping with climate change adaptation.","In October 2017, the Government achieved its commitment to protect 5% of Canada's marine and coastal areas by 2017. Since then, seven new marine refuges have been established off the coasts of Nunavut and Newfoundland and Labrador which have contributed an additional 145,598 square km of protected ocean area to Canada’s coasts. This represents an additional 2.53% of protected ocean area, bringing Canada’s current total to 7.75%. The government is on track to achieve the 10% target by 2020.
In November 2016, the Government of Canada announced the designation of the Anguniaqvia niqiqyuam Marine Protected Area (MPA). In February 2017, the Government announced the designation of the Hecate Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound Glass Sponge Reefs MPA. In May 2017, a Large Offshore Pacific Area of Interest off the coast of British Columbia was announced, with the intention of making it one of Canada's largest MPAs by 2020. In June 2017, the Government announced the designation of St. Anns Bank MPA. In August 2017, the federal Government, Nunavut and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association together announced an agreement on the final boundary and interim protection of the new Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area in Lancaster Sound -- the largest protected area ever established in Canada. In addition, the Government allocated funding towards exploring with Indigenous and Northern partners the protection of the Last Ice Area in the Arctic. In September 2017, Canada signed a Statement of Intent with the Nunatsiavut Government committing to work together on marine planning in Labrador's offshore area. In March 2018, the Government announced the establishment of two new Areas of Interest (Fundian Channel-Browns Bank and Eastern Shore Islands) and a proposed conservation area (Eastern Canyons) in the Scotian Shelf bioregion.
Canada has developed science-based criteria for other effective area-based conservation measures that contribute to marine conservation targets. Fisheries area closures that meet these criteria, known as marine refuges, have been established throughout Canada's oceans to protect important species and ecosystem features. The Government will continue working with its partners to enhance the protection of Canada’s oceans.
The Government of Canada has proposed amendments to the Oceans Act to create a new authority to designate an interim MPA through ministerial order and to update existing enforcement officer powers and fines provisions. Amendments are also proposed to the Canada Petroleum Resources Act to allow for orders prohibiting oil and gas activities in designated Oceans Act MPAs, where appropriate. These amendments were informed by engagement with Indigenous peoples, provinces and territories, and stakeholders.
A National Advisory Panel has been established to gather perspectives and offer recommendations to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard on categories and associated protection standards for federal MPAs, using International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) guidance as a baseline. The Panel will also consider Indigenous approaches and governance with respect to marine conservation, including the evolving concept of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas. The Panel is planning to hold nine meetings, and will present its recommendations in a final report to the Minister by September 15, 2018."
5/31/2018,221,,Canada in the World,"Advance human rights, gender equality, peaceful pluralism and respect for diversity internationally.",Minister of International Development and La Francophonie;Minister of Foreign Affairs,On-going commitment,"Inclusive governance, human rights, gender equality, peaceful pluralism and respect for diversity are enhanced around the world.","The Government of Canada promotes, and defends inclusive governance, human rights, gender equality, democracy, inclusion and respect for diversity in every international relationship and at every opportunity. Canada continues to champion the rights of Indigenous peoples through supporting, without qualification, the United Nations (UN) Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Government also added language related to inclusion and respect for diversity into five resolutions and made statements on the issue at the UN General Assembly in autumn 2017. In October 2017, Canada adopted the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act and amendments to the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA) to take action to respond to cases of human rights violations and acts of corruption globally. In February 2018, Canada hosted a high-level panel at the 37th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, which highlighted the costs of exclusion on the human rights of refugees and migrants, persons with disabilities and the LGBTI community. To coincide with Human Rights Day, on December 10, 2017, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Canada will be hosting Leaving No One Behind: the Equal Rights Coalition Global Conference on LGBTI Human Rights and Inclusive Development in Vancouver, British Columbia. The conference would take place from August 6 to 8, 2018.
In February 2018, Canada announced $3 million over five years to support the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCR) in its work to strengthen the promotion, monitoring and respect of human rights for vulnerable groups, especially women, girls and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) persons in Honduras. In Guatemala, Canada approved a $2.5 million project over five years with OHCR focusing on the rights of indigenous and other disadvantaged women. Canada also approved $4.1 million in new funding to the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) and a $6.1 million five-year project on women's rights and gender sensitive justice in Guatemala with Canadian organizations CECI and Lawyers without Borders Canada. As the Chair of the G7, Canada led efforts aimed at 1) reinforcing democracy; 2) preventing and countering technology facilitated gender-based violence; and 3) ensuring that rapid advances in Artificial Intelligence do not negatively impact Canada's human rights obligations. One of the themes of Canada's 2018 Presidency was ""advancing gender equality and women's empowerment"". Under this theme, Canada established the Gender Equality Advisory Council to promote a transformative G7 agenda and support leaders and ministers to ensure that gender equality and gender-based analysis are integrated across all themes, activities and outcomes this year. The Council is co-chaired by Melinda Gates and Isabelle Hudon. Canada hosted the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on April 22-23, 2018, where foreign ministers issued a joint communiqué, and agreed to shared commitments related to the implementation of international humanitarian law, the advancement of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda and, together with G7 security ministers, on defending democracy against foreign threats and on managing foreign terrorist fighters and associated travellers through interventions that respect human rights, and are age-sensitive, trauma- and gender-informed. On April 22, 2018, G7 foreign ministers met with non-G7 women foreign ministers for a substantive discussion on women, peace and security, at which the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Federica Mogherini announced plans to co-chair a meeting of all women foreign ministers in Canada on September 21-22, 2018."
5/31/2018,222,,Canada in the World,Work on development financing issues.,Minister of Finance;Minister of International Development and La Francophonie;Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"Increased international investment, reduced poverty and improved economic development in developing countries.","The Development Finance Institute Canada opened for business in early 2018 under the brand name “FinDev Canada”. The first transaction, an investment with M-KOPA, a Kenya-based solar energy provider, was announced in March 2018. FinDev Canada will support women's economic empowerment and gender equality, poverty reduction, and climate change mitigation and adaptation in developing countries. Budget 2018 provided $1.5 billion and $492.7 million per year ongoing thereafter to establish an International Assistance Innovation Program and a pilot Sovereign Loans Program."
5/31/2018,223,,Strong Middle Class,Develop and implement a Youth Service Program.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of International Development and La Francophonie",Underway - on track,"More young Canadians engaged in high quality public and community service, and through this service, gaining valuable skills that will benefit them in life and work.","On January 16, 2018, the Government launched the design phase of the Canada Service Corps, Canada’s new national youth service initiative.
Canada Service Corps will encourage young Canadians to get involved in service to their communities and gain valuable skills and experience that will benefit them in every aspect of life. This initiative will grow over time, creating more opportunities for youth who wish to serve.
During the design phase, the Government of Canada will engage youth directly to find out more about their motivations and interests, and to explore what service means to them. Their input will directly shape the initiative, ensuring that it meets the needs and priorities of young people once it is fully implemented in early 2019."
5/31/2018,224,,Healthy Canadians,Raise awareness on concussion treatment.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities;Minister of Health,Completed - fully met,"Consistent, coordinated Canadian guidelines on concussion in sport and return-to-learn and return-to-play protocols.","The Government is working in partnership with provinces, territories and other key stakeholders on a coordinated pan-Canadian concussion strategy. In June 2016, a framework for the strategy was endorsed by federal, provincial and territorial ministers. Budget 2016 made investments to harmonize concussion management guidelines on prevention, early detection and treatment, with a focus on return-to-play and return-to-learn protocols for athletes and students. In July 2017, federal, provincial and territorial Ministers responsible for sport, physical activity and recreation agreed to a Framework for Action focusing on the areas of awareness, prevention, detection, management, and surveillance of concussions, which will further harmonize the collective approach across jurisdictions. At the same time, Parachute Canada, with the financial support of the Government of Canada, released its “Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport”.
The Government directed funds to the Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC) for a national awareness campaign. SIRC will work collaboratively with NSOs on an awareness and implementation campaign regarding the sport specific protocols for return-to-play concussions.
The Government has also partnered with the private sector to launch two new projects in 2017-18. The SCHOOLFirst project, led by Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, will provide access to up-to-date information for teachers and school boards on concussion practices to support youth who are returning to school after experiencing a concussion. The Progress Activation and Concussion Education (PACE) app will help parents guide the management of their child’s concussion by identifying symptoms or visual clues that should trigger intervention by them at home and in school.
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5/31/2018,225,,Healthy Canadians,Update and expand the Nutrition North program.,Minister of Health;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,More affordable nutritious food for Canadians in the North.,"In Budget 2016, the Government increased funding to expand Nutrition North Canada to isolated northern communities. Nutrition North Canada helps alleviate the high cost of food in 121 isolated northern communities by providing a subsidy on perishable nutritious food. To date, the full benefits of Nutrition North Canada, including nutrition education funding, have been expanded to 37 additional isolated northern communities.
Under the oversight of the Nutrition North Canada Advisory Board, throughout 2016 the Government engaged with Northerners to collect feedback on how to best update the program. In response to the findings from the public engagement, the Nutrition North Canada Advisory Board published the Reflections on the What We Heard Report, and hosted a stakeholder meeting with Indigenous organizations, northern retailers and airlines, provincial and territorial governments and other federal government departments in early May 2017. The purpose was to discuss the feedback received during the public engagement and the key areas where many different views as identified by the Advisory Board. Through facilitated group discussions, participants collaborated on ways the program can be more responsive to the needs of Northerners. An Indigenous Working Group was launched at this meeting, including national and regional Indigenous organizations, which was tasked with co-developing options to help Nutrition North Canada work better for Northerners. Co-development work is ongoing, under the oversight of the Advisory Board to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs.
In support of this policy development work, Nutrition North Canada program worked closely with northern retailers to get all options supported by solid, reliable costing figures and data.
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5/31/2018,226,,Healthy Canadians,Develop a coordinated national action plan on post-traumatic stress disorder.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Underway - on track,Canada's public safety officers have better access to support for post-traumatic stress.,"The Government is developing a national action plan on post-traumatic stress injury in consultation with stakeholders. This plan will be evidenced-based and reflect the findings of the Fifth Report of the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security which recently studied this issue. The Government will release further details on the proposed national action plan later in the mandate. The Government has also provided funding to the University of Regina to conduct a study on the effects of policing on the mental health of Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers.
Budget 2018 proposes $20 million over five years, beginning in 2018-19 to support a new national research consortium between the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT). This consortium would work to address the incidence of posttraumatic stress injuries among public safety officers. The Government of Canada would also invest $10 million over five years, starting in 2018-19, for Public Safety Canada to work with the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment to develop an internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy pilot as a means of providing greater access to care and treatment for public safety officers. The Government also proposes to provide the RCMP with $21.4 million over five years, starting in 2018-19, to support the mental health needs of its officers."
5/31/2018,227,,Indigenous peoples,Provide new funding to preserve and enhance Indigenous languages and cultures.,Minister of Canadian Heritage,Underway - on track,"An Indigenous Languages Act co-created with Indigenous peoples that preserves, promotes, and revitalizes Indigenous languages in Canada, resulting in more people speaking Indigenous languages.","Budget 2017 invested $89.9 million to support Indigenous languages and cultures. These investments are supporting community-based projects that facilitate communication in, and revitalization of, Indigenous languages and are also helping to digitize Indigenous languages and oral histories.
On December 6, 2016 the Prime Minister announced that the Government of Canada will enact an Indigenous Languages Act, co-developed with Indigenous peoples, with the goal of ensuring the preservation, promotion, and revitalization of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit languages in Canada. On June 15, 2017, Canadian Heritage, the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Métis Nation Council (on behalf of the Métis Nation) launched the co-development of Indigenous languages legislation and agreed on a collaborative engagement process. Early engagement concluded in February 2018, and intensive engagement will be undertaken by Canadian Heritage with the support of the three National Indigenous Organizations during summer 2018."
5/31/2018,228,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Expand the network of shelters and transition houses for those fleeing domestic violence.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Indigenous Services;Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,More shelters available for those fleeing domestic violence.,"In Budget 2016, the Government made significant investments to repair and expand the number of shelters and transition houses for victims of family violence and ensure that no one fleeing domestic violence is left without a place to go. As of March 31, 2018, this funding has supported over 3,200 projects, to assist more than 5,800 households. In Budget 2016, the Government also provided greater funding to renovate, construct and better support shelters serving victims of family violence in First Nation communities. Five communities (in Ontario, Manitoba, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Quebec) have been identified for the construction of new shelters, and planning and construction activities have begun. All projects are anticipated to be completed by March 31, 2019.
The National Housing Strategy will fund projects that support vulnerable Canadians, including homeless women and those fleeing family violence. Along with Budget 2016, this funding will support the construction and renewal of at least 7,000 shelter spaces as well as aim for 33% of all investments to support projects that specifically target women and girls. "
5/31/2018,229,,Government Services and Operations,Reduce complexity and strengthen partnerships between National Defence and Veterans Affairs.,Minister of Veterans Affairs;Minister of National Defence,Underway - on track,Simpler programs that give members of Canada's Armed Forces (CAF) the support they need as they transition from the Department of National Defence (DND) to Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC). ,"DND/CAF and VAC will work collaboratively to review their programs to ensure our women and men in uniform can better transition from the Canadian Armed Forces to Veterans Affairs. A roadmap with key milestones of action will lead to simpler benefits and offer a streamlined, client centric process so CAF members have an easier time transitioning to civilian life."
5/31/2018,230,,Healthy Canadians,Develop a suicide prevention strategy for Canadian Armed Forces personnel and Veterans.,Minister of National Defence;Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,More Veterans and men and women in the Canadian Armed Forces receive the mental health care they need and suicides are reduced.,"Canada's new defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—invests in the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces and delivers the standard of service and care that current and former members deserve. The new policy expands the number of Canada's military personnel and significantly invest in the health and welfare of those serving in uniform. As part of the policy, the Government is expanding the Department of National Defence Medical Service Branch by 200 personnel to ensure serving members have better access to efficient and effective care anywhere they serve, in Canada or abroad. In October 2017, the Government announced the implementation of a joint Canadian Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Suicide Prevention Strategy composed of 160 different initiatives, programs and services, including the hiring of additional mental health professionals focused on preventing suicide across the entire military and Veteran community. The effectiveness of clinical interventions, training, education and other supports and services will be studied to assess progress in preventing suicide."
5/31/2018,231,,Safety and Security,Create a committee of Parliamentarians to review national security.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Completed - fully met,Parliamentarians have the information they need to ensure Canada's national security framework and activities are effective and protect rights and freedoms and Canadian values.,"The law establishing the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) has been brought into force, funding has been allocated, members have been appointed, a chair designated, and an Executive Director has been appointed. The new NSICOP is an important step towards increased accountability and transparency. The Committee's broad government-wide mandate to scrutinize any national security matter will help ensure the protection of the public and that the rights and freedoms of individual Canadians are upheld. The NSICOP can perform reviews of national security and intelligence activities, including ongoing operations, and strategic and systemic reviews of the legislative, regulatory, policy, expenditure and administrative frameworks under which these activities are conducted."
5/31/2018,232,,Canada in the World,End Canada's combat mission in Iraq and Syria and refocus Canada's efforts on training and humanitarian support.,Minister of National Defence,Completed - fully met,"Canada ceased conducting fighter jet strikes in Iraq and Syria and adopted a more comprehensive approach with increased resources for stabilization, humanitarian assistance, and training.","Effective February 15, 2016, Canada ceased conducting strikes by CF-18 fighter jets on Daesh targets. On February 8, 2016, Canada announced an increased contribution to the training of Iraq Security Forces, as well as humanitarian and stabilization support. The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are contributing many capabilities to the multinational efforts to degrade and defeat Daesh, and up to 830 CAF personnel are assigned to Operation IMPACT, which has been extended until March 31, 2019."
5/31/2018,233,,Canada in the World,Renew Canada's commitment to United Nations peace operations.,Minister of National Defence;Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,"Canadian efforts enhance peace and security, protect human rights, promote stability, and help those most in need around the world.","At the UN peacekeeping conference in Vancouver in November 2017, the Prime Minister unveiled the main elements of Canada’s new approach to peace support operations and announced five types of contributions Canada will make: the launch of the Vancouver Principles on Child Soldiers; the Elsie Initiative to develop innovative approaches to overcome barriers to women's meaningful participation in peace operations; new training support for the UN; deployment of Canadian police; and the offer of high-end military capabilities for deployment - within a five-year timeframe. Since Vancouver, Canada has advanced on the Vancouver Principles (which 64 countries have endorsed), the Elsie Initiative, and the pledges of military capabilities. This includes hosting a multi-nation design workshop on the Elsie Initiative in February 2018. As part of Canada’s return to peace operations, on March 19, 2018, the Government of Canada announced the deployment of an Air Task Force to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali for a period of 12 months.
In November 2017, Canada launched its second National Action Plan (NAP) for the Implementation of the UN Security Council Resolutions on Women, Peace and Security 2017-2022: A strategy was developed and implementation of the NAP is underway. Through this, Canada will take a leadership role to implement global objectives that will support the integration of the women, peace and security agenda in initiatives related to fragile and conflict-affected states. Through its Peace and Stabilization Operations Program, Canada is providing $104M in Grants and Contributions to support UN activities in peace and security from 2016-2019. This supports peace operations, peace processes, mediation, human rights, accountability, conflict prevention and peace building activities worldwide."
5/31/2018,234,,Strong Middle Class,Ensure that Employment Insurance (EI) contributions are only used to fund EI programs.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Finance",Completed - fully met,Improved sustainability of the Employment Insurance (EI) program to ensure the program is available to Canadians when they need it.,"The Government of Canada continues to make sure that EI contributions are only used to fund EI programs. In April 2016, the seven-year rate setting mechanism came into force, ensuring that the EI account will be balanced. This seven-year rate setting mechanism was implemented in 2017 and allowed the Government to reduce EI premiums for 2017 from $1.88 to $1.63 per $100 of insurable earnings. The 2018 premium rate has been set at $1.66 per $100 of insurable earnings, which reflects important new supports for Canadian families and changing economic conditions."
5/31/2018,235,,Indigenous peoples,Renew and improve the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,"Improved employment outcomes for participants accessing programs through the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS), and reduced employment gaps with non-Indigenous Canadians who use similar employment services.","Budget 2018 proposed an investment of $2 billion over five years, and $408.2 million per year ongoing, to support the creation of a new Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program, which will replace the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy. This builds upon previous increased federal investment, whereby approximately 1,700 additional Indigenous people were supported through the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS) in 2016 compared to 2015. The Government also made investments to increase capacity of service providers to meet the growing demand from Indigenous peoples for skills development and job training and provided an additional $50 million to ASETS in 2017. These programs now serve more clients and also focus on serving the most vulnerable clients and delivering longer-term assistance. Over the last year, the Government of Canada undertook extensive consultations with ASETS holders, Indigenous communities and leadership, and other stakeholders to seek feedback on how the ASETS structure and policy could be redesigned and improved. "
5/31/2018,236,,Strong Middle Class,Provide a 12-month break on Employment Insurance (EI) premiums for firms that hire younger workers into permanent positions.,"Minister of Finance;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Not being pursued,See below,"Based on research conducted by the Department of Finance, it was determined that this was not the most effective or efficient way of spending public resources to create jobs for young people. Budgets 2016 and 2017 invested significantly in a Youth Employment Strategy, nearly doubling the Canada Summer Jobs program, which will help more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop the skills they need to find work, create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians and provide over 1,600 new employment opportunities for youth in the heritage sector. In addition, Budget 2016 announced the creation of an Expert Panel on Youth Employment to assess the barriers faced by vulnerable youth in finding and keeping jobs, and to examine innovative practices used by governments, non-governmental organizations and employers to improve job opportunities for vulnerable youth. The Government has received the Expert Panel's report and is studying its recommendations. Budget 2018 also proposed to provide additional resources to support youth employment, building on the input of the Expert Panel on Youth Employment. "
5/31/2018,237,,Strong Middle Class,Provide more generous and flexible leave for caregivers.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Caregivers of critically ill or injured Canadians receive greater support.,"Effective December 3, 2017, the new Family Caregiver benefit for adults will be available to help families care for a critically ill adult. This benefit will allow eligible caregivers to take up to 15 weeks off work to care for or support an adult family member who is critically ill or injured. Eligible caregivers are family members or individuals that the critically ill or injured adult considers to be like family."
5/31/2018,238,,Strong Middle Class,Develop a Social Innovation and Social Finance strategy.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,A government-wide strategy is established that facilitates new and innovative ways of addressing Canada's biggest social challenges.,"The Government of Canada recognizes that new and innovative approaches are needed to tackle persistent and complex social issues. In June 2017, the Government launched the Social Innovation and Social Finance Steering Group. Through consultations and engagement activities, the Steering Group will seek perspectives of industry, sector and community leaders to co-create a Social Innovation and Social Finance Strategy. Previous findings from government consultations and engagement activities related to social innovation and social finance will help the Steering Group identify policy solutions for the Strategy."
5/31/2018,239,,Strong Middle Class,Introduce the Canada Child Benefit (CCB).,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Finance",Completed - fully met,"A generous, fairer, tax-free monthly Canada Child Benefit (CCB) that gives nine out of ten Canadian families more money to help with the high cost of raising their children.","In Budget 2016, the Government introduced the new, tax-free, income-tested Canada Child Benefit (CCB). In its first year of implementation, over 3.3 million families received more than $23 billion in CCB payments. The CCB has helped lift an estimated 300,000 children out of poverty in Canada. The October 2017 Fall Economic Statement announced the Government's intention to strengthen the CCB by increasing the benefits annually to keep pace with the rising cost of living as of July 2018, two years ahead of schedule.
In Budget 2018, the Government proposes to expand outreach efforts to help Indigenous Peoples access the full range of federal social benefits, including the CCB. "
5/31/2018,240,,Strong Middle Class,Develop a National Early Learning and Childcare Framework with the provinces and territories.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Status of Women",Completed - fully met,"More high-quality, affordable child care spaces.","The Government of Canada is supporting the creation of affordable, high-quality child care spaces for low and modest income families, with the goal of supporting up to 40,000 new subsidized child care spaces over the next three years. The Federal, Provincial and Territorial Governments reached a historic agreement on a Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care Framework on June 12, 2017. The Government has worked with each province and territory to enter into three-year bilateral agreements that will outline their unique early learning and child care needs to be addressed and the funding allocation for each jurisdiction. Bilateral agreements have now been signed with all jurisdictions.
In addition to bilateral agreements with other levels of government, the Government will also dedicate funding towards specific initiatives to support better outcomes for early learning and child care in Canada. Over the next 11 years, this includes:
• $100 million for early learning and child care innovation, which will support new and innovative practices across the country and help to develop more effective services to improve life outcomes for children and their families.
• $95 million to close data gaps in order to better understand what child care looks like in Canada, supporting strong reporting on progress made in implementing the Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care Framework and the Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework."
5/31/2018,241,,Indigenous peoples,Establish a new fiscal relationship with First Nations communities and lift the 2% cap.,Minister of Finance;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,Increased support for Indigenous communities consistent with needs and population growth rather than a fixed 2% cap; co-developed approaches to reforming funding policies and accountability.,"By 2021-22, total federal government spending on Indigenous programs will increase from over $11 billion in 2015-16 to over $15 billion in 2021-22—an increase of 34% over six years. The Government of Canada has also committed to a new fiscal relationship that is sufficient, sustainable and predictable. The Government is advancing a renewed fiscal relationship through two parallel initiatives. The first is with the Assembly of First Nations, through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in July 2016. The first phase of this collaboration with the Assembly of First Nations produced a report, ""A New Approach: Co-development of a New Fiscal Relationship between Canada and First Nation,"" that was submitted to the National Chief and the Minister of Indigenous Services in December 2017. In response to the report, the Minister committed to work with First Nation partners to move ahead on a number of proposals, including: providing more funding flexibility and predictability to support self-determination with the creation of ten-year-grants for qualified First Nations, with the goal of providing them to 100 First Nations by April 1, 2019; replace the Default Prevention and Management Policy; and establish an advisory committee to support ongoing co-development. To better support First Nations communities, to support strong Indigenous institutions and to advance the new fiscal relationship with First Nations, Budget 2018 proposes to invest $188.6 million over five years, starting in 2018–19.
The second collaborative process on fiscal policy is focused on Self-Governing Indigenous groups. Since May 2016, the Government and Self-Governing Indigenous Governments have been engaged in the Collaborative Self-Government Fiscal Policy Development Process, to develop a new policy framework for the provision of federal financial support to self-government. A co-developed draft policy proposal was completed in December 2017 and is currently undergoing review. Through Budget 2018, the Government committed $189.2 million in 2018–19 to begin the implementation of fiscal policy reforms that have been co-developed with self-governing Indigenous Peoples. This funding will support key priorities, including the closing of socio-economic gaps, infrastructure, data collection and governance.
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5/31/2018,242,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Develop a National Disabilities Act.,"Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Federal accessibility legislation that promotes equality of opportunity and increases inclusion and participation of Canadians who have disabilities or functional limitations.,"The Government of Canada completed an extensive nine-month consultation with Canadians in-person and online on February 28, 2017 to inform the development of new federal accessibility legislation. The consultation included 18 public engagement sessions in cities across the country, nine roundtable discussions (which brought together disability stakeholders, academic experts and industry representatives), as well as a National Youth Forum and an online questionnaire. The Government also allocated funding to help disability stakeholder organizations engage their members on the planned legislation. Funding is being provided for five partnerships with national disability organizations and three Indigenous organizations to undertake various activities to engage their members and communities. In May 2017, a report summarizing what we learned from these discussions was released. It is anticipated that new federal accessibility legislation will be introduced to Parliament in spring 2018."
5/31/2018,244,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Ensure any unspent infrastructure funds are transferred to municipalities.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Finance,Underway - on track,Ensure infrastructure funding approved by Parliament does not lapse and is invested in municipal infrastructure projects.,"In March 2017, the Government of Canada transferred $30.2 million in potentially lapsing funding from a number of previously established funding programs to municipalities through the federal Gas Tax Fund (GTF).
The Government has also committed to transfer unused legacy funding to the GTF. For example, any funding under the Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component of the 2014 New Building Canada Fund not approved for projects by March 31, 2019 will be transferred to the GTF."
5/31/2018,245,,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Develop a 10-year infrastructure plan, improve governance and promote better data collection and asset management.",Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Transport,Underway - on track,"Agreements with all provinces and territories that improve public transit, roads and bridges; increase access to affordable housing and child care; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; improve access to clean water, and enhance resilience in the face of a changing climate.","Infrastructure plays a central role in building strong communities, creating jobs and growing the economy. Taking into account the investments made in Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government has developed a 12-year plan that will invest over $180 billion across Canada in public transit, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, rural and northern communities infrastructure, and trade and transportation infrastructure. As part of the Plan, the Government signed an agreement with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) to deliver an asset management program to support municipalities in making informed infrastructure investment decisions. The Government partnered with Statistics Canada and other stakeholders to launch an ambitious data collection initiative on Canadian infrastructure – Canada’s Core Public Infrastructure Survey (CCPI), which officially launched in mid-2017. Through the survey, the Government will better track, collect, use and share data on Canadian infrastructure, including tracking comparable data on infrastructure usage and demand across jurisdictions and tracking the state and performance of public infrastructure across asset classes. These measures will help governments maximize taxpayer dollars and report back to Canadians on outcomes achieved. In addition, the Minister of Transport announced the new Canadian Centre on Transportation Data and the new Transportation Data and Information Hub on April 13, 2018. Better information supports better governance and asset management, and data will also be collected that will be complementary to the CCPI."
5/31/2018,246,,Government Services and Operations,"Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency proactively contacts those who are entitled to, but are not receiving, tax benefits.",Minister of National Revenue,Underway - on track,"More Canadians receive the tax benefits and credits to which they are entitled, including vulnerable Canadians and Indigenous people on-reserve.","The Government of Canada has expanded the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) in order to help modest-income Canadians, seniors and other vulnerable groups with tax filing. Budget 2018 proposes doubling the size of the CVITP, to help more individuals complete their taxes and access the benefits they are entitled to. For the 2016 tax year, the Government increased community partnerships by 18%, and through the CVITP, organizations filed nearly 770,000 returns on behalf of Canadians so they can get the benefits they are entitled to. The CRA undertook a new initiative in 2016-2017 to proactively contact 260,000 Canadians who were potentially eligible for tax benefits but were not receiving them. The Government has also proactively promoted the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) in Indigenous communities to make sure Indigenous families have full access to this important benefit. In-person visits have been completed with 637 First Nations communities in order to promote the CCB and other benefits. The Government will continue to work to improve these results across all CRA administered benefit programs."
5/31/2018,247,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) offers to complete returns for lower-income Canadians whose financial situation is unchanged year-to-year.,Minister of National Revenue,Underway - on track,Simpler process for low-income Canadians to file their taxes when their financial situation hasn't changed much.,"For the 2016 tax year, through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP), volunteers filed nearly 770,000 returns on behalf of Canadians, many of whom are seniors, modest-income Canadians and newcomers with simple tax situations. CRA is continuously looking at improvements so that modest-income Canadians whose financial situation is simple year-to-year can easily file their returns and get the benefits that they are entitled to. The Government of Canada is looking at additional ways to improve these results for the 2018 and subsequent tax years, including supporting organizations in holding more tax clinics throughout the year to reach out to Canadians in remote and underserved communities.
The Government of Canada has launched a new service for the 2018 tax?filing season to help eligible individuals with low or fixed income do their taxes. With the new File my Return service, eligible individuals are able to file their income tax and benefit returns simply by giving some personal information and answering a series of short questions through an automated phone service. File My Return is free, secure and easy to use. There are no paper forms to fill out or calculations to do. Finally, Budget 2018 proposes to double the size of the CVITP, helping hundreds of thousands more individuals complete their taxes and access benefits to which they are entitled."
5/31/2018,248,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency supports more Canadians who wish to file taxes using no paper forms.,Minister of National Revenue,Underway - on track,"More Canadians file their taxes online; and filing online is simple, easy and convenient for all CRA administered programs.","The Government of Canada has launched new services to help individuals and authorized representatives submit their returns electronically. Launched in 2015, Auto-fill my return helps fill in parts of the T1 return with data already available to CRA, making filing online simpler and easier. The amount of information available to Auto-fill continues to be expanded so that filing online is the best option for Canadians. For the 2017 tax year, Canadians have used CRA’s Auto-fill my return over 9 million times. With the Express Notice of Assessment service, available in EFILE and NETFILE certified tax preparation software, the notice of assessment is now available right after filing a return.
File my Return is available for Canadians with a low or a fixed income whose situations remain unchanged year-to-year. Eligible Canadians are able to file their income tax and benefit return by providing some personal information and answering a series of short questions through an automated phone service.The Government has also made it possible for tax preparers to amend their clients' returns electronically by using the new ReFILE service. In February 2018, the ReFILE service was expanded to allow individuals to submit online adjustments with certified NETFILE software.
The T2 Auto-fill service allows business owners and their representatives to download information from the CRA to their certified T2 tax preparation software. Since it was introduced in October 2017, there have been over 35,000 logins to this service. All corporations filing their T2 returns electronically using certified tax preparation software are able to digitally attach certain supporting documentation with their returns, instead of having to mail or fax them in. Since its implementation in the fall of 2017, the CRA has received over 6,000 electronic documents attached to the corporation income tax returns. In May 2018, the CRA introduced a new service that lets business owners and authorized representatives create their own filing and balance confirmation letters online.
In 2016-2017 alone, Canadians logged into CRA's secure online portals 51 million times, and 86% of filings occurred online—an increase of nearly 750,000 Canadians using this method over the prior year. The Government is currently redesigning CRA's secure portals to enable even more electronic interactions. Budget 2018 investments will update and modernize information technology infrastructure to deliver a more user-friendly experience, allowing Canadians to easily find the tax and benefit information they need."
5/31/2018,249,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency delivers correspondence and other communications that are straightforward and easy to read.,Minister of National Revenue,Underway - on track,"Correspondence is simplified so that Canadians can better understand information they receive from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), leading to increased client satisfaction and fewer inquiries for routine information.","The Government of Canada simplified the correspondence CRA sends Canadians, making it easier to read and understand, including new, simple, and easy-to-read notices of assessment for businesses and individuals, first sent in 2016. As of May 2018, 92% of the correspondence the CRA sends to Canadians has been transformed in the new easy-to-read format. The CRA will have simplified virtually all correspondence by May 2019."
5/31/2018,250,,Fair and Open Government,"Enhance transparency in the political fundraising system for Cabinet members, party leaders and leadership candidates.",Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - on track,A more transparent political fundraising system is in place that strengthens trust and confidence in our democratic institutions.,"In May 2017, the Government introduced legislation to significantly enhance transparency in the political fundraising system for Cabinet members, party leaders and leadership candidates. This legislation will give Canadians more information than ever before: they will know who is going to fundraisers, when and where they are happening, and the amount required to attend."
5/31/2018,251,,Strong Middle Class,Update the Canada Labour Code to address emerging issues such as unpaid internships and ensure modern federal employment standards.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Stronger protections and employment standards that better protect workers and reflect the changing nature of the labour market.,"Budget 2017 aims to eliminate unpaid internships in federally regulated sectors where internships are not part of a formal educational program. In the case of unpaid internships that are part of an educational program, the Government will ensure standard labour protections apply, such as maximum hours of work, weekly days of rest and general holidays. Legislation to implement these changes was tabled in Parliament on October 27, 2017, as part of the Budget Implementation Act, 2017, No. 2 received Royal Assent December 14, 2017.
The Government has also launched consultations on proposed updates to the Canada Labour Code to ensure that Canadians enjoy strong labour protections and standards."
5/31/2018,252,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Increase the labour force participation of women and underrepresented groups.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,"Improved labour market participation and employment outcomes for groups traditionally under-represented in the labour market (women, youth, immigrants, persons with disabilities, racialized communities, and Indigenous peoples).","The Government has introduced several initiatives to help Canadians with the challenges they face when making decisions about pursuing work or going back to school. These initiatives will increase the number of high-quality, affordable child care spaces (up to 40,000 over the next three years), introduce flexible work arrangements, make parental leave more flexible, and expand opportunities for lifelong learning. These initiatives are expected to increase labour force participation among several under-represented groups, particularly mothers in low- and modest-income families. In addition, the Government has increased the number of work experience opportunities for young Canadians through the Youth Employment Strategy, and has also expanded access to job supports and skills training for all Canadians, with a particular focus on the needs of Indigenous peoples and other under-represented groups. Budget 2018 proposed a new Employment Insurance Parental Sharing Benefit which will support greater gender equality in the home and in the workplace. The Benefit will provide additional weeks of “use it or lose it” EI parental benefits, when both parents agree to share parental leave. The renewal of the Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ISETS), the introduction of a Targeted Employment Strategy for Newcomers and the introduction of a federal accessibility act will further support the unique needs of Indigenous peoples, newcomers and persons with disabilities. To support women to enter and succeed in the trades, Budget 2018 proposed to pilot an Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women and implement a Women in Construction Fund."
5/31/2018,253,,Strong Middle Class,"Develop further initiatives to equip Canadians with the skills needed for the jobs of today and tomorrow, and to better assist workers getting help before becoming unemployed.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Canadian workers have the skills they need to find and keep good quality jobs.,"The Government of Canada is working with employers, unions, provinces, territories and educational institutions to ensure that Canadians are equipped to adapt to rapidly changing skills requirements and make successful job transitions. There is a particular focus throughout the suite of government investments in training, education and work experiences on addressing the skills needs of those at risk of being left furthest behind, such as Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, newcomers and vulnerable youth.
To ensure Canadian workers have the skills they need to find and keep good quality jobs, the Government is significantly increasing investment in labour market transfer agreements with provinces and territories and expanding their inclusiveness and scope to improve workers' access to skills training and job supports. The Federal Government is also making post-secondary education more affordable for low- and modest income families, increasing opportunities for graduates to gain work-ready skills for smoother school-to-work transitions and improving access to opportunities for adult upskilling and lifelong learning. The Government is also enhancing supports for skilled trades and apprenticeships, with an increasing focus on women and groups that have traditionally been underrepresented in the labour market.
To ensure skills training is relevant to the jobs of today and tomorrow, in Budget 2018 the Government announced that it will launch Future Skills this spring. Future Skills will bring together expertise from all sectors and leverage experience from partners across the country. It will also include an independent Council to advise on emerging skills and workforce trends, and a research lab focused on developing, testing and rigorously measuring new approaches to skills assessment and development.
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5/31/2018,254,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Introduce proactive pay equity legislation for federally-regulated workers.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Status of Women",Underway - on track,"Equal pay for work of equal value in federally regulated sectors. Proactive pay equity is expected to contribute to:
• reducing the gender wage gap by addressing the undervaluation of work traditionally performed by women; and
• fairness in the workplace.","The Government is replacing the current complaint-based approach to pay equity in the federal jurisdiction with a proactive system. Budget 2018 proposed that historic proactive pay equity legislation be introduced this fall to ensure that on average women and men in federally regulated sectors receive the same pay for work of equal value. According to preliminary estimates, this legislation could improve the gender wage gap from 91.4 cents to 94.1 cents for the core public administration, and from 88.1 cents to 90.7 cents in the federal private sector. The Budget also indicated that additional consultations with employers, unions and other stakeholders will take place in the coming months to ensure that the new regime will be applied fairly and will achieve its intended purpose. These will build on consultations held in 2017 with employer, employee and advocacy groups as well as experts on the design elements of a proactive pay equity system."
5/31/2018,255,,Strong Middle Class,Restore a fair and balanced approach to organized labour.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Public Services and Procurement",Completed - fully met,A fair and balanced labour policy.,"In June 2017, Parliament repealed measures enacted by two pieces of legislation which would have undermined the ability of workers to collectively bargain. This action was supported by both employers and unions, in recognition of the need by all parties for a policy framework that is governed by the principles of fairness and balance."
5/31/2018,256,,Healthy Canadians,Implement Canada's ban on asbestos.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,Canada comprehensively bans asbestos.,"In December 2016, the Government announced a set of comprehensive measures to ban asbestos and products containing asbestos by 2018. In July 2017, the Government brought into force changes to the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations to lower the exposure limit to as close to zero as possible for airborne chrysotile asbestos. These changes will protect federally regulated employees at risk."
5/31/2018,257,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Reduce the wage gap between men and women.,"Minister of Status of Women;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Fair compensation systems in organizations under federal jurisdiction and a more flexible work environment to reduce the pay gap between women and men.,"Proactive pay equity is expected to contribute to fairness in the workplace by reducing the gender wage gap by addressing the undervaluation of work traditionally performed by women.
On October 5, 2016, in its Response to the Special Committee on Pay Equity report titled It’s Time to Act, the Government of Canada made a commitment to table new, proactive pay equity legislation in federally regulated sectors before the end of 2018. Work is underway to achieve this objective.
In addition, Budgets 2016, 2017, and 2018 contain many measures to reduce the gender wage gap and encourage greater workforce participation among women. These measures include investments in early learning and child care, a new Employment Insurance caregiving benefit, a major symposium on women and the workplace, the right to request flexible work arrangements for federally regulated employees and pilot a new Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women. Budget 2018 proposed that historic proactive pay equity legislation be introduced this fall to ensure that on average women and men in federally regulated sectors receive the same pay for work of equal value. According to preliminary estimates, this legislation could improve the gender wage gap from 91.4 cents to 94.1 cents for the core public administration, and from 88.1 cents to 90.7 cents in the federal private sector. In addition, new pay transparency requirements in the federally-regulated sector will provide more information on the pay practices of employers, with specific attention paid to making existing wage gaps more evident.
Other measures include expanding eligibility for Canada Student Grants for part-time students and students with dependent children and supporting the creation of more work-integrated learning opportunities, including co-ops, for post-secondary students and in particular women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) and business programs through a new Student Work-Integrated Learning Program."
5/31/2018,259,,Canada in the World,"Continue joint efforts to address global security threats, combat terrorism and defend our continent.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,On-going commitment,"Canada is protected from global threats and contributes to achieving a safer, more peaceful and prosperous world.","Canada's new defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—supports the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces and provides them with the necessary equipment and capabilities to defend Canada, protect North America and contribute to international peace and security. In addition, Canada is a core member of the Global Coalition Against Daesh and has taken a leadership role in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization by serving as the Framework Nation for the enhanced Forward Presence in Latvia. Canada remains committed to the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD), which has proven itself effective in its roles of deterring, detecting and defending; and continues to play an important role in the defence of North America. Canada also collaborates closely with the U.S. on supporting international measures to advance a diplomatic solution to the North Korea threat, including by co-hosting the Vancouver Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Security and Stability on the Korean Peninsula on January 16, 2018. Canada is also actively working to ensure accountability for Syria's use of chemical weapons and contributes to countering terrorism globally; Canada was recently confirmed as co-chair (with Algeria) of the West Africa Working Group of the Global Counterterrorism Forum. In Latin America, Canada is strongly supporting Colombia’s efforts towards the implementation of the peace process with a view to bringing the longest-running conflict in the Western Hemisphere to a peaceful end. In Haiti, Canada is supporting, including through the deployment of Canadian police and correctional agents, the UN mission for Justice Support (MINUJUSTH), launched in October 2017 and focused on assisting the Haitian government in strengthening rule of law institutions, further supporting and developing the Haitian National Police, and engaging in human rights monitoring, reporting and analysis. A theme of Canada’s 2018 G7 presidency is “building a more peaceful and secure world,” driving discussion and collective efforts among G7 partners to support a rules-based international order built around the core principles of democracy, human rights, the rule of law and territorial integrity. In addition to cooperating closely to address crises in multiple regions, at a joint meeting of G7 foreign and security ministers on April 23, 2018, Canada and its G7 partners committed to working together to manage the risks associated with foreign terrorist fighters and associated travelers, as well as to reinforce our democracies and strengthen our societies’ resilience against foreign actors seeking to undermine democratic institutions and processes through coercive, corrupt, covert or malicious means. "
5/31/2018,260,,Environment and Climate Change,Cooperate with the United States on energy security and energy infrastructure.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canada and the United States benefit from a secure and effective cross-border energy infrastructure.,"Collaboration on energy security and infrastructure was included in the February 13, 2017 Joint Statement from President Trump and Prime Minister Trudeau. Canada continues to support several major cross-border energy infrastructure projects, including: Keystone XL, Line 3 and Line 67, Northern Pass, New England Clean Power Link, and Great Northern Transmission Line. All projects are at different stages of review, investment, or approval. The U.S. State Department has issued presidential permits for the construction of these projects. A North American Energy Ministerial meeting took place in November 2017, and identified further areas for North American collaboration, including facilitating cross-border energy infrastructure projects."
5/31/2018,261,,Environment and Climate Change,Advance shared action with the United States on environmental issues and climate change.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canada-U.S. collaboration leads to a cleaner shared environment and clean energy innovation.,"Canada and the United States issued a joint statement in February 2017 confirming both countries' commitment to collaborate closely in energy innovation, especially in the clean energy sphere; in energy cooperation, particularly along the border and at the Great Lakes; and to enhance the quality of our air and water. In November 2017, Canada, Mexico and the state-driven U.S. Climate Alliance (a bipartisan coalition of 16 U.S. Governors plus Puerto Rico) launched the North American Climate Leadership Dialogue to address clean technology, clean power and carbon pricing initiatives. Canada will continue to advance these priorities, including by working with Mexico and sub-national governments in the United States in the context of the North American Climate Leaders’ process.
Previously, in recognition of a shared vision among Canada, the United States and Mexico, the three leaders of these countries committed to a North American Climate, Clean Energy, and Environment Partnership in June 2016. In December 2016, a Canada-United States Joint Arctic Leaders' Statement emphasized the importance of a strong, sustainable and viable Arctic economy and ecosystem."
5/31/2018,262,,Exports and Investment,Strengthen trilateral cooperation with the United States and Mexico to enhance North America's global competitiveness.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,On-going commitment,North America is strong and competitive in global markets.,"The Government continues to actively engage Mexico and the United States in order to advance issues in our common interest, including through negotiations to modernize North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). During trade negotiations, the Government of Canada is committed to creating the most favourable conditions for Canadian businesses to compete internationally. In addition to trade, North American cooperation continues in key areas such as energy, security and defence. On February 2, 2018, a North American Foreign Ministers Meeting took place in Mexico City, where the three foreign ministers discussed a range of topics including North American regional competitiveness that touched on NAFTA, energy cooperation and women’s entrepreneurship. "
5/31/2018,263,,Canada in the World,"Strengthen relationships with key bilateral, regional and multilateral partners.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canadian interests and values are promoted through enhanced cooperation with key international partners.,"Canada continues to constructively contribute to multilateral fora to advance its foreign policy priorities, including at the United Nations (UN); the African Union; the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE); the Commonwealth; La Francophonie; the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation; the Association of Southeast Asian Nations; the Pacific Alliance; the International Syria Support Group; the Lima Group on Venezuela (Canada hosted the October 2017 meeting); the Organization of American States (Canada chaired the OAS Permanent Council in fall 2017); the World Economic Forum and the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the World Trade Organization (WTO). The Government signed and provisionally applied the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and the Strategic Partnership Agreement with the European Union and signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Trade Partnership and is negotiating a free trade agreement with MERCOSUR (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay), the Pacific Alliance and NAFTA. The Government has also strengthened relationships with key bilateral, regional and multilateral partners in the Asia Pacific, Europe, Eastern Europe and Eurasia, Latin America and Caribbean, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and the Maghreb through high-level engagements, including 320 visits by the Prime Minister and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Development. Canada holds the G7 presidency throughout 2018, further reinforcing and amplifying Canada's ability to promote its interests and values through key international relationships with a focus on the following thematic areas: (1) investing in growth that works for everyone; (2) preparing for jobs of the future; (3) advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment; (4) working together on climate change, oceans and clean energy; and (5) building a more peaceful and secure world. Moreover, acknowledging that many issues related to advancing Canadian interests and values require multi-stakeholder engagement, Canada has expanded its networks and relationships with international coalitions and forums such as the Freedom Online Coalition; the Internet Governance Forum; the International Parliamentary Union, Women Political Leaders Global Forum, and the Community of Democracies. Canada and the EU have also announced plans to co-chair a meeting of women foreign ministers in Canada on September 21-22, 2018."
5/31/2018,264,,Canada in the World,Seek leadership opportunities for Canada and Canadians in multilateral institutions.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canada and Canadians play a leading role in international organizations.,"Canada is currently seeking a non-permanent seat on the United Nations (UN) Security Council for 2020-2021 and is leading one of the four North Atlantic Treaty Organization multinational enhanced Forward Presence battlegroups in Eastern Europe. An Action Plan for international staffing will ensure that more Canadians secure positions of influence in multilateral institutions. Several Canadians have recently been appointed to senior positons in the UN and the Government is working with civil society organizations to ensure strong Canadian candidates are on the UN's roster for the position of Special Representative. For example, Canadian Kim Prost was elected to a nine-year term as a judge on the International Criminal Court in December 2017. Canada holds the G7 presidency and hosted G7 partners in Canada for a series of ministerial meetings throughout 2018, in addition to the Leaders' Summit in Charlevoix, Quebec, on June 8-9, 2018.
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5/31/2018,265,,Canada in the World,"Ensure that the deployment of the Armed Forces aligns with Canada's interests, our commitments and the government's policy.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,The deployment of the Canadian Armed Forces contributes to the achievement of Canada's broader international priorities.,"The Department of National Defence and Global Affairs Canada established a bi-weekly coordination mechanism to ensure greater policy coherence. The Government has also introduced new planning and policy development arrangements to ensure analysis of military deployments include foreign policy considerations and reflect broader government objectives. Approximately 1,800 Canadian Armed Forces personnel are currently deployed on 18 missions supporting Canada's international priorities."
5/31/2018,270,,Healthy Canadians,Introduce restrictions on the commercial marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,Commercial marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children is significantly reduced leading to better health outcomes for Canadian children.,"The Government launched the Healthy Eating Strategy in October 2016. The Government is working with experts and stakeholders on key issues, including the definition of unhealthy foods and drinks and possible marketing restrictions that should be pursued. During the summer of 2017, Health Canada conducted a public consultation on a proposed policy approach for restricting marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children, and published a report summarizing the comments in December 2017. Health Canada is refining its proposed approach based on feedback received during consultations.
Bill S-228 is currently at third reading in the House of Commons. The Bill aims to protect children's health by prohibiting the marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children. Health Canada is developing regulations to implement the proposed prohibitions under Bill S-228. A policy update on Proposed Regulations was posted on May 8, 2018 on Canada.ca."
5/31/2018,271,,Healthy Canadians,Bring in tougher regulations to eliminate trans fats and reduce salt in processed foods.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"Industrially produced trans fats are eliminated from food products; the food and restaurant industries systematically reduce sodium levels in the food supply; and consumers are better able to identify foods high in sodium, sugar and saturated fat, resulting in improved public health.","The Government launched the Healthy Eating Strategy in October 2016. As part of this Strategy, a ban on partially hydrogenated oils, the main source of industrial trans fat, was published in September 2017 and will take effect in one year. In addition, a report evaluating industry's efforts to reduce sodium levels in foods was published in January 2018.
On February 10, 2018, Health Canada pre-published proposed regulations that would require a symbol on the front of packaged foods that are high in sodium, sugars, and/or saturated fat in Canada Gazette, Part 1. This initiative would support sodium reduction by providing consumers with quick and easy guidance to identify foods high in sodium and encouraging manufacturers to lower the sodium content of their foods. In addition, Health Canada completed an online consumer questionnaire to help inform the design of the final symbol. The Government will continue to work with stakeholders to identify additional ways to further reduce sodium in foods. "
5/31/2018,272,,Healthy Canadians,Improve food labels to give more information on added sugars and artificial dyes.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"Canadians have the information, tools and resources to make healthy food choices, improving health outcomes.","The Government launched the Healthy Eating Strategy in October 2016, with the goal of making ""the healthy choice the easy choice."" As part of this Strategy, regulatory amendments were published in December 2016 updating the requirements for nutrition information on food labels, making them easier to understand. This includes making serving sizes more consistent, new information on how to use the Percentage Daily Value, and more information on sugars and food colors in the Nutrition Facts table and list of ingredients. The Front of Package labelling proposal will complement these changes by identifying prepackaged foods that contain high amounts of sodium, sugar and saturated fat."
5/31/2018,273,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Implement Canada's new immigration levels plans.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,"310,000 permanent residents are admitted to Canada in 2018, contributing to economic growth, family reunification and the Government's humanitarian commitments. Canada enjoys increased economic competitiveness through the attraction of global talent.","While the admissions planning range of between 280,000 and 320,000 permanent residents was achieved in 2017, admissions fell short of the 300,000 target by less than 5%.
In November 2017, the Government tabled an immigration levels plan with a target of welcoming 980,000 new permanent residents over the next three years. These targets will increase the number of permanent residents selected in economic programs, while maintaining a commitment to family reunification and resettlement of refugees. The Government is reducing application backlogs, improving the speed at which applications are processed and putting a greater focus on the attraction of highly skilled global talent."
5/31/2018,274,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Ensure the delivery of high-quality settlement services for newcomers, informed by rigorous outcomes data.","Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,"Improved, high-quality settlement services for newcomers to Canada, leading to improved outcomes for immigrants and their children.","The Government is helping immigrants better prepare for a new life in Canada. Enhancements to service delivery for the settlement program are being informed by evaluation findings, pilot projects, and consultations with provincial and territorial partners and stakeholders. Potential longer-term changes to the delivery of settlement services will be informed by expanded reporting and analytic capabilities, beginning in 2017."
5/31/2018,275,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Continue to welcome refugees from Syria and elsewhere.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,"The Government continues to welcome refugees from countries around the world and offer persons fleeing conflict and/or persecution a safe haven. Between January 2015 and December 31, 2017, approximately 51,000 Syrian refugees, and close to 94,000 refugees in total, have been resettled to Canada.","Refugees welcomed to Canada include resettled persons from the Congo, Eritrea, and survivors of Daesh and their families, including Yazidi refugees. The commitment to resettle 1,200 survivors of Daesh has been met. The 2018 immigration levels plan increases the target of welcoming refugees and protected persons to Canada from 40,000 to 43,000. This figure remains among the highest in Canadian history, and double the number of refugees that were welcomed in 2015 and preceding years."
5/31/2018,276,,Canada in the World,Conduct a review of the visa policy framework.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,"An evidence-based visa policy framework that promotes Canada’s economic, foreign policy and cultural interests at the same time as protecting the safety and security of all Canadians.","The Government has initiated a review of Canada's visa policy framework to ensure it uses a robust, evidence-based approach when making visa decisions. The Government is also reviewing policies for managing foreign nationals transiting through Canadian airports to increase Canada's air connections with the rest of the world while prioritizing the security of Canadians. In addition, the Government facilitated the travel of low-risk travellers from Brazil, and has lifted previous visa restrictions that applied to visitors from Romania, Bulgaria and Mexico."
5/31/2018,277,,Indigenous peoples,Make changes to the Oath of Canadian Citizenship to reflect the Truth and Reconciliation's Calls to Action.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,Updated Oath of Canadian Citizenship and Citizenship Test that reflect Canadian and Indigenous history.,"The Government of Canada is currently working with national Indigenous organizations to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's recommendations to incorporate recognition of treaties with Indigenous peoples into the Oath of Canadian Citizenship, update the citizenship test to reflect and guide a more inclusive history of Indigenous peoples, and provide information on the history of residential schools for newcomers. The Government will bring forward legislation to modify the Oath. Changes to the citizenship guide are currently being drafted."
5/31/2018,278,,Exports and Investment,Advance Canada's progressive trade agenda.,Minister of International Trade,On-going commitment,"Canadian workers are protected from unfair trade practices, trade agreements maintain or improve Canadian levels of protection in key areas like employment and the environment, and Canada advances the rules-based international order and trading system.","Canada's progressive trade agenda seeks to ensure Canada's trading partners meet their international labour obligations, and enforce their labour laws. The agenda also ensures the continued protection of the environment and ensures that a country’s environmental laws are enforced. The modernized Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement includes a Trade and Gender Chapter, a first for Canada and any G20 country, as does the recently modernized Canada-Israel FTA, demonstrating Canada’s continued commitment to furthering gender equality and women’s participation in international trade. The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) includes provisions on protecting the environment, health and safety, and employment standards. The Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (CPTPP) includes robust labour and environment chapters that are subject to strong dispute settlement. As part of the agenda, the Government continues to advocate for stronger provisions on the environment and labour, as well as on trade and gender, Indigenous peoples, SMEs and the right to regulate in public interest. The Government will continue to develop and advance progressive approaches to trade through bilateral and multilateral engagement and play a leadership role in international fora. Canada's implementation of International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 98 in June 2017, which affirms the fundamental right to collectively bargain, is one example of this approach. Canada has now ratified all eight of the ILO Core conventions. Also, in December 2017, Canada played a leadership role in advancing the WTO Buenos Aires Declaration on Women and Trade, endorsed by over 120 WTO members and observers."
5/31/2018,279,,Exports and Investment,Promote trade and investment with established markets such as Japan.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"Increased two-way trade and investment with Japan, supporting well-paying, middle-class jobs.","The Government is promoting Canada-Japan trade through multilateral engagement with provinces, territories and municipalities. Visits by the Prime Minister, key ministers, and provincial premiers have showcased trade and investment potential in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, agriculture, life sciences and clean tech. Over the course of fiscal years 2016 and 2017, our posts in Japan facilitated more than $850 million in Japanese investment stock in Canada, creating more than 450 jobs. Canada is working closely with Japan to explore ways to further deepen the bilateral trade and investment relationship including building on the recently signed Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)."
5/31/2018,280,,Exports and Investment,Position Canada as a top destination for global investment and promote its economic brand.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"Canada ranks among the top developed economies in global rankings of investment competitiveness, attractiveness and brand.","The Government is encouraging global investment and promoting our economic brand through the creation of the Invest in Canada Agency; the expansion of the Trade Commissioner Service, to increase our presence in strategic markets abroad; and the acceleration of changes to the Investment Canada Act. The changes to the Act will lead to greater transparency of the guidelines used for national security reviews, and increase the threshold for review under the Act to transactions of $1 billion or greater as of 2017. The Government is also developing a comprehensive Progressive Trade Strategy which will bring forward additional measures to enhance business opportunities for Canadian businesses consistent with innovation, investment and job growth goals. Recent global surveys continue to rank Canada as a top place to do business. For example, the Economist Intelligence Unit has ranked Canada first in G20 for doing business over 2017-2021; KPMG has ranked Canada as the most tax competitive country in G7 with the lowest overall business costs in G7; OECD shows that Canada leads G20 in R&D spending in higher education as share of GDP with the best tax incentives in G7 and the most educated talent pool among member nations. Canada moved up three places to second in the 2018 A.T. Kearney Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Index to its highest ranking in the history of the Index. Thomson Reuters' investment in a new technology hub, General Motors' announcement of new manufacturing capacity, NOVA Chemicals (Mubadala) expansion of a new world-scale polyethylene plant in Sarnia, ON, Erwin Hymer’s new manufacturing facility in Cambridge, ON, Tech Mahindra's new center of excellence in Toronto, ON and Amazon’s 3,000 job expansion in Vancouver are just a few examples of successes to date. Overall, the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) facilitated 101 investment projects to Canada with an estimated value of $2.25 billion and 2,979 jobs created between April 2016 and March 2017. In addition, the TCS facilitated 159 investor visits to Canada to pursue specific investment projects. Between April 2017 and March 2018, TCS has reported 133 wins representing approximately $3.65 billion and over 7,000 new jobs and facilitated 179 site selection visits."
5/31/2018,281,,Exports and Investment,Ensure alignment between Canada's export and innovation strategies.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"More Canadian businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, export their products and services.","The Government launched a new Innovation and Skills Plan to: retrain Canadians for the jobs of today and tomorrow; drive investments in six high-growth sectors of the Canadian economy; and to make it easier for businesses and innovators to access the support they need. The Government will ensure that the upcoming Trade and Investment Strategy and the Innovation and Skills Plan will be aligned to: focus on free trade agreement promotion, support exporters and grow global firms by Canadian innovators and entrepreneurs, strengthen investment attraction and support a progressive trade policy agenda."
5/31/2018,282,,Exports and Investment,Implement and expand Canada's Free Trade Agreements globally.,Minister of International Trade,On-going commitment,"Free Trade Agreements increase trade and investment, creating good middle-class jobs.","The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement entered into provisional application in September 2017 and has thus far been ratified at a national level by 10 EU Member States. The Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement entered into force in August 2017. On March 8, 2018, the Government signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. The Government has entered into negotiations to modernize the North American Free Trade Agreement to reflect new realities and to integrate progressive approaches to trade and investment. Canada also started negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Pacific Alliance, with the latest round having taken place in May 2018. In addition, Canada continues to engage China on a possible free trade agreement and is working with India to intensify negotiations on a Canada-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement. Canada has worked closely with Israel to modernize the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement, signed on May 28, 2018. In September 2017, Canada and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations agreed to launch exploratory discussions on the potential FTA. The amended Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement, including a chapter on trade and gender, was ratified by Parliament on December 7, 2017. Canada and MERCOSUR launched FTA negotiations on March 9, 2018. A first round of negotiations took place in Ottawa March 20-23, 2018, and the second round is scheduled for June 11-15, 2018, in Brasilia, Brazil."
5/31/2018,283,,Strong Middle Class,"Improve Canadian competiveness, create jobs and generate economic growth.",Minister of International Trade,On-going commitment,Trade and investment boosts Canadian economic growth.,"Canadian merchandise exports between April 2017 and March 2018 reached a value of $546.3 billion, which is a 4.0% increase from the same period the year before. Merchandise imports during this period also increased in value by 5.7%, totaling $567.5 billion. 296,200 more Canadians were employed at the end of March 2018 compared to March of last year. Average GDP at market prices in 2017 was $1.86 trillion, which is an increase of 3.0% compared to 2016. The Government launched a new Innovation and Skills Plan, an ambitious agenda to make Canada a centre of innovation, create well-paying, middle class jobs, and help more Canadians adapt to the changing economy. This plan will expand opportunities for skills training, drive investments in six high-growth sectors of the Canadian economy, and make it easier for businesses and innovators to access the support they need. Budget 2018 provides funding to programs such as the Canadian Technology Accelerator (CTA) program and the Business Women in Trade; creates the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise; and allocates resources to develop bilateral relations with China and promote trade between Canada, China and Asia, the Government is taking further concrete steps to improve Canadian competitiveness and generate long-term economic growth."
5/31/2018,285,,Canada in the World,Maintain Canada's strong commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).,Minister of National Defence,On-going commitment,The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) remains strong and Canada is a trusted partner in the alliance.,"Canada has substantially increased its commitment to NATO by renewing the mandate for Operation REASSURANCE and becoming a Framework Nation in Latvia in support of NATO's enhanced Forward Presence. Canada has also participated in NATO activities, programs, and decision-making, including the Warsaw Heads of State and Government Summit. Outside the NATO context but in close coordination with NATO Allies, Canada has continued its support to Ukraine, including renewal of the mandate for Operation UNIFIER (a military training and capacity building mission), until March 31, 2019."
5/31/2018,286,,Safety and Security,Increase the size of the Canadian Rangers.,Minister of National Defence,Underway - on track,"The Canadian Rangers have the numbers, equipment and training needed to do their job properly.","The Government is in the final stages of determining the resource requirements to increase the capability of the Canadian Rangers. Each Canadian Ranger Patrol Group across the country has had an opportunity to provide input. Canada's new defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—commits to following up with related improvements in equipment and training."
5/31/2018,287,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Review collection of gender statistics to evaluate programs and policies.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,"More data available from Statistics Canada, disaggregated by gender, allowing more informed decision-making.","Status of Women Canada and Statistics Canada are developing a plan to improve the availability and use of gender-disaggregated data to inform programs and policies aimed at advancing gender equality. Budgets 2016 and 2017 included many measures to increase access to gender disaggregated data, including investments in the collection of new data related to gender-based violence and the release of existing data through new reports on Women in Canada. Budget 2018 announced $6.7 million in funding over five years, starting in 2018-19 for a new Centre for Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Statistics to support evidence-based decision-making both in and out of the federal government. In addition, the Government is introducing a new Gender Results Framework—a whole-of-government tool to track and monitor progress on gender equality, and will provide $1.5 million over five years starting in 2018–19 to develop a broader set of indicators to track progress on achieving gender equality objectives. "
5/31/2018,288,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Integrate gender-based questions and content into government consultations.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,All government consultations include gender-based questions and content.,"The Government is developing guidelines for departments to ensure all consultations incorporate gender-based questions. Collecting diverse perspectives through these consultations will allow for the assessment of how diverse groups of women, men and non-binary individuals may experience policies, programs and initiatives."
5/31/2018,289,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Host a national Gender-Based Analysis roundtable in 2018.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,"Strengthened awareness of Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+), its potential use by governments, and opportunities for improvement.",Planning for this national event is now underway.
5/31/2018,290,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Build on the first Gender-based Analysis of Budget 2017 to improve future budgets.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,Comprehensive Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) is incorporated into all future budgets improving public policy.,"The Government is continuing to improve the quality and scope of GBA+ in federal budgets. This includes consultation with experts and key stakeholders during the pre-budget consultations process and meetings with experts and leaders globally. In Budget 2018, no budget decision was taken without being informed by Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+). To ensure that gender remains a key consideration for future governments, the Government will introduce new GBA+ legislation to make gender budgeting a permanent part of the federal budget-making process. "
5/31/2018,291,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) is incorporated into key government reports.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,"All major government reports include Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) considerations, improving their policy recommendations.",The Government has provided guidance to departments and agencies as to where and how GBA+ should be incorporated into their Results Frameworks and Reports on Results. The Government has also provided guidance to departments in incorporating GBA+ into Departmental Plans for 2018/19. The Government is now examining how best to extend GBA+ to other key reports.
5/31/2018,292,,Fair and Open Government,Modernize the Communications Policy of the Government to reflect the modern digital environment.,President of the Treasury Board,Completed - fully met,Government communications that reflect the digital environment.,"The Government of Canada has transformed the communications policy to foster more coordinated communications within and across government departments through the use of innovative methods. This policy will help ensure the Government engages in activities that are timely, clear, cost-effective, in both official languages, accessible and non-partisan. In addition, the policy will help to ensure government communications are clearly branded, both in Canada and abroad."
5/31/2018,293,,Fair and Open Government,Take a more modern approach to comptrollership.,President of the Treasury Board,Completed - fully met,Modernized cost analysis for all Government programs and legislation.,The Government has launched a renewed financial management policy in April 2017. The Treasury Board Secretariat engaged key stakeholders through information sessions and developed guidelines to help federal organizations ensure that financial resources are well managed.
5/31/2018,294,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that a fixed percentage of funds is devoted to experimenting with new approaches to challenges and measure the impact of programs.,President of the Treasury Board,Underway - on track,"Innovation and experimentation are part of routine business of government, and new models are identified that improve outcomes for Canadians.","Ethical and rigorous experimentation is central to the Government’s focus on evidence-based policy-making. By testing program options, departments can generate evidence to learn what works and inform decision-making.
The Government has directed federal agencies and departments to allocate a percentage of program funding towards experimenting with new approaches, measuring impact and delivering better results to Canadians. In December 2016, federal Deputy Ministers were given guidance on experimentation and the use of new and innovative approaches, including user-centred design and outcomes-based funding. In April 2017, the Government provided federal departments with new structures that allow departments to distribute grants and contributions more flexibly under the Treasury Board Policy on Transfer Payments.
More recently, the Impact Canada Initiative was launched to use outcomes-based funding experiments, innovative financing approaches and new partnership models to achieve better results for Canadians. The Clerk of the Privy Council also recently endorsed the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Declaration on Public Sector innovation which calls for more experimentation within programs. The Government launched a new procurement initiative, Innovative Solutions Canada, to match businesses offering early stage prototypes with departments in need of new products or services."
5/31/2018,295,,Fair and Open Government,Exercise due diligence regarding costing analysis prepared by departments for all proposed legislation and programs.,President of the Treasury Board,Underway - on track,Modernized costing informs all proposed legislation and programs.,"The Government issued new best practices for calculating program costs and commissioned a study to identify gaps in the existing costing approach, which will help inform future decisions. The Government is also undertaking a pilot project to better estimate future costing requirements for major procurement projects. This pilot project played a critical role in the development of the new defence policy: Strong, Secure, Engaged. These measures will help make sure solid costing information informs decision-making."
5/31/2018,296,,Environment and Climate Change,Restore annual federal funding for freshwater research and make new investments in Canada’s Experimental Lakes Area.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Completed - fully met,Restored annual federal funding for freshwater research and monitoring activities to keep our water safe.,"In April 2016, $197 million was committed to enhance ocean and freshwater science activities. In June 2016, the Government signed a contribution agreement with the International Institute of Sustainable Development (IISD), to support freshwater research at the Experimental Lakes Area. The Government is also conducting scientific research and monitoring activities in lakes and rivers, such as Lake Winnipeg and the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence watersheds. These measures will improve Canada's understanding of freshwater ecosystems and protect the environment we share."
5/31/2018,297,,Safety and Security,Implement a strategy against gender violence.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,"Reduced gender-based violence, greater awareness of gender-based violence and better support and services for survivors.","In June 2017, the Government launched It's Time: Canada's Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence, which takes a whole-of-government approach to prevent gender-based violence (GBV), support survivors and improve responsiveness of the legal and justice systems. As part of the strategy, a Gender-Based Violence Knowledge Centre will be created to share best practices between governments and service providers.
To date, new programs have been established to implement, test and potentially scale up promising approaches to prevent GBV, including child maltreatment and teen dating violence; and to test promising practices to address gaps in support for Indigenous people and other underserved groups of survivors in Canada, including LGBTQ2 communities and people of all genders, non-status/refugee/immigrant women, seniors, women living in an official language minority community, women living in northern, rural and remote communities, and women living with a disability. Statistics Canada also recently launched a new national survey to collect data on GBV, the first such survey in Canada.
Budget 2018 augments these programs and adds enhancements to initiatives to prevent bullying and cyberbullying, investigate child sexual exploitation and increase access to sexual assault services for military personnel and their families. Budget 2018 also supports efforts to engage men and boys in promoting gender equality and announced the funding to establish a national framework for addressing gender-based violence on post-secondary campuses."
5/31/2018,298,,Jobs and Innovation,"Help small- and medium-sized enterprises grow, become more innovative and export oriented.","Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Small Business and Tourism",Underway - on track,"Double the number of high-growth firms in Canada by 2025 to create good, middle class jobs, strengthen communities, and grow the economy.","Small business owners work hard to provide Canadians with quality goods and services while also creating job opportunities that strengthen communities across the country and grow the middle class. The Government is focused on helping small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) export and grow. The Government’s Innovation and Skills Plan, introduced in Budget 2017, introduced a suite of initiatives to help Canadian innovators and entrepreneurs grow their companies. The Strategic Innovation Fund, launched in July 2017, is a $1.26 billion fund designed to help companies from across sectors of the economy access regional and global supply chains and support growth through innovation to create new, good, well-paying jobs. Innovative Solutions Canada, launched in December 2017, is a new program with over $100 million dedicated to supporting the scale up and growth of Canada’s innovators and entrepreneurs by having the federal government act as a first customer. The Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative (VCCI) will make $400 million available through the Business Development Bank of Canada to increase late-stage venture capital funding for Canadian firms looking to grow, expand and compete globally. The call for proposals for VCCI support was launched in December 2017. The Innovation Canada digital platform was launched in January 2018 and provides simplified and customized access to the business innovation support programs that are most appropriate for companies depending on their sector, stage of growth and innovation support needs. These new initiatives complement existing programs such as the Industrial Research Assistance Program and the CanExport Program."
5/31/2018,299,,Strong Middle Class,Support regional economic growth strategies.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,Inclusive growth and economic diversification in all regions through improved programs and strategies.,"The Atlantic Growth Strategy was launched in 2016 and has set an ambitious vision to grow Atlantic Canada's economy. The strategy targets joint areas of priority including: innovation, trade & investment, skills/immigration, clean growth and infrastructure.
In Budget 2018, the Government identified regional development agencies as one of four key platforms which will help to grow Canadian businesses and advance the Innovation and Skills Plan across all regions of Canada (with the other three key platforms being: the Industrial Research Assistance Program, the Strategic Innovation Fund, and the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service).
Starting in 2018–19, the Government is providing more than $500 million over five years to regional development agencies to foster economic growth, including regionally tailored funding for women entrepreneurs as part of the new Women Entrepreneurship Strategy.
The Government is also extending core funding of the regional development agencies that is currently time-limited:
• $20 million per year, starting in 2018–19 and ongoing, to the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency;
• $920 million over six years, starting in 2018–19, to renew the funding for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
On April 9th 2018, the Government unveiled a regional economic development strategy for Northern Ontario that is centered on supporting innovation, growing companies and building stronger communities and ensuring communities have the necessary skills for the middle-class jobs of tomorrow."
5/31/2018,300,,Safety and Security,"Review the criminal justice system, including sentencing reforms, to ensure it keeps us safe and it is fair.",Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,"Crime rates are reduced, the justice system has the resources it needs, and all Canadians have access to justice through a fairer system.","The Government continues to review the criminal justice system, including sentencing reforms, to ensure that it keeps Canadians safe, while also addressing the overrepresentation of vulnerable groups in our prisons, including Indigenous people and those with mental illness. Using various platforms, such as in-person meetings and online discussion fora, Canadians had an opportunity to share their views on what can be done to improve the Criminal Justice System. The public consultation closed on January 31, 2018. A consultation report was released on March 22, 2018. This follows a program of broad engagement with justice system partners, stakeholders from diverse perspectives and various sectors. The Government has introduced bills that demonstrate respect for the courts and the Charter, including a bill that allows a judge to waive a federal victim surcharge in cases of genuine inability to pay and a bill to modernize the Criminal Code by removing outdated provisions as well as clarifying and strengthening sexual assault laws. And, in March 2018, the Government tabled legislation to improve the efficiency of the criminal justice system and address court delays in six key areas: (1) modernize and streamline the bail regime; (2) enhance the approach to administration of justice offences, including for youth; (3) restrict the availability of preliminary inquiries to offences carrying life imprisonment; (4) reclassify some offences to provide greater flexibility and court efficiencies; (5) improve the jury composition and selection process; and, (6) strengthen case management measures and processes for making rules of court. Further, a number of these reforms will assist in reducing the overrepresentation of Indigenous people and vulnerable populations in the criminal justice system, including those with addictions and mental illness. Budget 2016 and 2017 committed funding for more judges in Superior Courts, greater support programming on judicial education, ethics and conduct, further funding for court translation in both of Canada's official languages, and more legal aid services provided in the provinces and territories, including specialized services to Indigenous people, and those with mental illness. Additional representation and services will also be offered through the Indigenous Courtwork Program for Indigenous people to help them navigate the criminal justice system. "
5/31/2018,305,,Strong Middle Class,"Eliminate the $1,000 Labour Market Impact Assessment fee to hire caregivers.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Elimination of the Labour Market Impact Assessment fee to hire caregivers so those in need of assistance can meet their family caregiving responsibilities.,"Effective December 8, 2017, the Government eliminated the Labour Market Impact Assessment processing fee for families seeking to hire foreign caregivers to provide care for persons with high medical needs, and for families with an income of less than $150,000 in annual income seeking to hire foreign caregivers to provide child care. These changes will ensure that support is targeted at those most in need of assistance to meet their family caregiving responsibilities."
5/31/2018,307,,Strong Middle Class,Promote good quality jobs by developing the Global Skills Strategy.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,"Shorter processing times and a dedicated service channel for employers seeking to attract highly skilled, in-demand global talent, leading to more investment and job creation in Canada.","In June 2017, as part of the Global Skills Strategy, the Government of Canada launched the new Global Talent Stream under the Temporary Foreign Worker program for a period of two years. This new Stream helps eligible companies attract highly-skilled global talent to scale up and remain globally competitive while creating good, middle class jobs in Canada. High-growth Canadian companies and global businesses making large investments in Canada can apply. Companies that apply have to demonstrate that the talent they wish to bring to Canada will provide labour market benefits for Canadians and that the position is in high-demand. They have access to an expedited review process lasting no more than a combined 20 business days from end to end, including reviews conducted by Employment and Social Development Canada and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada."
5/31/2018,308,,Government Services and Operations,Develop a strategy that aims to create a single online window for all government services.,President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Public Services and Procurement;Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - with challenges,Government of Canada services and programs are simpler and Canadians can access them more easily.,"The Government of Canada Service Strategy will be released through the Government's long-term plan to improve services to Canadians. This plan will include measures to improve service standards and create a simpler, more focused online window for services. This plan will also include targeted investments to improve specific services, which will lead to simpler and more online tax filing options; more online services from the Canadian Border Services Agency; more digital options and self-service capabilities for student loans; auto-enrollment to Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement services; shorter immigration processing times; better integration of Veterans services; improved access to Employment Insurance; and simpler, more integrated information sharing to reduce administration and red tape hindering access to business services. In keeping with its Budget 2017 commitment to use technology to better serve Canadians, the Government has also established the Canadian Digital Service (CDS). The CDS is working with departments to make it faster, simpler and easier for Canadians to access benefits and services online. Achieving integrated online government service delivery will take time due to required Government-wide IT transformation and legislative changes."
5/31/2018,309,,Government Services and Operations,Set transparent service standards for the delivery of Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,"Canadians making inquiries about Employment Insurance (EI) will receive answers more quickly, consistent with new, higher service standards.","As a result of Budget 2016 investments ($73 million), the EI Call Centre network significantly increased its capacity and improved its service accessibility. Building on these investments, Budget 2018 will provide an additional $127.7 million over three years to further improve accessibility and ensure Canadians receive timely and accurate information and assistance with EI benefits.
In May 2016, the Government launched the EI Service Quality Review (SQR). The SQR sought input from stakeholders and Canadians on ways Service Canada could improve the quality of EI services on the phone, online and in person. The final report provided ten recommendations on how to make EI service delivery more responsive to the needs of Canadians. Service Canada used this input to review EI service standards, completed in March 2018, and is considering next steps.
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5/31/2018,311,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Improve the Temporary Foreign Worker Program so it meets the needs of Canadian workers and employers.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,"The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) contributes to sustained economic growth without displacing qualified Canadians, meets the needs of workers and employers and protects the vulnerable.","The Government has taken action in a number of areas to improve the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) guided, in part, by the 2016 recommendations of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons' with Disabilities study of the TFWP. Budget 2017 confirmed permanent funding for the risk-based, TFWP employer compliance inspection regime, an increase in on-site inspections in sectors with high volumes of vulnerable workers such as Primary Agriculture, and to support work with industry sectors that rely on Temporary Foreign Workers to develop comprehensive workforce development strategies in partnership with employers, organized labour and other stakeholders. To ensure that Canadians always have the first opportunity at available jobs, the Government introduced a number of changes to improve the TFWP. Changes include: ending the four year cumulative duration rule; introducing the new Global Talent Stream for high-skill to help high-growth Canadian companies attract specialized global talent that will create new jobs for Canadians; increasing the requirement of employers to recruit Canadians typically under-represented in our workforce; extending the low-wage cap for seasonal employment; increasing on-site inspections of workplaces that employ temporary foreign workers; committing to further develop pathways to permanent residency so that eligible newcomers are able to more fully contribute to Canadian society; and working with heavy users of the TFWP to create Canadian workforce development strategies in partnership with employers, organized labour and other stakeholders.
The Government is collaborating with stakeholders across the country to improve migrant workers’ experience. Recently, the Government announced funding for the Migrant Workers’ Dignity Association to help migrant workers become better informed about their rights as workers in Canada through the development of workshops, information tools and other materials aimed at informing TFWs on topics such as housing, health care, access to special benefits, and other rights. Budget 2018 proposed $3.4 million over two years, beginning 2018-19, to establish, on a pilot basis a network of support organizations for temporary foreign workers dealing with potential abuse by their employers. This network would support these workers in reporting wrongdoing and provide information on their rights to temporarily remain and work in Canada free from harassment and abuse. Additionally, Budget 2018 proposed $194.1 million over five years, beginning in 2018-19, and $33.2 million per year ongoing for unannounced inspections under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, continued implementation of the International Mobility Program compliance regime, and the ongoing collection of labour market information related to open work permits. The Government continues to monitor the program and look at opportunities for further improvement.
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5/31/2018,312,,Fair and Open Government,Make meetings of the Board of Internal Economy open by default.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,Improved transparency in the administration of Parliament.,"The House of Commons has adopted changes to ensure that meetings of the Board of Internal Economy are open by default, meaning they will be public unless it is necessary to deal with particular items in-camera, as outlined in the Parliament of Canada Act, or the by-laws of the Board. Unanimous consent of all members present at the meeting would be required should the Board wish to hold a closed meeting on any other issue. These changes will increase parliamentary transparency for Canadians."
5/31/2018,313,,Strong Middle Class,Make post-secondary education more affordable for low and middle income families.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,Hundreds of thousands of students receive increased grant-based aid through Canada Student Grants and students are better able to manage student loan repayments upon graduation. The Government expects more low and middle income students to attend post-secondary education.,"In 2016, the Government increased Canada Student Grants (CSGs) by 50%, helping over 360,000 students from low- and middle-income families to receive up to $1,000 more per year in grants. Starting in 2017-18, new CSG thresholds were introduced, meaning that over 400,000 students from low- and middle-income families are estimated to receive up to $3,000 in non-repayable financial aid each and every year, 46,000 of whom are newly eligible for grants.
The Government also increased thresholds for the Repayment Assistance Plan so that no graduate will have to repay their Canada Student Loan until they earn at least $25,000 per year. This change has already helped about 23,000 Canadians delay their payments.
Under the Skills Boost initiative, additional measures announced in Budget 2017 will be available in 2018-19. These include: increasing eligibility thresholds for CSGs for students with dependent children, helping an additional 13,000 students; increasing eligibility thresholds for part-time students, helping an additional 10,000 students; and introducing a three-year pilot project targeted to adult learners that will provide an estimated 43,000 students an additional $1,600 in grant support and allow flexibility to base CSG eligibility on current year’s income. The Skills Boost will also provide greater flexibility for Canadians on Employment Insurance (EI) to get new certificates or training without fear of losing their benefits.
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5/31/2018,315,,Strong Middle Class,Index Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) payments to a new Seniors' Price Index.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,The cost of living for seniors is better reflected in their Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) benefits through a Seniors' Price Index.,The Government of Canada is exploring options and international best practices for a new Seniors' Price Index to make sure support for seniors reflects their needs.
5/31/2018,316,,Strong Middle Class,Cancel the increase in age of eligibility for Old Age Security (OAS) from 65 to 67.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,The age of eligibility for Old Age Security (OAS) has been returned to 65 and provides greater financial security for our most vulnerable seniors.,"The Government of Canada cancelled the planned increase in age of eligibility for Old Age Security, so that eligibility is maintained at age 65. This will help ensure they benefit from a secure and dignified retirement."
5/31/2018,317,,Strong Middle Class,Coordinate programs to support low income seniors with provinces and territories.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",On-going commitment,"Federal, provincial and territorial governments collaborate so seniors get the full benefits to which they are entitled.",The Government of Canada implemented the increase to the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and engaged with provinces and territories (PT) to ensure that low-income seniors who receive PT income supplements fully benefit from the increase. The Government will continue to seek new opportunities to work together to support our most vulnerable seniors and ensure that seniors receive the full benefit of the GIS.
5/31/2018,318,,Strong Middle Class,Prioritize affordable housing and seniors' housing as part of the National Housing Strategy.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",On-going commitment,"Reduced housing need for seniors through rental support to reduce the cost of housing and enable seniors to age in place, and increased supply of affordable housing units specifically targeted towards seniors.","On November 22, 2017 the Government announced a 10-year, $40 billion National Housing Strategy that will help reduce homelessness and improve the availability and quality of housing for Canadians in need. This Strategy is part of a long-term vision to strengthen the middle class and provide affordable housing to Canadians, and lift more Canadians out of poverty. The strategy sets clear goals to remove 530,000 Canadians from housing need and reduce chronic homelessness, prioritizing the most vulnerable Canadians including seniors.
Budget 2016 provided investments of $200.7 million over two years to increase affordable housing for seniors and improve their housing conditions, to be delivered by provinces and territories through the Investment in Affordable Housing. The National Housing Strategy re-establishes the federal government as a leader in the area of affordable housing. Working in collaboration with provinces, territories and local communities, the Strategy will leverage significant new capacity to build, repair and renew affordable housing across the country. As part of the Strategy, the new National Housing Co-Investment Fund will prioritize projects that have the greatest impact on communities and vulnerable populations, including seniors. As a result of these investments, at least 12,000 new affordable units will be created for seniors."
5/31/2018,319,,Strong Middle Class,Provide support to maintain rent-geared-to-income subsidies in existing social housing.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Affordable housing remains accessible to Canadians who need it during the transition through the expiry of current operating agreements.,"Community housing has been the backbone of Canada’s response to housing challenges for more than 60 years and provides an affordable place to live for thousands of Canadians. Federal investments have supported the creation of community housing for low- and modest-income families and individuals. About 80% of all community housing is administered by the provinces and territories. As long-term social housing operating agreements expire, the Government will renew its investments in provinces and territories to protect low-income households and stabilize the operations of housing providers. The Government is deeply committed to ensuring that Canada’s existing community housing stock remains affordable and in good repair well into the future.
On November 22, 2017 the Government announced a 10-year, $40 billion National Housing Strategy that will help reduce homelessness and improve the availability and quality of housing for Canadians in need. This Strategy is part of a long-term vision to strengthen the middle class and provide affordable housing to Canadians, and lift more Canadians out of poverty. The strategy sets clear goals to remove 530,000 Canadians from housing need and reduce chronic homelessness, prioritizing the most vulnerable Canadians including seniors.
As part of the National Housing Strategy, the Government will support the provinces and territories as they protect and build a sustainable community-based housing sector, through a $4.3-billion Canada Community Housing Initiative. Additionally, to protect tenants living in federally administered community housing as operating agreements expire and to stabilize the operations of housing providers, the federal government will implement a new 10-year, $500-million Federal Community Housing Initiative. This initiative will put in place new operating agreements as old social housing operating agreements expire. As a result of these investments, 385,000 households will be protected from losing an affordable home."
5/31/2018,320,,Strong Middle Class,Invest in Housing First to reduce homelessness.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Chronic and episodic homelessness is reduced by as much as 50% compared to current levels.,"On November 22, 2017 the Government announced a 10-year, $40 billion National Housing Strategy that will help reduce homelessness and improve the availability and quality of housing for Canadians in need. This Strategy is part of a long-term vision to strengthen the middle class and provide affordable housing to Canadians, and lift more Canadians out of poverty. The strategy sets clear goals to remove 530,000 Canadians from housing need and reduce chronic homelessness, and to reduce chronic homelessness by half.
As part of the National Housing Strategy, the Government announced a total investment of $2.2 billion for homelessness over 10 years, building on Budget 2016 funding of $111.8 million over two years (2016-2017 and 2017-2018). By 2021-22, this will nearly double the investments made in 2015-16. These increased investment levels are expected to reduce the number of Canadians who are chronically or episodically homeless by as much as 50% compared to current levels. The Government has also been consulting with stakeholders, provinces, territories and Indigenous partners to redesign the program. These consultations are guided by the work of an Advisory Committee launched on June 22, 2017 and chaired by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. As part of the engagement process, an online consultation inviting Canadians to share their ideas on how to prevent and reduce homelessness took place and closed on September 15, 2017. A What We Heard report was released to the public on May 18, 2018. A redesigned federal response to homelessness will be implemented starting April 1, 2019."
5/31/2018,321,,Strong Middle Class,Remove all GST on new capital investments in affordable rental housing.,"Minister of Finance;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Not being pursued,See below.,"All Canadians should have a safe and affordable place to call home. The Government concluded, based on research and evidence, that there were more effective ways of encouraging the construction of affordable rental housing. Budget 2016 introduced a targeted approach to stimulate the construction of affordable rental housing by providing funding to establish the Affordable Rental Housing Innovation Fund and Rental Construction Financing Initiative. Budget 2017 announced the investment of more than $11.2 billion over 11 years in various initiatives that will help build, renew and repair Canada’s affordable housing and make sure Canadians have affordable housing that meets their needs. The National Housing Strategy, launched on November 22, 2017, includes additional measures to stimulate the construction of affordable rental housing. The Rental Construction Financing Initiative offers $2.5 billion in low-cost loans to support the construction of new rental housing. Budget 2018 proposed expanding this initiative with an additional $1.25B in low-cost loan over the next three years.
Through the National Housing Strategy, the federal government is re-engaging in affordable housing by investing in the growth of livable communities and the resilience of the community housing sector. To ensure existing rental housing is not lost to disrepair and to develop new, high-performing affordable housing integrated with supports and services, the federal government is creating a $15.9-billion federally managed National Housing Co-Investment Fund. The National Housing Co-Investment Fund alone is expected to create up to 60,000 new units of housing and repair up to 240,000 units of existing affordable and community housing. The Fund will consist of nearly $4.7 billion in financial contributions and $11.2 billion in low interest loans. The Government’s recently announced Rental Construction Financing Initiative will be integrated into the National Housing Co-Investment Fund, as will the Government’s recently created Affordable Rental Innovation Fund. Applications for the National Housing Co-Investment Fund will be accepted starting April 2018.
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5/31/2018,322,,Strong Middle Class,Modernize the Home Buyers' Plan.,"Minister of Finance;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - with challenges,Canadians impacted by a sudden and significant life change are better able to manage the costs of finding a home or relocating.,"In considering this proposal, the Government is examining how best to balance support for Canadians who have had a change of circumstance, such as a divorce or a change in employment, with the need to preserve and maintain retirement savings (e.g. Registered Retirement Savings Plans). To date, the Government has made other changes to provide greater legal support for families facing divorce and training programs to help Canadians transitioning between jobs. The Government has also taken a number of steps to ensure Canada has a regulated and stable housing market, including: improving mortgage financing rules, creating the Affordable Housing Innovation Fund and Rental Construction Financing Initiative, and investing $11.2 billion over the next 11 years to help build, repair and maintain affordable housing across Canada. These measures will help address the challenges of housing affordability faced by Canadians in many large urban centres, encourage the creation of new rental housing construction and re-establish a long-term federal role in housing."
5/31/2018,324,,Strong Middle Class,Identify available federal lands that could be repurposed for affordable housing.,"Minister of Public Services and Procurement;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Increased available land to build new affordable housing and increased housing supply where it is needed.,"The Government is creating a new Federal Lands initiative to make surplus federal lands and buildings available at a discounted cost (up to no cost) for new affordable housing. Over the next 10 years, up to $200 million in federal lands will be transferred to eligible participants to encourage the development of sustainable, accessible, mixed-income, mixed-use developments and communities. Starting in 2018-19, this initiative will also provide funding for renovations or retrofits and environmental remediation and to ensure surplus federal buildings are suitable for use as housing."
5/31/2018,325,,Strong Middle Class,Review prices in high-priced housing markets and consider all policy tools that could keep home ownership within reach for more Canadians.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",On-going commitment,Federal policy tools are employed to help keep home ownership within reach for more Canadians.,"The Government has completed analysis of factors impacting house prices, including identifying important data gaps and strategies to reduce these gaps, informed by consultations with a number of industry, academic, provincial and municipal government stakeholders. A final report, ""Examining Escalating House Prices in Large Canadian Cities"", providing an analysis of the underlying drivers of house price increases and a set of policy tools to help keep home ownership within reach for more Canadians, was publicly released on February 7, 2018. The release of this final report sets the stage for additional policy discussion and coordination across various levels of government."
5/31/2018,326,,Strong Middle Class,Bring forward a proposal to prevent mortgage fraud.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Mortgage fraud is reduced.,"Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has developed an Action Plan with measures to mitigate and prevent mortgage fraud, and is engaging industry stakeholders to implement the plan.
As of January 1, 2018, CMHC has joined the Citadel fraud management consortium operated by Equifax. CMHC will participate in the Competition Bureau’s Fraud Prevention Month program with announcements on fraud prevention activities and efforts to raise public awareness of issues related to mortgage fraud. CMHC is also co-sponsoring a fraud prevention conference in Quebec City, hosted by École nationale d’administration publique (ENAC), in September 2018."
5/31/2018,327,,Strong Middle Class,Use the best data available to make decisions on housing.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",On-going commitment,Better data and understanding of the housing market to inform policy decisions so that the Government can help Canadians secure good housing.,"The Government is developing a new Housing Statistics Framework that will be administered by Statistics Canada, and is investing to improve data collection and analytics through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). These investments will help track progress on the National Housing Strategy, better support informed policy decisions, and build on the reintroduction of the mandatory long-form census for 2016, which provides for more accurate collection of data on key things like housing."
5/31/2018,328,,Strong Middle Class,Raise taxes on the top 1% of earners.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,A fairer tax system where the richest pay their share.,"On December 7, 2015, the Government of Canada announced it would create a new top personal income tax rate of 33% for individual taxable incomes above $200,000, effective January 1, 2016 (increased from 29%). The Government continues to explore other measures to ensure tax fairness."
5/31/2018,329,,Fair and Open Government,Repeal elements of the Fair Elections Act which make it harder for Canadians to vote.,Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - on track,Barriers are reduced to electoral participation for all Canadians and there is greater integrity in the electoral process.,"On April 30, 2018, the Government introduced the Elections Modernization Act(Bill C-76). Among other changes, the legislation proposes improvements to the integrity of the electoral system, and repeal provisions in the previous Fair Elections Act that made it harder for Canadians to vote. The legislation includes the measures that were previously introduced through Bill C-33. Notably, the changes reinstate the Voter Information Card as authorized identification (ID), restore vouching for those without proper ID, expand voting rights to more than one million Canadians living abroad, expand the Chief Electoral Officer’s ability to educate Canadians to improve civic literacy and knowledge and help future young voters participate in the electoral process by pre-registering youth aged 14-17 so they can more easily vote when they turn 18. The legislation has been referred to Committee in the House of Commons. "
5/31/2018,330,,Fair and Open Government,Conduct a review of government spending to reduce poorly targeted and inefficient programs.,President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Finance,Underway - on track,Programs are effective and deliver measurable results for Canadians.,"Launched in Budget 2017, the horizontal review on innovation and clean technology is now complete, with results announced in Budget 2018. The second launched horizontal review on fixed assets is ongoing, which is being conducted in phases and is expected to be completed in 2019-20. The three departmental reviews also announced in Budget 2017, the Canada Border Services Agency, the Canada School of Public Service, and Health Canada, are yet to be completed, but details will be announced when available. As part of Budget 2018, the Government launched a review on the Canada Revenue Agency’s service model to ensure that Canadians interacting with the Agency feel like valued clients, not just taxpayers. Budget 2018 also proposes to undertake a horizontal review of skills programming over the next year to maximize the effectiveness of programs that provide support to Canada’s labour force to ensure they have the information and training needed to meet future challenges and opportunities head on. In addition, Budget 2018 announced a set of targeted reviews over the next three years of regulatory requirements and practices that are bottlenecks to innovation and growth with an initial focus on agri-food and aquaculture, health/bio-sciences, and transportation and infrastructure. Further details about these reviews will be available in the coming months."
5/31/2018,331,,Strong Middle Class,Provide more flexible parental leave.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Parents who want to spend more time at home with their children have the option of doing so with protected Employment Insurance parental benefits.,"With Budget 2017, the Government of Canada created more flexible maternity and parental leave benefits. The changes allow parents to spread their parental benefit over a longer period of time (18 months), and give mothers the option to begin receiving Employment Insurance maternity benefits up to 12 weeks before their due date – up from eight weeks. The changes took effect December 3rd and give parents more support to spend time with their kids.
Further, to support greater gender equality in the home and in the workplace, Budget 2018 proposes to introduce a new EI Parental Sharing Benefit which will provide additional weeks of “use it or lose it” EI parental benefits, when both parents agree to share parental leave. "
5/31/2018,332,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure the successful integration of refugees into Canadian society.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,Improved social and economic outcomes for refugees.,"The Government is currently studying how to deliver language training and employment services in a better, more collaborative way, as well as test innovative approaches, to improve the participation of newcomers in social, cultural, civic, and economic life in Canada."
5/31/2018,334,,Healthy Canadians,Ensure safety and non-discrimination in blood donation policies.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"An evidence-based, safe and non-discriminatory approach to ensuring an adequate blood supply.","A safe and effective blood system is a cornerstone of health care delivery. In June 2016, Health Canada (HC) approved a request from Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec to reduce the blood donation ineligibility period for men who have sex with men (MSM) from five years to one year. This change was based on scientific evidence brought forward by the blood operators and brought Canada in line with other global regulators, such as the United States, France, Australia and the Netherlands. At the same time, the Government of Canada provided $3 million to Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec to conduct behavioural research and organize an international seminar. In 2017, a research competition was completed which resulted in funding eleven research projects, which will inform further changes that could be undertaken to implement an evidence-based, safe and non-discriminatory approach to MSM donations."
5/31/2018,335,,Healthy Canadians,Facilitate collaboration on an organ and tissue donation and transplant system that gives Canadians timely access to care.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,An increase in the supply of organs and tissue available so that Canadians get timely and effective access to care.,"Since April 2008, the Government has worked collaboratively with provinces and territories to improve the Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplant system in Canada. This includes better collaboration, public education and use of best practices to increase donations and ultimately an increase in the supply of organs and tissue so that Canadians are able to access them when needed.
According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, a total of 2,835 lifesaving transplants were performed in Canada (including Quebec) in 2016, a 32% increase since 2007. Over the last 10 years, the rate of deceased donation has increased 42% but the rate of living donation has decreased 11%. There were 4,500 patients on organ waitlists at the end of 2016, and 260 patients died in 2016 while waiting for a transplant."
5/31/2018,336,,Healthy Canadians,"Ensure Canada's response to the current opioid crisis is robust, well-coordinated and effective.",Minister of Health,Underway - with challenges,"Federal opioid response is evidence-based, collaborative and comprehensive, and the harm caused by opioid use—including overdoses and accidental deaths—is reduced.","Problematic opioid use and overdose is currently a crisis in Canada, causing devastation to individuals, families and communities. The Government of Canada is deeply concerned about the growing number of opioid-related overdoses and deaths and is committed to taking strong action. Despite early efforts, evidence suggests that the opioid crisis is intensifying and spreading.
The federal government is working with all partners to confront this crisis and develop a pan-Canadian response. On November 19, 2016, a Joint Statement of Action to Address the Opioid Crisis was announced and included key actions by the federal health portfolio, provincial/territorial governments and national health organizations. Federal Government actions include coordinating the opioid response with provincial and territorial counterparts through the Special Advisory Committee on the Epidemic of Opioid Overdoses and the Problematic Substance Use and Harms Committee. Budget 2017 committed $100 million over five years to support the federal response to the crisis focused in four areas: public education, harm reduction, addiction treatment and counselling, and law enforcement. Budget 2018 commits a further $231.4 million over five years for additional measures to help address the opioid crisis, including $150 million to support provinces and territories in improving access to treatment services for problematic substance use.
The Government of Canada also regularly engages non-government partners, including people who use drugs and people with lived and living experience, through regular multisector discussions, Ministerial roundtables, consultations, working meetings, and other mechanisms. Federal efforts are focused on working with provinces and territories to implement harm reduction approaches and increase access to treatment, supporting innovative approaches to address the crisis, and addressing stigma related to opioid use. The Government is also working towards finding new approaches to reduce opioid-related deaths and prevent future tragedies. An Impact Canada Challenge is currently being designed to encourage the development of opioid detection and testing technologies to help reduce harm to those who use drugs."
5/31/2018,337,,Healthy Canadians,Ensure Canada has a solid surveillance system for monitoring and reporting overdoses and deaths related to opioids.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,Effective monitoring and reporting of overdoses and deaths related to opioids.,"The Government is committed to releasing updated data on a quarterly basis, in collaboration with provinces and territories. The Government is also working with provinces and territories to collect additional data on opioid use and harms. On June 6, 2018, the Government released an updated national report on apparent opioid-related deaths in 2016 and 2017."
5/31/2018,338,,Healthy Canadians,Review Canada's framework for dealing with public health emergencies.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"Public health emergencies and events are prevented, detected, and responded to effectively","The Public Health Agency of Canada is working with Health Portfolio partners and Public Safety Canada to assess its processes, mechanisms and tools to ensure timely and effective response to public health emergencies."
5/31/2018,339,,Healthy Canadians,"Curb opioid misuse by introducing prescribing guidelines, tracking prescriptions at the patient level, and increasing transparency in marketing and promotion of therapies.",Minister of Health,Underway - with challenges,"A reduction in inappropriate prescription of opioids, improved tracking of prescriptions, and better management of transitions where opioids are no longer required so as to reduce opioid dependency.","The Government is working with provinces, territories, and partners to address prescribing practices and prescription monitoring in Canada. The Canadian Institutes of Health Research is funding the Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse to develop a national guideline for medication-assisted treatment of opioid use disorder. That national guideline was published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal on March 5, 2018. The Government is collaborating with provinces and territories through the Problematic Substance Use and Harms Committee to share lessons learned and best practices in prescription monitoring.
In January 2018, Health Canada hosted a working session with provinces and territories to develop national standards for prescription monitoring programs.
The Government is also exploring options to increase transparency in the marketing of opioids. On June 19, 2018, the Government announced a series of measures to address industry's opioid marketing and advertising practices. This included the publication of a Notice of Intent to restrict most forms of prescription opioid marketing. Health Canada will continue to engage with provinces and territories, as well as other stakeholders, in the coming months."
5/31/2018,340,,Healthy Canadians,Ensure communities can introduce effective opioid treatments and programs.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,Canadians have access to community-based opioid treatments and programs that are effective in reducing harm.,"Treatment is the key to moving people from using drugs to recovery. Budget 2018 includes measures to provide one-time emergency funding of $150 million for provinces and territories for multi-year projects that improve access to evidence-based treatments.
In addition, the federal government has used its regulatory powers to make naloxone more widely available and to expedite approval of the nasal spray version. Further, the Government published regulations allowing the import of drugs for opioid use disorder treatments not yet approved in Canada. On March 26, 2018, the Minister of Health announced the removal of barriers to accessing diacetylmorphine (prescription-grade heroin) and methadone for the treatment of opioid use disorder. The regulatory amendments were published in the Canada Gazette, Part II on March 21, 2018. "
5/31/2018,341,,Healthy Canadians,Promote the Canada Health Act to make absolutely clear that extra-billings and user fees are illegal and reporting is improved.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"Canadians have access to publicly funded health care, without financial barriers at point of service.","The Government of Canada is engaging with provinces and territories to ensure patients are not inappropriately charged for publicly insured services. Under the Canada Health Act, provinces and territories that permit extra-billing and user charges for insured health care services are subject to mandatory dollar-for-dollar deductions from their federal Canada Health Transfer entitlement. To better encourage provinces to re-align their publicly funded health care systems with the Canada Health Act when instances of non-compliance arise, and to recognize when provinces take corrective action, the Government is proposing legislative amendments to allow Canada Health Transfer deductions to be reimbursed when a province or territory has taken the necessary steps to eliminate extra-billing and user charges. The Government of Canada is also consulting with provinces and territories on ways to improve reporting on Canada Health Act compliance to Canadians.
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5/31/2018,342,,Healthy Canadians,Develop a new self-governed approach to delivering health services to Indigenous peoples and reduce health inequities between Indigenous peoples and non-Indigenous Canadians.,Minister of Health;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs;Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - on track,"New co-developed approaches to Indigenous health services that will be client-centred, culturally relevant and sustainable, resulting in healthier children, families and improved community wellness.","The Government is in the process of formally creating a new Department of Indigenous Services to focus on improving service delivery to Indigenous peoples. This new department includes the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch.
Budget 2017 announced an investment of $828 million over 5 years (starting in 2017-18) to improve a range of health outcomes. The Government is currently working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis to co-develop distinctions-based approaches to the delivery of health care. The Government's goal is to support capacity building in Indigenous communities so that they are able to manage their own health services.
This gap in health outcomes can be narrowed, and providing access to quality health care close to home is an essential part of that change. To keep Indigenous families healthy, Budget 2018 proposes to invest over $1.5 billion over five years, for Indigenous health, starting in 2018–19, and $149 million per year ongoing thereafter. This includes $498 million over five years, with $97.6 million per year ongoing, to sustain access to critical medical care and services.
Of this funding, $235 million will support work with First Nations partners to transform First Nations health systems by expanding successful models of self-determination so that health programs and services are developed, delivered and controlled by and for First Nations. This investment will also support access to quality and First Nations-controlled health care in remote and isolated James Bay communities as part of the Weeneebayko Area Health Integration Framework Agreement. First Nations are leading processes (in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec) to develop models for self-determination in health service-delivery. Memoranda of Understanding/agreements to advance these processes have/are being signed to confirm shared priorities. Other regional engagement efforts are underway across the country to identify strategies for transforming service delivery, including opportunities for increasing Indigenous control over services. In addition to the ongoing implementation of the historic British Columbia Tripartite Framework Agreement, which transferred operational control of health programs and services to the British Columbia First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), the Government is also facilitating a dialogue with the FNHA on how they might address the wider social determinants of health (initial focus on mental wellness and addictions)."
5/31/2018,343,,Government Services and Operations,Help Veterans gain skills to successfully transition to the civilian workforce.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"More Veterans, Canadian Armed Forces members, and their spouses/common-law partners successfully transition to the civilian labour market. The Government hires more veterans into meaningful work.","As of April 1, 2018, eligible Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans, their spouses/common-law partners and survivors are now able to apply for a new, modernized set of career transition services, delivered consistently across Canada. Services are delivered by qualified career support professionals who understand military life and culture. For Veterans and survivors, these career transition services will be available throughout a person's post service working life, meaning they can get help when and where needed.
The Government of Canada also continues to provide access to hiring opportunities in the public service for certain serving and former members of the Canadian Armed Forces who are released for medical reasons. Priority for public service jobs is given to these members and Veterans over all other individuals."
5/31/2018,344,,Government Services and Operations,"Implement the Caregiver Recognition Benefit, paid directly to Veterans' caregivers.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,Increased recognition and support for caregivers of ill and injured Veterans so that Veterans get better care.,"As of April 1, 2018, the Government of Canada has introduced the new Caregiver Recognition Benefit, replacing the Family Caregiver Relief Benefit. This new benefit provides a generous non-taxable $1,000 monthly benefit payable directly to informal caregivers of Veterans to better recognize and honour the vital role they play in supporting CAF members and Veterans. "
5/31/2018,345,,Government Services and Operations,Implement the new Veteran Emergency Fund and Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,Improve the quality of life of Veterans and their families.,"As of April 1, 2018, the Veterans Emergency Fund (VEF) provides emergency financial support to Veterans, their families and survivors whose well-being is at risk due to an urgent and unexpected situation ($4 million over 4 years). The new fund gives the Government the flexibility to financially assist Veterans and their families quickly and efficiently in times when they most need it, without complicated eligibility requirements and approval processes. The VEF provides short-term relief while the Government works with Veterans and their families to identify any long-term needs and possible solutions.
In addition, the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund is one of the many new and enhanced program and services brought forth in Budget 2017, focused on supporting innovative solutions to better support Veterans and their families. This new fund supports research and foster innovation across the public, private and academic fields to make a real difference in the lives of Veterans and families. The fund supports a wide range of projects, such as suicide prevention research, an initiative that helps homeless Veterans find housing, or any innovative projects that contribute to the well-being of Veterans and their families.
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5/31/2018,346,,Government Services and Operations,"Streamline the suite of benefits, improve transparency and communications, and improve the experience of Veterans as their needs change throughout their lives.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,"A streamlined, client-centric process that is easier to navigate, provides timely service and helps Veterans transition to civilian life.","Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) is streamlining its suite of benefits with the goal of reducing overlap and administrative burden to ensure a positive client experience for Veterans both as they transition to civilian life and as their needs change throughout their lives. A three-year communications and outreach strategy was launched to ensure that Veterans and their families are well-informed of the range of supports and services available to them. On December 20, 2017, the Government announced its Pension for Life plan, which will replace six existing income support programs with a single financial benefit – the Income Replacement Benefit (IRB) - to simplify and streamline access to VAC programs and services. Specifically, the new IRB will replace the Earnings Loss Benefit, Extended Earnings Loss Benefit, Retirement Income Security Benefit, Supplementary Retirement Benefit, the Career Impact Allowance and Career Impact Allowance Supplement. This will reduce the burden on the Veteran and their Caregivers as there will be one application form where there used to be six."
5/31/2018,347,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure public servants are paid accurately and promptly.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - with challenges,Public servants are paid in a timely manner and without errors.,"The ongoing public service pay problems are unacceptable, creating emotional and financial hardships, as well as unnecessary stress for many employees and their families.
The Government will ensure that employees receive timely and accurate pay and benefits, and is working hard to resolve issues as quickly as possible, but there are no quick fixes. The Government is committed to doing better.
The Clerk of the Privy Council Office instructed Deputy Ministers to take a personal interest in seeing that employees are paid accurately and on time. Employees should not feel that they are facing these difficulties alone.
Budget 2018 announced an investment of $454 million over six years, starting in 2017-18, to increase the number of compensation employees at the Pay Centre and satellite offices to more than 1,500 and hire more HR advisors within departments to assist employees and provide them with tax support. In addition, over the next two years, the Government will work with experts, unions and technology providers on a way forward for a new pay system.
The Government is implementing a suite of measures, informed by recommendations from the Office of Auditor General of Canada as well as the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, to stabilize the pay system so that transactions are processed more quickly and accurately, pay issues are resolved and employees receive better service. As part of this approach, Pay Pods, which group together compensation employees assigned to a specific department or agency, are being rolled out for departments and agencies serviced by the Pay Centre. Pay Pods will work with client departments to address all outstanding transactions in an employee’s pay file, in contrast to the current approach of addressing pay issues by transaction type. This new approach is expected to result in faster and more comprehensive resolution of pay issues and a reduction in backlogged cases. The Government also recently announced enhancements to its Client Contact Centre, where employees now have access to a variety of tools so that they can provide more real-time, accurate information to public servants calling for information about their pay files. Progress toward reducing the number of outstanding pay transactions continues.
Progress is reported regularly through a monthly, publically available Dashboard, a Pay Bulletin and other online content, ensuring ongoing transparency and accountability. The May 2018 public service pay dashboard shows a 25,000 decrease in the number of backlogged financial transactions awaiting processing. "
5/31/2018,348,,Fair and Open Government,Increase the diversity of bidders on government contracts.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,"The diversity of bidders and contractors will increase, including participation by businesses owned by women and Indigenous peoples.","In fiscal year 2017-18, the Government participated in over 1,850 outreach events across Canada, including 579 events related to under-represented groups such as women, indigenous and multicultural communities. In all, the Government has engaged with 10,800 individuals belonging to under-represented communities to promote how to do business with the Government of Canada. The diversity of bidders and contractors is expected to increase, a result of the initiatives underway to encourage the participation in federal procurement of currently under-represented groups such as women, Indigenous Peoples and persons with disabilities. PSPC has launched social procurement pilots to increase the participation of small and diverse suppliers. As part of this, there is an increased focus on providing women-owned and Indigenous small and medium-sized businesses with the tools and guidance to compete for government opportunities. The Government's aim to make procurement simpler, faster and accessible will also serve to increase bidder diversity. PSPC developed a common set of definitions for social procurement, and, where feasible, industry consultations now include a focus on supplier diversity. In Budget 2018, the Government set a target to increase the participation of women-owned businesses in federal procurement from 10 percent to at least 15 percent."
5/31/2018,349,,Fair and Open Government,"Develop better tools to hold contractors accountable, particularly in large scale procurements.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,"Suppliers will be accountable for their contractual performance, which is expected to improve procurement results.","Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) created a Vendor Relationship and Performance Management Office.
Shared Services Canada (SSC) created a vendor management office to oversee the commercial relationships with large contractors to favour a positive and strategic working relationship with key vendors.
SSC is also developing a vendor performance program that aligns with the broader PSPC initiative supporting accountability and performance standards.
PSPC has conducted an extensive environmental scan of existing vendor performance management practices in Canada and abroad to establish a baseline of best practices. PSPC is developing a draft suite of policy instruments that aligns with the best practices and has begun consulting with key stakeholders, including Government of Canada departments and agencies and industry.
PSPC is leading the development of a Government-wide approach to vendor performance management. PSPC is developing the initiative in close collaboration and consultation with representatives from central departments and agencies, including SSC and the largest Government of Canada purchasers.
A framework for PSPC’s Vendor Relationship and Performance Management regime is being planned for 2018-19."
5/31/2018,350,,Fair and Open Government,"Publish clear metrics on the competitiveness, cost and timeliness of procurement.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,The Government of Canada will make more informed contract decisions based on feedback obtained from comprehensive data and sampling of procurement activities and surveys.,"
Metrics on competitiveness, cost and timeliness are published in the annual Departmental Plans and Departmental Results Reports, as well as in Our Services, Standards and Results. A data strategy is being developed to increase the number of metrics available to clients, suppliers and Canadians, including competitiveness, cost and timeliness. PSPC established strong Key Performance Indicators for the 2018-19 Departmental Results Framework."
5/31/2018,351,,Fair and Open Government,Make more government data available to vendors participating in procurement bidding to encourage better bids.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,Vendors and government decision makers have access to modern analytics to better understand Government of Canada procurement. This will help vendors decide when and how to compete in order to encourage more and better bids.,"Information on contracts over $10,000 is available on the Government of Canada Open Government Portal. Public Services and Procurement Canada is developing a data strategy to improve the contract data provided to suppliers and decision makers. It is expected that the Government of Canada will begin the implementation of the strategy in fall 2018. The Government's goal of making procurement simpler, faster and accessible will also serve to encourage better bids."
5/31/2018,352,,Fair and Open Government,Ensure prompt payment of contractors and sub-contractors.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,Barriers to accessing government contracts are reduced and small and medium enterprises require less working capital (cash flow) to do business with the Government of Canada because they get paid more quickly for work they've done.,"The Government is looking at different approaches to ensure expedited payment to its suppliers. Current initiatives include the launch of a pilot project to pay certain types of invoices within a shorter timeframe than the current 30 days. This will mean that small and medium-sized enterprises will require less working capital (cash flow) to do business with the Government. This initiative will also remove barriers to accessing government contracts.
Independent experts have been contracted to seek input from the construction industry to identify the elements required to develop a robust federal prompt payment regime. The federal government will use the proposed recommendations to inform the development of an effective legislative solution that will direct terms of payment and provide for an adjudication process for federal construction contracts."
5/31/2018,353,,Government Services and Operations,"Improve the delivery of information technology within the Government, including the renewal of Shared Services Canada.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,"An agile, reliable and secure information technology platform to support the delivery of digital services to Canadians.","Shared Services Canada has completed broad-based consultations with industry, Canadians and federal departments on the best approaches for managing the Government of Canada's information technology assets and services. More than 2,500 submissions from these stakeholders provided suggestions for improving information technology service delivery and project management. At the same time, the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat has also released the independent review of Shared Services Canada commissioned from Gartner Canada Co. Results of the review and feedback from the consultations are informing the way forward for information technology that enables the digital delivery of Government of Canada programs and services, including a new governance structure under the Government of Canada Chief Information Officer to help set direction and priorities across government.
Budget 2018 proposed $2.2 billion over six years, with $349.8 million ongoing, starting in 2018-2019 to improve the management and provision of IT infrastructure and services within government and support the migration of applications from older data centres into more secure modern data centres or cloud solutions, and to support related cyber security measures."
5/31/2018,354,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure the timely and orderly transition of Parliamentary operations during the renewal of the Parliamentary precinct.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,"The Government of Canada is restoring and modernizing the Parliamentary Precinct for current and future generations of Canadians, and to provide Parliament with the accommodations it needs to operate effectively and safely in a modern, connected and sustainable world. ","The transition of parliamentary operations from the Centre Block and the start of its major restoration is a major milestone in this effort. The Government has completed the restoration of the 180 Wellington building in 2016 and is poised to complete the West Block, Visitor Welcome Centre and Government Conference Centre in the next several months to enable a smooth transition of Parliamentary operations targeted for Fall 2018, enabling the restoration of the Centre Block to begin.
A Deputy Minister level committee has been established to provide direction and oversight on a coordinated, timely and orderly transition of operations from the Centre Block to the West Block and the Government Conference Centre in 2018. The committee is chaired by Public Services and Procurement Canada, and comprises representatives from the House of Commons, the Senate, the Library of Parliament, Parliamentary Protective Services, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Privy Council Office. "
5/31/2018,355,,Indigenous peoples,Develop a vision for a national space for Indigenous peoples at 100 Wellington.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs;Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,"Creating a space for Indigenous peoples directly across from Parliament Hill will symbolize a turning point in Canada's relationship with Indigenous peoples. This location will provide a concrete marker of the importance of Indigenous peoples to this country's past, present, and future.","On June 21, 2017, the Government announced that a new space for Indigenous peoples will be established at 100 Wellington Street in the National Capital Region that reflects the vision of Indigenous peoples and the spirit of reconciliation. To advance this project, an interim working group has been established with representatives from the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the Métis National Council and the Government of Canada to recommend next steps to ensure 100 Wellington becomes an inclusive space. Next steps will include identifying the process for comprehensive engagement to ensure that Indigenous peoples shape the future use of the building and are full partners in leading the project.
This multi-year, large-scale project will involve broad consultations with Indigenous peoples on a national scale.
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5/31/2018,356,,Government Services and Operations,"Enhance the quality and capacity of services provided by the Translation Bureau, and promote the economic vitality of Canada's translation and interpretation community.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,The Government of Canada has access to high quality linguistic services that enable it to operate and to serve Canadians in both official languages.,"In October 2017, the Government hired a Chief Quality Officer at the Translation Bureau to structure all of the Bureau’s quality initiatives. It remains committed to hiring over 50 students at the Translation Bureau per year over the next 5 years to train the next generation of language specialists. In 2017-2018, more than 150 students were hired. To promote the economic vitality of Canada's translation and interpretation community, the Government has created a new panel to improve collaboration with the interpretation industry and facilitate the implementation of a new procurement tool for conference interpretation. In order to reposition the Translation Bureau as a centre of excellence, the Government is now implementing a new vision which includes various projects that seek to improve quality of services, strengthen relationships with professional associations, universities and clients, ensure effective resource management and planning and guarantee that linguistic tools meet the needs of employees.
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5/31/2018,357,,Jobs and Innovation,Develop the vision for the new federal science infrastructure.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,A modern science infrastructure that fosters collaboration to achieve policy goals and protects the safety and security and health of Canadians.,"In Budget 2018, the Government announced $2.8 billion over five years as part of an ambitious plan to renew federal laboratories. The Government is launching the first phase of the plan, which will begin the process for the construction of multipurpose, collaborative federal science and technology facilities. This plan will ensure that federal scientists have access to world-class infrastructure, equipment, and computer networks to produce the best results for Canadians.
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5/31/2018,358,,Jobs and Innovation,Use work on accessibility as a catalyst for new ideas and business strategies through technology and design.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Underway - on track,Canadians with disabilities are participating more in the digital economy with the help of assistive and adaptive digital devices and technologies.,"The Accessible Technology Program will help fill the gap in support for the development of assistive and adaptive digital devices and technologies that enable persons with disabilities to fully participate in society. It will help remove barriers to Internet access and other digital services for Canadians with disabilities, will help them gain the digital skills they need for good jobs, and enable them to fully participate in the digital economy."
5/31/2018,359,,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Monitor federal allocations to improve public transit accessibility, and create reporting obligations on these expenditures.",Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Underway - on track,"Improved reliability, efficiency, safety and accessibility of public transit systems in Canada.","Canadian cities have been growing at a rapid rate, but investment in public transit has not kept pace and investments have not always considered accessibility issues. To improve public transit systems across Canada and make them more accessible, Budget 2016 announced immediate federal investments of up to $3.4 billion in public transit, starting in 2016–17 to be provided through a new Public Transit Infrastructure Fund. These investments are helping to improve commutes, cut air pollution, strengthen communities and grow Canada's economy. Public Transit Infrastructure funding is being provided to support the rehabilitation of public transit systems, the planning of future system improvements and expansions, enhanced asset management, and system optimization and modernization."
5/31/2018,360,,Indigenous peoples,Promote culturally relevant sport for Indigenous youth.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities;Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - on track,"Increased and sustained participation of Indigenous children and youth in culturally relevant sport programming. In addition, sport programming is used to reduce the gap between Indigenous communities and the rest of Canada in areas of social development.","Budget 2017 invested $18.9 million over five years starting in 2017-2018, and ongoing funding of $5.5 million every four years thereafter to support Indigenous youth and sport. This included funding to the Aboriginal Sport Circle in the amount of $800,000 in 2017-18 to enable the organization to assume a leadership role on Indigenous sport development, as well as funding to the provinces and territories to promote culturally relevant sport programming in Indigenous communities. The Government also provided $3.5 million for the hosting of the North American Indigenous Games in Toronto from July 16 to 23, 2017. In addition, in 2017-18, approximately $4.85 million was provided to eleven national organizations to pilot physical activity and sport projects in 61 First Nation communities across the country. At present, 6,145 First Nation students, 595 parents/community members, 364 on reserve teachers, and 212 Elders are participating in the ongoing pilot projects. All pilots were ongoing until March 31, 2018, and each organization will submit a final project report in May, 2018. The most successful programs will be identified with the goal of increasing Indigenous participation in culturally relevant sports and recreation and to improve the health and well-being of Indigenous communities through sport participation.
Through Budget 2018, the Government invested $47.5 million over five years, and $9.5 million per year ongoing, to expand the use of sports for social development in more than 300 Indigenous communities. The Government is working closely with the Aboriginal Sport Circle to design the program to deliver these funds.
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5/31/2018,361,,Healthy Canadians,Better support Canadian athletes through the Athlete Assistance Program.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Underway - on track,High-performance Canadian athletes are better able to focus on training for world class performances due to greater financial support.,"The Government committed to investing an additional $25 million over 5 years through Budget 2017, with $5 million per year ongoing, to the Athlete Assistance Program. This investment represents a 18% increase over existing funding levels. New investments are being distributed in the following way: $4.25 million for the living and training allowance, $250,000 for tuition support and $500,000 for supplementary support. This new investment will directly assist approximately 1,900 athletes across Canada and enable them to continue to combine their sport and academic or working careers while training intensively in pursuit of world-class performance."
5/31/2018,362,,Indigenous peoples,"Dissolve Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, and create a new Department of Indigenous Services and a new Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs to better serve Indigenous peoples.",Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs;Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - on track,"Improved delivery and quality of day-to-day services for First Nations, Inuit and Métis. An improved nation-to-nation relationship and greater self-determination for Indigenous peoples who rightfully want and need to control service delivery for their own people.","The Government of Canada announced the creation of the Department of Indigenous Services Canada in early December 2017. The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs has been mandated to lead consultations on the structure of two new departments.
An Order-in-Council was adopted to designate Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) as a department. A Memorandum of Understanding between Health Canada and ISC was signed to ensure the seamless continuity of internal services to First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB), which was previously under Health Canada. As of April 1, 2018, employees who worked in Internal Services at Health Canada supporting the FNIHB are officially employees of ISC. This is an important step in the transformation towards a stronger service culture within ISC’s service to, and empowerment of, Indigenous peoples.
A national engagement led by the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs is currently underway which will inform the introduction of legislation concerning the formal establishment of the two new departments.
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5/31/2018,363,,Indigenous peoples,"Lead a whole-of-government approach to renew the nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relationship with Indigenous people.",Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,"A renewed relationship with Indigenous peoples based on co-developed policies that support strong and effective nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relationships that consider and respond to the unique realities of Indigenous peoples in Canada.","Three permanent bilateral mechanisms have been created, with the Prime Minister, the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and the Métis National Council, to jointly set priorities and oversee outcomes. On February 9, 2017, the Prime Minister and Inuit leaders signed a declaration to create the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee, demonstrating the shared commitment to a renewed Inuit-Crown relationship between Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Government of Canada. The first Métis Nation-Crown Summit took place on April 13, 2017, where the Prime Minister and the President of the Métis National Council and its Governing Members signed the Canada-Métis Nation Accord. On June 12, 2017, the Prime Minister and the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations signed a Memorandum of Understanding during the first Assembly of First Nations-Crown meeting. Over the past year, regular meetings at the Ministerial and senior official level have helped guide the substantive work underway in the co-developed joint priorities. As progress continues on the joint priorities, preparations are ongoing to plan the second annual meetings between the Prime Minister and leaders of the National Indigenous Organizations.
A successful Canada-Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations Forum, chaired by the Prime Minister and attended by 23 Indigenous Leaders was held on November 1, 2017. At this historic Forum, the Prime Minister committed to holding an annual Forum to discuss progress.
On February 14, 2018, the Government of Canada announced that it will develop in full partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, a Recognition and Implementation of Indigenous Rights Framework. The contents of the Framework will be determined through national engagement that will continue throughout the spring, with the intention to have the Framework introduced in 2018.
Through Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions, the Government is working with Indigenous people to co-develop mandates that better address their needs and priorities and help advance, in partnership, community-identified priorities. These discussions also provide a forum for the Government to support the reconstitution of Indigenous nations, as well as self-determination and self-government. Over 60 of these discussions are underway with Indigenous communities, representing over 320 communities and a population of approximately 700,000 people.
Budget 2018 proposes to invest $74.9 million over five years, with $15.5 million per year ongoing, to provide ongoing support to these policy co-development forums."
5/31/2018,364,,Indigenous peoples,Include Indigenous representatives in a meaningful way in Canada's federal-provincial-territorial dialogues.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - with challenges,A consensus based approach to meaningful and collaborative engagement with Indigenous representatives in federal-provincial-territorial dialogues.,"Indigenous organizations have been active participants in ongoing federal-provincial-territorial (FPT) dialogues in policy areas that matter most to Indigenous peoples. These dialogues played a key role in identifying priorities and shaping the path forward in a number of areas, including justice and public safety, health, culture and heritage, sport and recreation, and early learning and childcare. In October 2017, national Indigenous organizations met with First Ministers to discuss measures to promote the inclusion of Indigenous peoples in an economic growth agenda and the connection to the broader reconciliation agenda. In January 2018, Indigenous leaders met with FPT Ministers responsible for Child and Family Services to discuss a plan for addressing the critical challenges being faced regarding Indigenous children in care. In addition, in April 2018, more than 300 Indigenous participants attended the Recognition and Implementation of Rights Forum in Vancouver, BC, which was co-hosted by Canada, BC, and the First Nations Leadership Council. "
5/31/2018,365,,Canada in the World,Develop a new Arctic Policy and a shared Arctic Leadership model for the government's work in the North.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,"Strong, resilient Arctic communities, sustainable and diversified Arctic economies and comprehensive Arctic infrastructure. Environmental sustainability and conservation of Arctic biodiversity.","In November 2017, the Government launched public engagement to support the development of an Arctic Policy Framework for Canada to replace Canada's Northern Strategy and Statement on Foreign Arctic Policy. This Framework is intended to identify a vision and plan to guide federal activities in the region. Public engagement is completed and included roundtables with northern residents and organizations, business, youth, non-governmental organizations and researchers. Federal, Provincial, Territorial and Indigenous partners continue to collaborate on the co-development of domestic and international elements of the framework. As of March 2018, work on a new Arctic Policy Framework proceeded from public engagement to co-development with Territorial, Indigenous, and Provincial partners. "
5/31/2018,366,,Indigenous peoples,Advance devolution in Nunavut in collaboration with the government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,"Greater control for Nunavut over their lands and resources, leading to increased investment and economic growth, more job opportunities and lower unemployment, and increased revenues for the Government of Nunavut. Devolution will also contribute to the broader goal of reconciliation and will be a key result under a new Arctic Policy Framework.","On July 9, 2016, the Government appointed a new Chief Federal Negotiator for Nunavut devolution. The Chief Federal Negotiator is meeting on specific issues to build common ground and facilitate the achievement of an Agreement-in-Principle. The Agreement-in-Principle will lead to a devolution agreement which would provide for the transfer of responsibilities for land and resource management to the Government of Nunavut."
5/31/2018,367,,Indigenous peoples,Increase the number of comprehensive modern treaties and new self-government agreements for Indigenous communities.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - with challenges,"An increased number of modern treaties (comprehensive land claim agreements, self-government agreements) that supports Indigenous peoples' self-determination, self-government and nation rebuilding.","The Government is working with negotiating partners and other stakeholders to reform section 35 Constitution Act, 1982, related policies and processes to address concerns expressed by Indigenous partners. Through Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions and the Collaborative Fiscal Policy Development Process with Self-Governing Indigenous Governments, the Government is also working with Indigenous people to co-develop policies, and approaches that lead to greater self-determination. In British Columbia, the Government is working in partnership with the province of British Columbia and the First Nations Summit to implement the proposals in the report on the ""Multilateral Engagement Process to Improve and Expedite Treaty Negotiations in British Columbia"" that was endorsed by the Principals to the British Columbia treaty process in May 2016. On May 5, 2018, Canada, British Columbia and Lheidli T’enneh First Nation initialed the Lheidli T’enneh Final Agreement in Prince George, British Columbia. This event is a necessary step before the Lheidli T’enneh ratification vote expected in June.
Budget 2018 outlines new steps the Government will take to increase the number of modern treaties and self-determination agreements in a manner that reflects a recognition of rights approach. These changes, along with the new approach brought forward through the Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination negotiations, will shorten the time it takes to reach new treaties and agreements, at a lower cost to all parties. As part of this new approach, the Government of Canada will be moving away from the use of loans to fund Indigenous participation in the negotiation of modern treaties. Starting in 2018–19, Indigenous participation in modern treaty negotiations will be funded through non-repayable contributions. The Government will engage with affected Indigenous groups on how best to address past and present negotiation loans, including forgiveness of loans. Through Budget 2018, the Government also proposes to invest $51.4 million over the next two years to continue its support for federal and Indigenous participation in the Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussion tables.
For example, on March 29th, 2018 Bill C-70 received Royal Assent giving effect to the Agreement on Cree Nation Governance between the Crees of Eeyou Istchee and the Government of Canada thereby advancing Self-Determination for approximately 18,000 Indigenous people in nine Cree communities in North-West Quebec. On December 14, 2017, Bill C-61, the Anishinabek Nation Education Act, received Royal Assent, marking the first self-government agreement in Ontario with 23 Anishinabek First Nations. The Agreement, which came into effect on April 1 2018, recognizes Anishinabek law-making powers and authority over K-12 education on reserve and a new education system grounded in Anishinabek culture and language. The Ontario Ministry of Education fully supports this Agreement and has a complementary arrangement in place to ensure that all Ontario students can benefit from this transformative education model.
On February 14, 2018, the Prime Minister announced the development of a Recognition and Implementation of Indigenous Rights Framework in full partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. As a starting point, the Prime Minister stated that the Framework would replace the Comprehensive Land Claims Policy and Inherent Right Policy with new and better approaches that fully embrace and give live to section 35 Constitution Act, 1982 and respect the distinctions between First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. By focusing on the recognition and implementation of rights, the new policy will support and advance Indigenous peoples’ self-determination, self-government and nation building.
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5/31/2018,368,,Indigenous peoples,Support Indigenous peoples in their work to advance self-determination.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - with challenges,"Indigenous peoples will have sufficient capacity and resources to work towards rebuilding and reconstituting their nations, advancing self-determination, and, for First Nations, facilitating transitions away from the Indian Act and toward self-government.","The Government continues to support Indigenous peoples as they reconstitute their nations and advance self-determination and self-government. This is being accomplished through nation-level dialogues and community-level processes that are exploring the rights and priorities of Indigenous peoples and working towards their implementation in ways that make sense for Indigenous communities. For example, the Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions allow for the co-development of flexible negotiation mandates so that key issues can be appropriately prioritized and addressed. Over 60 of these discussions are underway with Indigenous communities and 19 preliminary agreements have been signed. The Government is also continuing to reform laws, policies and operational practices to better support Indigenous self-determination across the country. The Government has also launched a national engagement, led by the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, to develop a Recognition and Implementation of Indigenous Rights Framework in partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. As of May 15, 2018, over 70 engagement sessions have been held with Indigenous communities, which included women, youth and Elders, provincial and territorial governments, and other stakeholders, such as academics. In British Columbia, that engagement included the Recognition and Implementation of Rights Forum, attended by more than 300 Indigenous participants from April 11 to 13, 2018. The Framework will support the rebuilding of Indigenous governments and nations, and advance Indigenous self-determination, including the inherent right of self-government.
Through Budget 2018, the Government also proposes to invest $51.4 million over the next two years to continue its support for federal and Indigenous participation in the Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussion tables. Further, through Budget 2018, the Government proposes to provide $101.5 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, to support capacity development for Indigenous Peoples. Funding would be made available to Indigenous groups to support activities that would facilitate their own path to reconstituting their nations.
To support the expansion of the First Nations Land Management Act and the successful participation of First Nations under the Act, Budget 2018 proposes to invest $143.5 million over five years, beginning in 2018–19, and $19 million per year ongoing. This funding will allow an additional 50 First Nations to enter into the Land Management Regime, while providing pre-readiness support and capacity development to ensure their successful participation. Additionally, this will support over 200 First Nations to opt-out, or begin the process of opting-out, of the 33 lands related sections of the Indian Act and assume jurisdiction over their lands, environment, and natural resources under their own First Nations Land Codes.
Through Budget 2018, the Government proposes to provide $5.5 million over two years to continue the activities of the Matrimonial Real Property Implementation Support Program. In addition, this funding will support new and more targeted training and awareness activities, such as the development of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, to respond to gaps in the administration of justice. This funding will provide for the continuation of a First Nation Centre of Excellence providing training to enhance knowledge and awareness of rights and protections available under related federal legislation; and support for First Nation law-making in this area.
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5/31/2018,369,,Indigenous peoples,Advance positions in co-operative dispute resolution processes that are consistent with the resolution of past wrongs toward Indigenous peoples.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - with challenges,"Resolution of past grievances through collaborative, trusted, mutually respectful processes consistent with the Government's commitment to a renewed nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown and government-to-government relationship.","Recent settlement agreements between the Government of Canada and Indigenous peoples signify progress on this commitment. This includes the Anderson/Newfoundland and Labrador residential schools settlement agreement (September 2016) which has now entered into the phase where the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs' Special Representative is facilitating Healing and Commemoration sessions with former students in their communities. Additionally, on November 30, 2017, the parties signed an agreement in principle as the first step in resolving the Sixties Scoop litigation. The Federal Court approved the proposed settlement on May 11, 2018. The Ontario Superior Court conducted approval hearings on May 29 & 30, 2018 with a final determination still pending. Joint development of the parameters of the Sixties Scoop Foundation is also underway. Canada is participating in judicial dispute resolution discussions to consider an option to resolve the Gottfriedson class action, which respects the experience of day scholars at Indian Residential Schools.
The Government is also advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples through symbolic Ministerial statements of posthumous exoneration and/or pardon that address historical incidents of cultural conflict and misunderstanding. A posthumous exoneration stands as an important symbol of the Government of Canada's commitment to reconciliation. For example, on March 26, 2018, the Prime Minister delivered a statement of exoneration on behalf of the Government of Canada to the Tsilhqot’in Nation and the descendants of six Tsilhqot’in Chiefs who led the Tsilhqot’in war effort in 1864 in response to a colonial road crew attempting to build a road through Tsilhqot'in territory without the agreement of the Tsilhqot'in Nation, and were executed in 1864 and 1865.
In addition, the Government is working with the Poundmaker Cree Nation to exonerate Chief Poundmaker who was wrongly convicted for treason against the Crown as one of the leaders of a community that had been involved in armed conflict against the Canadian Expeditionary Force following the looting of Battleford in 1855 (present day Saskatchewan).
Canada is engaged in over 60 Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities across the country. These discussions seek to advance, in partnership, community-identified priorities. Several Indigenous groups have entered into discussions in response to or as an alternative to litigation. By entering into these flexible discussions with Canada, groups seek to settle litigation through out of court settlements.
Specific claims are claims made by a First Nation against the Government of Canada which relate to the administration of land and other First Nation assets and to the fulfilment of pre-1975 treaties. An Assembly of First Nations – Canada Joint Technical Working Group on Specific Claims, which includes representatives from a number of First Nation organizations, is currently developing concrete proposals to improve the process for resolving specific claims. The resolution of these historic grievances is key to the recognition of First Nations’ rights, respect and advancing reconciliation.
The Reconciliation Measures workplan is central to the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee because the actions it encompasses are fundamental to a just and lasting reconciliation between Inuit and the Crown.
Further efforts in reconciliation have been made. For example, the Government has been working with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) and Inuit Land Claims on the Nanilavut Initiative, which concerns the Government’s role in the past tuberculosis epidemic among Inuit. The Nanilavut Initiative is included in the work plan of the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee under the Reconciliation Measures Theme. Discussions are underway with ITK and Inuit Land Claims for the launch of the Nanilavut Initiative.
The Government is also working on the Qikiqtani Truth Commission (QTC) Final Report (2013) as a member of the Saimaqatiqiingniq Working Group which provides a space where partners can discuss ways to implement the QTC’s 25 recommendations. Discussions to date have focused on quantifying the size and scope of the recommendations and determining the best way to implement them.
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5/31/2018,370,,Indigenous peoples,"Ensure the implementation of pre-Confederation, historic, and modern treaties and agreements.",Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,On-going commitment,"Strengthened Crown-Indigenous relationships, greater autonomy, and improved social and economic outcomes for Indigenous peoples.","Collaborative work with Indigenous partners is ongoing, such as through the Inuit Crown Partnership Committee Permanent Bilateral Mechanism and the annual Canada-Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations Forum (the first forum was chaired by the Prime Minister in November 2017). Issue areas addressed through these fora include: collaborative participation in the formal Implementation Committees that each modern agreement entails; renewing the fiscal relationship with self-governing Indigenous governments, structures of governments, and furthering shared priorities through participation and engagement, and improving treaty implementation. The treaty relationship is maintained through various policies, mechanisms and processes including treaty discussion tables and treaty commissions. A number of historic treaty groups have positioned or re-positioned themselves to engage Canada in discussions toward reinvigorating the treaty relationship and exploring reconciliation-focused approaches to address treaty-related interests. The Government is also supporting the implementation of the Additions to Reserve Policy Directive to ensure Canada meets its historic treaty obligations and to improve access to community lands and resources.
An annual forum with the Prime Minister was committed to at the November 1, 2017, Canada-Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations Forum. The Inuit Crown Partnership Committee has also identified land claims implementation as a priority issue and is pursuing recommendations echoed at the November 1, 2017 forum. First meetings were held in 2017 with the Prime Minister and Indigenous leaders, and these processes are expected to be ongoing. Other ongoing engagement, including with respect to departmental transformation, and with modern treaty and self-governing groups will be essential to positively advancing implementation of treaties and agreements.
Canada and Indigenous governments continue to engage in respectful and collaborative government-to-government discussions at regular meetings dedicated to the effective implementation of modern treaties and self-government agreements, with 50 having taken place to date in 2017-18.
In Québec, the Cree Nation Governance Agreement (signed on July 18, 2017) will modernize existing governance regimes on Cree lands. The implementing Bill on Cree Nation Governance Agreement received Royal Assent on March 29, 2018. This represents another step in implementing Cree self-governance in compliance with the 1975 James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement. It will provide the Cree First Nations and the Cree Nation Government with important tools to assume greater autonomy and responsibility in the governance of Cree community lands subject to federal jurisdiction. The Agreement on Cree Nation Governance and the Cree Constitution demonstrate that the Cree Nation Government and the Cree First Nations are mature governments. They are a step towards reconciliation and a respectful nation-to-nation relationship between the Cree and Canada in the spirit of the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement.
Additions to Reserves enable Canada to fulfill legal obligations established by Treaty Lands Entitlement, Specific Claims, and other legal agreements. Expanding the reserve land base is also an important mechanism by which First Nations can foster community and economic development. A National Additions to Reserve Advisory Committee made up of Indigenous organizations and stakeholders was created to identify and implement process improvements that will streamline and accelerate the Additions to Reserve process. There have been 111 Additions to Reserve approved in 2017-18, of which 98 represent the fulfillment of legal obligations on the part of the Crown.
In April 2017, Canada obtained a mandate to negotiate Rights Reconciliation Agreements on fisheries and National Parks with the 35 Mi’kmaq, Maliseet, and Peskotomuhkati Indigenous communities in the Atlantic and Gaspé region of Québec. Rights Reconciliation Agreements seek to implement the historic treaty rights affirmed in 1999 Marshall decision, create new opportunities for economic development, and create operational stability. To achieve success in implementing these Agreements, the Parties are also focusing on building governance capacity at the Nation level."
5/31/2018,371,,Indigenous peoples,"Collaboratively, identify the best models for delivering improved services to Indigenous peoples, and improve accountability.",Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - with challenges,"Co-creation of new and meaningful partnership models that strengthen service delivery for Indigenous peoples, resulting in improved outcomes in key areas including health, education, child welfare and community infrastructure.","The Government will work in partnership with Indigenous peoples to identify the best models for improving the delivery of services and improving accountability to Indigenous peoples for the quality of those services. This will be achieved by strengthening engagement practices, supporting the transfer of services to be Indigenous-led where possible, recognizing the inherent knowledge of communities and ensuring that services are culturally appropriate. The Government will also work with Indigenous peoples to measure and monitor progress and improve service delivery on an ongoing basis.
The Government continues to work collaboratively with the First Nations Fiscal Management Act institutions, the First Nations Finance Authority, the First Nations Financial Management Board and the First Nations Tax Commission, who provide direct services to First Nations and a legislative and institutional framework to exercise jurisdiction over core fiscal and governance matters, including the financing of infrastructure and economic development projects through the issuance of bonds on capital markets. For an example of some of the results achieved, the First Nations Finance Authority’s October 2017 debenture issuance on the financial markets added an additional $126 million to the existing debentures and bringing the total to $376 million. Investments in infrastructure and socio-economic development projects include water treatment, roads, housing, schools, health, security and emergency services, renewable energy and aquaculture. In addition to the high quality services that they provide, these institutions are working collaboratively with the Government and other First Nation partners to lead the way on innovative initiatives that support a renewed nation-to-nation relationship, such as a proposed First Nation infrastructure institution, under the umbrella of a New Fiscal Relationship and 10 year grants, and exploring the potential to monetize federal capital transfers.
The Government also continues to work in close collaboration with other key partner Indigenous organizations such as the National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association, the First Nations Lands Management Resource Centre and the Tulo Centre of Indigenous Economics. These technical organizations play a crucial role in developing capacity, certifying First Nations through accredited programs and providing ongoing professional development and technical support in areas of relevance to First Nations - land use planning and surveys, matrimonial real property, resource development, environmental management, etc. The government will continue to look for opportunities to further devolve responsibilities to our partners as they have proven to be effective and efficient in providing culturally appropriate services and capacity development opportunities.
Budget 2018 proposes to invest $50 million over five years, and $11 million per year ongoing, to strengthen the First Nations Financial Management Board, the First Nations Finance Authority and the First Nations Tax Commission.
The Government is in discussions with the Metis National Council on increasing access to capital for the Metis Capital Corporations as well as the possibility of holding a MEDS 4 (Metis Economic Development Symposium). The Government will continue to work with First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation, as well as other partners, to advance the reforms to child and family services that are needed and develop Indigenous-led solutions that put the well-being of children first. For example, supporting community-led initiatives, working with First Nations communities and the Métis Nation to draw down jurisdiction in child and family services, and collaborating with partners to create federal legislation in child and family services.
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5/31/2018,372,,Indigenous peoples,"Continue to provide services to Indigenous peoples, including community infrastructure, emergency management, water, education, moneys and trusts, and registration.",Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - with challenges,"Indigenous communities will have access to and benefit from quality community infrastructure including housing, water, schools and other forms of community infrastructure, and services (moneys and trusts, and registration).","Water: In January 2018, the scope of the commitment to resolve additional long-term drinking water advisories (LT-DWAs) was expanded. Between November 2015 and June 20, 2018, the total number of LT-DWAs on public systems on reserve declined from 105 to 74.
Budget 2018 builds on prior investments and reaffirms the Government’s commitment by proposing to provide an additional $172.6 million over three years, beginning in 2018–19, to improve access to clean and safe drinking water on reserve. The latest results on eliminating LT-DWA can be found here.
Housings: Investments in Indigenous housing from Budget 2016 are expected to build/renovate/lot service 13,093 units in First Nation communities. As of December 31, 2017, 5,536 (42%) of the planned 13,093 housing units have been completed. With respect to Inuit housing, 193 units are expected to be built/renovated in 2016/17 and 2017/18. Through investments made in Budget 2017 and Budget 2018, the Government proposes dedicated funding to support the successful implementation of each of the distinctions-based housing strategies, including:
•$600 million over three years to support housing on reserve as part of a 10-year First Nations Housing Strategy that is being developed with First Nations.
•$400 million over 10 years to support an Inuit-led housing plan in the Inuit regions of Nunavik, Nunatsiavut and Inuvialuit Settlement Region. This is in addition to the $240 million over 10 years announced in Budget 2017 to support housing in Nunavut.,
•$500 million over 10 years to support the Métis Nation’s housing strategy.
Schools: Over $300 million was invested to build/upgrade First Nation schools in 2016/17 and 2017/18. This includes 74 new schools and 85 renovated/upgraded schools. As of December 31, 2017, 11 out of the 74 new school projects have been completed, and renovations/upgrades on 10 of the 85 schools have been completed.
Health facilities: As of April 30, 2018, investments have been made in more than 213 First Nations infrastructure projects to build and renovate health facilities such as nursing stations, health centres, acute care facilities, drug and alcohol treatment centres, as well as facilities hosting Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve (AHSOR) programming. 158 (74.2%) of these projects are complete.
Emergency Managements: In 2016/17, the Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP) invested $115.69 million to support First Nations in their efforts to prepare for, mitigate against, respond to and recover from emergency disasters. There were 117 emergency events affecting First Nation communities of which 37 caused evacuations involving approximately 6,668 evacuees (99.6% of whom have returned to their communities).
For 2017/18, forecasted expenditures for EMAP are approximately $137 million, with approximately $103.2 million of this for emergency response and recovery. There were 153 emergency events affecting First Nation communities, of which 55 caused evacuations involving approximately 14,888 evacuees (99.2% of whom have returned to their communities to date). In the 2018/19 fiscal year (as of May 17, 2018), there have been 53 EMAP-eligible emergency events affecting First Nation communities, of which 13 resulted in evacuations involving approximately 2,789 evacuees. Kashechewan First Nation began repatriation activities on Friday May 13, 2018 after a precautionary evacuation due to potential flooding in late April.
Land Use Plannings: Over $10 million was invested in 2016/17 and 2017/18 to allow over 50 communities begin developing community-led land use plans, which will support healthy and environmentally sustainable community development by ensuring infrastructure investments are planned and implemented in a manner that serves the short and long term needs and priorities of communities.
Moneys and Trusts: In 2017/18, the Government processed 1,044 band moneys payment transactions totaling $180.9 million, 6,059 individual moneys payment transactions totaling $9.3 million, and 1,051 suspense account payment transactions totaling $5.6 million. To date, in 2018/19, the Government processed 101 band moneys payment transactions totaling $17.9 million, 845 individual moneys payment transactions totaling $1.3 million, and 92 suspense account payment transactions totaling $0.7 million.
From January to December 2017, the Government paid out $ 1,968,805.00 in treaty payments to 144,016 individuals at 342 Treaty payment events across Canada.
Registrations: On December 22, 2017, the Indian Act was amended in response to the Superior Court of Quebec decision in Descheneaux v. Canada (Procureur général). Amendments to address the specific issues raised by the Court will immediately correct sex-based inequities in Indian registration going back to 1951. Broader amendments that will remove sex-based inequities going back to 1869 will come into force at a later date after Canada has consulted with First Nations and other parties on how to implement the changes.
Estates: Since April 2017, the Government provided service to complete the administration for 4,813 decedent estates and opened the administration of 3,285 new decedent estates. Services were provided in the administration of 98 new Living estates.
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5/31/2018,373,,Healthy Canadians,Eliminate all long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve by March 2021.,Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - on track,"Continued progress in eliminating long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve, leading to the elimination of all long-term advisories by March 2021.","In January 2018, the scope of the commitment to resolve additional long-term drinking water advisories (LT-DWAs) was expanded. Between November 2015 and June 20, 2018, the number of LT-DWAs on public systems in First Nations communities has declined from 105 to 74. Over this period, 64 LT-DWAs were lifted, and 33 new LT-DWAs were added. Work is ongoing in partnership with First Nation communities and an action plan is in place to address all 74 LT-DWAs currently in effect.
To support this commitment, the Government of Canada is investing in First Nation water infrastructure projects, assisting First Nation communities in monitoring the quality of drinking water and advising on issues related to drinking water safety. Through joint efforts, First Nations communities have access to trained personnel, including community-based water monitoring, to sample and test drinking water quality. This increased capacity means water is being monitored more often, and potential problems can now be identified sooner.
Budget 2018 builds on prior investments and reaffirms the Government’s commitment by proposing to provide an additional $172.6 million over three years, beginning in 2018–19, to improve access to clean and safe drinking water on reserve."
5/31/2018,374,,Healthy Canadians,Improve the delivery of child welfare and health care under Jordan's Principle to focus on the best interests of the child.,Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - on track,"First Nations children have access to the health and social supports they need when they need them, no matter where they live.","From July 2016 to March 2018, Canada has approved 73,447 products, supports and services for First Nations children and youth under Jordan's Principle.
Significant progress has been made in recent months in the provision of health, educational and social supports:
• From July 2016 to March 2017, funding was approved for approximately 5,000 product, service, and supports totaling $11 million.
• From April 2017 to March 2018, there were 68,507 approved product, service, and supports totaling $138 million.
Actions to support Jordan's Principle, include:
• Increasing awareness of Jordan's Principle amongst First Nations families, health providers, provincial school boards and provincial/territorial stakeholders through a proactive and multi-faceted communications and marketing approach with a focus on Indigenous mediums (e.g. social media, radio advertisements, targeted mailouts to Child and Family Service agencies, educational institutions, etc.);
• Co-developing the future direction of Jordan's Principle, through national engagement in partnership with the Assembly of First Nations, and other First Nations stakeholders, through the Jordan's Principle Action Table (sub-committee of the National Advisory Committee) to inform Cabinet decision making in fall 2018;
• Launching of the Jordan’s Principle National Call Centre to help First Nations children access the products, services and supports they need. 1-855-JP-CHILD (1-855-572-4453);
• Participation of all interested Canadian Human Rights Tribunal parties at the Jordan’s Principle Oversight Committee, a committee established to increase dialogue and timely advice on Jordan’s Principle implementation and planning activities;
• Ongoing monitoring, tracking and reporting of Jordan's Principle processes to comply with Canadian Human Right's Tribunal orders. The Affidavit compliance report was submitted to the Tribunal on May 24, 2018;
• Development of a Client Satisfaction Survey in consultation with the parties to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal decision, to help assess the impact of Jordan's Principle. The survey is to be distributed to recipients who have accessed services and supports through Jordan's Principle s and responses are expected by the end of May 2018;
•Updates have been made to the Jordan's Principle webpages to include information on how to make a request, seek reimbursement, make an appeal as well as information on the application of substantive equality under Jordan's Principle;
•Terms of Reference for the Consultation Committee have been finalized, and the first meeting was held the week of May 7, 2018; and
•Communiqués issued across all regions to support Jordan's Principle implementation.
Efforts are being undertaken to improve the delivery of child welfare, including:
• To address the funding pressures facing child and family service agencies, while also increasing prevention resources for communities so that children are safe and families can stay together, Budget 2018 proposes to provide more than $1.4 billion in new funding over six years, starting in 2017–18, for First Nations Child and Family Services. The Government will continue to work with First Nations, Inuit and the Metis Nation, as well as other partners, to advance the reforms to child and family services that are needed and develop Indigenous-led solutions that put the well-being of children first.
• Government’s commitment to continue to fully implement the orders of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, in consultation with the parties, including funding on actuals for retroactive and ongoing agency expenses in areas such as prevention/least disruptive measures, intake and investigation, building repairs, and legal fees.
• Engagement nationally and regionally to implement the six point plan on Indigenous child welfare, including developing a data and reporting strategy with provinces, territories, and Indigenous partners and advancing discussions on increasing jurisdiction for Indigenous communities.
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5/31/2018,375,,Indigenous peoples,Implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in full partnership with Indigenous peoples.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - with challenges,"Strengthened relationships between the Government and Indigenous peoples, and alignment of federal laws and policies related to Indigenous peoples with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).","The Government has created a Working Group of Ministers, chaired by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, on the Review of Laws and Policies Related to Indigenous peoples to identify opportunities to amend federal laws and policies to align with the spirit and intent of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples(UNDRIP). As of November 2017, Canada is engaged in over 60 Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions, which are an opportunity for the Government to work collaboratively with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities to advance their rights, needs and interests through flexible approaches. These discussions are guided by the spirit and intent of the UNDRIP and by the Principles Respecting the Government of Canada's Relationship with Indigenous peoples. What is heard through these discussions will help inform forthcoming reforms to section-35 related policies to align with a recognition of rights approach and Indigenous self-determination as expressed in the UNDRIP.
The Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions are one of the mechanisms Canada is using to advance implementation of Articles 3, 4, 5 and 9 of the UNDRIP. The Government of Canada is working together with Indigenous groups to strengthen their self-determination as well as advance shared priorities, including nation building and governance. In addition, Canada is implementing our commitment to co-development through the co-development of negotiation mandates for Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions. This reflects Article 18 of the Declaration affirming that Indigenous peoples have the right to participate in decision-making about matters affecting their rights through their own representatives.
The Government of Canada is also fulfilling its commitment to implement the UNDRIP by:
• Supporting Private Member’s Bill C-262: The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, as a strong first step in the process of implementation. More legislation will be needed in order to fully implement the Declaration in Canada;
• Co-developing Indigenous Languages legislation with national First Nation, Inuit, and Métis leaders;
• Establishing the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls;
• Adopting a set of Principles respecting the Government of Canada's relationship with Indigenous peoples;
• Undertaking major changes to the machinery of government through the creation of the new Department of Indigenous Services and Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, to be better partners in new, recognition-based, nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relations;
• Working with Indigenous self-governments to review financing policies as a first step to support Indigenous governance, self-sufficiency and economic development;
• Creating new pathways to self-determination in health and education, including concluding significant education agreements, like the Anishnabek Nation Education Agreement, that recognizes Anishnabek control over education for 23 participating First Nations, and the opening of the Manitoba First Nations School System;
• Co-developing amendments to the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management and the First Nations Land Management Act with the Lands Advisory Board; and
• Developing a Recognition and Implementation of Indigenous Rights Framework to support the rebuilding of nations; advance self-determination; and, make the recognition and implementation of rights the basis for all relations between Indigenous peoples and the federal government.
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5/31/2018,376,,Safety and Security,Undertake modernization efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the criminal justice system.,Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,"Canadians are kept safer and offenders are held to account, the system shows greater compassion for victims, the needs of vulnerable populations are addressed and the criminal justice system is more efficient.","On March 29, 2018, the Government tabled legislation to improve efficiencies in the criminal justice system and reduce court delays in six key areas:
o modernize and streamline the bail regime;
o enhance the approach to administration of justice offences, including for youth;
o restrict the availability of preliminary inquiries to offences carrying life imprisonment;
o reclassify some offences to provide greater flexibility and court efficiencies;
o improve the jury composition and selection process; and,
o strengthen case management measures and processes for making rules of court.
A number of these reforms will respond to victims and the needs of vulnerable populations, for instance, by providing better protection for victims of intimate partner violence; preventing victims from having to testify twice; and, by providing that circumstances of the accused, in particular Indigenous accused and accused persons from vulnerable populations, are considered at bail, and in determining how to address a breach of condition.
To enhance access to justice and improve outcomes for a significant number of Canadian families, Budget 2018 proposed to provide $77.2 million over four years, starting in 2019-2020, and $20.8 million per year ongoing to support the creation and expansion of Unified Family Courts in Alberta, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador
Further to the funding announced in Budget 2018 to support the creation and expansion of Unified Family Courts in Alberta, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador, the necessary amendments to the Judges Act have been included in the Budget Implementation Act, 2018, No.1. As a further significant family law initiative, on May 22, 2018, the Government of Canada introduced new legislation (Bill C-78) to make federal family laws more responsive to Canadian families’ needs. The proposed legislation is designed to meet four key objectives:
• promote the best interests of the child;
• address family violence;
• help to reduce child poverty; and
• make Canada’s family justice system more accessible and efficient.
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5/31/2018,377,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Lead preparations for future international sporting events.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Underway - on track,Canadian athletes and national sport organizations are better prepared and supported for domestic and international events.,"Canada recorded its best ever Winter Olympics performance medal-wise at the PyeongChang Olympics with 29 medals (11 gold, eight silver, ten bronze). Canada also recorded its best ever Winter Paralympic performance at the PyeongChang Paralympics with 28 medals (eight gold, four silver and 16 bronze). The Government will continue to support Canadian athletes and national sport organizations in preparation for international events. Each year, Canada hosts more than 70 international single sport events that are supported through the Government's Hosting Program.
Canada’s female athletes do us proud at high-performance sport events. They regularly achieve podium success at Senior World Championships, and Olympic and Paralympic Games, but fewer Canadian women and girls participate in sport and physical activity than men and boys. Through Budget 2018, the Government proposed an initial $30 million in funding over three years to support data, research and innovative practices to promote women and girls’ participation in sport, and encourage greater inclusion of women and girls in all facets of sport. As such, in April 2018, a Working Group on gender Equity in Sport was created in order to examine issues that may affect participation and propose ideas, approaches, and strategies for eliminating barriers and to increase participation of women and girls in all facets of sport.
Budget 2018 also proposed to provide $16 million over five years with $2 million in ongoing funding for Special Olympics Canada to sustain its empowering movement. This includes support to the National Team Program which ensures optimal performance preparation for Special Olympics Team Canada to represent Canada on the world stage.
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5/31/2018,101_1,,Government Services and Operations,Implement the Auditor General's recommendations on enhancing mental health service delivery to Veterans.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,Veterans have increased awareness of available mental health services so that they know when they can expect care and get it quickly; there is improved performance management in the delivery of mental health services; and all recommendations of the Auditor General's 2014 report have been implemented.,"The Government of Canada has fully implemented the recommendations from the Auditor General's 2014 report on mental health services for Veterans, with the opening of a satellite operational stress injury clinic in Montreal on January 8, 2018. In addition, a new information system has been implemented to better track operational stress injuries and mental health needs among Veterans. This system is intended to address the quality and impact of service, help identify those at risk and provide recommendations for Veterans and their mental health service providers. These and other changes, reinforced by a new performance management framework, will improve the quality and effectiveness of how mental health services and outreach activities are delivered to Veterans. Lastly, Veterans Affairs Canada is continuously communicating about mental health services amongst the Veteran community to ensure those requiring assistance can access it."
5/31/2018,14_1,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and all other parts of the Public Safety portfolio are workplaces free from harassment and sexual violence.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Underway - on track,"Reduced incidents of harassment and sexual violence across Public Safety portfolio workplaces. Better training for staff at all levels, and implementation of all recommendations related to workplace safety and wellness at the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).","The Government is taking all necessary steps to ensure the RCMP is a workplace free from harassment and sexual violence. These steps include implementing all recommendations from the July 2016 Report on Allegations of Harassment and Sexual Misconduct at the RCMP's Canadian Police College Explosives Training Unit, providing $100 million for a settlement between the RCMP and female members and public service employees regarding gender and sexual orientation based harassment and discrimination, and establishing a senior executive responsible for Workforce Culture and Employee Engagement. The Government is also reviewing the report by Special Advisor Sheila Fraser on four cases of civil litigation against the RCMP regarding workplace harassment and the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission's comprehensive review of workplace harassment. In May 2018, the Government mandated the new RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki, in a letter from the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, to protect the health and safety of RCMP employees and members, including from harassment and violence in the workplace. Agencies in the Public Safety portfolio, including the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC), Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), have also put initiatives in place to address harassment and sexual violence in the workplace. As well, with the November 2017 signing of an Agreement in Principle (AIP) by the Government of Canada and parties to the Todd Edward Ross et al v. Her Majesty the Queen class action, a total of $110 million will be available to compensate class members — federal public servants, including members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who were directly impacted by anti-LGBTQ2 (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and two-spirit) policies and practices. The AIP also earmarks $15 million for remembrance to prevent future discrimination and for reconciliation with LGBTQ2 communities."
5/31/2018,175_1,,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Make sure the Infrastructure Bank supports the construction of new, affordable rental housing.","Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",On-going commitment,"Where relevant, the Canada Infrastructure Bank undertakes complementary projects that support the goals of the National Housing Strategy.","The Canada Infrastructure Bank was legally established in June 2017 as an arm’s length Crown corporation focused on making and attracting investments in revenue-generating infrastructure projects in the public interest. The Bank is responsible for investments of at least $35 billion over 11 years, focused on public transit, green infrastructure, and trade and transportation projects. In parallel, the Government launched the National Housing Strategy which includes a new National Housing Co-investment Fund which will support initiatives designed to build, renew and repair Canada’s stock of affordable housing and ensure Canadians have greater access to affordable housing that meets their needs. The Bank may undertake projects in the future related to housing, and if so these will complement the National Housing Strategy. But, to avoid duplication, the construction of affordable rental housing is not likely to be part of the Bank's primary mandate."
5/31/2018,240_1,,Strong Middle Class,Co-develop an Indigenous Early Learning and Childcare Framework with Indigenous partners.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Indigenous Services;Minister of Status of Women",Underway - on track,"Strengthened early learning and child care that reflects the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit and Métis children and families.","In addition to investments to support early learning and child care under the Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care Framework with provinces and territories, the Government has been collaborating with Indigenous partners to develop an Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework that reflects the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children and families across Canada. The Framework will inform additional investments of at least $130 million a year for 10 years to strengthen early learning and childcare programs and services for Indigenous children. Budget 2018 reiterated that a commitment of $360 million, starting in 2017-18, has been made towards the Framework over the next three years.
Budget 2016 announced $29.4 million in 2016-17 to support repairs and renovations of the facilities used by the First Nations and Inuit Child Care Initiative child care (FNICCI) and the Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve (AHSOR) program. Repairs and renovations were undertaken in 210 FNICCI child care centers and in 70 AHSOR facilities.
Budget 2016 also proposed investments of $100 million in 2017-18 to build capacity in existing Indigenous early learning and child care programs while the Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework is being co-developed. With these investments, repairs and renovations have been undertaken in 335 FNICCI child care centers, in 97 AHSOR facilities and in 89 Aboriginal Head Start in Urban and Northern Communities facilities.
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5/31/2018,257_1,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Encourage an increase in the number of women in senior positions and on boards in Canada.,"Minister of Status of Women;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,More women occupy senior leadership positions in Canada.,"The first gender-balanced federal Cabinet was appointed in 2015. The Government has also adopted an open, transparent and merit-based approach to select candidates for federal appointments which, to date, has selected 54% women for these important roles. In addition, the Government has announced a process to address the underrepresentation of women as Canada Research Chairs, and newly amended legislation, which received Royal Assent on May 1, 2018, will require publicly-traded, federally-incorporated companies to disclose annually information on the diversity makeup of their boards and senior management, as well as their diversity policies (or explain why they do not have one)."
5/31/2018,257_2,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Increase women representation where they have been traditionally under-represented, such as in the skilled trades.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,"Increase representation of women in professions and sectors traditionally dominated by men, including the skilled trades.","Budget 2017 investments in the PromoScience Program and FuturPreneur Canada are aimed at increasing the participation of underrepresented groups, including women, in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields as well as in entrepreneurship. Budget 2018 proposed to allocate approximately $20 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, to pilot an Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women. Under the Grant, women in male-dominated Red Seal trades would receive $3,000 for each of their first two years of training (up to $6,000). Working in partnership with provinces, territories, post-secondary institutions, training providers, unions and employers, the Government will provide $46 million over five years, starting in 2018-19, and $10 million per year thereafter, for the Pre-Apprenticeship Program that will help Canadians explore the trades, gain work experience, make informed career choices and develop the skills needed to find and keep good, well-paying jobs in the trades. To help increase the number of women in the skilled trades, the Women in Construction Fund will be launched in 2018-19 with an investment of $10 million over three years. The Program will build on existing models that have proven to be effective in attracting women to the trades. These models provide supports such as mentoring, coaching and tailored supports that help women to progress through their training and find and retain jobs in the trades."
5/31/2018,39_1,,Environment and Climate Change,"Implement the Pan-Canadian framework, including targeted federal funding and a flexible national carbon pricing policy.",Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Finance;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,"Reduction in Canada's greenhouse gas emissions and progress to Canada's 2030 emission reduction targets as committed to in the Paris Agreement, ensuring that a cleaner, more sustainable world is left for our children and generations to come.","In December 2016, most First Ministers adopted the Pan-Canadian Framework (PCF) on Clean Growth and Climate Change, with Manitoba announcing its intention to join on February 23, 2018. The Government of Canada is working closely with the provinces and territories, Indigenous Peoples, and Canadians to implement over 50 measures outlined in the PCF. These actions, supported by significant federal investments announced in Budget 2016 and Budget 2017, will decrease emissions, reduce air pollution, advance technology innovation and increase resilience across the broad range of impacts of climate change.
In December 2017, the first annual report on progress made in implementing the PCF was released. This report highlights significant federal, provincial and territorial accomplishments of the past year under all four pillars of the Framework.
In addition, the Government released the Clean Fuel Standard Regulatory Framework to clarify key issues relating to the planned regulations.
Under the pan-Canadian approach to pricing carbon pollution, provinces and territories have the flexibility to implement their own carbon pollution pricing systems to meet the federal benchmark. Four provinces already have systems in place. In March 2018, the Government introduced legislation for the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act (GGPPA). The proposed GGPPA establishes the framework for the federal carbon pollution pricing system. The federal carbon pollution pricing system will apply in jurisdictions that request it or that do not have a carbon pollution pricing system in place in 2018 that meets the benchmark. The federal system is intended to take effect on January 1, 2019.
In February 2018, Canada published two proposed regulations to limit carbon dioxide emissions: one amendment to accelerate the phase-out of coal-fired power by 2030, and the other to set emission performance standards for new natural gas-fired electricity generation and coal boilers converted to run on natural gas.
Canada is also working on a full suite of adaptation programs, codes and standards for climate resilience, a Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund, investments of $21.9 billion in green infrastructure funding (including $9.2 billion for bilateral agreements with provinces and territories), establishment of the Canadian Centre for Climate Services, and $2 billion for a Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund.
In addition, the Government of Canada – working in partnership with the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and the Métis National Council – has launched three separate senior-level tables to engage with First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation in the implementation of the PCF.
In March 2018, the $500 million Low Carbon Economy Challenge was launched.
In April 2018, the final Regulations Respecting Reductions in the Release of Methane and Certain Volatile Organic Compounds (upstream oil and gas sector) were published."
5/31/2018,7_1,,Safety and Security,Ensure the Royal Canadian Navy is able to operate as a true maritime force.,"Minister of National Defence;Minister of Public Services and Procurement; Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - with challenges,Improved equipment for the men and women in uniform.,"Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), the Government has started renewing Canada's maritime fleet so needed vessels are delivered to the Royal Canadian Navy in a timely and affordable manner.
The Canadian Surface Combatant competitive procurement for the warship design and design team is progressing well; multiple bids were received in November 2017 and the warship design and design team, selected as a result of the competitive procurement, is expected to be announced in 2018. The interim auxiliary oiler replenishment vessel, the M/V Asterix, entered into service in January 2018 and the first Arctic and Offshore Patrol ship will be launched in summer 2018. In May 2018, the Government of Canada signed a contract for the construction of up to 52 blocks of the Royal Canadian Navy’s Joint Support Ships (JSS) at Vancouver Shipyards. Construction of these early blocks will commence in the summer of 2018. JSS 1 is expected to be delivered in 2022-2023 and JSS 2 is expected in 2023-2024.
To advance the development of National Repair, Refit and Maintenance and Small Vessel Construction program strategies, Public Services and Procurement Canada hosted a series of four Regional Workshops (November 2017 – April 2018). The results of these workshops will be used to identify opportunities to improve and streamline the procurement processes.
The NSS continues to generate significant economic benefits across the country. Approximately $1.3 billion of NSS contracts were awarded in 2017. NSS contracts awarded between 2012 and 2017 are estimated to contribute close to $8.9 billion of gross domestic product, and create or maintain almost 8,800 jobs annually during the period of 2012 to 2022 in the Canadian economy. NSS shipyards also continue to engage with small and medium Canadian enterprises by awarding contracts for NSS related projects.
Given the scope and complexity of the construction of vessels, delivering on time and on budget presents implementation challenges that must be closely monitored and managed, which is the purview of the Cabinet Committee on Defence Procurement.
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5/31/2018,77_1,,Healthy Canadians,New Health Accord supports the delivery of more and better home care services.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,Improved access to home care services.,"The Government of Canada has reached agreement with all provinces and territories on collective priorities and 10-year funding to strengthen health care and will invest $6 billion over 10 years for provinces and territories to expand access to home and community care options, and better support the millions of Canadians who provide informal care to loved ones. Based on the collective priorities, bilateral funding agreements detailing how federal funding will be used are now being negotiated. Agreements have been signed with five provinces and territories (New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Prince Edward Island and Saskatchewan). The Government has also introduced a 15-week Employment Insurance benefit for those caring for critically ill or injured adult family members and created the new Canada Caregiving Credit to simplify and expand tax credits for caregivers.
The Progress Report on Selecting Pan-Canadian Indicators for Access to Mental Health and Addiction Services and to Home and Community Care was published by Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) on March 22, 2018. Its purpose is to report on progress made to date regarding the selection of common indicators. Annual reporting is expected to begin in 2019. The proposed common indicators support the performance measurement commitments under the Common Statement of Principles on Shared Health Priorities and were presented to, and endorsed by, the Conference of Deputy Ministers of Health on April 5, 2018. The indicators will be brought forward to Federal, Provincial, and Territorial Health Ministers for approval in June. "
5/31/2018,77_2,,Healthy Canadians,New Health Accord advances pan-Canadian collaboration on health innovation.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"More innovation within the health care system, including new digital and mobile technologies to improve results.","To support health innovation, Budget 2017 confirmed $300 million over five years for Canada Health Infoway to expand e-prescribing and virtual care initiatives. In addition, Budget 2017 committed $53 million over five years, with $15.0 million per year ongoing, to the Canadian Institute for Health Information to address health data gaps, support improved decision-making and strengthen health system performance reporting. Budget 2017 also committed $51 million over three years, starting in 2019-20, with $17 million ongoing, to the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement to continue to accelerate innovations in all provinces and territories."
5/31/2018,77_3,,Healthy Canadians,New Health Accord improves access to necessary prescription medications.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,Canadians have access to lower cost prescription medications.,"The Government is working on enhancing the affordability, accessibility and appropriate use of prescription drugs in collaboration with provinces, territories and other partners. The Government has joined the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance, which leverages combined federal-provincial-territorial purchasing power to make patented prescription drugs cheaper for public plans and lower prescription generic drug prices for all payers. Following an initial consultation in Spring 2017, proposed amendments to the Patented Medicines Regulations were published in Canada Gazette I on December 20, 2017, launching a 75-day period during which stakeholders and interested Canadians are invited to provide feedback. Budget 2017 invested $140.3 million over five years and $18.2 million per year ongoing for Health Canada, the Patented Medicines Prices Review Board and the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health.
As part of Budget 2018, the Government announced it is creating an Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare. The Advisory Council will conduct an economic and social assessment of domestic and international models, and will recommend options on how to move forward."
5/31/2018,77_4,,Healthy Canadians,New Health Accord makes high quality mental health services available.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"Improved access to mental health and addictions services, particularly for vulnerable populations and youth.","The Government of Canada has reached agreement with all provinces and territories on collective priorities and 10-year funding to strengthen health care and will invest $5 billion over 10 years to increase access to mental health and addictions services, including for young Canadians, where early interventions can significantly improve outcomes. Based on the collective priorities, bilateral funding agreements detailing how federal funding will be used are being negotiated. Agreements have now been signed with four provinces and one territory (New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan).
The Progress Report on Selecting Pan-Canadian Indicators for Access to Mental Health and Addiction Services and to Home and Community Care was published by Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) on March 22, 2018. Its purpose is to report on progress made to date regarding the selection of common indicators. Annual reporting is expected to begin in 2019. The proposed common indicators support the performance measurement commitments under the Common Statement of Principles on Shared Health Priorities and were presented to, and endorsed by, the Conference of Deputy Ministers of Health on April 5, 2018. The indicators will be brought forward to FPT Health Ministers for approval in June.
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5/31/2018,90_1,,Strong Middle Class,Continue to reduce the federal debt-to-Gross Domestic Product ratio.,Minister of Finance,Underway - on track,A federal debt-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio that continues to go down.,"The Government is committed to building a strong middle class, making investments that lead to economic growth and reducing Canada’s already low debt-to-GDP ratio. In 2016-2017, federal debt was 31.2% of GDP. As shown in Budget 2018, the debt-to-GDP ratio is projected to continue falling, from 30.1% in 2018-19 and reaching 28.4% in 2022-23. The Government will maintain this downward debt ratio track—preserving Canada's low-debt advantage for current and future generations. Economic growth is the strongest in the G7, the youth unemployment rate is near the lowest it has ever been, and Canada is maintaining its low-debt advantage. The Government's approach has received praise from organizations including the International Monetary Fund."
5/31/2018,95_1,,Government Services and Operations,Increase the value of the Disability Award.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"Increased the maximum Disability Award to $360,000 and indexed it to inflation so ill or injured Veterans receive better financial support.","The maximum Disability Award has been increased to a maximum of $360,000 for ill and injured Veterans in recognition of pain and suffering, commensurate with industry benchmarks and indexed to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This provides support to Veterans and their families for an injury or illness resulting from military service. All Veterans who received a Disability Award since 2006 have already or will receive an additional lump-sum payment as a result of these changes."
6/30/2018,1,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency is a client-focused agency.,Minister of National Revenue,On-going commitment,"Improved client satisfaction levels, reduced wait times for inquiries, and simplified and easy to use processes.","To improve client service at the CRA, the Government of Canada has introduced new e-services and simplified letters and notices.
As of May 2018, a new service was introduced to inform business clients that mail addressed to them has been returned to the CRA, by making a message available in My Business Account. Business owners and authorized representatives will be asked to confirm or update the account’s address information.
Introduced in November 2017, the ""tell us once"" approach is a consent-based service that will make it easier for Canada Pension Plan recipients to update and share their direct deposit banking information quickly and safely between the CRA and Employment and Social Development Canada.
The CRA has expanded the Liaison Officer service, and small businesses can now request free in-person help from a CRA liaison officer. Individuals can now make payments in person at any Canada Post retail outlet with cash or a debit card by using the personalized quick response (QR) code found on individual remittance vouchers mailed to taxpayers, or by creating a QR code online. Following consultations with taxpayers living in the North, the CRA is committed to improving the services it offers to northern residents and enhancing its service culture, as indicated in the ""Serving You Better"" report.
To ensure that Indigenous peoples are able to fully participate in the Canadian tax and benefit system, the CRA conducted research with Indigenous communities to identify issues and challenges related to tax filing. The CRA intends to use the research findings to develop outreach programs and communication products to help individuals access benefits and credits available through the tax system, including the non-taxable, Canada Child Benefit.
Budget 2018 committed to a more client-centered approach. The Government will undertake a comprehensive departmental review of the CRA’s service model. While this review is underway, Budget 2018 announced $206 million over five years and $33.6 million in ongoing funding to address commitments to service excellence in three key areas. First, to improve telephone service, the budget proposes additional funding to enhance telephone technology, to hire more agents, and to provide additional training for agents. The CRA now allows more callers to reach its call centres, rather than be faced with a busy signal, by extending wait times in the queue. This has reduced the number of attempts that callers need to make to reach an agent. The CRA continues to expand its telephone self-service options. Since February 2018, callers can obtain their account balance and details about the last payment made to the CRA without needing to speak to an agent.
Secondly, Budget 2018 proposes doubling the size of the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, to help more individuals file their tax returns and access the benefits they are entitled to. Finally, Budget 2018 announced investments to update and modernize the CRA’s information technology infrastructure to deliver a more user-friendly experience that will allow Canadians to more easily find the tax and benefit information they need.
In October 2017, the CRA released a new mobile web app called CRA BizApp. This app lets small businesses and sole proprietors view their business account balances and make payments by pre-authorized debit to their corporation, goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST), payroll, and excise duty accounts.
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6/30/2018,2,,Strong Middle Class,Crack down on tax evaders.,Minister of National Revenue,Underway - on track,"A fairer tax system, and billions of dollars recovered from those who are evading taxes.","In recent years, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has transformed its compliance programs. By targeting non-compliance in the highest-risk areas, including wealthy individuals with offshore accounts, the CRA is able to more effectively limit tax evasion and avoidance. These efforts are showing concrete results for Canadians. Over the last two fiscal years, the Government reviewed all large money transfers between Canada and eight countries of concern—a total of 187,000 transactions worth a total of over $177 billion that merited closer scrutiny. Working closely with partners in Canada and around the world, there are now over 1,000 offshore audits, and more than 40 criminal investigations with links to offshore transactions underway. The Government is also aggressively going after those who promote tax avoidance schemes, and so far has imposed $44 million in penalties on these third parties. To further combat tax evasion and tax avoidance, the Government will invest an additional $90.6 million over five years to address additional cases that have been identified through enhanced risk assessment systems, both domestically and internationally.
Work is currently underway with international partners and the government is collaborating on recommendations of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Base Erosion and Profit Sharing initiative. "
6/30/2018,3,,Environment and Climate Change,Develop a Canadian energy strategy with provinces and territories.,Minister of Natural Resources,Underway - on track,"Greater energy conservation, greater inclusion of clean energy and innovative technologies in Canada's energy future, reduced diesel use in remote and off-grid communities, and effective market access for Canadian energy exports.","Federal, provincial and territorial Energy Ministers are taking joint action under the Canadian Energy Strategy on shared goals to promote energy efficiency, develop new energy technology and innovations, and identify priority energy infrastructure and advance international energy collaboration. These initiatives complement the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, which is meant to help Canada meet our emissions reduction target and grow the economy."
6/30/2018,4,,Environment and Climate Change,Modernize the National Energy Board.,Minister of Natural Resources,Underway - on track,"Canada has a modern energy regulator that is more representative of Canada's regions and diversity and has greater expertise to undertake its responsibilities in considering environmental science, the knowledge and perspective of Indigenous peoples, and community development.","As announced in February 2018, the Government is proposing to create the Canadian Energy Regulator (CER), a new and modern federal energy regulator with the required independence and the proper accountability to oversee a strong, safe and sustainable Canadian energy sector in the 21st century. The legislation and policy measures to modernize the National Energy Board were informed by an Expert Panel report, a federal discussion paper, parliamentary studies, and almost two years of consultations with Indigenous peoples, industry, provinces and territories, non-government organizations, academia and the public."
6/30/2018,5,,Environment and Climate Change,Develop a North American clean energy and environment agreement.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of Natural Resources,Completed - fully met,"Reduced greenhouse gas emissions, alignment of energy efficiency regulations and enhanced development of the clean technology sector in North America, setting the foundation for a stronger, more sustainable economy.","At the trilateral North American Leaders’ Summit in June 2016, an Action Plan for a North American Climate, Clean Energy, and Environment Partnership was publicly released. It announced ambitious targets to advance clean and secure energy, drive down short-lived climate pollutants, promote clean and efficient transportation, and show global leadership in addressing climate change. The February 13, 2017 Joint Statement from President Trump and Prime Minister Trudeau affirmed the importance of close collaboration on energy security, clean energy innovation and the environment, including clean air and water. Canada will continue to advance these priorities, including by working with Mexico and sub-national governments in the United States in the context of the North American Climate Leaders’ process."
6/30/2018,6,,Government Services and Operations,Undertake a review of Canada Post to make sure it provides high-quality service at a reasonable price.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,"Canadians receive the services they expect from Canada Post at a reasonable price. In addition, Canada Post is able to effectively adapt to changes in technology and consumer preferences.","The Canada Post Review has produced two public reports from an Independent Task Force and the House of Commons Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates. On January 24, 2018, the Government completed the Review and announced:
• the Government’s service-focused vision for renewal at Canada Post;
• concrete measures including the end of the program to convert from door-to-door to community mailboxes, an enhanced accessible delivery program to seniors and better promotion of remittance services; and
• guidance to the Board of Directors for the renewal of Canada Post.
Renewing Leadership:
• A new Chair of Canada Post's Board of Directors was appointed in December 2017.
• On January 24, 2018, the Minister’s letter of expectations was sent to the newly appointed Chair of Canada Post's Board of Directors.
• In 2018, the Government has announced eight appointments to the Canada Post Board of Directors.
"
6/30/2018,7,,Safety and Security,Renew the Canadian Coast Guard fleet.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Public Services and Procurement;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - with challenges,Enhanced protection and improved safety of Canadians along Canada's coasts.,"Through the Oceans Protection Plan and re-investments in the Canadian Coast Guard, the Government has significantly enhanced support to the Coast Guard fleet. The Government is investing to: repair and modernize many of the Coast Guard's vessels with new towing equipment and technology, improve collaborations between the Coast Guard with Indigenous communities, and harness cutting edge science and technology to understand ocean currents, real-time shipping movements and threat monitoring.
Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), the Government has started renewing Canada's federal fleet so that needed vessels are delivered to the Canadian Coast Guard in a timely and affordable manner.
Construction is underway on all three Offshore Fisheries Science Vessels and two Channel Survey and Sounding Vessels. The first Offshore Fisheries Science Vessel was launched in December 2017, and subsequently towed to Victoria where it will undergo a period of outfitting/build completion and trials. Construction engineering is also underway for the Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel and the first two of 20 new Search and Rescue (SAR) lifeboats were delivered in late 2017 to help keep Canadians and Canadian waterways safe On June 22, 2018, the Government of Canada issued an Advanced Contract Award Notice (ACAN) to Chantier Davie of Lévis, Quebec, for the acquisition and conversion of three medium commercial icebreakers. The vessels will provide interim capability for the Canadian Coast Guard, until replacement vessels can be built under the National Shipbuilding Strategy.
The schedule of the non-combat program has been adjusted to reflect the progress to date, and work is underway to minimize projected production slowdowns.
To advance the development of National Repair, Refit and Maintenance and Small Vessel Construction program strategies, Public Services and Procurement Canada hosted a series of four regional workshops (November 2017 – April 2018). The results of these workshops will be used to identify opportunities to improve and streamline the procurement processes.
The NSS continues to generate significant economic benefits across the country. Approximately $1.3 billion of NSS contracts were awarded in 2017. NSS contracts awarded between 2012 and 2017 are estimated to contribute close to $8.9 billion of gross domestic product, and create or maintain almost 8,800 jobs annually during the period of 2012 to 2022 in the Canadian economy. NSS shipyards also continue to engage with small and medium Canadian enterprises by awarding contracts for NSS related projects.
Given the scope and complexity of the construction of vessels, delivering on time and on budget presents implementation challenges that must be closely monitored and managed, which is the purview of the Cabinet Committee on Defence Procurement."
6/30/2018,8,,Government Services and Operations,Modernize procurement practices.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,"Government procurement is faster, simpler, more competitive, and more predictable in terms of cost. Businesses with innovative ideas are able to more easily sell to the Government, and procurement processes benefit Canadians and communities across Canada.","The Government is improving its procurement processes so that businesses can engage with Government in a simpler and faster way. The procurement platform was enhanced so that suppliers have easier access to bidding opportunities and are given a second opportunity to comply with the mandatory requirements of bid solicitations. Steps have also been taken to adopt an agile approach to procurement, that provides a fair, transparent and inclusive process open to all businesses across Canada. The Government announced the new Innovative Solutions Canada, which matches businesses offering early-stage prototypes with federal departments in need of innovative products or services. Budget 2018 announced $196.8 million over five years to establish a new electronic procurement platform, which will also help make government procurement simpler, faster, and more accessible.
The Government is also making strides to increase bidder diversity. It participated in approximately 1,770 outreach events across Canada including 614 events that gathered 10,909 individuals belonging to under-represented groups such as women, Indigenous and multicultural communities to promote how to do business with the Government of Canada. PSPC also launched social procurement pilot to increase participation of small and diverse suppliers with a bigger focus on women-owned and Indigenous small and medium-sized businesses. These efforts also complement initiatives undertaken to support green and social procurement in order to deliver improved community and environmental benefits.
The Government is also adopting innovative technologies, including the use of Artificial Intelligence to speed up the procurement process and determine how best to align government contracts to commercial best practices.
"
6/30/2018,9,,Government Services and Operations,Establish new performance standards for government services and measure and report on performance.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Public Services and Procurement;Minister of Democratic Institutions",Underway - on track,Government services that better meet the needs of Canadians.,"The Government of Canada is assessing its service standards to ensure that they are comprehensive and meaningful. Among its initial achievements, the Government has: implemented new and better service standards for new clients applying for Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPP-D) benefits; completed a Service Delivery Review for Veterans Affairs Canada to help drive wholesale change to delivering services and benefits to Veterans; re-opened nine Veterans Affairs Canada offices that were closed by the previous government, and opened a new tenth office; expanded auto-enrollment for Old Age Security benefits (OAS); and added new capacity for call centres handling inquiries related to Employment Insurance (EI) and Canada Revenue Agency. In 2017-18, the Government consulted with Canadians as part of reviews of the EI, OAS and CPP service standards, the results of which are informing the consideration of potential changes to these standards. "
6/30/2018,10,,Fair and Open Government,Strengthen oversight on government advertising.,President of the Treasury Board,Underway - on track,Increased oversight of government advertising so that public dollars aren't spent on partisan advertising.,"In May 2016, an interim process was established so that advertising campaigns with budgets greater than $500,000 undergo independent, mandatory reviews. These reviews ensure the campaigns are non-partisan. The results of these reviews are posted online. Following consultations with parliamentarians and other stakeholders, the Government will entrench independent third-party oversight of federal advertising in law. The Office of the Auditor General of Canada has also committed to review the interim process."
6/30/2018,11,,Fair and Open Government,Improve the use of evidence in program evaluation.,President of the Treasury Board,Underway - on track,"Evidence-based reporting, measurement and evaluation of government activities are in place.","The Government established a new Policy on Results in July 2016 that aims to improve how government organizations measure, evaluate, and report results. The policy also seeks to improve how departments and agencies gather and use evidence to inform decisions. As of June 2018, 79 departments have fully adopted the new policy and the remaining departments continue to do so.
Following the announcement in Budget 2018, planning has begun to establish a central performance evaluation team to undertake innovation performance evaluations on an ongoing basis."
6/30/2018,12,,Fair and Open Government,Make government data available digitally.,"President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,Digitized government data that are accessible to Canadians.,"The Government has improved the Open Government portal, Open.canada.ca, by adding content from across the Government of Canada and by simplifying the process for users to search. In addition, the Government of Canada added the Open by Default Pilot section to the portal, which gives Canadians early access to select draft and working documents from participating departments.
The Government has increased the number of participating federal entities from 45 in 2014 to 66 as of March 2018. In the last year, over 30,000 new data sets have been published, which were accessed hundreds of thousands of times. New data sets continue to be made available regularly.
The Government also continues to strengthen the quality, accessibility, and searchability of open data.
The Government of Canada was recognized for its leadership on open government, achieving the position of government co-chair of the Open Government Partnership, which is the global organization that coordinates open government. Budget 2018 also announced an investment of $1 million for the Treasury Board Secretariat in support of Canada’s co-chairmanship of the Open Government Partnership. Finally, Canada ranked 2nd globally on the World Wide Web Foundation’s Open Data Barometer."
6/30/2018,13,,Fair and Open Government,Bargain in good faith with Canada's public sector unions.,President of the Treasury Board,Underway - on track,"Collective agreements with Canada's public sector unions are fair and reasonable for employees and Canadians, and are bargained in good faith.","The Government of Canada is committed to building a culture of respect for, and within, the federal public service. For the 2014-2018 round of bargaining, through good-faith negotiations, the Government has reached 23 agreements with bargaining agents, representing over 97% of unionized employees in the core public administration. For the 2018 round, bargaining agents are serving notice to bargain for the next round of negotiations. The Government will continue to bargain in good faith with public sector unions and remains committed to negotiating deals that are fair for public servants, and good for all Canadians."
6/30/2018,14,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that Parliament and federal institutions are free from harassment and sexual violence.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Status of Women;Leader of the Government in the House of Commons",Underway - on track,"To ensure that Parliament and federal institutions are free from harassment and sexual violence, strategies are informed by expert and stakeholder consultations and are supported by new proposals and legislation introduced in fall 2017.","In 2016 and 2017, the Government consulted experts and stakeholders to determine how to address violence and sexual harassment in workplaces under federal jurisdiction. The outcomes report, Harassment and Sexual Violence in the Workplace Public Consultations: What We Heard, released November 2, 2017, indicates that incidents of harassment and sexual violence are not only underreported, but are also dealt with ineffectively. As part of its response, the Government introduced new legislation in November 2017 (Bill C-65) aimed at replacing the current patchwork of laws and policies that address violence and harassment in workplaces across the federal jurisdiction – including the federal public service, Parliament and Ministers’ offices - and enhancing prevention, protection and support when harassment and violence occurs. Budget 2018 proposed $34.9 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, with $7.4 million per year ongoing, to support the legislation. The Government also proposed to establish a Centre of Diversity, Inclusion and Wellness within the public service that will have, as part of its mandate, to better support public servants in dealing with sexual harassment in the workplace. In parallel, with the November 2017 signing of an Agreement in Principle (AIP) by the Government of Canada and parties to the Todd Edwards Ross et al v. Her Majesty the Queen class action, a total of $110 million will be available to compensate class members — federal public servants, including members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who were directly impacted by anti-LGBTQ2 (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and two-spirit) policies and practices. The AIP also earmarks $15 million for remembrance to prevent future discrimination and for reconciliation with LGBTQ2 communities. Additionally, the Joint Union/Management Task Force on Diversity and Inclusion in the Public Service released its final report in December 2017, which includes 44 recommendations for action in the areas of people management, leadership and accountability, education and awareness, and applying the diversity and inclusion lens."
6/30/2018,15,,Safety and Security,Reinforce railway safety.,Minister of Transport,Underway - on track,"Stronger railway safety regulations, improved communication with Canadians and rail infrastructure that is safer and in better condition, leading to fewer accidents and injuries and reduced loss of life.","The Government tabled the final Report of the Railway Safety Act Review in Parliament on May 31, 2018. The statutory review was launched on April 27, 2017, one year earlier than required, to ensure this main piece of legislation governing rail safety in Canada continues to uphold the best interests of Canadians. Transport Canada will carefully consider the Report’s findings and recommendations, taking appropriate action to further strengthen the safety of Canada’s rail transportation system. The Government is investing in infrastructure improvements to existing rail lines and crossings, safety-related research and innovative development, public education and awareness initiatives, as well as providing grants to encourage the closure of unsafe crossings. The Government has supported 555 projects across Canada to reduce injuries and fatalities. In addition, collaboration is underway with local communities to improve the sharing of information for emergency responses and to educate the public about railway crossings and infrastructure in their communities. The Government has also revised the rules governing the transportation of dangerous goods by rail, introduced a mandatory minimum level of insurance for federal railways and accelerated the timeline to phase out the DOT-111 tank cars for crude oil service. To assist municipalities with emergency planning, risk assessment and to help train first responders, the Government issued Protective Direction 36 on April 28, 2016 to provide jurisdictions with access to comprehensive dangerous goods information from railways, including information that they can make publically available. Now that the Transportation Modernization Act has received Royal Assent, the Government will move to develop regulations to implement its amendments to the Railway Safety Act which will improve rail safety by requiring the mandatory installation of recording instruments on locomotives.
The Government has also developed a strategy for addressing fatigue in the rail industry that includes the publication of a Notice of Intent in the Canada Gazette, Part I on November 11, 2017, communicating to Canadians and interested stakeholders its most current policy direction on the management of fatigue in the rail industry. As a first step in engaging transportation stakeholders on fatigue management, Transport Canada held a Fatigue in Transportation Forum in Montreal on June 27-28, 2018. The forum brought together participants from all modes of transport, stakeholders in the Canadian transportation industry and academic experts on fatigue science to discuss risks and best practices relating to the management of fatigue. Results of this forum will provide the department the opportunity to incorporate relevant and up-to-date knowledge into future fatigue-related regulatory development activities."
6/30/2018,16,,Exports and Investment,Undertake a full review of the Canadian grain transportation system to help farmers get their product to market.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food;Minister of Transport,Completed - fully met,"A more transparent and fair grain transportation system is in place so Canadian farmers can get their products to market, both in Canada and internationally.","The Government has held consultations with grain sector stakeholders on rail transportation issues and the Canada Transportation Act Review, leading to the introduction of the Transportation Modernization Act to advance a long-term agenda for a more transparent, balanced, efficient and reliable rail system to move Canadian goods, including grain, to global markets. The Transportation Modernization Act received Royal Assent on May 23, 2018. Key measures include: new data reporting requirements for railways; a new Long-Haul Interswitching mechanism to provide captive shippers across multiple sectors and regions of Canada with access to a competing railway; a clear definition of “adequate and suitable” rail service; the ability for shippers to seek reciprocal financial penalties in their service agreements with railways; and more accessible and timely remedies for shippers. The Transportation Modernization Act also modernizes the Maximum Revenue Entitlement for Western grain, to better incent investments in hopper cars, and adds soybeans to the list of eligible crops. Furthermore, the Government has renewed the western Grain Monitoring Program for three years."
6/30/2018,17,,Environment and Climate Change,Formalize a moratorium on crude oil tanker traffic on British Columbia's North Coast.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Transport",Underway - on track,"A moratorium is in place on crude oil tanker traffic on British Columbia's North Coast, protecting habitats and communities.","In May 2017, the Government of Canada introduced legislation to prohibit oil tankers carrying crude and persistent oils as cargo from stopping, loading or unloading at ports or marine installations in northern British Columbia. Vessels carrying less than 12,500 metric tonnes of crude or persistent oil as cargo will continue to be permitted in the moratorium area to ensure northern communities can receive critical shipments of heating oils and other products. The legislation proposes strong penalty provisions for contravention that could reach up to $5 million. The proposed Oil Tanker Moratorium Act complements the Oceans Protection Plan. The draft legislation passed the third reading stage in the House of Commons in May 2018. Second reading debate in the Senate started on May 30, 2018 and will continue in September 2018."
6/30/2018,18,,Fair and Open Government,Restore the long-form census.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Completed - fully met,"Restored the long-form census so communities, governments, businesses and other organizations have the data they need to do their jobs.","Our country and economy depend on knowing about ourselves, and on having the data necessary to make informed decisions. That is why the Government of Canada reinstated the long-form census. The 2016 long-form census saw an unprecedented response rate of 97.8%. The first set of data from the 2016 Census was released in February, 2017. The release of all Census-related data was completed in November 2017, 10 months earlier than for the 2011 Census."
6/30/2018,19,,Fair and Open Government,Reinforce Statistics Canada's independence.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Completed - fully met,Statistics Canada meets international standards for the independence of a national statistics office.,"Data collected by Statistics Canada helps the private sector, government, not-for-profit groups, and researchers make better decisions. In December 2016, the Government introduced legislation that will reinforce Statistics Canada's independence. The legislation aligns with international standards for national statistical agencies and makes the Chief Statistician responsible for all operational decisions, statistical methodology and the communication of statistical products produced by Statistics Canada. The amended legislation is consistent with the United Nations Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics and the OECD Recommendations on Good Statistical Practice. The amended Statistics Act received Royal Assent on December 12, 2017."
6/30/2018,20,,Jobs and Innovation,Develop and implement an Innovation Agenda.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,"Improved programs support more skills training and life-long learning for Canadians, increased investment in high growth industries, and more high growth, innovative and trade-oriented companies.","Through the Innovation and Skills Plan, the Government will more than double the number of Canadians potentially eligible for employment support and skills training programs to as many as 1.4 million per year; expand programs to support up to 10,000 work integrated learning placements each year; provide more affordable and accessible broadband services for low-income Canadians and Canadians in remote communities through investments in broadband infrastructure and low-income support programs; encourage the development of assistive technologies that make it easier for persons with disabilities to participate in the digital economy; expand access to venture capital financing; support a series of superclusters that will promote innovation opportunities in high-growth industries. These and other supporting initiatives are at different stages of development and will be implemented and reported on over the course of the next several years. The Government has also conducted a comprehensive review of innovation program and the results were announced in Budget 2018. Budget 2018 articulates a new simplified strategy for the delivery of business innovation programs to make the services more responsive to client needs. Total funding for innovation programming will increase by $2.6 billion over five years, and the reforms will result in a reduction in the total number of business innovation programs by roughly two-thirds (92 to 35+)."
6/30/2018,21,,Exports and Investment,Implement a new Trade and Investment Strategy.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Small Business and Tourism;Minister of International Trade",Underway - on track,"Double the number of high-growth firms in Canada by 2025; increase Canada's goods and services exports—from natural resources, advance manufacturing, agri-food and others—by 30% by 2025; increase global investment in Canada; more good-paying, middle class jobs for Canadians.","The Government is encouraging global investment and promoting Canada's economic brand through the creation of the Invest in Canada Agency. The Government has successfully completed the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). Provisional application of the trade agreement took effect in September 2017 and will give consumers more choice, boost Canadian businesses' access to new customers, create good, middle-class jobs, and help grow the economy. The Government also recently signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) with 10 countries in the Pacific region and launched negotiations toward a comprehensive free trade agreement between the Mercosur member states and Canada. Canada is currently negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Pacific Alliance, which will upgrade its association with this trading bloc made up of Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru. The latest round took place in May 2018. As a concrete example of the Strategy's results, since January 2016, CanExport has provided financial support to 1075 Small and Medium Enterprise-led projects aimed at diversifying export markets, in a variety of sectors, and reaching over 75 different markets around the world. To date, for every hundred supported projects, participating firms have reported on average some 85 export successes at the time of project completion, for a collective impact of almost over $100 million in exports to new markets. Budget 2017 announced $950 million to superclusters in highly innovative industries, and, in February 2018, in cooperation with the private sector and academic partners, the Government announced the creation of five superclusters (Digital Technology; Protein Industries; Advanced Manufacturing; Artificial Intelligence; and Ocean) that will create great new opportunities for Canadian companies to innovate, scale up and grow into globally successful firms. To support Canadian firms and increase exports to new markets, Budget 2018 provides up to $75 million to build a stronger diplomatic presence and Trade Commissioner Service salesforce in China and Asia, as well as other initiatives to open market opportunities in the region."
6/30/2018,22,,Exports and Investment,Prepare the auto sector for the potential participation of Canada in the Trans-Pacific Partnership.,"Minister of Finance;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,Greater access to growing markets under conditions that are fair to Canadian workers.,"The Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership was signed on March 8, 2018. Budget 2018 committed the Government to work with key sectors, including the auto sector, to evaluate the potential economic impacts of trade agreements, and ensure these key sectors remain strong and competitive.
Actions, including the creation of the Strategic Innovation Fund, the establishment of the Invest in Canada agency, and the launch of the Global Skills Strategy are seeking to enhance the competitiveness of the Canadian automotive industry. These changes have helped to secure investments of $1.4 billion by Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, $500 million by Honda of Canada Manufacturing, more than $1 billion by Ford Motor Company of Canada, and $750 million from Linamar Corp., among other recent automotive investments. These investments have created and secured thousands of long-term jobs in manufacturing and research and development, while fostering innovation to position Canada as a leader in the development of the ""car of the future""."
6/30/2018,23,,Jobs and Innovation,Increase high-speed broadband coverage and keep Canada at the leading edge of the digital economy.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,More Canadians have access to high-speed and ultra-high-speed broadband services.,"Greater availability and affordability for high-speed internet in rural and remote areas of Canada gives Canadians more opportunity to participate in the economy, democracy and connected way of life. The Connect to Innovate program will bring high-speed internet to rural and remote communities in Canada by supporting new ""backbone"" infrastructure to connect institutions like schools and hospitals, and ""last-mile"" infrastructure to connect households and businesses. Applications closed at the end of April 2017, and the Government is now announcing project decisions. As of June 2018, 173 projects under the $500 million Connect to Innovate program have been announced representing an investment to date of $383 million and targeting 958 communities (more than tripling the initial target of 300) that will receive new or enhanced backbone connectivity. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is expanding competition on new fibre networks and examining how to further improve innovative wireless pricing options. In addition, the CRTC's new fund will expand much faster Internet speeds to rural and remote communities. Budget 2017 investments are also supporting affordable access to the internet for low-income families, digital literacy programming and better access to assistive devices. Budget 2018 proposes funding of $100 million over five years for the Strategic Innovation Fund, with a particular focus on supporting projects that relate to Low-Earth Orbit satellites and next generation rural broadband."
6/30/2018,24,,Jobs and Innovation,Create a Chief Science Officer.,Minister of Science,Completed - fully met,"Following an open, transparent and merit-based process, the Chief Science Advisor, Dr. Mona Nemer, was appointed by the Government on September 26, 2017.","As the Chief Science Advisor, Dr. Nemer will help to improve dissemination and use of independent scientific information and strengthened evidence-based policy making within government. Dr. Nemer will also advise the Government on how to ensure that government science is fully available to the public, that scientists are able to speak freely about their work, and that scientific analyses are considered when the government makes decisions. Dr. Nemer will report to the Prime Minister and Minister of Science."
6/30/2018,25,,Jobs and Innovation,Re-insert scientific considerations into the heart of decision-making and investment choices.,Minister of Science,Underway - on track,"Government scientists are able to speak freely about their work, and the role of scientific information and empirical evidence is strengthened in government decision making.","The Government has updated the Communications Policy to ensure scientists are free to speak in an official capacity on subjects for which they have expertise, and have enshrined this provision into collective agreements covering 15,000 government scientists. The Government also reinstated the mandatory long-form census as well as the University and College Academic Staff System survey, which will provide accurate information about Canada's research community. To promote better use of science and evidence in government decision-making, the Government updated the guidance on preparing Memoranda to Cabinet. The Government is examining additional opportunities to improve the use of evidence and scientific information. The new Chief Science Advisor will advise the Government on how to ensure scientific evidence is considered when making decisions. In addition, to ensure the Government continues to have access to world-class, independent scientific assessments to inform policy development in priority areas, Budget 2018 proposed $9 million for the Council of Canadian Academies, a not-for-profit research organization. "
6/30/2018,26,,Jobs and Innovation,Establish new Canada Research Chairs in sustainable technologies.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Science",Underway - on track,Two new Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC) will be appointed to further research in clean and sustainable technology.,"Budget 2016 identified $20 million over eight years starting in 2018-19 for the creation of two new Canada Excellence Research Chairs in fields related to clean and sustainable technology. On October 12, 2016, the Minister of Science announced the launch of a competition for these Chairs, in addition to nine others, which will be selected in 2019. In December 2017 the Phase 1 results of the competition were announced. Two institutions were invited to submit nominees in fields related to clean and sustainable technology: Concordia University (Smart, Sustainable and Resilient Communities and Cities) and University of Manitoba (Arctic Sea Ice, Freshwater-Marine Coupling, and Climate Change). To address the CERC gender imbalance, this competition will require institutions to include detailed equity plans and recruitment strategies that promote the participation of women and other underrepresented groups in the CERC program."
6/30/2018,27,,Jobs and Innovation,Strengthen support for fundamental research to support new discoveries.,Minister of Science,Underway - on track,"Modernized research infrastructure at post-secondary institutions, new research Chairs appointed in areas of strategic priority, and enhanced capacity for granting councils to support fundamental research.","Since 2016, the Government has approved and funded 300 projects through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund to modernize research and training facilities on campuses across Canada. These investments will support key discovery research and facilitate the expansion of ongoing research efforts. The Government has also set aside $20 million to fund new Canada Excellence Research Chairs in the areas of clean and sustainable technologies (competition ongoing), and increased support for Canada's three granting councils. In 2017, the Government announced the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy, which will develop centres of expertise in Toronto, Montreal and Edmonton related to AI to train and attract key research talent in this emerging area of fundamental research. The final report of an independent review of federal funding for higher education was published in April 2017. A number of actions have already been taken in response to this report, for example, placing a limit on Tier 1 Canada Research Chair renewal to enhance opportunities for broad pools of qualified candidates and to strengthen equity, diversity and inclusion in research and launching the Canada Research Coordinating Committee (CRCC) to achieve greater harmonization and coordination of the granting councils and the Canada Foundation for Innovation. Budget 2018 proposes to provide $1.7 billion over five years starting in 2018-19 and ongoing funding to support researchers through Canada's granting councils and research institutes. This includes $925 million for fundamental research through Canada's three granting councils; $231.3 million to increase the Research Support Fund to cover the indirect costs of research; $210 million for the Canada Research Chairs program to attract and retain early-career researchers at post-secondary institutions across the country while increasing diversity; and $275 million to create a new tri-council fund to support international, interdisciplinary, fast-breaking and higher risk researches. Budget 2018 further proposes $3.8 million to develop a strategic research plan that identifies new ways of doing research with Indigenous communities; $15 million for the granting councils to develop new plans, strategies and targets to ensure improved equity and diversity outcomes for underrepresented groups, including women; and $6 million to support surveys to collect better data on researchers to further advance equity and diversity in Canada's research community. Budget 2018 proposes over $1.3 billion for investments in the laboratories, equipment and infrastructure researchers rely on every day including: $763 million to the Canada Foundation for Innovation including $160 million for increased support to Canada's nationally important research facilities through the Major Science Initiatives fund; $572.5 million to implement a Digital Research Infrastructure Strategy that will deliver more open and equitable access to advanced computing and big data resources to researchers across Canada."
6/30/2018,28,,Government Services and Operations,Align business support programs across governments.,Minister of Small Business and Tourism,Underway - on track,It is easier and simpler for Canadian innovators and entrepreneurs to access and benefit from government programs that help Canadian businesses grow.,"Since 2016, the Accelerated Growth Service has helped 390 firms to scale up and grow their businesses, with a broader goal of helping 1,000 firms expand and create more well-paying jobs. The Government has established Innovation Canada, a platform that coordinates and simplifies the support available to Canadian businesses. The new Innovation Canada platform (launched in January 2018) is a one-stop-shop for Canada’s innovators and entrepreneurs so they no longer need to spend time figuring out which department to go to or which program best meets their needs. The website is able to quickly match users with the federal and provincial/territorial programs and services to help them innovate, create jobs and grow Canada's economy. Innovation Canada will help create economic growth strategies in six high-growth sectors. The Government is also working with provinces to find co-delivery options for a variety of business support programs and services."
6/30/2018,29,,Exports and Investment,Increase tourism and strengthen the Canadian brand abroad.,Minister of Small Business and Tourism,Underway - on track,"30% overall increase in tourism by 2021, increased tourism from the United States (U.S.) and China, and improved international ranking of Canada as a top tourist destination.","The Government has launched Canada’s Tourism Vision to increase the number of international tourists to Canada by 30% by 2021. This goal includes doubling the number of Chinese visitors by the same year and positioning Canada as a top-10 destination ranking by 2025. The Government also launched the Millennial Travel Program to encourage youth travel during Canada 150.
The first annual report on progress towards implementing the Vision was released in May. Spending by international visitors to Canada reached $21.3 billion in 2017, representing an increase of 6.4% over 2016. Canada set a new record high number of tourist arrivals in 2017 of 20.8 million. The New York Times, Lonely Planet and Condé Nast have all recognized Canada as a top international destination to visit in 2017.
The Canada-China Year of Tourism in 2018 will be an opportunity to increase visitation from China, which is being supported by the opening of new Visa Application Centres in China. Budget 2018 proposed approximately $11 million in funding to support activities such as hosting the closing ceremony for the Canada?China Year of Tourism and working closely with Canadian businesses as they prepare to welcome an increased number of tourists from China."
6/30/2018,30,,Government Services and Operations,Reduce the administrative burden on small business.,Minister of Small Business and Tourism,Underway - on track,"Reduced administrative burden and simpler, clearer, and faster online services to help small businesses.","The new Innovation Canada platform launched in January 2018 is a one-stop-shop for Canada’s innovators and entrepreneurs so they no longer need to spend time figuring out which department to go to or which program best meets their needs. The website is able to quickly match users with the federal and provincial/territorial programs and services to help them innovate, create jobs and grow Canada's economy.
Federally, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) continues to drive the use of the Business Number (BN) by all departments as the standard identifier for business clients. More than half of ISED’s own services already use the Business Number, including Innovation Canada, and 7 other departments are also connected to the real time BN web validation services. The BN is a key component of digital identity for business, and its adoption across the Government of Canada will enable more seamless service delivery, including sign-on once, tell-us-once service integration across governments and personalized digital experience. The Government has partnered with a number of provinces to pilot integrated tools, such as a business registries search and data exchanges between registries, so that registering and finding a business is easier.
"
6/30/2018,31,,Healthy Canadians,Respond to the Supreme Court of Canada decision regarding physician-assisted death.,Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Completed - fully met,Adult Canadians suffering from grievous and irremediable medical conditions and whose death is reasonably foreseeable are able to easily and effectively access medical assistance in dying if they so choose.,"On June 17, 2016, medical assistance in dying (MAID) became a reality in Canada following Royal Assent of the federal legal framework, which protects vulnerable persons while providing options to eligible Canadians to make an informed decision about the end of life. In December 2016, as required by the new law, the Government initiated independent study reports to consider in more detail three particularly complex types of requests for MAID. These include: requests by mature minors, advance requests, and requests where mental illness is the sole underlying medical condition. Independent expert panels, organized by the Council of Canadian Academies, are conducting these reviews. They will report on their results by the end of 2018. As of April 2017, Health Canada has begun to provide initial public reporting on the use of MAID across Canada."
6/30/2018,32,,Fair and Open Government,"Review the government litigation strategy and end appeals or positions that are not consistent with our commitments, the Charter or our values.",Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,"Legal positions taken by the Government are consistent with Government commitments, the Charter and our values.","To date, several early decisions have been made to end appeals and withdraw positions not consistent with Government commitments, the Charter, or Canadian values. For instance, the Government ended the appeal of the Federal Court's ruling that the 2012 cuts to the Interim Federal Health Program—reducing health coverage to refugees—were unconstitutional. The Government dropped the appeal of this decision and in April 2016 restored refugee health care coverage to pre-2012 levels. In August 2016, the Government of Canada created a new Cabinet Committee on Litigation Management to provide an ongoing review of the Government's litigation strategy and consideration of the policy, financial and legal implications of litigation involving the federal government. To promote increased transparency and track the results of this mandate commitment, we have begun publishing a Litigation Year in Review report."
6/30/2018,35,,Fair and Open Government,"Ensure that the appointment of Supreme Court Justices is transparent, inclusive and accountable to Canadians.",Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Completed - fully met,"Greater transparency, accountability and diversity in the appointment of Supreme Court Justices.","In August 2016, the Government of Canada announced a new, open and transparent process for filling vacancies on the Supreme Court of Canada. This new process includes: an open application process; the establishment of an Independent Advisory Board to assess all applications and prepare a shortlist; requiring functional bilingualism as an essential qualification for all shortlisted candidates; and ensuring there are consultations regarding the shortlist with key stakeholders, including members of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice. Justice Malcolm Rowe was the first Supreme Court Justice appointed under this new process in October 2016. Justice Sheilah L. Martin, appointed in December 2017, is the second appointment made under the Government of Canada’s new Supreme Court selection process, which promotes greater openness, transparency, and accountability."
6/30/2018,36,,Safety and Security,"Toughen criminal laws in cases of domestic assault, with the goal of keeping survivors and children safe.",Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,Greater protections for complainants and survivors of sexual assault and domestic assault.,"On March 29, 2018, the Government tabled legislation to improve efficiencies in the criminal justice system and reduce court delays. This legislation includes reforms to strengthen responses to intimate partner violence (IPV). These reforms would:
o impose a reverse onus at bail for accused charged with an IPV offence if they have a prior conviction for violence against an intimate partner;
o require courts to consider whether an accused is charged with an IPV offence when determining whether to release on bail or detain the accused;
o clarify that strangulation, choking and suffocation is an elevated form of assault;
o define “intimate partner” for all Criminal Code purposes and clarify that it includes current or former spouse, common-law partner and dating partner;
o clarify that the current sentencing provisions, which treat abuse against a spouse or common law partner as an aggravating factor, apply to both current and former spouses/common law partners and dating partners; and,
o allow for the possibility of seeking a higher maximum penalty in cases involving a repeat IPV offender.
In June 2017, the Government introduced legislation to clarify and strengthen the sexual assault provisions in the Criminal Code. The legislation would clarify that an unconscious person, or otherwise incapacitated, is incapable of consenting; clarify the defence of mistaken belief to indicate that it cannot be relied upon if there is no evidence upon which the belief was founded; clarify rape shield provisions to explicitly include communications of a sexual nature or communications for a sexual purpose, so these types of communications cannot be used to suggest that the complainant was more likely to have consented or is less worth of belief; provide that a complainant has right to legal representation in rape shield proceedings; and create a regime to determine whether an accused can introduce a complainant's private records at trial that are in their possession. "
6/30/2018,37,,Jobs and Innovation,"Ensure tax measures are efficient and encourage innovation, trade and the growth of Canadian businesses.","Minister of Finance;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,"Tax measures encourage innovation, trade, and the growth of Canadian businesses.","The Government completed a whole-of-government review of business innovation programs to ensure that they are simple and effective and best meet the needs of Canada’s innovators. The review launched in Budget 2017 and results were announced in Budget 2018. The Government also introduced a reduction of the small business tax rate from 10.5% to 10% as of January 1, 2018 and to 9% as of January 1, 2019."
6/30/2018,38,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Add gender identity as a prohibited ground for discrimination under the Canadian Human Rights Act and add it to the list of characteristics of identifiable groups protected by the hate speech provisions of the Criminal Code.,Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Completed - fully met,Discrimination on the basis of gender identity and gender expression is now illegal.,"In June 2017, amendments to the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code received Royal Assent, ensuring the full protection of transgender people across Canada. These amendments formally add gender identity and gender expression to the Canadian Human Rights Act as prohibited grounds of discrimination, as well as amend the Criminal Code to deal with hate crimes related to gender identity and gender expression."
6/30/2018,39,,Environment and Climate Change,Ratify the Paris agreement and develop a Pan-Canadian framework for combating climate change.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Completed - fully met,Canada ratified the Paris Agreement and created the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change.,"The Government of Canada ratified the Paris Agreement on October 5, 2016, following a vote in Parliament. The Paris Agreement entered into force on November 4, 2016 and Canada continues to work with all countries on its implementation. In December 2016, First Ministers adopted the Pan-Canadian Framework (PCF) on Clean Growth and Climate Change, which is Canada’s comprehensive plan to reduce emissions across all sectors of the economy, accelerate clean economic growth and build resilience to the impacts of climate change. The PCF was developed with provinces and territories, in collaboration with Indigenous peoples, and was informed by input from Canadians across the country. The first annual synthesis report on the status of implementation was published in December 2017. To support and complement its commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Canada ratified the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on November 3, 2017, which will phase down hydrofluorocarbons (powerful greenhouse gases), and was instrumental in achieving the required number of ratifications at the Montreal Protocol meeting in Montreal in November which will allow the Kigali Amendment to come into force in January 2019. On November 16, 2017, Canada launched the Powering Past Coal Alliance with the United Kingdom to accelerate the global phase-out of traditionally coal-fired electricity."
6/30/2018,41,,Environment and Climate Change,Improve protection and stewardship of our freshwater resources.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,"The protection of freshwater resources is improved, and water and wastewater infrastructure is in better repair.","Through research, assessment and regulation, the Government of Canada is working to ensure sustainable water management. The Government has taken action to protect the Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg Basin and the St. Lawrence River by improving water quality, increasing conservation activities, addressing threats posed by invasive species, and improving collaboration with Indigenous peoples. As announced in Budget 2017, the Government is investing $44.84 million to protect Great Lakes water quality, and $25.7 million for the Lake Winnipeg Basin Program. The Government is collaborating with the United States to protect shared waters through the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, and has also established a Clean Water and Wastewater Fund to help provinces, territories and municipalities make immediate repairs to water and wastewater infrastructure. The Government has also published updated Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations, and has initiated consultations to modernize the Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations and to develop regulations for effluents from coal mines. Work is also underway to enhance the Environmental Assessment process as it relates to freshwater areas."
6/30/2018,42,,Environment and Climate Change,Enhance protection of Canada's endangered species.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,Species at risk are protected.,"The Government of Canada has developed a three-year plan to address the backlog of 149 terrestrial species eligible for listing under the Species at Risk Act. Since February 2017, final listing decisions were made for 89 of these species and proposed listing decisions were published for another 31 species. The Government of Canada has posted three-year plans (2014-15 to 2016-17) to address the backlog of overdue recovery documents for terrestrial species on the Species at Risk Public Registry. As of June 2018, 178 of the 192 overdue proposed recovery documents were completed and posted on the Species at Risk Public Registry. Parks Canada has completed and posted 21 multi-species action plans, addressing 174 species at risk occurring across 42 Parks Canada places in total, on the Species at Risk Public Registry. These measures will help make sure species at risk receive the protection they need.
As announced in Budget 2018, to support Canada's biodiversity and protect species at risk, the Government proposes to make historic investments totaling $1.3 billion over five years, one of the most significant investments in nature conservation in Canadian history.
This investment will contribute $500 million from the federal government to create a new $1 billion Nature Fund in partnership with corporate, not?for-profit, provincial, territorial and other partners. In collaboration with partners, the Nature Fund will make it possible to secure private land, support provincial and territorial species protection efforts, and help build Indigenous capacity to conserve land and species, for the benefit of current and future generations."
6/30/2018,43,,Environment and Climate Change,Work with provinces and territories to set stronger air quality standards.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,"New national standards are put in place to improve air quality and reduce air pollutants from key sources, with progress demonstrated in recurring State of the Air reports.","The Government of Canada is implementing a national Air Quality Management System (AQMS) with provinces and territories to improve air quality and protect the health of Canadians and the environment. As part of this system, new ambient air quality standards for sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide were published in the Canada Gazette on October 28 and December 9, 2017 respectively. A review of the existing ambient air quality standards for ozone has been initiated. A new State of the Air Report was launched at the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment in November 2017 to inform Canadians about air quality and air pollution. The Government is also establishing national standards to reduce air pollutants from industrial sources, including in the following sectors: iron and steel; aluminum; potash; pulp and paper; iron ore pellets; base metals smelting; cement; and stationary combustion turbines. In February 2018, Canada published two proposed regulations to limit carbon dioxide emissions: one amendment to accelerate the phase-out of coal-fired power by 2030, and the other to set emission performance standards for new natural gas-fired electricity generation and coal boilers converted to run on natural gas. This will significantly improve air quality and the health of Canadians and will reduce Canada's greenhouse gas emissions by more than five megatonnes in 2030—equivalent to taking 1.3 million cars off the road."
6/30/2018,44,,Environment and Climate Change,Review Canada's environmental assessment processes.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Natural Resources;Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Science;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs",Underway - on track,"Environmental assessment processes that are fair to all parties, rely on scientific evidence, respect the rights of Indigenous Peoples and protect the environment for generations to come.","Following an extensive review of Canada's environmental assessment processes, the government tabled proposed legislation in February 2018 that will build a new impact assessment and regulatory system for Canada, including the proposed Impact Assessment Act. This new system is fair, based on science, respects the rights of Indigenous peoples, provides certainty to businesses and protects our environment and human health for generations to come. Its development was informed by Expert Panels and Parliamentary Committee reports, a federal discussion paper, parliamentary studies, and almost two years of consultations with Indigenous peoples, industry, provinces and territories, non-government organizations, academia and the public. These reforms are based on the guiding principles of predictable processes that build on what works, partnership with Indigenous peoples at every stage of the process, early and inclusive public engagement; timely, evidence-based decisions reflecting the best available science and Indigenous knowledge; and one assessment for one project, with the scale of assessment aligned with the scale of the potential impacts of the project.
The Government also announced that it will invest about $1 billion over five years to support the proposed new impact assessment system and Canadian Energy Regulator, increase federal scientific capacity, implement the changes required to protect water, fish and navigation, and increase Indigenous and public participation.
During the review of the proposed Impact Assessment Act, the House of Commons amended the proposed legislation to provide greater clarity and certainty with respect to impact assessment, strengthen public participation and consideration of science and Indigenous knowledge in assessments, and reflect the Government’s commitment to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The House of Commons has referred the proposed legislation to the Senate for review."
6/30/2018,45,,Environment and Climate Change,"Develop Canada's National Parks system, as well as manage and expand National Wildlife Areas and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries.",Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,Terrestrial areas and inland water are conserved through networks of protected areas.,"The Government of Canada continues to work to conserve and connect terrestrial areas. A comprehensive plan is being developed to conserve at least 17% of terrestrial areas and inland water through networks of protected and conserved areas by 2020. In March 2018, a National Advisory Panel and an Indigenous Circle of Experts provided their recommendations to inform the development of the federal, provincial, and territorial plan. Work on expanding the system of National Parks includes the proposed Thaidene Nëné National Park Reserve. Negotiations with the Government of the Northwest Territories, Lutsël K’e Dene First Nation and Northwest Territories Metis are close to completion. The Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia and the Syilx/Okanagan Nation announced re-engagement on a proposed national park reserve in the South Okanagan. Parks Canada has contacted the Manitoba Government to re-engage on a proposed national park in the Manitoba Lowlands. As part of the expansion of National Wildlife Areas and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries, the Government is working closely with Indigenous peoples, Provinces, Territories, and stakeholders to secure new protected areas by the end of 2020. The Government of Canada is working with the Dehcho First Nation and the Tlicho Government to establish the Edéhzhíe National Wildlife Area in the Northwest Territories, which will protect over 1.4 million hectares of habitat for boreal caribou. The Scott Islands Marine National Wildlife Area which was formally designated a NWA in June 2018 will conserve 1.2 million hectares for the benefit of sea birds in the Pacific Ocean. Important Prairie Habitat in South West Saskatchewan will be conserved with the transfer of the Govenlock Community Pasture to Environment and Climate Change Canada in 2019.
As announced in Budget 2018, to support Canada’s biodiversity and protect species at risk, the Government of Canada is making historic investments totaling $1.3 billion over five years, one of the most significant investments in nature conservation in Canadian history.
This investment will contribute $500 million from the federal government to create a new $1 billion Nature Fund in partnership with corporate, not?for-profit, provincial, territorial and other partners. In collaboration with partners, the Nature Fund will make it possible to secure private land, support provincial and territorial species protection efforts, and help build Indigenous capacity to conserve land and species, for the benefit of current and future generations."
6/30/2018,46,,Environment and Climate Change,Develop Parks Canada services so that more Canadians can experience our National Parks.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,More Canadians visit and experience Parks Canada administered sites and the Trans Canada Trail is completed.,"The Government has taken steps to make sites more accessible and to improve overall visitor experiences by investing approximately $3.6 billion, including an additional $364 million announced in Budget 2017 to renew infrastructure assets such as trails, heritage buildings, visitor centres, waterways and highways. The Government of Canada is improving bike and walking trails in national parks as well as highway access through Wood Buffalo National Park and Yoho National Park. The Government will also contribute $30 million over four years to enhance and maintain the Great Trail (formerly known as the Trans Canada Trail). This funding will improve trail safety, accessibility, and sustainability. Since completion in 2017, the Trail provides 24,000 km of recreational trails within 30 minutes of about 29 million Canadians. The Government is working with Indigenous peoples and stakeholders to improve interpretation and heritage programming and make sites more accessible. In February 2018 Parks Canada entered into a four-year contribution agreement with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) with the goal of enhancing and growing authentic Indigenous experiences in regions across the country. "
6/30/2018,47,,Environment and Climate Change,"Make admission to National Parks free for all in 2017 and, afterwards, free for children under 18 and new citizens.",Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Completed - fully met,Free admission to National Parks in 2017; free admission for children under 18 and new citizens in future years.,"To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation, the Government of Canada offered free admission to all national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas, as well as free passage through lock systems on all national historic canals. More than 8.5 million Discovery Passes were ordered and distributed to Canadians and people in 160 countries. Parks Canada welcomed over 27.2 million visitors in 2017, an 11% increase from 2016. Canada 150 programs offered by Parks Canada included the expanded National Indigenous Peoples Day and Canada Day celebrations, the first annual Canada Historic Places Day with more than 60 sites participating, as well as hosting numerous Canada 150 Signature Projects. Starting in 2018, admission for children under 18 is free for national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas. Parks Canada is also continuing to offer free admission for one year to new Canadian citizens through the Institute for Canadian Citizenship’s Cultural Access Pass Program."
6/30/2018,48,,Environment and Climate Change,Expand Learn to Camp programs.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Completed - fully met,More low to middle-income families participate in Learn to Camp and have greater opportunity to experience Canada's outdoors.,"In 2017, Parks Canada expanded the popular Learn-to Camp Program so that more low- to middle-income families could experience Canada’s outdoors. Throughout the year, Parks Canada hosted 30 overnight Learn-to Camp events as well as over 500 other Learn-to events and activities across Canada, reaching more than 70,000 Canadians."
6/30/2018,49,,Environment and Climate Change,Protect our National Parks by limiting development within them and help local eco-tourism industries.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Small Business and Tourism,Underway - on track,Development is limited within Canada's National Parks so future generations can experience their natural beauty.,"One pillar of Canada's Vision for Tourism is to distinguish Canada as a premier tourism destination through Canada's national parks. A number of initiatives have been developed to enhance visitation of Parks Canada places. One initiative starting in 2018 is to provide free admission to youth 17 and under to all national parks, national historic sites, and national marine conservation areas operated by Parks Canada. The Government is maintaining and restoring ecological integrity within Canada's national parks while continuing to provide meaningful services and experiences to visitors. The Government has established strict development limits to ensure ecological integrity in Canada's national parks. Parks Canada has put forward a rigorous environmental assessment process which applies to development proposals to ensure compliance with park-wide ecological objectives and maintenance of ecological integrity. Parks Canada is in the process of developing strategies to help grow local eco-tourism industries and create jobs."
6/30/2018,50,,Environment and Climate Change,Work with Ontario to enhance the country's first urban National Park: Rouge National Urban Park.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Completed - fully met,"Created Canada's first urban National Park, Rouge National Urban Park.","In June 2017, legislation was passed to expand the size of the Rouge National Urban Park and guide how the park will be managed. This legislation strengthens ecological protections and will ensure that ecological integrity is the first priority in the management of Canada's first national urban park, while recognizing its important cultural heritage and providing greater certainty for the continuation of park agriculture. In October 2017, the Government of Ontario transferred 6.5 square km of land to Parks Canada for inclusion in the Park."
6/30/2018,51,,Environment and Climate Change,"Protect the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River Basin and the Lake Winnipeg Basin.","Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",On-going commitment,"Increased protection for the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River Basin and the Lake Winnipeg Basin so they can continue to be enjoyed by future generations.","Through Budget 2017, the Government is providing funding to protect Canada’s freshwater resources, including the Great Lakes and Lake Winnipeg basins. The Government is expanding efforts to address toxic and nuisance algae, as well as aquatic invasive species programming, which will further help address the threats posed by such species as Asian Carps and Sea Lamprey. As announced in Budget 2017, the Government is investing $44.84 million to protect Great Lakes water quality, and $25.7 million for the Lake Winnipeg Basin Program. In addition, the Government invested $43.8 million to protect against aquatic invasive species in Canadian waters. The Asian Carp Program received funding as part of this investment, which has allowed the Government to improve early detection capabilities and increase the number of sites being monitored for Asian carp in the Great Lakes. The funding has also increased the capacity of Canada’s Sea Lamprey Control Program to reduce the numbers of this destructive, invasive species by assessing larval populations, treating them with lampricides and maintaining and improving physical barriers and dams that prevent sea lamprey from accessing spawning habitat in tributaries to the Great Lakes.
A program on freshwater aquatic invasive species is being deployed in Quebec in 2018-2019, which will complement marine species monitoring already underway in the Saint Lawrence and fund work with the Government of Quebec to detect and prevent the invasion of Asian carps in Quebec.
The Government is also increasing outreach to assist Canadians with identifying, responding and properly reporting any invasive species they catch. In June 2017, the governments of Canada and Quebec announced continued investment in the conservation and enhancement of the St. Lawrence River Basin to enhance water quality, protect biodiversity and ensure its sustainable use. The Government has also begun two research projects to assess the contribution of organic matter and nutrient inputs and oxygen depletion in the deep waters of the Laurentian Channel."
6/30/2018,52,,Environment and Climate Change,Examine the implications of climate change on Arctic marine ecosystems.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Science",Underway - on track,Greater knowledge and understanding of the changes occurring in Canada's Arctic and a better understanding of how Canada might adapt to ensure the continued welfare of Canada's Arctic communities.,"The official opening of the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) will significantly enhance Arctic research, including on the impacts of climate change. The Government of Canada is also investing in the Aquatic Climate Change Adaptation Services Program to conduct the research and monitoring necessary to identify climate change impacts and vulnerabilities, develop adaptation tools, and improve ocean forecasting in vulnerable coastal regions to inform management decisions. This Program has supported ocean chemistry monitoring, fisheries vulnerability assessments and predictive modelling activities in the Arctic. As part of the Oceans Protection Plan, the Government will be working with Indigenous and coastal communities to collect baseline environmental information at six sites across Canada, including one in the Arctic. The Government has also concluded new international agreements to strengthen Arctic scientific cooperation. The Minister of Science attended the first White House Arctic Science Ministerial event in September 2016, helping to advance several joint international research projects. The Canadian Space Agency is collaborating on a US-France mission—Surface Water & Ocean Topography—that will provide the first global survey of earth surface water, ocean surface topography, ocean currents, and measure change over time. In addition, the Government of Canada has committed to work together in collaboration with northern partners to better understand the “Last Ice Area.” This region in the high Arctic is the only region that is expected to retain summer sea ice until 2050."
6/30/2018,53,,Canada in the World,Refocus Canada's development assistance on helping the most vulnerable and supporting fragile states.,Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,Underway - on track,Global poverty is reduced by investing in gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls and by focusing on the poorest and most vulnerable.,"In June 2017, the Government launched Canada's new Feminist International Assistance Policy to eradicate poverty and build a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous world. Canada will invest in women's empowerment and gender equality as the best ways to achieve its objectives, grounded in the Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Canada is focusing its assistance on closing gaps and barriers faced by women and girls in areas such as health and nutrition including sexual and reproductive health and rights, education, humanitarian action, inclusive governance, environment and climate action, peace and security, and growth that works for everyone. These commitments are reflected in the Women’s Voice and Leadership Program and Small and Medium Organizations for Impact and Innovation Initiative launched over the last year. The Feminist International Assistance Policy commits to directing no less than 50% of Canada's annual bilateral international development assistance to sub-Saharan African countries by 2021-2022 and ensuring 95% of bilateral international development assistance integrates or targets gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. In 2017-18, Canada directed 48% of its bilateral international development assistance to sub-Saharan Africa. Canada also made substantial progress towards the 95% target by achieving 89% of bilateral international development assistance either integrating or targeting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. To support the Feminist International Assistance Policy, the Government is providing up to $2 billion in new resources in Budget 2018. This is the largest increase to Canadian International Assistance since 2002. In June 2018, G7 Development Ministers, G7 Finance Ministers and the G7 Leaders agreed to a variety of ambitious declarations on gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, including the announcement of $3.8 billion to support the education of women and girls in crisis and conflict situations in connection with the Charlevoix Declaration on Quality Education for Girls, Adolescent Girls and Women in Developing Countries. "
6/30/2018,54,,Canada in the World,"Create a new policy and funding framework to ensure that Canada's aid empowers people and supports broad-based, sustainable growth in the developing world.",Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,Completed - fully met,"A comprehensive, feminist international assistance policy is in place that will reduce global poverty by investing in gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls and by focusing on the poorest and most vulnerable.","After a year of consultations with over 15,000 people in 65 countries, Canada released its Feminist International Assistance Policy in June 2017. The Government engaged with people online and in person on how Canada's international assistance should be invested and focused. The consultation summary report was released in December 2016 and formed the basis of the new policy."
6/30/2018,55,,Canada in the World,"Support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by the United Nations in September 2015.",Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,Underway - on track,"Canada's international assistance helps countries make progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and helps to build a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous world.","Canada's Feminist International Assistance Policy is explicitly aligned with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure our investments are coordinated with the rest of the international community. Sustainable Development Goal 5—achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls—is at the heart of Canada's approach to implement the SDGs because it will help to drive progress on all other SDGs and to eradicate poverty. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is central to the Government's partnership with all civil society organizations to maximize the impact of Canada’s international assistance. The Government of Canada is co-leading groups of United Nations member states to foster innovative financing solutions to achieve the SDGs. Budget 2018 highlighted the Government's commitment to the SDGs at home and abroad. In April, the Government announced the development of a national strategy that will catalyze action on the SDGs across the country, and launched the Voluntary National Review Web portal to invite Canadians to share their stories of how they are helping to advance the SDGs. On May 16th, the Government launched the “SDG Data Hub,” a web portal that provides Canadian data on the global SDG indicators.
At the G7 Summit, Leaders committed to the Charlevoix Commitment on Innovative Financing for Development to promote economic growth in developing economies and foster greater equality of opportunity within and between countries. Leaders also endorsed the Charlevoix Declaration on Quality Education for Girls, Adolescent Girls and Women in Developing Countries to increase opportunities for at least 12 years of safe and quality education for all and to dismantle the barriers to girls’ and women’s quality education. Canada announced funding of $400 million and was joined by the European Union, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the World Bank, to announce an investment of close to $3.8 billion in education for women and girls in crisis and conflict situations. Canada presented its first Voluntary National Review report to the United Nations in July 2018. "
6/30/2018,56,,Canada in the World,"Support the full range of reproductive health services and close the gap in the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Initiative.",Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,Underway - on track,"More women and girls are able to make informed reproductive health choices and assert control over their own bodies, saving the lives of women and children.","From 2017-2020, the Government will focus on closing key gaps in sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls(e.g. contraceptives and safe, legal abortion), and on preventing and responding to sexual and gender-based violence including child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation and cutting. This will help reduce the number of women and girls around the world who have unmet needs for modern contraception, currently estimated to be 214 million. Consistent with Canada's new Feminist International Assistance Policy, the Government also now strongly encourages partners funded by the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health programs to integrate the full range of sexual and reproductive health services into their programming. Canada also joined key global partnerships, such as Family Planning 2020, which will help enable up to 120 million more women and girls to access family planning by 2020, as well as the Ouagadougou Partnership, which will accelerate the use of these services in nine countries in West Africa. Canada will continue to promote sexual and reproductive health rights through its participation in movements such as SheDecides and will host the 2019 Women Deliver 5th Global Conference in Vancouver on June 3-6, 2019. In March 2018, the Government launched a $40 million call for preliminary proposals ""Partnerships for Her Voice, Her Choice"" aimed at funding sexual reproductive health and rights initiatives implemented by Canadian organizations."
6/30/2018,57,,Canada in the World,"Support innovative, evidence-based approaches to development assistance.",Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,Underway - on track,More effective international assistance and more rigorous use of evidence-based practice and innovative solutions within decision-making processes.,"Guided by the June 2017 Feminist International Assistance Policy, Canada is providing more integrated and responsive assistance, supporting innovation and research, providing better reporting on results, developing more effective partnerships, and concentrating on those regions of the world where Canada can make the greatest difference in reducing poverty and inequality, particularly for women and girls. Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and its partners are measuring and reporting progress and results, conducting gender-based and human rights-based analyses of programs, and implementing new programming to support innovative partnerships. In 2017, the Government collaborated with the Canadian Council for International Co-operation, the Canadian Association for the Study of International Development and the International Development Research Centre to enhance innovative multi-stakeholder approaches to global development research. This initiative included the launch of an online searchable tool of more than 500 Canadian international development researchers from universities, colleges, institutes, think-tanks, and civil society organizations. The Government also launched the International Policy Ideas Challenge (IPIC), in which early career and graduate researchers in Canada were selected to conduct and present innovative research on foreign policy, international trade and international development issues. The IPIC remains an ongoing program. In the fall of 2017, GAC launched the Small and Medium Organizations for Impact and Innovation initiative (SMO initiative), which aims to attract new and diverse partners to GAC and encourage innovation in international development. In February and March 2018, more than 250 stakeholders submitted comments as part of the virtual engagement process on the development of action area policies under the Feminist International Assistance Policy. Feedback is being carefully considered as the policies are finalized and prepared for public release. GAC established a set of performance indicators that it will use to collect data and report to Canadians on progress achieved in each of the Feminist International Assistance Policy’s action areas. GAC continues to engage with the International Development Innovation Alliance, the OECD Development Assistance Committee and Canadian civil society partners to learn about and share good practices on innovative evidence-based approaches in development assistance. To increase the transparency of Canada's international assistance, the Government expects to start publicly reporting the planned level of the International Assistance Envelope every year starting in 2018. To support innovation in Canada’s international assistance, the Government will provide up to $1.5 billion over five years and $492.7 million per year ongoing to the International Assistance Innovation Program and the Sovereign Loans Program. In April 2018, the Government co-hosted a meeting in Washington D.C. with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the World Economic Forum and the UN on blended finance. On June 2, 2018, G7 Development Ministers endorsed the Whistler Principles to Accelerate Innovation for Development Impact, which among other things call for the engagement of women and adolescent girls as both beneficiaries of innovative solutions and innovators. "
6/30/2018,58,,Canada in the World,Provide assistance to countries that are vulnerable to the destabilizing effects of climate change.,Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,Underway - on track,Countries receiving Canadian international assistance are better equipped to deal with the destabilizing effects of climate change.,"Canada is providing $2.65 billion over five years to help developing countries, in particular the poorest and most vulnerable transition to low carbon and climate resilient economies. To date, the Government has announced more than $900 million in funding contributions. This includes $200 million to the Asian Development Bank to catalyze private investments for climate action in Asia and the Pacific, $150 million in support of renewable energy in Africa, $40 million for the African Risk Capacity agency to help developing countries protect themselves against the economic consequences of natural catastrophes (such as droughts caused by climate change), and $39 million to help build the resilience of farming households in Senegal, with a particular emphasis on women and young people. In February 2018, Canada announced that it would provide $20 million to support women's health and economic opportunities in Haiti through the adoption of clean cookstoves in 150,000 households. Canada also recently pledged $100 million to support reconstruction and climate resilience initiatives across the Caribbean over the next five years, part of which will contribute to Canada's overall climate finance commitments. Canada is providing $16.2 million to support a $36 million Climate Resilience and Green Infrastructure project that puts specific emphasis on the role of women in managing water resources in Peru, and $6 million to the Food and Agriculture Organization for forest management and increased sustainable economic growth for rural indigenous women and youth in Honduras, two of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. Canada's new Development Finance Institute, capitalized with $300 million over five years, will mobilize its resources to promote green economic growth, which in turn will provide access to clean technology and climate-resilient infrastructure to those people most affected by climate change.
At the G7 Summit, Leaders agreed to the Charlevoix Blueprint for Healthy Oceans, Seas and Resilient Coastal Communities. The leaders committed to support resilient coasts and communities globally via better adaptation planning, emergency preparedness and recovery, and innovative financing for coastal resilience, and launched a G7 initiative to deploy Earth observation technologies and related applications to scale up capacities for the integrated management of coastal zones in the poorest and most vulnerable regions of the world. Canada will invest $162 million to preserve the health and resilience of our oceans and coasts. "
6/30/2018,59,,Canada in the World,Ensure Canada's strong and sustained engagement in the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie.,Minister of International Development and La Francophonie,On-going commitment,Promotion of Canadian values of diversity and inclusion through La Francophonie and promotion of French Canadian culture globally.,"Canada has maintained strong and sustained commitment to the International Organisation of La Francophonie and continues to use it as an important platform to engage the international community on priority areas. On gender equality, Canada has continued to play an active role in the development of La Francophonie's gender equality Strategy, which will be adopted at the upcoming Francophonie Summit in Armenia in October 2018. Canada has also played an active role in the promotion of women and youth empowerment and in the development of La Francophonie’s Action Plan on Women's Economic Empowerment, adopted on March 12, 2018. In May 2018, Canada supported the organisation of an international conference on conflict prevention and human security in Ottawa. The conference, which was organized by the University of Ottawa and the OIF, aimed to develop a roadmap to update existing Francophonie tools and instruments to address conflict prevention and human security in Francophonie member countries.
On the Organisation’s governance, GAC has continued to advocate in support of enhanced governance and transparency measures to further strengthen the Organisation's administrative and financial governance practices, with examples of best practices regarding governance, transparency, and the communication of results being shared. Canada is supporting the renewal of Michaëlle Jean's mandate as Secretary General of La Francophonie. The Organization will make a decision on this at the Francophonie Summit in Armenia in October 2018."
6/30/2018,60,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Resettle 25,000 refugees from Syria.","Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship;Minister of International Development and La Francophonie",Completed - modified,"The Government welcomed 26,172 Syrian refugees (government-assisted and privately sponsored) between November 4, 2015, and February 29, 2016.","As of January 29, 2017, Canada had welcomed 40,081 refugees from Syria: 21,876 government-assisted refugees, 3,931 blended visa office-referred refugees, and 14,274 privately sponsored refugees. Although the Government hit and surpassed its targets, it did so two months later than the initial timeline to ensure proper security and medical examinations and resettlement preparations."
6/30/2018,61,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Double the number of entry applications for parents and grandparents of immigrants to 10,000 a year.","Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,"The Government made reuniting families a top priority and doubled the number of parents and grandparents sponsorship applications accepted to 10,000 in 2016. The new cap of 10,000 per year will apply going forward.","Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has formally increased the number of applications it will take in through its Parent and Grandparent (PGP) Program."
6/30/2018,62,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Give additional points under the Express Entry system to applicants who have Canadian siblings.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,"Changes to Canada's Express Entry program, including additional points for candidates with Canadian siblings and candidates who have strong French and/or English languages skills were implemented on June 6, 2017. This is increasing the number of eligible economic immigrants who have the support they need to more easily integrate into the labour market and contribute to the economic success of all Canadians.","Changes to Canada's Express Entry program were implemented on June 6, 2017"
6/30/2018,63,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Increase the maximum age for dependents from 19 to 22 to allow more families to stay together and bring their children to Canada.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,More family reunification.,"The Government has made reuniting families a top priority. Regulatory amendments to increase the maximum age of dependent children from 19 to 22 years of age came into force October 24, 2017."
6/30/2018,64,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Bring forward a proposal regarding permanent residency for new spouses entering Canada.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Sponsored spouses and partners no longer have to remain in abusive relationships for fear of losing their immigration status.,"To address concerns that some vulnerable sponsored spouses or partners were staying in abusive relationships out of fear of losing their permanent resident status, the Government repealed the requirement of conditional residency. This means sponsored spouses and partners are no longer required to live with their sponsor for two years in order to maintain their permanent resident status, thereby reducing vulnerability and dependence."
6/30/2018,65,,Government Services and Operations,"Improve client service delivery and immigration, refugees and citizenship application processing times.","Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,"Enhanced client service and timely processing of immigration, refugee and citizenship applications.","The Government is developing initiatives to reduce processing times in several programs and a client service strategy to enhance the client experience. In December 2016, spousal sponsorship was reformed to speed up processing and simplify the sponsorship process. In 2017, IRCC met its commitment to process 80% of spousal applications received before December 2016. For 2018, we will continue to monitor progress as against commitment. The Government also announced an intake management strategy for privately sponsored refugees and the goal of reducing wait times for new applications to 12 months. Service standards in other programs are being maintained: 80% of citizenship grant applications received since April 2015 are processed within a 12-month timeframe, and Express Entry permanent residency applications are processed within a six-month timeframe. Since June 2017, the Global Skills Strategy continues to assist companies in getting workers to Canada faster, including through two-week processing time for 80% of eligible work permit applications. The Dedicated Service Channel helps guide companies making significant, job-creating investments in Canada. Enhancements to the asylum system will be informed by upcoming findings of the independent review of the Immigration and Refugee Board."
6/30/2018,66,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Restore the Interim Federal Health Program that provides health benefits to refugees.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Improved access to necessary health care for refugees.,"In April 2016, the Government restored the Interim Federal Health Program for all eligible refugee beneficiaries. In addition, the Government eliminated the coverage expiry date to ensure refugee claimants remain covered until they are eligible for provincial/territorial health insurance. "
6/30/2018,67,,Canada in the World,Establish an expert human rights panel to help determine designated countries of origin and provide a right to appeal refugee decisions for citizens from these countries.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,"Canada upholds its commitment to welcoming those seeking refuge from conflict and war, while leveraging expertise and systems to strengthen program integrity and efficiency.","As of July 2015, claimants from Designated Countries of Origin - countries that do not normally produce refugees and do respect human rights and offer state protection - have had access to an appeal at the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. An independent review of the Immigration and Refugee Board and the asylum system is underway, and findings will inform how the Government will enhance the asylum system to achieve both efficiency and fairness for all claimants."
6/30/2018,68,,Environment and Climate Change,Work with stakeholders to better co-manage our three oceans.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",On-going commitment,"Better planning, management and protection of oceans, marine mammals, and coastal communities.","Through the Oceans Protection Plan (OPP) and other ocean initiatives, Canada has been engaging Indigenous and coastal communities, stakeholders and other levels of government, including activities, such as improved marine safety, protection of the marine environment, restoration of Canada’s coastlines, waterways management, and new opportunities for Indigenous and coastal communities in emergency response.
The OPP includes new research on the effects of oil spills, measures to protect marine mammals, and increased emergency response capacity in which coastal communities will play a greater role. The OPP is a key part of the Government's commitment to redefine its relationship with Indigenous peoples and engage in a meaningful and productive partnership with Indigenous communities. In addition to the OPP, the Government has officially endorsed the Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area Plan with the Province of British Columbia and Pacific North Coast First Nations; explored partnerships with land claims organizations in the North to advance Canada’s marine conservation agenda; and signed a statement of intent between Canada and the Nunatsiavut Government to work together on oceans management in northern Labrador.
The Reconciliation Framework Agreement for Bioregional Oceans Management and Protection was announced by the Prime Minister on National Indigenous Peoples Day, June 21. This significant agreement demonstrates a commitment between Canada and First Nations along the North and Central Coast of British Columbia to partner on marine initiatives within the Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area. Key areas of work will include marine spatial planning, marine protected area network development and initiatives to support marine safety.
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6/30/2018,69,,Canada in the World,Facilitate the temporary entry of low risk travellers and lift the visa requirement for Mexico.,"Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,"Canada is a more open country that does not impose unnecessary barriers to business travellers, tourists and other visitors.","On December 1, 2016, Canada lifted the requirement for Mexican travellers to have a visa. To facilitate the temporary entry of low-risk travellers, the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) was put in place on November 10, 2016 for visa-exempt foreign nationals (other than U.S. citizens) boarding their flight to Canada. On May 1, 2017, Canada expanded eTA to Brazil, Bulgaria and Romania to facilitate air travel for low-risk travellers. The visa requirement for Bulgaria and Romania was fully lifted on December 1, 2017. Additionally, on June 5, 2018, Canada lifted the visa requirement for the United Arab Emirates. "
6/30/2018,70,,Fair and Open Government,Repeal provisions in the Citizenship Act that give the government the right to strip citizenship from dual nationals.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Repealed provisions in the Citizenship Act that gave the Government the right to strip citizenship from dual nationals.,"In June 2017, legislation was passed that repealed the unfair elements of the Citizenship Act that applied only to Canadians with dual or multiple citizenships and allowed the government to strip them of their Canadian citizenship. This legislation also makes it easier for applicants to meet the requirements for citizenship, and helps immigrants obtain citizenship earlier and faster."
6/30/2018,72,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Make it easier for international students to stay in Canada after their studies.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Better outcomes for immigrants to Canada because those who become permanent residents and citizens have Canadian educational experience.,"It is now easier for international students to become permanent residents or Canadian citizens after completing their studies. The Government made changes to the Express Entry system that award more points to those who have studied in Canada, making it easier for international students to become permanent residents. As well, in October 2017, regulatory changes introduced by the Government came into force, providing greater flexibility for international students who want to become Canadian citizens."
6/30/2018,73,,Environment and Climate Change,Restore funding to support federal ocean science and monitoring programs.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Completed - fully met,"Restored funding to support the hiring of new scientific staff, the acquisition of new lab equipment, and added capacity for ocean science and monitoring.","The Government of Canada restored funding for federal ocean science and monitoring programs. In April 2016, $197 million was committed to fund ocean and freshwater science activities, which will help better understand aquatic ecosystems and support evidence-based management decisions. The Government is recruiting 135 new scientific staff and creating a new Partnership Fund to build capacity in the Canadian ocean and freshwater science community. The Government is also investing in high-performance lab equipment to mitigate life-cycle management concerns, procuring new state-of-the-art acoustic and remote sensing technology, and enhancing monitoring activities for various species of marine mammals, fish and invertebrates."
6/30/2018,74,,Environment and Climate Change,Use good scientific evidence when making decisions affecting fish stocks and ecosystem management.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Underway - on track,"A new, strong process that integrates scientific information in all major fish stock and ecosystem management decisions.",The Government of Canada has changed its internal processes to ensure that scientific information and advice are presented as part of decision making. The Government is currently developing a plan to implement the precautionary approach policy for all major fish stocks. The new Chief Science Advisor will provide guidance on this.
6/30/2018,75,,Environment and Climate Change,Act on recommendations of the Cohen Commission on restoring sockeye salmon stocks in the Fraser River.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Underway - on track,"A new Wild Salmon Policy implementation plan to restore and maintain salmon stock which highlights measures for sustainable aquaculture, is co-developed and implemented in collaboration with experts, regional stakeholders and Indigenous peoples.","In August 2016, the Government released its formal response to the final report of the Cohen Commission. In October 2016, the Government launched public consultations and met with Indigenous peoples on the development of an implementation plan for the conservation of wild salmon. In September 2017, the Government provided a status update showing that 64 out of the 75 recommendations from the Cohen Commission have been acted on. The Government continues to engage with scientific experts and stakeholders to further act upon many of the Commission's 75 recommendations.
Extensive engagement with Indigenous peoples, stakeholders and the general public has informed a draft five-year Wild Salmon Policy (WSP) implementation plan. More than 32 consultation sessions occurred across British Columbia and the Yukon in fall 2017. Feedback from these sessions, as well as hundreds of electronic submissions, are now being incorporated. A final WSP implementation plan is expected in 2018."
6/30/2018,76,,Safety and Security,"Re-open the Maritime Rescue Sub-centre in St. John's, Newfoundland, and the Kitsilano Coast Guard Base in Vancouver.","Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Completed - fully met,Kitsilano Coast Guard Base and St. John's Maritime Rescue Sub-centre are re-opened to restore search and rescue services and save lives.,"In May 2016, the Kitsilano Coast Guard Base in Vancouver was re-opened to provide 24/7 search and rescue services., and it received a new Search and Rescue Vessel in December 2017. The Maritime Rescue Sub-centre in St. John's officially re-opened on May 18, 2018."
6/30/2018,77,,Healthy Canadians,Sign new Health Accord with the provinces and territories.,Minister of Health,Completed - fully met,"A new, multi-year agreement to strengthen health care has been reached between the Government of Canada and provinces and territories.","The Government of Canada has reached agreements with all provinces and territories on collective priorities and 10-year funding to strengthen health care. In August 2017, federal, provincial and territorial governments reached agreement on a Common Statement of Principles on Shared Health Priorities, which outlines key priorities for federal investments to improve access to mental health and addictions services, as well as home and community care and a joint commitment to advance health innovation and prescription drugs. Budget 2017 confirmed a targeted investment of $11 billion over 10 years to support these priorities. Governments also committed to develop and report on a set of common metrics to ensure that these investments bring Canadians improved health outcomes.
The federal government is now in the process of developing bilateral agreements with each province and territory that will set out details of how each jurisdiction will use federal funding in future years, based on the priority areas of action outlined in the Common Statement. The Canadian Institute for Health Information is leading a process with federal, provincial and territorial officials to develop a focused set of common indicators in home care and mental health to enable Canadians to assess progress on shared priorities."
6/30/2018,78,,Healthy Canadians,Increase rates of vaccination.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"By 2025, 95% of children under the age of two have received all recommended vaccinations.","The Government of Canada, in collaboration with provincial and territorial partners, has updated the national vaccination coverage goals and vaccine preventable disease reduction targets; which have been endorsed by all jurisdictions. The Government also enhanced its Childhood National Immunization Coverage Survey to better estimate vaccination coverage and measure vaccine hesitancy. The new Survey was launched in fall 2017 and initial reporting is expected in 2019. Also, since the launch of the Immunization Partnership Fund in 2016, 12 projects have been funded with the goal of increasing vaccination uptake and access in Canada.
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6/30/2018,79,,Healthy Canadians,Introduce plain packaging requirements for tobacco products.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,New plain packaging requirements for tobacco products will contribute to continued decrease in use.,"The new Tobacco and Vaping Products Act came into force on May 23, 2018 (following Royal Assent of Bill S-5) which includes measures to support plain packaging. The regulations for plain and standardized packaging were published in Canada Gazette Part 1 on June 23, 2018. "
6/30/2018,80,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Promote the celebration of Canada 150.,Minister of Canadian Heritage;Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Completed - fully met,"Canadians came together to celebrate the best of Canada and to experience Canada’s rich cultural, linguistic, and geographical diversity.","Canada 150 celebrations came to a close. The Canada 150 Fund supported over six hundred community projects and thirty eight pan-Canadian Signature projects through non-governmental organizations. Canada 150 enabled the promotion of active living, sport and athleticism to students and communities across Canada, and it highlighted diversity and inclusion, reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, the environment, and youth. More than 31 million people participated in Canada 150 events. Programming included an investment of more than $1 million into the 2017 Canada Summer Games and an accompanying cultural festival. The closing of Canada 150 in December 2017 included Skating Day, one of a suite of community events supported by micro-grants that brought Canadians together, emphasized the connection all Canadians share as a northern people, and underscored Canada 150’s four major themes."
6/30/2018,81,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Restore and increase funding for CBC/Radio-Canada.,Minister of Canadian Heritage,Completed - fully met,"Increased funding for CBC/Radio-Canada, leading to the creation of new, high-quality content across all platforms.","In Budget 2016, the Government increased CBC/Radio-Canada funding by $675 million over five years. In 2017/18, this funding was directed toward CBC/Radio-Canada’s key programming and initiatives; the creation of new, high-quality content, including local content, across all platforms; digital transformation, and continued development of both its existing services and the next generation of digital talent."
6/30/2018,82,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that the appointment process to the CBC/Radio-Canada Board of Directors is merit-based and independent.,Minister of Canadian Heritage,Completed - fully met,A new independent and merit-based appointment process has been established for selecting the CBC/Radio-Canada Board of Directors.,"The Government has appointed an independent and non-partisan Advisory Committee that will provide the Minister of Canadian Heritage with recommendations of qualified candidates for appointments to CBC/Radio-Canada. Published, merit-based criteria will guide the Advisory Committee as they identify Canadians who would make significant contributions to the work of the Board of Directors of CBC/Radio-Canada. On December 18, 2017, the Minister of Canadian Heritage announced the appointment of five directors to the CBC/RC Board of Directors. On April 3, 2018, the Minister of Canadian Heritage announced the appointment of the new Chair, President and CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada, and three additional members of the Board. "
6/30/2018,83,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Double investment in the Canada Council for the Arts.,Minister of Canadian Heritage,Completed - fully met,The Government invested $550 million in the Canada Council for the Arts to foster the development of the arts in Canada.,"New investments are being made in the form of grants, services and awards to professional Canadian artists and arts organizations, as well as through scholarly awards. The Government of Canada's annual investment in the Council is doubling over the next five years, growing local economies and creating good middle-class jobs."
6/30/2018,84,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Increase funding for Telefilm Canada and the National Film Board.,Minister of Canadian Heritage,Completed - fully met,"Increased funding for Canada's film industry, creating growth and jobs in the creative industries.","The Government invested $22 million in Telefilm Canada to fund and promote programs dedicated to the cultural, commercial and industrial success of Canada’s audiovisual industry and provided the National Film Board of Canada with $13.5 million to create social issue documentaries, animation, and digital content."
6/30/2018,85,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Restore PromArt and Trade Routes international cultural promotion programs.,Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of Canadian Heritage;Minister of International Trade,Completed - fully met,"Greater awareness of Canadian excellence in arts and culture, greater international demand for Canadian creators and more jobs in the creative industries.","In fall 2017 the Government announced an investment of $125 million over five years towards the implementation of a new Creative Export Strategy. This initiative will help Canada's creative industries seize business opportunities abroad and increase Canada’s interactions with the world through culture, supporting cultural diplomacy efforts. Building on the $35 million committed in Budget 2016, the Strategy provides improved measures and redesigned cultural programs. Based on former PromArt and Trade Routes, it will help artists and creative industries kick start or promote their creative offerings abroad. This will include more support from Canadian missions abroad to coordinate events showcasing Canadian artists on the world stage, as well as direct on-the-ground support from Canadian Trade Commissioners in key markets including London, Paris, Los Angeles, New York and China. With this support, Canadian creative industries will be able to better navigate export markets, meet key foreign contacts, and conclude business deals abroad. The Government also expanded access to cultural trade data through Statistics Canada to provide more accurate and up-to-date information to help guide and focus Canadian creative exporters abroad. The Creative Export Strategy was announced on June 26, 2018."
6/30/2018,86,,Strong Middle Class,"Increase funding to ""Young Canada Works"" to help prepare the next generation working in the heritage sector.",Minister of Canadian Heritage,Completed - fully met,More jobs for young Canadians in the heritage sector.,"The Government has increased jobs for young Canadians in the heritage sector. Investments in the Youth Employment Strategy helped to create over 1,600 new employment opportunities in the heritage sector in 2016-17. In addition, increased funding for the Young Canada Works initiative created 150 new internships for recent graduates in 2016-17. Budget 2017 confirmed an additional investment of $14.05 million over three years in funding in Young Canada Works Heritage programming. These new funds will enable the creation of over 1,500 more summer jobs and graduate internships for Canadian youth in Canadian museums and related heritage organizations."
6/30/2018,87,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Develop a multi-year Official Languages plan to support English and French linguistic minorities.,Minister of Canadian Heritage,Completed - fully met,A new Official Languages plan will be implemented to support English and French linguistic minorities across Canada.,"On March 28, the Prime Minister and the Minister of Canadian Heritage unveiled the Action Plan for Official Languages 2018-2023: Investing in our Future. The Action Plan includes a new investment of almost $500 million to support official-language minority communities across the country and promote bilingualism of Canadians starting in 2018-19. The new plan took effect on April 1, 2018. New initiatives will be gradually implemented over 2018-19."
6/30/2018,88,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Establish a free, online service for learning and retaining English and French as second languages.",Minister of Canadian Heritage,Underway - with challenges,"A cross-platform, web-based application will enable adult Canadians to learn and retain – in a way that is flexible, accessible and free – their second official language (English or French).","Canadian Heritage has conducted consultations with industry to identify possible approaches for providing an e-learning tool for Canadians. Budget 2018 and the announcement on March 28, 2018 of the 2018-2023 Action Plan for Official Languages confirmed the funding for the web-based application. The solution’s architecture and the information technology requirements are being developed. A Request for Proposals will be launched in the fall of 2018."
6/30/2018,89,,Fair and Open Government,Restore a modern Court Challenges Program.,Minister of Canadian Heritage;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,Increased protection for human rights and official language rights through a modernized Court Challenges Program.,"The Government has reinstated a modernized Court Challenges Program to provide financial support to Canadians to access the courts for the litigation of test cases of national significance, to help clarify and assert certain constitutional and quasi-constitutional official language rights and human rights in Canada. In February 2017, the Government launched a process to select an independent body to implement and manage the modernized program. Interested parties had until March 6, 2017 to submit an application. On September 1, 2017, the Government announced that the University of Ottawa had been selected to manage the modernized program. It also announced the members of the Selection Committee who will assess potential candidates for the program's Official Languages Expert Panel and its Human Rights Expert Panel. Canadian Heritage is working to establish the panels. Work is underway with the University of Ottawa to implement the program."
6/30/2018,90,,Strong Middle Class,Balance the budget in 2019/20.,Minister of Finance,Underway - with challenges,Balance the budget over the long-term and continue to reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio.,"Budget 2018 shows that the fiscal framework does not forecast a balanced budget in 2019/20. Before the Government delivered the 2016 Budget, the baseline fiscal track weakened as a result of low oil prices and slow global economic growth. Important fiscal investments were made to kick-start the economy, support the middle class and address the long-term challenges that were limiting Canada's potential. Canada continues to have the strongest economic growth in the G7 and increased consumer and business confidence. As a result, the current fiscal track shows steady improvements in the Government's budgetary position along with a continued decline in the federal debt-to-GDP ratio. In fact, the Budget 2018 fiscal track continues to show steady improvements in the Government’s annual budgetary balance, which is nearly $7 billion lower annually, on average, than projected in Budget 2017. The budgetary deficit is on track to fall from 0.9% of GDP in 2016-17 to 0.5% of GDP by 2022-23. The Government will maintain this downward deficit and debt ratio track—preserving Canada's low-debt advantage for current and future generations."
6/30/2018,91,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Lead preparations for the 2016 Rio Olympics and Paralympics.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Completed - fully met,Canadian athletes and national sport organizations were well prepared for and supported at a successful showing at the 2016 Rio Olympics and Paralympics.,"Canadian athletes excelled during the 2016 Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games. Nearly 15% more Canadian athletes were able to attend the Games compared to 2012. Canadian athletes placed 10th in total Olympic medals, up from 14th in 2012 and Paralympians also had a very strong showing, bringing home 29 medals."
6/30/2018,92,,Healthy Canadians,Create greater links between our elite athletes and young Canadians to promote health and achievement among youth.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Underway - on track,Increased number of events organized to connect young Canadians and Canada's elite athletes.,"Last year, the Government organized a number of events both online and in person at schools across the country, to connect young Canadians with Canada's elite athletes. Approximately 250 Olympic and Paralympic athletes and coaches from the 2016 Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games participated in these events, reaching tens of thousands of students across Canada. The Government will continue to create these and other opportunities for young Canadians to learn from and be inspired by Canada's elite athletes."
6/30/2018,93,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Raise the quality of the Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) applied to Cabinet proposals.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) is effectively integrated into policy-making across government.,"Since 2016, proposals to Cabinet now require a full GBA+ analysis, which includes an analysis of the proposal's impact on diverse groups of people. Budget submissions also require a full GBA+ analysis. The Government will continue to improve the quality of the analysis through new training tools and videos. In addition, to ensure that gender remains a key consideration for future governments, Budget 2018 announced that the Government will introduce new GBA+ legislation to make gender budgeting a permanent part of the federal budget-making process."
6/30/2018,94,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that the Government's senior appointments are merit-based and demonstrate gender parity.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,Greater representation of Canada's gender diversity in senior appointments.,"In 2016, the Government put in place a new open, transparent and merit-based approach to selecting candidates for some 1500 federal Governor in Council (GIC) appointments. This will help over time to close gaps in the representation of women in GIC positions. Since late 2015, the representation of women serving as GIC appointees has increased by 13 percentage points and is now at 47 per cent. Budget 2018 also proposed a new investment of $210 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, for the Canada Research Chairs Program to better support early-career researchers and increase diversity, including increasing the number of women who are nominated for Canada Research Chairs. "
6/30/2018,95,,Government Services and Operations,Help injured Veterans by re-establishing lifelong pensions and insuring that they all have access to financial advice and support.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,"Injured Veterans have the option of taking a monthly, tax free payment for life and are provided financial advice and support to assist them in determining the form of compensation that works best for them and their families.","The recently introduced Pension for Life initiative is a combination of benefits that provide recognition, income support and better overall stability to Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and Veterans who are living with a disability due to a service-related injury and/or illness.
As of April 1, 2019, Pension for Life will provide a holistic package that reintroduces lifelong monthly pain and suffering payments, implement a new recognition benefit, and consolidate six existing income-related financial benefits.
The resulting Pension for Life benefits package includes: The Pain and Suffering Compensation, Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation, and the Income Replacement Benefit.
1) For injured Veterans, the Pain and Suffering Compensation (PSC) recognizes pain and suffering caused by a disability resulting from a service-related injury and/or illness. The PSC replaces the lump sum Disability Award announced in 2006. It delivers a maximum of $1,150 per month for the life of the serving member or Veteran, or if a Veteran chooses, they can elect to have the monthly PSC cashed out for a lump sum payment that will be equal to the lump sum offered less any monthly payments already paid. The maximum lump sum cash out for the PSC will be equivalent to maximum lump sum payment available under the Disability Award on March 31, 2019, which is being replaced by PSC. The amount provided by the PSC will be adjusted annually by the percent increase in the Consumer Price Index.
2) Some injured Veterans will also benefit from Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation (APSC). This benefit provides additional support to Veterans who are experiencing barriers to re-establishment in post-service life due to a service related severe and permanent impairment. Depending on the extent of the Veteran’s impairment, the monthly payment would be $500, $1,000 or $1,500 adjusted annually by the percent increase in the Consumer Price Index. This benefit is not intended to replace lost earnings and so is tax-free.
3) In addition to the PSC and APSC recognition benefits, PFL will introduce the Income Replacement Benefit (IRB). The Income Replacement Benefit (IRB) is a monthly benefit designed to provide income support to Veterans who are experiencing barriers to re-establishment due to a health problem resulting primarily from service. As the IRB is designed to replace income, it is an economic benefit and as such is taxable. The benefit is available to Veterans and survivors, for life, and orphans, should they need it. For Veterans who have not yet served a full career in the military, the monthly salary will be increased by 1% every year until the Veteran reaches what would have been 20 years of service or age 60. The IRB replaces six pre-existing benefits (i.e. Earnings Loss, Benefit, Extended Earnings Loss Benefit, Career Impact Allowance, Career Impact Allowance Supplement, Supplementary Retirement Benefit and Retirement Income Security Benefit) with one, simpler benefit. Veterans who wish to join the workforce may also earn up to $20,000 from employment before any reduction will be made to their IRB payment. "
6/30/2018,96,,Government Services and Operations,Expand access to the Permanent Impairment Allowance to better support Veterans.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,More Veterans qualify for higher benefit amounts if they have had their career options limited by service-related illness or injury.,"As of April 2017 the Government of Canada has replaced the outdated Permanent Impairment Allowance with the new Career Impact Allowance. This new measure provides broader eligibility to more generous benefit amounts for the most seriously ill and injured Veterans whose careers are impacted by service-related illness or injury. The benefit amount that a Veteran receives will depend on the unique circumstances of each case. Effective, April 1, 2019, the Career Impact Allowance will be consolidated as part of the new Income Replacement Benefit announced under Pension for Life."
6/30/2018,97,,Government Services and Operations,"Provide injured veterans with 90% of their pre-release salary, and index this benefit to inflation.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"Veterans now receive 90 per cent of their pre-release salary under the Earnings Loss Benefit (ELB), and benefits are indexed to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).","Canada's women and men in uniform put their lives at risk to protect the values that Canadians cherish most. In Budget 2016, the Government of Canada made significant investments to give more money to Veterans with disabilities primarily resulting from military service. In particular, in October 2016 ELB eligibility was increased from 75% to 90% of a Veteran's monthly pre-release military salary. This benefit provides financial support to injured Veterans while they are undergoing rehabilitation or up to age 65 if they are determined to have a diminished earning capacity. As of June 30, 2017, a total of 12,461 Veterans have received an increase or are newly in receipt of benefits since changes to the ELB were made. Effective, April 1, 2019, the Earnings Loss Benefit will be consolidated as part of the new Income Replacement Benefit announced under Pension for Life. All eligible Veterans will continue to receive 90% of their pre-release salary, indexed to CPI during rehabilitation and for life if they are found to have a diminished earning capacity."
6/30/2018,98,,Government Services and Operations,Create a Veterans Education Benefit that supports the education costs of Canadian Forces Veterans after completion of service.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,More Veterans receive education and training upon release and are given the means to achieve their education and post-service employment goals.,"As of April 1, 2018, the Government of Canada has implemented the new Education and Training Benefit which provides Veterans who have a total of at least six years of service in the Regular or Reserve Force and who were honourably released on or after April 1, 2006 with up to $40,000 for college, university or technical education. Veterans with at least 12 years of service can receive up to $80,000. This will help Veterans cover the cost of getting a new degree or certificate, which is often critical in making a successful transition to post-service life. "
6/30/2018,99,,Government Services and Operations,Improve career and vocational assistance for Veterans.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,Improve career and vocational assistance for Veterans and ensure jobs for Veterans are included in federally-funded infrastructure projects.,"The Government has introduced new initiatives to support Veterans’ transition to the labour market.
• Through the Veterans Hiring Act (VHA), which came into effect July 1, 2015, current and former members of the Canadian Armed Forces are given priority within some public service hiring processes. As of June 30, 2018, 636 medically-released Veterans have been hired as permanent employees into the federal public service through this process.
• As of April 1, 2018, eligible Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans, their spouses/common-law partners and survivors can now apply for a new, modernized set of Career Transition Services delivered by career support professionals familiar with the military culture, whenever and wherever needed. These services also ensure that Veterans have the knowledge, skills and abilities required to search for employment in the civilian work force so that they are more likely to gain employment and feel satisfaction in their employment.
• The Government is working with provinces and territories as part of infrastructure negotiations to ensure Community Benefits Agreements integrate jobs for Veterans into infrastructure projects."
6/30/2018,100,,Government Services and Operations,"Deliver a higher standard of service and care, and ensure that a ""one veteran, one standard"" approach is upheld.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,"Veterans and their families have seamless support as they transition out of the military, with simplified application processes, improved client services and reduced wait times to receive benefits.","The Government has invested $42.8 million to increase service delivery capacity and reduce the backlog in key programs at Veterans Affairs Canada.
The Government is lowering its case-management ratios so that Veterans who require more in-depth, one-on-one personal based support can access services in a timely manner.
The Government's recently completed a Service Delivery Review which will shape efforts to reduce complexity and strengthen partnerships between Veterans Affairs and National Defence.
"
6/30/2018,101,,Government Services and Operations,Re-open the nine Veterans Affairs service offices recently closed.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"To improve services for Veterans, all Veterans Affairs Canada offices closed by the previous government have been re-opened and resources have been added in new areas not previously served.","All nine offices previously closed have been reopened and a new tenth office has been opened to serve the needs of veterans in Surrey, BC, and the Lower Mainland. In addition, the Government of Canada has expanded outreach to the territories and other northern communities to provide an enhanced level of service and outreach to Veterans and their families. As of April 2018, the Government has hired more than 470 new employees, including 190 new case managers, to improve services for veterans."
6/30/2018,102,,Government Services and Operations,"Create two centres of excellence in Veterans' care, including one specialized in mental health and post-traumatic stress disorder.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,Veterans and their caregivers and providers have better access to better knowledge and expertise to address the unique care needs of someone who previously served.,"Budget 2017 invested in the creation of the first centre of excellence that will focus on the creation and dissemination of knowledge on prevention, assessment and treatment of PTSD and related mental health conditions for Veterans and Canadian Armed Forces members. Plans for the second centre of excellence are at an early stage of development and consultation."
6/30/2018,103,,Government Services and Operations,Support families who are providing care and support to Veterans living with physical and/or mental health issues.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,Increased support for families who are providing care and support to Veterans living with physical and/or mental health issues.,"As of April 1, 2018, military members who leave the service for medical reasons, as well as their families, have access to a full range of support services at all of Canada's 32 Military Family Resource Centres as well as through services delivered over the phone and online. Further support is offered to families by the new Caregiver Recognition Benefit which provides a more generous non-taxable monthly benefit payable directly to caregivers of Veterans to better recognize and honour the vital role they play."
6/30/2018,104,,Government Services and Operations,End the time limit for surviving spouses applying for vocational rehabilitation and assistance services.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,Surviving spouses are able to receive vocational rehabilitation and assistance services whenever they need them.,"As of April 1, 2018, the Government of Canada has enhanced support for survivors and common-law/spouses by eliminating the current one-year time limit on applications for Rehabilitation Services and Vocational Assistance. This change allows survivors to now apply for assistance whenever they are prepared to return to work."
6/30/2018,105,,Government Services and Operations,Increase the Veteran survivor's pension amount from 50% to 70%.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,"Surviving spouses receive better support, and benefits are delivered in a more client-centred, streamlined fashion.","Announced on December 20, 2017 as part of the Pension for Life initiative, support for eligible spouses will increase from 50% to 70% of the Veteran’s post age 65 Income Replacement Benefit, providing them with enhanced financial security when they need it most. This measure, effective April 1, 2019, will improve the delivery of benefits so that surviving spouses and their families have a simpler system to navigate."
6/30/2018,106,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that surviving spouses of Veterans receive appropriate benefits by eliminating the marriage after 60 clawback.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,Surviving spouses receive the same pension amounts as all other survivors regardless of the age at which they were married.,The Government of Canada is working to eliminate the pension clawback for spouses married to Veterans over the age of 60 at the time of marriage that currently exists in the Canadian Armed Forces Superannuation Act. Progress on this commitment has taken longer than anticipated.
6/30/2018,107,,Government Services and Operations,Double funding to the Last Post Fund to ensure that all veterans receive a dignified burial.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"Funding is doubled to the Last Post Fund, and more families qualify for a burial or marking benefit when a Veteran dies.","As of October 2016, the Government of Canada enhanced the Funeral and Burial Program, which is delivered by the Last Post Fund Corporation so that more families can qualify for financial support for the funeral and burial of a recently deceased Veteran. The Government nearly tripled the survivor estate exemption from approximately $12,000 to $35,200 so that more people can access this support in their time of need. Going forward, this amount will be indexed annually."
6/30/2018,108,,Safety and Security,Create an Office of Community Outreach and Counter-radicalization Coordinator.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Underway - on track,Reduced radicalization and greater understanding of how to prevent radicalization.,"On June 26, 2017, the Government established the Canada Centre for Community Engagement and Prevention of Violence to help provide leadership on Canada's response to radicalization to violence, coordinate domestic and international initiatives, and support community outreach. The Government is in the process of appointing a Special Advisor and Advisory Committee. The Community Resilience Fund was also launched to provide financial assistance to organizations undertaking programming and research to address radicalization to violence in Canada."
6/30/2018,109,,Safety and Security,Protect Canadians and our critical infrastructure from cyber threats.,"Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of National Defence;Minister of Democratic Institutions",Underway - on track,"Increased cyber security for Canada's critical infrastructure, economy, and democratic institutions, resulting in better protection for Canadian businesses and individuals from cyber threats.","The Government has completed a consultation and review of current measures, and published the results in March 2017. To strengthen Canada’s cyber security and the cyber resilience of Canadians, including protecting their privacy, Budget 2018 commits $507.7 million over five years, and $108.8 million per year thereafter. The Government proposes to provide $236.5 million over five years, and $41.2 million per year ongoing, to further support a new National Cyber Security Strategy, which was launched in June 2018 and is guided by the principles of resilience, collaboration, capability and innovation. The investment includes $155.2 million over five years, and $44.5 million per year ongoing, to create a new Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, which will consolidate expertise from across the federal government into a single point of contact for expert advice, guidance, services and support. It also includes $116.0 million over five years, and $23.2 million per year ongoing, to the RCMP to support the creation of the National Cybercrime Coordination Unit. As well, the Government will help businesses improve their cyber security approach through the creation of a voluntary cyber certification program. Furthermore, the cyber hacking of elections is a growing issue around the world, and the Government will take proactive measures to identify and mitigate against potential threats."
6/30/2018,110,,Safety and Security,Strengthen controls on handguns and assault weapons.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,"Reduced gun violence through balanced, effective firearms measures.","The Government is developing effective firearms measures that prioritize public safety while ensuring law-abiding Canadians are not unduly impacted. To support this objective, the Government established a more representative Firearms Advisory Committee that includes representation from law enforcement, civilian firearms users, public health advocates, women’s groups, farmers, conservation organizations, and the legal community. The Government also reversed a ministerial directive that could have allowed gun manufacturers to determine the classification of their own products under certain conditions. On November 17, 2017, the Government announced up to $327.6 million over five years, and $100 million annually thereafter, in new funding for initiatives to reduce gun crime and criminal gang activities. A Summit on Gun and Gang Violence was held in March 2018 to bring together stakeholders to share information on the realities, issues and best practices to combat criminal gun and gang violence. On March 20, 2018, the Government introduced legislation that prioritizes public safety and effective police work, while respecting law-abiding firearms owners. It will not recreate a federal long-gun registry."
6/30/2018,111,,Safety and Security,Enhance compensation for public safety officers who are permanently disabled or killed in the line of duty.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Underway - on track,"Public safety officers who are permanently disabled or killed in the line of duty, and their families, are appropriately compensated.","In March 2017, the Government announced the creation of a tax-free community heroes benefit that will support the families of firefighters, police officers and paramedics who died in the line of duty. Through the Memorial Grant Program for First Responders, families of first responders that lose a loved one as a direct result of their duties, will receive a one-time lump sum, tax-free payment of $300,000. The Program took effect on April 1, 2018. Further details will be announced in the coming months."
6/30/2018,112,,Safety and Security,Restore funding to provinces and territories to support Heavy Urban Search and Rescue teams.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Completed - fully met,"Search and rescue capacity across Canada is strengthened, helping save lives.","Last year, the Government restored funding of $15.5 million previously cut from the Heavy Urban Search and Rescue taskforces in Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, and across Manitoba. The Government is also providing support to build new heavy urban search and rescue capacity in Montreal and Halifax."
6/30/2018,113,,Safety and Security,"Develop a plan to better predict, prepare for, and respond to weather-related emergencies and natural disasters.",Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Underway - on track,"Canadians are quickly and effectively supported when natural disasters occur, and communities are better prepared for weather-related emergencies.","In collaboration with provinces and territories, and Indigenous peoples, the Government is working with stakeholders including municipalities, to develop a comprehensive plan to reduce disaster risk in Canada. The Government has begun a series of consultations on the development of a pan-Canadian Emergency Management Strategy, which includes weather-related events and natural disasters. The Government has responded quickly and effectively to support Canadians and communities affected by fires in northern Alberta, floods in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada, and recent wildfires in British Columbia. This has included partnerships with the Red Cross, payments to assist provincial governments, and the creation of ad hoc Cabinet committees to coordinate a response across government. Additionally, Canada is playing a leading role globally on the issues of disaster risk reduction, having hosted the United Nations Fifth Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in March 2017."
6/30/2018,114,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure strong and effective gender and culturally sensitive training policies for federal front-line law enforcement officers.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,Increased cultural competency and trauma-informed gender-based violence training across the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).,"In 2018-19, the RCMP will be developing cultural competency and gender-based violence (GBV) training that will be offered to RCMP employees starting in 2019-20. Through this training, there will be an improved capacity across the RCMP to effectively respond to GBV, including violence against Indigenous women and girls, in a gender and culturally sensitive manner. All training material will be examined using the GBA+ tool. "
6/30/2018,115,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Move forward on a toll-free replacement for the Champlain Bridge.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities,Underway - on track,New toll-free Champlain Bridge opened by December 2018.,"The Champlain Bridge is vital to its daily users and plays an important role in the Canadian economy. The objective remains to open the new, toll-free bridge in December 2018. Construction of the new bridge is now more than 78 per cent complete. The Government of Canada’s priority is to deliver a quality bridge without compromising the safety of workers or the public. The current bridge is safe and continuously monitored in real time."
6/30/2018,116,,Fair and Open Government,"Work with Parliamentarians to reform Question Period so that all ministers, including the Prime Minister, are held to greater account.",Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,"Increased accountability of all ministers, including the Prime Minister, during Question Period.","Since April 2017, the Prime Minister has adopted the practice of taking all questions during Wednesday sittings, as his schedule permits. In addition, when invited, ministers have participated in Senate Question Period."
6/30/2018,117,,Fair and Open Government,Promote free votes and limit the circumstances in which Liberal Members of Parliament will be required to vote with the Government.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,Members of Parliament are strong voices for their communities and there is greater accountability within Parliament.,"Since Fall 2015, all House of Commons votes have been free votes for Liberal Members of Parliament with the exception of those relating to: platform commitments, matters of confidence, and protections guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms."
6/30/2018,118,,Fair and Open Government,End the improper use of omnibus bills and prorogation.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,Measures are in place to end the improper use of omnibus bills and prorogation.,"In June 2017, the House of Commons adopted a Government motion that changed the Standing Orders to prevent the improper use of omnibus bills and prorogation. The motion gives the Speaker power to split omnibus bills for the purposes of voting except for budget implementation bills that contain only provisions that were announced in a budget presentation or in the budget documents. The motion also forces the Government to justify, in writing, the reasons for a prorogation and the House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs has the power to study the Government's justification."
6/30/2018,119,,Fair and Open Government,"Make government accounting and financial reporting more consistent, transparent and understandable to Canadians.",President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Finance;Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,"Government reporting is easier for Canadians to find, understand and use to hold the Government accountable.","The Government has introduced significant changes to improve accountability and make financial reporting more transparent and easier to understand. These changes include: making the Parliamentary Budget Officer an independent officer of Parliament with new powers and resources to more rigorously examine the country's finances; publishing fiscal decisions between budgets; publishing accrual versus cash reconciliation for the Estimates and the Budget; and changing the Standing Orders of the House of Commons to allow Main Estimates to be published later in the calendar year, resulting in the 2018-19 Main Estimates being tabled after the 2018 Budget and including 100% of announced Budget measures in a new centrally-managed Budget Implementation vote. As Budget items receive Treasury Board approval of program authorities, the allocations will be reported and updated regularly in an online annex."
6/30/2018,120,,Fair and Open Government,Improve reporting to Parliament.,President of the Treasury Board,Underway - on track,Increased transparency so that parliamentarians and all Canadians can more easily hold the Government to account.,"Part III of the Estimates (i.e., Departmental Plans and Departmental Results Reports) have been simplified and new features and data have been added to the online GC InfoBase. In addition, the Government introduced and adopted changes to the Standing Orders to better ensure consistency across the Budget, Estimates and Public Accounts, and provide greater clarity in voting on appropriations. These changes will help parliamentarians and Canadians better examine government spending and allow for the timely flow of funding outlined in budget plans."
6/30/2018,121,,Fair and Open Government,Ensure that Agents of Parliament are properly funded and accountable only to Parliament.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Underway - on track,Agents of Parliament are independent and are properly funded.,"In June 2017, legislation was passed that established the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) as an independent agent of Parliament, reporting directly to Parliament. This legislation provides the PBO with the ability to request the funds from the Speakers of the House and Senate needed to fulfill their mandate. The Government will continue to work with Agents of Parliament to support their important work."
6/30/2018,122,,Fair and Open Government,Ensure that the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) is properly funded and independent of the Government.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,The Parliamentary Budget Officer is independent and properly funded to conduct analyses on behalf of Parliament.,"In June 2017, legislation was passed that established the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) as an independent agent of Parliament, reporting directly to Parliament. This legislation provides the PBO with the ability to request the funds from the Speakers of the House and Senate needed to fulfill their mandate. This is consistent with the practice for all other independent agents of Parliament. The PBO will also have greater access to relevant information within departments, agencies and Crown Corporations; will be appointed for a term of seven years and can only be removed with cause, subject to the approval of parliamentarians; and will be able to cost election platform proposals at the request of political parties."
6/30/2018,123,,Fair and Open Government,Strengthen Parliamentary committees so that they can better scrutinize legislation.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,Parliamentary committees are freer and better equipped to study legislation.,"The Government of Canada has strengthened parliamentary committees by giving them more funding through the Board of Internal Economy so they can undertake the appropriate research and engage with Canadians. The Government has also ensured that the practice of electing committee chairs by secret ballot has continued. In addition, the House of Commons adopted a motion that enables Parliamentary Secretaries to be non-voting members of committees, ensuring that they can no longer vote on committees that fall within their minister's mandate, helping assure the freedom and independence of House of Commons standing committees."
6/30/2018,124,,Fair and Open Government,Disclose the expenses of all Parliamentarians in detail each quarter.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Underway - on track,"Increased transparency through the quarterly, detailed disclosure of parliamentarians' expenses.",The Government of Canada has introduced legislation to codify in law that the expenses of all parliamentarians continue to be disclosed on a quarterly basis. Details are disclosed on the Parliament of Canada website in an accessible and easy-to-read format.
6/30/2018,125,,Fair and Open Government,Examine ways to make the House of Commons more family-friendly for Members of Parliament.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Underway - on track,"A House of Commons that is truly a modern, professional, family-friendly workplace for Members of Parliament and their staff.","The House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs released a report in June 2016 outlining ways to make the House of Commons more family-friendly for Members of Parliament and their staff. The Government is currently implementing the principal recommendations of this report, which include scheduling votes immediately following Question Period rather than later in the evening, and tabling the House sitting calendar prior to the summer adjournment so that Members and staff are able to better plan their schedules. The Board of Internal Economy has also taken steps to implement more family-friendly administrative practices, such as providing more flexible childcare services and making high chairs available in Parliamentary cafeterias. Recently, the Board of Internal Economy made changes to travel policies for Members to promote a family friendly environment and facilitate family reunification. Parliament recently passed legislation to make it possible for Parliamentarians to take maternity and parental leave. The House of Commons and the Senate can now develop and implement policies. More needs to be done to ensure Parliament, as a workplace, fully recognizes the challenges and pressures of raising a family. The Government is fully committed to working with all parties to make this happen."
6/30/2018,126,,Exports and Investment,"Invest in an Agri-Food Investment Fund to attract investment and create good, well-paying jobs in food processing.",Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,Underway - on track,The agri-food sector is a leading area for economic growth over the next 10 years.,"The Government is increasing investment in the agri-food sector to increase and diversify exports to create good middle-class jobs. Budget 2017 identified agri-food as one of the six key sectors for future economic growth and set an ambitious objective of increasing annual agri-food exports to $75 billion by 2025. The Government announced a $1.26 billion five-year Strategic Innovation Fund to attract and support new high-quality business investments, including for agri-food value added processors. The Canadian Agricultural Partnership, launched on April 1, 2018, includes a commitment to facilitate the maintenance and expansion of both domestic and international agricultural and agri-food markets, as well as to enhance the ability of the agriculture and agri-food sector to diversify market opportunities."
6/30/2018,127,,Healthy Canadians,Develop a food policy that promotes healthy living and safe food.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,Underway - on track,A whole of government food policy that promotes Canadians' health and quality of life.,"In May 2017, the Government launched consultations to support the development of a Food Policy for Canada. This policy is intended to identify a vision and plan to address challenges such as increasing access to safe and nutritious food; improving health and food safety; conserving our soil, water and air; and growing more high-quality food. A national Food Policy Summit was held in June 2017 and six regional roundtables were held in August and September 2017. An online survey was conducted, receiving 45,000 responses, and other grassroots engagement with Canadians was led by Members of Parliament, and stakeholder groups. These are just some of the many engagement activities being conducted to inform the development of a food policy. The Government is working towards launching a Food Policy for Canada."
6/30/2018,128,,Jobs and Innovation,Invest in agricultural research to support discovery science and innovation.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,Underway - on track,"Advance research in agricultural genomics, digitize nearly six million specimens by 2022 and invest in discovery research in priority areas.","Over the next six years, the Government will accelerate DNA analysis, sequencing and digital recording of our taxonomic collections, completing the digitization of nearly six million specimens. In addition, Budget 2017 announced $70 million to further support agricultural discovery science and innovation, with a focus on addressing emerging priorities such as climate change and soil and water conservation."
6/30/2018,129,,Exports and Investment,Promote Canadian agricultural interests during trade negotiations.,Minister of International Trade;Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,On-going commitment,"Achieve the target of $75 billion annually in agri-food exports, and create more middle class jobs and higher incomes for the many rural and urban Canadians employed in the agri-food sector.","The Government has made agriculture and agri-food trade a priority in the trade expansion strategy. The Prime Minister and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Agriculture and Agri-Food have completed trade missions to Mexico, China, Japan, India, South Korea, the European Union and the United States promoting agri-food. The Government concluded and signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) which will improve market access for Canadian agriculture exports to key markets in the Asia-Pacific; the Government introduced the CPTPP implementing legislation in the House of Commons on June 14. The Government is implementing the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement that expands opportunities for Canadian agri-food products with 94% of EU agricultural tariff lines now duty free. Canada has also signed a memorandum of understanding with China on canola and negotiated new market access in China for Canadian beef and pork exporters. Canada will continue to work to resolve regulatory, quota and tariff issues with India to ensure long-term access to the Indian market for Canadian pulse exports (e.g., peas, chickpeas, beans and lentils). The Government will continue to strongly defend the interests of its agricultural industries, including supply management, with all trading partners, for example, when engaging with the United States and Mexico in the modernization of the North American Free Trade Agreement, and with Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay in the negotiation of a Free Trade Agreement between Canada and MERCOSUR. Canadian exports of agriculture, agri-food, fish and seafood to all countries in 2017 rose to $64.6 billion, a $2-billion increase from 2016 exports."
6/30/2018,130,,Government Services and Operations,Assess whether current farm income safety nets meet the needs of Canadian farmers.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,Underway - on track,"Implement a new agricultural policy framework, with updated business risk management programs, to support an agricultural and agri-food sector that is strong, innovative and resilient.","The Government of Canada is committed to a progressive federal-provincial-territorial agricultural policy framework, the Canadian Agricultural Partnership which was launched April 1, 2018. Consultations with stakeholders have been completed, including focused engagement sessions with Indigenous peoples, women and youth. A meeting of federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Agriculture took place in July 2017, where they reached agreement on key elements of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership and committed to a review of business risk management programs. On November 24, 2017, the Government announced the initiatives and priorities of the $1 billion federal investment under the $3 billion Canadian Agricultural Partnership, including the six federal programs: AgriMarketing, AgriCompetitiveness, AgriScience, AgriInnovate, AgriDiversity and AgriAssurance. Federal program details were announced on February 13, 2018 and application forms are now available. The Government is finalizing bilateral negotiations with provinces and territories on the $2-billion in federal, provincial and territorial cost-shared initiatives, which will be announced as they become available. "
6/30/2018,131,,Environment and Climate Change,Help the agriculture sector adjust to climate change and better address water and soil conservation issues.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,Underway - on track,An agricultural food sector that succeeds in the face of a changing climate.,"In April 2018 the Government of Canada launched the Canadian Agricultural Partnership to support an agriculture and agri-food sector that is strong, innovative and resilient. The Government is finalizing bilateral agreements with provinces and territories on the Partnership, including on environment and climate change programming. The Government is also working on soil, water and climate change issues through: the Agricultural Clean Technology Program; A Food Policy for Canada; Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Program; the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change; the Lake Erie Domestic Action Plan; and the re-accession of Canada to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. Budget 2017 announced $70 million to support agricultural discovery science and innovation with a focus on addressing emerging priorities, including climate change and soil and water conservation."
6/30/2018,132,,Safety and Security,Ensure that the Canadian Armed Forces have the equipment they need.,Minister of National Defence;Minister of Public Services and Procurement,On-going commitment,"The Canadian Armed Forces receive the ships, fighter jets and other equipment that it needs over the next 20 years as planned for and funded in the new defence policy.","Canada's new defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—invests in the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces and delivers the standard of service and care that current and former members deserve. The Government is investing to expand the Regular and Reserve Forces, build 15 new surface combatant ships, replace the current fighter jet fleet with 88 advanced fighter aircraft, and develop new space capabilities and global communications in the Arctic, among other key projects.
In accordance with Strong, Secure, Engaged, measures being pursued to improve defence and marine procurements include: enhancing governance and strategic oversight; streamlining processes and undertaking process transformation; leveraging defence and marine procurements to advance national economic priorities; improving communications; and growing and professionalizing the workforce."
6/30/2018,133,,Safety and Security,"Maintain current National Defence spending levels, including current planned increases.",Minister of National Defence,Underway - on track,The Government will exceed previous funding levels.,"Under Canada's new defence policy, the annual budget will grow, on a cash-basis, from $18.9 billion in 2017-18 to $32.7 billion in 2026-27. Funding is allocated to ensure that it is made available whenever the Department needs it. DND will access the funds through the usual parliamentary approval process. "
6/30/2018,134,,Safety and Security,Maintain Canada's strong commitment to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).,Minister of National Defence,On-going commitment,North America is safe and secure and Canada remains a strong and responsible partner in NORAD.,"Canada is meeting its commitment to NORAD on an ongoing basis, focusing on four key areas: personnel, capabilities, infrastructure, and participation in key decision-making fora on the future of NORAD. The Government is also expanding the Royal Canadian Air Force fighter jet fleet in order to properly fulfill our NORAD and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) commitments."
6/30/2018,135,,Safety and Security,Conduct an open and transparent defence strategy review.,Minister of National Defence,Completed - fully met,Canada now has a new defence policy that was built on extensive input from Canadians and delivers the standard of service and care that current and former Canadian Armed Forces members deserve.,"On June 7, 2017, the Minister of National Defence launched Canada's new defence policy: Strong, Secure, Engaged. This followed extensive external consultations, including engagement with the Canadian public, Parliamentarians, defence experts, and allies and partners. The new policy will allocate realistic funding to projects that will keep our military running efficiently and effectively for years to come, and ensure Canada remains a trusted and capable ally. Through this plan, the Government will build an even stronger military and, most importantly, deliver the standard of service and care our women and men in uniform deserve."
6/30/2018,136,,Safety and Security,"Renew the focus on surveillance and control of Canadian territory, and approaches, particularly for our Arctic regions.",Minister of National Defence,Underway - on track,"The Canadian Armed Forces has developed the necessary capabilities to expand its presence in Canada's air, maritime, land, space, and cyber domains to protect our sovereignty and keep Canadians safe.","As outlined in Strong, Secure, Engaged; Canada's new defence policy, the Government will invest in new space capabilities and prioritize Arctic Joint Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance in defence research and innovation. The Canadian Armed Forces has expanded Operation LIMPID (which provides domestic surveillance and presence in Canada's air, maritime, land, space, and cyber domains) to include additional domains and all Joint Task Forces. The Department of Defence is investing in surveillance solutions that will support Canada's ability to exercise sovereignty in the North (RADARSAT Constellation Mission and Polar Epsilon 2, Enhanced Satellite Communications and Tactical Narrow Band Satellite Communications) and is conducting a binational study of alternatives for the North Warning System. The Arctic Offshore Patrol vessels will be at initial operating capacity in 2019."
6/30/2018,137,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that the Canadian Armed Forces are a workplace free from harassment and discrimination.,Minister of National Defence,Underway - on track,"The Chief of Defence Staff and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) senior leaders continue to lead the full implementation of recommendations made by the Deschamps report and in Operation HONOUR, the Canadian Armed Forces mission to eliminate harmful and inappropriate sexual behaviour in the military. CAF members have access to a full range of victim and survivor services, and harassment complaints are dealt with in a timely manner.","The new defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—has reaffirmed that the Government of Canada will not tolerate gender-based violence or workplace harassment. The CAF will continue to work on gender, diversity and inclusion initiatives to eliminate harmful behaviours and ensure a work environment free from harassment and discrimination. On January 31, 2018 DND and the Canadian Armed Forces launched the Positive Space initiative to promote a safe and inclusive work environment for all employees regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
Defence is developing procedures and training packages to address harassment incidents. In addition, a new integrated complaint and conflict management program gives CAF members and the chain of command better resources for submitting, tracking, and resolving a complaint."
6/30/2018,139,,Strong Middle Class,Repeal the recent changes made to the Employment Insurance (EI) system that have been punitive to unemployed workers.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Repealed the 2012 changes to Employment Insurance (EI) so that unemployed Canadians have better benefits and more opportunities for good quality jobs.,"In 2016, the Government of Canada reversed EI restrictions related to commute times and work type. Now, workers are no longer forced to accept lower-paying work that is far away from their homes. This change simplifies job search responsibilities, while maintaining the long-standing requirement to search for and accept available work."
6/30/2018,140,,Strong Middle Class,Reduce Employment Insurance (EI) premiums.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,"Employment Insurance (EI) premium rates have been reduced and a new, transparent EI premium rate setting process has been established so that revenues and costs remain in line over the long-term.","The EI premium rate was lowered from $1.88 in 2016 to $1.63 in 2017. The premium rate has been announced and set at $1.66 for 2018, which reflects important new supports for Canadian families and changing economic conditions. For the first time, beginning with the 2017 premium rate, the EI Commission has assumed responsibility for setting the annual EI premium rate."
6/30/2018,141,,Strong Middle Class,Improve the Employment Insurance (EI) system that currently leaves too many unemployed workers with no safety net.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Employment Insurance (EI) remains responsive over the long-term to the needs of workers and employers and reflects the diversity of needs across the country.,"In 2016, the Government reduced the waiting period for EI and made benefits more flexible, easier to access and more generous for workers who need it. For example, the New Entrants and Re-Entrants provision has been eliminated—which set higher eligibility requirements for youth, newcomers and other workers new to the labour market—enabling over 50,000 more Canadians annually to qualify in the event of job loss. In addition, extra weeks of benefits were provided to regions most affected by the commodities downturn and job search responsibilities were simplified. Over the last year, the Government has heard from Parliamentarians, stakeholders and experts as to how to further modernize EI. Through Budget 2018, the Government proposes to introduce a permanent successor strategy to the current EI Working While on Claim pilot that expires in August 2018. In addition, Budget 2018 announced that Working While on Claim provisions will be extended to EI maternity and sickness benefits, so that workers can maintain their connection to the labour force during periods of temporary unemployment. In addition, Budget 2018 proposed to better assist workers in seasonal industries that experience a gap in income support before the start of the next season. The Government will continue to look for ways to better serve Canadians as they deal with important life events. "
6/30/2018,142,,Strong Middle Class,"Eliminate Employment Insurance (EI) discrimination against immigrants, younger workers and parents re-entering the workforce.","Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Canadian workers in the same economic region are now treated equally in the Employment Insurance (EI) system.,"In July 2016, the Government of Canada eliminated rules that limited access to EI for those new to the labour market or re-entering the labour market. Under the previous rules, workers who were entering the workforce or re-entering after being away for two years were required to have 910 hours of insurable employment, regardless of their actual work history prior to unemployment. Now, these workers are treated the same as other Canadians. This will help approximately 50,000 Canadians every year qualify for EI in the event of job loss, particularly immigrants, young workers and parents returning to the workforce."
6/30/2018,143,,Strong Middle Class,Reduce the wait time for new Employment Insurance (EI) recipients from two weeks to one week.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Canadians are able to access Employment Insurance (EI) benefits more quickly.,"On January 1, 2017, the EI waiting period was reduced from two weeks to one week. With this measure, claimants are now eligible to receive benefits starting one week earlier. This helps approximately 1.8 million EI claimants each year pay their bills during a time of unemployment and provides higher benefits at the beginning of the claim period."
6/30/2018,144,,Strong Middle Class,Improve Canadians' access to good quality job training.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,"Canada will have one of the most skilled, talented, creative and diverse workforces in the world, with more opportunities for all Canadians to get the education, skills, and work experience they need to participate fully in the workforce of today, as they—and their children—prepare for the jobs of tomorrow.","
In Budget 2017, as part of the Government's Innovation and Skills Plan, the Government of Canada announced several measures to help more Canadians get the education, skills and work experience they need to succeed today and prepare for the jobs of tomorrow. In support of this, the Skills Boost initiative will introduce several measures for 2018-19, including: increased eligibility for Canada Student Grants and Loans for part-time students as well as Canada Student Grants for students with dependents; and a three-year pilot project targeted to adult learners that will provide an additional $1,600 in grant support and allow flexibility to base Canada Student Grant eligibility on current year's income. The Skills Boost will also provide greater flexibility for Canadians on Employment Insurance (EI) to get new certificates or training without fear of losing their benefits. The Government has also expanded workers' access to skills training and job supports, and is improving access to opportunities for lifelong learning, and increasing work experience opportunities for young Canadians. Starting in 2017-2018, the Government has significantly expanded federal investments that will be provided to provinces and territories over the next six years through the labour market transfer agreements, which include Labour Market Development Agreements and new Workforce Development Agreements. Agreements have been signed with most jurisdictions. Agreements with the remaining provinces and territories (PTs) are expected to be signed later this year."
6/30/2018,145,,Strong Middle Class,Rationalize and expand the intergovernmental agreements that support skills training.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Agreements with provinces and territories that expand and support skills training for Canadians.,"To help more Canadians get the skills they need, the Government of Canada provided funding to temporarily boost existing labour market transfer agreements (Labour Market Development Agreements and Canada Job Fund Agreements) in 2016. Starting in 2017-2018, the Government has significantly expanded federal investments that will be provided to provinces and territories over the next six years through the labour market transfer agreements, which include Labour Market Development Agreements and new Workforce Development Agreements.. The Government also amended the Employment Insurance Act to broaden eligibility for job training under the Labour Market Development Agreements. This change came into effect on April 1, 2018. Agreements have been signed with most jurisdictions. Agreements with the remaining provinces and territories (PTs) are expected to be signed later this year. Work continues with provinces and territories to develop more effective training programs and share best practices. In addition, in Budget 2018 the Government announced that it will launch Future Skills this spring. Future Skills will bring together expertise from all sectors and leverage experience from partners across the country. It will also include an independent Council to advise on emerging skills and workforce trends, and a research lab focused on developing, testing and rigorously measuring new approaches to skills assessment and development.
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6/30/2018,146,,Strong Middle Class,Develop a framework to fund training facilities delivered in partnership with labour unions.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Establish a program to support union-based training centres that provide Canadians with the skills that are needed by employers.,"The Government of Canada has consulted with labour, industry and other stakeholders. The new Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) was launched in July 2017 with a call for proposals. Projects are starting to roll out and most are aimed specifically at increasing the participation and success of women in the trades and/or Indigenous Peoples."
6/30/2018,148,,Strong Middle Class,"Change the Repayment Assistance Plan so that graduates are required to repay only once they earn at least $25,000 per year.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,"Recent graduates earning less than $25,000 are able to delay repayment of their Canada Student Loans until they are more financially secure.","Effective November 2016, thresholds for the Repayment Assistance Plan have been increased so that no borrower will have to repay their Canada Student Loan until they are earning at least $25,000 per year. An estimated 23,000 additional Canadians will be able to delay payment and many more will have lower payments until they can afford to pay back their debts."
6/30/2018,149,,Strong Middle Class,Increase take up rates of Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) and Canada Learning Bonds by making registration easier.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Increased number of low and middle income families using Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) and receiving Canada Learning Bonds so that more Canadians get access to post-secondary education.,"In 2016, 126,979 children received the Canada Learning Bond (CLB) for the first time, bringing the total number of children in receipt of the CLB to over 1 million. In addition, 293,000 children received the Canada Education Savings Grants (CESG) for the first time, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to over 3.59 million.
The Government of Canada is exploring new and innovative approaches to increase awareness and take-up of the CLB.
Of note, a Call for Concepts was launched in November 2017. Proposals are being considered for funding under three themes:
• Support for Indigenous Peoples;
• Facilitated Access; and
• Research and Innovation.
Funding to successful projects will begin in 2018-19. The findings from these projects will help inform additional efforts that the Government will undertake to increase take-up of the CLB and RESP by low and middle income families.
In addition, the Canada Education Savings Act was amended to allow the cohabitating spouse or common-law partner of the primary caregiver to request the CLB and/or the additional amount of the CESG on behalf of an eligible child.
Also, Budget 2018 announced that the Government of Canada is collaborating with the Province of Ontario to integrate an “Education Savings Referral” into Service Ontario’s online Birth Registration Service. As of March 2018, parents of newborns are able to request to be contacted by a participating RESP promoter to learn more about and initiate the process to open an RESP, and request the education savings incentives for an eligible child. "
6/30/2018,150,,Strong Middle Class,"Collaborate with provinces and territories on the Canada Student Loans Program, and compensate provinces and territories that do not participate in it.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,"Changes to the Canada Student Loans Program increase participation of low and middle income students, with accommodations for any province or territory that does not wish to participate.",Canada Student Loans Program (CSLP) funding is delivered in partnership with participating provinces and territories with costs being covered by the federal government. CSLP is working closely with provinces and territories to implement changes to the program announced in Budgets 2016 and 2017. The Government of Canada is committed to respecting existing arrangements for compensation with the provinces or territories that do not participate.
6/30/2018,151,,Indigenous peoples,Increase annual support to the Post-Secondary Student Support Program.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Indigenous Services",Underway - on track,"Indigenous students have greater access to financial support, boosting their post-secondary education participation and completion rates.","The Government of Canada has enhanced support for the Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP) for 2017-18 and 2018-19, which will help meet the financial needs of an additional 4,600 Indigenous students attending post-secondary education. This funding is an interim step while the Government undertakes a review of federal support for Indigenous students pursuing a post-secondary education credential, in order to develop student-centered solutions to improve access and attainment. The Government of Canada is working with Indigenous partners and stakeholders to inform the review and the future approach.
Changes have been made to the PSSSP and University and College Entrance Preparation Program reflecting early engagement with the Assembly of First Nations and consistent with Budget 2016 and Budget 2017 commitments. These changes improve program flexibility by:
•Increasing maximum amounts payable to individual students, to better respond to rising tuition costs;
•Expanding eligible expenditures to include transcript and application fees;
• Allowing students more time to complete their programs of study, by removing or adjusting limitations on duration of financial assistance; and
• Providing greater flexibility for students who wish to pursue more than one certificate or degree program.
To support Indigenous students in having greater access to financial support to boost their post-secondary education participation and completion rates, additional efforts have been undertaken. Starting in the 2017-18 academic year, Indigenous students are more likely to be eligible for support under the Canada Student Loans Program (CSLP) since funds they receive through PSSSP are no longer considered assets during their assessment. Learners who self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, including status and non-status Indians, Métis, or Inuit) are exempt from making a fixed student contribution. This exemption means that Indigenous students will be eligible for more grant and loan funding and will have access to the full suite of CSLP supports to help with the costs of PSE. Finally, Budget 2017 proposed amendments to the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act, so that students who are registered under the Indian Act but do not have Canadian citizenship can access the CSLP. "
6/30/2018,152,,Strong Middle Class,"Increase the number of good quality, permanent jobs for younger workers.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",On-going commitment,"Reduced youth unemployment, greater opportunities for work experience, and improved access to job supports for youth.","The Government recognizes the importance of good quality jobs for younger workers. In Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government made significant incremental investments in the Youth Employment Strategy (YES). Thanks to these investments, the Government will help more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop skills to find work or go back to school, create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians, and over 1,600 new youth job opportunities in the heritage sector. For instance, the number of jobs supported under Canada Summer Jobs increased from approximately 34,500 in 2015 to approximately 68,900 in 2017. Changes have also been made to Employment Insurance (EI) to remove the discriminatory New Entrants and Re-Entrants requirement, ensuring that young workers are treated fairly when they need to access job support through EI.
In Budget 2018, the Government proposes to provide an additional $448.5 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, to the YES. This funding will support the continued doubling of the number of job placements funded under the Canada Summer Jobs program in 2019-20 and provide additional resources for a modernized YES in the following years.
The Government is creating more opportunities for co-op and work integrated learning for students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and business programs through a new Student Work Placement (SWP) initiative. The SWP will create up to 10,000 new work placements for STEM and business students by 2021 in key sectors. To support Canada's National Cyber Security Strategy, Budget 2018 proposed additional funding of $8.3 million for the Student Work Placement initiative to support the creation of up to 1,000 new student work placements specifically in the cyber security sector. In the context of the G7, Minister Hajdu also recently announced additional investments of $3 million over three years, to support the creation of up to 500 new student work placements in the artificial intelligence field, including targeted support for students in underrepresented groups, including women in STEM.
The Expert Panel on Youth Employment delivered a report in June 2017 outlining ways the Government of Canada can improve labour market outcomes for youth. These recommendations are currently being reviewed to determine possible areas for future action. A renewed YES will be announced over the course of the next year.
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6/30/2018,153,,Strong Middle Class,Increase our investment in the Youth Employment Strategy and improve the strategy's impact.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Increased investment in the Youth Employment Strategy helps more youth succeed in the labour market.,"The Government recognizes the importance of good quality jobs for younger workers. Thanks to incremental investments made in the Youth Employment Strategy (YES) in Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government will help more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop skills to find work or go back to school, create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians, and over 1,600 new youth job opportunities in the heritage sector. In Budget 2018, the Government proposes to provide an additional $448.5 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, to the YES. This funding will support the continued doubling of the number of job placements funded under the Canada Summer Jobs program in 2019-20 and provide additional resources for a modernized YES in the following years.
The Government is creating more opportunities for co-op and work integrated learning for students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and business programs through a new Student Work Placement SWP) initiative. The SWP will create up to 10,000 new work placements for STEM and business students by 2021 in key sectors. To support Canada's National Cyber Security Strategy, Budget 2018 proposed additional funding of $8.3 million for the Student Work Placement initiative to support the creation of up to 1,000 new student work placements specifically in the cyber security sector. In the context of the G7, Minister Hajdu also recently announced additional investments of $3 million over three years, to support the creation of up to 500 new student work placements in the artificial intelligence field, including targeted support for students in underrepresented groups, including women in STEM.
The Expert Panel on Youth Employment was created to assess the barriers faced by vulnerable youth in finding and keeping jobs, and to examine innovative practices used by governments, nongovernmental organizations and employers both at home and abroad to improve job opportunities for vulnerable youth. The Government is reviewing the Panel's 2017 report, outlining ways the Government of Canada can improve labour market outcomes for youth. These recommendations are currently being reviewed to determine possible areas for future action. A renewed YES will be announced over the course of the next year."
6/30/2018,154,,Strong Middle Class,Develop or expand Pre-Apprenticeship Training Programs.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - with challenges,Increased pre-apprenticeship training and improved literacy and essential skills among incoming apprentices.,"Consultations with provincial and territorial officials and stakeholders, including post-secondary institutions, were completed in Fall 2016. Additional targeted consultations are taking place to discuss how best to meet this commitment. Working in partnership with provinces, territories, post-secondary institutions, training providers, unions and employers, the Pre-Apprenticeship Program will help Canadians explore the trades, gain work experience, make informed career choices and develop the skills needed to find and keep good, well-paying jobs in the trades. Through Budget 2018, the Government proposes to provide $46 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, and $10 million per year thereafter, for the Pre-Apprenticeship Program. Progress has taken longer than expected but the Government believes the commitment can still be delivered before the end of the mandate."
6/30/2018,155,,Strong Middle Class,Respond to the recommendations of the Expert Panel on Youth Employment.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,The recommendations of the Expert Panel on Youth Employment will help inform future decisions on how best to help young Canadians succeed in the labour market.,"The Government created an Expert Panel on Youth Employment to examine the key barriers faced by youth in obtaining employment, and the main challenges faced by employers in hiring youth. The Panel delivered its final report in June 2017, which included recommendations on how to best help young Canadians succeed in the labour market. The Panel's report will inform ongoing work on the renewal of the Youth Employment Strategy. Through Budget 2017, the Government is investing an additional $395.5 million over three years, starting in 2017–18, for the Youth Employment Strategy. Combined with Budget 2016 measures, these investments will help more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop the skills they need to find work or go back to school; create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians; and provide over 1,600 new employment opportunities for youth in the heritage sector. Through Budget 2018, the Government proposes to provide an additional $448.5 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, to the Youth Employment Strategy. This funding will support the continued doubling of the number of job placements funded under the Canada Summer Jobs program in 2019-20 and provide additional resources for a modernized Youth Employment Strategy in the following years, building on the input of the Expert Panel on Youth Employment. A renewed Youth Employment Strategy will be announced over the course of the next year."
6/30/2018,156,,Strong Middle Class,Implement a modern Fair Wages Policy.,"Minister of Public Services and Procurement;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Businesses receiving federal government contracts adopt policy setting out fair wage practices to create good-paying middle class jobs.,The government has completed its policy research and analysis on fair wages policies. The Government is now considering options for a modernized fair wages policy to be in place within the current mandate.
6/30/2018,157,,Strong Middle Class,Amend the Canada Labour Code to allow workers to formally request flexible work arrangements.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,Federally regulated workers are now able to request flexible work arrangements.,"Budget 2017 aims to give federally regulated workers the right to request flexible work arrangements from their employer, such as flexible start and finish times and the ability to work from home. Changes will also provide federally regulated workers with new unpaid leave for family responsibilities, to participate in traditional Indigenous practices, and to seek care if they are victims of family violence. Changes will also make bereavement leave more flexible. Legislation to implement these changes was tabled in Parliament on October 27, 2017, as part of the Budget Implementation Act, 2017, No. 2, and received Royal Assent on December 14, 2017."
6/30/2018,158,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Determine an appropriate apprenticeship target for federal infrastructure projects.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - with challenges,An appropriate apprenticeship target for federal infrastructure projects that leads to greater apprenticeship opportunities for Canadians.,"Progress continues to be made on this priority, but has taken longer than anticipated. The Government remains committed to leveraging federal projects as opportunities for training and skill development and is engaging a range of stakeholders, including provinces, territories, employers and unions on how best to support apprentices through these public investments. This commitment has taken longer to implement than anticipated."
6/30/2018,159,,Jobs and Innovation,"Create more co-op placements for students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and business programs.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Science",Underway - on track,"More co-op and work-integrated learning placements for students enrolled in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and business programs, to help students gain the necessary experience for the jobs of today and tomorrow.","The Government is creating more opportunities for co-op and work integrated learning for students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and business programs through multiple initiatives. The $73 million Student Work Placement initiative will create up to 10,000 placements by 2021. Expanded federal support of $221 million for Mitacs, a not-for-profit organization that builds partnerships between industry and educational institutions, will fund over 44,000 placements by 2021-22.
To support Canada's National Cyber Security Strategy, Budget 2018 included $8.3 million in additional funding for the Student Work Placement initiative to support the creation of up to 1,000 student work placements in the cyber security sector. In the context of the G7, the Government also recently announced an additional investments of $3 million over three years to support the creation of up to 500 new student work placements in the artificial intelligence field, including targeted support for students in underrepresented groups, including women in STEM. Together, these initiatives will create close to 60,000 placements over five years. In addition, the Government is investing in the PromoScience program, which will support STEM learning activities for youth."
6/30/2018,160,,Exports and Investment,Maintain constructive relations and deepen trade and commerce with the United States.,Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of International Trade,On-going commitment,"Strong economic growth and well-paying, middle-class jobs on both sides of the border.","The Government, in coordination with provinces and territories, continues to work with the United States (U.S.) administration, the U.S. Congress and officials at the state and local levels to grow Canada's economy, create well-paying middle class jobs, and address global challenges. The Prime Minister, Cabinet ministers, parliamentary secretaries, premiers and provincial and territorial ministers, Parliamentary committees and other Parliamentarians have cumulatively undertaken over 345 visits to the U.S. and engagements in Canada and abroad with senior U.S. officials. In February 2017, Canada and the U.S. announced the creation of the Canada-United States Council for Advancement of Women Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders to promote the growth of women-owned enterprises and to further contribute to our overall economic growth and competitiveness. The Government is actively engaged in the modernization of the North American Free Trade Agreement to reflect new realities and to integrate progressive and fair approaches to trade and investment. Canada continues to advocate against protectionist policies to maintain an open market. In cases where the U.S. has imposed unfair duties, Canada is forcefully challenging such duties under international disputes settlement processes (e.g. steel and aluminum, softwood lumber, paper products). The Government also regularly engages with the U.S. on areas for collaboration to respond to increasingly complex global security issues."
6/30/2018,161,,Exports and Investment,"Ensure border security and facilitate the movement of people, goods and services.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,"The Canada-United States border is secure and facilitates the safe and efficient movement of people, goods and services.","In February 2017, the Prime Minister visited Washington, D.C., where Canada and the United States confirmed their commitment to working together on border security and efficiency. This joint effort includes preclearance and integrated cross-border law enforcement operations, full implementation of the Entry/Exit initiative, increased regulatory cooperation, and the expeditious construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge. In addition, both countries committed to establishing preclearance operations for cargo, accelerating the completion of preclearance for additional cities, and continuing to expand this program under the Land, Rail, Marine and Air Preclearance Agreement, once it is ratified. In December 2016, the United States preclearance legislation became law, a step forward for the new agreement with Canada. Canada's preclearance implementing legislation received Royal Assent in December 2017. The Entry/Exit implementing legislation has passed Second Reading in the House of Commons. The Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security presented its report on this legislation to the House of Commons on October 30, 2017. These two pieces of legislation are crucial to ensure security and facilitate movement at the border."
6/30/2018,162,,Canada in the World,Prepare for the North American Leaders Summit in Canada.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Completed - fully met,"Canada hosted the North American Leaders’ Summit on June 29, 2016.","The leaders from the three countries discussed key priorities of creating jobs, strengthening communities and building a clean growth economy for North America. The leaders also took important steps to create a more integrated, sustainable and globally competitive North American economy."
6/30/2018,163,,Canada in the World,"Ensure a close link between foreign, defence, development and trade policy.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canadian interests and values are effectively pursued through an integrated and comprehensive international approach.,"The Ministers of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, International Development, and National Defence have been working closely together on the Defence Policy, the Feminist International Assistance Policy, the Sustainable Development Goals, Canada's multinational North Atlantic Treaty Organization battlegroup in Latvia. The Government has put in place a whole-of-government approach to address the crisis in Iraq and Syria. In addition, the government has established the Peace and Stabilization Operations Program to provide a whole-of-government platform for preventing, mitigating and resolving violent conflict, crises and natural disasters abroad."
6/30/2018,164,,Canada in the World,Expand Canadian diplomacy and leadership on global issues and in international institutions.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canadian diplomatic activities advance Canadian interests and values abroad.,"Canada is active in multilateral fora and international institutions to pursue Canadian foreign policy interests and values. Canadian-led initiatives—such as supporting humanitarian access and monitoring in Syria, addressing the violation of human rights in Iran, supporting women's political participation and leadership, combatting violence against women and girls, supporting compliance with international law, and promoting respect for diversity and inclusion—secured widespread support in UN fora. Canada is active in coordinating hemispheric response to the crisis in Venezuela and hosted the third Ministerial meeting of the Lima Group in Toronto on October 26, 2017. In May 2018, Canada imposed a third round of targeted sanctions against top ranking Venezuelan government officials, bringing the total to 70. Canada has successfully advocated for new language about the online dimension of violence against women and girls, including female human rights defenders at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the UN. Canada played a leading role in the creation of a group of experts to monitor the human rights situation in Yemen and report back to the Human Rights Council. Canada also demonstrated its multilateral leadership by hosting the UN Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial in Vancouver in November 2017, which resulted in a significant number of new pledges to support the UN by participating countries and advanced the global peacekeeping reform agenda. The Government played a major role in the NATO Warsaw Summit by becoming the Framework Nation for the enhanced Forward Presence in Latvia. In addition, Canada is increasingly working with new and existing partners including civil society and business to increase the effectiveness of our global initiatives. Canada's diplomatic network abroad continues to amplify Canada's role on the world stage and bolster Canadian reputation through proactive communication, stakeholder outreach and social media. This year, Canada is using its G7 presidency to work with its like-minded partners to advance a common agenda based on respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms, democracy and the rule of law. Canada hosted the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Toronto on April 22-23, 2018, where ministers exchanged views and planned to coordinate action with respect to building a more peaceful and secure world, including through a negotiated joint communiqué. G7 foreign ministers also agreed to concrete shared commitments related to the implementation of international humanitarian law and the advancement of the women, peace and security (WPS) agenda and, together with G7 security ministers, on defending democracy against foreign threats and on managing foreign terrorist fighters and associated travellers. Through Canada’s presidency, G7 Leaders at the June 2018 Summit agreed to the Charlevoix Commitment to Defend Democracy from Foreign Threats. G7 leaders agreed to respond to these threats together and individually, and agreed to the establishment of a Rapid Response Mechanism to strengthen coordination to identify and respond to emerging threats. G7 countries agreed to a commitment to end Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, Abuse and Harassment in Digital Contexts. Canada is also exercising a leadership role on nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament by chairing a UN group of experts on a fissile material cut-off treaty, which concludes in June 2018."
6/30/2018,166,,Environment and Climate Change,Make Canada a leader of international efforts to combat climate change.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,On-going commitment,Canada meaningfully advances international solutions to climate change.,"Canada is leading efforts under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to implement a platform for the engagement of Indigenous peoples and to advance gender-responsive policy development and women's participation. Canada is also delivering on its five-year, $2.65 billion commitment to help developing countries achieve sustained emissions reductions and build resilience against the adverse effects of climate change. This includes providing support to Caribbean countries for disaster reconstruction and resilience and, under the Canadian G7 presidency, pursuing a focus on climate change and adaptation.
In addition to advocating for the effective implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement, Canada is engaged in key initiatives aimed at enhancing global ambition on climate change and clean growth, such as Mission Innovation, the World Bank’s Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition, the Global Methane Initiative, and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition. Canada and the United States also issued a joint statement in February 2017 confirming both countries' commitment to collaborate on energy innovation. In September 2017, Canada co-hosted a Ministerial Meeting on Climate Action with China and the European Union to advance the global climate dialogue and will continue to play a leadership role in this new forum in 2018. In November 2017, Canada hosted the 29th Montreal Protocol Conference, where Parties agreed to adopt the Kigali Amendment to reduce hydrofluorocarbons, a powerful greenhouse gas. Canada's early ratification of the Amendment on November 3, 2017 helped it reach the number of ratifications required to come into force. In addition, Canada and the United Kingdom jointly announced the creation of the Powering Past Coal Alliance, which aims to accelerate the global phase-out of unabated coal-fired electricity. Canada was also an active participant in the Bonn Climate Conference in November hosted by Fiji and the One Planet Summit hosted by France in December. In December 2017, Canada and China released a Joint Leaders' Statement on Climate Change and Clean Growth and held the first Ministerial Dialogue on the Environment in Bejing. Canada continues to highlight the serious impacts of climate change on the North through its participation in the Arctic Council.
In order to meet these commitments and drive action here at home, the Government is implementing the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change that was developed with the provinces and territories. This plan includes pricing carbon pollution and measures to reduce emissions across all sectors, as well as investments to drive innovation and ensure Canadian businesses are competitive in the global low-carbon economy."
6/30/2018,167,,Canada in the World,Accede to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canada implements the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).,"Legislation to accede to the ATT and further strengthen Canada’s export control regime, including by providing greater transparency and accountability in public reporting, is being considered in Parliament."
6/30/2018,168,,Strong Middle Class,Increase the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) by 10%.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,"Nearly 900,000 low income, single seniors have greater financial security.","Starting in July 2016, the Government of Canada increased the Guaranteed Income Supplement by up to $947 per year for the most vulnerable single seniors. Over the past year, this has improved financial security for nearly 900,000 seniors—approximately 70% of whom are women—and lifted an estimated 13,000 people out of poverty."
6/30/2018,169,,Strong Middle Class,Develop and implement a Poverty Reduction Strategy.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Fewer Canadians living in poverty.,"The Government of Canada is committed to developing a Poverty Reduction Strategy. It is anticipated that the Strategy will set targets to reduce poverty, align with existing provincial/territorial and municipal strategies, and include a plan to measure and publicly report on progress.
Meanwhile, several measures to reduce poverty across Canada have already been implemented. Since its inception in 2016, the new, tax-free, income-tested Canada Child Benefit (CCB) has helped to lift hundreds of thousands of Canadian children out of poverty. An increase to the Guaranteed Income Supplement is improving the financial security for nearly 900,000 low-income seniors, of whom 70% are women, and lifting an estimated 13,000 vulnerable seniors out of poverty. Through the Government's significant investments in affordable housing and the Homelessness Partnering Strategy, it is anticipated that the number of chronically homeless Canadians can be reduced by as much as 50%.
Building on these, Budget 2018 proposes the Canada Workers Benefit, a more generous and more accesible benefit for low-income workers that will replace the Working Income Tax Benefit, starting in 2019. An unattached worker could receive up to $1,355 from the CWB in 2019, while a single parent or a worker in a couple could receive up to $2,335, depending on their incomes. Budget 2018 also proposes changes that will make the new benefit easier to access by allowing the Canada Revenue Agency to automatically calculate the CWB for anyone who has not claimed it themselves.
In developing the Poverty Reduction Strategy, the Government has conducted a nation-wide consultation process with community organizations, experts and those with lived experience of poverty. this included the Tackling Poverty Together Project, which examined poverty with case studies in six cities across Canada and a final report has been published. An advisory committee on poverty has been created to help identify the best ideas from the consultations and provide independent advice to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. A major milestone in the consultation process was the two day National Poverty Conference in September 2017. The Academic Conference, which was on the first day, included academics from across Canada who did a deep dive into poverty measurement and indicators. The second day of the conference was with stakeholders and brought together many of the Canadians who participated in the consultation process to confirm what was heard. The What We Heard About Poverty So Far Report was published in February 20, 2018. In addition, further community-level discussions with First Nations, Métis and Inuit people took place to help ensure their priorities are reflected. Of note, ESDC provided funding to five National Indigenous Organizations to undertake engagement with their members, and share their findings with the Government."
6/30/2018,170,,Strong Middle Class,Create a housing strategy.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Infrastructure and Communities",Underway - on track,Hundreds of thousands more Canadians have access to affordable housing.,"On November 22, 2017 the Government announced a 10-year, $40 billion National Housing Strategy that will help reduce homelessness and improve the availability and quality of housing for Canadians in need. This Strategy is part of a long-term vision to strengthen the middle class and provide affordable housing to Canadians, and lift more Canadians out of poverty. The strategy sets clear goals to remove 530,000 Canadians from housing need and reduce chronic homelessness. The Strategy – funded through new and existing programs – follows a human rights-based approach, and includes a National Housing Co-Investment Fund, community housing initiatives, and the Canada Housing Benefit.
On April 9, federal, provincial and territorial Ministers responsible for housing met to endorse a multilateral Housing Partnership Framework (except Québec), setting the foundation for federal, provincial and territorial governments to work together toward achieving a long-term shared vision for housing. As part of the Partnership, Ministers responsible for housing agreed that governments will achieve better housing outcomes by sharing data and information that will make program development and delivery more effective, collaborating with diverse stakeholders and aligning housing policies and planning with other sectors to create effective housing solutions and vibrant communities. Provinces and territories will be invited to participate in federal programs designed to increase affordable housing supply, such as the National Housing Co-Investment Fund, by supporting decision-making and co-investing."
6/30/2018,171,,Strong Middle Class,Implement the middle class tax cut.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,The Government reduced the 22 percent federal personal income tax rate to 20.5 per cent to benefit millions of middle class Canadians.,"The middle class tax cut was announced on December 7, 2015, and came into effect as of January 1, 2016. Nearly nine million Canadians benefit from this tax cut. Single Canadians who benefit are saving an average of $330 each year and couples who benefit are saving an average of $540 each year."
6/30/2018,172,,Strong Middle Class,Cut taxes for small businesses.,Minister of Small Business and Tourism,Underway - on track,Lower tax rates for small businesses.,"The Government is working to build a fairer and more efficient tax system that benefits all Canadians. As one of its first actions, the Government raised taxes on the wealthiest one per cent in order to cut taxes for the middle class. As announced in October 2017, the Government intends to reduce taxes for small businesses so they can invest in new equipment, grow and create jobs. The Government intends to lower the small business tax rate to 10%, effective January 1, 2018, and to 9%, effective January 1, 2019. This will help small businesses keep up to $7,500 of their hard earned money which they can use to grow and reinvest."
6/30/2018,173,,Strong Middle Class,"Cancel income splitting, while retaining income splitting of pensions for seniors.",Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"Cancelled income splitting for couples with children under 18, allowing for an increase in child benefits.","As the Canada Child Benefit was introduced, Budget 2016 eliminated income splitting for couples with children under 18. Pension income splitting was not affected by this change."
6/30/2018,174,,Strong Middle Class,Enhance the Canada Pension Plan to provide more income security to retired Canadians.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"When fully mature, maximum Canada Pension Plan (CPP) benefits will increase by as much as 50 per cent, helping more Canadians achieve their goal of a strong, stable and secure retirement.","Canada’s Ministers of Finance reached a historic agreement on June 20, 2016, to enhance the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). In March 2017, all necessary legislative requirements were met by Canada's nine CPP participating provinces to implement the agreed-upon enhancements. Canada's Finance Ministers also agreed to further improvements in December 2017 to increase benefits for parents of young children and persons with disabilities. These CPP enhancements, which will begin in January 2019, will help provide a secure and stable retirement for more Canadians."
6/30/2018,175,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Create the Canada Infrastructure Bank.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"The Infrastructure Bank was created to produce large, transformative infrastructure projects that create good, well-paying middle-class jobs and support economic growth and prosperity for years to come.","In June 2017, the Government passed legislation to create the Canada Infrastructure Bank, a Crown corporation at arm’s-length from government that leverages the expertise and capital of the private sector. The Bank will support the transformational infrastructure that Canadian communities need now. It will make strategic investments with a focus on projects like green infrastructure, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and public transit, so Canadians can spend less time in traffic and more time with family and friends. The Bank is now operational, with its headquarters in Toronto. A Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer has been appointed, effective June 1, 2018. Following an open, transparent, and merit-based selection process supported by the board of directors for the Canada Infrastructure Bank and an executive search firm, the search for a Chief Executive Officer has concluded. On May 24, 2018, Pierre Lavallée was appointed as the President and CEO of the Infrastructure Bank, effective June 18, 2018."
6/30/2018,177,,Environment and Climate Change,Develop proposals to limit Exploration Expenses tax deduction to unsuccessful projects.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,Successful exploration expenses incurred to develop discovery wells no longer benefit from favorable tax treatment.,"Budget 2017 announced changes that will ensure the costs of drilling discovery wells are deducted gradually over time as development expenses, rather than deducted immediately as exploration expenses. With these changes, Canadian exploration expense treatment will effectively be limited to unsuccessful exploration or cases where the linkage to success cannot reasonably be determined in the year the activity takes place."
6/30/2018,178,,Strong Middle Class,Restore the tax credit for labour-sponsored funds.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"Canadian companies have greater access to venture capital, with the support of labour unions.","To help Canadian companies grow, the Government of Canada restored the Labour-Sponsored Venture Capital Corporations (LSVCC) Tax Credit to 15% for share purchases of provincially-registered LSVCCs for 2016 and subsequent tax years."
6/30/2018,179,,Strong Middle Class,Introduce a tax benefit to help teachers and early childhood educators with the cost of school supplies.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,Teachers and Early Childhood Educators are able to buy necessary supplies to help kids learn.,"The Government of Canada introduced a new, refundable Teacher and Early Childhood Educator School Supply Tax Credit for the 2016 and subsequent tax years, which will provide a benefit to teachers and early education educators to help cover the cost of school supplies."
6/30/2018,180,,Strong Middle Class,Enhance the Northern Residents Deduction to help with the high cost of living.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"Increased the Northern Residents Deduction to help approximately 225,000 Canadians with the high cost of living in northern and isolated communities.","Effective January 1, 2016, the Government of Canada increased the maximum daily residency deduction from $16.50 to $22 for residents in the Northern Zone and from $8.25 to $11 per day for residents in the Intermediate Zone. This measure is anticipated to put about $260 million back in the pockets of Canadians in northern and isolated communities over the 2015-16 to 2020-21 period and help these Canadians get the support they need."
6/30/2018,181,,Strong Middle Class,Repeal the Federal Balanced Budget Act.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,The Act has been repealed.,"Parliament repealed this Act, effective June 22, 2016."
6/30/2018,182,,Exports and Investment,Sign and ratify the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).,Minister of International Trade,Completed - fully met,"The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) has entered into force, creating jobs for Canadians across the country, giving consumers more choice, and increasing Canadian businesses' access to new customers.","Provisional application of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) took effect in September 2017 and all economically significant parts are now in force, e.g. tariff elimination on 98 per cent of European Union (EU) tariff lines for Canadian goods, increased quotas, services commitments, temporary entry commitments, and government procurement obligations. The Government has announced programs to help dairy farmers and processors adjust to increased EU cheese access under CETA. The Government is also working with the Atlantic provinces to support Canada's seafood sector in capitalizing on new opportunities in the European market. With CETA's provisional entry into force, Canadian exporters now enjoy improved access to more than 40 countries with nearly 1.2 billion of the world’s wealthiest consumers. The Parliamentary Budget Officer has estimated that CETA implementation could raise Canada's potential real gross domestic product by 0.4 percentage points. For the Agreement to come fully into force, all 28 EU Member States must ratify CETA in their national parliaments. To date, ten Member States have ratified the Agreement. "
6/30/2018,183,,Exports and Investment,Negotiate and sign modernized agreements with Israel and Chile.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,Canada has negotiated and signed modernized free trade agreements in force with Israel and Chile.,"In May 2018, Canada and Israel signed the modernized Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement (CIFTA). Both countries are now undertaking their domestic ratification processes to bring the modernized Agreement info force. For Canada's part, the first step is the tabling of the treaty in Parliament on June 20, 2018. The modernized CIFTA includes new progressive elements, such as a trade and gender chapter, a small and medium-sized enterprises chapter and a broader article on corporate social responsibility. It also includes further tariff reductions and eliminations for agricultural and agri-food products. In June 2017, Canada and Chile signed Amending Agreements to modernize the Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement. The modernized Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement includes a chapter dedicated to trade and gender—a first for Canada or any G20 nation. The updated agreement will also provide better mechanisms to address technical barriers to trade; add new progressive elements to the existing investment chapter, and amend the existing government procurement chapter. The Canadian Government notified Chile of ratification by Parliament on December 12, 2017. "
6/30/2018,184,,Exports and Investment,Establish the Invest in Canada Agency.,Minister of International Trade,Completed - fully met,"Canada is positioned to attract more global investment, creating well-paying, middle-class jobs by making it simpler and faster for businesses to invest in Canada.","Parliament passed legislation in the spring of 2017 to establish the Invest in Canada Agency, which will help bring together all levels of government to provide seamless service to help global investors navigate Canada’s investment landscape. Increased foreign investment in Canada connects Canadian industries to global value chains and facilitates the transfer of knowledge and technology, increasing competitiveness, stimulating innovation, and promoting the prosperity of Canadians. As part of this initiative, the Government is also increasing the number of investment-focused trade commissioners across key global markets. The Invest in Canada Agency was officially launched on March 12, 2018 and will become increasingly operational over the coming months. The Chair of the Board of Directors and CEO have been appointed. The Trade Commissioner Service has hired 15 new investment-focused trade commissioners and will add another five in each of the next two years."
6/30/2018,186,,Exports and Investment,Promote trade and investment with emerging markets including China and India.,Minister of International Trade,On-going commitment,"Two-way trade and investment with China, India and other emerging economies is increased, creating good, middle class jobs, expanding opportunities for Canadian exports, and increasing access to goods for Canadian consumers.","The Government continues to engage China on a possible free trade agreement while working to implement the trade and investment commitments that were made by Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier Li of China in 2016 and 2017. The Government is engaged in exploratory discussions for a possible Free Trade Agreement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The Government is also working with India to intensify negotiations on a Canada-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA). Canada will continue to work to resolve regulatory and tariff issues with India to ensure Canadian pulse exports (e.g., peas, chickpeas, beans and lentils) continue to enter India unimpeded. During his February 2018 visit to India, Prime Minister Trudeau announced foreign direct investment commitments that will lead to the creation of more than 5,800 jobs in Canada. In addition, Canadian and Indian companies signed 66 new commercial contracts and agreements worth more than $1 billion. Since October 2015, six FIPAs with emerging markets in Sub-Saharan Africa have also come into force. In addition, the Canada-Hong Kong FIPA came into force in September 2016, and the Canada-Mongolia FIPA came into force in February 2017. Preliminary discussions are in the works regarding additional possible measures to enhance Canada-HK commercial relationship. The Government signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and introduced the Implementation Bill for this agreement in the House of Commons on June 14, 2018. Canada is also undertaking negotiations for a free trade agreement between Canada and the Pacific Alliance, and between Canada and Mercosur. Since it was launched, CanExport has provided financial support to about 1,000 Small and Medium Enterprise-led projects aimed at diversifying export markets, in a variety of sectors, and reaching over 75 different markets around the world. To date, for every hundred supported projects, participating firms have reported on average some 85 export successes at the time of project completion, for a collective impact of almost $95 million in exports to new markets. To support Canadian firms and increase exports to new markets, the Government is implementing provisions from Budget 2018 that provide up to $75 million to build a stronger diplomatic presence and Trade Commissioner Service salesforce in China and Asia, as well as other initiatives to open market opportunities in the region. "
6/30/2018,187,,Exports and Investment,Improve support to companies looking to export and help communities looking to attract investments.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"Double the number of high-growth firms in Canada by 2025; increase Canada's goods and services exports—from natural resources, advanced manufacturing, agri-food and others—by 30 per cent by 2025; increase global investment in Canada; and create more well-paying, middle-class jobs for Canadians.","The Government is encouraging global investment and promoting Canada's economic brand through the creation of the Invest in Canada Agency. The Government has successfully completed the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. Provisional application of the trade agreement took effect in September 2017 and will give consumers more choice, boost Canadian businesses' access to new customers, create good, middle-class jobs and help grow the economy. The Government also recently signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) with 10 countries in the Pacific region and launched negotiations toward a comprehensive free trade agreement between the Mercosur member states and Canada. Canada is currently negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Pacific Alliance, which will upgrade its association with this trading bloc made up of Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru. The latest round took place in May 2018. As a concrete example of the Strategy's results, since January 2016, CanExport has provided financial support to 1075 Small and Medium Enterprise-led projects aimed at diversifying export markets, in a variety of sectors, and reaching over 75 different markets around the world. To date, for every hundred supported projects, participating firms have reported on average some 85 export successes at the time of project completion, for a collective impact of over $100 million in exports to new markets. Budget 2017 announced $950 million to superclusters in highly innovative industries, and in February 2018, in cooperation with the private sector and academic partners, the Government announced the creation of five superclusters (Digital Technology; Protein Industries; Advanced Manufacturing; Artificial Intelligence; and Ocean) that will create great new opportunities for Canadian companies to innovate, scale up and export. To support Canadian firms and increase exports to new markets, Budget 2018 provides up to $75 million to build a stronger diplomatic presence and Trade Commissioner Service salesforce in China and Asia, as well as other initiatives to open market opportunities in the region."
6/30/2018,188,,Exports and Investment,Reduce administrative burden for investors and companies associated with international trade.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"Canadian businesses export and trade with international partners more easily and with less of an administrative burden, and international investors benefit from faster, clearer and more efficient engagement with government programs.","The Invest in Canada Agency, launched on March 12, 2018, will increase cooperation between provinces, territories and municipalities to bolster trade promotion by providing companies with a one-stop-shop for investment in Canada thereby reducing complexity and administrative burden for investors. The new Global Skills Strategy, launched in June 2017, will make it easier for companies that are making large investments in Canada to bring in highly skilled global talent, while supporting well-paying, middle-class jobs for Canadians. Canadian companies will have access to an expedited review process lasting no more than a combined 20 business days from end to end, including reviews conducted by Employment and Social Development Canada and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Canada has worked closely with the United States, as part of the Canada-US Regulatory Cooperation Council to facilitate greater alignment of regulatory systems where appropriate. Furthermore, to help Canadian firms unlock growth opportunities through exports, the Trade Commissioner Service will undergo transformative enhancements in the coming year to simplify the client experience, modernize tools, and offer innovative services."
6/30/2018,189,,Indigenous peoples,"Improve essential infrastructure for Indigenous communities, including improving housing.",Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - with challenges,"Infrastructure on reserves is improved, schools on reserve are newer and in better condition; language and cultural knowledge is strengthened; more First Nations children graduate from high school and go on to post-secondary education; elimination of long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve by 2021; enhanced access to affordable housing for First Nations on-reserve, and to Inuit and the Métis Nation.","In Budget 2016, the Government of Canada made an investment of $4.6 billion over five years to support infrastructure development in communities to improve the quality of life of the people who live in them. Budget 2017 built on this momentum, with new, additional investments of $4 billion over ten years to build and improve housing, and other community infrastructure. As of March 31, 2018, and since the Budget 2016 announcement, more than $2 billion of targeted funds have been allocated towards 2,969 on-reserve community infrastructure projects across all asset classes, 1,310 of which are completed. The Government is also improving primary and secondary education on reserve by building and renovating school facilities thereby supporting the enhancement of the quality of language and cultural programs; expansion of innovative pilot programs that have been proven to substantially increase literacy and numeracy rates among First Nations children; and empowering communities to establish First Nations' planned and led education systems. More than $300 million was invested in 2016/17 and 2017/18 to build/upgrade First Nation schools. This includes 72 new schools and 84 renovated/upgraded schools. As of March 31, 2018, 11 of the 72 new schools have been constructed, and renovations/upgrades on 15 of the 84 schools have been completed. In Budget 2016, the Government announced significant new funding to end long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve by 2021. As of June 20, 2018, and since the Budget 2016 announcement, more than $760 million was invested to support 463 projects to strengthen on-reserve water infrastructure. On January 23, 2018, the Government added close to 250 drinking water systems to the total number covered by the federal government’s commitment to ensure clean drinking water on public systems on reserves. Taking this expansion into account, as of July 17, 2018 there are 72 long-term drinking water advisories in effect, down from 105 in November 2015. Since November 2015, 67 long-term drinking water advisories have been lifted, while 34 have been added. The latest results on eliminating long-term drinking water advisories are available here. The Government is improving on-reserve housing conditions while engaging with First Nations and other partners to develop an effective long term strategy. As of March 31, 2018, and since the Budget 2016 announcement, 13,964 housing units were under construction, renovation/retrofit or being serviced. Of these 13,964 units, 63%(8,786 housing units) have been completed. With respect to Inuit housing, 193 housing units are expected to be built/renovated in 2016/17 and 2017/18. The Government is also improving health facilities. As of April 30, 2018, investments have been made in more than 213 First Nations infrastructure projects to design, replace, expand or renovate health facilities for which 158 (74.2%) of these projects are complete.
Since Budget 2016, and as of March 31 2018, $93.9 million of targeted funds have been invested to support approximately 458 solid waste management projects on reserves across Canada through the First Nations Solid Waste Management Initiative. So far, 235 projects have been completed. As of May 2018, in collaboration with First Nations, approximately 400 projects have been planned to improve solid waste management on reserve for 2018-19.
Budget 2018 builds on prior investments and reaffirms the Government’s commitment by providing an additional $172.6 million over three years, beginning in 2018–19, to improve access to clean and safe drinking water on reserve.
Indigenous leaders have told the Government that when it comes to housing in First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation communities, the best approach is one that respects the distinct needs of each Indigenous group. Through investments made in Budget 2017 and Budget 2018, the Government proposes dedicated funding to support the successful implementation of each of the distinctions-based housing strategies, including:
•$600 million over three years to support housing on reserve as part of a 10-year First Nations Housing Strategy that is being developed with First Nations.
•$400 million over 10 years to support an Inuit-led housing plan in the Inuit regions of Nunavik, Nunatsiavut and Inuvialuit Settlement Region. This is in addition to the $240 million over 10 years announced in Budget 2017 to support housing in Nunavut.
•$500 million over 10 years to support the Métis Nation’s housing strategy.
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6/30/2018,190,,Indigenous peoples,Implement the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - with challenges,All Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action are implemented.,"The Truth and Reconciliation Commission identified 94 Calls to Action, 76 of which fall under federal or shared responsibility with other partners, implicating 25 federal departments or agencies. Progress has been made on implementing over 80 per cent of the Calls to Action under federal or shared purview. Four Calls to Action are complete, with at least 29 others expected to be completed within the next 18 months. Information on the implementation status of all 76 Calls to Action within federal or shared responsibility can be found on the new Calls to Action webpage entitled Delivering on Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, which was launched in May 2018. Important progress has already been made and will lead to greater and more equitable access to quality education, health care, clean water, housing and employment services for Indigenous peoples. This includes the announcement in May 2016 of Canada’s unequivocal support to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples, which directly relates to Calls to Action number 43 and 44. The Calls to Action are extensive and some require longer-term, transformative change. Many involve multiple parties and require significant consultation and coordination. Taking into account the scope of the task and the wide range of partners involved, it will take time to ensure it is done right, with careful consideration of how best to support ongoing healing. The Government of Canada is also working with other jurisdictions and partners to advance implementation of those 18 Calls to Action outside of the federal purview. The establishment of the National Council for Reconciliation (Calls to Action 53-56) will support ongoing efforts to advance and fully implement the Calls to Action. To this end, on December 14, 2017, the Government of Canada announced the creation of a six member interim board that will provide advice on the establishment of the Council, the scope and scale of its proposed mandate, and will undertake independent engagement. The Interim Board submitted its interim report on May 14, 2018 and their final report on June 12, 2018. The Government is examining proposed next steps in response to the report."
6/30/2018,191,,Indigenous peoples,Undertake a review of laws and policies to ensure the Crown is fulfilling its obligations and commitments to the recognition and implementation of Indigenous peoples' rights.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs;Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - on track,"Canada's laws and policies reflect the Government's commitment to advancing a nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown and government-to-government relationship with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation, respectively.","A Working Group of Ministers, chaired by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, was established in February 2017 to examine relevant federal laws, policies, and operational practices to help ensure the Crown is meeting its constitutional obligations with respect to Aboriginal and treaty rights; adhering to international human rights standards, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; and supporting the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. The Working Group has completed its start-up phase and in July 2017 released Principles respecting the Government of Canada's relationship with Indigenous peoples that should guide the review. The Working Group will continue to work in partnership with Indigenous peoples in carrying out this review. Working with other Ministers, the Working Group is looking at Canada’s laws, policies and operational practices to align them with its constitutional duties and its international commitments, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples, with respect to the recognition of Indigenous peoples and the implementation of Indigenous rights. The Working Group will provide an integrated whole-of-government approach to fulfil the promise of section-35 as a fundamental element of renewing the relationship with Indigenous peoples."
6/30/2018,192,,Indigenous peoples,Invest in First Nations education to ensure that First Nations children on reserve receive a quality education.,Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - with challenges,Literacy and numeracy rates are improved; language and cultural knowledge is strengthened; and more First Nations children graduate from high school and go on to post-secondary education.,"The Government of Canada committed a $2.6 billion increase for First Nations K-12 education and an additional $969.4 million for education infrastructure. These investments will improve primary and secondary education on reserve by building and renovating school facilities; enhancing the quality of language and cultural programs; expanding innovative pilot programs that have been proven to substantially increase literacy and numeracy rates among First Nations children; increasing special education support; and empowering communities to establish education systems planned and led by First Nations. After signing an agreement with the Government of Canada, the Manitoba First Nations School System officially began operating in July 2017. As of September 2017, students in this school system began receiving education programs that are designed, delivered and run by First Nations with funding that is comparable to provincial school boards with enhancements that meets their specific needs. As of April 1, 2018, 23 Anishinabek Nation First Nations are self-governing in the area of education. This education self-governing agreement is the first of its kind in Ontario and the largest in Canada. The government and the Maskwacîs Education Schools Commission signed an agreement in spring 2018 to establish the Maskwacîs Cree School System, which will begin operations on July 1, 2018. The Government is engaged in discussions to establish similar initiatives in other regions of the country. Finally, as noted by the Parliamentary Budget Officer in November 2016, the Government's investments in education will, over the next several years, help fill critical and long-standing gaps in how on-reserve schools are funded compared to those under provincial jurisdiction. These investments will ensure that First Nations children get the best possible start in life and see an improvement in educational outcomes."
6/30/2018,193,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Implement an Infrastructure Strategy that improves public transit.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Transport,Underway - on track,Canadians spend less time in traffic and have greater access to modern public transit.,"Through Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government has committed $28.7 billion to public transit projects over the next 10 years. Over 1,100 public transit projects have been approved to date under the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund that will expand transit systems across the country and transform the way Canadians live, move, and work by spending less time in traffic. In order to provide Canadians with greater access to inclusive public transit, this fund has contributed to 3,301 new buses and rehabilitated or enhanced 3,750 others. Larger projects to improve access to public transit are expected to reduce congestion, improve mobility and safety, and provide economic benefits while reducing harmful emissions. These projects include: the Regional Express Rail project in the Greater Toronto Area which will save 1.8 billion hours of commuter travel time and $14.7 billion in automobile operating savings over the lifetime of the project; Calgary’s Green Line Light Rail Transit route, a project that will provide 400 long-term jobs and improve interconnectivity between hospitals, employment hubs, and community centres; the Stage 2 (OLRT2) of the Ottawa Light Rail Transit project will contribute to increasing overall public transit modal share from 22% in 2011 to 25% by 2048 and produce environmental benefits that will ultimately reduce overall incremental greenhouse gas emissions by 115,000 tonnes in the same time period."
6/30/2018,194,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Implement an Infrastructure Strategy that improves social infrastructure.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Canadian Heritage;Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Underway - on track,"More Canadians with access to affordable housing, child care, cultural and recreational infrastructure.","In Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government made investments in social infrastructure across Canada. As of March 31, 2018, over 5,700 projects to retrofit or renovate social housing have been approved, helping improve energy and water efficiency in more than 109,000 existing social housing units off and on reserve. The National Housing Strategy re-establishes the federal government as a leader in the area of affordable housing. Working in collaboration with provinces, territories and local communities, the Strategy leverages significant new capacity to build, repair and make housing more affordable across the country. As part of the Strategy, the new National Housing Co-investment Fund will include accessibility and energy efficiency requirements, and prioritize projects that have the greatest impact on communities and vulnerable populations, including women and children fleeing domestic violence, persons with disabilities, veterans, refugees, seniors, Indigenous peoples and persons with mental health and/or addictions issues. It is anticipated that the National Housing Strategy will reduce the number of Canadians in housing need by as much as 530,000 compared to current levels. The investment of incremental resources in the Enabling Accessibility Fund will support an estimated 1,970 additional projects to further improve the safety and accessibility of community spaces and workplaces, making it possible for Canadians with disabilities to participate more fully in their communities and in the labour market. The Government is also creating affordable, high-quality child care spaces for low- and modest-income families, with the goal of supporting up to 40,000 new subsidized child care spaces over the next three years. In addition, the Government will create a distinct Indigenous Framework on Early Learning and Child Care in cooperation with Indigenous partners to reflect the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children across Canada.
As part of the Government’s Investing in Canada Plan, $164.8 million dollars in additional Budget 2016 funding has been spent over the last two fiscal years to support the improvement, renovation and construction of arts and heritage facilities, and the acquisition of specialized equipment under the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund. Budget 2017 announced further investments in cultural infrastructure in the amount of $300 million, which will be made over 10 years starting in 2018-19 through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund to further support cultural spaces and creative hubs.
The Government will also invest $80 million over 10 years starting in 2018-19 to support the construction of community educational infrastructure in official language minority communities through the Development of Official Language Communities program at Canadian Heritage. The Government will provide $1.3 billion in funding for cultural, recreational and community infrastructure to provinces and territories through bilateral agreements negotiated by Infrastructure Canada.
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6/30/2018,195,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Implement an Infrastructure Strategy that improves green infrastructure.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Transport;Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Underway - on track,"More infrastructure in place to ensure access to clean water, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and increased resilience against the impacts of climate change.","Through Budget 2016 and 2017, the Government of Canada is investing $26.9 billion in Green infrastructure over 12 years, including projects to improve access to clean water, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase resilience against the impacts of climate change. To ensure that investments are made towards more resilient, sustainable communities, Infrastructure Canada has adopted a Climate Lens as a requirement for funding under its new programs. The Climate Lens will help applicants to better understand how their projects will contribute to or reduce carbon pollution, and to consider climate change risks. Significant investments towards clean water have been made across Canada. For examples, the Government has invested over $1 billion in 777 drinking water systems as well as $830 million in 655 wastewater systems. In Budget 2016, the Government announced significant new funding to end long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserves by 2021. With the aim of ending long-term drinking water advisories on reserves by 2021, the Government has invested $760 million to fund 463 projects that will significantly strengthen the infrastructure of on-reserve public drinking water systems. As of June 27, 2018 there were 72 advisories in effect. Through the Canada Infrastructure Bank, at least $5 billion will be available for green infrastructure projects. As well, national “green” programs, totaling $2.8 billion, will be provided to address a number of priorities identified in the Pan-Canadian Framework. This includes investments of over $180 million in charging and alternative fuel infrastructure to support greater deployment of zero-emission vehicles. On May 17, 2018, the Government of Canada launched the $2 billion Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF). The DMAF is designed to strengthen the resilience of Canadian communities through investments in large-scale infrastructure projects to better manage the risk associated with natural hazards such as floods, wildfires and droughts. The first project intake is open and Expression of Interest applications are being accepted. In addition, $9.2 billion is being provided to provinces and territories through the Integrated Bilateral Agreements for green infrastructure. Natural infrastructure projects will be eligible under both the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund and the green stream of the Integrated Bilateral Agreements. In addition to this, delivered through the Rural and Northern Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure program, the Arctic Energy Fund will provide $400 million to support energy security in the territories. The Transportation Assets Risk Assessment initiative, announced in 2017, provides up to $16.35 million over a five year period (from 2017/18 to 2021/22) to help those responsible for federal transportation assets obtain information and data, and assess climate change-related factors that may present risks to their infrastructure. In addition, funding for the Northern Transportation Adaptation Initiative was renewed in fall 2017, providing $636.9 million over a three year period (from 2018/19 to 2020/21) for research, development and collaborative activities to support the resilience of northern transportation systems to a changing climate."
6/30/2018,196,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Invest in transportation infrastructure that helps get goods to market.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food;Minister of Transport,Underway - on track,"Get Canadian goods to markets more quickly and increase exports, including natural resources, manufactured goods and agri-food products, by 30 per cent by 2025.","The Government of Canada established a new $2 billion National Trade Corridors Fund (NTCF) to address urgent capacity constraints and freight bottlenecks at major ports of entry, and to better connect the rail and highway infrastructure that delivers economic growth across Canada. Investments through this fund will target congestion and inefficiencies at marine ports, as well as along the busiest rail and highway corridors. The Canada Infrastructure Bank will make at least $5 billion in additional funding available to address trade and transportation projects. The Government is tracking transportation flows and will report publicly on how long it takes to get goods to market.
The Government of Canada formally launched the first call for proposals under the NTCF on July 4, 2017. Eligible projects were invited to submit Comprehensive Project Proposals, and the Government evaluated 177 complete project proposals, seeking a total of $7.5 billion in NTCF funding. The Minister of Transport and other Ministers and Members of Parliament continue to announce NTCF investments in successful projects."
6/30/2018,197,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Establish bilateral agreements with provinces and territories on infrastructure investments.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities,Underway - on track,"Agreements with all provinces and territories that improve public transit; increase access to affordable housing and child care; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; improve access to clean water, and enhance resilience in the face of a changing climate.","Infrastructure plays a central role in building strong communities, creating jobs and growing the economy. In Budget 2017, the Government of Canada established a plan to sign bilateral agreements with provinces and territories in order to provide infrastructure funding to key priority areas. As part of this plan, over $33 billion is being committed for integrated bilateral agreements for public transit, green infrastructure, rural and northern infrastructure, community, culture and recreation infrastructure. Ten of these agreements have been announced so far between the Government of Canada and the Northwest Territories (March 7, 2018), Ontario (March 14, 2018), New Brunswick (March 15, 2018), Nunavut (March 28, 2018), British Columbia (April 2, 2018), Alberta (April 3, 2018), Nova Scotia (April 10, 2018), Yukon (May 3, 2018), and Manitoba (June 4, 2018), and Quebec (June 29, 2018). In addition to the climate lens assessment that was announced in June 2018, the Government of Canada has implemented a new Community Employment Benefit (CEB) requirement into these agreements. The CEB is designed to ensure that project partners consider training and employment opportunities for under-represented groups as well as how to create procurement opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses and social enterprises.
In Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government of Canada made investments in public transit, green infrastructure and social infrastructure across Canada. To date, over 1,100 public transit projects and over 2,500 projects to retrofit or renovate social housing have been approved. Through the National Housing Strategy, the Government aims to reduce or eliminate housing need for 530,000 Canadians by building, and repairing affordable housing across the country in addition to providing housing affordability support.
The Government is also creating affordable, high-quality child care spaces for low- and modest-income families, with the goal of supporting up to 40,000 new subsidized child care spaces over the next three years. Bilateral agreements have now been signed with all jurisdictions. In addition, the Government will create a distinct Indigenous Framework on Early Learning and Child Care in cooperation with Indigenous partners to reflect the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children across Canada. To date, repairs and renovations have been undertaken in 210 First Nations and Inuit Childcare Initiative child care centers and in 63 Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve facilities. The Government has also invested more than $1 billion in 777 drinking water systems and over $830 million in 655 wastewater systems in order to improve access to clean water, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase protection against the impacts of climate change. These investments will lead to improvements in water/wastewater systems in 1,100 communities across the country. In Budget 2016, the Government announced significant new funding to end boil water advisories on reserves by 2021."
6/30/2018,198,,Indigenous peoples,"Incorporate Aboriginal and treaty rights, residential schools and Indigenous contributions into school curricula.",Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,"School curricula that is inclusive of Indigenous history and knowledge, resulting in improved knowledge and understanding.","The Government provides financial support to the Office of the Treaty Commissioner in Saskatchewan and Treaty Relations Commissions of Manitoba to, among other things, provide materials and training to teachers in support of the delivery of K-12 treaty education curricula to all provincial school students. The organizations are also working with universities in their respective provinces to develop treaty curricula and courses that will be mandatory for every university student.
The Government of Canada is working with the Council of Ministers of Education to enhance knowledge and awareness of First Nations, Inuit and Métis history and culture across Canada and to enhance the knowledge and awareness of teachers, students and school leaders on the history and culture of Indigenous peoples.
Further, Budget 2016 invested $275 million in First Nations language and culture over five years until 2020-2021. The Government of Canada is also working with First Nation partners to transform First Nations elementary and secondary education on reserve, which will include new funding formulas that are enhanced with language and culture investments to meet the specific needs of Indigenous students.
Starting in 2017-2018, the Government of Canada is contributing $3 million per year, for three years, to the First Nations University of Canada to develop a National Centre for Collaboration in Indigenous Education. The national centre will serve as an informational resource base for reconciliation, and will focus on the growing needs of students, educators and the various policy and other decision makers involved in Indigenous elementary and secondary education in Canada.
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6/30/2018,199,,Indigenous peoples,Work with the Métis Nation to advance reconciliation and renew the relationship.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,A renewed relationship with the Métis Nation based on the principles of reconciliation.,"The Prime Minister and the Métis Nation signed the Canada-Métis Nation Accord in April 2017 establishing a permanent bilateral mechanism to develop policy on shared priorities. The President of the Métis National Council and its Governing Members’ Presidents met with key federal Ministers on September 21, 2017 to discuss progress in advancing and implementing first year priorities of the Accord, specifically: early learning and child care, housing, and skills and employment training. Progress in these priority areas was confirmed in Budget 2018, which proposes to invest $500 million over 10 years to support a Métis Nation housing strategy, $10 million in 2018–19 to support Métis Nation post-secondary education, and $6 million over five years to support the Métis Nation in gathering health data and developing a health strategy. Furthermore, Budget 2018 also proposes to invest $325 million in the Métis Nation stream of the Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program, which supports employment services, skills development and job training.
On March 19, 2018, the President of the Métis National Council and its Governing Members’ Presidents met with key federal Ministers to discuss progress under the first year of the process. At this meeting, the parties agreed that the focus of the second year of the permanent bilateral mechanism process would be to undertake joint work and policy co-development on Métis health, education, child and family services, economic development and the new fiscal relationship.
Furthermore, on June 15, 2018, the Prime Minister met with the President of the Métis National Council (MNC) and the Presidents of the MNC Governing Members at the annual Crown-Métis Nation Summit. Together, they reviewed progress made during the first year of the Canada-Métis Nation Accord and confirmed priorities for the coming year. The priorities identified during the meeting included education, health, Métis veterans, the new fiscal relationship, child and family services, economic development, environment, clean growth, and infrastructure. Participants will work together over the next year to advance these priorities, and will report on progress made at the next Crown-Métis Nation Summit. The Canada-Métis Nation Accord reflects Canada’s commitment to work with the Métis Nation to co-develop policies and programs, and drive progress toward the Métis Nation’s vision of self-determination.
In addition, the Urban Programming for Indigenous peoples, launched in May 2017, provides funding to organizations that support urban Indigenous peoples in cities and urban areas, including an annual $7.27 million set-aside allocation under the Programs and Services stream for the Métis Nation.
Canada has engaged in Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions with each of the governing members of the Métis National Council as well as the Metis Settlements General Council. To date, Canada has signed Framework Agreements with the Manitoba Metis Federation (November 2016), Métis Nation of Alberta (November 2017) and Métis Nation of Ontario (December 2017). Memorandums of Understanding have also been reached with the Metis Settlements General Council (December 2017) and Metis Nation of Saskatchewan (February 2018). Discussions towards a Memorandum of Understanding are underway with the Metis Nation of British Columbia and towards a Framework Agreement with the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan. In addition, Canada is providing support to the Métis Settlements General Council, the Métis Nation of Alberta and the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan, on a pilot basis, to support consultation resource centres which are aimed at ensuring meaningful participation in consultation through the provision of tools, technical expertise, training, etc. Canada is working with the Métis Nation of Alberta to finalize a consultation protocol.
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6/30/2018,200,,Fair and Open Government,"Develop a non-partisan, merit-based process to advise the Prime Minister on Senate appointments.",Minister of Democratic Institutions,Completed - fully met,"An independent advisory board has been established to provide a non-partisan, merit-based process of advice for recommending Senators, resulting in the appointment of 38 independent Senators thus far.","The Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments was established in January 2016 to provide advice to the Prime Minister on candidates for the Senate. As of July 7, 2016, Canadians were permitted, for the first time ever, to apply to be considered for appointment to the Senate through an open online application process. In the first application process, 2,757 Canadians applied for vacancies in seven provinces, demonstrating unprecedented engagement. A second open application process took place between December 2016 and January 2017 to fill positions in three provinces, resulting in over 1,350 applications. Thirty-eight non-partisan appointments to the Senate have been made under the new process so far. Thanks to these actions, a majority of Senators is not affiliated with a political party. In February 2018, the Minister of Democratic Institutions announced additional improvements to the Senate appointments process, including: keeping applications open year-round, retaining submitted applications for two years, and adding the ability for organizations or individuals to nominate potential candidates."
6/30/2018,201,,Fair and Open Government,Establish a special parliamentary committee to consult on electoral reform.,Minister of Democratic Institutions,Not being pursued,A special parliamentary committee was established.,"A Special Committee, which included all five parties represented in the House of Commons, was established in June 2016 and presented its final report in December 2016. In addition to the consultation undertaken by the Special Committee, the Minister also consulted Members of Parliament of all parties, and oversaw an engagement process with 360,000 Canadians through mydemocracy.ca. Following extensive consultation with Canadians, it was determined that no clear preference for a new electoral system had emerged. The Government will not proceed with electoral reform."
6/30/2018,202,,Fair and Open Government,Make the Commissioner of Canada Elections more independent.,Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - on track,A truly independent Commissioner of Canada Elections who can pursue their work free from political or partisan direction.,"In November 2016, the Government introduced legislation to enhance the independence of the Commissioner of Canada Elections (CCE) by repealing changes that created a reporting relationship for the CCE with the Minister of Justice. This enhances the independent role that the CCE held for decades before it was altered in 2014."
6/30/2018,203,,Fair and Open Government,Bring forward options to create an independent commissioner to organize political party leaders' debates.,Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - on track,A new independent commission or commissioner for political party leaders' debates to ensure debates serve the public interest rather than the interests of any one party.,"The Government of Canada's online consultations and cross-country roundtables with Canadians were completed in February 2018. The information gathered during consultations will be used to help inform policy decisions, with the goal of having an independent commission or commissioner in place in advance of the next federal election campaign."
6/30/2018,204,,Fair and Open Government,"Review limits that political and third parties can spend during elections, and propose measures to control spending between elections.",Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - on track,Political and third party spending is limited and controlled to help strengthen Canadian democracy.,"On April 30, 2018, the Government introduced the Elections Modernization Act . Among other changes, the legislation establishes spending limits for political parties and third parties during a pre-election period that would start on June 30th the year of a fixed-date election and end with the issue of the writ of election. The legislation also modernizes the electoral system to make it more accessible, transparent and secure. The legislation has been referred to Committee in the House of Commons. "
6/30/2018,205,,Fair and Open Government,"Allow charities to do their work free from political harassment, and modernize the rules governing the charitable and not-for-profit sectors.",Minister of Finance;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister of National Revenue,Underway - on track,A transparent and rules-based legal framework for Canada's charities is in place and charities in Canada are free from political harassment.,"In September 2016, the Government launched a consultation process with the charitable sector and the public to assist in clarifying the rules for the participation of charities in political activities. A consultation panel reviewed the submissions and presented the Minister of National Revenue with recommendations at the end of March 2017. The Government is carefully reviewing the Panel’s report to help inform the regulation of charities going forward and will provide a response to this report in the coming months, as indicated in Budget 2018. As an immediate first step to respond to the Panel’s recommendations, the Government has suspended all action in relation to the remaining audits and objections that were part of the Political Activities Audit Program."
6/30/2018,206,,Environment and Climate Change,Make strategic investments in the clean technology sector.,"Minister of Natural Resources;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food;Minister of International Trade",Underway - on track,"The clean technology sector's contribution to Canada's Gross Domestic Product grows, creating more good-paying, middle class jobs and increasing the number of high-growth companies in Canada.","Since 2016, the Government of Canada has committed to several measures to grow clean technology in Canada as part of the Innovation and Skills Plan and the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change. The major points of focus of these investments are: building early-stage innovation, accelerating commercialization and growth, fostering greater adoption of clean technologies, increasing exports of clean technologies and processes, and strengthening collaboration and metrics for success.
Examples of key initiatives include: $1.4 billion in financing through the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and Export Development Canada (EDC) to help Canada's clean technology firms grow and expand, protect the environment and create jobs; $820 million for demonstration and deployment of clean energy infrastructure; $400 million for Sustainable Development Technology Canada to develop and demonstrate new clean technologies; $200 million to support research, development, demonstration and the adoption of clean technology in Canada's natural resources sectors; and $14.5 million for a Clean Technology Data Strategy.
Implementation is underway. In December 2017, Statistics Canada released data showing how clean technologies and environmental goods and services benefit the Canadian economy. This is part of the Clean Technology Data Strategy to improve data on clean technology development and use in Canada.
The Clean Growth Hub officially launched in January 2018 as a whole-of-government focal point for clean technology focused on supporting clean technology producers and users, coordinating program delivery and tracking results. The Hub has provided advisory services to over 500 clean technology clients to date.
In March 2018, the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service officially launched $15 million over four years for the International Business Development Strategy for Clean Technology. The Government also launched the $25 million Agricultural Clean Technology Program in April 2018 to help the agricultural sector reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the research, development and adoption of clean technologies.
In April 2018, BDC announced financing agreements totaling $40-million with four high-potential clean technology companies, enabling them to accelerate growth and demonstrate leadership.
In May 2018, the Women in Cleantech Challenge was launched as part of the Government’s Impact Canada Initiative. The Challenge aims to help level the playing field for Canadian women in the area of clean technology, and offers five women an opportunity to develop their idea into a marketable world-class clean technology solution and compete for a $1 million prize. In addition, Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) announced four new investments totaling $26 million. This is part of the government's announcement in Budget 2017 to recapitalize SDTC by $400 million.
Export Development Canada (EDC) has also been increasing its support to the clean technology industry. For example, in July 2018, EDC launched the new Cleantech Co-Investment Program (CCIP) to help early stage and next generation cleantech companies grow and access global markets. "
6/30/2018,207,,Environment and Climate Change,Enhance Canada's tax measures to generate and attract more clean technology investments.,Minister of Finance;Minister of Natural Resources,Underway - on track,"The clean technology sector's contribution to Canada's Gross Domestic Product grows, creating more good-paying, middle class jobs and increasing the number of high-growth companies in Canada.",Budget 2016 changed Canadian tax rules to make certain electric vehicle charging stations and electrical energy storage equipment eligible for accelerated capital cost allowance treatment. Budget 2017 introduced further expansions of this tax treatment to geothermal projects and expenses. Budget 2018 extended the accelerated capital cost allowance for five years to property acquired before 2025. The Government will continue to work towards making Canada the world's most competitive tax jurisdiction for clean technology.
6/30/2018,208,,Safety and Security,Launch an open and transparent competition to replace the CF-18 fighter aircraft.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement;Minister of National Defence,Underway - on track,A new fighter fleet that allows the Canadian Armed Forces to do their job with the equipment they need.,"A modern fighter jet fleet is essential for defending Canada and Canadian sovereignty - especially in the northern skies. It is a vital contribution to the partnership with the most important ally of Canada, the United States, and for the protection of the continent that is shared. It is also important for enabling Canada to fulfill its international commitments as an engaged and active member of NATO. On December 12, 2017, the Government launched an open and transparent competition to replace Canada’s fighter aircraft by acquiring 88 advanced fighter jets. The Government also announced its decision to allow the United States’ offer for the Super Hornets to expire, and to instead pursue acquiring 18 Australian F/A-18 fighter aircraft and associated spare parts and equipment to supplement the current fleet until the permanent replacement is in place and fully operational. Canada is actively working with Australia to implement this decision. On January 22, 2018, the Government of Canada held a Future Fighter Industry Day to provide information on the planned fighter aircraft procurement process and timelines, project scope and high-level operational objectives of the fighter aircraft, as well as the approach to maintenance and repair and leveraging economic benefits. On February 22, 2018, the Government of Canada published a list of eligible suppliers that will be invited to submit proposals under the competition to replace Canada’s current fighter fleet. The first event of the Formal Supplier Engagement known as “Suppliers Week” was held from March 26 to April 13, 2018, in which all five eligible suppliers participated. The second round of supplier engagement meetings with the eligible suppliers were held from June 11 to July 5, 2018. The purpose of these events is to share and collect detailed information to support finalization of the procurement strategy and development of the solicitation documents.
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6/30/2018,209,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that all federal services are delivered in compliance with the Official Languages Act.,President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Canadian Heritage,Underway - on track,More Canadians receive federal services and communications in their official language of choice.,"The Government of Canada conducted the first review of the Official Languages Regulations in over twenty-five years. The Government is committed to ensuring the public is served in their official language of choice. Currently, 86.5% of federal institutions report that oral and written communications in designated bilingual offices ""nearly always"" occur in the official language chosen by the public. The Government has set a target to achieve at least 90% in 2020. "
6/30/2018,210,,Fair and Open Government,Improve access to information to enhance the openness of government.,President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - on track,Greater government transparency and more information available for Canadians to hold their government to account.,"Following an Interim Directive in May 2016 that eliminated all fees except for the application fee and confirmed the principle of ""open by default"", the Government introduced Phase I reforms to modernize and expand the scope of the Access to Information Act. Legislation introduced in June 2017 proposes new requirements for the proactive publication of a broad range of information and would apply to more than 240 federal institutions, as well as the Prime Minister's Office, ministers' offices and administrative bodies that support Parliament and the courts. The legislation would also provide the Information Commissioner with the power to make binding orders to government institutions, including for the release of records. A review of the Act would also be required every five years to ensure that it remains current and continues to improve transparency for Canadians. The first of these reviews would be initiated within one year of the legislation coming into force. The legislation is currently before the Senate."
6/30/2018,211,,Strong Middle Class,Conduct a review of tax expenditures.,President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"A simpler, fairer tax system.","The Government of Canada has taken action to reduce poorly targeted, complex and inefficient tax measures, including tax credits, that were not available to families with the lowest incomes. Budget 2016 introduced a new Canada Child Benefit (CCB) that is simpler, tax-free, more generous and better targeted than the previous system of federal child benefits. The CCB replaced five tax credits and benefits, provides nine out of ten families with more generous benefits and lifts hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty. Budget 2016 also replaced poorly targeted transit tax credits with significant new long-term investments directly in public transit, and replaced tax deductions for text books with measures to significantly improve the affordability of post-secondary education for low- and middle-income families.
Budget 2017 took further action to implement changes resulting from the Government’s review of tax expenditures. The review identified opportunities to eliminate inefficient tax measures and make other existing tax measures more effective, equitable and accessible to Canadians. In this context, Budget 2017 included measures to improve tax relief for caregivers, students, and persons with disabilities. While the formal component of the tax expenditures review has concluded, the results of the review will continue to inform the Government’s ongoing work to make the tax system simpler, fairer and more efficient."
6/30/2018,212,,Safety and Security,Improve marine safety.,"Minister of Transport;Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Underway - on track,Canadians are kept safe and our coasts are protected through evidence-based emergency preparedness and response.,"The Government has announced initiatives valuing over $600 million, including $130 million in new science funding for partnerships, improved knowledge and develop new technologies to help mitigate and prevent marine incidents such as oil spills. To date, 117 workshops have been held with multiple Indigenous groups.
On June 21, 2018, the Reconciliation Framework Agreement for Bioregional Oceans Management and Protection was announced. The Agreement supports the collaborative planning and implementation of marine planning initiatives and will promote a more coordinated and efficient approach to the governance, management, and protection of oceans in the Pacific North Coast. Fourteen Central and North Coast First Nations in British Columbia have agreed to coordinate ongoing efforts in the management and conservation of oceans.
As part of the strategy to address abandoned and wrecked vessels, the Government introduced an Act respecting wrecks, abandoned, dilapidated or hazardous vessels and salvage operations in October 2017 (Bill C-64). The Bill passed third reading in the House of Commons on June, 20, 2018 and will be under review by the Senate in fall 2018. In Spring 2018, a study was completed on enhancements to Canada’s vessel registration systems, which would improve the Government’s ability to identify commercial vessel owners at end-of -life. Transport Canada is currently assessing the results. Funding for nine projects has been announced under the Small Craft Harbours Abandoned and Wrecked Vessels Removal Program and, on June 27, 2018, the Abandoned Boats Program announced $110K in funding under the second call for proposals. There is currently a third call for proposals that is open until March 31, 2019.
On April 28, 2018, the Government's measures to reduce the risk of vessel strikes and entanglement in fishing gear to endangered North Atlantic right whales in the Western Gulf of St. Lawrence came into effect. Measures include speed reduction zones with whale monitoring support provided by Transport Canada's National Aerial Surveillance Program, as well as changes to the snow crab fishery. In addition, 409 hours have been flown to support the North Atlantic right whale scientific survey initiative.
On June 22, 2018, Canada’s Whales Initiative, a $167.4 million initiative under Budget 2018, was announced. The initiative will protect and support the recovery of endangered, iconic whale populations across Canada. The Whales Initiative will strengthen protection for Southern Resident Killer Whales, North American right whales and the St. Lawrence Estuary Beluga through measures to address the three key threats to these populations: insufficient quantity and quality of prey, contaminants, and acoustic and physical disturbance, particularly underwater noise from vessels, and through additional investments in scientific research and monitoring.
The Enhanced Maritime Situational Awareness initiative will make a range of maritime information – such as vessel traffic – available to coastal partners and stakeholders. Nine pilot project partners and locations have been announced and these partners will work with Transport Canada, the Canadian Coast Guard and other federal departments to develop, test and evaluate a new maritime awareness information system over the course of a year.
To enhance Arctic marine oversight: the Government added 500 hours of surveillance and committed to building an aircraft hangar and accommodations unit under the National Aerial Surveillance Program; completed 76 vessel inspections; updated the Small Vessel Regulations (flares and paddle boards); and, introduced the Arctic Shipping Safety and Pollution Prevention Regulations to implement the international Polar Code for ships operating in polar waters. The Government is modernizing the Coast Guard’s current suite of emergency response assets, including purchasing and deploying approximately 302 assets for the containment, recovery and storage of oil and has awarded a contract for curtain booms and a Portable Multi-Cassette-Skimmer package.
The Coastal Restoration Fund (CRF) is part of the Oceans Protection Plan that will protect Canada’s oceans and coastlines from damage caused by increased marine shipping and other associated marine stressors. The program will provide $75 million over five years to support coastal habitat restoration projects at the local and community level along Canada’s coasts, and to contribute to mitigating these stressors.
On April 23, 2018, the Government ratified the 2010 Hazardous and Noxious Substances Convention on liability and compensation for incidents involving dangerous goods carried by ships. The locations of two new search and rescue lifeboat stations were announced, out of the total seven to be opened. The two stations will be located in Old Perlican Bay and Twillingate, both in Newfoundland and Labrador. The refurbishment of the Coast Guard St. Anthony’s base in Newfoundland and Labrador started in March 2018. The remaining lifeboat stations will be located in the areas of Victoria, Hartley Bay, Port Renfrew and Nookta in British Columbia. The Maritime Rescue Sub-centre in St. John's officially re-opened May 18, 2018, and six new officers have been hired and trained. The new inshore rescue boat station in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut is expected to be fully operational on July 26, 2018. It will enhance search and rescue capabilities in the region and build stronger working relationships with northern communities, as the station will be operated by local Indigenous students. The station’s hired crew completed their training in May 2018.
The Government has also enhanced its emergency response capacity by posting new environmental response officers on the Pacific and Atlantic coasts.
A contract was awarded for vessel tow kits. The request for proposals to procure two emergency towing vessels closed in April 2018. These vessels will conduct emergency towing and assist with search and rescue and environmental response. Three Indigenous Community Response Training courses have been completed, which included a total of 25 members from 16 BC First Nations."
6/30/2018,213,,Environment and Climate Change,Review the previous government's changes to the Fisheries Act and Navigable Waters Protection Act.,"Minister of Transport;Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Underway - on track,"Restore lost protections and incorporate modern safeguards into the revised Fisheries Act and Navigation Protection Act to better protect Canada's environment for future generations, advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, and get resources to market.","In February 2018, the Government introduced legislation to restore lost protections and incorporate modern safeguards into the Fisheries Act and the Navigation Protection Act. The proposed legislative, regulatory and policy measures were informed by a federal discussion paper, parliamentary studies, and almost two years of consultations with Indigenous peoples, industry, provinces and territories, non-governmental organizations, academia and the public.
The Government will invest up to $284.2 million over five years to support restoring lost protections to fish and fish habitat and incorporating modern safeguards under the Fisheries Act and up to $76.5 million over five years to support restoring lost protections for the public right of navigation and incorporating modern safeguards under the proposed Canadian Navigable Waters Act."
6/30/2018,214,,Indigenous peoples,Promote economic development and create jobs for Indigenous peoples.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Indigenous Services;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,Higher employment rates for Indigenous peoples and stronger economic growth in Indigenous communities.,"The Government is coordinating federal efforts in its response to this mandate commitment for Indigenous peoples to identify potential areas of collaboration at both the regional and national levels and has explored potential policy and expenditure linkages to facilitate success, e.g. Atlantic Growth Strategy and Economic Pathways Partnership. In addition, the Government is engaging with national Indigenous organizations to discuss approaches to economic development and collaborating on opportunities to ensure better service delivery models at the community level.
The Government of Canada supports a suite of economic development and land management programs that are increasing the participation of Indigenous communities in the Canadian economy and enabling Indigenous people to pursue opportunities for employment, income, and wealth creation. To help close the employment and earning gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, Budget 2018 proposes to invest $2 billion over five years, and $408.2 million per year ongoing, to support the creation of a new Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program. This includes incremental investments of $447 million over five years, and $99.4 million per year ongoing, and a stronger focus on training for higher quality, better paying jobs rather than rapid re-employment. This additional funding will assist approximately 15,000 more clients gain greater skills and find jobs that will support their long-term career success. The Government has consulted with, and heard from, Indigenous partners on the importance of a distinctions-based approach that recognizes the unique needs of First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation.
Investments in commercial infrastructure, capacity development and partnerships within the federal government, provinces and the private sector are leading to major developments on and off reserve including commercial initiatives. For examples, these investments will: help First Nations access long-term financing to undertake economic development projects in their communities ($20M), strengthen the First Nations and Inuit Summer Work Experience Program and the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program ($100M), grow Canada's Indigenous tourism industry ($8.6M). In addition, the Government of Canada has increased funding for the Post-Secondary Student Support Program, which will help 4,600 First Nation students over a two-year period ($90M).
The Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business was created to help Indigenous business access procurement opportunities within the federal government. The Government of Canada is one of the largest public buyers of goods and services in Canada, purchasing approximately $16 billion worth of goods and services every year on behalf of federal departments and agencies. The Government is currently modernizing the federal approach to Indigenous procurement in order to grow Indigenous businesses and contribute to positive socio-economic outcomes in communities.
To enhance Indigenous participation in the public and private sector, the Government provides project-based funding to increase business and economic development strategies. For example, support has been provided for women’s participation in business and economic development opportunities; and, for the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, to develop Canada’s unique and authentic Indigenous tourism industry in implementing the National Aboriginal Tourism Strategy.
The Government provides annual funding to the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association for distribution to the national network of Aboriginal Financial Institutions (AFI). The Government is currently working closely with partners on the development of options to recapitalize the AFI network to enhance access to capital for Indigenous entrepreneurs to start or expand their businesses."
6/30/2018,215,,Indigenous peoples,Undertake an inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in Canada.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister of Status of Women,Underway - with challenges,"Concrete solutions to address systemic causes of violence, resulting in increased safety of Indigenous women and girls in Canada.","The Government of Canada, with the governments of all provinces and territories, launched an independent National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The Commissioners have been asked to examine and report on the systemic and historical social, economic, institutional and cultural factors—as well as practices, policies and institutions—that contribute to the violence that Indigenous women and girls face. The Commission was mandated to complete its work by December 31, 2018. Many legitimate concerns from families and stakeholders have been raised about the Inquiry's progress. The Commission released their interim report on November 1, 2017. Following a thorough review of the interim report, the Government of Canada is taking action to address the interim recommendations by increasing health supports and victim services for families and survivors, establishing a commemoration fund, funding organizations with expertise in law enforcement and policing to lead a review of police policies and practices concerning their relations with the Indigenous peoples, as well as supporting a new Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) National Investigative Standards and Practices Unit with additional funding.
On March 6, 2018, the Commission submitted a request to the Government of Canada seeking an extension until December 31, 2020. The Government of Canada has granted the Inquiry an extension until April 30, 2019 to submit its final report. The Inquiry can choose to use this time to hear from more families and survivors, further examine institutional practices and policies, and undertake the research necessary to inform their recommendations on the systemic causes of all forms of violence against Indigenous women and girls in Canada. An additional $5.4 million was also made available through Justice Canada to extend the Family Information Liaison Units and to support community-based services for families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls for 2019-2020.
The Government is also establishing a commemoration fund by providing $10 million to honour the lives and legacies of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls and LGBTQ2S individuals, and is engaging with Indigenous organizations (through It's Time: Canada's Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence) to put forward a range of actions to help address violence against Indigenous women and girls.
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6/30/2018,216,,Indigenous peoples,Improve services to Indigenous people and those with mental illness throughout the criminal justice system.,Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Underway - on track,"Improved services and increased support to make it easier for Indigenous peoples and those with mental illness to navigate the criminal justice system, and reverse the trend of Indigenous overrepresentation in the justice system.","The Government of Canada has made investments to help ensure that people from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, including Indigenous peoples and those with mental illness, have access to legal aid. The Government has also provided long-term and stable funding to the Indigenous Justice Program which provides funding for community-based programs that use culturally relevant restorative justice approaches, in appropriate circumstances, to help address the over-representation of Indigenous peoples as accused, victims and offenders. In addition, the Government is investing in the Indigenous Courtwork Program to ensure Indigenous people have the representation and services they need to navigate the criminal justice system. It also supports community-based specialized services for Indigenous victims of crime and Family Information Liaison Units for families of murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls. The Government is working to further identify strategies that will build on these investments. The Government has proposed reform of the Criminal Code jury selection process to make it more inclusive and fair (Bill C-75).
Budget 2018 builds on the investments made in Budget 2017, proposing $20.4 million over five years, beginning in 2018–19, and $5.6 million per year ongoing, for the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) to further support the mental health needs of federal inmates. Funds would largely be targeted towards providing enhanced mental health supports for women in federal correctional facilities. CSC policy now includes non-admissible criteria to administrative segregation for certain inmates and the Government introduced Bill C-56 to establish presumptive release timeframes for inmates in administrative segregation. The Government is also supporting Private Member’s Bill C-375, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (presentence report), to ensure that presentence reports, which help judges make appropriate sentences, reflect relevant mental health information of offenders."
6/30/2018,217,,Healthy Canadians,Legalize and strictly regulate cannabis.,Minister of Health;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,"Legalization and strict regulation of cannabis in Canada protects Canadian youth, keep profits out of the hands of criminals and organized crime and responsibly manages the production and distribution of cannabis.","The Cannabis Act received Royal Assent on June 21, 2018 and will come into force on October 17, 2018. The Act will legalize and regulate cannabis, with the objective of better protecting Canadian youth and keeping profits out of the hands of criminals and organized crime. It will also make it a specific criminal offence to sell cannabis to a minor and will create significant penalties for those who use young persons to commit cannabis-related offences.
The legislation was based on the advice from the Task Force on Cannabis Legalization and Regulation, following extensive engagement with Canadians, representatives of provincial, territorial and municipal governments, experts on public health, law enforcement and justice officials, patients, young people, advocates, Indigenous governments and representative organizations, employers and industry.
In July 2018, regulations to support the coming into force of the Cannabis Act will be published. The regulations will come into force at the same time as the Act, on October 17, 2018.
Companion legislation to strengthen impaired driving laws (Bill C-46) also received Royal Assent on June 21, 2018, and includes three new offences for having a prohibited concentration of drugs (including THC) in the blood within two hours of driving.
Budget 2018 proposed investments of $62.5M over five years to support the involvement of community-based and Indigenous organizations in educating their communities on the risks associated with cannabis use . This is in addition to the $46 million investments in cannabis public education, awareness and surveillance announced in October 2017.
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6/30/2018,218,,Safety and Security,Repeal problematic elements of Bill C-51 to balance security with rights and freedoms.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,Canadians' safety and security are strongly protected in a manner consistent with the rights and freedoms Canadians cherish.,"In June 2017, the Government introduced legislation covering a wide range of measures that were informed by the broad consultation with engaged citizens, stakeholders, experts, parliamentarians and others in Fall 2016. The proposed measures represent extensive and much-needed improvements to Canada’s national security framework, and will enhance accountability through a proposed National Security and Intelligence Review Agency and a new Intelligence Commissioner; fulfill the Government's commitment to address problematic elements of former Bill C-51 through proposed revisions to threat reduction measures under the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Act, amendments to the Criminal Code regarding terrorism and to the Youth Criminal Justice Act to ensure that youth who are involved in the criminal justice system due to terrorism-related or other conduct are afforded the enhanced procedural and other protections of that Act and revisions to the Security of Canada Information Sharing Act; and enhance transparency by introducing new safeguards and accountability measures, and by re-affirming compliance with the Charter. Bill C-59 (An Act respecting national security matters) was passed by the House of Commons on June 19, 2018 and introduced in the Senate on June 20, 2018.
The Government proposes to enhance the Passenger Protect Program with investments of $81.4M over five years, starting in 2018-19, and $14M per year ongoing. These investments would be used to develop a rigorous centralized screening model and establish a redress mechanism for legitimate air travelers who are affected by the program. The enhanced program would help ensure that privacy and fairness concerns are addressed, while keeping Canadians safe."
6/30/2018,219,,Environment and Climate Change,Phase out inefficient fossil fuel industry subsidies over the medium-term.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Finance,Underway - on track,"Phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, consistent with Canada’s commitment with the G20 countries, building a strong, clean economy and preserving our planet for generations to come.","Budget 2016 announced that the accelerated capital cost allowance for facilities used to liquefy natural gas will be allowed to expire at the end of 2024. Budget 2017 proposed changes to rationalize the treatment of exploration expenses for oil and gas producers and phase out their ability to reclassify certain development expenses as more favourably treated exploration expenses. The Government will continue to review, report on and phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, as appropriate."
6/30/2018,220,,Environment and Climate Change,"Increase the proportion of Canada's marine and coastal areas that are protected to five percent by 2017, and ten percent by 2020.","Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Environment and Climate Change",Underway - on track,"Five per cent of Canada's marine and coastal areas are protected by 2017, and 10 per cent by 2020, protecting important habitats, maintaining and promoting tourism, and helping with climate change adaptation.","In October 2017, the Government achieved its commitment to protect 5% of Canada's marine and coastal areas by 2017. In December 2017, seven new marine refuges were established off the coasts of Nunavut and Newfoundland and Labrador, which contributed an additional 145,598 square km of protected ocean area to Canada’s coasts. The government is on track to achieve the 10% target by 2020, with 7.9% of Canada’s ocean conserved as of July 1, 2018.
In November 2016, the Government of Canada announced the designation of the Anguniaqvia niqiqyuam Marine Protected Area (MPA). In February 2017, the Government announced the designation of the Hecate Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound Glass Sponge Reefs MPA. In May 2017, a Large Offshore Pacific Area of Interest off the coast of British Columbia was announced, with the intention of making it one of Canada's largest MPAs by 2020. In June 2017, the Government announced the designation of St. Anns Bank MPA. In August 2017, the federal Government, Nunavut and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association together announced an agreement on the final boundary and interim protection of the new Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area in Lancaster Sound -- the largest protected area ever established in Canada. Additional areas are also being pursued for protection. On March 22, 2018, the Government announced the establishment of two new Areas of Interest (Fundian Channel-Browns Bank and Eastern Shore Islands) and a proposed conservation area (Eastern Canyons) in the Scotian Shelf Bioregion. And on June 30, 2018, the proposed Banc-des-Américains Marine Protected Area Regulations were published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, launching a 30-day public consultation period. The pre-publication period was announced on June 28, 2018, by the federal Minister of National Revenue and Québec’s Minister of Sustainable Development, the Environment and the Fight Against Climate Change.
In addition, the Government allocated funding towards exploring with Indigenous and Northern partners the protection of the High Arctic. In September 2017, Canada signed a statement of intent with the Nunatsiavut Government, committing to work together on marine planning in Labrador's offshore area.
Canada has developed science-based criteria for other effective area-based conservation measures that contribute to marine conservation targets. Fisheries area closures that meet these criteria, known as marine refuges, have been established throughout Canada's oceans to protect important species and ecosystem features. The Government will continue working with its partners to enhance the protection of Canada’s oceans.
The Government of Canada has proposed amendments to the Oceans Act to create a new authority to designate an interim MPA through ministerial order and to update existing enforcement officer powers and fines provisions. Amendments are also proposed to the Canada Petroleum Resources Act to allow for orders prohibiting oil and gas activities in designated Oceans Act MPAs, where appropriate. These amendments were informed by engagement with Indigenous peoples, provinces and territories, and stakeholders.
A National Advisory Panel has been established to gather perspectives and offer recommendations to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard on categories and associated protection standards for federal MPAs, using International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) guidance as a baseline. The Panel will also consider Indigenous approaches and governance with respect to marine conservation, including the evolving concept of Indigenous Protected Areas. The Panel is planning to hold nine meetings, and will present its recommendations in a final report to the Minister by September 15, 2018."
6/30/2018,221,,Canada in the World,"Advance human rights, gender equality, peaceful pluralism and respect for diversity internationally.",Minister of International Development and La Francophonie;Minister of Foreign Affairs,On-going commitment,"Inclusive governance, human rights, gender equality, peaceful pluralism and respect for diversity are enhanced around the world.","The Government of Canada promotes, and defends inclusive governance, human rights, gender equality, democracy, inclusion and respect for diversity in every international relationship and at every opportunity. Canada continues to champion the rights of indigenous peoples through supporting, without qualification, the United Nations (UN) Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Government added language related to inclusion and respect for diversity into six resolutions and made statements on the issue at the UN General Assembly in autumn 2017, and at the Organization of American States (OAS) General Assembly in June 2018. In October 2017, Canada adopted the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act and amendments to the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA) to take action to respond to cases of human rights violations and acts of corruption globally.
In February 2018, Canada announced $3 million over five years to support the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCR) in its work to strengthen the promotion, monitoring and respect of human rights for vulnerable groups, especially women, girls and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) persons in Honduras. In Guatemala, Canada approved a $2.5 million project over five years with OHCR focussing on the rights of indigenous and other disadvantaged women. Canada also approved $4.1 million in new funding to the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) and a $6.1 million five-year project on women's rights and gender sensitive justice in Guatemala with Canadian organizations CECI and Lawyers without Borders Canada. In response to the grave crisis in Myanmar, Prime Minister Trudeau appointed the Honourable Bob Rae as Special Envoy to Myanmar in October 2017. Canada’s response will focus on alleviating the humanitarian crisis, encouraging positive political developments in Myanmar, ensuring accountability for the crimes committed, and enhancing international cooperation. Canada also announced that it will dedicate $300 million of international assistance funding over the next three years to support a coordinated response to the crisis in both Myanmar and Bangladesh. On February 16, 2018, under the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, Canada applied sanctions on a Myanmar national responsible for human rights violations against the Rohingya. On June 25, Canada further sanctioned this person, and six others involved in military operations in Myanmar, under the Special Economic Measures Act.
Under Canada's presidency of the G7, the Government led efforts aimed at 1) reinforcing democracy; 2) preventing and countering technology facilitated gender-based violence; and 3) ensuring that rapid advances in Artificial Intelligence do not negatively impact Canada's human rights obligations. Canada established the Gender Equality Advisory Council to promote a transformative G7 agenda and support leaders and ministers to ensure that gender equality and gender-based analysis are integrated across all themes, activities and outcomes this year. "
6/30/2018,222,,Canada in the World,Work on development financing issues.,Minister of Finance;Minister of International Development and La Francophonie;Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"Increased international investment, reduced poverty and improved economic development in developing countries.","The Development Finance Institute Canada opened for business in early 2018 under the brand name “FinDev Canada”. The first transaction, an investment with M-KOPA, a Kenya-based solar energy provider, was announced in March 2018. FinDev Canada will support women's economic empowerment and gender equality, poverty reduction, and climate change mitigation and adaptation in developing countries. Budget 2018 provided $1.5 billion and $492.7 million per year ongoing thereafter to establish an International Assistance Innovation Program and a pilot Sovereign Loans Program. G7 Leaders agreed to the Charlevoix Commitment on Innovative Financing for Development which promotes economic growth in developing economies and fosters greater equality of opportunity within and between countries."
6/30/2018,223,,Strong Middle Class,Develop and implement a Youth Service Program.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of International Development and La Francophonie",Underway - on track,"More young Canadians engaged in high quality public and community service, and through this service, gaining valuable skills that will benefit them in life and work.","On January 16, 2018, the Government launched the design phase of the Canada Service Corps, Canada’s new national youth service initiative.
Canada Service Corps will encourage young Canadians to get involved in service to their communities and gain valuable skills and experience that will benefit them in every aspect of life. This initiative will grow over time, creating more opportunities for youth who wish to serve.
During the design phase, the Government of Canada will engage youth directly to find out more about their motivations and interests, and to explore what service means to them. Their input will directly shape the initiative, ensuring that it meets the needs and priorities of young people once it is fully implemented in early 2019."
6/30/2018,224,,Healthy Canadians,Raise awareness on concussion treatment.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities;Minister of Health,Completed - fully met,"Consistent, coordinated Canadian guidelines on concussion in sport and return-to-learn and return-to-play protocols.","The Government is working in partnership with provinces, territories and other key stakeholders on a coordinated pan-Canadian concussion strategy. In June 2016, a framework for the strategy was endorsed by federal, provincial and territorial ministers. Budget 2016 made investments to harmonize concussion management guidelines on prevention, early detection and treatment, with a focus on return-to-play and return-to-learn protocols for athletes and students. In July 2017, federal, provincial and territorial Ministers responsible for sport, physical activity and recreation agreed to a Framework for Action focusing on the areas of awareness, prevention, detection, management, and surveillance of concussions, which will further harmonize the collective approach across jurisdictions. At the same time, Parachute Canada, with the financial support of the Government of Canada, released its “Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport”.
The Government directed funds to the Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC) for a national awareness campaign. SIRC worked collaboratively with National Sport Organizations on an awareness and implementation campaign regarding the sport specific protocols for return-to-play after a concussion. As of June 2018, 42 of Canada's National Sport Organizations have in place sport concussion protocols harmonized with the Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport. Other National Sport Organizations are working toward adopting or updating their protocols. Parachute also developed concussion resources for schools, including a detailed Return-to-School Strategy and an accredited online concussion course for medical professionals.
The Government has also partnered with the private sector to launch two new projects in June 2018. The SCHOOLFirst project, led by Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, provides access to up-to-date information for teachers and school boards on concussion practices to support youth who are returning to school after experiencing a concussion. The Progress Activation and Concussion Education (PACE) mobile app helps people recognize, prevent and manage a concussion.
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6/30/2018,225,,Healthy Canadians,Update and expand the Nutrition North program.,Minister of Health;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,More affordable nutritious food for Canadians in the North.,"In Budget 2016, the Government increased funding to expand Nutrition North Canada to isolated northern communities. Nutrition North Canada helps alleviate the high cost of food in 121 isolated northern communities by providing a subsidy on perishable nutritious food. To date, the full benefits of Nutrition North Canada, including nutrition education funding, have been expanded to 37 additional isolated northern communities.
Under the oversight of the Nutrition North Canada Advisory Board, throughout 2016 the Government engaged with Northerners to collect feedback on how to best update the program. In response to the findings from the public engagement, the Nutrition North Canada Advisory Board published the Reflections on the What We Heard Report, and hosted a stakeholder meeting with Indigenous organizations, northern retailers and airlines, provincial and territorial governments and other federal government departments in early May 2017. The purpose was to discuss the feedback received during the public engagement and the key areas where many different views as identified by the Advisory Board. Through facilitated group discussions, participants collaborated on ways the program can be more responsive to the needs of Northerners. An Indigenous Working Group was launched at this meeting, including national and regional Indigenous organizations, which was tasked with co-developing options to help Nutrition North Canada work better for Northerners. Co-development work is ongoing, under the oversight of the Advisory Board to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs.
In support of this policy development work, Nutrition North Canada program worked closely with northern retailers to get all options supported by solid, reliable costing figures and data.
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6/30/2018,226,,Healthy Canadians,Develop a coordinated national action plan on post-traumatic stress disorder.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Underway - on track,Canada's public safety officers have better access to support for post-traumatic stress.,"The Government is developing a national action plan on post-traumatic stress injury in consultation with stakeholders. This plan will be evidenced-based and reflect the findings of the Fifth Report of the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security which recently studied this issue. The Government will release further details on the proposed national action plan later in the mandate. The Government has also provided funding to the University of Regina to conduct a study on the effects of policing on the mental health of Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers.
Budget 2018 proposes $20 million over five years, beginning in 2018-19 to support a new national research consortium between the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT). This consortium would work to address the incidence of posttraumatic stress injuries among public safety officers. The Government of Canada would also invest $10 million over five years, starting in 2018-19, for Public Safety Canada to work with the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment to develop an internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy pilot as a means of providing greater access to care and treatment for public safety officers. The Government also proposes to provide the RCMP with $21.4 million over five years, starting in 2018-19, to support the mental health needs of its officers."
6/30/2018,227,,Indigenous peoples,Provide new funding to preserve and enhance Indigenous languages and cultures.,Minister of Canadian Heritage,Underway - on track,"An Indigenous Languages Act co-created with Indigenous peoples that preserves, promotes, and revitalizes Indigenous languages in Canada, resulting in more people speaking Indigenous languages.","Budget 2017 invested $89.9 million to support Indigenous languages and cultures. These investments are supporting community-based projects that facilitate communication in, and revitalization of, Indigenous languages and are also helping to digitize Indigenous languages and oral histories.
On December 6, 2016 the Prime Minister announced that the Government of Canada will enact an Indigenous Languages Act, co-developed with Indigenous peoples, with the goal of ensuring the preservation, promotion, and revitalization of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit languages in Canada. On June 15, 2017, Canadian Heritage, the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Métis Nation Council (on behalf of the Métis Nation) launched the co-development of Indigenous languages legislation and agreed on a collaborative engagement process. Early engagement concluded in February 2018, and intensive engagement is being undertaken by Canadian Heritage with the support of the three National Indigenous Organizations throughout summer 2018."
6/30/2018,228,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Expand the network of shelters and transition houses for those fleeing domestic violence.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Indigenous Services;Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,More shelters available for those fleeing domestic violence.,"In Budget 2016, the Government made significant investments to repair and expand the number of shelters and transition houses for victims of family violence and ensure that no one fleeing domestic violence is left without a place to go. As of March 31, 2018, this funding has supported over 3,200 projects, to assist more than 5,800 households. In Budget 2016, the Government also provided greater funding to renovate, construct and better support shelters serving victims of family violence in First Nation communities. Five communities (in Ontario, Manitoba, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Quebec) have been identified for the construction of new shelters, and planning and construction activities have begun. All projects are anticipated to be completed by March 31, 2019, with two scheduled to become operational in fall 2018.
The National Housing Strategy will fund projects that support vulnerable Canadians, including homeless women and those fleeing domestic violence. Along with Budget 2016, this funding will support the construction and renewal of at least 7,000 shelter spaces as well as aim for 33% of all investments to support projects that specifically target women and girls."
6/30/2018,229,,Government Services and Operations,Reduce complexity and strengthen partnerships between National Defence and Veterans Affairs.,Minister of Veterans Affairs;Minister of National Defence,Underway - on track,"A simpler and easier to navigate process for delivering benefits and services to ensure members of Canada's Armed Forces (CAF), Veterans, and their families are well supported and properly prepared for civilian life.","The Government is developing a roadmap with key milestones outlining the delivery of a simpler and more streamlined transition process focused on clients. This new approach is intended to ease access to benefits and services for those who need them.
Desired outcomes include increased awareness and easier navigation of benefits and services; timely provision of benefits and services; recognition of service and a lifelong sense of belonging; continuity of health care; and career development support.
All of these efforts are aimed at providing CAF members, Veterans, and their families with a more successful transition to civilian life.
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6/30/2018,230,,Healthy Canadians,Develop a suicide prevention strategy for Canadian Armed Forces personnel and Veterans.,Minister of National Defence;Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,More Veterans and men and women in the Canadian Armed Forces receive the mental health care they need and suicides are reduced.,"Canada's new defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—invests in the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces and delivers the standard of service and care that current and former members deserve. The new policy expands the number of Canada's military personnel and significantly invest in the health and welfare of those serving in uniform. As part of the policy, the Government is expanding the Department of National Defence Medical Service Branch by 200 personnel to ensure serving members have better access to efficient and effective care anywhere they serve, in Canada or abroad. In October 2017, the Government announced the implementation of a joint Canadian Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Suicide Prevention Strategy composed of 160 different initiatives, programs and services, including the hiring of additional mental health professionals focused on preventing suicide across the entire military and Veteran community. The effectiveness of clinical interventions, training, education and other supports and services will be studied to assess progress in preventing suicide."
6/30/2018,231,,Safety and Security,Create a committee of Parliamentarians to review national security.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Completed - fully met,Parliamentarians have the information they need to ensure Canada's national security framework and activities are effective and protect rights and freedoms and Canadian values.,"The law establishing the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) has been brought into force, funding has been allocated, members have been appointed, a chair designated, and an Executive Director has been appointed. The new NSICOP is an important step towards increased accountability and transparency. The Committee's broad government-wide mandate to scrutinize any national security matter will help ensure the protection of the public and that the rights and freedoms of individual Canadians are upheld. The NSICOP can perform reviews of national security and intelligence activities, including ongoing operations, and strategic and systemic reviews of the legislative, regulatory, policy, expenditure and administrative frameworks under which these activities are conducted."
6/30/2018,232,,Canada in the World,End Canada's combat mission in Iraq and Syria and refocus Canada's efforts on training and humanitarian support.,Minister of National Defence,Completed - fully met,"Canada ceased conducting fighter jet strikes in Iraq and Syria and adopted a more comprehensive approach with increased resources for stabilization, humanitarian assistance, and training.","Effective February 15, 2016, Canada ceased conducting strikes by CF-18 fighter jets on Daesh targets. On February 8, 2016, Canada announced an increased contribution to the training of Iraq Security Forces, as well as humanitarian and stabilization support. The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are contributing many capabilities to the multinational efforts to degrade and defeat Daesh, and up to 830 CAF personnel are assigned to Operation IMPACT, which has been extended until March 31, 2019."
6/30/2018,233,,Canada in the World,Renew Canada's commitment to United Nations peace operations.,Minister of National Defence;Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,"Canadian efforts enhance peace and security, protect human rights, promote stability, and help those most in need around the world.","At the UN peacekeeping conference in Vancouver in November 2017, the Prime Minister unveiled the main elements of Canada’s new approach to peace support operations and announced five types of contributions Canada will make: the launch of the Vancouver Principles on Child Soldiers; the Elsie Initiative to develop innovative approaches to overcome barriers to women's meaningful participation in peace operations; new training support for the UN; the offer of high-end military capabilities for deployment - within a five-year timeframe; and the deployment of Canadian police. Since Vancouver, Canada has advanced on the Vancouver Principles (which 64 countries have endorsed), the Elsie Initiative, and the pledges of military capabilities. This includes hosting a multi-nation design workshop on the Elsie Initiative in February 2018. As part of Canada’s return to peace operations, on March 19, 2018, the Government of Canada announced the deployment of an Air Task Force to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali for a period of 12 months.
In November 2017, Canada launched its second National Action Plan (NAP) for the Implementation of the UN Security Council Resolutions on Women, Peace and Security 2017-2022: A strategy was developed and implementation of the NAP is underway. Through this, Canada will take a leadership role to implement global objectives that will support the integration of the women, peace and security agenda in initiatives related to fragile and conflict-affected states. Through its Peace and Stabilization Operations Program, Canada is providing $104 million in Grants and Contributions to support UN activities in peace and security from 2016-2019. This supports peace operations, peace processes, mediation, human rights, accountability, conflict prevention and peace building activities worldwide."
6/30/2018,234,,Strong Middle Class,Ensure that Employment Insurance (EI) contributions are only used to fund EI programs.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Finance",Completed - fully met,Improved sustainability of the Employment Insurance (EI) program to ensure the program is available to Canadians when they need it.,"The Government of Canada continues to make sure that EI contributions are only used to fund EI programs. In April 2016, the seven-year rate setting mechanism came into force, ensuring that the EI account will be balanced. This seven-year rate setting mechanism was implemented in 2017 and allowed the Government to reduce EI premiums for 2017 from $1.88 to $1.63 per $100 of insurable earnings. The 2018 premium rate has been set at $1.66 per $100 of insurable earnings, which reflects important new supports for Canadian families and changing economic conditions."
6/30/2018,235,,Indigenous peoples,Renew and improve the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,"Improved employment outcomes for participants accessing programs through the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS), and reduced employment gaps with non-Indigenous Canadians who use similar employment services.","Budget 2018 announced an investment of $2 billion over five years, and $408.2 million per year ongoing, to support the creation of the new Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISET) Program, which will replace the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS). This new program is based on extensive engagement held in 2016 and 2017 with ASETS holders, Indigenous communities and leadership, and other stakeholders to seek feedback on how the ASETS structure and policy could be redesigned and improved. The ISET Program also builds upon previous increased federal investment, whereby approximately 1,700 additional Indigenous Peoples were supported through the ASETS in 2016 compared to 2015. The Government also made investments to increase capacity of service providers to meet the growing demand from Indigenous Peoples for skills development and job training and provided an additional $50 million to ASETS in 2017. The Government is currently engaging with Indigenous partners on the co-development of the implementation of the ISET Program."
6/30/2018,236,,Strong Middle Class,Provide a 12-month break on Employment Insurance (EI) premiums for firms that hire younger workers into permanent positions.,"Minister of Finance;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Not being pursued,See below,"Based on research conducted by the Department of Finance, it was determined that this was not the most effective or efficient way of spending public resources to create jobs for young people. Budgets 2016 and 2017 invested significantly in a Youth Employment Strategy, nearly doubling the Canada Summer Jobs program, which will help more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop the skills they need to find work, create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians and provide over 1,600 new employment opportunities for youth in the heritage sector. In addition, Budget 2016 announced the creation of an Expert Panel on Youth Employment to assess the barriers faced by vulnerable youth in finding and keeping jobs, and to examine innovative practices used by governments, non-governmental organizations and employers to improve job opportunities for vulnerable youth. The Government has received the Expert Panel's report and is studying its recommendations. Budget 2018 also proposed to provide additional resources to support youth employment, building on the input of the Expert Panel on Youth Employment. "
6/30/2018,237,,Strong Middle Class,Provide more generous and flexible leave for caregivers.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Caregivers of critically ill or injured Canadians receive greater support.,"Effective December 3, 2017, the new Family Caregiver benefit for adults will be available to help families care for a critically ill adult. This benefit will allow eligible caregivers to take up to 15 weeks off work to care for or support an adult family member who is critically ill or injured. Eligible caregivers are family members or individuals that the critically ill or injured adult considers to be like family."
6/30/2018,238,,Strong Middle Class,Develop a Social Innovation and Social Finance strategy.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,A government-wide strategy is established that facilitates new and innovative ways of addressing Canada's biggest social challenges.,"The Government of Canada recognizes that new and innovative approaches are needed to tackle persistent and complex social issues. In June 2017, the Government launched the Social Innovation and Social Finance Steering Group. Through consultations and engagement activities, the Steering Group will seek perspectives of industry, sector and community leaders to co-create a Social Innovation and Social Finance Strategy. Previous findings from government consultations and engagement activities related to social innovation and social finance will help the Steering Group identify policy solutions for the Strategy."
6/30/2018,239,,Strong Middle Class,Introduce the Canada Child Benefit (CCB).,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Finance",Completed - fully met,"A generous, better-targeted, tax-free monthly Canada Child Benefit (CCB) that gives nine out of ten Canadian families more money to help with the high cost of raising their children.","In Budget 2016, the Government introduced the new, tax-free, income-tested Canada Child Benefit (CCB). In its first year of implementation, over 3.3 million families received more than $23 billion in CCB payments. The CCB has helped lift an estimated 300,000 children out of poverty in Canada. In the October 2017 Fall Economic Statement, the Government announced that the CCB will be increased annually to keep pace with the rising cost of living as of July 2018, two years ahead of schedule. For the 2018-19 benefit year, the CCB will provide a maximum annual benefit of $6,496 per child under age 6 and $5,481 per child age 6 through 17. In Budget 2018, the Government expanded outreach efforts to help Indigenous Peoples access the full range of federal social benefits, including the CCB."
6/30/2018,240,,Strong Middle Class,Develop a National Early Learning and Childcare Framework with the provinces and territories.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Status of Women",Completed - fully met,"More high-quality, affordable child care spaces.","The Government of Canada is supporting the creation of affordable, high-quality child care spaces for low and modest income families, with the goal of supporting up to 40,000 new subsidized child care spaces over the next three years. The Federal, Provincial and Territorial Governments reached a historic agreement on a Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care Framework on June 12, 2017. The Government has worked with each province and territory to enter into three-year bilateral agreements that will outline their unique early learning and child care needs to be addressed and the funding allocation for each jurisdiction. Bilateral agreements have now been signed with all jurisdictions.
In addition to bilateral agreements with other levels of government, the Government will also dedicate funding towards specific initiatives to support better outcomes for early learning and child care in Canada. Over the next 11 years, this includes:
• $100 million for early learning and child care innovation, which will support new and innovative practices across the country and help to develop more effective services to improve life outcomes for children and their families.
• $95 million to close data gaps in order to better understand what child care looks like in Canada, supporting strong reporting on progress made in implementing the Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care Framework and the Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework."
6/30/2018,241,,Indigenous peoples,Establish a new fiscal relationship with First Nations communities and lift the 2% cap.,Minister of Finance;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,Increased support for Indigenous communities consistent with needs and population growth rather than a fixed 2% cap; co-developed approaches to reforming funding policies and accountability.,"By 2021-22, total federal government spending on Indigenous programs will increase from over $11 billion in 2015-16 to over $15 billion in 2021-22—an increase of 34% over six years. The Government of Canada has also committed to a new fiscal relationship that is sufficient, sustainable and predictable. The Government is advancing a renewed fiscal relationship through two parallel initiatives. The first is with the Assembly of First Nations, through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in July 2016. The first phase of this collaboration with the Assembly of First Nations produced a report, ""A New Approach: Co-development of a New Fiscal Relationship between Canada and First Nation,"" that was submitted to the National Chief and the Minister of Indigenous Services in December 2017. In response to the report, the Minister committed to work with First Nation partners to move ahead on a number of proposals, including: providing more funding flexibility and predictability to support self-determination with the creation of ten-year-grants for qualified First Nations, with the goal of providing them to 100 First Nations by April 1, 2019; replace the Default Prevention and Management Policy; and establish an advisory committee to support ongoing co-development. To better support First Nations communities, to support strong Indigenous institutions and to advance the new fiscal relationship with First Nations, Budget 2018 proposes to invest $188.6 million over five years, starting in 2018–19. As of July 19, 2018, 237 expressions of interest to receive a ten-year-grant have been submitted by First Nations across the country.
The second collaborative process on fiscal policy is focused on Self-Governing Indigenous groups. Since May 2016, the Government and Self-Governing Indigenous Governments have been engaged in the Collaborative Self-Government Fiscal Policy Development Process, to develop a new policy framework for the provision of federal financial support to self-government. A co-developed draft policy proposal was completed in December 2017 and is currently undergoing review. Through Budget 2018, the Government committed $189.2 million in 2018–19 to begin the implementation of fiscal policy reforms that have been co-developed with self-governing Indigenous Peoples. This funding will support key priorities, including the closing of socio-economic gaps, infrastructure, data collection and governance.
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6/30/2018,242,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Develop a National Disabilities Act.,"Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Federal accessibility legislation that promotes equality of opportunity and increases inclusion and participation of Canadians who have disabilities or functional limitations.,"Building on the extensive nine-month, in-person and online consultation with Canadians, the Government of Canada tabled the Accessible Canada Act on June 20th, 2018. The Accessible Canada Act represents the most significant Government of Canada disability rights legislation in over 30 years and is a cornerstone of the Government of Canada’s plan to build a more inclusive Canada. The legislation will address, in a systematic way, the barriers that exist in areas of federal jurisdiction. It proposes to cover sectors such as banking, transportation, telecommunications, and Government of Canada departments and agencies. The Government of Canada is providing funding of approximately $290 million over six years that will further the objectives of the new legislation. "
6/30/2018,244,,Sustainable Infrastructure,Ensure any unspent infrastructure funds are transferred to municipalities.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Finance,Underway - on track,Ensure infrastructure funding approved by Parliament does not lapse and is invested in municipal infrastructure projects.,"In March 2017, the Government of Canada transferred $30.2 million in potentially lapsing funding from a number of previously established funding programs to municipalities through the federal Gas Tax Fund (GTF).
The Government has also committed to transfer unused legacy funding to the GTF. For example, any funding under the Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component of the 2014 New Building Canada Fund not approved for projects by March 31, 2019 will be transferred to the GTF."
6/30/2018,245,,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Develop a 10-year infrastructure plan, improve governance and promote better data collection and asset management.",Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Transport,Underway - on track,"Agreements with all provinces and territories that improve public transit, roads and bridges; increase access to affordable housing and child care; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; improve access to clean water, and enhance resilience in the face of a changing climate.","Infrastructure plays a central role in building strong communities, creating jobs and growing the economy. Taking into account the investments made in Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government has developed a 12-year plan that will invest over $180 billion across Canada in public transit, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, rural and northern communities infrastructure, and trade and transportation infrastructure. As part of the Plan, the Government signed an agreement with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) to deliver an asset management program to support municipalities in making informed infrastructure investment decisions. The Government partnered with Statistics Canada and other stakeholders to launch an ambitious data collection initiative on Canadian infrastructure – Canada’s Core Public Infrastructure Survey (CCPI), which officially launched in mid-2017. Through the survey, the Government will better track, collect, use and share data on Canadian infrastructure, including tracking comparable data on infrastructure usage and demand across jurisdictions and tracking the state and performance of public infrastructure across asset classes. These measures will help governments maximize taxpayer dollars and report back to Canadians on outcomes achieved. In addition, the Minister of Transport announced the new Canadian Centre on Transportation Data and the new Transportation Data and Information Hub on April 13, 2018. Better information supports better governance and asset management, and data will also be collected that will be complementary to the CCPI."
6/30/2018,246,,Government Services and Operations,"Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency proactively contacts those who are entitled to, but are not receiving, tax benefits.",Minister of National Revenue,Underway - on track,"More Canadians receive the tax benefits and credits to which they are entitled, including vulnerable Canadians and Indigenous people on-reserve.","The Government of Canada has expanded the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) in order to help modest-income Canadians, seniors and other vulnerable groups with tax filing. Budget 2018 proposes doubling the size of the CVITP, to help more individuals file their tax returns and access the benefits they are entitled to. For the 2016 tax year, the Government increased community partnerships by 18%, and through the CVITP, organizations filed nearly 770,000 returns on behalf of Canadians. The CRA undertook a new initiative in 2016-2017 to proactively contact 260,000 Canadians who were potentially eligible for tax benefits but were not receiving them. In collaboration with Service Canada, the Government has also proactively promoted the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) in Indigenous communities to make sure Indigenous families have full access to this important benefit. In-person visits have been completed with over 600 First Nations communities in order to promote the CCB and other benefits. The Government will continue to work to improve these results across all CRA administered benefit programs."
6/30/2018,247,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) offers to complete returns for lower-income Canadians whose financial situation is unchanged year-to-year.,Minister of National Revenue,Underway - on track,Simpler process for low-income Canadians to file their taxes when their financial situation hasn't changed much.,"For the 2017 tax year, through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP), volunteers filed over 786,000 returns on behalf of Canadians, many of whom are seniors, modest-income Canadians and newcomers with simple tax situations. CRA is continuously looking at improvements so that modest-income Canadians whose financial situation is simple year-to-year can easily file their returns and get the benefits that they are entitled to. The Government of Canada is looking at additional ways to improve these results for the 2018 and subsequent tax years,. This includes supporting organizations in holding more tax clinics throughout the year to reach out to Canadians in remote and underserved communities. Finally, Budget 2018 proposes to double the size of the CVITP, helping hundreds of thousands more individuals complete their taxes and access benefits to which they are entitled.
File my Return is available for Canadians with a low or a fixed income whose situations remain unchanged year-to-year. Eligible Canadians are able to file their income tax and benefit return by providing some personal information and answering a series of short questions through an automated phone service.
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6/30/2018,248,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency supports more Canadians who wish to file taxes using no paper forms.,Minister of National Revenue,Underway - on track,"More Canadians file their taxes online; and filing online is simple, easy and convenient for all CRA administered programs.","The Government of Canada has launched new services to help individuals and authorized representatives submit returns electronically. Launched in 2015, Auto-fill my return helps fill in parts of the T1 return with data already available to CRA, making filing online simpler and easier. For the 2017 tax year, Canadians used CRA’s Auto-fill my return over 9 million times. With the Express Notice of Assessment service, available in EFILE and NETFILE certified tax preparation software, the notice of assessment is now available right after filing a return.
File my Return is available for Canadians with a low or a fixed income whose situations remain unchanged year-to-year. Eligible Canadians are able to file their income tax and benefit return by providing some personal information and answering a series of short questions through an automated phone service. The Government has also made it possible for tax preparers to amend their clients' returns electronically by using the ReFILE service. In February 2018, the ReFILE service was expanded to allow individuals to submit online adjustments with certified NETFILE software.
The T2 Auto-fill service allows business owners and their authorized representatives to download information from the CRA to their certified T2 tax preparation software. Since its introduction in October 2017, there have been 55,952 logins to this service. All corporations filing their T2 returns electronically using certified tax preparation software are able to digitally attach certain supporting documentation to their returns, instead of having to mail or fax them in. The CRA has received 6,979 electronic documents attached to the corporation income tax returns since fall 2017. In May 2018, the CRA introduced a new service that lets business owners and authorized representatives create their own filing and balance confirmation letters online. Since it was introduced, the CRA has had 10,500 requests for this letter.
Since May 14, 2018, tax preparers can submit business authorization requests using EFILE. The information provided through the certified commercial tax software is validated and processed in real time, providing tax preparers immediate access to their client’s account.
In 2016-2017 alone, Canadians logged into CRA's secure online portals 51 million times, and 86% of filings occurred online—an increase of nearly 750,000 Canadians using this method over the prior year. The Government is currently redesigning CRA's secure portals to enable even more electronic interactions. Budget 2018 investments will update and modernize information technology infrastructure to deliver a more user-friendly experience, allowing Canadians to easily find the tax and benefit information they need."
6/30/2018,249,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency delivers correspondence and other communications that are straightforward and easy to read.,Minister of National Revenue,Underway - on track,"Correspondence is simplified so that Canadians can better understand information they receive from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), leading to increased client satisfaction and fewer inquiries for routine information.","The Government of Canada simplified the correspondence CRA sends Canadians, making it easier to read and understand, including new, simple, and easy-to-read notices of assessment for businesses and individuals, first sent in 2016. As of May 2018, 92% of the correspondence the CRA sends to Canadians has been transformed in the new easy-to-read format. The CRA will have simplified virtually all correspondence by May 2019."
6/30/2018,250,,Fair and Open Government,"Enhance transparency in the political fundraising system for Cabinet members, party leaders and leadership candidates.",Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - on track,A more transparent political fundraising system is in place that strengthens trust and confidence in our democratic institutions.,"In May 2017 the Government introduced legislation to significantly enhance transparency in the political fundraising system for Cabinet members, party leaders and leadership candidates. This legislation, which received Royal Assent in June 2018 and will come into force in December 2018, will give Canadians more information than ever before: they will know who is going to fundraisers, when and where they are happening, and the amount required to attend. "
6/30/2018,251,,Strong Middle Class,Update the Canada Labour Code to address emerging issues such as unpaid internships and ensure modern federal employment standards.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Stronger protections and employment standards that better protect workers and reflect the changing nature of the labour market.,"Budget 2017 aims to eliminate unpaid internships in federally regulated sectors where internships are not part of a formal educational program. In the case of unpaid internships that are part of an educational program, the Government will ensure standard labour protections apply, such as maximum hours of work, weekly days of rest and general holidays. Legislation to implement these changes was tabled in Parliament on October 27, 2017, as part of the Budget Implementation Act, 2017, No. 2 received Royal Assent December 14, 2017.
The Government has also launched consultations on proposed updates to the Canada Labour Code to ensure that Canadians enjoy strong labour protections and standards."
6/30/2018,252,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Increase the labour force participation of women and underrepresented groups.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,"Improved labour market participation and employment outcomes for groups traditionally under-represented in the labour market (women, youth, immigrants, persons with disabilities, racialized communities, and Indigenous peoples).","The Government has introduced several initiatives to help Canadians with the challenges they face when making decisions about pursuing work or going back to school. These initiatives will increase the number of high-quality, affordable child care spaces (up to 40,000 over the next three years), introduce flexible work arrangements, make parental leave more flexible, and expand opportunities for lifelong learning. These initiatives are expected to increase labour force participation among several under-represented groups, particularly mothers in low- and modest-income families. In addition, the Government has increased the number of work experience opportunities for young Canadians through the Youth Employment Strategy, and has also expanded access to job supports and skills training for all Canadians, with a particular focus on the needs of Indigenous Peoples and other under-represented groups. Budget 2018 proposed a new Employment Insurance Parental Sharing Benefit which will support greater gender equality in the home and in the workplace. The Benefit will provide additional weeks of “use it or lose it” EI parental benefits, when both parents agree to share parental leave. The creation of the new Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program, the introduction of a loans program and employment supports for newcomers and the introduction of a federal accessibility act will further support the unique needs of Indigenous Peoples, newcomers and persons with disabilities. To support women to enter and succeed in the trades, Budget 2018 proposed to pilot an Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women and implement a Women in Construction Fund."
6/30/2018,253,,Strong Middle Class,"Develop further initiatives to equip Canadians with the skills needed for the jobs of today and tomorrow, and to better assist workers getting help before becoming unemployed.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Canadian workers have the skills they need to find and keep good quality jobs.,"The Government of Canada is working with employers, unions, provinces, territories and educational institutions to ensure that Canadians are equipped to adapt to rapidly changing skills requirements and make successful job transitions. There is a particular focus throughout the suite of government investments in training, education and work experiences on addressing the skills needs of those at risk of being left furthest behind, such as Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, newcomers and vulnerable youth.
To ensure Canadian workers have the skills they need to find and keep good quality jobs, the Government is significantly increasing investment in labour market transfer agreements with provinces and territories and expanding their inclusiveness and scope to improve workers' access to skills training and job supports. The Federal Government is also making post-secondary education more affordable for low- and modest income families, increasing opportunities for graduates to gain work-ready skills for smoother school-to-work transitions and improving access to opportunities for adult upskilling and lifelong learning. The Government is also enhancing supports for skilled trades and apprenticeships, with an increasing focus on women and groups that have traditionally been underrepresented in the labour market.
To ensure skills training is relevant to the jobs of today and tomorrow, in Budget 2018 the Government announced that it will launch Future Skills this spring. Future Skills will bring together expertise from all sectors and leverage experience from partners across the country. It will also include an independent Council to advise on emerging skills and workforce trends, and a research lab focused on developing, testing and rigorously measuring new approaches to skills assessment and development.
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6/30/2018,254,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Introduce proactive pay equity legislation for federally-regulated workers.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Status of Women",Underway - on track,"Equal pay for work of equal value in federally regulated sectors. Proactive pay equity is expected to contribute to:
• reducing the gender wage gap by addressing the undervaluation of work traditionally performed by women; and
• fairness in the workplace.","The Government is replacing the current complaint-based approach to pay equity in the federal jurisdiction with a proactive system. Budget 2018 proposed that historic proactive pay equity legislation be introduced this fall to ensure that on average women and men in federally regulated sectors receive the same pay for work of equal value. According to preliminary estimates, this legislation could improve the gender wage gap from 91.4 cents to 94.1 cents for the core public administration, and from 88.1 cents to 90.7 cents in the federal private sector. The Budget also indicated that additional consultations with employers, unions and other stakeholders will take place in the coming months to ensure that the new regime will be applied fairly and will achieve its intended purpose. These will build on consultations held in 2017 with employer, employee and advocacy groups as well as experts on the design elements of a proactive pay equity system."
6/30/2018,255,,Strong Middle Class,Restore a fair and balanced approach to organized labour.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Public Services and Procurement",Completed - fully met,A fair and balanced labour policy.,"In June 2017, Parliament repealed measures enacted by two pieces of legislation which would have undermined the ability of workers to collectively bargain. This action was supported by both employers and unions, in recognition of the need by all parties for a policy framework that is governed by the principles of fairness and balance."
6/30/2018,256,,Healthy Canadians,Implement Canada's ban on asbestos.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,Canada comprehensively bans asbestos.,"In December 2016, the Government announced a set of comprehensive measures to ban asbestos and products containing asbestos by 2018. In July 2017, the Government brought into force changes to the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations to lower the exposure limit to as close to zero as possible for airborne chrysotile asbestos. These changes will protect federally regulated employees at risk."
6/30/2018,257,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Reduce the wage gap between men and women.,"Minister of Status of Women;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,Fair compensation systems in organizations under federal jurisdiction and a more flexible work environment to reduce the pay gap between women and men.,"Proactive pay equity is expected to contribute to fairness in the workplace by reducing the gender wage gap in federally regulated workplaces by addressing the undervaluation of work traditionally performed by women.
On October 5, 2016, in its Response to the Special Committee on Pay Equity report titled It’s Time to Act, the Government of Canada made a commitment to table new, proactive pay equity legislation in federally regulated sectors before the end of 2018. Work is underway to achieve this objective.
In addition, Budgets 2016, 2017, and 2018 contain many measures to reduce the gender wage gap and encourage greater workforce participation among women. These measures include investments in early learning and child care, a new Employment Insurance caregiving benefit, a major symposium on women and the workplace, the right to request flexible work arrangements for federally regulated employees and pilot a new Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women. Budget 2018 proposed that historic proactive pay equity legislation be introduced this fall to ensure that on average women and men in federally regulated sectors receive the same pay for work of equal value. According to preliminary estimates, this legislation could improve the gender wage gap from 91.4 cents to 94.1 cents for the core public administration, and from 88.1 cents to 90.7 cents in the federal private sector. In addition, new pay transparency requirements in the federally-regulated sector will provide more information on the pay practices of employers, with specific attention paid to making existing wage gaps more evident.
Other measures include expanding eligibility for Canada Student Grants for part-time students and students with dependent children and supporting the creation of more work-integrated learning opportunities, including co-ops, for post-secondary students and in particular women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) and business programs through a new Student Work-Integrated Learning Program and launching the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy which will provide nationally coordinated, regionally tailored support for women entrepreneurs.
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6/30/2018,259,,Canada in the World,"Continue joint efforts to address global security threats, combat terrorism and defend our continent.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,On-going commitment,"Canada is protected from global threats and contributes to achieving a safer, more peaceful and prosperous world.","Canada's new defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—supports the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces and provides them with the necessary equipment and capabilities to defend Canada, protect North America and contribute to international peace and security. Canada is a core member of the Global Coalition Against Daesh and has taken a leadership role in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization by serving as the Framework Nation for the enhanced Forward Presence in Latvia. Canada remains committed to the North American Aerospace Defence Command, which has proven itself effective in its roles of deterring, detecting and defending; and continues to play an important role in the defence of North America. Canada also collaborates closely with the U.S. and others to support international measures to advance a diplomatic solution to the North Korea threat, including by providing $3.25 million in funding through Canada’s Weapons of Mass Destruction Threat Reduction Program to the U.S. State Department's Cooperative Threat Reduction Office to build capacity in key states to fully implement UN Security Council (UNSC) sanctions. Canada is also working with international research institutions and its G7 partners to investigate how North Korea may be evading international sanctions and to match capacity-building projects to the priorities of donor countries. Furthermore, in May 2018, a Canadian maritime surveillance aircraft participated in a multinational initiative to counter North Korea's maritime sanctions evasion, with a particular focus on ship-to-ship transfers in defiance of UNSC resolutions. As 2018 Chair of the G7-led Global Partnership (GP) Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction, Canada is focusing collective efforts of the GP's 31 member countries on priority chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear and developing and implementing a range of specific measures and initiatives to mitigate these threats. Canada was recently confirmed as co-chair (with Algeria) of the West Africa Working Group of the Global Counterterrorism Forum. In Latin America, Canada is strongly supporting Colombia’s efforts towards the implementation of the peace process with a view to bringing the longest-running conflict in the Western Hemisphere to a peaceful end. In Haiti, Canada is supporting, including through the deployment of Canadian police and correctional agents, the UN mission for Justice Support, launched in October 2017 and focused on assisting the Haitian government in strengthening rule of law institutions, further supporting and developing the Haitian National Police, and engaging in human rights monitoring, reporting and analysis. A theme of Canada’s 2018 G7 presidency is “building a more peaceful and secure world,” driving discussion and collective efforts among G7 partners to support a rules-based international order built around the core principles of democracy, human rights, the rule of law and territorial integrity. In addition to cooperating closely to address crises in multiple regions, at a joint meeting of G7 foreign and security ministers on April 23, 2018, Canada and its G7 partners have specifically committed to working together to manage the risks associated with foreign terrorist fighters and associated travellers, as well as to reinforce our democracies and strengthen our societies’ resilience against foreign actors seeking to undermine democratic institutions and processes through coercive, corrupt, covert or malicious means. At the G7 Summit Leaders committed to take concerted action in responding to foreign actors who seek to undermine G7 democratic societies and institutions, electoral processes, sovereignty and security. The Charlevoix Commitment on Defending Democracy from Foreign Threats plans to develop the G7 Rapid Response Mechanism to strengthen G7 coordination to identify and respond to diverse and evolving threats to our democracies."
6/30/2018,260,,Environment and Climate Change,Cooperate with the United States on energy security and energy infrastructure.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canada and the United States benefit from a secure and effective cross-border energy infrastructure.,"Collaboration on energy security and infrastructure was included in the February 13, 2017 Joint Statement from President Trump and Prime Minister Trudeau. Canada continues to support several major cross-border energy infrastructure projects, including: Keystone XL, Line 3 and Line 67, Northern Pass, New England Clean Power Link, and Great Northern Transmission Line. All projects are at different stages of review, investment, or approval. The U.S. State Department has issued presidential permits for the construction of these projects. A North American Energy Ministerial meeting took place in November 2017, and identified further areas for North American collaboration, including facilitating cross-border energy infrastructure projects."
6/30/2018,261,,Environment and Climate Change,Advance shared action with the United States on environmental issues and climate change.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canada-U.S. collaboration leads to a cleaner shared environment and clean energy innovation.,"Canada and the United States issued a joint statement in February 2017 confirming both countries' commitment to collaborate closely in energy innovation, especially in the clean energy sphere; in energy cooperation, particularly along the border and at the Great Lakes; and to enhance the quality of our air and water. The status of the North American Climate, Clean Energy and Environment Partnership signed in June 2016 with the previous U.S. Administration is uncertain; however, Canada remains commited to implementing its commitments. Currently, Canada's focus has shifted from federal to state level in the U.S. In November 2017, Canada, Mexico and the state-driven U.S. Climate Alliance (a bipartisan coalition of 16 U.S. Governors plus Puerto Rico) launched the North American Climate Leadership Dialogue to address clean technology, clean power and carbon pricing initiatives. Canada will continue to advance these priorities, including by working with Mexico and sub-national governments in the United States in the context of the North American Climate Leaders’ process.
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6/30/2018,262,,Exports and Investment,Strengthen trilateral cooperation with the United States and Mexico to enhance North America's global competitiveness.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,On-going commitment,North America is strong and competitive in global markets.,"The Government continues to actively engage Mexico and the United States in order to advance issues in our common interest, including through negotiations to modernize North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). During trade negotiations, the Government of Canada is committed to creating the most favourable conditions for Canadian businesses to compete internationally. In addition to trade, North American cooperation continues in key areas such as energy, security, and defence. On February 2, 2018, a North American Foreign Ministers Meeting took place in Mexico City, where the three foreign ministers discussed a range of topics including North American regional competitiveness that touched on NAFTA, energy cooperation, and women’s entrepreneurship."
6/30/2018,263,,Canada in the World,"Strengthen relationships with key bilateral, regional and multilateral partners.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canadian interests and values are promoted through enhanced cooperation with key international partners.,"Canada continues to constructively contribute to multilateral fora to advance its foreign policy priorities, including at the United Nations; the African Union; the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe; the Commonwealth; the International Organization of La Francophonie; the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation; the Association of Southeast Asian Nations; the Pacific Alliance; the International Syria Support Group; the Lima Group on Venezuela (Canada hosted the October 2017 meeting); the Organization of American States (Canada chaired the OAS Permanent Council in fall 2017); the World Economic Forum and the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the World Trade Organization, and the World Health Organisation. The Government signed and provisionally applied the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and the Strategic Partnership Agreement with the European Union and signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Trade Partnership and is negotiating a free trade agreement with MERCOSUR (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay), the Pacific Alliance, and the North American Free Trade Agreement. The Government has also strengthened relationships with key bilateral, regional and multilateral partners in the Asia Pacific, Europe, Eastern Europe and Eurasia, Latin America and Caribbean, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and the Maghreb through high-level engagements, including 320 visits by the Prime Minister and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Development. Canada and France signed the Canada-France Statement on Artificial Intelligence, which calls for the creation of an international study group on artificial intelligence made up of experts from government, industry, and civil society, and which will be mandated to become the global reference on issues related to artificial intelligence.
At the G7 Summit Leaders resolved to work together in creating a healthy, prosperous, sustainable and fair future for all. Leaders agreed to a joint communiqué and, through seven Charlevoix Commitments, committed to work together on: equality and economic growth; innovative financing for development; the future of artificial intelligence; ending sexual and gender-based violence, abuse and harassment in digital contexts; quality education for girls, adolescent girls and women in developing countries; healthy oceans, seas and coastal communities; and defending democracy from foreign threats. Canada, along with France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, further endorsed a charter on oceans plastics. Canada welcomed several world leaders and heads of international organizations to the G7 Summit to take part in a special outreach session, which focused on healthy oceans and resilient coastal communities. At the Foreign Ministers' meeting in April 2018 G7 Foreign and Security Ministers agreed to strengthen cooperation and share information, including on defending democracy and on managing risks associated with foreign terrorist fighters and associated travellers. Canada has expanded its networks and relationships with international coalitions and forums such as the Freedom Online Coalition; the Internet Governance Forum; the International Parliamentary Union, Women Political Leaders Global Forum, and the Community of Democracies. Canada and the EU have also announced plans to co-chair a meeting of women foreign ministers in Canada on September 21-22, 2018."
6/30/2018,264,,Canada in the World,Seek leadership opportunities for Canada and Canadians in multilateral institutions.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,Canada and Canadians play a leading role in international organizations.,"Canada is currently seeking a non-permanent seat on the United Nations (UN) Security Council for 2020-2021 and is leading one of the four North Atlantic Treaty Organization multinational enhanced Forward Presence battlegroups in Eastern Europe. An Action Plan for international staffing will ensure that more Canadians secure positions of influence in multilateral institutions. Several Canadians have recently been appointed to senior positons in the UN. Canadian Kim Prost was elected to a nine-year term as a judge on the International Criminal Court in December 2017. Canada holds the G7 presidency and hosted G7 partners in Canada for a series of ministerial meetings throughout 2018, in addition to the Leaders' Summit in Charlevoix, Quebec, on June 8-9, 2018.
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6/30/2018,265,,Canada in the World,"Ensure that the deployment of the Armed Forces aligns with Canada's interests, our commitments and the government's policy.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,Underway - on track,The deployment of the Canadian Armed Forces contributes to the achievement of Canada's broader international priorities.,"The Department of National Defence and Global Affairs Canada established a bi-weekly coordination mechanism to ensure greater policy coherence. The Government has also introduced new planning and policy development arrangements to ensure that analysis of military deployments include foreign policy considerations and reflect broader government objectives. Approximately 1,800 Canadian Armed Forces personnel are currently deployed on 18 missions supporting Canada's international priorities. In April 2018, Canada deployed a maritime reconnaissance aircraft and increased its contribution to UN Command including the deployment of a Canadian senior military figure as the Deputy Commander of UN Command. These deployments supported Canada's foreign policy commitments, including the commitment to a diplomatic solution to the crisis in the Korean Peninsula."
6/30/2018,270,,Healthy Canadians,Introduce restrictions on the commercial marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,Commercial marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children is significantly reduced leading to better health outcomes for Canadian children.,"The Government launched the Healthy Eating Strategy in October 2016. The Government is working with experts and stakeholders on key issues, including the definition of unhealthy foods and drinks and possible marketing restrictions that should be pursued. During the summer of 2017, Health Canada conducted a public consultation on a proposed policy approach for restricting marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children, and published a report summarizing the comments in December 2017. Health Canada is refining its proposed approach based on feedback received during consultations.
Bill S-228 is currently at third reading in the House of Commons. The Bill aims to protect children's health by prohibiting the marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children. Health Canada is developing regulations to implement the proposed prohibitions under Bill S-228. A policy update on Proposed Regulations was posted on May 8, 2018 on Canada.ca."
6/30/2018,271,,Healthy Canadians,Bring in tougher regulations to eliminate trans fats and reduce salt in processed foods.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"Industrially produced trans fats are eliminated from food products; the food and restaurant industries systematically reduce sodium levels in the food supply; and consumers are better able to identify foods high in sodium, sugar and saturated fat, resulting in improved public health.","The Government launched the Healthy Eating Strategy in October 2016. As part of this Strategy, a ban on partially hydrogenated oils, the main source of industrial trans fat, was published in September 2017 and will take effect in one year. In addition, a report evaluating industry's efforts to reduce sodium levels in foods was published in January 2018.
On February 10, 2018, Health Canada pre-published proposed regulations that would require a symbol on the front of packaged foods that are high in sodium, sugars, and/or saturated fat in Canada Gazette, Part 1. This initiative would support sodium reduction by providing consumers with quick and easy guidance to identify foods high in sodium and encouraging manufacturers to lower the sodium content of their foods. In addition, Health Canada completed an online consumer questionnaire to help inform the design of the final symbol. The Government will continue to work with stakeholders to identify additional ways to further reduce sodium in foods. "
6/30/2018,272,,Healthy Canadians,Improve food labels to give more information on added sugars and artificial dyes.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"Canadians have the information, tools and resources to make healthy food choices, improving health outcomes.","The Government launched the Healthy Eating Strategy in October 2016, with the goal of making ""the healthy choice the easy choice."" As part of this Strategy, regulatory amendments were published in December 2016 updating the requirements for nutrition information on food labels, making them easier to understand. This includes making serving sizes more consistent, new information on how to use the Percentage Daily Value, and more information on sugars and food colors in the Nutrition Facts table and list of ingredients. The Front of Package labelling proposal will complement these changes by identifying prepackaged foods that contain high amounts of sodium, sugar and saturated fat."
6/30/2018,273,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Implement Canada's new immigration levels plans.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,"310,000 permanent residents are admitted to Canada in 2018, contributing to economic growth, family reunification and the Government's humanitarian commitments. Canada enjoys increased economic competitiveness through the attraction of global talent.","While the admissions planning range of between 280,000 and 320,000 permanent residents was achieved in 2017, admissions fell short of the 300,000 target by less than 5%.
In November 2017, the Government tabled an immigration levels plan with a target of welcoming 980,000 new permanent residents over the next three years. These targets will increase the number of permanent residents selected in economic programs, while maintaining a commitment to family reunification and resettlement of refugees. The Government is reducing application backlogs, improving the speed at which applications are processed and putting a greater focus on the attraction of highly skilled global talent."
6/30/2018,274,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Ensure the delivery of high-quality settlement services for newcomers, informed by rigorous outcomes data.","Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,"Improved, high-quality settlement services for newcomers to Canada, leading to improved outcomes for immigrants and their children.","The Government is helping immigrants better prepare for a new life in Canada. By the end of the Government’s current mandate, several enhancements will be in place including a finalized shared national vision with provinces and stakeholders; co-planning with the provinces and territories to better support client needs; and the completion of Federal-Provincial-Territorial Memorandums of Understanding to strengthen collaboration. Investments will be focused on outcomes and informed by evaluation findings and pilot projects results. Given demonstrated results, programming that combines workplace experience with language training will be increased. Increased data and analytical capacity will ensure that the Settlement Program is responsive and effective at meeting the needs of clients and the communities which welcome them."
6/30/2018,275,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Continue to welcome refugees from Syria and elsewhere.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,"The Government continues to welcome refugees from countries around the world and offer persons fleeing conflict and/or persecution a safe haven. Between January 2015 and December 31, 2017, approximately 51,000 Syrian refugees, and close to 94,000 refugees in total, have been resettled to Canada.","Refugees welcomed to Canada include resettled persons from the Congo, Eritrea, and survivors of Daesh and their families, including Yazidi refugees. The commitment to resettle 1,200 survivors of Daesh has been met. The 2018 immigration levels plan increases the target of welcoming refugees and protected persons to Canada from 40,000 to 43,000. This figure remains among the highest in Canadian history, and double the number of refugees that were welcomed in 2015 and preceding years."
6/30/2018,276,,Canada in the World,Conduct a review of the visa policy framework.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,"An evidence-based visa policy framework that promotes Canada’s economic, foreign policy and cultural interests at the same time as protecting the safety and security of all Canadians.","The Government has initiated a review of Canada's visa policy framework to ensure it uses a robust, evidence-based approach when making visa decisions. The Government is also reviewing policies for managing foreign nationals transiting through Canadian airports to increase Canada's air connections with the rest of the world while prioritizing the security of Canadians. "
6/30/2018,277,,Indigenous peoples,Make changes to the Oath of Canadian Citizenship to reflect the Truth and Reconciliation's Calls to Action.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,Updated Oath of Canadian Citizenship and Citizenship Test that reflect Canadian and Indigenous history.,"The Government of Canada is currently working with national Indigenous organizations to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's recommendations to incorporate recognition of treaties with Indigenous peoples into the Oath of Canadian Citizenship, update the citizenship test to reflect and guide a more inclusive history of Indigenous peoples, and provide information on the history of residential schools for newcomers. The Government will bring forward legislation to modify the Oath. Changes to the citizenship guide are currently being drafted."
6/30/2018,278,,Exports and Investment,Advance Canada's progressive trade agenda.,Minister of International Trade,On-going commitment,"Canadian workers are protected from unfair trade practices, trade agreements maintain or improve Canadian levels of protection in key areas like employment and the environment, and Canada advances the rules-based international order and trading system.","Canada's progressive trade agenda seeks to ensure Canada's trading partners meet their international labour obligations, and enforce their labour laws. The agenda also seeks to ensure that levels of environmental protection are upheld and that a country’s environmental laws are enforced in the context of trade and investment liberalization. The modernized Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA) includes a Trade and Gender Chapter, a first for Canada and any G20 country, as does the recently modernized Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement, demonstrating Canada’s continued commitment to furthering gender equality and women’s participation in international trade. The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) includes provisions on protecting the environment, health and safety, and employment standards. The Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (CPTPP) includes robust labour and environment chapters that are subject to the Agreement's enforceable dispute settlement. As part of the agenda, the government continues to advocate for stronger provisions on the environment and labour, as well as on trade and gender, Indigenous Peoples, SMEs and the right to regulate in public interest. The Government will continue to develop and advance progressive approaches to trade through bilateral and multilateral engagement and play a leadership role in international fora. Canada's implementation of International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 98 which entered into force on June 14, 2018, and which affirms the fundamental right to collectively bargain, is one example of this approach. Canada has now ratified all eight of the ILO Core conventions. Also, in December, 2017, Canada played a leadership role in advancing the WTO Buenos Aires Declaration on Women and Trade, endorsed by over 120 WTO members and observers."
6/30/2018,279,,Exports and Investment,Promote trade and investment with established markets such as Japan.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"Increased two-way trade and investment with Japan, supporting well-paying, middle-class jobs.","The Government is promoting Canada-Japan trade through multilateral engagement with provinces, territories and municipalities. Visits by the Prime Minister, key ministers, and provincial premiers have showcased trade and investment potential in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, agriculture, life sciences and clean tech. Between April 2016 and March 2017, Canadian offices in Japan facilitated more than $850 million in Japanese investment stock in Canada, creating more than 450 jobs. Canada is working closely with Japan to explore ways to further deepen the bilateral trade and investment relationship including building on the recently signed Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). To advance the CPTPP, Canada introduced implementing legislation in the House of Commons on June 14."
6/30/2018,280,,Exports and Investment,Position Canada as a top destination for global investment and promote its economic brand.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"Canada ranks among the top developed economies in global rankings of investment competitiveness, attractiveness and brand.","The Government is encouraging global investment and promoting our economic brand through the creation of the Invest in Canada Agency; the expansion of the Trade Commissioner Service, to increase our presence in strategic markets abroad; and the acceleration of changes to the Investment Canada Act. The changes to the Act will lead to greater transparency of the guidelines used for national security reviews, and increase the threshold for review under the Act to transactions of $1 billion or greater as of 2017. The Government is also developing a comprehensive Progressive Trade Strategy which will bring forward additional measures to enhance business opportunities for Canadian businesses consistent with innovation, investment and job growth goals. Recent global surveys continue to rank Canada as a top place to do business. For example, the Economist Intelligence Unit has ranked Canada first in the G20 for doing business over 2017-2021; KPMG has ranked Canada as the most tax competitive country in the G7 with the lowest overall business costs in the G7; the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) shows that Canada leads the G20 in research and development (R&D) spending in higher education as share of GDP with the best tax incentives in the G7 and the most educated talent pool among member nations. Canada moved up three places to second in the 2018 A.T. Kearney Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Index to its highest ranking in the history of the Index. Thomson Reuters' investment in a new technology hub, General Motors' announcement of new manufacturing capacity, NOVA Chemicals (Mubadala) expansion of a new world-scale polyethylene plant in Sarnia, ON, Erwin Hymer’s new manufacturing facility in Cambridge, ON, Tech Mahindra's new centre of excellence in Toronto, ON, and Amazon’s 3,000 job expansion in Vancouver are just a few examples of successes to date. Overall, the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) facilitated 101 investment projects to Canada with an estimated value of $2.25 billion and 2,979 jobs created between April 2016 and March 2017. In addition, the TCS facilitated 159 investor visits to Canada to pursue specific investment projects. Between April 2017 and March 2018, TCS reported 138 wins representing approximately $3.65 billion and over 7,600 new jobs and facilitated 184 site selection visits. "
6/30/2018,281,,Exports and Investment,Ensure alignment between Canada's export and innovation strategies.,Minister of International Trade,Underway - on track,"More Canadian businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, export their products and services.","The Government launched a new Innovation and Skills Plan to: retrain Canadians for the jobs of today and tomorrow; drive investments in six high-growth sectors of the Canadian economy; and to make it easier for businesses and innovators to access the support they need. The Government will ensure that the upcoming Trade and Investment Strategy and the Innovation and Skills Plan will be aligned to: focus on free trade agreement promotion, support exporters and grow global firms by Canadian innovators and entrepreneurs, strengthen investment attraction and support a progressive trade policy agenda."
6/30/2018,282,,Exports and Investment,Implement and expand Canada's Free Trade Agreements globally.,Minister of International Trade,On-going commitment,"Free Trade Agreements increase trade and investment, creating good middle-class jobs.","The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) entered into provisional application in September 2017 and has thus far been ratified at a national level by 10 EU Member States. The Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement entered into force in August 2017. On May 22, the Government tabled the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) treaty in the House of Parliament, and on June 14, it introduced the CPTPP implementation bill in the House of Commons. The Government has entered into negotiations to modernize the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) to reflect new realities and to integrate progressive approaches to trade and investment. Canada also started negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Pacific Alliance, with the latest round having taken place in May 2018 and the next round scheduled in July 2018. In addition, Canada continues to engage China on a possible free trade agreement and is working with India to intensify negotiations on a Canada-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement. Canada continues to work closely with Israel to modernize the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement (CIFTA). Most recently, Canada and Israel signed the modernized agreement on May 28, 2018. In September 2017, Canada and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) agreed to launch exploratory discussions on the potential FTA. The amended Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA), including a chapter on trade and gender, was ratified by Parliament on December 7, 2017. Canada and MERCOSUR launched FTA negotiations on March 9, 2018. A first round of negotiations took place in Ottawa March 20-23, 2018. The second round was held June 11-15, 2018, in Brasilia, Brazil."
6/30/2018,283,,Strong Middle Class,"Improve Canadian competiveness, create jobs and generate economic growth.",Minister of International Trade,On-going commitment,Trade and investment boosts Canadian economic growth.,"Canadian merchandise exports between April 2017 and March 2018 reached a value of $546.3 billion, which is a 4.0% increase from the same period the year before. Merchandise imports during this period also increased in value by 5.7%, totaling $567.5 billion. 296,200 more Canadians were employed at the end of March 2018 compared to March of last year. Average GDP at market prices in 2017 was $1.86 trillion, which is an increase of 3.0% compared to 2016. The Government launched a new Innovation and Skills Plan, an ambitious agenda to make Canada a centre of innovation, create well-paying, middle class jobs, and help more Canadians adapt to the changing economy. This plan will expand opportunities for skills training, drive investments in six high-growth sectors of the Canadian economy, and make it easier for businesses and innovators to access the support they need. Budget 2018 provides funding for programs such as the Canadian Technology Accelerator (CTA) program and the Business Women in Trade; creates the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise; and allocates resources to develop bilateral relations with China and promote trade between Canada, China and Asia. The Government is taking further concrete steps to improve Canadian competitiveness and generate long-term economic growth."
6/30/2018,285,,Canada in the World,Maintain Canada's strong commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).,Minister of National Defence,On-going commitment,The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) remains strong and Canada is a trusted partner in the alliance.,"Canada has substantially increased its commitment to NATO.
Canada will continue its contribution to NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) through Operation REASSURANCE until March 2023. It will also continue to lead NATO’s eFP Battlegroup Latvia as the Framework Nation, and will increase the number of Canadian Armed Forces personnel deployed to Latvia from 455 to 540. Canada’s contribution to NATO under Op REASSURANCE will continue to include air surveillance, air policing, training, and maritime operations.
Further, Canada will assume command of the new NATO Mission in Iraq, focused on training and capacity building of Iraqi Security Forces. This will include the deployment of up to 250 Canadian Armed Forces personnel and assets. Canada has committed to command the mission for the first year, beginning in the fall of 2018.
Canada also participated in NATO activities, programs, and decision-making, including the 2018 Brussels Heads of State and Government Summit. Outside the NATO context, but in close coordination with NATO Allies, Canada has continued its support to Ukraine, including renewal of the mandate for Operation UNIFIER (a military training and capacity building mission), until March 31, 2019, as well as filling senior positions in the NATO Liaison Office in Ukraine."
6/30/2018,286,,Safety and Security,Increase the size of the Canadian Rangers.,Minister of National Defence,Underway - on track,"The Canadian Rangers have the numbers, equipment and training needed to do their job properly.","The Government is in the final stages of determining the resource requirements to increase the capability of the Canadian Rangers. Each Canadian Ranger Patrol Group across the country has had an opportunity to provide input. Canada's new defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—commits to following up with related improvements in equipment and training."
6/30/2018,287,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Review collection of gender statistics to evaluate programs and policies.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,"More data available from Statistics Canada, disaggregated by gender, allowing more informed decision-making.","Status of Women Canada and Statistics Canada are developing a plan to improve the availability and use of gender-disaggregated data to inform programs and policies aimed at advancing gender equality. Budgets 2016 and 2017 included many measures to increase access to gender disaggregated data, including investments in the collection of new data related to gender-based violence and the release of existing data through new reports on Women in Canada. Budget 2018 announced $6.7 million in funding over five years, starting in 2018-19 for a new Centre for Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Statistics to support evidence-based decision-making both in and out of the federal government. In addition, the Government is introducing a new Gender Results Framework—a whole-of-government tool to track and monitor progress on gender equality, and will provide $1.5 million over five years starting in 2018–19 to develop a broader set of indicators to track progress on achieving gender equality objectives. "
6/30/2018,288,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Integrate gender-based questions and content into government consultations.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,All government consultations include gender-based questions and content.,"The Government is developing guidelines for departments to ensure all consultations incorporate gender-based questions. Collecting diverse perspectives through these consultations will allow for the assessment of how diverse groups of women, men and non-binary individuals may experience policies, programs and initiatives."
6/30/2018,289,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Host a national Gender-Based Analysis roundtable in 2018.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,"Strengthened awareness of Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+), its potential use by governments, and opportunities for improvement.",Planning for this national event is now underway.
6/30/2018,290,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Build on the first Gender-based Analysis of Budget 2017 to improve future budgets.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,Comprehensive Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) is incorporated into all future budgets improving public policy.,"The Government is continuing to improve the quality and scope of GBA+ in federal budgets. This includes consultation with experts and key stakeholders during the pre-budget consultations process and meetings with experts and leaders globally. In Budget 2018, no budget decision was taken without being informed by Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+). To ensure that gender remains a key consideration for future governments, the Government will introduce new GBA+ legislation to make gender budgeting a permanent part of the federal budget-making process. "
6/30/2018,291,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) is incorporated into key government reports.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,"All major government reports include Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) considerations, improving their policy recommendations.",The Government has provided guidance to departments and agencies as to where and how GBA+ should be incorporated into their Results Frameworks and Reports on Results. The Government has also provided guidance to departments in incorporating GBA+ into Departmental Plans for 2018/19. The Government is now examining how best to extend GBA+ to other key reports.
6/30/2018,292,,Fair and Open Government,Modernize the Communications Policy of the Government to reflect the modern digital environment.,President of the Treasury Board,Completed - fully met,Government communications that reflect the digital environment.,"The Government of Canada has transformed the communications policy to foster more coordinated communications within and across government departments through the use of innovative methods. This policy will help ensure the Government engages in activities that are timely, clear, cost-effective, in both official languages, accessible and non-partisan. In addition, the policy will help to ensure government communications are clearly branded, both in Canada and abroad."
6/30/2018,293,,Fair and Open Government,Take a more modern approach to comptrollership.,President of the Treasury Board,Completed - fully met,Modernized cost analysis for all Government programs and legislation.,The Government has launched a renewed financial management policy in April 2017. The Treasury Board Secretariat engaged key stakeholders through information sessions and developed guidelines to help federal organizations ensure that financial resources are well managed.
6/30/2018,294,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that a fixed percentage of funds is devoted to experimenting with new approaches to challenges and measure the impact of programs.,President of the Treasury Board,Underway - on track,"Innovation and experimentation are part of routine business of government, and new models are identified that improve outcomes for Canadians.","Ethical and rigorous experimentation is central to the Government’s focus on evidence-based policy-making. By testing program options, departments can generate evidence to learn what works and inform decision-making.
The Government has directed federal agencies and departments to allocate a percentage of program funding towards experimenting with new approaches, measuring impact and delivering better results to Canadians. In December 2016, federal Deputy Ministers were given guidance on experimentation and the use of new and innovative approaches, including user-centred design and outcomes-based funding. In April 2017, the Government provided federal departments with new structures that allow departments to distribute grants and contributions more flexibly under the Treasury Board Policy on Transfer Payments.
More recently, the Impact Canada Initiative was launched to use outcomes-based funding experiments, innovative financing approaches and new partnership models to achieve better results for Canadians. The Clerk of the Privy Council also recently endorsed the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Declaration on Public Sector innovation which calls for more experimentation within programs. The Government launched a new procurement initiative, Innovative Solutions Canada, to match businesses offering early stage prototypes with departments in need of new products or services."
6/30/2018,295,,Fair and Open Government,Exercise due diligence regarding costing analysis prepared by departments for all proposed legislation and programs.,President of the Treasury Board,Underway - on track,Modernized costing informs all proposed legislation and programs.,"The Government issued new best practices for calculating program costs and commissioned a study to identify gaps in the existing costing approach, which will help inform future decisions. The Government is also undertaking a pilot project to better estimate future costing requirements for major procurement projects. This pilot project played a critical role in the development of the new defence policy: Strong, Secure, Engaged. These measures will help make sure solid costing information informs decision-making."
6/30/2018,296,,Environment and Climate Change,Restore annual federal funding for freshwater research and make new investments in Canada’s Experimental Lakes Area.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Completed - fully met,Restored annual federal funding for freshwater research and monitoring activities to keep our water safe.,"In April 2016, $197 million was committed to enhance ocean and freshwater science activities. In June 2016, the Government signed a contribution agreement with the International Institute of Sustainable Development (IISD), to support freshwater research at the Experimental Lakes Area. The Government is also conducting scientific research and monitoring activities in lakes and rivers, such as Lake Winnipeg and the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence watersheds. These measures will improve Canada's understanding of freshwater ecosystems and protect the environment we share."
6/30/2018,297,,Safety and Security,Implement a strategy against gender violence.,Minister of Status of Women,Underway - on track,"Reduced gender-based violence, greater awareness of gender-based violence and better support and services for survivors.","In June 2017, the Government launched It's Time: Canada's Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence, which takes a whole-of-government approach to prevent gender-based violence (GBV), support survivors and their families, and improve the responsiveness of the legal and justice systems. As part of the strategy, a Gender-Based Violence Knowledge Centre will be created to share best practices between governments and service providers.
To date, new programs have been established to implement, test and potentially scale up promising approaches to prevent GBV, including child maltreatment and teen dating violence; and to test promising practices to address gaps in support for Indigenous people and other underserved groups of survivors in Canada, including LGBTQ2 communities and people of all genders, non-status/refugee/immigrant women, seniors, women living in an official language minority community, women living in northern, rural and remote communities, and women living with a disability. Statistics Canada also recently launched a new national survey to collect data on GBV, the first such survey in Canada.
Budget 2018 augments these programs and adds new initiatives to prevent bullying and cyberbullying, investigate child sexual exploitation, and increase access to sexual assault services for military personnel and their families. Budget 2018 also supports efforts to engage men and boys in promoting gender equality, announced the funding to establish a national framework for addressing gender-based violence in post-secondary institutions, and funding to support the RCMP’s Sexual Assault Review Team.
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6/30/2018,298,,Jobs and Innovation,"Help small- and medium-sized enterprises grow, become more innovative and export oriented.","Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Small Business and Tourism",Underway - on track,"Double the number of high-growth firms in Canada by 2025 to create good, middle class jobs, strengthen communities, and grow the economy.","Small business owners work hard to provide Canadians with quality goods and services while also creating job opportunities that strengthen communities across the country and grow the middle class. The Government is focused on helping small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) export and grow. The Government’s Innovation and Skills Plan, introduced in Budget 2017, introduced a suite of initiatives to help Canadian innovators and entrepreneurs grow their companies. The Strategic Innovation Fund, launched in July 2017, is a $1.26 billion fund designed to help companies from across sectors of the economy access regional and global supply chains and support growth through innovation to create new, good, well-paying jobs. Innovative Solutions Canada, launched in December 2017, is a new program with over $100 million dedicated to supporting the scale up and growth of Canada’s innovators and entrepreneurs by having the federal government act as a first customer. The Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative (VCCI) will make $400 million available through the Business Development Bank of Canada to increase late-stage venture capital funding for Canadian firms looking to grow, expand and compete globally. The call for proposals for VCCI support was launched in December 2017. The first stream of funding to five funds-of-funds was announced on June 26, 2018. The Innovation Canada digital platform was launched in January 2018 and provides simplified and customized access to the business innovation support programs that are most appropriate for companies depending on their sector, stage of growth and innovation support needs. These new initiatives complement existing programs such as the Industrial Research Assistance Program and the CanExport Program."
6/30/2018,299,,Strong Middle Class,Support regional economic growth strategies.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - on track,Inclusive growth and economic diversification in all regions through improved programs and strategies.,"The Atlantic Growth Strategy was launched in 2016 and has set an ambitious vision to grow Atlantic Canada's economy. The strategy targets joint areas of priority including: innovation, trade & investment, skills/immigration, clean growth and infrastructure.
In Budget 2018, the Government identified regional development agencies as one of four key platforms which will help to grow Canadian businesses and advance the Innovation and Skills Plan across all regions of Canada (with the other three key platforms being: the Industrial Research Assistance Program, the Strategic Innovation Fund, and the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service).
Starting in 2018–19, the Government is providing more than $500 million over five years to regional development agencies to foster economic growth, including regionally tailored funding for women entrepreneurs as part of the new Women Entrepreneurship Strategy.
The Government is also extending core funding of the regional development agencies that is currently time-limited:
• $20 million per year, starting in 2018–19 and ongoing, to the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency;
• $920 million over six years, starting in 2018–19, to renew the funding for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
On April 9th 2018, the Government unveiled a regional economic development strategy for Northern Ontario that is centered on supporting innovation, growing companies and building stronger communities and ensuring communities have the necessary skills for the middle-class jobs of tomorrow."
6/30/2018,300,,Safety and Security,"Review the criminal justice system, including sentencing reforms, to ensure it keeps us safe and it is fair.",Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,"Crime rates are reduced, the justice system has the resources it needs, and all Canadians have access to justice through a fairer system.","The Government continues to review the criminal justice system, including sentencing reforms, to ensure that it keeps Canadians safe, while also addressing the overrepresentation of vulnerable groups in our prisons, including Indigenous people and those with mental illness. Using various platforms, such as in-person meetings and online discussion fora, Canadians had an opportunity to share their views on what can be done to improve the Criminal Justice System. The public consultation closed on January 31, 2018. A report on the findings of the online consultation will be released in the summer of 2018. This follows a program of broad engagement with justice system partners, stakeholders from diverse perspectives and various sectors, for which the report was released on March 22, 2018. The Government has introduced bills that demonstrate respect for the courts and the Charter, including a bill to modernize the Criminal Code by removing outdated provisions as well as clarifying and strengthening sexual assault laws. Additionally, in March 2018, the Government tabled legislation to improve the efficiency of the criminal justice system and address court delays in six key areas: (1) modernize and streamline the bail regime; (2) enhance the approach to administration of justice offences, including for youth; (3) restrict the availability of preliminary inquiries to offences carrying life imprisonment; (4) reclassify some offences to provide greater flexibility and court efficiencies; (5) improve the jury composition and selection process; and, (6) strengthen case management measures and processes for making rules of court. Further, a number of these reforms will assist in reducing the overrepresentation of Indigenous people and vulnerable populations in the criminal justice system, including those with addictions and mental illness.
Budget 2016 and 2017 committed funding for more judges in Superior Courts, greater support programming on judicial education, ethics and conduct, further funding for court translation in both of Canada's official languages, long-term mandate in the Indigenous Justice Program which will provide a foundation for increasing restorative justice practices and more legal aid services provided in the provinces and territories, including specialized services to Indigenous people, and those with mental illness. Additional representation and services will also be offered through the Indigenous Justice Programs that will provide community-based justice programs and the Indigenous Courtwork Program for Indigenous people to help them navigate the criminal justice system. "
6/30/2018,305,,Strong Middle Class,"Eliminate the $1,000 Labour Market Impact Assessment fee to hire caregivers.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Elimination of the Labour Market Impact Assessment fee to hire caregivers so those in need of assistance can meet their family caregiving responsibilities.,"Effective December 8, 2017, the Government eliminated the Labour Market Impact Assessment processing fee for families seeking to hire foreign caregivers to provide care for persons with high medical needs, and for families with an income of less than $150,000 in annual income seeking to hire foreign caregivers to provide child care. These changes will ensure that support is targeted at those most in need of assistance to meet their family caregiving responsibilities."
6/30/2018,307,,Strong Middle Class,Promote good quality jobs by developing the Global Skills Strategy.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,"Shorter processing times and a dedicated service channel for employers seeking to attract highly skilled, in-demand global talent, leading to more investment and job creation in Canada.","In June 2017, as part of the Global Skills Strategy, the Government of Canada launched the new Global Talent Stream under the Temporary Foreign Worker program for a period of two years. This new Stream helps eligible companies attract highly-skilled global talent to scale up and remain globally competitive while creating good, middle class jobs in Canada. High-growth Canadian companies and global businesses making large investments in Canada can apply. Companies that apply have to demonstrate that the talent they wish to bring to Canada will provide labour market benefits for Canadians and that the position is in high-demand. They have access to an expedited review process lasting no more than a combined 20 business days from end to end, including reviews conducted by Employment and Social Development Canada and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada."
6/30/2018,308,,Government Services and Operations,Develop a strategy that aims to create a single online window for all government services.,President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Public Services and Procurement;Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - with challenges,Government of Canada services and programs are simpler and Canadians can access them more easily.,"The Government of Canada Service Strategy will be released through the Government's long-term plan to improve services to Canadians. This plan will include measures to improve service standards and create a simpler, more focused online window for services. This plan will also include targeted investments to improve specific services, which will lead to simpler and more online tax filing options; more online services from the Canadian Border Services Agency; more digital options and self-service capabilities for student loans; auto-enrollment to Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement services; shorter immigration processing times; better integration of Veterans services; improved access to Employment Insurance; and simpler, more integrated information sharing to reduce administration and red tape hindering access to business services. In keeping with its Budget 2017 commitment to use technology to better serve Canadians, the Government has also established the Canadian Digital Service (CDS). The CDS is working with departments to make it faster, simpler and easier for Canadians to access benefits and services online. Achieving integrated online government service delivery will take time due to required Government-wide IT transformation and legislative changes."
6/30/2018,309,,Government Services and Operations,Set transparent service standards for the delivery of Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,"Canadians making inquiries about Employment Insurance (EI) will receive answers more quickly, consistent with new, higher service standards.","As a result of Budget 2016 investments ($73 million), the EI Call Centre network significantly increased its capacity and improved its service accessibility. Building on these investments, Budget 2018 will provide an additional $127.7 million over three years to further improve accessibility and ensure Canadians receive timely and accurate information and assistance with Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.
In May 2016, the Government launched the EI Service Quality Review (SQR). The SQR sought input from stakeholders and Canadians on ways Service Canada could improve the quality of EI services on the phone, online and in person. The final report provided ten recommendations on how to make EI service delivery more responsive to the needs of Canadians. Service Canada used this input to review EI service standards, completed in March 2018, and is considering next steps.
In 2017-18, the Government consulted with Canadians as part of reviews of the EI, Old Age Security (OAS) and Canada Pension Plan (CPP) service standards, the results of which are informing the consideration of potential changes to these standards.
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6/30/2018,311,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Improve the Temporary Foreign Worker Program so it meets the needs of Canadian workers and employers.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,"The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) contributes to sustained economic growth without displacing qualified Canadians, meets the needs of workers and employers and protects the vulnerable.","The Government has taken action in a number of areas to improve the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) guided, in part, by the 2016 recommendations of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons' with Disabilities study of the TFWP. Budget 2017 confirmed permanent funding for the risk-based, TFWP employer compliance inspection regime, an increase in on-site inspections in sectors with high volumes of vulnerable workers such as Primary Agriculture, and to support work with industry sectors that rely on Temporary Foreign Workers to develop comprehensive workforce development strategies in partnership with employers, organized labour and other stakeholders. To ensure that Canadians always have the first opportunity at available jobs, the Government introduced a number of changes to improve the TFWP. Changes include: ending the four year cumulative duration rule; introducing the new Global Talent Stream for high-skill to help high-growth Canadian companies attract specialized global talent that will create new jobs for Canadians; increasing the requirement of employers to recruit Canadians typically under-represented in our workforce; extending the low-wage cap for seasonal employment; increasing on-site inspections of workplaces that employ temporary foreign workers; committing to further develop pathways to permanent residency so that eligible newcomers are able to more fully contribute to Canadian society; and working with heavy users of the TFWP to create Canadian workforce development strategies in partnership with employers, organized labour and other stakeholders.
The Government is collaborating with stakeholders across the country to improve migrant workers’ experience. Recently, the Government announced funding for the Migrant Workers’ Dignity Association to help migrant workers become better informed about their rights as workers in Canada through the development of workshops, information tools and other materials aimed at informing TFWs on topics such as housing, health care, access to special benefits, and other rights. Budget 2018 proposed $3.4 million over two years, beginning 2018-19, to establish, on a pilot basis a network of support organizations for temporary foreign workers dealing with potential abuse by their employers. This network would support these workers in reporting wrongdoing and provide information on their rights to temporarily remain and work in Canada free from harassment and abuse. Additionally, Budget 2018 proposed $194.1 million over five years, beginning in 2018-19, and $33.2 million per year ongoing for unannounced inspections under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, continued implementation of the International Mobility Program compliance regime, and the ongoing collection of labour market information related to open work permits. The Government continues to monitor the program and look at opportunities for further improvement.
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6/30/2018,312,,Fair and Open Government,Make meetings of the Board of Internal Economy open by default.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,Improved transparency in the administration of Parliament.,"The House of Commons has adopted changes to ensure that meetings of the Board of Internal Economy are open by default, meaning they will be public unless it is necessary to deal with particular items in-camera, as outlined in the Parliament of Canada Act, or the by-laws of the Board. Unanimous consent of all members present at the meeting would be required should the Board wish to hold a closed meeting on any other issue. These changes will increase parliamentary transparency for Canadians."
6/30/2018,313,,Strong Middle Class,Make post-secondary education more affordable for low and middle income families.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,Hundreds of thousands of students receive increased grant-based aid through Canada Student Grants and students are better able to manage student loan repayments upon graduation. The Government expects more low and middle income students to attend post-secondary education.,"In 2016, the Government increased Canada Student Grants (CSGs) by 50%, helping over 360,000 students from low- and middle-income families to receive up to $1,000 more per year in grants. Starting in 2017-18, new CSG thresholds were introduced, meaning that over 400,000 students from low- and middle-income families are estimated to receive up to $3,000 in non-repayable financial aid each and every year, 46,000 of whom are newly eligible for grants.
The Government also increased thresholds for the Repayment Assistance Plan so that no graduate will have to repay their Canada Student Loan until they earn at least $25,000 per year. This change has already helped about 23,000 Canadians delay their payments.
Under the Skills Boost initiative, additional measures announced in Budget 2017 will be available in 2018-19. These include: increasing eligibility thresholds for CSGs for students with dependent children, helping an additional 13,000 students; increasing eligibility thresholds for part-time students, helping an additional 10,000 students; and introducing a three-year pilot project targeted to adult learners that will provide an estimated 43,000 students an additional $1,600 in grant support and allow flexibility to base CSG eligibility on current year’s income. The Skills Boost will also provide greater flexibility for Canadians on Employment Insurance (EI) to get new certificates or training without fear of losing their benefits.
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6/30/2018,315,,Strong Middle Class,Index Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) payments to a new Seniors' Price Index.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,The cost of living for seniors is better reflected in their Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) benefits through a Seniors' Price Index.,The Government of Canada is exploring options and international best practices for a new Seniors' Price Index to make sure support for seniors reflects their needs.
6/30/2018,316,,Strong Middle Class,Cancel the increase in age of eligibility for Old Age Security (OAS) from 65 to 67.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,The age of eligibility for Old Age Security (OAS) has been returned to 65 and provides greater financial security for our most vulnerable seniors.,"The Government of Canada cancelled the planned increase in age of eligibility for Old Age Security, so that eligibility is maintained at age 65. This will help ensure they benefit from a secure and dignified retirement."
6/30/2018,317,,Strong Middle Class,Coordinate programs to support low income seniors with provinces and territories.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",On-going commitment,"Federal, provincial and territorial governments collaborate so seniors get the full benefits to which they are entitled.",The Government of Canada implemented the increase to the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and engaged with provinces and territories (PT) to ensure that low-income seniors who receive PT income supplements fully benefit from the increase. The Government will continue to seek new opportunities to work together to support our most vulnerable seniors and ensure that seniors receive the full benefit of the GIS.
6/30/2018,318,,Strong Middle Class,Prioritize affordable housing and seniors' housing as part of the National Housing Strategy.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",On-going commitment,"Reduced housing need for seniors through rental support to reduce the cost of housing and enable seniors to age in place, and increased supply of affordable housing units specifically targeted towards seniors.","On November 22, 2017 the Government announced a 10-year, $40 billion National Housing Strategy that will help reduce homelessness and improve the availability and quality of housing for Canadians in need. This Strategy is part of a long-term vision to strengthen the middle class and provide affordable housing to Canadians, and lift more Canadians out of poverty. The strategy sets clear goals to remove 530,000 Canadians from housing need and reduce chronic homelessness, prioritizing the most vulnerable Canadians including seniors.
Budget 2016 provided investments of $200.7 million over two years to increase affordable housing for seniors and improve their housing conditions, to be delivered by provinces and territories through the Investment in Affordable Housing. The National Housing Strategy re-establishes the federal government as a leader in the area of affordable housing. Working in collaboration with provinces, territories and local communities, the Strategy will leverage significant new capacity to build, repair and renew affordable housing across the country. As part of the Strategy, the new National Housing Co-Investment Fund will prioritize projects that have the greatest impact on communities and vulnerable populations, including seniors. As a result of these investments, at least 12,000 new affordable units will be created for seniors."
6/30/2018,319,,Strong Middle Class,Provide support to maintain rent-geared-to-income subsidies in existing social housing.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Affordable housing remains accessible to Canadians who need it during the transition through the expiry of current operating agreements.,"Community housing has been the backbone of Canada’s response to housing challenges for more than 60 years and provides an affordable place to live for thousands of Canadians. Federal investments have supported the creation of community housing for low- and modest-income families and individuals. About 80% of all community housing is administered by the provinces and territories. As long-term social housing operating agreements expire, the Government will renew its investments in provinces and territories to protect low-income households and stabilize the operations of housing providers. The Government is deeply committed to ensuring that Canada’s existing community housing stock remains affordable and in good repair well into the future.
On November 22, 2017 the Government announced a 10-year, $40 billion National Housing Strategy that will help reduce homelessness and improve the availability and quality of housing for Canadians in need. This Strategy is part of a long-term vision to strengthen the middle class and provide affordable housing to Canadians, and lift more Canadians out of poverty. The strategy sets clear goals to remove 530,000 Canadians from housing need and reduce chronic homelessness, prioritizing the most vulnerable Canadians including seniors.
As part of the National Housing Strategy, the Government will support the provinces and territories as they protect and build a sustainable community-based housing sector, through a $4.3-billion Canada Community Housing Initiative. Additionally, to protect tenants living in federally administered community housing as operating agreements expire and to stabilize the operations of housing providers, the federal government will implement a new 10-year, $500-million Federal Community Housing Initiative. This initiative will put in place new operating agreements as old social housing operating agreements expire. As a result of these investments, 385,000 households will be protected from losing an affordable home."
6/30/2018,320,,Strong Middle Class,Invest in Housing First to reduce homelessness.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Chronic and episodic homelessness is reduced by as much as 50% compared to current levels.,"On November 22, 2017 the Government announced a 10-year, $40 billion National Housing Strategy that will help reduce homelessness and improve the availability and quality of housing for Canadians in need. This Strategy is part of a long-term vision to strengthen the middle class and provide affordable housing to Canadians, and lift more Canadians out of poverty. The strategy sets clear goals to remove 530,000 Canadians from housing need and reduce chronic homelessness, and to reduce chronic homelessness by half.
As part of the National Housing Strategy, the Government announced a total investment of $2.2 billion for homelessness over 10 years, building on Budget 2016 funding of $111.8 million over two years (2016-2017 and 2017-2018). By 2021-22, this will nearly double the investments made in 2015-16. These increased investment levels are expected to reduce the number of Canadians who are chronically or episodically homeless by as much as 50% compared to current levels. The Government has also been consulting with stakeholders, provinces, territories and Indigenous partners to redesign the program. These consultations are guided by the work of an Advisory Committee launched on June 22, 2017 and chaired by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. As part of the engagement process, an online consultation inviting Canadians to share their ideas on how to prevent and reduce homelessness took place and closed on September 15, 2017. A What We Heard report was released to the public on May 18, 2018. A redesigned federal response to homelessness will be implemented starting April 1, 2019."
6/30/2018,321,,Strong Middle Class,Remove all GST on new capital investments in affordable rental housing.,"Minister of Finance;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Not being pursued,See below.,"All Canadians should have a safe and affordable place to call home. The Government concluded, based on research and evidence, that there were more effective ways of encouraging the construction of affordable rental housing. Budget 2016 introduced a targeted approach to stimulate the construction of affordable rental housing by providing funding to establish the Affordable Rental Housing Innovation Fund and Rental Construction Financing Initiative. Budget 2017 announced the investment of more than $11.2 billion over 11 years in various initiatives that will help build, renew and repair Canada’s affordable housing and make sure Canadians have affordable housing that meets their needs. The National Housing Strategy, launched on November 22, 2017, includes additional measures to stimulate the construction of affordable rental housing. The Rental Construction Financing Initiative offers $2.5 billion in low-cost loans to support the construction of new rental housing. Budget 2018 proposed expanding this initiative with an additional $1.25B in low-cost loan over the next three years.
Through the National Housing Strategy, the federal government is re-engaging in affordable housing by investing in the growth of livable communities and the resilience of the community housing sector. To ensure existing rental housing is not lost to disrepair and to develop new, high-performing affordable housing integrated with supports and services, the federal government is creating a $15.9-billion federally managed National Housing Co-Investment Fund. The National Housing Co-Investment Fund alone is expected to create up to 60,000 new units of housing and repair up to 240,000 units of existing affordable and community housing. The Fund will consist of nearly $4.7 billion in financial contributions and $11.2 billion in low interest loans. The Government’s recently announced Rental Construction Financing Initiative will be integrated into the National Housing Co-Investment Fund, as will the Government’s recently created Affordable Rental Innovation Fund. Applications for the National Housing Co-Investment Fund will be accepted starting April 2018.
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6/30/2018,322,,Strong Middle Class,Modernize the Home Buyers' Plan.,"Minister of Finance;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - with challenges,Canadians impacted by a sudden and significant life change are better able to manage the costs of finding a home or relocating.,"In considering this proposal, the Government is examining how best to balance support for Canadians who have had a change of circumstance, such as a divorce or a change in employment, with the need to preserve and maintain retirement savings (e.g. Registered Retirement Savings Plans). To date, the Government has made other changes to provide greater legal support for families facing divorce and training programs to help Canadians transitioning between jobs. The Government has also taken a number of steps to ensure Canada has a regulated and stable housing market, including: improving mortgage financing rules, creating the Affordable Housing Innovation Fund and Rental Construction Financing Initiative, and investing $11.2 billion over the next 11 years to help build, repair and maintain affordable housing across Canada. These measures will help address the challenges of housing affordability faced by Canadians in many large urban centres, encourage the creation of new rental housing construction and re-establish a long-term federal role in housing."
6/30/2018,324,,Strong Middle Class,Identify available federal lands that could be repurposed for affordable housing.,"Minister of Public Services and Procurement;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Underway - on track,Increased available land to build new affordable housing and increased housing supply where it is needed.,"As part of the National Housing Strategy, the Government is launching in the summer of 2018 a new Federal Lands initiative to make surplus federal lands and buildings available at a discounted cost (up to no cost) for new affordable housing. Over the next ten years, up to $200 million in federal lands will be transferred to eligible participants to encourage the development of sustainable, accessible, mixed-income, mixed-use developments and communities."
6/30/2018,325,,Strong Middle Class,Review prices in high-priced housing markets and consider all policy tools that could keep home ownership within reach for more Canadians.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",On-going commitment,Federal policy tools are employed to help keep home ownership within reach for more Canadians.,"The Government has completed analysis of factors impacting house prices, including identifying important data gaps and strategies to reduce these gaps, informed by consultations with a number of industry, academic, provincial and municipal government stakeholders. A final report, ""Examining Escalating House Prices in Large Canadian Cities"", providing an analysis of the underlying drivers of house price increases and a set of policy tools to help keep home ownership within reach for more Canadians, was publicly released on February 7, 2018. The release of this final report sets the stage for additional policy discussion and coordination across various levels of government."
6/30/2018,326,,Strong Middle Class,Bring forward a proposal to prevent mortgage fraud.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Mortgage fraud is reduced.,"Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has developed an Action Plan with measures to mitigate and prevent mortgage fraud, and is engaging industry stakeholders to implement the plan.
As of January 1, 2018, CMHC has joined the Citadel fraud management consortium operated by Equifax. CMHC will participate in the Competition Bureau’s Fraud Prevention Month program with announcements on fraud prevention activities and efforts to raise public awareness of issues related to mortgage fraud. CMHC is also co-sponsoring a fraud prevention conference in Quebec City, hosted by École nationale d’administration publique (ENAC), in September 2018."
6/30/2018,327,,Strong Middle Class,Use the best data available to make decisions on housing.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",On-going commitment,Better data and understanding of the housing market to inform policy decisions so that the Government can help Canadians secure good housing.,"The Government is developing a new Housing Statistics Framework that will be administered by Statistics Canada, and is investing to improve data collection and analytics through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). These investments will help track progress on the National Housing Strategy, better support informed policy decisions, and build on the reintroduction of the mandatory long-form census for 2016, which provides for more accurate collection of data on key things like housing."
6/30/2018,328,,Strong Middle Class,Raise taxes on the top 1% of earners.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,A fairer tax system where the richest pay their share.,"On December 7, 2015, the Government of Canada announced it would create a new top personal income tax rate of 33% for individual taxable incomes above $200,000, effective January 1, 2016 (increased from 29%). The Government continues to explore other measures to ensure tax fairness."
6/30/2018,329,,Fair and Open Government,Repeal elements of the Fair Elections Act which make it harder for Canadians to vote.,Minister of Democratic Institutions,Underway - on track,Barriers are reduced to electoral participation for all Canadians and there is greater integrity in the electoral process.,"On April 30, 2018, the Government introduced the Elections Modernization Act(Bill C-76). Among other changes, the legislation proposes improvements to the integrity of the electoral system, and repeal provisions in the previous Fair Elections Act that made it harder for Canadians to vote. The legislation includes the measures that were previously introduced through Bill C-33. Notably, the changes reinstate the Voter Information Card as authorized identification (ID), restore vouching for those without proper ID, expand voting rights to more than one million Canadians living abroad, expand the Chief Electoral Officer’s ability to educate Canadians to improve civic literacy and knowledge and help future young voters participate in the electoral process by pre-registering youth aged 14-17 so they can more easily vote when they turn 18. The legislation has been referred to Committee in the House of Commons. "
6/30/2018,330,,Fair and Open Government,Conduct a review of government spending to reduce poorly targeted and inefficient programs.,President of the Treasury Board;Minister of Finance,Underway - on track,Programs are effective and deliver measurable results for Canadians.,"Launched in Budget 2017, the horizontal review on innovation and clean technology is now complete, with results announced in Budget 2018. The second launched horizontal review on fixed assets is ongoing, which is being conducted in phases and is expected to be completed in 2019-20. The three departmental reviews also announced in Budget 2017, the Canada Border Services Agency, the Canada School of Public Service, and Health Canada, are underway and details will be announced when available. As part of Budget 2018, the Government launched a review on the Canada Revenue Agency’s service model to ensure that Canadians interacting with the Agency feel like valued clients, not just taxpayers. Budget 2018 also proposes to undertake a horizontal review of skills programming over the next year to maximize the effectiveness of programs that provide support to Canada’s labour force to ensure workers and students have the information and training needed to meet future challenges and opportunities head on. In addition, Budget 2018 announced a set of targeted reviews over the next three years of regulatory requirements and practices that are bottlenecks to innovation and growth with an initial focus on agri-food and aquaculture, health/bio-sciences, and transportation and infrastructure. Further details about these reviews will be available in the coming months."
6/30/2018,331,,Strong Middle Class,Provide more flexible parental leave.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Parents who want to spend more time at home with their children have the option of doing so with protected Employment Insurance parental benefits.,"With Budget 2017, the Government of Canada created more flexible maternity and parental leave benefits. The changes allow parents to spread their parental benefit over a longer period of time (18 months), and give mothers the option to begin receiving Employment Insurance maternity benefits up to 12 weeks before their due date – up from eight weeks. The changes took effect December 3rd and give parents more support to spend time with their kids.
Further, to support greater gender equality in the home and in the workplace, Budget 2018 proposes to introduce a new EI Parental Sharing Benefit which will provide additional weeks of “use it or lose it” EI parental benefits, when both parents agree to share parental leave. "
6/30/2018,332,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure the successful integration of refugees into Canadian society.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Underway - on track,Improved social and economic outcomes for refugees.,"The Government is currently studying how to deliver language training and employment services in a better, more collaborative way, as well as test innovative approaches, to improve the participation of newcomers in social, cultural, civic, and economic life in Canada."
6/30/2018,334,,Healthy Canadians,Ensure safety and non-discrimination in blood donation policies.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"An evidence-based, safe and non-discriminatory approach to ensuring an adequate blood supply.","A safe and effective blood system is a cornerstone of health care delivery. In June 2016, Health Canada approved a request from Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec to reduce the blood donation ineligibility period for men who have sex with men from five years to one year. This change was based on scientific evidence brought forward by the blood operators and brought Canada in line with other global regulators, such as the United States, France, Australia and the Netherlands. At the same time, the Government of Canada provided $3 million to Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec to conduct behavioural research and organize an international seminar. In 2017, the first round of competitions was undertaken which resulted in funding eleven research projects; the second and final funding competition was announced in February 2018 and research projects will be announced in summer 2018. Results of these research projects are expected to be available between fall 2018 and winter 2020 which will inform further changes that could be undertaken to implement an evidence-based, safe and non-discriminatory approach to donations from men who have sex with men."
6/30/2018,335,,Healthy Canadians,Facilitate collaboration on an organ and tissue donation and transplant system that gives Canadians timely access to care.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,An increase in the supply of organs and tissue available so that Canadians get timely and effective access to care.,"Since April 2008, the Government has worked collaboratively with provinces and territories to improve the Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplant system in Canada. This includes better collaboration, public education and use of best practices to increase donations and ultimately an increase in the supply of organs and tissue so that Canadians are able to access them when needed.
According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, a total of 2,835 lifesaving transplants were performed in Canada (including Quebec) in 2016, a 32% increase since 2007. Over the last 10 years, the rate of deceased donation has increased 42% but the rate of living donation has decreased 11%. There were 4,500 patients on organ waitlists at the end of 2016, and 260 patients died in 2016 while waiting for a transplant.
Health Canada is facilitating a process with Canadian Blood Services (CBS) and the provincial/territorial members of the PT Blood Liaison Committee (PTBLC) , led by Saskatchewan, to identify and explore how to make greater progress on governance and oversight, integration, coordination and system performance. An update on consultations, as well as research on domestic and international leading ODT policies and practices, will be presented to the PTBLC and CBS in July 2018."
6/30/2018,336,,Healthy Canadians,"Ensure Canada's response to the current opioid crisis is robust, well-coordinated and effective.",Minister of Health,Underway - with challenges,"Federal opioid response is evidence-based, collaborative and comprehensive, and the harm caused by opioid use—including overdoses and accidental deaths—is reduced.","Problematic opioid use and overdose is currently a crisis in Canada, causing devastation to individuals, families and communities. The Government of Canada is deeply concerned about the growing number of opioid-related overdoses and deaths and is committed to taking strong action. Despite early efforts, evidence suggests that the opioid crisis is intensifying and spreading.
The federal government is working with all partners to confront this crisis and develop a pan-Canadian response. On November 19, 2016, a Joint Statement of Action to Address the Opioid Crisis was announced and included key actions by the federal health portfolio, provincial/territorial governments and national health organizations. Federal Government actions include coordinating the opioid response with provincial and territorial counterparts through the Special Advisory Committee on the Epidemic of Opioid Overdoses and the Problematic Substance Use and Harms Committee. Budget 2017 committed $100 million over five years to support the federal response to the crisis focused in four areas: public education, harm reduction, addiction treatment and counselling, and law enforcement. Budget 2018 commits a further $231.4 million over five years for additional measures to help address the opioid crisis, including $150 million to support provinces and territories in improving access to treatment services for problematic substance use.
The Government of Canada also regularly engages non-government partners, including people who use drugs and people with lived and living experience, through regular multisector discussions, Ministerial roundtables, consultations, working meetings, and other mechanisms. Federal efforts are focused on working with provinces and territories to implement harm reduction approaches and increase access to treatment, supporting innovative approaches to address the crisis, and addressing stigma related to opioid use. The Government is also working towards finding new approaches to reduce opioid-related deaths and prevent future tragedies. An Impact Canada Challenge is currently being designed to encourage the development of opioid detection and testing technologies to help reduce harm to those who use drugs. On June 19, 2018, the Government released an updated national report on apparent opioid-related deaths including final figures for 2017."
6/30/2018,337,,Healthy Canadians,Ensure Canada has a solid surveillance system for monitoring and reporting overdoses and deaths related to opioids.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,Effective monitoring and reporting of overdoses and deaths related to opioids.,"The Government is committed to releasing updated data on a quarterly basis, in collaboration with provinces and territories. The Government is also working with provinces and territories to collect additional data on opioid use and harms. On June 19, 2018, the Government released preliminary data on opioid-related deaths for all of 2017."
6/30/2018,338,,Healthy Canadians,Review Canada's framework for dealing with public health emergencies.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"Public health emergencies and events are prevented, detected, and responded to effectively","The Public Health Agency of Canada is working with Health Portfolio partners and Public Safety Canada to assess its processes, mechanisms and tools to ensure timely and effective response to public health emergencies."
6/30/2018,339,,Healthy Canadians,"Curb opioid misuse by introducing prescribing guidelines, tracking prescriptions at the patient level, and increasing transparency in marketing and promotion of therapies.",Minister of Health,Underway - with challenges,"A reduction in inappropriate prescription of opioids, improved tracking of prescriptions, and better management of transitions where opioids are no longer required so as to reduce opioid dependency.","The Government is working with provinces, territories, and partners to address prescribing practices and prescription monitoring in Canada. The Canadian Institutes of Health Research is funding the Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse to develop a national guideline for medication-assisted treatment of opioid use disorder. That national guideline was published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal on March 5, 2018. The Government is collaborating with provinces and territories through the Problematic Substance Use and Harms Committee to share lessons learned and best practices in prescription monitoring.
In January 2018, Health Canada hosted a working session with provinces and territories to develop national standards for prescription monitoring programs.
The Government is also exploring options to increase transparency in the marketing of opioids. On June 19, 2018, the Government announced a series of measures to address industry's opioid marketing and advertising practices. This included the publication of a Notice of Intent to restrict most forms of prescription opioid marketing. Health Canada will continue to engage with provinces and territories, as well as other stakeholders, in the coming months."
6/30/2018,340,,Healthy Canadians,Ensure communities can introduce effective opioid treatments and programs.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,Canadians have access to community-based opioid treatments and programs that are effective in reducing harm.,"Treatment is the key to moving people from using drugs to recovery. Budget 2018 includes measures to provide one-time emergency funding of $150 million for provinces and territories for multi-year projects that improve access to evidence-based treatments.
In addition, the federal government has used its regulatory powers to make naloxone more widely available and to expedite approval of the nasal spray version. Further, the Government published regulations allowing the import of drugs for opioid use disorder treatments not yet approved in Canada. On March 26, 2018, the Minister of Health announced the removal of barriers to accessing diacetylmorphine (prescription-grade heroin) and methadone for the treatment of opioid use disorder. The regulatory amendments were published in the Canada Gazette, Part II on March 21, 2018. "
6/30/2018,341,,Healthy Canadians,Promote the Canada Health Act to make absolutely clear that extra-billings and user fees are illegal and reporting is improved.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"Canadians have access to publicly funded health care, without financial barriers at point of service.","The Government of Canada continues to engage with provinces and territories to ensure patients are not inappropriately charged for publicly insured services. Under the Canada Health Act, provinces and territories that permit extra-billing and user charges for insured health care services are subject to mandatory dollar-for-dollar deductions from their federal Canada Health Transfer entitlement. To better encourage provinces to re-align their publicly funded health care systems with the Canada Health Act when instances of non-compliance arise, and to recognize when provinces take corrective action, the Government has made legislative amendments to allow Canada Health Transfer deductions to be reimbursed when a province or territory has taken the necessary steps to eliminate extra-billing and user charges. The Government of Canada is also engaged in discussions with provinces and territories on ways to improve reporting on Canada Health Act compliance to Canadians.
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6/30/2018,342,,Healthy Canadians,Develop a new self-governed approach to delivering health services to Indigenous peoples and reduce health inequities between Indigenous peoples and non-Indigenous Canadians.,Minister of Health;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs;Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - on track,"New co-developed approaches to Indigenous health services that will be client-centred, culturally relevant and sustainable, resulting in healthier children, families and improved community wellness.","The Government is in the process of formally creating a new Department of Indigenous Services to focus on improving service delivery to Indigenous peoples. This new department includes the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch.
Budget 2017 announced an investment of $828 million over 5 years (starting in 2017-18) to improve a range of health outcomes. The Government is currently working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis to co-develop distinctions-based approaches to the delivery of health care. The Government's goal is to support capacity building in Indigenous communities so that they are able to manage their own health services.
This gap in health outcomes can be narrowed, and providing access to quality health care close to home is an essential part of that change. To keep Indigenous families healthy, Budget 2018 proposes to invest over $1.5 billion over five years, for Indigenous health, starting in 2018–19, and $149 million per year ongoing thereafter. This includes $498 million, with $97.6 million per year ongoing, to sustain access to critical medical care and services.
Of this funding, $235 million will support work with First Nations partners to transform First Nations health systems by expanding successful models of self-determination so that health programs and services are developed, delivered and controlled by and for First Nations. This investment will also support access to quality and First Nations-controlled health care in remote and isolated James Bay communities as part of the Weeneebayko Area Health Integration Framework Agreement. First Nations are leading processes (in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec) to develop models for self-determination in health service-delivery. Memoranda of Understanding/agreements to advance these processes have/are being signed to confirm shared priorities. Other regional engagement efforts are underway across the country to identify strategies for transforming service delivery, including opportunities for increasing Indigenous control over services. In addition to the ongoing implementation of the historic British Columbia Tripartite Framework Agreement, which transferred operational control of health programs and services to the British Columbia First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), the Government is also facilitating a dialogue with the FNHA on how they might address the wider social determinants of health (initial focus on mental wellness and addictions).
Included in Budget 2018 is the investment of $27.5 million over five years to support enhanced prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment of Tuberculosis (TB) and latent TB infection in Inuit Nunangat. Each of the four regions in Inuit Nunangat is developing an action plan to eliminate TB among Inuit by 2030, with a reduction of at least 50% of active TB by 2025. Enhanced efforts to reduce latent TB and active TB have already begun. The Government of Canada provided $500,000 to the Government of Nunatsiavut to be used in TB elimination activities. In addition, the government is providing ongoing surge capacity including nurses and epidemiologists, as well as administrative and coordination support for the TB outbreak. Nunavik has recently launched a communication campaign to reach out to youth in particular. The Government of Canada has recently assisted the Government of Nunavut to respond to a TB outbreak by investing, for example, in the purchase of rapid TB diagnostic technology and facilitating timely access to rifapentine, an antibiotic used in the treatment of latent TB. To streamline coordination of the elimination work moving forward, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami will continue the Inuit TB Elimination Framework development, in collaboration with the Government of Canada, through the Inuit Public Health Task Group, a subcommittee of the National Inuit Committee on Health.
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6/30/2018,343,,Government Services and Operations,Help Veterans gain skills to successfully transition to the civilian workforce.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"More Veterans, Canadian Armed Forces members, and their spouses/common-law partners successfully transition to the civilian labour market. The Government hires more veterans into meaningful work.","As of April 1, 2018, eligible Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans, their spouses/common-law partners and survivors are now able to apply for a new, modernized set of career transition services, delivered consistently across Canada. Services are delivered by qualified career support professionals who understand military life and culture. For Veterans and survivors, these career transition services will be available throughout a person's post service working life, meaning they can get help when and where needed.
The Government of Canada also continues to provide access to hiring opportunities in the public service for certain serving and former members of the Canadian Armed Forces who are released for medical reasons. Priority for public service jobs is given to these members and Veterans over all other individuals."
6/30/2018,344,,Government Services and Operations,"Implement the Caregiver Recognition Benefit, paid directly to Veterans' caregivers.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,Increased recognition and support for caregivers of ill and injured Veterans so that Veterans get better care.,"As of April 1, 2018, the Government of Canada has introduced the new Caregiver Recognition Benefit, replacing the Family Caregiver Relief Benefit. This new benefit provides a generous non-taxable $1,000 monthly benefit payable directly to informal caregivers of Veterans to better recognize and honour the vital role they play in supporting CAF members and Veterans. "
6/30/2018,345,,Government Services and Operations,Implement the new Veteran Emergency Fund and Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,Improve the quality of life of Veterans and their families.,"As of April 1, 2018, the Veterans Emergency Fund (VEF) provides emergency financial support to Veterans, their families and survivors whose well-being is at risk due to an urgent and unexpected situation ($1 million per year over the next four years). The new fund gives the Government the flexibility to financially assist Veterans and their families quickly and efficiently in times when they most need it, without complicated eligibility requirements and approval processes. The VEF provides short-term relief while the Government works with Veterans and their families to identify any long-term needs and possible solutions.
In addition, the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund is one of the many new and enhanced program and services brought forth in Budget 2017, focused on supporting innovative solutions to better support Veterans and their families. This new fund supports research and foster innovation across the public, private and academic fields to make a real difference in the lives of Veterans and families. The fund supports a wide range of projects, such as suicide prevention research, an initiative that helps homeless Veterans find housing, or any innovative projects that contribute to the well-being of Veterans and their families.
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6/30/2018,346,,Government Services and Operations,"Streamline the suite of benefits, improve transparency and communications, and improve the experience of Veterans as their needs change throughout their lives.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,Underway - on track,"A streamlined, client-centric process that is easier to navigate, provides timely service and helps Veterans transition to civilian life.","Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) is streamlining its suite of benefits with the goal of reducing overlap and administrative burden to ensure a positive client experience for Veterans both as they transition to civilian life and as their needs change throughout their lives. A three-year communications and outreach strategy was launched to ensure that Veterans and their families are well-informed of the range of supports and services available to them. On December 20, 2017, the Government announced its Pension for Life plan which will reintroduce lifelong monthly pain and suffering payments with the Pain and Suffering Compensation, implement a new recognition benefit through the Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation, and the Income Replacement Benefit (IRB) that simplifies VAC’s financial support programs through replacing six existing financial benefits with the new IRB. Specifically, the new IRB will replace the Earnings Loss Benefit; Extended Earnings Loss Benefit, Retirement Income Security Benefit, Supplementary Retirement Benefit, the Career Impact Allowance and Career Impact Allowance Supplement. This will reduce the burden on the Veteran and their Caregivers as there will be one application form where there used to be six."
6/30/2018,347,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure public servants are paid accurately and promptly.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - with challenges,Public servants are paid in a timely manner and without errors.,"The ongoing public service pay problems are unacceptable, creating emotional and financial hardships, as well as unnecessary stress for many employees and their families.
The Government will ensure that employees receive timely and accurate pay and benefits, and is working hard to resolve issues as quickly as possible, but there are no quick fixes. The Government is committed to doing better.
The Clerk of the Privy Council Office instructed Deputy Ministers to take a personal interest in seeing that employees are paid accurately and on time. Employees should not feel that they are facing these difficulties alone.
Budget 2018 announced an investment of $454 million over six years, starting in 2017-18, to increase the number of compensation employees at the Pay Centre and satellite offices to more than 1,500 and hire more HR advisors within departments to assist employees and provide them with tax support. In addition, over the next two years, the Government will work with experts, unions and technology providers on a way forward for a new pay system.
The Government is implementing a suite of measures, informed by recommendations from the Office of Auditor General of Canada as well as the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, to stabilize the pay system so that transactions are processed more quickly and accurately, pay issues are resolved and employees receive better service. As part of this approach, Pay Pods, which group together compensation employees assigned to a specific department or agency, are being rolled out for departments and agencies serviced by the Pay Centre. Pay Pods will work with client departments to address all outstanding transactions in an employee’s pay file, in contrast to the current approach of addressing pay issues by transaction type. This new approach is expected to result in faster and more comprehensive resolution of pay issues and a reduction in backlogged cases. The Government also recently announced enhancements to its Client Contact Centre, where employees now have access to a variety of tools so that they can provide more real-time, accurate information to public servants calling for information about their pay files. Progress toward reducing the number of outstanding pay transactions continues.
Progress is reported regularly through a monthly, publically available Dashboard, a Pay Bulletin and other online content, ensuring ongoing transparency and accountability. The June 2018 public service pay dashboard shows a 13,000 decrease in the number of backlogged financial transactions awaiting processing. "
6/30/2018,348,,Fair and Open Government,Increase the diversity of bidders on government contracts.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,"The diversity of bidders and contractors will increase, including participation by businesses owned by women and Indigenous peoples.","In fiscal year 2017-18, the Government participated in over 1,850 outreach events across Canada, including 579 events related to under-represented groups such as women, indigenous and multicultural communities. In all, the Government has engaged with 10,800 individuals belonging to under-represented communities to promote how to do business with the Government of Canada. The diversity of bidders and contractors is expected to increase, a result of the initiatives underway to encourage the participation in federal procurement of currently under-represented groups such as women, Indigenous Peoples and persons with disabilities. PSPC has launched social procurement pilots to increase the participation of small and diverse suppliers. As part of this, there is an increased focus on providing women-owned and Indigenous small and medium-sized businesses with the tools and guidance to compete for government opportunities. The Government's aim to make procurement simpler, faster and accessible will also serve to increase bidder diversity. PSPC developed a common set of definitions for social procurement, and, where feasible, industry consultations now include a focus on supplier diversity. In Budget 2018, the Government set a target to increase the participation of women-owned businesses in federal procurement from 10 percent to at least 15 percent."
6/30/2018,349,,Fair and Open Government,"Develop better tools to hold contractors accountable, particularly in large scale procurements.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,"Suppliers will be accountable for their contractual performance, which is expected to improve procurement results.","Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) created a Vendor Relationship and Performance Management Office.
Shared Services Canada (SSC) is developing a vendor performance program that aligns with the broader PSPC initiative. SSC has also created a vendor management office responsible for managing the overall strategic relationship with key vendors.
SSC is also developing a vendor performance program that aligns with the broader PSPC initiative supporting accountability and performance standards.
PSPC has conducted an extensive environmental scan of existing vendor performance management practices in Canada and abroad to establish a baseline of best practices. PSPC is developing a draft suite of policy instruments that aligns with the best practices and has begun consulting with key stakeholders, including Government of Canada departments and agencies and industry.
These actions have supported PSPC in leading the development of a Government-wide approach to vendor performance management. PSPC is developing the initiative in close collaboration and consultation with key stakeholders.
A framework for PSPC’s Vendor Relationship and Performance Management regime is being planned for 2018-19."
6/30/2018,350,,Fair and Open Government,"Publish clear metrics on the competitiveness, cost and timeliness of procurement.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,The Government of Canada will make more informed contract decisions based on feedback obtained from comprehensive data and sampling of procurement activities and surveys.,"
Metrics on competitiveness, cost and timeliness are published in the annual Departmental Plans and Departmental Results Reports, as well as in Our Services, Standards and Results. A data strategy is being developed to increase the number of metrics available to clients, suppliers and Canadians, including competitiveness, cost and timeliness. PSPC established strong Key Performance Indicators for the 2018-19 Departmental Results Framework."
6/30/2018,351,,Fair and Open Government,Make more government data available to vendors participating in procurement bidding to encourage better bids.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,Vendors and government decision makers have access to modern analytics to better understand Government of Canada procurement. This will help vendors decide when and how to compete in order to encourage more and better bids.,"Information on contracts over $10,000 is available on the Government of Canada Open Government Portal. Public Services and Procurement Canada is developing a data strategy to improve the contract data provided to suppliers and decision makers. It is expected that the Government of Canada will begin the implementation of the strategy in fall 2018. The Government's goal of making procurement simpler, faster and accessible will also serve to encourage better bids."
6/30/2018,352,,Fair and Open Government,Ensure prompt payment of contractors and sub-contractors.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,Barriers to accessing government contracts are reduced and small and medium enterprises require less working capital (cash flow) to do business with the Government of Canada because they get paid more quickly for work they've done.,"The Government is looking at different approaches to ensure expedited payment to its suppliers. Current initiatives include the launch of a pilot project to pay certain types of invoices within a shorter timeframe than the current 30 days. This will mean that small and medium-sized enterprises will require less working capital (cash flow) to do business with the Government. This initiative will also remove barriers to accessing government contracts.
Independent experts have been contracted to seek input from the construction industry to identify the elements required to develop a robust federal prompt payment regime. The federal government will use the proposed recommendations to inform the development of an effective legislative solution that will direct terms of payment and provide for an adjudication process for federal construction contracts."
6/30/2018,353,,Government Services and Operations,"Improve the delivery of information technology within the Government, including the renewal of Shared Services Canada.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,"An agile, reliable and secure information technology platform to support the delivery of digital services to Canadians.","Shared Services Canada has completed broad-based consultations with industry, Canadians and federal departments on the best approaches for managing the Government of Canada's information technology assets and services. More than 2,500 submissions from these stakeholders provided suggestions for improving information technology service delivery and project management. At the same time, the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat has also released the independent review of Shared Services Canada commissioned from Gartner Canada Co. Results of the review and feedback from the consultations are informing the way forward for information technology that enables the digital delivery of Government of Canada programs and services, including a new governance structure under the Government of Canada Chief Information Officer to help set direction and priorities across government.
Budget 2018 proposed $2.2 billion over six years, with $349.8 million ongoing, starting in 2018-2019 to improve the management and provision of IT infrastructure and services within government and support the migration of applications from older data centres into more secure modern data centres or cloud solutions, and to support related cyber security measures."
6/30/2018,354,,Government Services and Operations,Ensure the timely and orderly transition of Parliamentary operations during the renewal of the Parliamentary precinct.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,"The Government of Canada is restoring and modernizing the Parliamentary Precinct for current and future generations of Canadians, and to provide Parliament with the accommodations it needs to operate effectively and safely in a modern, connected and sustainable world. ","The transition of parliamentary operations from the Centre Block and the start of its major restoration is a major milestone in this effort. The West Block, Visitor Welcome Centre and Government Conference Centre will be completed
by September 2018 and these buildings will be fully operational by the end of 2018. A phased move of operations from the Centre Block will begin in summer of 2018 to support a timely and orderly transition to the new facilities, and enable the restoration of the Centre Block to begin.
A Deputy Minister level committee has been established to provide direction and oversight on a coordinated, timely and orderly transition of operations from the Centre Block to the West Block and Government Conference Centre in 2018. The committee is chaired by Public Services and Procurement Canada, and comprises representatives from the Senate, House of Commons, Library of Parliament, Parliamentary Protective Services, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the Privy Council Office.
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6/30/2018,355,,Indigenous peoples,Develop a vision for a national space for Indigenous peoples at 100 Wellington.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs;Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,"Creating a space for Indigenous peoples directly across from Parliament Hill will symbolize a turning point in Canada's relationship with Indigenous peoples. This location will provide a concrete marker of the importance of Indigenous peoples to this country's past, present, and future.","On June 21, 2017, the Government announced that a new space for Indigenous peoples will be established at 100 Wellington Street in the National Capital Region that reflects the vision of Indigenous peoples and the spirit of reconciliation. To advance this project, an interim working group has been established with representatives from the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the Métis National Council and the Government of Canada to recommend next steps to ensure 100 Wellington becomes an inclusive space. Next steps will include identifying the process for comprehensive engagement to ensure that Indigenous peoples shape the future use of the building and are full partners in leading the project.
This multi-year, large-scale project will involve broad consultations with Indigenous peoples on a national scale.
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6/30/2018,356,,Government Services and Operations,"Enhance the quality and capacity of services provided by the Translation Bureau, and promote the economic vitality of Canada's translation and interpretation community.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,The Government of Canada has access to high quality linguistic services that enable it to operate and to serve Canadians in both official languages.,"In October 2017, the Government hired a Chief Quality Officer at the Translation Bureau to structure all of the Bureau’s quality initiatives. It remains committed to hiring over 50 students at the Translation Bureau per year over the next 5 years to train the next generation of language specialists. In 2017-2018, more than 150 students were hired. To promote the economic vitality of Canada's translation and interpretation community, the Government has created a new panel to improve collaboration with the interpretation industry and facilitate the implementation of a new procurement tool for conference interpretation. In order to reposition the Translation Bureau as a centre of excellence, the Government is now implementing a new vision which includes various projects that seek to improve quality of services, strengthen relationships with professional associations, universities and clients, ensure effective resource management and planning and guarantee that linguistic tools meet the needs of employees.
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6/30/2018,357,,Jobs and Innovation,Develop the vision for the new federal science infrastructure.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement,Underway - on track,A modern science infrastructure that fosters collaboration to achieve policy goals and protects the safety and security and health of Canadians.,"In Budget 2018, the Government announced $2.8 billion over five years as part of an ambitious plan to renew federal laboratories. The Government is launching the first phase of the plan, which will begin the process for the construction of multipurpose, collaborative federal science and technology facilities. This plan will ensure that federal scientists have access to world-class infrastructure, equipment, and computer networks to produce the best results for Canadians.
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6/30/2018,358,,Jobs and Innovation,Use work on accessibility as a catalyst for new ideas and business strategies through technology and design.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Underway - on track,Canadians with disabilities are participating more in the digital economy with the help of assistive and adaptive digital devices and technologies.,"The Accessible Technology Program will help fill the gap in support for the development of assistive and adaptive digital devices and technologies that enable persons with disabilities to fully participate in society. It will help remove barriers to Internet access and other digital services for Canadians with disabilities, will help them gain the digital skills they need for good jobs, and enable them to fully participate in the digital economy."
6/30/2018,359,,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Monitor federal allocations to improve public transit accessibility, and create reporting obligations on these expenditures.",Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Underway - on track,"Improved reliability, efficiency, safety and accessibility of public transit systems in Canada.","Canadian cities have been growing at a rapid rate, but investment in public transit has not kept pace and investments have not always considered accessibility issues. To improve public transit systems across Canada and make them more accessible, Budget 2016 announced immediate federal investments of up to $3.4 billion in public transit, starting in 2016–17 to be provided through a new Public Transit Infrastructure Fund. These investments are helping to improve commutes, cut air pollution, strengthen communities and grow Canada's economy. Public Transit Infrastructure funding is being provided to support the rehabilitation of public transit systems, the planning of future system improvements and expansions, enhanced asset management, and system optimization and modernization."
6/30/2018,360,,Indigenous peoples,Promote culturally relevant sport for Indigenous youth.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities;Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - on track,"Increased and sustained participation of Indigenous children and youth in culturally relevant sport programming. In addition, sport programming is used to reduce the gap between Indigenous communities and the rest of Canada in areas of social development.","Budget 2017 invested $18.9 million over five years starting in 2017-2018, and ongoing funding of $5.5 million every four years thereafter to support Indigenous youth and sport. This included funding to the Aboriginal Sport Circle in the amount of $800,000 in 2017-18 to enable the organization to assume a leadership role on Indigenous sport development, as well as funding to the provinces and territories to promote culturally relevant sport programming in Indigenous communities. The Government also provided $3.5 million for the hosting of the North American Indigenous Games in Toronto from July 16 to 23, 2017. In addition, in 2017-18, approximately $4.85 million was provided to eleven national organizations to pilot physical activity and sport projects in 61 First Nation communities across the country. At present, 6,145 First Nation students, 595 parents/community members, 364 on reserve teachers, and 212 Elders are participating in the ongoing pilot projects. All pilots were ongoing until March 31, 2018, and each organization will submit a final project report. The most successful programs will be identified with the goal of increasing Indigenous participation in culturally relevant sports and recreation and to improve the health and well-being of Indigenous communities through sport participation.
Through Budget 2018, the Government invested $47.5 million over five years, and $9.5 million per year ongoing, to expand the use of sports for social development in more than 300 Indigenous communities. The Government is working closely with the Aboriginal Sport Circle to design the program to deliver these funds.
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6/30/2018,361,,Healthy Canadians,Better support Canadian athletes through the Athlete Assistance Program.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Underway - on track,High-performance Canadian athletes are better able to focus on training for world class performances due to greater financial support.,"The Government committed to investing an additional $25 million over 5 years through Budget 2017, with $5 million per year ongoing, to the Athlete Assistance Program. This investment represents a 18% increase over existing funding levels. New investments are being distributed in the following way: $4.25 million for the living and training allowance, $250,000 for tuition support and $500,000 for supplementary support. This new investment will directly assist approximately 1,900 athletes across Canada and enable them to continue to combine their sport and academic or working careers while training intensively in pursuit of world-class performance."
6/30/2018,362,,Indigenous peoples,"Dissolve Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, and create a new Department of Indigenous Services and a new Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs to better serve Indigenous peoples.",Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs;Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - on track,"Improved delivery and quality of day-to-day services for First Nations, Inuit and Métis. An improved nation-to-nation relationship and greater self-determination for Indigenous peoples who rightfully want and need to control service delivery for their own people.","The Government of Canada announced the creation of the Department of Indigenous Services Canada in early December 2017. The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs has been mandated to lead consultations on the structure of two new departments.
An Order-in-Council was adopted to designate Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) as a department. A Memorandum of Understanding between Health Canada and ISC was signed to ensure the seamless continuity of internal services to First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB), which was previously under Health Canada. As of April 1, 2018, employees who worked in Internal Services at Health Canada supporting the FNIHB are officially employees of ISC. This is an important step in the transformation towards a stronger service culture within ISC’s service to, and empowerment of, Indigenous peoples.
A national engagement led by the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs is currently underway which will inform the introduction of legislation concerning the formal establishment of the two new departments.
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6/30/2018,363,,Indigenous peoples,"Lead a whole-of-government approach to renew the nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relationship with Indigenous people.",Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,"A renewed relationship with Indigenous peoples based on co-developed policies that support strong and effective nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relationships that consider and respond to the unique realities of Indigenous peoples in Canada.","Three permanent bilateral mechanisms have been created, with the Prime Minister, the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and the Métis National Council, to jointly set priorities and oversee outcomes. On February 9, 2017, the Prime Minister and Inuit leaders signed a declaration to create the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee, demonstrating the shared commitment to a renewed Inuit-Crown relationship between Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Government of Canada. The first Métis Nation-Crown Summit took place on April 13, 2017, where the Prime Minister and the President of the Métis National Council and its Governing Members signed the Canada-Métis Nation Accord. On June 12, 2017, the Prime Minister and the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations signed a Memorandum of Understanding during the first Assembly of First Nations-Crown meeting. Over the past year, regular meetings at the Ministerial and senior official level have helped guide the substantive work underway in the co-developed joint priorities. As progress continues on the joint priorities, preparations are ongoing to plan the second annual meetings between the Prime Minister and leaders of the National Indigenous Organizations.
A successful Canada-Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations Forum, chaired by the Prime Minister and attended by 23 Indigenous Leaders was held on November 1, 2017. At this historic Forum, the Prime Minister committed to holding an annual Forum to discuss progress.
On February 14, 2018, the Government of Canada announced that it will develop in full partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, a Recognition and Implementation of Indigenous Rights Framework. The contents of the Framework will be determined through national engagement that will continue throughout the summer, with the intention to have the Framework introduced in Fall 2018.
Through Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions, the Government is working with Indigenous people to co-develop mandates that better address their needs and priorities and help advance, in partnership, community-identified priorities. These discussions also provide a forum for the Government to support the reconstitution of Indigenous nations, as well as self-determination and self-government. Over 60 of these discussions are underway with Indigenous communities, representing over 330 communities and a population of approximately 700,000 people.
Budget 2018 proposes to invest $74.9 million over five years, with $15.5 million per year ongoing, to provide ongoing support to these policy co-development forums."
6/30/2018,364,,Indigenous peoples,Include Indigenous representatives in a meaningful way in Canada's federal-provincial-territorial dialogues.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - with challenges,A consensus based approach to meaningful and collaborative engagement with Indigenous representatives in federal-provincial-territorial dialogues.,"Indigenous organizations have been active participants in ongoing federal-provincial-territorial (FPT) dialogues in policy areas that matter most to Indigenous peoples. These dialogues played a key role in identifying priorities and shaping the path forward in a number of areas, including justice and public safety, health, culture and heritage, sport and recreation, and early learning and childcare. In October 2017, national Indigenous organizations met with First Ministers to discuss measures to promote the inclusion of Indigenous peoples in an economic growth agenda and the connection to the broader reconciliation agenda. In January 2018, Indigenous leaders met with FPT Ministers responsible for Child and Family Services to discuss a plan for addressing the critical challenges being faced regarding Indigenous children in care. In addition, in April 2018, more than 300 Indigenous participants attended the Recognition and Implementation of Rights Forum in Vancouver, BC, which was co-hosted by Canada, BC, and the First Nations Leadership Council. "
6/30/2018,365,,Canada in the World,Develop a new Arctic Policy and a shared Arctic Leadership model for the government's work in the North.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,"Strong, resilient Arctic communities, sustainable and diversified Arctic economies and comprehensive Arctic infrastructure. Environmental sustainability and conservation of Arctic biodiversity.","In November 2017, the Government launched public engagement to support the development of an Arctic Policy Framework for Canada to replace Canada's Northern Strategy and Statement on Foreign Arctic Policy. This Framework is intended to identify a vision and plan to guide federal activities in the region. Public engagement is completed and included roundtables with northern residents and organizations, business, youth, non-governmental organizations and researchers. Federal, Provincial, Territorial and Indigenous partners continue to collaborate on the co-development of domestic and international elements of the framework. As of March 2018, work on a new Arctic Policy Framework proceeded from public engagement to co-development with Territorial, Indigenous, and Provincial partners. "
6/30/2018,366,,Indigenous peoples,Advance devolution in Nunavut in collaboration with the government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,"Greater control for Nunavut over their lands and resources, leading to increased investment and economic growth, more job opportunities and lower unemployment, and increased revenues for the Government of Nunavut. Devolution will also contribute to the broader goal of reconciliation and will be a key result under a new Arctic Policy Framework.","On July 9, 2016, the Government appointed a new Chief Federal Negotiator for Nunavut devolution. The Chief Federal Negotiator is meeting on specific issues to build common ground and facilitate the achievement of an Agreement-in-Principle. The Agreement-in-Principle will lead to a devolution agreement which would provide for the transfer of responsibilities for land and resource management to the Government of Nunavut."
6/30/2018,367,,Indigenous peoples,Increase the number of comprehensive modern treaties and new self-government agreements for Indigenous communities.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - with challenges,"An increased number of modern treaties (comprehensive land claim agreements, self-government agreements) that supports Indigenous peoples' self-determination, self-government and nation rebuilding.","The Government is working with negotiating partners and other stakeholders to reform section 35 Constitution Act, 1982 related policies and processes to address concerns expressed by Indigenous partners. Through Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions and the Collaborative Fiscal Policy Development Process with Self-Governing Indigenous Governments, the Government is also working with Indigenous people to co-develop policies, and approaches that lead to greater self-determination. In British Columbia, the Government is working in partnership with the province of British Columbia and the First Nations Summit to implement the proposals in the report on the ""Multilateral Engagement Process to Improve and Expedite Treaty Negotiations in British Columbia"" that was endorsed by the Principals to the British Columbia treaty process in May 2016. On May 5, 2018, Canada, British Columbia and Lheidli T’enneh First Nation initialed the Lheidli T’enneh Final Agreement in Prince George, British Columbia. This event is a necessary step before the Lheidli T’enneh ratification vote expected in June.
Budget 2018 outlines new steps the Government will take to increase the number of modern treaties and self-determination agreements in a manner that reflects a recognition of rights approach. These changes, along with the new approach brought forward through the Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions, will shorten the time it takes to reach new treaties and agreements, at a lower cost to all parties. As part of this new approach, the Government of Canada will be moving away from the use of loans to fund Indigenous participation in the negotiation of modern treaties. Starting in 2018–19, Indigenous participation in modern treaty negotiations will be funded through non-repayable contributions. The Government will engage with affected Indigenous groups on how best to address past and present negotiation loans, including forgiveness of loans. Through Budget 2018, the Government also proposes to invest $51.4 million over the next two years to continue its support for federal and Indigenous participation in the Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussion tables.
For example, on March 29th, 2018 Bill C-70 received Royal Assent giving effect to the Agreement on Cree Nation Governance between the Crees of Eeyou Istchee and the Government of Canada thereby advancing Self-Determination for approximately 18,000 Indigenous people in nine Cree communities in North-West Quebec. On December 14, 2017, Bill C-61, the Anishinabek Nation Education Act, received Royal Assent, marking the first self-government agreement in Ontario with 23 Anishinabek First Nations. The Agreement, which came into effect on April 1 2018, recognizes Anishinabek law-making powers and authority over K-12 education on reserve and a new education system grounded in Anishinabek culture and language. The Ontario Ministry of Education fully supports this Agreement and has a complementary arrangement in place to ensure that all Ontario students can benefit from this transformative education model.
On February 14, 2018, the Prime Minister announced the development of a Recognition and Implementation of Indigenous Rights Framework in full partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. As a starting point, the Prime Minister stated that the Framework would replace the Comprehensive Land Claims Policy and Inherent Right Policy with new and better approaches that fully embrace and give live to section 35 Constitution Act, 1982 and respect the distinctions between First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. By focusing on the recognition and implementation of rights, the new policy will support and advance Indigenous peoples’ self-determination, self-government and nation building.
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6/30/2018,368,,Indigenous peoples,Support Indigenous peoples in their work to advance self-determination.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - with challenges,"Indigenous peoples will have sufficient capacity and resources to work towards rebuilding and reconstituting their nations, advancing self-determination, and, for First Nations, facilitating transitions away from the Indian Act and toward self-government.","The Government continues to support Indigenous peoples as they reconstitute their nations and advance self-determination and self-government. This is being accomplished through nation-level dialogues and community-level processes that are exploring the rights and priorities of Indigenous peoples and working towards their implementation in ways that make sense for Indigenous communities. For example, the Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions allow for the co-development of flexible negotiation mandates so that key issues can be appropriately prioritized and addressed. Over 60 of these discussions are underway with Indigenous communities and 19 preliminary agreements have been signed. The Government is also continuing to reform laws, policies and operational practices to better support Indigenous self-determination across the country. The Government has also launched a national engagement, led by the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, to develop a Recognition and Implementation of Indigenous Rights Framework in partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. As of May 15, 2018, over 70 engagement sessions have been held with Indigenous communities, which included women, youth and Elders, provincial and territorial governments, and other stakeholders, such as academics. In British Columbia, that engagement included the Recognition and Implementation of Rights Forum, attended by more than 300 Indigenous participants from April 11 to 13, 2018. The Framework will support the rebuilding of Indigenous governments and nations, and advance Indigenous self-determination, including the inherent right of self-government.
Through Budget 2018, the Government also proposes to invest $51.4 million over the next two years to continue its support for federal and Indigenous participation in the Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussion tables. Further, through Budget 2018, the Government proposes to provide $101.5 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, to support capacity development for Indigenous Peoples. Funding would be made available to Indigenous groups to support activities that would facilitate their own path to reconstituting their nations.
To support the expansion of the First Nations Land Management Act and the successful participation of First Nations under the Act, Budget 2018 proposes to invest $143.5 million over five years, beginning in 2018–19, and $19 million per year ongoing. This funding will allow an additional 50 First Nations to enter into the Land Management Regime, while providing pre-readiness support and capacity development to ensure their successful participation. Additionally, this will support over 200 First Nations to opt-out, or begin the process of opting-out, of the 33 lands related sections of the Indian Act and assume jurisdiction over their lands, environment, and natural resources under their own First Nations Land Codes.
Through Budget 2018, the Government proposes to provide $5.5 million over two years to continue the activities of the Matrimonial Real Property Implementation Support Program. In addition, this funding will support new and more targeted training and awareness activities, such as the development of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, to respond to gaps in the administration of justice. This funding will provide for the continuation of a First Nation Centre of Excellence providing training to enhance knowledge and awareness of rights and protections available under related federal legislation; and support for First Nation law-making in this area.
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6/30/2018,369,,Indigenous peoples,Advance positions in co-operative dispute resolution processes that are consistent with the resolution of past wrongs toward Indigenous peoples.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - with challenges,"Resolution of past grievances through collaborative, trusted, mutually respectful processes consistent with the Government's commitment to a renewed nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown and government-to-government relationship.","Recent settlement agreements between the Government of Canada and Indigenous peoples signify progress on this commitment. This includes the Anderson/Newfoundland and Labrador residential schools settlement agreement (September 2016) which has now entered into the phase where the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs' Special Representative is facilitating Healing and Commemoration sessions with former students in their communities. Additionally, on November 30, 2017, the parties signed an agreement in principle as the first step in resolving the Sixties Scoop litigation. The Federal Court approved the proposed settlement on May 11, 2018. On June 20, 2018, the Ontario Superior Court issued its decision approving the terms of the settlement, calling on the parties to delink legal fees. Joint development of the parameters of the Sixties Scoop Foundation is also underway. Canada is participating in judicial dispute resolution discussions to consider an option to resolute the Gottfriedson class action, which respects the experience of day scholars at Indian Residential Schools.
The Government is also advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples through symbolic Ministerial statements of posthumous exoneration and/or pardon that address historical incidents of cultural conflict and misunderstanding. A posthumous exoneration stands as an important symbol of the Government of Canada's commitment to reconciliation. For example, on March 26, 2018, the Prime Minister delivered a statement of exoneration on behalf of the Government of Canada to the Tsilhqot’in Nation and the descendants of six Tsilhqot’in Chiefs who led the Tsilhqot’in war effort in 1864 in response to a colonial road crew attempting to build a road through Tsilhqot'in territory without the agreement of the Tsilhqot'in Nation, and were executed in 1864 and 1865.
In addition, the Government is working with the Poundmaker Cree Nation to exonerate Chief Poundmaker who was wrongly convicted for treason against the Crown as one of the leaders of a community that had been involved in armed conflict against the Canadian Expeditionary Force following the looting of Battleford in 1855 (present day Saskatchewan).
Canada is engaged in over 60 Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities across the country. These discussions seek to advance, in partnership, community-identified priorities. Several Indigenous groups have entered into discussions in response to or as an alternative to litigation. By entering into these flexible discussions with Canada, groups seek to settle litigation through out of court settlements.
Specific claims are claims made by a First Nation against the Government of Canada which relate to the administration of land and other First Nation assets or alleged breaches of historic treaties. An Assembly of First Nations – Canada Joint Technical Working Group on Specific Claims, which includes representatives from a number of First Nation organizations is currently developing concrete proposals to improve the process for resolving specific claims. The resolution of these historic grievances is key to the recognition of First Nations’ rights, respect and advancing reconciliation.
The Reconciliation Measures workplan is central to the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee because the actions it encompasses are fundamental to a just and lasting reconciliation between Inuit and the Crown.
Further efforts in reconciliation have been made. For example, the Government has been working with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) and Inuit Land Claims on the Nanilavut Initiative, which concerns the Government’s role in the past tuberculosis epidemic among Inuit. The Nanilavut Initiative is included in the work plan of the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee under the Reconciliation Measures Theme. Discussions are underway with ITK and Inuit Land Claims for the launch of the Nanilavut Initiative.
The Government is also working on the Qikiqtani Truth Commission (QTC) Final Report (2013) as a member of the Saimaqatiqiingniq Working Group which provides a space where partners can discuss ways to implement the QTC’s 25 recommendations. Discussions to date have focused on quantifying the size and scope of the recommendations and determining the best way to implement them.
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6/30/2018,370,,Indigenous peoples,"Ensure the implementation of pre-Confederation, historic, and modern treaties and agreements.",Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,On-going commitment,"Strengthened Crown-Indigenous relationships, greater autonomy, and improved social and economic outcomes for Indigenous peoples.","Collaborative work with Indigenous partners is ongoing, such as through the Inuit Crown Partnership Committee Permanent Bilateral Mechanism and the annual Canada-Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations Forum (the first forum was chaired by the Prime Minister in November 2017). Issue areas addressed through these fora include: collaborative participation in the formal Implementation Committees that each modern agreement entails; renewing the fiscal relationship with self-governing Indigenous governments, structures of governments, and furthering shared priorities through participation and engagement, and improving treaty implementation. The treaty relationship is maintained through various policies, mechanisms and processes including treaty discussion tables and treaty commissions. A number of historic treaty groups have positioned or re-positioned themselves to engage Canada in discussions toward reinvigorating the treaty relationship and exploring reconciliation-focused approaches to address treaty-related interests. The Government is also supporting the implementation of the Additions to Reserve Policy Directive to ensure Canada meets its historic treaty obligations and to improve access to community lands and resources.
An annual forum with the Prime Minister was committed to at the November 1, 2017, Canada-Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations Forum. The Inuit Crown Partnership Committee has also identified land claims implementation as a priority issue and is pursuing recommendations echoed at the November 1, 2017 forum. First meetings were held in 2017 with the Prime Minister and Indigenous leaders, and these processes are expected to be ongoing. Other ongoing engagement, including with respect to departmental transformation, and with modern treaty and self-governing groups will be essential to positively advancing implementation of treaties and agreements.
Canada and Indigenous governments continue to engage in respectful and collaborative government-to-government discussions at regular meetings dedicated to the effective implementation of modern treaties and self-government agreements, with 50 having taken place to date in 2017-18.
In Québec, the Cree Nation Governance Agreement (signed on July 18, 2017) will modernize existing governance regimes on Cree lands. The implementing Bill on Cree Nation Governance Agreement received Royal Assent on March 29, 2018. This represents another step in implementing Cree self-governance in compliance with the 1975 James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement. It will provide the Cree First Nations and the Cree Nation Government with important tools to assume greater autonomy and responsibility in the governance of Cree community lands subject to federal jurisdiction. The Agreement on Cree Nation Governance and the Cree Constitution demonstrate that the Cree Nation Government and the Cree First Nations are mature governments. They are a step towards reconciliation and a respectful nation-to-nation relationship between the Cree and Canada in the spirit of the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement.
Additions to Reserves enable Canada to fulfill legal obligations established by Treaty Lands Entitlement, Specific Claims, and other legal agreements. Expanding the reserve land base is also an important mechanism by which First Nations can foster community and economic development. A National Additions to Reserve Advisory Committee made up of Indigenous organizations and stakeholders was created to identify and implement process improvements that will streamline and accelerate the Additions to Reserve process. There have been 111 Additions to Reserve approved in 2017-18, of which 98 represent the fulfillment of legal obligations on the part of the Crown.
In April 2017, Canada obtained a mandate to negotiate Rights Reconciliation Agreements on fisheries and National Parks with the 35 Mi’kmaq, Maliseet, and Peskotomuhkati Indigenous communities in the Atlantic and Gaspé region of Québec. Rights Reconciliation Agreements seek to implement the historic treaty rights affirmed in 1999 Marshall decision, create new opportunities for economic development, and create operational stability. To achieve success in implementing these Agreements, the Parties are also focusing on building governance capacity at the Nation level."
6/30/2018,371,,Indigenous peoples,"Collaboratively, identify the best models for delivering improved services to Indigenous peoples, and improve accountability.",Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - with challenges,"Co-creation of new and meaningful partnership models that strengthen service delivery for Indigenous peoples, resulting in improved outcomes in key areas including health, education, child welfare and community infrastructure.","The Government will work in partnership with Indigenous peoples to identify the best models for improving the delivery of services and improving accountability to Indigenous peoples for the quality of those services. This will be achieved by strengthening engagement practices, supporting the transfer of services to be Indigenous-led where possible, recognizing the inherent knowledge of communities and ensuring that services are culturally appropriate. The Government will also work with Indigenous peoples to measure and monitor progress and improve service delivery on an ongoing basis.
The Government continues to work collaboratively with the First Nations Fiscal Management Act institutions, the First Nations Finance Authority, the First Nations Financial Management Board and the First Nations Tax Commission, who provide direct services to First Nations and a legislative and institutional framework to exercise jurisdiction over core fiscal and governance matters, including the financing of infrastructure and economic development projects through the issuance of bonds on capital markets. For an example of some of the results achieved, the First Nations Finance Authority’s October 2017 debenture issuance on the financial markets added an additional $126 million to the existing debentures and bringing the total to $376 million. Investments in infrastructure and socio-economic development projects include water treatment, roads, housing, schools, health, security and emergency services, renewable energy and aquaculture. In addition to the high quality services that they provide, these institutions are working collaboratively with the Government and other First Nation partners to lead the way on innovative initiatives that support a renewed nation-to-nation relationship, such as a proposed First Nation infrastructure institution, under the umbrella of a New Fiscal Relationship and 10 year grants, and exploring the potential to monetize federal capital transfers.
The Government also continues to work in close collaboration with other key partner Indigenous organizations such as the National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association, the First Nations Lands Management Resource Centre and the Tulo Centre of Indigenous Economics. These technical organizations play a crucial role in developing capacity, certifying First Nations through accredited programs and providing ongoing professional development and technical support in areas of relevance to First Nations - land use planning and surveys, matrimonial real property, resource development, environmental management, etc. The government will continue to look for opportunities to further devolve responsibilities to our partners as they have proven to be effective and efficient in providing culturally appropriate services and capacity development opportunities.
Budget 2018 proposes to invest $50 million over five years, and $11 million per year ongoing, to strengthen the First Nations Financial Management Board, the First Nations Finance Authority and the First Nations Tax Commission.
The Government is in discussions with the Metis National Council on increasing access to capital for the Metis Capital Corporations as well as the possibility of holding a MEDS 4 (Metis Economic Development Symposium). The Government will continue to work with First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation, as well as other partners, to advance the reforms to child and family services that are needed and develop Indigenous-led solutions that put the well-being of children first. For example, supporting community-led initiatives, working with First Nations communities and the Métis Nation to draw down jurisdiction in child and family services, and collaborating with partners to create federal legislation in child and family services.
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6/30/2018,372,,Indigenous peoples,"Continue to provide services to Indigenous peoples, including community infrastructure, emergency management, water, education, moneys and trusts, and registration.",Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - with challenges,"Indigenous communities will have access to and benefit from quality community infrastructure including housing, water, schools and other forms of community infrastructure, and services (moneys and trusts, and registration).","Water: In January 2018, the scope of the commitment to resolve additional long-term drinking water advisories (LT-DWAs) was expanded. Between November 2015 and July 17, 2018, the total number of LT-DWAs on public systems on reserve declined from 105 to 72.
Budget 2018 builds on prior investments and reaffirms the Government’s commitment by providing an additional $172.6 million over three years, beginning in 2018–19, to improve access to clean and safe drinking water on reserve. The latest results on eliminating LT-DWA can be found here.
Housing: Investments in Indigenous housing from Budget 2016 are expected to build/renovate/lot service 13,964 units in First Nation communities. As of March 31, 2018, 8,786 (63%) of the 13,964 housing units have been completed. With respect to Inuit housing, 193 units are expected to be built/renovated in 2016/17 and 2017/18. Through investments made in Budget 2017 and Budget 2018, the Government proposes dedicated funding to support the successful implementation of each of the distinctions-based housing strategies, including:
•$600 million over three years to support housing on reserve as part of a 10-year First Nations Housing Strategy that is being developed with First Nations.
•$400 million over 10 years to support an Inuit-led housing plan in the Inuit regions of Nunavik, Nunatsiavut and Inuvialuit Settlement Region. This is in addition to the $240 million over 10 years announced in Budget 2017 to support housing in Nunavut.,
•$500 million over 10 years to support the Métis Nation’s housing strategy.
Schools: Over $300 million was invested to build/upgrade First Nation schools in 2016/17 and 2017/18. This includes 72 new schools and 84 renovated/upgraded schools. As of March 31, 2018, 11 out of the 72 new school projects have been completed, and renovations/upgrades on 15 of the 84 schools have been completed.
Health facilities: As of April 30, 2018, investments have been made in more than 213 First Nations infrastructure projects to build and renovate health facilities such as nursing stations, health centres, acute care facilities, drug and alcohol treatment centres, as well as facilities hosting Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve (AHSOR) programming. 158 (74.2%) of these projects are complete.
Emergency Management: In 2016/17, the Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP) invested $115.69 million to support First Nations in their efforts to prepare for, mitigate against, respond to and recover from emergency disasters. There were 117 emergency events affecting First Nation communities of which 37 caused evacuations involving approximately 6,668 evacuees (99.6% of whom have returned to their communities).
For 2017/18, forecasted expenditures for EMAP are approximately $137 million, with approximately $103.2 million of this for emergency response and recovery. There were 153 emergency events affecting First Nation communities, of which 55 caused evacuations involving approximately 14,888 evacuees (99.2% of whom have returned to their communities to date). In the 2018/19 fiscal year (as of June 18, 2018), there have been 76 EMAP-eligible emergency events affecting First Nation communities, of which 26 resulted in evacuations involving approximately 5,498 evacuees. Presently, four communities, or approximately 1,538 individuals, who were evacuated in 2018/19, due to either flooding or wildland fires, remain evacuated. In the 2018/19 fiscal year, the EMAP supported the repatriation of 72 long-term evacuees. As of June 18, 2018, there remain 2,795 long term evacuees.
Land Use Planning: Over $10 million was invested in 2016/17 and 2017/18 to allow over 50 communities begin developing community-led land use plans, which will support healthy and environmentally sustainable community development by ensuring infrastructure investments are planned and implemented in a manner that serves the short and long term needs and priorities of communities.
Moneys and Trusts: In 2017/18, the Government processed 1,044 band moneys payment transactions totaling $180.9 million, 6,059 individual moneys payment transactions totaling $9.3 million, and 1,051 suspense account payment transactions totaling $5.6 million. To date, in 2018/19, the Government processed 148 band moneys payment transactions totaling $25.0 million, 1,383 individual moneys payment transactions totaling $2.3 million, and 215 suspense account payment transactions totaling $1.0 million.
From January to December 2017, the Government paid out $ 1,968,805.00 in treaty payments to 144,016 individuals at 342 Treaty payment events across Canada.
Registrations: On December 22, 2017, the Indian Act was amended in response to the Superior Court of Quebec decision in Descheneaux v. Canada (Procureur général). Amendments to address the specific issues raised by the Court will immediately correct sex-based inequities in Indian registration going back to 1951. Since the coming into force of these provisions, the Department has received 3,107 related applications for Indian registration of which 608 decisions were rendered as of June 15, 2018. These numbers will continue to increase steadily over the course of the upcoming years. Broader amendments that will remove sex-based inequities going back to 1869 will come into force at a later date after Canada has consulted with First Nations and other parties on how to implement the changes.
Estates: Since April 2017, the Government provided service to complete the administration for 4,813 decedent estates and opened the administration of 3,285 new decedent estates. Services were provided in the administration of 98 new Living estates.
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6/30/2018,373,,Healthy Canadians,Eliminate all long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve by March 2021.,Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - on track,"Continued progress in eliminating long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve, leading to the elimination of all long-term advisories by March 2021.","In January 2018, the scope of the commitment to resolve additional long-term drinking water advisories (LT-DWAs) was expanded. Between November 2015 and July 17, 2018, the number of LT-DWAs on public systems in First Nations communities has declined from 105 to 72. Over this period, 67 LT-DWAs were lifted, and 34 new LT-DWAs were added. Work is ongoing in partnership with First Nation communities and an action plan is in place to address all 72 LT-DWAs currently in effect.
To support this commitment, the Government of Canada is investing in First Nation water infrastructure projects, assisting First Nation communities in monitoring the quality of drinking water and advising on issues related to drinking water safety. Through joint efforts, First Nations communities have access to trained personnel, including community-based water monitoring, to sample and test drinking water quality. This increased capacity means water is being monitored more often, and potential problems can now be identified sooner.
Budget 2018 builds on prior investments and reaffirms the Government’s commitment by providing an additional $172.6 million over three years, beginning in 2018–19, to improve access to clean and safe drinking water on reserve."
6/30/2018,374,,Healthy Canadians,Improve the delivery of child welfare and health care under Jordan's Principle to focus on the best interests of the child.,Minister of Indigenous Services,Underway - on track,"First Nations children have access to the health and social supports they need when they need them, no matter where they live.","Significant progress has been made in recent months in the provision of health, educational and social supports. From July 2016 to May 2018, Canada has approved 86,885 products, supports and services totaling $175 million for First Nations children and youth under Jordan's Principle.
Actions to support Jordan's Principle, include:
• Increasing awareness of Jordan's Principle amongst First Nations families, health providers, provincial school boards and provincial/territorial stakeholders through a proactive and multi-faceted communications and marketing approach with a focus on Indigenous mediums (e.g. social media, radio advertisements, targeted mailouts to Child and Family Service agencies, educational institutions, etc.);
• Co-developing the long-term policy options for the implementation of Jordan's Principle through the Jordan’s Principle Action Table (a sub-committee of the National Advisory Committee) which will inform long term directions. The Table is chaired by the Assembly of First Nations, includes other First Nations stakeholders, and has undertaken engagement and regional focus groups since July 2017 to inform and then validate the proposed approach;
• Launching of the Jordan’s Principle National Call Centre to help First Nations children access the products, services and supports they need. 1-855-JP-CHILD (1-855-572-4453); As of June 17, 2018, a total of 817 calls were received, 226 of which generated a request for services.
• Participation of all interested Canadian Human Rights Tribunal parties at the monthly Jordan’s Principle Oversight Committee, a committee established to increase dialogue and timely advice on Jordan’s Principle implementation and planning activities;
• Ongoing monitoring, tracking and reporting of Jordan's Principle processes to comply with Canadian Human Right's Tribunal orders. The Affidavit compliance report was submitted to the Tribunal on May 24, 2018, and a reply affidavit was submitted on June 21, 2018;
• Development of a Client Satisfaction Survey in consultation with the parties to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal decision, to help assess the impact of Jordan's Principle. First wave of surveys returned, in May 2018. A second wave to be distributed this summer, with a report on results to be developed in fall 2018; and
• Updates have been made to the Jordan's Principle webpages to include information on how to make a request, seek reimbursement, make an appeal as well as information on the application of substantive equality under Jordan's Principle;
Efforts are being undertaken to improve the delivery of child welfare, including:
• To address the funding pressures facing child and family service agencies, while also increasing prevention resources for communities so that children are safe and families can stay together, Budget 2018 proposes to provide more than $1.4 billion in new funding over six years, starting in 2017–18, for First Nations Child and Family Services. The Government will continue to work with First Nations, Inuit and the Metis Nation, as well as other partners, to advance the reforms to child and family services that are needed and develop Indigenous-led solutions that put the well-being of children first.
• Government’s commitment to continue to fully implement the orders of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, in consultation with the parties, including funding on actuals for retroactive and ongoing agency expenses in areas such as prevention/least disruptive measures, intake and investigation, building repairs, and legal fees.
• Engagement nationally and regionally to implement the six point plan on Indigenous child welfare, including developing a data and reporting strategy with provinces, territories, and Indigenous partners and advancing discussions on increasing jurisdiction for Indigenous communities.
• Canada has signed a Consultation Protocol with the Assembly of First Nations, the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, Nishnawbe-Aski Nation, Chiefs of Ontario and the Canadian Human Rights Commission to fulfill the Canadian Human Rights Tribunals (CHRT) orders and to promote transparency, mutual understanding and cooperation amongst the parties and to ensure that immediate, mid and long term relief measures are developed and implemented in an effective and cooperative manner to eliminate the discrimination outlined in the CHRT decision. The Consultation Committee Child Welfare has held two meetings to date (May 10, 2018 and June 22, 2018) and continues productive discussions on the program and implementation of the Tribunal orders.
• The Minister is engaging across the country this summer to co-create options for federal legislation in partnership with Indigenous peoples and key partners. The expected outcome of this co-creation process would be a set of viable options for a legislative approach that would support a shared vision and set the stage for comprehensive Indigenous child well-being reform.
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6/30/2018,375,,Indigenous peoples,Implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in full partnership with Indigenous peoples.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - with challenges,"Strengthened relationships between the Government and Indigenous peoples, and alignment of federal laws and policies related to Indigenous peoples with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).","The Government has created a Working Group of Ministers, chaired by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, on the Review of Laws and Policies Related to Indigenous peoples to identify opportunities to amend federal laws and policies to align with the spirit and intent of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples(UNDRIP). As of November 2017, Canada is engaged in over 60 Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions, which are an opportunity for the Government to work collaboratively with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities to advance their rights, needs and interests through flexible approaches. These discussions are guided by the spirit and intent of the UNDRIP and by the Principles Respecting the Government of Canada's Relationship with Indigenous peoples. What is heard through these discussions will help inform forthcoming reforms to section-35 related policies to align with a recognition of rights approach and Indigenous self-determination as expressed in the UNDRIP.
The Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions are one of the mechanisms Canada is using to advance implementation of Articles 3, 4, 5 and 9 of the UNDRIP. The Government of Canada is working together with Indigenous groups to strengthen their self-determination as well as advance shared priorities, including nation building and governance. In addition, Canada is implementing our commitment to co-development through the co-development of negotiation mandates for Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions. This reflects Article 18 of the Declaration affirming that Indigenous peoples have the right to participate in decision-making about matters affecting their rights through their own representatives.
The Government of Canada is also fulfilling its commitment to implement the UNDRIP by:
• Supporting Private Member’s Bill C-262: The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, as a strong first step in the process of implementation. More legislation will be needed in order to fully implement the Declaration in Canada;
• Co-developing Indigenous Languages legislation with national First Nation, Inuit, and Métis leaders;
• Establishing the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls;
• Adopting a set of Principles respecting the Government of Canada's relationship with Indigenous peoples;
• Undertaking major changes to the machinery of government through the creation of the new Department of Indigenous Services and Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, to be better partners in new, recognition-based, nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relations;
• Working with Indigenous self-governments to review financing policies as a first step to support Indigenous governance, self-sufficiency and economic development;
• Creating new pathways to self-determination in health and education, including concluding significant education agreements, like the Anishnabek Nation Education Agreement, that recognizes Anishnabek control over education for 23 participating First Nations, and the opening of the Manitoba First Nations School System;
• Co-developing amendments to the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management and the First Nations Land Management Act with the Lands Advisory Board; and
• Developing a Recognition and Implementation of Indigenous Rights Framework to support the rebuilding of nations; advance self-determination; and, make the recognition and implementation of rights the basis for all relations between Indigenous peoples and the federal government.
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6/30/2018,376,,Safety and Security,Undertake modernization efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the criminal justice system.,Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Underway - on track,"Canadians are kept safer and offenders are held to account, the system shows greater compassion for victims, the needs of vulnerable populations are addressed and the criminal justice system is more efficient.","On March 29, 2018, the Government tabled legislation to improve efficiencies in the criminal justice system and reduce court delays in six key areas:
o modernize and streamline the bail regime;
o enhance the approach to administration of justice offences, including for youth;
o restrict the availability of preliminary inquiries to offences carrying life imprisonment;
o reclassify some offences to provide greater flexibility and court efficiencies;
o improve the jury composition and selection process; and,
o strengthen case management measures and processes for making rules of court.
A number of these reforms will respond to victims and the needs of vulnerable populations, for instance, by providing better protection for victims of intimate partner violence; preventing victims from having to testify twice; and, by providing that circumstances of the accused, in particular Indigenous accused and accused persons from vulnerable populations, are considered at bail, and in determining how to address a breach of condition.
To enhance access to justice and improve outcomes for a significant number of Canadian families, Budget 2018 proposed to provide $77.2 million over four years, starting in 2019-2020, and $20.8 million per year ongoing to support the creation and expansion of Unified Family Courts in Alberta, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador
Further to the funding announced in Budget 2018 to support the creation and expansion of Unified Family Courts in Alberta, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador, the necessary amendments to the Judges Act have been included in the Budget Implementation Act, 2018, No.1. As a further significant family law initiative, on May 22, 2018, the Government of Canada introduced new legislation (Bill C-78) to make federal family laws more responsive to Canadian families’ needs. The proposed legislation is designed to meet four key objectives:
• promote the best interests of the child;
• address family violence;
• help to reduce child poverty; and
• make Canada’s family justice system more accessible and efficient.
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6/30/2018,377,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Lead preparations for future international sporting events.,Minister of Sport and Persons With Disabilities,Underway - on track,Canadian athletes and national sport organizations are better prepared and supported for domestic and international events.,"Canada recorded its best ever Winter Olympics performance medal-wise at the PyeongChang Olympics with 29 medals (11 gold, eight silver, ten bronze). Canada also recorded its best ever Winter Paralympic performance at the PyeongChang Paralympics with 28 medals (eight gold, four silver and 16 bronze). The Government will continue to support Canadian athletes and national sport organizations in preparation for international events. Each year, Canada hosts more than 70 international single sport events that are supported through the Government's Hosting Program.
Canada’s female athletes do us proud at high-performance sport events. They regularly achieve podium success at Senior World Championships, and Olympic and Paralympic Games, but fewer Canadian women and girls participate in sport and physical activity than men and boys. Through Budget 2018, the Government proposed an initial $30 million in funding over three years to support data, research and innovative practices to promote women and girls’ participation in sport, and encourage greater inclusion of women and girls in all facets of sport. As such, in April 2018, a Working Group on gender Equity in Sport was created in order to examine issues that may affect participation and propose ideas, approaches, and strategies for eliminating barriers and to increase participation of women and girls in all facets of sport.
Budget 2018 also proposed to provide $16 million over five years with $2 million in ongoing funding for Special Olympics Canada to sustain its empowering movement. This includes support to the National Team Program which ensures optimal performance preparation for Special Olympics Team Canada to represent Canada on the world stage.
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6/30/2018,101_1,,Government Services and Operations,Implement the Auditor General's recommendations on enhancing mental health service delivery to Veterans.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,Veterans have increased awareness of available mental health services so that they know when they can expect care and get it quickly; there is improved performance management in the delivery of mental health services; and all recommendations of the Auditor General's 2014 report have been implemented.,"The Government of Canada has fully implemented the recommendations from the Auditor General's 2014 report on mental health services for Veterans, with the opening of a satellite operational stress injury clinic in Montreal on January 8, 2018. In addition, a new information system has been implemented to better track operational stress injuries and mental health needs among Veterans. This system is intended to address the quality and impact of service, help identify those at risk and provide recommendations for Veterans and their mental health service providers. These and other changes, reinforced by a new performance management framework, will improve the quality and effectiveness of how mental health services and outreach activities are delivered to Veterans. Lastly, Veterans Affairs Canada is continuously communicating about mental health services amongst the Veteran community to ensure those requiring assistance can access it."
6/30/2018,14_1,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and all other parts of the Public Safety portfolio are workplaces free from harassment and sexual violence.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Underway - on track,"Reduced incidents of harassment and sexual violence across Public Safety portfolio workplaces. Better training for staff at all levels, and implementation of all recommendations related to workplace safety and wellness at the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).","The Government is taking all necessary steps to ensure the RCMP is a workplace free from harassment and sexual violence. These steps include implementing all recommendations from the July 2016 Report on Allegations of Harassment and Sexual Misconduct at the RCMP's Canadian Police College Explosives Training Unit, providing $100 million for a settlement between the RCMP and female members and public service employees regarding gender and sexual orientation based harassment and discrimination, and establishing a senior executive responsible for Workforce Culture and Employee Engagement. The Government is also reviewing the report by Special Advisor Sheila Fraser on four cases of civil litigation against the RCMP regarding workplace harassment and the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission's comprehensive review of workplace harassment. In May 2018, the Government mandated the new RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki, in a letter from the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, to protect the health and safety of RCMP employees and members, including from harassment and violence in the workplace. Agencies in the Public Safety portfolio, including the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC), Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), have also put initiatives in place to address harassment and sexual violence in the workplace. As well, with the November 2017 signing of an Agreement in Principle (AIP) by the Government of Canada and parties to the Todd Edward Ross et al v. Her Majesty the Queen class action, a total of $110 million will be available to compensate class members — federal public servants, including members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who were directly impacted by anti-LGBTQ2 (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and two-spirit) policies and practices. The AIP also earmarks $15 million for remembrance to prevent future discrimination and for reconciliation with LGBTQ2 communities."
6/30/2018,175_1,,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Make sure the Infrastructure Bank supports the construction of new, affordable rental housing.","Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",On-going commitment,"Where relevant, the Canada Infrastructure Bank undertakes complementary projects that support the goals of the National Housing Strategy.","The Canada Infrastructure Bank was legally established in June 2017 as an arm’s length Crown corporation focused on making and attracting investments in revenue-generating infrastructure projects in the public interest. The Bank is responsible for investments of at least $35 billion over 11 years, focused on public transit, green infrastructure, and trade and transportation projects. In parallel, the Government launched the National Housing Strategy which includes a new National Housing Co-investment Fund which will support initiatives designed to build, renew and repair Canada’s stock of affordable housing and ensure Canadians have greater access to affordable housing that meets their needs. The Bank may undertake projects in the future related to housing, and if so these will complement the National Housing Strategy. But, to avoid duplication, the construction of affordable rental housing is not likely to be part of the Bank's primary mandate."
6/30/2018,240_1,,Strong Middle Class,Co-develop an Indigenous Early Learning and Childcare Framework with Indigenous partners.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Indigenous Services;Minister of Status of Women",Underway - on track,"Strengthened early learning and child care that reflects the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit and Métis children and families.","In addition to investments to support early learning and child care under the Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care Framework with provinces and territories, the Government has been collaborating with Indigenous partners to develop an Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework that reflects the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children and families across Canada. The Framework will inform additional investments of at least $130 million a year for 10 years to strengthen early learning and childcare programs and services for Indigenous children. Budget 2018 reiterated that a commitment of $360 million, starting in 2017-18, has been made towards the Framework over the next three years.
Budget 2016 announced $29.4 million in 2016-17 to support repairs and renovations of the facilities used by the First Nations and Inuit Child Care Initiative child care (FNICCI) and the Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve (AHSOR) program. Repairs and renovations were undertaken in 210 FNICCI child care centers and in 70 AHSOR facilities.
Budget 2016 also proposed investments of $100 million in 2017-18 to build capacity in existing Indigenous early learning and child care programs while the Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework is being co-developed. With these investments, repairs and renovations have been undertaken in 335 FNICCI child care centers, in 97 AHSOR facilities and in 89 Aboriginal Head Start in Urban and Northern Communities facilities.
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6/30/2018,257_1,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Encourage an increase in the number of women in senior positions and on boards in Canada.,"Minister of Status of Women;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,More women occupy senior leadership positions in Canada.,"The first gender-balanced federal Cabinet was appointed in 2015. The Government has also adopted an open, transparent and merit-based approach to select candidates for federal appointments which, to date, has selected 53% women for these important roles. In addition, the Government has announced a process to address the underrepresentation of women as Canada Research Chairs, and newly amended legislation, which received Royal Assent on May 1, 2018, will require publicly-traded, federally-incorporated companies to disclose annually information on the diversity makeup of their boards and senior management, as well as their diversity policies (or explain why they do not have one). Budget 2018 announced that the Government will create an annual award for Canadian corporations showing leadership in promoting women, including minority women, to senior management positions and boards of directors."
6/30/2018,257_2,,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Increase women representation where they have been traditionally under-represented, such as in the skilled trades.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Underway - on track,"Increase representation of women in professions and sectors traditionally dominated by men, including the skilled trades.","Budget 2017 investments in the PromoScience Program and FuturPreneur Canada are aimed at increasing the participation of underrepresented groups, including women, in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields as well as in entrepreneurship. Budget 2018 proposed to allocate approximately $20 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, to pilot an Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women. Under the Grant, women in male-dominated Red Seal trades would receive $3,000 for each of their first two years of training (up to $6,000). Working in partnership with provinces, territories, post-secondary institutions, training providers, unions and employers, the Government will provide $46 million over five years, starting in 2018-19, and $10 million per year thereafter, for the Pre-Apprenticeship Program. The new program will help Canadians explore the trades, gain work experience, make informed career choices and develop the skills needed to find and keep good, well-paying jobs in the trades. To help increase the number of women in the skilled trades, the Women in Construction Fund will be launched in 2018-19 with an investment of $10 million over three years. The Program will build on existing models that have proven to be effective in attracting women to the trades. These models provide supports such as mentoring, coaching and tailored supports that help women to progress through their training and find and retain jobs in the trades."
6/30/2018,39_1,,Environment and Climate Change,"Implement the Pan-Canadian framework, including targeted federal funding and a flexible national carbon pricing policy.",Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Finance;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs,Underway - on track,"Reduction in Canada's greenhouse gas emissions and progress to Canada's 2030 emission reduction targets as committed to in the Paris Agreement, ensuring that a cleaner, more sustainable world is left for our children and generations to come.","In December 2016, most First Ministers adopted the Pan-Canadian Framework (PCF) on Clean Growth and Climate Change, with Manitoba announcing its intention to join on February 23, 2018. The Government of Canada is working closely with the provinces and territories, Indigenous Peoples, and Canadians to implement over 50 measures outlined in the PCF. These actions, supported by significant federal investments announced in Budget 2016 and Budget 2017, will decrease emissions, reduce air pollution, advance technology innovation and increase resilience across the broad range of impacts of climate change.
In December 2017, the first annual report on progress made in implementing the PCF was released. This report highlights significant federal, provincial and territorial accomplishments of the past year under all four pillars of the Framework.
In addition, the Government released the Clean Fuel Standard Regulatory Framework to clarify key issues relating to the planned regulations.
Under the pan-Canadian approach to pricing carbon pollution, provinces and territories have the flexibility to implement their own carbon pollution pricing systems to meet the federal benchmark. The Budget Implementation Act, 2018, No. 1, which enacts the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act (GGPPA), received Royal Assent on June 21, 2018. The GGPPA establishes the framework for the federal carbon pollution pricing system that will apply in jurisdictions that request it or that do not have a carbon pollution pricing system in place in 2018 that meets the benchmark. The federal system is intended to take effect on January 1, 2019.
In February 2018, Canada published two proposed regulations to limit carbon dioxide emissions: one amendment to accelerate the phase-out of coal-fired power by 2030, and the other to set emission performance standards for new natural gas-fired electricity generation and coal boilers converted to run on natural gas.
Canada is also working on a full suite of adaptation programs, codes and standards for climate resilience, a Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund, investments of $21.9 billion in green infrastructure funding (including $9.2 billion for bilateral agreements with provinces and territories), establishment of the Canadian Centre for Climate Services, and $2 billion for a Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund.
In addition, the Government of Canada – working in partnership with the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and the Métis National Council – has launched three separate senior-level tables to engage with First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation in the implementation of the PCF.
In March 2018, the $500 million Low Carbon Economy Challenge was launched. In April 2018, the final Regulations Respecting Reductions in the Release of Methane and Certain Volatile Organic Compounds (upstream oil and gas sector) were published. In May 2018, the final Regulations Amending the Heavy-duty Vehicle and Engine Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations were published."
6/30/2018,7_1,,Safety and Security,Ensure the Royal Canadian Navy is able to operate as a true maritime force.,"Minister of National Defence;Minister of Public Services and Procurement; Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Underway - with challenges,Improved equipment for the men and women in uniform.,"Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), the Government has started renewing Canada's maritime fleet so needed vessels are delivered to the Royal Canadian Navy in a timely and affordable manner.
The Canadian Surface Combatant competitive procurement for the warship design and design team is progressing; multiple bids were received in November 2017 and the warship design and design team, selected as a result of the competitive procurement, is expected to be announced in 2018. The interim auxiliary oiler replenishment vessel, the M/V Asterix, entered into service in January 2018 and the first Arctic and Offshore Patrol ship will be launched in summer 2018. In May 2018, the Government of Canada signed a contract for the construction of up to 52 blocks of the Royal Canadian Navy’s Joint Support Ships (JSS) at Vancouver Shipyards. Steel was cut for the early blocks of JSS 1 in June 2018. JSS 1 is expected to be delivered in 2022-2023 and JSS 2 is expected in 2023-2024.
To advance the development of National Repair, Refit and Maintenance and Small Vessel Construction program strategies, Public Services and Procurement Canada hosted a series of four Regional Workshops (November 2017 – April 2018). The results of these workshops will be used to identify opportunities to improve and streamline the procurement processes.
The NSS continues to generate significant economic benefits across the country. Approximately $1.3 billion of NSS contracts were awarded in 2017. NSS contracts awarded between 2012 and 2017 are estimated to contribute close to $8.9 billion of gross domestic product, and create or maintain almost 8,800 jobs annually during the period of 2012 to 2022 in the Canadian economy. NSS shipyards also continue to engage with small and medium Canadian enterprises by awarding contracts for NSS related projects.
Given the scope and complexity of the construction of vessels, delivering on time and on budget presents implementation challenges that must be closely monitored and managed, which is the purview of the Cabinet Committee on Defence Procurement.
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6/30/2018,77_1,,Healthy Canadians,New Health Accord supports the delivery of more and better home care services.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,Improved access to home care services.,"The Government of Canada has reached agreement with all provinces and territories on collective priorities and 10-year funding to strengthen health care and will invest $6 billion over 10 years for provinces and territories to expand access to home and community care options, and better support the millions of Canadians who provide informal care to loved ones. Based on the collective priorities, bilateral funding agreements detailing how federal funding will be used are now being negotiated. Agreements have been signed with five provinces and territories (New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Prince Edward Island and Saskatchewan). The Government has also introduced a 15-week Employment Insurance benefit for those caring for critically ill or injured adult family members and created the new Canada Caregiving Credit to simplify and expand tax credits for caregivers.
The Progress Report on Selecting Pan-Canadian Indicators for Access to Mental Health and Addiction Services and to Home and Community Care was published by Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) on March 22, 2018. Its purpose is to report on progress made to date regarding the selection of common indicators. Annual reporting is expected to begin in 2019. The proposed common indicators support the performance measurement commitments under the Common Statement of Principles on Shared Health Priorities and were presented to, and endorsed by, the Conference of Deputy Ministers of Health on April 5, 2018. The indicators will be brought forward to Federal, Provincial, and Territorial Health Ministers for approval in June. "
6/30/2018,77_2,,Healthy Canadians,New Health Accord advances pan-Canadian collaboration on health innovation.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"More innovation within the health care system, including new digital and mobile technologies to improve results.","To support health innovation, Budget 2017 confirmed $300 million over five years for Canada Health Infoway to expand e-prescribing and virtual care initiatives. In addition, Budget 2017 committed $53 million over five years, with $15.0 million per year ongoing, to the Canadian Institute for Health Information to address health data gaps, support improved decision-making and strengthen health system performance reporting. Budget 2017 also committed $51 million over three years, starting in 2019-20, with $17 million ongoing, to the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement to continue to accelerate innovations in all provinces and territories."
6/30/2018,77_3,,Healthy Canadians,New Health Accord improves access to necessary prescription medications.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,Canadians have access to lower cost prescription medications.,"The Government is working on enhancing the affordability, accessibility and appropriate use of prescription drugs in collaboration with provinces, territories and other partners. The Government has joined the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance, which leverages combined federal-provincial-territorial purchasing power to make patented prescription drugs cheaper for public plans and lower prescription generic drug prices for all payers. Following an initial consultation in Spring 2017, proposed amendments to the Patented Medicines Regulations were published in Canada Gazette I on December 2, 2017, launching a 75-day period during which stakeholders and interested Canadians were invited to provide feedback. Budget 2017 invested $140.3 million over five years and $18.2 million per year ongoing for Health Canada, the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board and the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health.
As part of Budget 2018, the Government announced it is creating an Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare. The Advisory Council will conduct an economic and social assessment of domestic and international models, and will recommend options on how to move forward. The full Council was launched on June 20, 2018, and has begun engaging with provincial, territorial and Indigenous leaders as well as experts, stakeholders, patients and other Canadians."
6/30/2018,77_4,,Healthy Canadians,New Health Accord makes high quality mental health services available.,Minister of Health,Underway - on track,"Improved access to mental health and addictions services, particularly for vulnerable populations and youth.","The Government of Canada has reached agreement with all provinces and territories on collective priorities and 10-year funding to strengthen health care and will invest $5 billion over 10 years to increase access to mental health and addictions services, including for young Canadians, where early interventions can significantly improve outcomes. Based on the collective priorities, bilateral funding agreements detailing how federal funding will be used are being negotiated. Agreements have now been signed with four provinces and one territory (New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan).
The Progress Report on Selecting Pan-Canadian Indicators for Access to Mental Health and Addiction Services and to Home and Community Care was published by Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) on March 22, 2018. Its purpose is to report on progress made to date regarding the selection of common indicators. Annual reporting is expected to begin in 2019. The proposed common indicators support the performance measurement commitments under the Common Statement of Principles on Shared Health Priorities and were presented to, and endorsed by, the Conference of Deputy Ministers of Health on April 5, 2018. The indicators will be brought forward to FPT Health Ministers for approval in June.
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6/30/2018,90_1,,Strong Middle Class,Continue to reduce the federal debt-to-Gross Domestic Product ratio.,Minister of Finance,Underway - on track,A federal debt-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio that continues to go down.,"The Government is committed to building a strong middle class, making investments that lead to economic growth and reducing Canada’s already low debt-to-GDP ratio. In 2016-2017, federal debt was 31.2% of GDP. As shown in Budget 2018, the debt-to-GDP ratio is projected to continue falling, from 30.1% in 2018-19 and reaching 28.4% in 2022-23. The Government will maintain this downward debt ratio track—preserving Canada's low-debt advantage for current and future generations. Economic growth is the strongest in the G7, the youth unemployment rate is near the lowest it has ever been, and Canada is maintaining its low-debt advantage. The Government's approach has received praise from organizations including the International Monetary Fund."
6/30/2018,95_1,,Government Services and Operations,Increase the value of the Disability Award.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"Increased the maximum Disability Award to $360,000 and indexed it to inflation so ill or injured Veterans receive better financial support.","The maximum Disability Award has been increased to a maximum of $360,000 for ill and injured Veterans in recognition of pain and suffering, commensurate with industry benchmarks and indexed to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This provides support to Veterans and their families for an injury or illness resulting from military service. All Veterans who received a Disability Award since 2006 have already or will receive an additional lump-sum payment as a result of these changes."
10/31/2018,1,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency is a client-focused agency.,Minister of National Revenue,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Improved client satisfaction levels, reduced wait times for inquiries, and simplified and easy to use processes.","The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is shifting toward a client-centric approach to program and service delivery. Being client-centric means understanding clients’ needs, their behaviours and expectations and adapting to meet those needs. Over the past year, many improvements have been made.
The Government is undertaking a comprehensive review of the CRA’s service model. With this review underway, Budget 2018 announced $206 million over five years and $33.6 million in ongoing funding to address commitments to service excellence.
To improve telephone service, the budget proposed additional funding to enhance telephone technology, to hire more agents, and to provide additional training for agents. The CRA now allows more callers to reach its call centres, rather than be faced with a busy signal, by extending wait times in the queue. This has reduced the number of attempts that callers need to make to reach an agent. The CRA improved the accessibility of its telephone services, with 48% of the calls it received during 2017-18 being answered, compared to 36% in 2016-17, as reported in the Auditor General fall 2017 report. The CRA also continues to expand its telephone self-service options. Since February 2018, callers can obtain their account balance and details about the last payment made to the CRA without speaking to an agent. The CRA’s call centres have doubled the rate of answered calls made to the CRA’s Individual Tax Enquiries lines since the 2015 tax-filing season.
The CRA is continually enhancing its Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP), and Budget 2018 provides additional funding for further enhancement of the program to increase the number of individuals helped by the CVITP. This program assists vulnerable Canadians with tax filing and access to the benefits they are entitled to. As well, the budget provided funding to support additional year-round tax preparation offered by community organizations, and to conduct more outreach activities to vulnerable population segments including Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, seniors, newcomers and refugees, modest-income Canadians, housing insecure individuals and youth.
In November 2017, the CRA introduced the ""tell us once"" approach, a consent-based service that will make it easier for Canada Pension Plan recipients to update and share their direct deposit banking information quickly and safely between the CRA and Employment and Social Development Canada.
Individuals can now pay their taxes in person at any Canada Post retail outlet with cash or a debit card by using the personalized quick response (QR) code found on their remittance voucher, or by creating a QR code online.
The CRA is continuously working to improve its services for individuals and businesses. In May 2018, a new service was introduced to inform business clients that mail addressed to them has been returned to the CRA, by sending them a message to their My Business Account. Business owners and authorized representatives will be asked to confirm or update the account’s address information.
The CRA has expanded the Liaison Officer (LO) service, which offers the owners of small unincorporated businesses help to understand their tax obligations.
In October 2017, the CRA launched BizApp, a mobile web app for small businesses and sole proprietors to keep on top of their business accounts securely, anytime and anywhere. Since its launch, small businesses and sole proprietors have logged in more than 8,000 times. As of mid-October, close to 150 payments had been made through pre-authorized debit in the app and this number is anticipated to grow as the service expands in late October 2018 to include the My Payment and QR code payment options.
In October 2018, the CRA launched a redesigned My Account, which makes finding information and transactions with the CRA easier. This is the first step in a multi-year project that will re-engineer My Account, My Business Account and Represent a Client into a modern, client-focused digital service.
By launching the 2018 Serving You Better (SYB) consultations with small and medium businesses in September 2018, the Minister of National Revenue reaffirmed the commitment to improving the services offered by the CRA to businesses. The SYB consultations provide a forum for small and medium businesses and accountants to share valuable insights, which the CRA can use to make its programs and services more streamlined and client-focused. During the in-person consultations, small and medium businesses and accountants are invited to provide feedback and recommendations to CRA senior officials in cities across Canada.
In August 2018, the Minister of National Revenue announced that the Agency will open three new northern service centres in the territorial capitals of Whitehorse, Yellowknife and Iqaluit prior to the 2019 tax filing season. These centres will better support territorial residents, Indigenous communities, and businesses. In addition to maintaining a physical presence throughout the year, the CRA will expand the outreach and the CVITP activities, and the LO service offered to businesses and self-employed individuals. The CRA will also set up dedicated telephone lines to connect territorial residents to CRA agents who are familiar with northern tax matters. Before the start of the 2019 tax season, up to 12 CRA employees will be working in the territorial capitals to deliver these services.
In addition, the CRA is taking steps to improve back-end verification activities for the northern resident deductions, and will recommend regulatory amendments to simplify the lowest return airfare component of those deductions. The Northern Service Improvement Strategy also includes initiatives designed to proactively guide people on how to correctly claim the deduction and, ultimately, minimize the frequency of repeat reviews caused by recurring errors.
To ensure that Indigenous peoples are able to fully participate in the Canadian tax and benefit system, the CRA conducted research with Indigenous communities to identify issues and challenges related to tax filing. The CRA is using the research findings to develop outreach programs and communications products to help Indigenous Peoples access the benefits and credits available through the tax system, including the non-taxable, Canada child benefit (CCB). Also, in collaboration with Service Canada, the Government proactively promoted the CCB in Indigenous communities to make sure Indigenous families have full access to this important benefit.
The CRA is listening to Canadians, changing how it operates, and improving its services with the goal to be a trusted, helpful and fair world-class tax and benefit administration by putting people first. On October 29, 2018, the CRA announced it would develop a series of consultations with Canadians to better understand their expectations of the Agency and how to meet them. Consultations will be led by the Agency’s new Chief Service Officer (CSO). Appointed in March 2018, the CSO is leading the CRA’s service transformation through an integrated, client-focused approach that spans all CRA activities."
10/31/2018,2,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Crack down on tax evaders.,Minister of National Revenue,"Actions taken, progress made","A fairer tax system, and billions of dollars recovered from those who are evading taxes.","The Canada Revenue Agency continues its efforts to effectively limit tax evasion and avoidance, in particular by targeting non-compliance in the highest-risk areas, including wealthy individuals with offshore accounts. These efforts are showing concrete results for Canadians. The Government has identified $13.6 billion in fiscal impact during the 2017-2018 fiscal year, an increase of more than $1 billion from the previous year. This includes $1.6 billion in incremental revenue from federal budget investments against a target of $1.1 billion.
As of March 31, 2018, the Government reviewed all large money transfers between Canada and eight countries of concern—a total of 187,000 transactions worth over $177 billion that merited closer scrutiny. At the close of fiscal 2017-2018, the CRA was conducting more than 1,100 taxpayer audits with offshore links and had 50 ongoing criminal investigations related to offshore financial structures.
The Government is also aggressively going after those who promote tax avoidance schemes, and in 2017-2018 imposed approximately $484 million in penalties on these third parties.
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is publishing a series of studies on Canada's tax gap. To do this, a dedicated unit was established to examine different parts of the gap. The CRA is committed to continue estimating the tax gap, while engaging with external experts and interested stakeholders to further work in this area. The CRA has made information relevant to tax gap available to the Parliamentary Budget Officer and to Canadians through the Government of Canada’s Open Data portal.
Canada is one of more than 60 countries taking part in the OECD/G20 Country-by-Country Reporting Initiative, a collaborative approach that allows countries to share revenue and profit information on their large multinational enterprises. This disclosing of worldwide financials helps the CRA better risk assess whether these companies are paying the right amount of tax in each country. The first exchanges of information took place in summer 2018.
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10/31/2018,3,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Develop a Canadian energy strategy with provinces and territories.,Minister of Natural Resources,Completed - modified,"Greater energy conservation, greater inclusion of clean energy and innovative technologies in Canada's energy future, reduced diesel use in remote and off-grid communities, and effective market access for Canadian energy exports.","Federal, provincial and territorial Energy Ministers are taking joint action under the provincial/territorial led Canadian Energy Strategy on shared goals to promote energy efficiency, develop new energy technology and innovations, and identify priority energy infrastructure and advance international energy collaboration. These initiatives complement the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, which is meant to help Canada meet its emissions reduction target and grow the economy.
In June 2018, the Generation Energy Council Report was released, outlining a vision, pathways and advice on a prosperous and low-carbon future. The Government will build on the work of Generation Energy, to engage provinces and territories to accelerate clean growth strategies, and enhance the energy sector’s competitiveness.
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10/31/2018,4,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Modernize the National Energy Board.,Minister of Natural Resources,"Actions taken, progress made","Canada has a modern energy regulator that is more representative of Canada's regions and diversity and has greater expertise to undertake its responsibilities in considering environmental science, the knowledge and perspective of Indigenous peoples, and community development. The new regulator will facilitate more timely project decisions.","As announced in February 2018, the Government is proposing to create the Canadian Energy Regulator (CER), a new and modern federal energy regulator with the required independence and the proper accountability to oversee a strong, safe and sustainable Canadian energy sector in the 21st century. This includes ensuring the new CER is built on modern effective governance, more inclusive engagement, greater Indigenous participation, stronger safety and environmental protection, and more timely project decisions that enhance certainty for industry. The legislation, regulations and policy measures to modernize the National Energy Board are being informed by an Expert Panel report, federal discussion papers, parliamentary studies, and over two years of consultations with Indigenous peoples, industry, provinces and territories, non-government organizations, academia and the public. The proposed legislation is currently before the Senate for review."
10/31/2018,5,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Develop a North American clean energy and environment agreement.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of Natural Resources,Completed - fully met,"Reduced greenhouse gas emissions, alignment of energy efficiency regulations and enhanced development of the clean technology sector in North America, setting the foundation for a stronger, more sustainable economy.","At the trilateral North American Leaders’ Summit in June 2016, an Action Plan for a North American Climate, Clean Energy, and Environment Partnership was publicly released. It announced ambitious targets to advance clean and secure energy, drive down short-lived climate pollutants, promote clean and efficient transportation, and show global leadership in addressing climate change. The February 13, 2017 Joint Statement from the President of the United States and the Prime Minister affirmed the importance of close collaboration on energy security, clean energy innovation and the environment, including clean air and water. Canada will continue to advance these priorities, including by working with Mexico and sub-national governments in the United States in the context of the North American Climate Leaders’ process. On September 13, 2018, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and the Mexican and United States Climate Alliance counterparts announced a North American Climate Leadership Dialogue joint statement committing to continued environment and climate change cooperation."
10/31/2018,6,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Undertake a review of Canada Post to make sure it provides high-quality service at a reasonable price.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges","Canadians receive the services they expect from Canada Post at a reasonable price. In addition, Canada Post is able to effectively adapt to changes in technology and consumer preferences.","The Canada Post Review has produced two public reports from an Independent Task Force and the House of Commons Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates.
On January 24, 2018, the Government completed the Review and announced a service-focused vision for renewal, providing guidance for renewal to the Board of Directors. This vision and guidance included concrete measures to make delivery more accessible, and to stop converting door-to-door service into community mailboxes.
A new Chair of Canada Post's Board of Directors was appointed in December 2017, who received a letter of expectations from the Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility in January 2018. Subsequently, the Government has announced eight appointments to the Board.
Canada Post has been reclassified under the *Financial Administration Act* with the strengthened expectation that it will reinvest all of its profits in service and innovation and steps are underway to address drivers of rural-urban pricing differences. The collective bargaining process has been challenging, and labour has recently taken rotating job action. However, negotiations continue and the new leadership is actively looking to shift relations towards a culture of collaboration and service to Canadians."
10/31/2018,7,15-Nov,Safety and Security,Renew the Canadian Coast Guard fleet.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development","Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges",Enhanced protection and improved safety of Canadians along Canada's coasts.,"Through the Oceans Protection Plan and re-investments in the Canadian Coast Guard, the Government has significantly enhanced support to the Coast Guard fleet. Specifically, the Government is working to enhance the world-leading marine safety system that protects Canada’s coasts. It is also committed to ensuring that the Canadian Coast Guard has the equipment it needs to prevent potential marine pollution incidents. In August 2018, the Government awarded a contract to increase emergency offshore towing capability off British Columbia's coast. Under the contract, the supplier will provide the Coast Guard with the operation of two emergency towing vessels on the west coast. Included in the contract is training in offshore emergency towing to Coast Guard personnel.
Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), the Government has started renewing Canada's federal fleet so that needed vessels are delivered to the Canadian Coast Guard in a timely and affordable manner.
Construction is underway on all three Offshore Fisheries Science Vessels, the first of which was launched in December 2017. The vessel is undergoing a period of outfitting/build completion and trials. Construction engineering is also underway for the construction of the Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel, which will follow construction of the Offshore Fisheries Science Vessels. In addition, two Channel Survey and Sounding Vessels were delivered in October 2018 to replace vessels operating in the St. Lawrence River, and which were nearing the end of their lifespan. Moreover, the first two of 20 new Search and Rescue (SAR) lifeboats were delivered in late 2017, and an additional two were delivered this fall, to help keep Canadians and Canadian waterways safe.
On August 10, 2018, the Government of Canada issued a contract to Chantier Davie of Lévis, Quebec, for the acquisition of three medium commercial icebreakers and a conversion of the first ship. On August 27, 2018, the vessels arrived in Canada and progress is underway on the conversion of the first ship with a view to start operation in December 2018. The vessels will provide interim capability for the Canadian Coast Guard while existing ships are removed from service for repairs, until replacement vessels can be built under the NSS. The schedule of the non-combat program has been adjusted to reflect the progress to date.
The Government is also investing to: repair and modernize many of the Coast Guard's vessels with new technology and towing equipment, enhance collaborations between the Coast Guard with Indigenous communities, and harness cutting edge science and technology to understand ocean currents, real-time shipping movements and threat monitoring.
To advance the development of National Repair, Refit and Maintenance and Small Vessel Construction program strategies, Public Services and Procurement Canada hosted a series of four regional workshops (November 2017 – April 2018). The results of these workshops will be used to identify opportunities to improve and streamline the procurement processes.
The NSS continues to generate significant economic benefits across the country. Approximately $1.3 billion of NSS contracts were awarded in 2017. NSS contracts awarded between 2012 and 2017 are estimated to contribute close to $8.9 billion of gross domestic product, and create or maintain almost 8,800 jobs annually during the period of 2012 to 2022 in the Canadian economy. NSS shipyards also continue to engage with small and medium Canadian enterprises by awarding contracts for NSS related projects.
Given the scope and complexity of the construction of vessels, delivering on time and on budget presents implementation challenges that must be closely monitored and managed."
10/31/2018,8,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Modernize procurement practices.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made","Government procurement is faster, simpler, more competitive, and more predictable in terms of cost. Businesses with innovative ideas are able to more easily sell to the Government, and procurement processes benefit Canadians and communities across Canada.","The Government is improving its procurement processes so that businesses can engage with Government in a simpler and faster way. The procurement platform was enhanced so that suppliers have easier access to bidding opportunities and are given a second opportunity to comply with the mandatory requirements of bid solicitations. Steps have also been taken to adopt an agile approach to procurement, that provides a fair, transparent and inclusive process open to all businesses across Canada. The Government announced the new Innovative Solutions Canada, which matches businesses offering early-stage prototypes with federal departments in need of innovative products or services. Budget 2018 announced $196.8 million over five years to establish a new electronic procurement platform, which will also help make government procurement simpler, faster, and more accessible.
The Government is also making strides to increase bidder diversity. It participated in approximately 1,770 outreach events across Canada including 614 events that gathered 10,909 individuals belonging to under-represented groups such as women, Indigenous and multicultural communities to promote how to do business with the Government of Canada. PSPC also launched social procurement pilots to increase participation of small and diverse suppliers with a bigger focus on women-owned and Indigenous small and medium-sized businesses. These efforts also complement initiatives undertaken to support green and social procurement in order to deliver improved community and environmental benefits.
The Government is also adopting innovative technologies, including the use of Artificial Intelligence to speed up the procurement process and determine how best to align government contracts to commercial best practices.
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10/31/2018,9,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Establish new performance standards for government services and measure and report on performance.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government;Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility;Minister of Democratic Institutions","Actions taken, progress made",Government services that better meet the needs of Canadians.,"The Government of Canada is assessing its service standards to ensure that they are comprehensive and meaningful. Among its initial achievements, the Government has: implemented new and better service standards for new clients applying for Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPP-D) benefits; completed a Service Delivery Review for Veterans Affairs Canada to help drive wholesale change to delivering services and benefits to Veterans; re-opened nine Veterans Affairs Canada offices that were closed by the previous government, and opened a new tenth office; expanded auto-enrollment for Old Age Security benefits (OAS); and added new capacity for call centres handling inquiries related to Employment Insurance (EI) and Canada Revenue Agency. In 2017-18, the Government consulted with Canadians as part of reviews of the EI, OAS and CPP service standards, the results of which are informing the consideration of potential changes to these standards. "
10/31/2018,10,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Strengthen oversight on government advertising.,President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government,"Actions taken, progress made",Increased oversight of government advertising so that public dollars aren't spent on partisan advertising.,"In May 2016, an interim process was established so that advertising campaigns with budgets greater than $500,000 undergo independent, mandatory reviews. These reviews ensure the campaigns are non-partisan. The results of these reviews are posted online. Following consultations with parliamentarians and other stakeholders, the Government will entrench independent third-party oversight of federal advertising in law. The Office of the Auditor General of Canada has also committed to review the interim process."
10/31/2018,11,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Improve the use of evidence in program evaluation.,President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government,"Actions taken, progress made","Evidence-based reporting, measurement and evaluation of government activities are in place.","The Government established a new Policy on Results in July 2016 that aims to improve how government organizations measure, evaluate, and report results. The policy also seeks to improve how departments and agencies gather and use evidence to inform decisions. As of June 2018, 79 departments have fully adopted the new policy and the remaining departments continue to do so.
Following the announcement in Budget 2018, planning has begun to establish a central performance evaluation team to undertake innovation performance evaluations on an ongoing basis."
10/31/2018,12,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Make government data available digitally.,"President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development","Actions taken, progress made",Digitized government data that are accessible to Canadians.,"The Government has improved the Open Government portal, Open.canada.ca, by adding content from across the Government of Canada and by simplifying the process for users to search. In addition, the Government of Canada added the Open by Default Pilot section to the portal, which gives Canadians early access to select draft and working documents from participating departments.
The Government has increased the number of participating federal entities from 45 in 2014 to 67 as of October 2018. In the last year, over 30,000 new data sets have been published, which were accessed hundreds of thousands of times. New data sets continue to be made available on open.canada.ca. The Government also continues to strengthen the quality, accessibility, and searchability of open data.
The Government of Canada was recognized for its leadership on open government, and in October 2018 assumed the role of lead government chair of the Open Government Partnership, which is the global organization that coordinates open government. Budget 2018 also announced an investment of $1 million for the Treasury Board Secretariat in support of Canada’s co-chairmanship of the Open Government Partnership and the organization of an international Summit taking place in Ottawa May 29-31, 2019. Finally, in September 2018 Canada ranked 1st globally (tied with the United Kingdom) on the World Wide Web Foundation’s Open Data Barometer Leaders Edition, which measures progress by 30 leading governments that have made concrete commitments to champion open data.
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10/31/2018,13,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Bargain in good faith with Canada's public sector unions.,President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government,"Actions taken, progress made","Collective agreements with Canada's public sector unions are fair and reasonable for employees and Canadians, and are bargained in good faith.","The Government of Canada is committed to building a culture of respect for, and within, the federal public service. For the 2014 round of bargaining, through good-faith negotiations, the Government has reached 26 agreements with bargaining agents, representing over 99% of unionized employees in the core public administration. For the 2018 round of bargaining, the Employer engaged with all bargaining agents who have served notice to bargain. The Government will continue to bargain in good faith with public sector unions and remains committed to negotiating collective agreements that are fair for public servants, and that serve to attract, retain, motivate and renew the workforce required to deliver results to Canadians."
10/31/2018,14,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that Parliament and federal institutions are free from harassment and sexual violence.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government;Minister of Status of Women;Leader of the Government in the House of Commons","Actions taken, progress made","To ensure that Parliament and federal institutions are free from harassment and sexual violence, strategies are informed by expert and stakeholder consultations and are supported by new proposals and legislation introduced in fall 2017.","The Government has taken key steps to address violence and sexual harassment in workplaces under federal jurisdiction:
In June 2018, the Federal Court approved a landmark Final Settlement Agreement (FSA) to the LGBT Purge Class Action that will compensate current and former federal public servants, members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who were directly impacted by anti-LGBTQ2 policies and practices. The FSA also includes $15 million for Reconciliation and Memorialization Measures to prevent future discrimination and for reconciliation with LGBTQ2 communities.
Also in June 2018, the Code of Conduct for Members of the House of Commons: Sexual Harassment Between Members was updated to change the definition of sexual harassment and improve the complaint and investigation processes.
In September 2018, the Clerk of the Privy Council released a report: “Safe Workspaces: Starting a Dialogue and Taking Action on Harassment in the Public Service” which offers recommendations aimed at preventing harassment, responding to allegations and supporting victims.
In October 2018, new legislation that replaces the current patchwork of laws and policies on violence and harassment in workplaces across the federal jurisdiction and enhances prevention, protection and support when harassment and violence occurs, received Royal Assent. Regulations will be introduced in the near future, and, subject to approval of the regulations, coming into force is anticipated as early as June 2019.
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10/31/2018,15,15-Nov,Safety and Security,Reinforce railway safety.,Minister of Transport,"Actions taken, progress made","Stronger railway safety regulations, improved communication with Canadians and rail infrastructure that is safer and in better condition, leading to fewer accidents and injuries and reduced loss of life.","The Government tabled the final Report of the *Railway Safety Act* Review in Parliament on May 31, 2018. The statutory review was launched on April 27, 2017, one year earlier than required, to ensure this main piece of legislation governing rail safety in Canada continues to uphold the best interests of Canadians. On July 5, 2018, the Minister chaired a roundtable with representative stakeholder groups to get early perspectives on the Report and its findings. Transport Canada is carefully considering the Report’s findings and recommendations, taking appropriate action to further strengthen the safety of Canada’s rail transportation system. The Government is investing in infrastructure improvements to existing rail lines and crossings, safety-related research and innovative development, public education and awareness initiatives, as well as providing grants to encourage the closure of unsafe crossings. The Government has supported 660 projects across Canada to reduce injuries and fatalities. In addition, collaboration is underway with local communities to improve the sharing of information for emergency responses and to educate the public about railway crossings and infrastructure in their communities. The Government has also revised the rules governing the transportation of dangerous goods by rail, introduced a mandatory minimum level of insurance for federal railways and accelerated the timeline to phase out the DOT-111 tank cars and CPC 1232 tank cars that transport crude oil. To assist municipalities with emergency planning, risk assessment and to help train first responders, the Government issued Protective Direction 36 on April 28, 2016 to provide jurisdictions with access to comprehensive dangerous goods information from railways, including information that they can make publicly available. Now that the *Transportation Modernization Act* has received Royal Assent, the Government will move to develop regulations to implement its amendments to the *Railway Safety Act* which will improve rail safety by requiring the mandatory installation of recording instruments on locomotives.
The Government has also developed a strategy for addressing fatigue in the rail industry that includes the publication of a Notice of Intent in the Canada Gazette, Part I on November 11, 2017, communicating to Canadians and interested stakeholders its most current policy direction on the management of fatigue in the rail industry. As a first step in engaging transportation stakeholders on fatigue management, Transport Canada held a Fatigue in Transportation Forum in Montreal on June 27-28, 2018. The forum brought together participants from all modes of transport, stakeholders in the Canadian transportation industry and academic experts on fatigue science to discuss risks and best practices relating to the management of fatigue. Results of this forum will provide the department the opportunity to incorporate relevant and up-to-date knowledge into future fatigue-related regulatory development activities."
10/31/2018,16,15-Nov,Exports and Investment,Undertake a full review of the Canadian grain transportation system to help farmers get their product to market.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food;Minister of Transport,Completed - fully met,"A more transparent and fair grain transportation system is in place so Canadian farmers can get their products to market, both in Canada and internationally.","The Government has held consultations with grain sector stakeholders on rail transportation issues and the *Canada Transportation Act* Review, leading to the introduction of the *Transportation Modernization Act* to advance a long-term agenda for a more transparent, balanced, efficient and reliable rail system to move Canadian goods, including grain, to global markets. The *Transportation Modernization Act* received Royal Assent on May 23, 2018. Key measures include: new data reporting requirements for railways; a new Long-Haul Interswitching mechanism to provide captive shippers across multiple sectors and regions of Canada with access to a competing railway; a clear definition of “adequate and suitable” rail service; the ability for shippers to seek reciprocal financial penalties in their service agreements with railways; and more accessible and timely remedies for shippers. The *Transportation Modernization Act* also modernizes the Maximum Revenue Entitlement for Western grain, to better incent investments in hopper cars, and adds soybeans to the list of eligible crops. Furthermore, the Government has renewed the western Grain Monitoring Program for three years."
10/31/2018,17,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Formalize a moratorium on crude oil tanker traffic on British Columbia's North Coast.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Transport","Actions taken, progress made","A moratorium is in place on crude oil tanker traffic on British Columbia's North Coast, protecting habitats and communities.","In May 2017, the Government of Canada introduced legislation to prohibit oil tankers carrying crude and persistent oils as cargo from stopping, loading or unloading at ports or marine installations in northern British Columbia. Vessels carrying less than 12,500 metric tonnes of crude or persistent oil as cargo will continue to be permitted in the moratorium area to ensure northern communities can receive critical shipments of heating oils and other products. The legislation proposes strong penalty provisions for contravention that could reach up to $5 million. The proposed *Oil Tanker Moratorium Act* complements the Oceans Protection Plan. The draft legislation passed the Third Reading stage in the House of Commons in May 2018, and was introduced in the Senate on May 9, 2018. The draft legislation is currently at Second Reading in the Senate. "
10/31/2018,18,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Restore the long-form census.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Completed - fully met,"Restored the long-form census so communities, governments, businesses and other organizations have the data they need to do their jobs.","Canada and its economy depend on knowing about ourselves, and on having the data necessary to make informed decisions. That is why the Government of Canada reinstated the long-form census. The 2016 long-form census saw an unprecedented response rate of 97.8%. The first set of data from the 2016 Census was released in February, 2017. The release of all Census-related data was completed in November 2017, 10 months earlier than for the 2011 Census."
10/31/2018,19,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Reinforce Statistics Canada's independence.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Completed - fully met,Statistics Canada meets international standards for the independence of a national statistics office.,"Data collected by Statistics Canada helps the private sector, government, not-for-profit groups, and researchers make better decisions. In December 2016, the Government introduced legislation that will reinforce Statistics Canada's independence. The legislation aligns with international standards for national statistical agencies and makes the Chief Statistician responsible for all operational decisions, statistical methodology and the communication of statistical products produced by Statistics Canada. The amended legislation is consistent with the United Nations Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics and the OECD Recommendations on Good Statistical Practice. The amended *Statistics Act* received Royal Assent on December 12, 2017."
10/31/2018,20,15-Nov,Jobs and Innovation,Develop and implement an Innovation Agenda.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development","Actions taken, progress made","Improved programs support more skills training and life-long learning for Canadians, increased investment in high growth industries, and more high growth, innovative and trade-oriented companies.","Through the Innovation and Skills Plan, the Government will:
• more than double the number of Canadians potentially eligible for employment support and skills training programs to as many as 1.4 million per year;
• expand programs to support up to 10,000 work integrated learning placements each year;
• provide more affordable and accessible broadband services for low-income Canadians and Canadians in remote communities through investments in broadband infrastructure and low-income support programs;
• encourage the development of assistive technologies that make it easier for persons with disabilities to participate in the digital economy;
• expand access to venture capital financing; and
• support a series of superclusters that will promote innovation opportunities in high-growth industries.
Total funding for innovation programming will increase by $2.6 billion over five years, and the reforms will result in a reduction in the total number of business innovation programs by roughly two-thirds (92 to 35+).
To support a streamlined approach to business innovation programming, programs are being delivered under the Innovation Canada umbrella. This single window platform saw more than 330,000 visits to the website since its launch in January 2018. Through the Accelerated Growth Service (AGS) more than 430 firms have been supported to scale up. The Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) has announced 27 projects worth $722 million, leveraging a total investment of $7.1 billion in Canada and 5 successful Innovation Superclusters have been announced. Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC) has completed 15 challenges, and has launched 16 new challenges, 7 of which are on plastics-related themes."
10/31/2018,21,15-Nov,Exports and Investment,Implement a new Trade and Investment Strategy.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion;Minister of International Trade Diversification","Actions taken, progress made","Double the number of high-growth firms in Canada by 2025; increase Canada's goods and services exports—from natural resources, advanced manufacturing, agri-food and others—by 30% by 2025; increase global investment in Canada; more good-paying, middle class jobs for Canadians.","The Government is encouraging global investment and promoting Canada's economic brand through the creation of the Invest in Canada Agency. On September 30, 2018, the United States, Mexico and Canada announced the conclusion of negotiations toward a new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The Government has successfully completed the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). Provisional application of the trade agreement took effect in September 2017 and will give consumers more choice, boost Canadian businesses' access to new customers, create good, middle-class jobs, and help grow the economy. On March 8, 2018, the Government signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) with 10 countries in the Pacific region. The third round of negotiations toward a comprehensive free trade agreement between the Mercosur member states and Canada took place in September 2018. Round 6 of negotiations towards a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Pacific Alliance (Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru) also took place in September.
As a concrete example of the Strategy's results, since January 2016, CanExport has provided financial support to 1,264 Small and Medium Enterprise-led projects aimed at diversifying export markets, in a variety of sectors, and reaching over 90 different markets around the world. To date, for every hundred supported projects, participating firms have reported on average some 92 export successes at the time of project completion, for a collective impact of almost over $375 million in exports to new markets.
Budget 2017 announced $950 million to superclusters in highly innovative industries, and, in February 2018, in cooperation with the private sector and academic partners, the Government announced the creation of five superclusters (Digital Technology; Protein Industries; Advanced Manufacturing; Artificial Intelligence; and Ocean) that will create great new opportunities for Canadian companies to innovate, scale up and grow into globally successful firms. To support Canadian firms and increase exports to new markets, Budget 2018 provides up to $75 million to build a stronger diplomatic presence and Trade Commissioner Service salesforce in China and Asia, as well as other initiatives to open market opportunities in the region. In June 2018, the Government announced it will invest $50 million over five years to help Canadian companies diversify their exports to take advantage of new trade agreements, such as CETA and CPTPP."
10/31/2018,22,15-Nov,Exports and Investment,Prepare the auto sector for the potential participation of Canada in the Trans-Pacific Partnership.,"Minister of Finance;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development","Actions taken, progress made",Greater access to growing markets under conditions that are fair to Canadian workers.,"The Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership was signed on March 8, 2018. Budget 2018 committed the Government to work with key sectors, including the auto sector, to evaluate the potential economic impacts of trade agreements, and ensure these key sectors remain strong and competitive.
Actions, including the creation of the Strategic Innovation Fund, the establishment of the Invest in Canada agency, and the launch of the Global Skills Strategy are seeking to enhance the competitiveness of the Canadian automotive industry. These changes have helped to secure investments of $1.4 billion by Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, $500 million by Honda of Canada Manufacturing, more than $1 billion by Ford Motor Company of Canada, and $750 million from Linamar Corp., among other recent automotive investments. These investments have created and secured thousands of long-term jobs in manufacturing and research and development, while fostering innovation to position Canada as a leader in the development of the ""car of the future""."
10/31/2018,23,15-Nov,Jobs and Innovation,Increase high-speed broadband coverage and keep Canada at the leading edge of the digital economy.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development","Actions taken, progress made",More Canadians have access to high-speed and ultra-high-speed broadband services.,"Greater availability and affordability for high-speed internet in rural and remote areas of Canada gives Canadians more opportunity to participate in the economy, democracy and connected way of life.
The Connect to Innovate program will bring high-speed internet to rural and remote communities in Canada by supporting new ""backbone"" infrastructure to connect institutions like schools and hospitals, and ""last-mile"" infrastructure to connect households and businesses. Applications closed at the end of April 2017, and the Government is now announcing project decisions. As of October 2018, 180 projects under the $500 million Connect to Innovate program have been announced representing an investment to date of $466 million and targeting more than 900 communities (more than tripling the initial target of 300) that will receive new or enhanced backbone connectivity.
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is expanding competition on new fibre networks and examining how to further improve innovative wireless pricing options. In addition, the CRTC's new fund will expand much faster Internet speeds to rural and remote communities.
Budget 2017 investments are also supporting affordable access to the internet for low-income families, digital literacy programming and better access to assistive devices. Budget 2018 proposes funding of $100 million over five years for the Strategic Innovation Fund, with a particular focus on supporting projects that relate to Low-Earth Orbit satellites and next generation rural broadband.
On October 26, 2018, federal, provincial and territorial ministers for innovation and economic development agreed to making broadband a priority and to develop a long-term strategy to improve access to high-speed Internet services for all Canadians, based on the principles of access, collaboration and effective investments.
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10/31/2018,24,15-Nov,Jobs and Innovation,Create a Chief Science Officer.,Minister of Science and Sport,Completed - fully met,"Following an open, transparent and merit-based process, the Chief Science Advisor, Dr. Mona Nemer, was appointed by the Government on September 26, 2017.","As the Chief Science Advisor, Dr. Nemer will help to improve dissemination and use of independent scientific information and strengthened evidence-based policy making within government. Dr. Nemer will also advise the Government on how to ensure that government science is fully available to the public, that scientists are able to speak freely about their work, and that scientific analyses are considered when the government makes decisions. Dr. Nemer will report to the Prime Minister and Minister of Science."
10/31/2018,25,15-Nov,Jobs and Innovation,Re-insert scientific considerations into the heart of decision-making and investment choices.,Minister of Science and Sport,Completed - fully met,"Government scientists are able to speak freely about their work, and the role of scientific information and empirical evidence is strengthened in government decision making.","The Government has updated the Communications Policy to ensure scientists are free to speak in an official capacity on subjects for which they have expertise, and have enshrined this provision into collective agreements covering 15,000 government scientists.
The Government also reinstated the mandatory long-form census as well as the University and College Academic Staff System survey, which will provide accurate information about Canada's research community. To promote better use of science and evidence in government decision-making, the Government updated the guidance on preparing Memoranda to Cabinet.
The Government is examining additional opportunities to improve the use of evidence and scientific information. The new Chief Science Advisor will advise the Government on how to ensure scientific evidence is considered when making decisions. In July 2018, the government announced the creation of a model science integrity policy, the development of which was led by the CSA. The model policy was created to assist departments and agencies in implementing guidelines in response to the commitments made under the 2016 memorandum of agreement between Treasury Board and Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada.
In addition, to ensure the Government continues to have access to world-class, independent scientific assessments to inform policy development in priority areas, Budget 2018 proposed $9 million for the Council of Canadian Academies, a not-for-profit research organization. At the end of September 2018, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada will each establish a Departmental Science Advisor position. These new positions will further grow the network of science advisors across the federal government, which Canada's Chief Science Advisor identified as an important step in strengthening science advice within government.
The Government will continue to ensure decisions are evidence-based, and investment choices are informed by analysis of effectiveness."
10/31/2018,26,15-Nov,Jobs and Innovation,Establish new Canada Research Chairs in sustainable technologies.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Science and Sport","Actions taken, progress made",Two new Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC) will be appointed to further research in clean and sustainable technology.,"Budget 2016 identified $20 million over eight years starting in 2018-19 for the creation of two new Canada Excellence Research Chairs in fields related to clean and sustainable technology.
On October 12, 2016, the Minister of Science announced the launch of a competition for these Chairs, in addition to nine others, which will be selected in 2019. In December 2017 the Phase 1 results of the competition were announced. Two institutions were invited to submit nominees in fields related to clean and sustainable technology: Concordia University (Smart, Sustainable and Resilient Communities and Cities) and University of Manitoba (Arctic Sea Ice, Freshwater-Marine Coupling, and Climate Change).
To address the CERC gender imbalance, this competition will require institutions to include detailed equity plans and recruitment strategies that promote the participation of women and other underrepresented groups in the CERC program."
10/31/2018,27,15-Nov,Jobs and Innovation,Strengthen support for fundamental research to support new discoveries.,Minister of Science and Sport,"Actions taken, progress made","Modernized research infrastructure at post-secondary institutions, new research Chairs appointed in areas of strategic priority, and enhanced capacity for granting councils to support fundamental research.","Since 2016, the Government has approved and funded 300 projects through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund to modernize research and training facilities on campuses across Canada. These investments will support key discovery research and facilitate the expansion of ongoing research efforts.
The Government has also set aside $20 million to fund new Canada Excellence Research Chairs in the areas of clean and sustainable technologies (competition ongoing), and increased support for Canada's three granting councils.
In 2017, the Government announced the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy, which will develop centres of expertise in Toronto, Montreal and Edmonton related to AI to train and attract key research talent in this emerging area of fundamental research.
The final report of an independent review of federal funding for fundamental research at post-secondary institutions was published in April 2017. A number of actions have already been taken in response to this report, for example, placing a limit on Tier 1 Canada Research Chair renewals to enhance opportunities for broad pools of qualified candidates and to strengthen equity, diversity and inclusion in research and launching the Canada Research Coordinating Committee (CRCC) to achieve greater harmonization and coordination of the granting councils and the Canada Foundation for Innovation.
Budget 2018 proposes to provide $1.7 billion over five years starting in 2018-19 and ongoing funding to support researchers through Canada's granting councils and research institutes. This includes $925 million for fundamental research through Canada's three granting councils; $231.3 million to increase the Research Support Fund to cover the indirect costs of research; $210 million for the Canada Research Chairs program to attract and retain early-career researchers at post-secondary institutions across the country while increasing diversity; and $275 million to create a new tri-council fund to support international, interdisciplinary, fast-breaking and higher risk researches. Budget 2018 further proposes $3.8 million to develop a strategic research plan that identifies new ways of doing research with Indigenous communities; $15 million for the granting councils to develop new plans, strategies and targets to ensure improved equity and diversity outcomes for underrepresented groups, including women; and $6 million to support surveys to collect better data on researchers to further advance equity and diversity in Canada's research community. Budget 2018 proposes over $1.3 billion for investments in the laboratories, equipment and infrastructure researchers rely on every day including: $763 million to the Canada Foundation for Innovation, including $160 million for increased support to Canada's nationally important research facilities through the Major Science Initiatives fund; and $572.5 million to implement a Digital Research Infrastructure Strategy that will deliver more open and equitable access to advanced computing and big data resources to researchers across Canada.
The CRCC undertook consultations with Canada’s post-secondary research community during summer 2018, which resulted in valuable input about how to improve federal support for fundamental research in Canada, particularly in three areas of focus: design of the new tri-council fund; enhancing equity, diversity, and inclusion outcomes; and, improving support for early career researchers. "
10/31/2018,28,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Align business support programs across governments.,Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion,"Actions taken, progress made",It is easier and simpler for Canadian innovators and entrepreneurs to access and benefit from government programs that help Canadian businesses grow.,"Since 2016, the Accelerated Growth Service has provided over 430 growth oriented firms access to a dedicated advisor, a customized plan of potential government programs and services to help support their growth, and connections to government programs and services relevant to their needs. To date, AGS clients have accessed over $280 million in funding, over 3,200 programs and services, and have been provided with 340 referrals to external programs and services. The AGS is being consolidated with the Industrial Research Assistance Program’s Concierge Service, and the new consolidated program will include 15 new Innovation Advisors to support AGS firms.
In January 2018, the Government established the Innovation Canada digital platform as a one-stop-shop, which quickly matches businesses with the best fitting programs and services from across federal, provincial and territorial governments.
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10/31/2018,29,15-Nov,Exports and Investment,Increase tourism and strengthen the Canadian brand abroad by developing a new federal Tourism Strategy.,"Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie","Actions taken, progress made","Completion of a new federal Tourism Strategy. 30 per cent overall increase in tourism by 2021, increased tourism from the United States (U.S.) and China, and improved international ranking of Canada as a top tourist destination.","The Government has launched Canada’s Tourism Vision to increase the number of international tourists to Canada by 30% by 2021. This goal includes doubling the number of Chinese visitors by the same year and positioning Canada as a top-10 destination ranking by 2025. The Government also launched the Millennial Travel Program to encourage youth travel during Canada 150.
The first annual report on progress towards implementing the Vision was released in May. Spending by international visitors to Canada reached $21.3 billion in 2017, representing an increase of 6.4% over 2016. Canada set a new record high number of tourist arrivals in 2017 of 20.8 million. The New York Times, Lonely Planet and Condé Nast have all recognized Canada as a top international destination to visit in 2017.
The Canada-China Year of Tourism in 2018 will be an opportunity to increase visitation from China, which is being supported by the opening of new Visa Application Centres in China. Budget 2018 proposed approximately $11 million in funding to support activities such as hosting the closing ceremony for the Canada?China Year of Tourism and working closely with Canadian businesses as they prepare to welcome an increased number of tourists from China."
10/31/2018,30,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Reduce the administrative burden on small business.,Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion,"Actions taken, progress made","Reduced administrative burden and simpler, clearer, and faster online services to help small businesses.","The new Innovation Canada platform launched in January 2018 is a one-stop-shop for Canada’s innovators and entrepreneurs so they no longer need to spend time figuring out which department to go to or which program best meets their needs. The website is able to quickly match users with the federal and provincial/territorial programs and services to help them innovate, create jobs and grow Canada's economy.
Federally, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) continues to drive the use of the Business Number (BN) by all departments as the standard identifier for business clients. More than half of ISED’s own services already use the Business Number, including Innovation Canada, and 11 other departments are also connected to the real time BN web validation services. The BN is a key component of digital identity for business, and its adoption across the Government of Canada will enable more seamless service delivery, including sign-on once, tell-us-once service integration across governments and personalized digital experience. The Government has partnered with a number of provinces to pilot integrated tools, such as a business registries search and data exchanges between registries, so that registering and finding a business is easier.
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10/31/2018,31,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Respond to the Supreme Court of Canada decision regarding physician-assisted death.,Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Completed - fully met,Adult Canadians suffering from grievous and irremediable medical conditions and whose death is reasonably foreseeable are able to easily and effectively access medical assistance in dying if they so choose.,"On June 17, 2016, medical assistance in dying (MAID) became a reality in Canada following Royal Assent of the federal legal framework, which protects vulnerable persons while providing options to eligible Canadians to make an informed decision about the end of life. In December 2016, as required by the new law, the Government initiated independent study reports to consider in more detail three particularly complex types of requests for MAID. These include requests by mature minors, advance requests, and requests where mental illness is the sole underlying medical condition. Independent expert panels, organised by the Council of Canadian Academies, are conducting these reviews. They will report on their results by the end of 2018. As of April 2017, Health Canada has been providing interim public reporting on the use of MAID across Canada. Health Canada has also finalized the regulations that will establish a permanent monitoring regime, which comes into force on November 1, 2018."
10/31/2018,32,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,"Review the government litigation strategy and end appeals or positions that are not consistent with our commitments, the Charter or our values.",Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,"Actions taken, progress made","Legal positions taken by the Government are consistent with Government commitments, the Charter and our values.","The legal positions taken by the Government are consistent with Government commitments, the Charter and Canadian values. For instance, counsel for the Attorney General – working in partnership with officials from the former Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada – negotiated an agreement in principle for many of those affected by the Sixties Scoop to resolve multiple class actions. The settlement is an acknowledgment of the trauma and harm caused by past government actions, and is the first step in resolving the Sixties Scoop litigation. The Attorney General has published the Litigation Year in Review report which highlights some of the litigation positions the Government of Canada took in the course of 2017."
10/31/2018,35,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,"Ensure that the appointment of Supreme Court Justices is transparent, inclusive and accountable to Canadians.",Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Completed - fully met,"Greater transparency, accountability and diversity in the appointment of Supreme Court Justices.","In August 2016, the Government of Canada announced a new, open and transparent process for filling vacancies on the Supreme Court of Canada. This new process includes: an open application process; the establishment of an Independent Advisory Board to assess all applications and prepare a shortlist; requiring functional bilingualism as an essential qualification for all shortlisted candidates; and ensuring there are consultations regarding the shortlist with key stakeholders, including members of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice. Justice Malcolm Rowe was the first Supreme Court Justice appointed under this new process in October 2016. Justice Sheilah L. Martin, appointed in December 2017, is the second appointment made under the Government of Canada’s new Supreme Court selection process, which promotes greater openness, transparency, and accountability."
10/31/2018,36,15-Nov,Safety and Security,"Toughen criminal laws in cases of domestic assault, with the goal of keeping survivors and children safe.",Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,"Actions taken, progress made",Greater protections for complainants and survivors of sexual assault and domestic assault.,"On March 29, 2018, the Government tabled legislation to improve efficiencies in the criminal justice system and reduce court delays. This legislation includes reforms to strengthen responses to intimate partner violence (IPV). These reforms would:
• impose a reverse onus at bail for accused charged with an IPV offence if they have a prior conviction for violence against an intimate partner;
• require courts to consider whether an accused is charged with an IPV offence when determining whether to release on bail or detain the accused;
• clarify that strangulation, choking and suffocation is an elevated form of assault;
• define “intimate partner” for all *Criminal Code* purposes and clarify that it includes current or former spouse, common-law partner and dating partner;
• clarify that the current sentencing provisions, which treat abuse against a spouse or common law partner as an aggravating factor, apply to both current and former spouses/common law partners and dating partners; and,
• allow for the possibility of seeking a higher maximum penalty in cases involving a repeat IPV offender.
In June 2017, the Government introduced legislation to clarify and strengthen the sexual assault provisions in the *Criminal Code*. The legislation would clarify that an unconscious person, or otherwise incapacitated, is incapable of consenting; clarify the defence of mistaken belief to indicate that it cannot be relied upon if there is no evidence upon which the belief was founded; clarify rape shield provisions to explicitly include communications of a sexual nature or communications for a sexual purpose, so these types of communications cannot be used to suggest that the complainant was more likely to have consented or is less worth of belief; provide that a complainant has right to legal representation in rape shield proceedings; and create a regime to determine whether an accused can introduce a complainant's private records at trial that are in their possession. "
10/31/2018,37,15-Nov,Jobs and Innovation,"Ensure tax measures are efficient and encourage innovation, trade and the growth of Canadian businesses.","Minister of Finance;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development","Actions taken, progress made","Tax measures encourage innovation, trade, and the growth of Canadian businesses.","The Government completed a whole-of-government review of business innovation programs to ensure that they are simple and effective and best meet the needs of Canada’s innovators. The review launched in Budget 2017 and results were announced in Budget 2018. The Government also introduced a reduction of the small business tax rate from 10.5% to 10% as of January 1, 2018 and to 9% as of January 1, 2019."
10/31/2018,38,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Add gender identity as a prohibited ground for discrimination under the *Canadian Human Rights Act* and add it to the list of characteristics of identifiable groups protected by the hate speech provisions of the *Criminal Code*.,Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Completed - fully met,Discrimination on the basis of gender identity and gender expression is now illegal.,"In June 2017, amendments to the *Canadian Human Rights Act* and the *Criminal Code* received Royal Assent, ensuring the full protection of transgender people across Canada. These amendments formally add gender identity and gender expression to the *Canadian Human Rights Act* as prohibited grounds of discrimination, as well as amend the *Criminal Code* to deal with hate crimes related to gender identity and gender expression."
10/31/2018,39,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Ratify the Paris agreement and develop a Pan-Canadian framework for combating climate change.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Completed - fully met,Canada ratified the Paris Agreement and created the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change.,"The Government of Canada ratified the Paris Agreement on October 5, 2016, following a vote in Parliament. The Paris Agreement entered into force on November 4, 2016 and Canada continues to work with all countries on its implementation. In December 2016, First Ministers adopted the Pan-Canadian Framework (PCF) on Clean Growth and Climate Change, which is Canada’s comprehensive plan to reduce emissions across all sectors of the economy, accelerate clean economic growth and build resilience to the impacts of climate change. The PCF was developed with provinces and territories, in collaboration with Indigenous peoples, and was informed by input from Canadians across the country. The first annual synthesis report on the status of implementation was published in December 2017. To support and complement its commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Canada co-hosted, along with the European Union and China, two ministerial meetings on climate action that brought together key countries to discuss outstanding climate negotiating issues. Canada also ratified the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on November 3, 2017, which will phase down hydrofluorocarbons (powerful greenhouse gases), and was instrumental in achieving the required number of ratifications at the Montreal Protocol meeting in Montreal in November which will allow the Kigali Amendment to come into force in January 2019. On November 16, 2017, Canada launched the Powering Past Coal Alliance with the United Kingdom to accelerate the global phase-out of traditionally coal-fired electricity."
10/31/2018,41,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Improve protection and stewardship of our freshwater resources.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,"Actions taken, progress made","The protection of freshwater resources is improved, and water and wastewater infrastructure is in better repair.","Through research, assessment and regulation, the Government of Canada is working to ensure sustainable water management. The Government has taken action to protect the Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg Basin and the St. Lawrence River by improving water quality, increasing conservation activities, addressing threats posed by invasive species, and improving collaboration with Indigenous peoples. As announced in Budget 2017, the Government is investing $44.84 million to protect Great Lakes water quality, and $25.7 million for the Lake Winnipeg Basin Program. As part of its efforts to protect freshwater, Canada has announced funding to support partner-led on-the-ground projects that contribute to the restoration and protection of major freshwater basins across the country such as the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River Basin and the Lake Winnipeg Basin.
The Government is collaborating with the United States to protect shared waters through the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, and has also established a Clean Water and Wastewater Fund to help provinces, territories and municipalities make immediate repairs to water and wastewater infrastructure. The Government has also published updated Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations, and has initiated consultations to modernize the Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations and to develop regulations for effluents from coal mines. Work is also underway to enhance the Environmental Assessment process as it relates to freshwater areas."
10/31/2018,42,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Enhance protection of Canada's endangered species.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,"Actions taken, progress made",Species at risk are protected.,"The Government of Canada has developed a three-year plan to address the backlog of 149 terrestrial species eligible for listing under the *Species at Risk Act*. Since February 2017, final listing decisions were made for 89 of these species and proposed listing decisions were published for another 31 species. The Government of Canada has posted three-year plans (2014-15 to 2016-17) to address the backlog of overdue recovery documents for terrestrial species on the Species at Risk Public Registry. As of October 2018, 179 of the 192 overdue proposed recovery documents were completed and posted on the Species at Risk Public Registry. Parks Canada has completed and posted 21 multi-species action plans, addressing 174 species at risk occurring across 42 Parks Canada places in total, on the Species at Risk Public Registry. These measures will help make sure species at risk receive the protection they need.
As announced in Budget 2018, to support Canada's biodiversity and protect species at risk, the Government is making an historic investment totaling $1.3 billion over five years, one of the most significant investments in nature conservation in Canadian history.
This investment will contribute $500 million from the federal government to create a new $1 billion Nature Fund in partnership with corporate, not?for-profit, provincial, territorial and other partners. In collaboration with partners, the Nature Fund will make it possible to secure private land, support provincial and territorial species protection efforts, and help build Indigenous capacity to conserve land and species, for the benefit of current and future generations."
10/31/2018,43,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Work with provinces and territories to set stronger air quality standards.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,"Actions taken, progress made","New national standards are put in place to improve air quality and reduce air pollutants from key sources, with progress demonstrated in recurring State of the Air reports.","The Government of Canada is implementing a national Air Quality Management System (AQMS) with provinces and territories to improve air quality and protect the health of Canadians and the environment. As part of this system, new ambient air quality standards for sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide were published in the Canada Gazette on October 28 and December 9, 2017 respectively. A review of the existing ambient air quality standards for ozone has been initiated. A new State of the Air Report was launched at the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment in November 2017 to inform Canadians about air quality and air pollution. The Government is also establishing national standards to reduce air pollutants from industrial sources, including in the following sectors: iron and steel; aluminum; potash; pulp and paper; iron ore pellets; base metals smelting; cement; and stationary combustion turbines. In February 2018, Canada published two proposed regulations to limit carbon dioxide emissions: one amendment to accelerate the phase-out of coal-fired power by 2030, and the other to set emission performance standards for new natural gas-fired electricity generation and coal boilers converted to run on natural gas. This will significantly improve air quality and the health of Canadians and will reduce Canada's greenhouse gas emissions by more than five megatonnes in 2030—equivalent to taking 1.3 million cars off the road."
10/31/2018,44,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Review Canada's environmental assessment processes.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Natural Resources;Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Science and Sport;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations;Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade","Actions taken, progress made","Environmental assessment processes that are fair to all parties, rely on scientific evidence, respect the rights of Indigenous Peoples and protect the environment for generations to come.","Following an extensive review of Canada's environmental assessment processes, the government tabled proposed legislation in February 2018 that will build a new impact assessment and regulatory system for Canada, including the proposed *Impact Assessment Act*. This new system is fair, based on science, respects the rights of Indigenous peoples, provides certainty to businesses and protects the environment and human health for generations to come. Its development was informed by Expert Panels and Parliamentary Committee reports, a federal discussion paper, parliamentary studies, and almost two years of consultations with Indigenous peoples, industry, provinces and territories, non-government organizations, academia and the public. These reforms are based on the guiding principles of predictable processes that build on what works, partnership with Indigenous peoples at every stage of the process, early and inclusive public engagement; timely, evidence-based decisions reflecting the best available science and Indigenous knowledge; and one assessment for one project, with the scale of assessment aligned with the scale of the potential impacts of the project.
The Government also announced that it will invest about $1 billion over five years to support the proposed new impact assessment system and Canadian Energy Regulator, increase federal scientific capacity, implement the changes required to protect water, fish and navigation, and increase Indigenous and public participation.
During the review of the proposed *Impact Assessment Act*, the House of Commons amended the proposed legislation to provide greater clarity and certainty with respect to impact assessment, strengthen public participation and consideration of science and Indigenous knowledge in assessments, and reflect the Government’s commitment to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The proposed legislation is currently before the Senate for review. "
10/31/2018,45,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,"Develop Canada's National Parks system, as well as manage and expand National Wildlife Areas and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries.",Minister of Environment and Climate Change,"Actions taken, progress made",Terrestrial areas and inland water are conserved through networks of protected areas.,"The Government of Canada continues to work to conserve and connect terrestrial areas. A comprehensive plan is being developed to conserve at least 17% of terrestrial areas and inland water through networks of protected and conserved areas by 2020.
As announced in Budget 2018, to support Canada’s biodiversity and protect species at risk, the Government of Canada is making historic investments totaling $1.3 billion over five years, one of the most significant investments in nature conservation in Canadian history.
This investment will contribute $500 million from the federal government to create a new $1 billion Nature Fund in partnership with corporate, not?for-profit, provincial, territorial and other partners. In collaboration with partners, the Nature Fund will make it possible to secure private land, support provincial and territorial species protection efforts, and help build Indigenous capacity to conserve land and species, for the benefit of current and future generations.
In March 2018, a National Advisory Panel and an Indigenous Circle of Experts provided their recommendations to inform the development of the federal, provincial, and territorial plan. Work on expanding the system of National Parks includes the proposed Thaidene Nëné National Park Reserve. Negotiations with the Government of the Northwest Territories, Lutsël K’e Dene First Nation and Northwest Territories Metis are close to completion. The Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia and the Syilx/Okanagan Nation announced re-engagement on a proposed national park reserve in the South Okanagan. Parks Canada has contacted the Manitoba Government to re-engage on a proposed national park in the Manitoba Lowlands. As part of the expansion of National Wildlife Areas (NWA) and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries, the Government is working closely with Indigenous peoples, Provinces, Territories, and stakeholders to secure new protected areas by the end of 2020.
The Scott Islands Marine National Wildlife Area which was formally designated a NWA in June 2018 will conserve 1.2 million hectares for the benefit of sea birds in the Pacific Ocean. Important Prairie Habitat in South West Saskatchewan will be conserved with the transfer of the Govenlock Community Pasture to Environment and Climate Change Canada in 2019.
In October 2018, the Government of Canada jointly announced, with the Dehcho First Nation and the Tlicho Government, the signing of an establishment agreement for the Edéhzhíe National Wildlife Area in the Northwest Territories, which will protect over 1.4 million hectares of habitat for boreal caribou. Environment and Climate Change Canada is now working to develop federal regulations to enact establishment. It has also announced $5.2M over 5 years in contribution funding to support establishment and management of the area.
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10/31/2018,46,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Develop Parks Canada services so that more Canadians can experience our National Parks.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,"Actions taken, progress made",More Canadians visit and experience Parks Canada administered sites and the Trans Canada Trail is completed.,"The Government has taken steps to make sites more accessible and to improve overall visitor experiences by investing approximately $3.6 billion over five years, including an additional $364 million announced in Budget 2017 to renew infrastructure assets. In September 2018 the Government announced a $30 million contribution over four years to enhance and maintain the Great Trail (formerly known as the Trans Canada Trail). This funding will improve trail safety, accessibility, and sustainability. Since completion in 2017, the Trail provides 24,000 km of recreational trails within 30 minutes of about 29 million Canadians. The Government is working with Indigenous peoples and stakeholders to improve interpretation and heritage programming and make sites more accessible. In February 2018 Parks Canada entered into a four-year contribution agreement with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) with the goal of enhancing and growing authentic Indigenous experiences in regions across the country. In 2017-18 there were more than 16.8 million visitors to Canada’s National Parks – up 9% from the year before."
10/31/2018,47,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,"Make admission to National Parks free for all in 2017 and, afterwards, free for children under 18 and new citizens.",Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Completed - fully met,Free admission to National Parks in 2017; free admission for children under 18 and new citizens in future years.,"To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation, the Government of Canada offered free admission to all national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas, as well as free passage through lock systems on all national historic canals. More than 8.5 million Discovery Passes were ordered and distributed to Canadians and people in 160 countries. Parks Canada welcomed over 27.2 million visitors in 2017, an 11% increase from 2016. Canada 150 programs offered by Parks Canada included the expanded National Indigenous Peoples Day and Canada Day celebrations, the first annual Canada Historic Places Day with more than 60 sites participating, as well as hosting numerous Canada 150 Signature Projects. Starting in 2018, admission for children under 18 is free for national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas. Parks Canada is also continuing to offer free admission for one year to new Canadian citizens through the Institute for Canadian Citizenship’s Cultural Access Pass Program."
10/31/2018,48,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Expand Learn to Camp programs.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Completed - fully met,More low to middle-income families participate in Learn to Camp and have greater opportunity to experience Canada's outdoors.,"In 2017, Parks Canada expanded the popular Learn-to Camp Program so that more low- to middle-income families could experience Canada’s outdoors. Throughout the year, Parks Canada hosted 30 overnight Learn-to Camp events as well as over 500 other Learn-to events and activities across Canada, reaching more than 70,000 Canadians."
10/31/2018,49,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Protect our National Parks by limiting development within them and help local eco-tourism industries.,"Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie","Actions taken, progress made",Development is limited within Canada's National Parks so future generations can experience their natural beauty.,The Government is maintaining and restoring ecological integrity within Canada's national parks while continuing to provide meaningful services and experiences to visitors. The Government has established strict development limits to ensure ecological integrity in Canada's national parks. Parks Canada has put forward a rigorous environmental assessment process which applies to development proposals to ensure compliance with park-wide ecological objectives and maintenance of ecological integrity. One pillar of Canada's Vision for Tourism is to distinguish Canada as a premier tourism destination through Canada's national parks. A number of initiatives have been developed to enhance visitation of Parks Canada places and Parks Canada is in the process of developing strategies to help grow local eco-tourism industries and create jobs.
10/31/2018,50,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Work with Ontario to enhance the country's first urban National Park: Rouge National Urban Park.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Completed - fully met,"Created Canada's first urban National Park, Rouge National Urban Park.","In June 2017, legislation was passed to expand the size of the Rouge National Urban Park and guide how the park will be managed. This legislation strengthens ecological protections and will ensure that ecological integrity is the first priority in the management of Canada's first national urban park, while recognizing its important cultural heritage and providing greater certainty for the continuation of park agriculture. In October 2017, the Government of Ontario transferred 6.5 square km of land to Parks Canada for inclusion in the Park."
10/31/2018,51,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,"Protect the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River Basin and the Lake Winnipeg Basin.","Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard","Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Increased protection for the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River Basin and the Lake Winnipeg Basin so they can continue to be enjoyed by future generations.","Through Budget 2017, the Government is providing funding to protect Canada’s freshwater resources, including the Great Lakes and Lake Winnipeg basins. The Government is expanding efforts to address toxic and nuisance algae, as well as aquatic invasive species programming, which will further help address the threats posed by such species as Asian Carps and Sea Lamprey. As announced in Budget 2017, the Government is investing $44.84 million to protect Great Lakes water quality, and $25.7 million for the Lake Winnipeg Basin Program. In addition, the Government invested $43.8 million to protect against aquatic invasive species in Canadian waters. The Asian Carp Program received funding as part of this investment, which has allowed the Government to improve early detection capabilities and increase the number of sites being monitored for Asian carp in the Great Lakes. The funding has also increased the capacity of Canada’s Sea Lamprey Control Program to reduce the numbers of this destructive, invasive species by assessing larval populations, treating them with lampricides and maintaining and improving physical barriers and dams that prevent sea lamprey from accessing spawning habitat in tributaries to the Great Lakes.
A program on freshwater aquatic invasive species is being deployed in Quebec in 2018-2019, which will complement marine species monitoring already underway in the Saint Lawrence and fund work with the Government of Quebec to detect and prevent the invasion of Asian carps in Quebec.
The Government is also increasing outreach to assist Canadians with identifying, responding and properly reporting any invasive species they catch. In June 2017, the governments of Canada and Quebec announced continued investment in the conservation and enhancement of the St. Lawrence River Basin to enhance water quality, protect biodiversity and ensure its sustainable use. The Government has also begun two research projects to assess the contribution of organic matter and nutrient inputs and oxygen depletion in the deep waters of the Laurentian Channel."
10/31/2018,52,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Examine the implications of climate change on Arctic marine ecosystems.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Science and Sport","Actions taken, progress made",Greater knowledge and understanding of the changes occurring in Canada's Arctic and a better understanding of how Canada might adapt to ensure the continued welfare of Canada's Arctic communities.,"The official opening of the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) will significantly enhance Arctic research, including on the impacts of climate change. The Government of Canada is also investing in the Aquatic Climate Change Adaptation Services Program to conduct the research and monitoring necessary to identify climate change impacts and vulnerabilities, develop adaptation tools, and improve ocean forecasting in vulnerable coastal regions to inform management decisions. This Program has supported ocean chemistry monitoring, fisheries vulnerability assessments and predictive modelling activities in the Arctic. As part of the Oceans Protection Plan, the Government will be working with Indigenous and coastal communities to collect baseline environmental information at six sites across Canada, including one in the Arctic.
The Government has also concluded new international agreements to strengthen Arctic scientific cooperation, including signing the Agreement to Prevent Unregulated High Seas Fisheries in the Central Arctic Ocean in October 2018 which, after ratification by all parties, will include a joint program of research and monitoring to improve understanding of the ecosystems. The Government of Canada participated in the Arctic Science Ministerial in September 2016 and October 2018, helping to advance several joint international research projects. The Canadian Space Agency is collaborating on a US-France mission—Surface Water & Ocean Topography—that will provide the first global survey of earth surface water, ocean surface topography, ocean currents, and measure change over time. In addition, the Government of Canada has committed to work together in collaboration with northern partners to better understand the “Last Ice Area.” This region in the high Arctic is the only region that is expected to retain summer sea ice until 2050.
Research and monitoring activities in coastal and offshore marine ecosystems are increasing understanding of the changes occurring in Canada’s Arctic as well as understanding of Arctic ecosystems and the impact of climate change on species and habitats.
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10/31/2018,53,15-Nov,Canada in the World,Refocus Canada's development assistance on helping the most vulnerable and supporting fragile states.,Minister of International Development,"Actions taken, progress made",Global poverty is reduced by investing in gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls and by focusing on the poorest and most vulnerable.,"In June 2017, the Government launched Canada's new Feminist International Assistance Policy to eradicate poverty and build a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous world. Canada will invest in women's empowerment and gender equality as the best ways to achieve its objectives, grounded in the Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Canada is focusing its assistance on closing gaps and barriers faced by women and girls in areas such as health and nutrition including sexual and reproductive health and rights, education, humanitarian action, inclusive governance, environment and climate action, peace and security, and growth that works for everyone. These commitments are reflected in the Women’s Voice and Leadership Program and Small and Medium Organizations for Impact and Innovation Initiative. The Feminist International Assistance Policy commits to directing no less than 50% of Canada's annual bilateral international development assistance to sub-Saharan African countries by 2021-2022 and ensuring 95% of bilateral international development assistance integrates or targets gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. In 2017-18, Canada directed 48% of its bilateral international development assistance to sub-Saharan Africa. Canada also made substantial progress towards the 95% target by achieving 90% of bilateral international development assistance, which either integrates or targets gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. To support the implementation of the Feminist International Assistance Policy, Budget 2018 announced up to $2 billion in new resources and $1.5 billion for innovative finance approaches to enhance development impact. This is the largest increase to Canadian International Assistance since 2002. In May 2018, Canada announced the launch of a new partnership to catalyze new investments in support of gender equality and women’s rights in developing countries with philanthropic community, private sector and civil society for which it will contribute up to $300 million. In June 2018, G7 Development Ministers, G7 Finance Ministers and the G7 Leaders agreed to a variety of ambitious declarations on Financing for Development and on gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, including the announcement of $3.8 billion to support the education of women and girls in crisis and conflict situations in connection with the Charlevoix Declaration on Quality Education for Girls, Adolescent Girls and Women in Developing Countries. "
10/31/2018,54,15-Nov,Canada in the World,"Create a new policy and funding framework to ensure that Canada's aid empowers people and supports broad-based, sustainable growth in the developing world.",Minister of International Development,Completed - fully met,"A comprehensive, feminist international assistance policy is in place that will reduce global poverty by investing in gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls and by focusing on the poorest and most vulnerable.","After a year of consultations with over 15,000 people in 65 countries, Canada released its Feminist International Assistance Policy in June 2017. The Government engaged with people online and in person on how Canada's international assistance should be invested and focused. The consultation summary report was released in December 2016 and formed the basis of the new policy."
10/31/2018,55,15-Nov,Canada in the World,"Support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by the United Nations in September 2015.","Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of International Development","Actions taken, progress made","Canada's international assistance helps countries make progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and helps to build a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous world.","Canada's Feminist International Assistance Policy is explicitly aligned with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure that investments are coordinated with the rest of the international community. Sustainable Development Goal 5—achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls—is at the heart of Canada's approach to implement the SDGs because it will help to drive progress on all other SDGs and to eradicate poverty. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is central to the Government's partnership with all civil society organizations to maximize the impact of Canada’s international assistance. Budget 2018 highlighted the Government's commitment to the SDGs at home and abroad. In April, the Government announced the development of a national strategy that will catalyze action on the SDGs across the country, and launched the Voluntary National Review Web portal to invite Canadians to share their stories of how they are helping to advance the SDGs. In July, Canada delivered its first Voluntary National Review (VNR) to the United Nations. The VNR report highlights Canada’s efforts and success over the past three years, underlining challenges that remain, and outlines Canada’s way forward on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs.
At the G7 Summit, leaders made progress against SDG 4 - Quality Education by endorsing the Charlevoix Declaration on Quality Education for Girls, Adolescent Girls and Women in Developing Countries to increase opportunities for at least 12 years of safe and quality education for all and to dismantle the barriers to girls’ and women’s quality education. Canada announced funding of $400 million and was joined by the European Union, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the World Bank, to announce an investment of close to $3.8 billion in education for women and girls in crisis and conflict situations. On September 26, 2018 at the United General Assembly in New York, Canada welcomed an additional contribution of more than $527 million from Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and Qatar to help developing countries give every child access to quality education and modern skills training.
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10/31/2018,56,15-Nov,Canada in the World,"Support the full range of reproductive health services and close the gap in the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Initiative.",Minister of International Development,"Actions taken, progress made","More women and girls are able to make informed reproductive health choices and assert control over their own bodies, saving the lives of women and children.","From 2017-2020, the Government will focus on closing key gaps in sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls (e.g. contraceptives and safe, legal abortion), and on preventing and responding to sexual and gender-based violence including child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation and cutting. This will help reduce the number of women and girls around the world who have unmet needs for modern contraception, currently estimated to be 214 million. Consistent with Canada's new Feminist International Assistance Policy, the Government also now strongly encourages partners funded by the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health programs to integrate the full range of sexual and reproductive health services into their programming. Canada also joined key global partnerships, such as Family Planning 2020, which will help enable up to 120 million more women and girls to access family planning by 2020, as well as the Ouagadougou Partnership, which will accelerate the use of these services in nine countries in West Africa. Canada will continue to promote sexual and reproductive health rights through its participation in movements such as SheDecides and will host the 2019 Women Deliver 5th Global Conference in Vancouver on June 3-6, 2019."
10/31/2018,57,15-Nov,Canada in the World,"Support innovative, evidence-based approaches to development assistance.",Minister of International Development ,"Actions taken, progress made",More effective international assistance and more rigorous use of evidence-based practice and innovative solutions within decision-making processes.,"Guided by the June 2017 Feminist International Assistance Policy, Canada is providing more integrated and responsive assistance, supporting innovation and research, providing better reporting on results, developing more effective partnerships, and concentrating on those regions of the world where Canada can make the greatest difference in reducing poverty and inequality, particularly for women and girls. The Government and its partners are measuring and reporting progress and results, conducting gender-based and human rights-based analyses of programs, and implementing new programming to support innovative partnerships.
In 2017, the Government collaborated with the Canadian Council for International Co-operation, the Canadian Association for the Study of International Development and the International Development Research Centre to enhance innovative multi-stakeholder approaches to global development research. This initiative included the launch of an online searchable tool of more than 500 Canadian international development researchers from universities, colleges, institutes, think-tanks, and civil society organizations. The Government also launched the International Policy Ideas Challenge (IPIC), in which early career and graduate researchers in Canada were selected to conduct and present innovative research on foreign policy, international trade and international development issues. The IPIC remains an ongoing program.
In the fall of 2017, the Government launched the Small and Medium Organizations for Impact and Innovation initiative (SMO initiative), which aims to attract new and diverse partners and encourage innovation in international development. In February and March 2018, more than 250 stakeholders submitted comments as part of the virtual engagement process on the development of action area policies under the Feminist International Assistance Policy. Feedback is being carefully considered as the policies are finalized and prepared for public release.
In 2018, the Government is collecting data on a set of performance indicators that will be used to report to Canadians on progress achieved in each of the Feminist International Assistance Policy’s action areas. The Government continues to engage with the International Development Innovation Alliance, the OECD Development Assistance Committee and Canadian civil society partners to learn about and share good practices on innovative evidence-based approaches in development assistance.
To increase the transparency of Canada's international assistance, the Government expects to start publicly reporting the planned level of the International Assistance Envelope every year starting in 2018. To support innovation in Canada’s international assistance, the Government will provide up to $1.5 billion over five years and $492.7 million per year ongoing to the International Assistance Innovation Program and the Sovereign Loans Program. In April 2018, the Government co-hosted a meeting in Washington D.C. with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the World Economic Forum and the UN on blended finance. At the 2018 G7Summit, Leaders committed to the Charlevoix Commitment on Innovative Financing for Development to promote economic growth in developing economies and foster greater equality of opportunity within and between countries. "
10/31/2018,58,15-Nov,Canada in the World,Provide assistance to countries that are vulnerable to the destabilizing effects of climate change.,Minister of International Development,"Actions taken, progress made",Countries receiving Canadian international assistance are better equipped to deal with the destabilizing effects of climate change.,"Canada is providing $2.65 billion over five years to help developing countries, in particular the poorest and most vulnerable transition to low carbon and climate resilient economies. To date, the Government has announced more than $1.2 billion in funding contributions. This includes $300 million to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to support the poorest and most vulnerable countries in fighting the adverse effects of climate change, $250 million to establish the Blended Climate Finance Program at the International Finance Corporation, which will reduce barriers to private investment in climate change initiatives globally; $200 million to the Asian Development Bank to catalyze private investments for climate action in Asia and the Pacific, $150 million in support of renewable energy in Africa, $40 million for the African Risk Capacity agency to help developing countries protect themselves against the economic consequences of natural catastrophes (such as droughts caused by climate change), $39 million to help build the resilience of farming households in Senegal, with a particular emphasis on women and young people, and $17.2 million to support sustainable energy and economic growth in Burkina Faso. In February 2018, Canada announced that it would provide $20 million to support women's health and economic opportunities in Haiti through the adoption of clean cookstoves in 150,000 households. Canada also recently pledged $100 million to support reconstruction and climate resilience initiatives across the Caribbean over the next five years, $50 million of which will be part of Canada's $2.65 billion climate finance commitment. Canada is providing $16.2 million to support a $36 million Climate Resilience and Green Infrastructure project that puts specific emphasis on the role of women in managing water resources in Peru, and $6 million to the Food and Agriculture Organization for forest management and increased sustainable economic growth for rural indigenous women and youth in Honduras, two of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. Canada's new Development Finance Institute, capitalized with $300 million over five years, will mobilize its resources to promote green economic growth, which in turn will provide access to clean technology and climate-resilient infrastructure to those people most affected by climate change.
At the G7 Summit, Leaders agreed to the Charlevoix Blueprint for Healthy Oceans, Seas and Resilient Coastal Communities. The leaders committed to support resilient coasts and communities globally via better adaptation planning, emergency preparedness and recovery, and innovative financing for coastal resilience, and launched a G7 initiative to deploy Earth observation technologies and related applications to scale up capacities for the integrated management of coastal zones in the poorest and most vulnerable regions of the world. Canada announced $162 million to preserve the health and resilience of oceans and coasts. As part of its G7 Presidency, Canada also announced $60 million in funding for Small-Island Developing States (SIDS) to expand energy systems and infrastructure, improve energy access for women and girls and provide training and employment for women in non-traditional, sustainable technology sectors."
10/31/2018,59,15-Nov,Canada in the World,Ensure Canada's strong and sustained engagement in the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie.,"Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie","Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",Promotion of Canadian values of diversity and inclusion through La Francophonie and promotion of French Canadian culture globally.,"Canada has maintained strong and sustained commitment to the International Organisation of La Francophonie and continues to use it as an important platform to engage the international community on priority areas. On gender equality, Canada continues to play an active role in the development of La Francophonie's gender equality Strategy in the promotion of women and youth empowerment and in the development of La Francophonie’s Action Plan on Women's Economic Empowerment. In May 2018, Canada supported the organisation of an international conference on conflict prevention and human security in Ottawa. The conference, which was organised by the University of Ottawa and the OIF, aimed to develop a roadmap to update existing Francophonie tools and instruments to address conflict prevention and human security in Francophonie member countries. Canada continues to advocate in support of enhanced governance and transparency measures to further strengthen the Organisation's administrative and financial governance practices, with examples of best practices regarding governance, transparency, and the communication of results being shared. "
10/31/2018,60,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Resettle 25,000 refugees from Syria.","Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship;Minister of International Development",Completed - modified,"The Government welcomed 26,172 Syrian refugees (government-assisted and privately sponsored) between November 4, 2015, and February 29, 2016.","As of January 29, 2017, Canada had welcomed 40,081 refugees from Syria: 21,876 government-assisted refugees, 3,931 blended visa office-referred refugees, and 14,274 privately sponsored refugees. Although the Government hit and surpassed its targets, it did so two months later than the initial timeline to ensure proper security and medical examinations and resettlement preparations."
10/31/2018,61,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Double the number of entry applications for parents and grandparents of immigrants to 10,000 a year.","Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,"The Government made reuniting families a top priority and doubled the number of parents and grandparents sponsorship applications accepted to 10,000 in 2016. The new cap of 10,000 per year will apply going forward.","Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has formally increased the number of applications it will take in through its Parent and Grandparent (PGP) Program."
10/31/2018,62,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Give additional points under the Express Entry system to applicants who have Canadian siblings.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,"Changes to Canada's Express Entry program, including additional points for candidates with Canadian siblings and candidates who have strong French and/or English languages skills were implemented on June 6, 2017. This is increasing the number of eligible economic immigrants who have the support they need to more easily integrate into the labour market and contribute to the economic success of all Canadians.","Changes to Canada's Express Entry program were implemented on June 6, 2017."
10/31/2018,63,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Increase the maximum age for dependents from 19 to 22 to allow more families to stay together and bring their children to Canada.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,More family reunification.,"The Government has made reuniting families a top priority. Regulatory amendments to increase the maximum age of dependent children from 19 to 22 years of age came into force October 24, 2017."
10/31/2018,64,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Bring forward a proposal regarding permanent residency for new spouses entering Canada.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Sponsored spouses and partners no longer have to remain in abusive relationships for fear of losing their immigration status.,"To address concerns that some vulnerable sponsored spouses or partners were staying in abusive relationships out of fear of losing their permanent resident status, the Government repealed the requirement of conditional residency. This means sponsored spouses and partners are no longer required to live with their sponsor for two years in order to maintain their permanent resident status, thereby reducing vulnerability and dependence."
10/31/2018,65,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,"Improve client service delivery and immigration, refugees and citizenship application processing times.","Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship","Actions taken, progress made","Enhanced client service and timely processing of immigration, refugee and citizenship applications.","The Government is developing initiatives to reduce processing times in several programs and a client service strategy to enhance the client experience. In December 2016, spousal sponsorship was reformed to speed up processing and simplify the sponsorship process. In 2017, IRCC met its commitment to process 80% of spousal applications received before December 2016. For 2018, IRCC continues to monitor progress against the commitment. The Government also announced an intake management strategy for privately sponsored refugees and the goal of reducing wait times for new applications to 12 months. Service standards in other programs are being maintained: 80% of citizenship grant applications received since April 2015 are processed within a 12-month timeframe, and Express Entry permanent residence applications are processed within a six-month timeframe. Since June 2017, the Global Skills Strategy continues to assist companies in getting workers to Canada faster, including through two-week processing time for 80% of eligible work permit applications. In July 2018, IRCC rolled out forward-looking processing times for five permanent resident lines of business to improve the client experience. The Dedicated Service Channel helps guide companies making significant, job-creating investments in Canada. Enhancements to the asylum system will be informed by the recent findings of the independent review of the Immigration and Refugee Board."
10/31/2018,66,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Restore the Interim Federal Health Program that provides health benefits to refugees.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Improved access to necessary health care for refugees.,"In April 2016, the Government restored the Interim Federal Health Program for all eligible refugee beneficiaries. In addition, the Government eliminated the coverage expiry date to ensure refugee claimants remain covered until they are eligible for provincial/territorial health insurance. "
10/31/2018,67,15-Nov,Canada in the World,Establish an expert human rights panel to help determine designated countries of origin and provide a right to appeal refugee decisions for citizens from these countries.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship","Actions taken, progress made","Canada upholds its commitment to welcoming those seeking refuge from conflict and war, while leveraging expertise and systems to strengthen program integrity and efficiency.","As of July 2015, claimants from Designated Countries of Origin - countries that do not normally produce refugees and do respect human rights and offer state protection - have had access to an appeal at the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. An independent review of the Immigration and Refugee Board and the asylum system has been completed, and findings are informing how the Government will reform the asylum system to achieve both efficiency and fairness for all claimants."
10/31/2018,68,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Work with stakeholders to better co-manage our three oceans.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard","Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Better planning, management and protection of oceans, marine mammals, and coastal communities.","Through the Oceans Protection Plan (OPP) and other ocean initiatives, Canada has been engaging Indigenous and coastal communities, stakeholders and other levels of government, including activities, such as improved marine safety, protection of the marine environment, restoration of Canada’s coastlines, waterways management, and new opportunities for Indigenous and coastal communities in emergency response.
The OPP includes new research on the effects of oil spills, measures to protect marine mammals, and increased emergency response capacity in which coastal communities will play a greater role. The OPP is a key part of the Government's commitment to redefine its relationship with Indigenous peoples and engage in a meaningful and productive partnership with Indigenous communities. In addition to the OPP, the Government has officially endorsed the Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area Plan with the Province of British Columbia and Pacific North Coast First Nations; explored partnerships with land claims organizations in the North to advance Canada’s marine conservation agenda; and signed a statement of intent between Canada and the Nunatsiavut Government to work together on oceans management in northern Labrador.
The Reconciliation Framework Agreement for Bioregional Oceans Management and Protection was announced by the Prime Minister on National Indigenous Peoples Day, June 21. This significant agreement demonstrates a commitment between Canada and First Nations along the North and Central Coast of British Columbia to partner on marine initiatives within the Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area. Key areas of work will include marine spatial planning, marine protected area network development and initiatives to support marine safety.
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10/31/2018,69,15-Nov,Canada in the World,Facilitate the temporary entry of low risk travellers and lift the visa requirement for Mexico.,"Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,"Canada is a more open country that does not impose unnecessary barriers to business travellers, tourists and other visitors.","On December 1, 2016, Canada lifted the requirement for Mexican travellers to have a visa. To facilitate the temporary entry of low-risk travellers, the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) was put in place on November 10, 2016 for visa-exempt foreign nationals (other than U.S. citizens) boarding their flight to Canada. On May 1, 2017, Canada expanded eTA to Brazil, Bulgaria and Romania to facilitate air travel for low-risk travellers. The visa requirement for Bulgaria and Romania was fully lifted on December 1, 2017. Additionally, on June 5, 2018, Canada lifted the visa requirement for the United Arab Emirates. "
10/31/2018,70,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Repeal provisions in the *Citizenship Act* that give the government the right to strip citizenship from dual nationals.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Repealed provisions in the *Citizenship Act* that gave the Government the right to strip citizenship from dual nationals.,"In June 2017, legislation was passed that repealed the unfair elements of the *Citizenship Act* that applied only to Canadians with dual or multiple citizenships and allowed the government to strip them of their Canadian citizenship. This legislation also makes it easier for applicants to meet the requirements for citizenship, and helps immigrants obtain citizenship earlier and faster."
10/31/2018,72,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Make it easier for international students to stay in Canada after their studies.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Better outcomes for immigrants to Canada because those who become permanent residents and citizens have Canadian educational experience.,"It is now easier for international students to become permanent residents or Canadian citizens after completing their studies. The Government made changes to the Express Entry system that award more points to those who have studied in Canada, making it easier for international students to become permanent residents. As well, in October 2017, regulatory changes introduced by the Government came into force, providing greater flexibility for international students who want to become Canadian citizens."
10/31/2018,73,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Restore funding to support federal ocean science and monitoring programs.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Completed - fully met,"Restored funding to support the hiring of new scientific staff, the acquisition of new lab equipment, and added capacity for ocean science and monitoring.","The Government of Canada restored funding for federal ocean science and monitoring programs. In April 2016, $197 million was committed to fund ocean and freshwater science activities, which will help better understand aquatic ecosystems and support evidence-based management decisions. The Government is recruiting 135 new scientific staff and creating a new Partnership Fund to build capacity in the Canadian ocean and freshwater science community. The Government is also investing in high-performance lab equipment to mitigate life-cycle management concerns, procuring new state-of-the-art acoustic and remote sensing technology, and enhancing monitoring activities for various species of marine mammals, fish and invertebrates."
10/31/2018,74,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Use good scientific evidence and traditional Indigenous knowledge when making decisions affecting fish stocks and ecosystem management.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard","Actions taken, progress made","A new, strong process that integrates scientific information in all major fish stock and ecosystem management decisions.",The Government of Canada has changed its internal processes to ensure that scientific information and advice are presented as part of decision making. The Government is currently developing a plan to implement the precautionary approach policy for all major fish stocks. The new Chief Science Advisor will provide guidance on this.
10/31/2018,75,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Act on recommendations of the Cohen Commission on restoring sockeye salmon stocks in the Fraser River.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Completed - fully met,"The new Wild Salmon Policy implementation plan includes measures to restore and maintain salmon stocks, and will be implemented in collaboration with experts, stakeholders and Indigenous peoples.","In August 2016 and September 2018, the Government released its first and second formal response to the final report of the Cohen Commission. On October 11, 2018, the Government provided a third and final status update showing that all 75 recommendations from the Cohen Commission have been acted on. Many of the recommendations are ongoing, and the Government continues to engage with scientific experts and stakeholders to further action on many of the Commission's recommendations. After extensive engagement with Indigenous peoples, stakeholders and the general public, the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard released both the 2018 Cohen Response Status Update and the Wild Salmon Policy 2018-2022 Implementation Plan on October 11, 2018. This plan sets out how the Government is working to restore and maintain salmon stock and highlights measures for sustainable aquaculture.
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10/31/2018,76,15-Nov,Safety and Security,"Re-open the Maritime Rescue Sub-centre in St. John's, Newfoundland, and the Kitsilano Coast Guard Base in Vancouver.","Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Completed - fully met,Kitsilano Coast Guard Base and St. John's Maritime Rescue Sub-centre are re-opened to restore search and rescue services and save lives.,"In May 2016, the Kitsilano Coast Guard Base in Vancouver was re-opened to provide 24/7 search and rescue and environmental response services. The base received a new search and rescue vessel in December 2017.
The Maritime Rescue Sub-centre in St. John's officially re-opened on May 18, 2018, and is supporting the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) Halifax in coordinating maritime search and rescue operations in waters surrounding Newfoundland and Labrador.
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10/31/2018,77,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Sign new Health Accord with the provinces and territories.,Minister of Health,Completed - fully met,"A new, multi-year agreement to strengthen health care has been reached between the Government of Canada and provinces and territories.","The Government of Canada has reached agreements with all provinces and territories on collective priorities and 10-year funding to strengthen health care. Budget 2017 confirmed a targeted investment of $11 billion over 10 years to support home and community care and mental health and addictions services. In addition, the federal government also committed to federal investments of $544 million which will help to increase the accessibility and affordability of prescription drugs and enhance innovation in the delivery of health services. In August 2017, federal, provincial and territorial governments reached agreement on a Common Statement of Principles on Shared Health Priorities, which outlines key priorities for federal investments to improve access to mental health and addictions services, as well as home and community care and a joint commitment to advance health innovation and prescription drugs. Governments also committed to develop and report on a set of common metrics to ensure that these investments bring Canadians improved health outcomes.
The federal government is now in the process of developing bilateral agreements with each province and territory that will set out details of how each jurisdiction will use federal funding in future years, based on the priority areas of action outlined in the Common Statement. Agreements have been signed and announced with nine provinces and territories: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Nova Scotia, British Columbia, and Quebec. As these agreements are completed, they are posted publicly here.
The Canadian Institute for Health Information has been leading a process with federal, provincial and territorial officials to develop a focused set of common indicators in home care and mental health to enable Canadians to assess progress on shared priorities. In June 2018, federal, provincial and territorial Health Ministers endorsed a set of common indicators to measure progress and to report to Canadians on overall improvements in access to home and community care as well as mental health and addiction services. Annual reporting is expected to begin in 2019.
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10/31/2018,78,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Increase rates of vaccination.,Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made","By 2025, 95% of children under the age of two have received all recommended vaccinations.","The Government of Canada, working together with the provinces and territories, updated the national vaccination coverage goals and vaccine preventable disease reduction targets. The new goals and targets were endorsed by all jurisdictions in fall 2017. The Government of Canada also enhanced its Childhood National Immunization Coverage Survey to better estimate vaccination coverage and measure vaccine hesitancy. The Survey was launched in fall 2017 and initial reporting is expected in 2019. Since the launch of the Immunization Partnership Fund in 2016, 13 projects have been funded to support innovative projects aimed at increasing vaccination acceptance and uptake in Canada. Six additional projects are expected to be funded in 2018-19.
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10/31/2018,79,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Introduce plain packaging requirements for tobacco products.,Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made",New plain packaging requirements for tobacco products will contribute to continued decrease in use.,"Public consultation on the proposed Tobacco Products Regulations (Plain and Standardized Appearance) was published in Canada Gazette, Part I, on June 23, 2018. Feedback on the proposed regulations was accepted until September 6, 2018. All views and evidence submitted will be considered by Health Canada as final regulations are prepared for publication in Canada Gazette, Part II.
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10/31/2018,80,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Promote the celebration of Canada 150.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism;Minister of Science and Sport,Completed - fully met,"Canadians came together to celebrate the best of Canada and to experience Canada’s rich cultural, linguistic, and geographical diversity.","Canada 150 celebrations came to a close. The Canada 150 Fund supported over six hundred community projects and thirty-eight pan-Canadian Signature projects through non-governmental organizations. Canada 150 enabled the promotion of active living, sport and athleticism to students and communities across Canada, and it highlighted diversity and inclusion, reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, the environment, and youth. More than 31 million people participated in Canada 150 events. Programming included an investment of more than $1 million into the 2017 Canada Summer Games and an accompanying cultural festival. The closing of Canada 150 in December 2017 included Skating Day, one of a suite of community events supported by micro-grants that brought Canadians together, emphasized the connection all Canadians share as a northern people, and underscored Canada 150’s four major themes."
10/31/2018,81,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Restore and increase funding for CBC/Radio-Canada.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism,Completed - fully met,"Increased funding for CBC/Radio-Canada, leading to the creation of new, high-quality content across all platforms.","In Budget 2016, the Government increased CBC/Radio-Canada funding by $675 million over five years. In 2017/18, this funding was directed toward CBC/Radio-Canada’s key programming and initiatives; the creation of new, high-quality content, including local content, across all platforms; digital transformation, and continued development of both its existing services and the next generation of digital talent."
10/31/2018,82,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that the appointment process to the CBC/Radio-Canada Board of Directors is merit-based and independent.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism,Completed - fully met,A new independent and merit-based appointment process has been established for selecting the CBC/Radio-Canada Board of Directors.,"The Government has appointed an independent and non-partisan Advisory Committee that will provide the Minister of Canadian Heritage with recommendations of qualified candidates for appointments to CBC/Radio-Canada. Published, merit-based criteria will guide the Advisory Committee as they identify Canadians who would make significant contributions to the work of the Board of Directors of CBC/Radio-Canada. On December 18, 2017, the Minister of Canadian Heritage announced the appointment of five directors to the CBC/RC Board of Directors. On April 3, 2018, the Minister of Canadian Heritage announced the appointment of the new Chair, President and CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada, and three additional members of the Board. "
10/31/2018,83,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Double investment in the Canada Council for the Arts.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism,Completed - fully met,The Government invested $550 million in the Canada Council for the Arts to foster the development of the arts in Canada.,"New investments are being made in the form of grants, services and awards to professional Canadian artists and arts organizations, as well as through scholarly awards. The Government of Canada's annual investment in the Council is doubling over the next five years, growing local economies and creating good middle-class jobs."
10/31/2018,84,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Increase funding for Telefilm Canada and the National Film Board.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism,Completed - fully met,"Increased funding for Canada's film industry, creating growth and jobs in the creative industries.","The Government invested $22 million in Telefilm Canada to fund and promote programs dedicated to the cultural, commercial and industrial success of Canada’s audiovisual industry and provided the National Film Board of Canada with $13.5 million to create social issue documentaries, animation, and digital content."
10/31/2018,85,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Restore PromArt and Trade Routes international cultural promotion programs.,Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism;Minister of International Trade Diversification,Completed - fully met,"Greater awareness of Canadian excellence in arts and culture, greater international demand for Canadian creators and more jobs in the creative industries.","In fall 2017 the Government announced an investment of $125 million over five years towards the implementation of a new Creative Export Strategy. This initiative will help Canada's creative industries seize business opportunities abroad and increase Canada’s interactions with the world through culture, supporting cultural diplomacy efforts. Building on the $35 million committed in Budget 2016, the Strategy provides improved measures and redesigned cultural programs. Based on former PromArt and Trade Routes, it will help artists and creative industries kick-start or promote their creative offerings abroad. This will include more support from Canadian missions abroad to coordinate events showcasing Canadian artists on the world stage, as well as direct on-the-ground support from Canadian Trade Commissioners in key markets including London, Paris, Los Angeles, New York and China. With this support, Canadian creative industries will be able to better navigate export markets, meet key foreign contacts, and conclude business deals abroad. The Government also expanded access to cultural trade data through Statistics Canada to provide more accurate and up-to-date information to help guide and focus Canadian creative exporters abroad. The Creative Export Strategy was announced on June 26, 2018."
10/31/2018,86,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,"Increase funding to ""Young Canada Works"" to help prepare the next generation working in the heritage sector.",Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism,Completed - fully met,More jobs for young Canadians in the heritage sector.,"Through Budget 2016, the Government invested $1.5 million in new funding for Young Canada Works at Building Careers in Heritage programming to create 150 additional internships for young graduates in 2016-2017, multiplying by five the number of Young Canada Works internships for youth in heritage organizations in Canada. Through Budget 2017, the Government further invested $14.05 million over three years in funding in Young Canada Works-Heritage programming. These new funds enabled the creation of 1,508 more jobs for Canadian youth in Canadian museums and related heritage organizations: 1,038 summer/short-term jobs through YCW in Heritage Organizations and 470 graduate internships through YCW at Building Careers in Heritage. The combined 2016 and 2017 budget investments in Young Canada Works-Heritage programming are enabling the creation of over 1,600 new employment opportunities for youth in the heritage sector over four years (2016-2017 to 2019-2020)."
10/31/2018,87,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Develop a multi-year Official Languages plan to support English and French linguistic minorities.,"Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism;Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie",Completed - fully met,A new Official Languages plan was developed and will be implemented to support English and French linguistic minorities across Canada.,"On March 28, the 2018-2023 Action Plan for Official Languages: Investing in our Future was announced. The Action Plan includes a new investment of almost $500 million to support official-language minority communities across the country and promote bilingualism of Canadians. The new plan took effect on April 1, 2018. New initiatives will be gradually implemented over 2018-19."
10/31/2018,88,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Establish a free, online service for learning and retaining English and French as second languages.","Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie;President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government","Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges","A cross-platform, web-based application will enable adult Canadians to learn and retain – in a way that is flexible, accessible and free – their second official language (English or French).","Canadian Heritage has conducted consultations with industry to identify possible approaches for providing an e-learning tool for Canadians. Budget 2018 and the announcement on March 28, 2018 of the 2018-2023 Action Plan for Official Languages confirmed the funding for the web-based application. The solution’s architecture and the information technology requirements are being developed. A Request for Proposals will be launched in the fall of 2018."
10/31/2018,89,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Restore a modern Court Challenges Program.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,"Actions taken, progress made",Increased protection for human rights and official language rights through a modernized Court Challenges Program.,"The Government has reinstated a modernized Court Challenges Program to provide financial support to Canadians to access the courts for the litigation of test cases of national significance, to help clarify and assert certain constitutional and quasi-constitutional official language rights and human rights in Canada. In February 2017, the Government launched a process to select an independent body to implement and manage the modernized program. Interested parties had until March 6, 2017 to submit an application. On September 1, 2017, the Government announced that the University of Ottawa had been selected to manage the modernized program. It also announced the members of the Selection Committee who have assessed potential candidates for the program's Official Languages Expert Panel and its Human Rights Expert Panel. Canadian Heritage is working to establish the panels. Work is also underway with the University of Ottawa to implement the program."
10/31/2018,90,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Balance the budget in 2019/20.,Minister of Finance,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges",Balance the budget over the long-term and continue to reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio.,"Budget 2018 shows that the fiscal framework does not forecast a balanced budget in 2019/20. Before the Government delivered the 2016 Budget, the baseline fiscal track weakened as a result of low oil prices and slow global economic growth. Important fiscal investments were made to kick-start the economy, support the middle class and address the long-term challenges that were limiting Canada's potential. Canada continues to have the strongest economic growth in the G7 and increased consumer and business confidence. As a result, the current fiscal track shows steady improvements in the Government's budgetary position along with a continued decline in the federal debt-to-GDP ratio. In fact, the Budget 2018 fiscal track continues to show steady improvements in the Government’s annual budgetary balance, which is nearly $7 billion lower annually, on average, than projected in Budget 2017. The budgetary deficit is on track to fall from 0.9% of GDP in 2016-17 to 0.5% of GDP by 2022-23. The Government will maintain this downward debt ratio track and preserve Canada's low-debt advantage for current and future generations."
10/31/2018,91,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Lead preparations for the 2016 Rio Olympics and Paralympics.,Minister of Science and Sport,Completed - fully met,Canadian athletes and national sport organizations were well prepared for and supported at a successful showing at the 2016 Rio Olympics and Paralympics.,"Canadian athletes excelled during the 2016 Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games. Nearly 15% more Canadian athletes were able to attend the Games compared to 2012. Canadian athletes placed 10th in total Olympic medals, up from 14th in 2012 and Paralympians also had a very strong showing, bringing home 29 medals."
10/31/2018,92,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Create greater links between our elite athletes and young Canadians to promote health and achievement among youth.,Minister of Science and Sport,"Actions taken, progress made",Increased number of events organized to connect young Canadians and Canada's elite athletes.,"Following the 2016 Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Government organized a number of events both online and in person at schools across the country, to connect young Canadians with Canada's elite athletes. Approximately 250 Olympic and Paralympic athletes and coaches from the 2016 Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games participated in these events, reaching tens of thousands of students across Canada. In May 2018, over 300 Canadian athletes, guides, and coaches attended events at Rideau Hall and Parliament Hill to celebrate their achievements at the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games of PyeongChang 2018. The celebrations included a Facebook Live “Team Canada Classroom Champion Chat,” providing youth across Canada with the opportunity to engage with Olympians and Paralympians from Rideau Hall. Athletes, students and the general public at Rideau Hall were also able to try out sports such as Para ice hockey and snowboarding. "
10/31/2018,93,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Raise the quality of the Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) applied to Cabinet proposals.,Minister of Status of Women,"Actions taken, progress made",Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) is effectively integrated into policy-making across government.,"Since 2016, proposals to Cabinet now require a full GBA+ analysis, which includes an analysis of the proposal's impact on diverse groups of people. Budget submissions also require a full GBA+ analysis. The Government will continue to improve the quality of the analysis through new training tools and videos. In addition, to ensure that gender remains a key consideration for future governments, as announced in Budget 2018, the Government has introduced new GBA+ legislation to make gender budgeting a permanent part of the federal budget-making process."
10/31/2018,94,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that the Government's senior appointments are merit-based and demonstrate gender parity.,Minister of Status of Women,"Actions taken, progress made",Greater representation of Canada's gender diversity in senior appointments.,"In 2016, the Government put in place a new open, transparent and merit-based approach to selecting candidates for some 1500 federal Governor in Council (GIC) appointments. This will help over time to close gaps in the representation of women in GIC positions. Since late 2015, the representation of women serving as GIC appointees has increased by 13 percentage points and is now at 47 per cent. "
10/31/2018,95,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Help injured Veterans by re-establishing lifelong pensions and insuring that they all have access to financial advice and support.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made","Injured Veterans have the option of taking a monthly, tax free payment for life and are provided financial advice and support to assist them in determining the form of compensation that works best for them and their families.","The recently introduced Pension for Life initiative is a combination of benefits that provide recognition, income support and better overall stability to Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and Veterans who are living with a disability due to a service-related injury and/or illness.
As of April 1, 2019, Pension for Life will provide a holistic package that reintroduces lifelong monthly pain and suffering payments, implement a new recognition benefit, and consolidate six existing income-related financial benefits.
The resulting Pension for Life benefits package includes: The Pain and Suffering Compensation, Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation, and the Income Replacement Benefit.
1) For injured Veterans, the Pain and Suffering Compensation (PSC) recognizes pain and suffering caused by a disability resulting from a service-related injury and/or illness. The PSC replaces the lump sum Disability Award announced in 2006. It delivers a maximum of $1,150 per month for the life of the serving member or Veteran, or if a Veteran chooses, they can elect to have the monthly PSC cashed out for a lump sum payment that will be equal to the lump sum offered less any monthly payments already paid. The maximum lump sum cash out for the PSC will be equivalent to a maximum lump sum payment available under the Disability Award on March 31, 2019, which is being replaced by PSC. The amount provided by the PSC will be adjusted annually by the percent increase in the Consumer Price Index.
2) Some injured Veterans will also benefit from Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation (APSC). This benefit provides additional support to Veterans who are experiencing barriers to re-establishment in post-service life due to a service related severe and permanent impairment. Depending on the extent of the Veteran’s impairment, the monthly payment would be $500, $1,000 or $1,500 adjusted annually by the percent increase in the Consumer Price Index. This benefit is not intended to replace lost earnings and so is tax-free.
3) In addition to the PSC and APSC recognition benefits, PFL will introduce the Income Replacement Benefit (IRB). The Income Replacement Benefit (IRB) is a monthly benefit designed to provide income support to Veterans who are experiencing barriers to re-establishment due to a health problem resulting primarily from service. As the IRB is designed to replace income, it is an economic benefit and as such is taxable. The benefit is available to Veterans and survivors, for life, and orphans, should they need it. For Veterans who have not yet served a full career in the military, the monthly salary will be increased by 1% every year until the Veteran reaches what would have been 20 years of service or age 60. The IRB replaces six pre-existing benefits (i.e. Earnings Loss, Benefit, Extended Earnings Loss Benefit, Career Impact Allowance, Career Impact Allowance Supplement, Supplementary Retirement Benefit and Retirement Income Security Benefit) with one, simpler benefit. Veterans who wish to join the workforce may also earn up to $20,000 from employment before any reduction will be made to their IRB payment. "
10/31/2018,96,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Expand access to the Permanent Impairment Allowance to better support Veterans.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,More Veterans qualify for higher benefit amounts if they have had their career options limited by service-related illness or injury.,"As of April 2017, the Government of Canada has replaced the outdated Permanent Impairment Allowance with the new Career Impact Allowance. This new measure provides broader eligibility to more generous benefit amounts for the most seriously ill and injured Veterans whose careers are impacted by service-related illness or injury. The benefit amount that a Veteran receives will depend on the unique circumstances of each case.
Effective, April 1, 2019, the Career Impact Allowance will be consolidated as part of the new Income Replacement Benefit announced under Pension for Life."
10/31/2018,97,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,"Provide injured veterans with 90% of their pre-release salary, and index this benefit to inflation.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"Veterans now receive 90 per cent of their pre-release salary under the Earnings Loss Benefit (ELB), and benefits are indexed to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).","Canada's women and men in uniform put their lives at risk to protect the values that Canadians cherish most. In Budget 2016, the Government of Canada made significant investments to give more money to Veterans with disabilities primarily resulting from military service. In particular, in October 2016 ELB eligibility was increased from 75% to 90% of a Veteran's monthly pre-release military salary. This benefit provides financial support to injured Veterans while they are undergoing rehabilitation or up to age 65 if they are determined to have a diminished earning capacity. As of June 30, 2017, a total of 12,461 Veterans have received an increase or are newly in receipt of benefits since changes to the ELB were made.
Effective, April 1, 2019, the Earnings Loss Benefit will be consolidated as part of the new Income Replacement Benefit announced under Pension for Life. All eligible Veterans will continue to receive 90% of their pre-release salary, indexed to CPI during rehabilitation and for life if they are found to have a diminished earning capacity."
10/31/2018,98,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Create a Veterans Education Benefit that supports the education costs of Canadian Forces Veterans after completion of service.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,More Veterans receive education and training upon release and are given the means to achieve their education and post-service employment goals.,"As of April 1, 2018, the Government of Canada has implemented the new Education and Training Benefit which provides Veterans who have a total of at least six years of service in the Regular or Reserve Force and who were honourably released on or after April 1, 2006 with up to $40,000 for college, university or technical education. Veterans with at least 12 years of service can receive up to $80,000. This will help Veterans cover the cost of getting a new degree or certificate, which is often critical in making a successful transition to post-service life. "
10/31/2018,99,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Improve career and vocational assistance for Veterans.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made",Improve career and vocational assistance for Veterans and ensure jobs for Veterans are included in federally-funded infrastructure projects.,"The Government has introduced new initiatives to support Veterans’ transition to the labour market.
• Through the *Veterans Hiring Act* (VHA), which came into effect July 1, 2015, current and former members of the Canadian Armed Forces are given priority within some public service hiring processes. As of June 30, 2018, 636 medically-released Veterans have been hired as permanent employees into the federal public service through this process.
• As of April 1, 2018, eligible Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans, their spouses/common-law partners and survivors can now apply for a new, modernized set of Career Transition Services delivered by career support professionals familiar with the military culture, whenever and wherever needed. These services also ensure that Veterans have the knowledge, skills and abilities required to search for employment in the civilian work force so that they are more likely to gain employment and feel satisfaction in their employment.
• The Government is working with provinces and territories as part of infrastructure negotiations to ensure Community Benefits Agreements integrate jobs for Veterans into infrastructure projects."
10/31/2018,100,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,"Deliver a higher standard of service and care, and ensure that a ""one veteran, one standard"" approach is upheld.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made","Veterans and their families have seamless support as they transition out of the military, with simplified application processes, improved client services and reduced wait times to receive benefits.","The Government has invested $42.8 million to increase service delivery capacity and reduce the backlog in key programs at Veterans Affairs Canada.
The Government is lowering its case-management ratios so that Veterans who require more in-depth, one-on-one personal based support can access services in a timely manner.
The Government's recently completed a Service Delivery Review which will shape efforts to reduce complexity and strengthen partnerships between Veterans Affairs and National Defence.
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10/31/2018,101,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Re-open the nine Veterans Affairs service offices recently closed.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"To improve services for Veterans, all Veterans Affairs Canada offices closed by the previous government have been re-opened and resources have been added in new areas not previously served.","All nine offices previously closed have been reopened and a new tenth office has been opened to serve the needs of veterans in Surrey, BC, and the Lower Mainland. In addition, the Government of Canada has expanded outreach to the territories and other northern communities to provide an enhanced level of service and outreach to Veterans and their families. As of April 2018, the Government has hired more than 470 new employees, including 190 new case managers, to improve services for veterans."
10/31/2018,102,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,"Create two centres of excellence in Veterans' care, including one specialized in mental health and post-traumatic stress disorder.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made",Veterans and their caregivers and providers have better access to better knowledge and expertise to address the unique care needs of someone who previously served.,"Budget 2017 invested in the creation of the first centre of excellence that will focus on the creation and dissemination of knowledge on prevention, assessment and treatment of PTSD and related mental health conditions for Veterans and Canadian Armed Forces members. Plans for the second centre of excellence are at an early stage of development and consultation."
10/31/2018,103,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Support families who are providing care and support to Veterans living with physical and/or mental health issues.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,Increased support for families who are providing care and support to Veterans living with physical and/or mental health issues.,"As of April 1, 2018, military members who leave the service for medical reasons, as well as their families, have access to a full range of support services at all of Canada's 32 Military Family Resource Centres as well as through services delivered over the phone and online. Further support is offered to families by the new Caregiver Recognition Benefit which provides a more generous non-taxable monthly benefit payable directly to caregivers of Veterans to better recognize and honour the vital role they play."
10/31/2018,104,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,End the time limit for surviving spouses applying for vocational rehabilitation and assistance services.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,Surviving spouses are able to receive vocational rehabilitation and assistance services whenever they need them.,"As of April 1, 2018, the Government of Canada has enhanced support for survivors and common-law/spouses by eliminating the current one-year time limit on applications for Rehabilitation Services and Vocational Assistance. This change allows survivors to apply for assistance whenever they are prepared to return to work."
10/31/2018,105,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Increase the Veteran survivor's pension amount from 50% to 70%.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made","Surviving spouses receive better support, and benefits are delivered in a more client-centred, streamlined fashion.","Announced on December 20, 2017 as part of the Pension for Life initiative, support for eligible spouses will increase from 50% to 70% of the Veteran’s post age 65 Income Replacement Benefit, providing them with enhanced financial security when they need it most. This measure, effective April 1, 2019, will improve the delivery of benefits so that surviving spouses and their families have a simpler system to navigate."
10/31/2018,106,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that surviving spouses of Veterans receive appropriate benefits by eliminating the marriage after 60 clawback.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made",Surviving spouses receive the same pension amounts as all other survivors regardless of the age at which they were married.,The Government of Canada is working to eliminate the pension clawback for spouses married to Veterans over the age of 60 at the time of marriage that currently exists in the *Canadian Armed Forces Superannuation Act*. Progress on this commitment has taken longer than anticipated.
10/31/2018,107,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Double funding to the Last Post Fund to ensure that all veterans receive a dignified burial.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"Funding is doubled to the Last Post Fund, and more families qualify for a burial or marking benefit when a Veteran dies.","As of October 2016, the Government of Canada enhanced the Funeral and Burial Program, which is delivered by the Last Post Fund Corporation so that more families can qualify for financial support for the funeral and burial of a recently deceased Veteran. The Government nearly tripled the survivor estate exemption from approximately $12,000 to $35,200 so that more people can access this support in their time of need. Going forward, this amount will be indexed annually."
10/31/2018,108,15-Nov,Safety and Security,Create an Office of Community Outreach and Counter-radicalization Coordinator.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,"Actions taken, progress made",Reduced radicalization and greater understanding of how to prevent radicalization.,"On June 26, 2017, the Government established the Canada Centre for Community Engagement and Prevention of Violence to help provide leadership on Canada's response to radicalization to violence, coordinate domestic and international initiatives, and support community outreach. The Government is in the process of appointing a Special Advisor and Advisory Committee. The Community Resilience Fund was also launched to provide financial assistance to organizations undertaking programming and research to address radicalization to violence in Canada. In September 2018, the Government released an independent report that provides an overview of what the Government heard during its public consultation on countering radicalization to violence."
10/31/2018,109,15-Nov,Safety and Security,Protect Canadians and our critical infrastructure from cyber threats.,"Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of National Defence;Minister of Democratic Institutions","Actions taken, progress made","Increased cyber security for Canada's critical infrastructure, economy, and democratic institutions, resulting in better protection for Canadian businesses and individuals from cyber threats.","The Government conducted a public consultation and review of cyber security measures and published a report on the public consultation findings in 2017. To strengthen Canada’s cyber security and prosperity in the Digital Age, Budget 2018 announced funding of $507.7M over the next five years to deliver on a new National Cyber Security Strategy which was launched in June 2017. Also announced in the Budget were some important early initiatives to deliver on this new vision for Canadians, including the creation of a new Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, which became operational on October 1, 2018, and the creation of a National Cybercrime Coordination Unit to be launched by the RCMP. In addition, the Government continues to take proactive, collaborative measures to protect and defend Canada's democratic institutions from cyber threats. "
10/31/2018,110,15-Nov,Safety and Security,"Strengthen controls on handguns and assault weapons, and examine a full ban of both.",Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,"Actions taken, progress made","Reduced gun violence through balanced, effective firearms measures.","The Government is developing effective firearms measures that prioritize public safety while ensuring law-abiding Canadians are not unduly impacted. To support this objective, the Government established a more representative Firearms Advisory Committee that includes representation from law enforcement, civilian firearms users, public health advocates, women’s groups, farmers, conservation organizations, and the legal community. The Government also reversed a ministerial directive that could have allowed gun manufacturers to determine the classification of their own products under certain conditions.
On November 17, 2017, the Government announced up to $327.6 million over five years, and $100 million annually thereafter, in new funding for initiatives to reduce gun crime and criminal gang activities. As announced in November 2018, the Government’s Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence includes investments of $51.5 million for the Canada Border Services Agency and $34.5 million for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police that will help interrupt the flow of smuggled and trafficked firearms at the border while also providing additional resources for law enforcement to address gang activity and the criminal use of firearms.
A Summit on Gun and Gang Violence was held in March 2018 to bring together stakeholders to share information on the realities, issues and best practices to combat criminal gun and gang violence. Also in March 2018, the Government introduced legislation that prioritizes public safety and effective police work, while respecting law-abiding firearms owners. It will not recreate a federal long-gun registry. Throughout October 2018 and November 2018, the Government will lead an engagement process, including in-person roundtable discussions across Canada, and online engagement on the topic of handguns and assault weapons.
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10/31/2018,111,15-Nov,Safety and Security,Enhance compensation for public safety officers who are permanently disabled or killed in the line of duty.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,"Actions taken, progress made","Public safety officers who are permanently disabled or killed in the line of duty, and their families, are appropriately compensated.","In March 2017, the Government announced the creation of a tax-free community heroes benefit that will support the families of firefighters, police officers and paramedics who died in the line of duty. Through the Memorial Grant Program for First Responders, families of first responders that lose a loved one as a direct result of their duties, will receive a one-time lump sum, tax-free payment of $300,000. The Program took effect on April 1, 2018. On September 7, 2018, Public Safety Canada announced that a third-party service provider had been contracted to administer this initiative. Grants will be awarded to eligible families in this calendar year."
10/31/2018,112,15-Nov,Safety and Security,Restore funding to provinces and territories to support Heavy Urban Search and Rescue teams.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Completed - fully met,"Search and rescue capacity across Canada is strengthened, helping save lives.","Last year, the Government restored funding of $15.5 million previously cut from the Heavy Urban Search and Rescue taskforces in Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, and across Manitoba. The Government is also providing support to build new heavy urban search and rescue capacity in Montreal and Halifax."
10/31/2018,113,15-Nov,Safety and Security,"Develop a plan to better predict, prepare for, and respond to weather-related emergencies and natural disasters.",Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,"Actions taken, progress made","Canadians are quickly and effectively supported when natural disasters occur, and communities are better prepared for weather-related emergencies.","All Canadians, regardless of age, gender, location or on-reserve and off-reserve Indigenous status, deserve equal access to tools and resources to build resilience and enhance the readiness of their communities in a climate-impacted future. In recognition of the growing severity and frequency of natural disasters in Canada, like the recent wildfire seasons in British Columbia, the Government is working in collaboration with provinces and territories, and Indigenous peoples to develop a whole-of-society Emergency Management Strategy that will support Canadians and communities impacted by weather-related events and natural disasters.
The Government continues to respond quickly and effectively to support Canadians and communities impacted by weather-related events and natural disasters. This has included partnerships with the Red Cross, payments to assist provincial governments, and the creation of ad hoc Cabinet committees to coordinate a response across government. Additionally, Canada is playing a leading role globally on the issues of disaster risk reduction, having hosted the United Nations Fifth Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in March 2017.
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10/31/2018,114,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure strong and effective gender and culturally sensitive training policies for federal front-line law enforcement officers.,Minister of Status of Women,"Actions taken, progress made",Increased cultural competency and trauma-informed gender-based violence training across the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).,"In 2018-19, the RCMP is developing cultural competency and gender-based violence (GBV) training that will be offered to RCMP employees starting in 2019-20. Through this training, there will be an improved capacity across the RCMP to effectively respond to GBV, including violence against Indigenous women and girls, in a gender and culturally sensitive manner. All training material will be examined using the GBA+ tool. "
10/31/2018,115,15-Nov,Sustainable Infrastructure,Move forward on a toll-free replacement for the Champlain Bridge.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities,"Actions taken, progress made",New toll-free Champlain Bridge opened by December 2018.,"The Champlain Bridge is vital to its daily users and plays an important role in the Canadian economy. The Government of Canada's priority is to deliver a quality, toll-free new Champlain Bridge as soon as possible without compromising the safety of workers and the public, and ensuring sound management of taxpayers' money. The opening will take place no later than June 30, 2019. The current bridge is safe and continuously monitored in real time."
10/31/2018,116,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,"Work with Parliamentarians to reform Question Period so that all ministers, including the Prime Minister, are held to greater account.",Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,"Increased accountability of all ministers, including the Prime Minister, during Question Period.","Since April 2017, the Prime Minister has adopted the practice of taking all questions during Wednesday sittings, as his schedule permits. In addition, when invited, ministers have participated in Senate Question Period."
10/31/2018,117,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Promote free votes and limit the circumstances in which Liberal Members of Parliament will be required to vote with the Government.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,Members of Parliament are strong voices for their communities and there is greater accountability within Parliament.,"Since Fall 2015, all House of Commons votes have been free votes for Liberal Members of Parliament with the exception of those relating to: platform commitments, matters of confidence, and protections guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms."
10/31/2018,118,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,End the improper use of omnibus bills and prorogation.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,Measures are in place to end the improper use of omnibus bills and prorogation.,"In June 2017, the House of Commons adopted a Government motion that changed the Standing Orders to prevent the improper use of omnibus bills and prorogation. The motion gives the Speaker power to split omnibus bills for the purposes of voting except for budget implementation bills that contain only provisions that were announced in a budget presentation or in the budget documents. The motion also forces the Government to justify, in writing, the reasons for a prorogation and the House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs has the power to study the Government's justification."
10/31/2018,119,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,"Make government accounting and financial reporting more consistent, transparent and understandable to Canadians.",President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government;Minister of Finance;Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,"Government reporting is easier for Canadians to find, understand and use to hold the Government accountable.","The Government has introduced significant changes to improve accountability and make financial reporting more transparent and easier to understand. These changes include: making the Parliamentary Budget Officer an independent officer of Parliament with new powers and resources to more rigorously examine the country's finances; publishing fiscal decisions between budgets; publishing accrual versus cash reconciliation for the Estimates and the Budget; and changing the Standing Orders of the House of Commons to allow Main Estimates to be published later in the calendar year, resulting in the 2018-19 Main Estimates being tabled after the 2018 Budget and including 100% of announced Budget measures in a new centrally-managed Budget Implementation vote. As Budget items receive Treasury Board approval of program authorities, the allocations will be reported and updated regularly in an online annex."
10/31/2018,120,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Improve reporting to Parliament.,President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government,"Actions taken, progress made",Increased transparency so that parliamentarians and all Canadians can more easily hold the Government to account.,"Part III of the Estimates (i.e., Departmental Plans and Departmental Results Reports) have been simplified and new features and data have been added to the online GC InfoBase. In addition, the Government introduced and adopted changes to the Standing Orders to better ensure consistency across the Budget, Estimates and Public Accounts, and provide greater clarity in voting on appropriations. These changes will help parliamentarians and Canadians better examine government spending and allow for the timely flow of funding outlined in budget plans.
In the last year, the GC InfoBase has been updated to provide broader availability of data, graphics, and analytics, including:
• Actual and Planned Spending and Results information in support of the Policy on Results;
• An aggregation of program performance to provide data-driven results narratives at the department and government-wide level;
• A Budget Tracker tool that makes it possible to follow where public funds are going and how they will be spent all the way down to the programs delivering the services;
• A Government at a Glance flow chart to see how government resources flow across different tagging schemes;
• More granular expenditure data at the program level with spending on specific components such as salaries, capital, transfer payments, etc.;
• Open and accessible datasets organised by the source report (e.g., Public Accounts, Main Estimates, Departmental Plans, etc.)."
10/31/2018,121,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Ensure that Agents of Parliament are properly funded and accountable only to Parliament.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,"Actions taken, progress made",Agents of Parliament are independent and are properly funded.,"In June 2017, legislation was passed that established the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) as an independent agent of Parliament, reporting directly to Parliament. This legislation provides the PBO with the ability to request the funds from the Speakers of the House and Senate needed to fulfill their mandate. The Government will continue to work with Agents of Parliament to support their important work."
10/31/2018,122,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Ensure that the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) is properly funded and independent of the Government.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,The Parliamentary Budget Officer is independent and properly funded to conduct analyses on behalf of Parliament.,"In June 2017, legislation was passed that established the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) as an independent agent of Parliament, reporting directly to Parliament. This legislation provides the PBO with the ability to request the funds from the Speakers of the House and Senate needed to fulfill their mandate. This is consistent with the practice for all other independent agents of Parliament. The PBO will also have greater access to relevant information within departments, agencies and Crown Corporations; will be appointed for a term of seven years and can only be removed with cause, subject to the approval of parliamentarians; and will be able to cost election platform proposals at the request of political parties."
10/31/2018,123,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Strengthen Parliamentary committees so that they can better scrutinize legislation.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,Parliamentary committees are freer and better equipped to study legislation.,"The Government of Canada has strengthened parliamentary committees by giving them more funding through the Board of Internal Economy so they can undertake the appropriate research and engage with Canadians. The Government has also ensured that the practice of electing committee chairs by secret ballot has continued. In addition, the House of Commons adopted a motion that enables Parliamentary Secretaries to be non-voting members of committees, ensuring that they can no longer vote on committees that fall within their minister's mandate, helping assure the freedom and independence of House of Commons standing committees."
10/31/2018,124,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Disclose the expenses of all Parliamentarians in detail each quarter.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,"Actions taken, progress made","Increased transparency through the quarterly, detailed disclosure of parliamentarians' expenses.",The Government of Canada has introduced legislation to codify in law that the expenses of all parliamentarians continue to be disclosed on a quarterly basis. Details are disclosed on the Parliament of Canada website in an accessible and easy-to-read format.
10/31/2018,125,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Examine ways to make the House of Commons more family-friendly for Members of Parliament.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,"Actions taken, progress made","A House of Commons that is truly a modern, professional, family-friendly workplace for Members of Parliament and their staff.","The House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs released a report in June 2016 outlining ways to make the House of Commons more family-friendly for Members of Parliament and their staff. The Government is currently implementing the principal recommendations of this report, which include scheduling votes immediately following Question Period rather than later in the evening, and tabling the House sitting calendar prior to the summer adjournment so that Members and staff are able to better plan their schedules. The Board of Internal Economy has also taken steps to implement more family-friendly administrative practices, such as providing more flexible childcare services and making high chairs available in Parliamentary cafeterias. The Board of Internal Economy made changes to travel policies for Members to promote a family friendly environment and facilitate family reunification. Parliament passed legislation to make it possible for Parliamentarians to take maternity and parental leave. The House of Commons and the Senate can now develop and implement policies. More needs to be done to ensure Parliament, as a workplace, fully recognizes the challenges and pressures of raising a family. The Government is fully committed to working with all parties to make this happen."
10/31/2018,126,15-Nov,Exports and Investment,"Invest in an Agri-Food Investment Fund to attract investment and create good, well-paying jobs in food processing.",Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,"Actions taken, progress made",The agri-food sector is a leading area for economic growth over the next 10 years.,"The Government is increasing investment in the agri-food sector to increase and diversify exports to create good middle-class jobs. Budget 2017 identified agri-food as one of the six key sectors for future economic growth and set an ambitious objective of increasing annual agri-food exports to $75 billion by 2025. The Government announced a $1.26 billion five-year Strategic Innovation Fund to attract and support new high-quality business investments, including for agri-food value added processors. The Canadian Agricultural Partnership, launched on April 1, 2018, includes a commitment to facilitate the maintenance and expansion of both domestic and international agricultural and agri-food markets, as well as to enhance the ability of the agriculture and agri-food sector to diversify market opportunities.
The final report of the Economic Strategy Tables was released on September 24, 2018, outlining sector-specific plans for economic growth, including for the agri-food sector, along with signature initiatives endorsed by all six Tables. The Government is reviewing the recommendations. "
10/31/2018,127,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Develop a food policy that promotes healthy living and safe food.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,"Actions taken, progress made",A whole of government food policy that promotes Canadians' health and quality of life.,"In 2017, the Government formally consulted with Canadians and stakeholders to support the development of *A Food Policy for Canada*. This policy is intended to identify a vision and plan to address challenges such as increasing access to safe and nutritious food; improving health and food safety; conserving the soil, water and air; and growing more high-quality food. A national Food Policy Summit was held in June 2017 and six regional roundtables were held in August and September 2017. An online survey was conducted, receiving 45,000 responses, and other grassroots engagements with Canadians were led by Members of Parliament, and stakeholder groups. The Government issued a “What We Heard” report on the consultations on September 5, 2018. The consultations provided valuable insights into what matters to Canadians and stakeholders, including support for the development of a food policy that addresses food security, health, environmental protection, and growth of the agriculture and food industry. The feedback received from Canadians and stakeholders is informing the development of *A Food Policy for Canada*."
10/31/2018,128,15-Nov,Jobs and Innovation,Invest in agricultural research to support discovery science and innovation.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,"Actions taken, progress made","Advance research in agricultural genomics, digitize nearly six million specimens by 2022 and invest in discovery research in priority areas.","Starting in 2016, the Government has been working to accelerate the DNA analysis, data capture and imaging of specimens from its biological collections, completing the digitization of nearly six million specimens. In addition, Budget 2017 announced $70 million to further support agricultural discovery science and innovation, with a focus on addressing emerging priorities such as climate change and soil and water conservation. Of this $70 million investment, $44 million is dedicated to hiring the next generation of federal research scientists and science professionals and equipping them with the state-of-the-art tools they need to advance agricultural research, including environmental sampling equipment and analytical instruments.
The Government also launched a new Living Laboratories Initiative, which includes $10 million to support collaborative research projects with external partners. It is an integrated approach that brings farmers, scientists and other stakeholders together to co-develop, test and monitor new practices and technologies on farms. The result will be more practical technologies and sustainable farming practices adopted more quickly by Canadian farmers.
In the same spirit of collaboration, the remaining $16 million of the $70 million is earmarked to fund collaborative federal research projects focused on priority areas affecting the agriculture sector, such as environmental issues."
10/31/2018,129,15-Nov,Exports and Investment,Promote Canadian agricultural interests during trade negotiations.,Minister of International Trade Diversification;Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Achieve the target of $75 billion annually in agri-food exports, and create more middle class jobs and higher incomes for the many rural and urban Canadians employed in the agri-food sector.","The Government has made agriculture and agri-food trade a priority in the trade expansion strategy. The Prime Minister and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, International Trade Diversification and Agriculture and Agri-Food have completed trade missions to Mexico, China, Japan, India, South Korea, the European Union and the United States promoting agri-food. The Government concluded and signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which will improve market access for Canadian agriculture exports to key markets in the Asia-Pacific; the Government introduced the CPTPP implementing legislation in the House of Commons on June 14, 2018. On October 16, the implementing legislation for the CPTPP (Bill C-79) was adopted by the House of Commons and introduced to the Senate at first reading. The Government is working hard to advance the domestic implementation procedures as expeditiously as possible, with the objective of being among the first group of countries to ratify and bring the agreement into force. The Government also introduced the bill to modernize the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement (CIFTA) in Parliament on October 23, 2018, and completed negotiations toward a new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) on September 30, 2018. The Government has taken every effort to minimize the impact on the supply-managed sectors, but recognizes that the USMCA may result in production declines in the short term for some producers. The Government is committed to full and fair compensation for losses incurred as a result of the agreement. The Government is implementing the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement that expands opportunities for Canadian agri-food products with 94% of EU agricultural tariff lines now duty free. Canada has also signed a memorandum of understanding with China on canola and negotiated new market access in China for Canadian beef and pork exporters. Canada will continue to work to resolve regulatory, quota and tariff issues with India to ensure long-term access to the Indian market for Canadian pulse exports (e.g., peas, chickpeas, beans and lentils). Canada and India have also committed to finalizing an arrangement on pulse fumigation requirements by the end of 2018.
The Government will continue to strongly defend the interests of its agricultural industries, including supply management, with all trading partners, for example, with Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru in the negotiation of a Free Trade Agreement between Canada and the Pacific Alliance, with Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay in the negotiation of a Free Trade Agreement between Canada and MERCOSUR and with India in the negotiation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Canadian exports of agriculture, agri-food, fish and seafood to all countries in 2017 rose to $64.6 billion, a $2 billion increase from 2016 exports."
10/31/2018,130,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Assess whether current farm income safety nets meet the needs of Canadian farmers.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,"Actions taken, progress made","Implement a new agricultural policy framework, with updated business risk management programs, to support an agricultural and agri-food sector that is strong, innovative and resilient.","The Government of Canada is committed to a progressive federal-provincial-territorial agricultural policy framework, the Canadian Agricultural Partnership which was launched April 1, 2018.
Consultations with stakeholders have been completed, including focused engagement sessions with Indigenous peoples, women and youth. A meeting of federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Agriculture took place in July 2017, where they reached agreement on key elements of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership and committed to a review of business risk management programs.
On November 24, 2017, the Government announced the initiatives and priorities of the $1 billion federal investment under the $3 billion Canadian Agricultural Partnership, including the six federal programs: AgriMarketing, AgriCompetitiveness, AgriScience, AgriInnovate, AgriDiversity and AgriAssurance. Federal program details were announced on February 13, 2018 and application forms are now available.
The Government is finalizing bilateral negotiations with provinces and territories on the $2 billion in federal, provincial and territorial cost-shared initiatives, which will be announced as they become available. The Business Risk Management (BRM) Programs Review has been completed and the Review’s Expert Panel delivered its recommendations on the future direction of BRM to federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Agriculture at their annual conference in Vancouver in July 2018.
Changes to BRM programs agreed upon under the CAP are in place for the 2018 Program Year, and federal, provincial and territorial governments will work collaboratively to review the Panel's recommendations and develop a path forward to ensure BRM programs work as intended, including industry engagement throughout the process. "
10/31/2018,131,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Help the agriculture sector adjust to climate change and better address water and soil conservation issues.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,"Actions taken, progress made",An agricultural food sector that succeeds in the face of a changing climate.,"In April 2018, the Government of Canada launched the Canadian Agricultural Partnership to support an agriculture and agri-food sector that is strong, innovative and resilient. The Government is finalizing bilateral agreements with provinces and territories on the Partnership, including on environment and climate change programming. The Government also supports innovation and on-farm action on soil, water and climate change through: the Agricultural Clean Technology Program; A Food Policy for Canada; Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Program; the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change; the Lake Erie Domestic Action Plan; and internationally through the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and the Global Soil Partnership of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Budget 2017 announced $70 million to support agricultural discovery science and innovation with a focus on addressing emerging priorities, including climate change and soil and water conservation. This investment will be used to hire and equip around 75 science professionals, support collaborative research, and launch a new Living Laboratories Initiative, that brings together farmers, scientists and other stakeholders to co-develop, test and monitor new practices and technologies on farms. This will help more practical technologies and sustainable farming practices be adopted more quickly by Canadian farmers."
10/31/2018,132,15-Nov,Safety and Security,Ensure that the Canadian Armed Forces have the equipment they need.,Minister of National Defence;Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","The Canadian Armed Forces receive the ships, fighter jets and other equipment that it needs over the next 20 years as planned for and funded in the new defence policy.","Canada's new defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—invests in the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces and delivers the standard of service and care that current and former members deserve. The Government is investing to expand the Regular and Reserve Forces, build 15 new surface combatant ships, replace the current fighter jet fleet with 88 advanced fighter aircraft, and develop new space capabilities and global communications in the Arctic, among other key projects.
In accordance with Strong, Secure, Engaged, measures being pursued to improve defence and marine procurements include: enhancing governance and strategic oversight; streamlining processes and undertaking process transformation; leveraging defence and marine procurements to advance national economic priorities; improving communications; and growing and professionalizing the workforce."
10/31/2018,133,15-Nov,Safety and Security,"Maintain current National Defence spending levels, including current planned increases.",Minister of National Defence,"Actions taken, progress made",The Government will exceed previous funding levels.,"Under Canada's new defence policy, the annual budget will grow, on a cash-basis, from $18.9 billion in 2017-18 to $32.7 billion in 2026-27. Funding is allocated to ensure that it is made available whenever the Department needs it. The Department of National Defence will access the funds through the usual parliamentary approval process. "
10/31/2018,134,15-Nov,Safety and Security,Maintain Canada's strong commitment to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).,Minister of National Defence,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",North America is safe and secure and Canada remains a strong and responsible partner in NORAD.,"Canada is meeting its commitment to NORAD on an ongoing basis, focusing on four key areas: personnel, capabilities, infrastructure, and participation in key decision-making fora on the future of NORAD. The Government is also expanding the Royal Canadian Air Force fighter jet fleet in order to properly fulfill its NORAD and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) commitments."
10/31/2018,135,15-Nov,Safety and Security,Conduct an open and transparent defence strategy review.,Minister of National Defence,Completed - fully met,Canada now has a new defence policy that was built on extensive input from Canadians and delivers the standard of service and care that current and former Canadian Armed Forces members deserve.,"On June 7, 2017, the Minister of National Defence launched Canada's new defence policy: Strong, Secure, Engaged. This followed extensive external consultations, including engagement with the Canadian public, Parliamentarians, defence experts, and allies and partners. The new policy will allocate realistic funding to projects that will keep the military running efficiently and effectively for years to come, and ensure Canada remains a trusted and capable ally. Through this plan, the Government will build an even stronger military and, most importantly, deliver the standard of service and care that Canada's women and men in uniform deserve."
10/31/2018,136,15-Nov,Safety and Security,"Renew the focus on surveillance and control of Canadian territory, and approaches, particularly for our Arctic regions.",Minister of National Defence,"Actions taken, progress made","The Canadian Armed Forces has developed the necessary capabilities to expand its presence in Canada's air, maritime, land, space, and cyber domains to protect our sovereignty and keep Canadians safe.","As outlined in Strong, Secure, Engaged, Canada's new defence policy, the Government will invest in new space capabilities and prioritize Arctic Joint Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance in defence research and innovation. The Canadian Armed Forces has expanded Operation LIMPID (which provides domestic surveillance and presence in Canada's air, maritime, land, space, and cyber domains) to include additional domains and all Joint Task Forces. The Department of Defence is investing in surveillance solutions that will support Canada's ability to exercise sovereignty in the North (RADARSAT Constellation Mission and Polar Epsilon 2, Enhanced Satellite Communications and Tactical Narrow Band Satellite Communications) and is conducting a binational study of alternatives for the North Warning System. The Arctic Offshore Patrol vessels will be at initial operating capacity in 2019."
10/31/2018,137,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that the Canadian Armed Forces are a workplace free from harassment and discrimination.,Minister of National Defence,"Actions taken, progress made","The Chief of Defence Staff and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) senior leaders continue to lead the full implementation of recommendations made by the Deschamps report and in Operation HONOUR, the Canadian Armed Forces mission to eliminate harmful and inappropriate sexual behaviour in the military. CAF members have access to a full range of victim and survivor services, and harassment complaints are dealt with in a timely manner.","The new defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—has reaffirmed that the Government of Canada will not tolerate gender-based violence or workplace harassment. The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) will continue to work on gender, diversity and inclusion initiatives to eliminate harmful behaviours and ensure a work environment free from harassment and discrimination. On January 31, 2018, DND and the CAF launched the Positive Space initiative to promote a safe and inclusive work environment for all employees regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
Defence is developing procedures and training packages to address harassment incidents. A new integrated conflict and complaint management program now provides the Defence Team accessible, responsive, and personalized services. This initiative fosters a trusted and healthy workplace, which attracts talent, enhances operational effectiveness, and supports retention. In November 2017, the Prime Minister issued an apology to LGBTQ2 (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and two spirit) Canadians and the Government of Canada signed an Agreement in Principle with parties to the LGBT Purge Class Action. In June 2018, the Federal Court approved a landmark Final Settlement Agreement (FSA) to the LGBT Purge Class Action that will compensate current and former federal public servants, members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who were directly impacted by anti-LGBTQ2 policies and practices. The FSA also includes $15 million for Reconciliation and Memorialization Measures to prevent future discrimination and for reconciliation with LGBTQ2 communities."
10/31/2018,139,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Repeal the recent changes made to the Employment Insurance (EI) system that have been punitive to unemployed workers.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Repealed the 2012 changes to Employment Insurance (EI) so that unemployed Canadians have better benefits and more opportunities for good quality jobs.,"In 2016, the Government of Canada reversed EI restrictions related to commute times and work type. Now, workers are no longer forced to accept lower-paying work that is far away from their homes. This change simplifies job search responsibilities, while maintaining the long-standing requirement to search for and accept available work."
10/31/2018,140,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Reduce Employment Insurance (EI) premiums.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,"Employment Insurance (EI) premium rates have been reduced and a new, transparent EI premium rate setting process has been established so that revenues and costs remain in line over the long-term.","The EI premium rate was lowered from $1.88 in 2016 to $1.63 in 2017. The premium rate has been announced and set at $1.66 for 2018, which reflects important new supports for Canadian families and changing economic conditions. For the first time, beginning with the 2017 premium rate, the Canada Employment Insurance Commission (EI Commission) assumed responsibility for setting the annual EI premium rate.
On September 13, 2018, the EI Commission announced that the 2019 EI premium rate will decrease to $1.62 per $100 of insurable earnings, reflecting strong economic conditions and projections, as well as additional new supports for Canadian families. This will be the lowest EI premium rate since 1980, and for most Canadian workers, the lowest they have paid since entering the workforce."
10/31/2018,141,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Improve the Employment Insurance (EI) system that currently leaves too many unemployed workers with no safety net.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development","Actions taken, progress made",Employment Insurance (EI) remains responsive over the long-term to the needs of workers and employers and reflects the diversity of needs across the country.,"In 2016, the Government reduced the waiting period for EI and made benefits more flexible, easier to access and more generous for workers who need it. For example, the New Entrants and Re-Entrants provision has been eliminated—which set higher eligibility requirements for youth, newcomers and other workers new to the labour market—enabling over 50,000 more Canadians annually to qualify in the event of job loss. In addition, extra weeks of benefits were provided to regions most affected by the commodities downturn and job search responsibilities were simplified.
Over the last year, the Government has heard from Parliamentarians, stakeholders and experts as to how to further modernize EI. In Budget 2018, the Government introduced a permanent successor strategy to the current EI Working While on Claim pilot that expires in August 2018. In addition, Budget 2018 announced that Working While on Claim provisions will be extended to EI maternity and sickness benefits, so that workers can maintain their connection to the labour force during periods of temporary unemployment. In addition, Budget 2018 proposed to better assist workers in seasonal industries that experience a gap in income support before the start of the next season.
The Government will continue to look for ways to better serve Canadians as they deal with important life events. "
10/31/2018,142,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,"Eliminate Employment Insurance (EI) discrimination against immigrants, younger workers and parents re-entering the workforce.","Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Canadian workers in the same economic region are now treated equally in the Employment Insurance (EI) system.,"In July 2016, the Government of Canada eliminated rules that limited access to EI for those new to the labour market or re-entering the labour market. Under the previous rules, workers who were entering the workforce or re-entering after being away for two years were required to have 910 hours of insurable employment, regardless of their actual work history prior to unemployment. Now, these workers are treated the same as other Canadians. This will help approximately 50,000 Canadians every year qualify for EI in the event of job loss, particularly immigrants, young workers and parents returning to the workforce."
10/31/2018,143,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Reduce the wait time for new Employment Insurance (EI) recipients from two weeks to one week.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Canadians are able to access Employment Insurance (EI) benefits more quickly.,"On January 1, 2017, the EI waiting period was reduced from two weeks to one week. With this measure, claimants are now eligible to receive benefits starting one week earlier. This helps approximately 1.8 million EI claimants each year pay their bills during a time of unemployment and provides higher benefits at the beginning of the claim period."
10/31/2018,144,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Improve Canadians' access to good quality job training.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made","Canada will have one of the most skilled, talented, creative and diverse workforces in the world, with more opportunities for all Canadians to get the education, skills, and work experience they need to participate fully in the workforce of today, as they—and their children—prepare for the jobs of tomorrow.","In Budget 2017, as part of the Government's Innovation and Skills Plan, the Government of Canada announced several measures to help more Canadians get the education, skills and work experience they need to succeed today and prepare for the jobs of tomorrow.
In support of this, the Skills Boost initiative will introduce several measures for 2018-2019, including: increased eligibility for Canada Student Grants and Loans for part-time students as well as Canada Student Grants for students with dependents; and a three-year pilot project targeted to adult learners that will provide an additional $1,600 in grant support and allow flexibility to base Canada Student Grant eligibility on current year's income. The Skills Boost will also provide greater flexibility for Canadians on Employment Insurance (EI) to get new certificates or training without fear of losing their benefits.
The Government has also expanded workers' access to skills training and job supports, and is improving access to opportunities for lifelong learning, and increasing work experience opportunities for young Canadians. Starting in 2017-2018, the Government has significantly expanded federal investments being provided to provinces and territories over the next six years through the labour market transfer agreements, which include Labour Market Development Agreements and new Workforce Development Agreements. Agreements have been signed with most jurisdictions. Remaining negotiations are expected to be completed later this fiscal year."
10/31/2018,145,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Rationalize and expand the intergovernmental agreements that support skills training.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development","Actions taken, progress made",Agreements with provinces and territories that expand and support skills training for Canadians.,"To help more Canadians get the skills they need, the Government of Canada provided funding to temporarily boost existing labour market transfer agreements (Labour Market Development Agreements and Canada Job Fund Agreements) in 2016. Starting in 2017-2018, the Government has significantly expanded federal investments that will be provided to provinces and territories over the next six years through the labour market transfer agreements, which include Labour Market Development Agreements and new Workforce Development Agreements. The Government also amended the *Employment Insurance Act* to broaden eligibility for job training under the Labour Market Development Agreements. This change came into effect on April 1, 2018. Agreements have been signed with most jurisdictions. Remaining negotiations are expected to be completed later this fiscal year. Work continues with provinces and territories to develop more effective training programs and share best practices. In addition, in Budget 2018 the Government announced that it will launch Future Skills this spring. Future Skills will bring together expertise from all sectors and leverage experience from partners across the country. It will also include an independent Council to advise on emerging skills and workforce trends, and a research lab focused on developing, testing and rigorously measuring new approaches to skills assessment and development."
10/31/2018,146,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Develop a framework to fund training facilities delivered in partnership with labour unions.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made",Establish a program to support union-based training centres that provide Canadians with the skills that are needed by employers.,"The Government of Canada has consulted with labour, industry and other stakeholders. The new Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) was launched in July 2017 with a call for proposals. Projects are starting to roll out and most are aimed specifically at increasing the participation and success of women in the trades and/or Indigenous Peoples."
10/31/2018,148,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,"Change the Repayment Assistance Plan so that graduates are required to repay only once they earn at least $25,000 per year.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,"Recent graduates earning less than $25,000 are able to delay repayment of their Canada Student Loans until they are more financially secure.","Effective November 2016, thresholds for the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) have been increased so that no borrower will have to repay their Canada Student Loan until they are earning at least $25,000 per year. Thanks to this change and efforts to increase awareness, an additional 29,000 Canadians will be able to delay payment (an increase of approximately 11%), and many more will have lower payments until they can afford to pay back their debts. "
10/31/2018,149,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Increase take up rates of Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) and Canada Learning Bonds by making registration easier.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made",Increased number of low and middle income families using Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) and receiving Canada Learning Bonds so that more Canadians get access to post-secondary education.,"In 2017, 142,778 children received the Canada Learning Bond (CLB) for the first time, bringing the total number of children who have ever received the CLB to over 1 million. In addition, 290,410 children received the Canada Education Savings Grants (CESG) for the first time, bringing the total number of children aged 0-17 who have ever received the CESG to 3.69 million.
The Government of Canada is exploring new and innovative approaches to increase awareness and take-up of the CLB.
Of note, a Call for Concepts was launched in November 2017. Proposals are being considered for funding under three themes:
• Support for Indigenous Peoples;
• Facilitated Access; and,
• Research and Innovation.
Funding to successful projects will begin in Winter 2019. The findings from these projects will help inform additional efforts that the Government will undertake to increase take-up of the CLB to the children of low and middle income families and increase RESP accessibility for all Canadians.
In addition, the *Canada Education Savings Act* was amended to allow the cohabitating spouse or common-law partner of the primary caregiver to request the CLB and/or the additional amount of the CESG on behalf of an eligible child.
The Government of Canada collaborated with the Province of Ontario to integrate an “Education Savings Referral Service” into ServiceOntario’s online Newborn Registration Service, as announced in Budget 2018. As of March 2018, parents of newborns are able to request to be contacted by a participating RESP promoter of their choice to learn more about and start the process to open an RESP, and request the education savings incentives for an eligible child.
"
10/31/2018,150,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,"Collaborate with provinces and territories on the Canada Student Loans Program, and compensate provinces and territories that do not participate in it.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,"Changes to the Canada Student Loans Program increase participation of low and middle income students, with accommodations for any province or territory that does not wish to participate.",Canada Student Loans Program (CSLP) funding is delivered in partnership with participating provinces and territories with costs being covered by the federal government. CSLP worked closely with provinces and territories to implement changes to the Program announced in Budgets 2016 and 2017. The Government of Canada is committed to respecting existing arrangements for compensation with the provinces or territories that do not participate.
10/31/2018,151,15-Nov,Indigenous peoples,Increase annual support to the Post-Secondary Student Support Program.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Indigenous Services","Actions taken, progress made","Indigenous students have greater access to financial support, boosting their post-secondary education participation and completion rates.","The Government of Canada has enhanced support for the Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP) for 2017-18 and 2018-19, which will help meet the financial needs of an additional 4,600 Indigenous students attending post-secondary education. This funding is an interim step while the Government undertakes a review of federal support for Indigenous students pursuing a post-secondary education credential, in order to develop student-centered solutions to improve access and attainment. The Government of Canada is working with Indigenous partners and stakeholders to inform the review and the future approach.
Changes have been made to the PSSSP and University and College Entrance Preparation Program reflecting early engagement with the Assembly of First Nations and consistent with Budget 2016 and Budget 2017 commitments. These changes improve program flexibility by:
• Increasing maximum amounts payable to individual students, to better respond to rising tuition costs;
• Expanding eligible expenditures to include transcript and application fees;
• Allowing students more time to complete their programs of study, by removing or adjusting limitations on duration of financial assistance; and
• Providing greater flexibility for students who wish to pursue more than one certificate or degree program.
To support Indigenous students in having greater access to financial support to boost their post-secondary education participation and completion rates, additional efforts have been undertaken. Starting in the 2017-18 academic year, Indigenous students are more likely to be eligible for support under the Canada Student Loans Program (CSLP) since funds they receive through PSSSP are no longer considered assets during their assessment. Learners who self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, including status and non-status Indians, Métis, or Inuit) are exempt from making a fixed student contribution. This exemption means that Indigenous students will be eligible for more grant and loan funding and will have access to the full suite of CSLP supports to help with the costs of PSE. Finally, Budget 2017 proposed amendments to the *Canada Student Financial Assistance Act* which came into force on August 1, 2018 so that, starting in the 2018-19 school year, students who are registered under the *Indian Act* but do not have Canadian citizenship can access the CSLP."
10/31/2018,152,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,"Increase the number of good quality, permanent jobs for younger workers.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Reduced youth unemployment, greater opportunities for work experience, and improved access to job supports for youth.","The Government recognizes the importance of good quality jobs for younger workers. In Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government made significant incremental investments in the Youth Employment Strategy (YES). Thanks to these investments, the Government will help more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop skills to find work or go back to school, create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians, and over 1,600 new youth job opportunities in the heritage sector. For instance, the number of jobs supported under Canada Summer Jobs increased from approximately 34,500 in 2015 to approximately 68,900 in 2017. Changes have also been made to Employment Insurance (EI) to remove the discriminatory New Entrants and Re-Entrants requirement, ensuring that young workers are treated fairly when they need to access job support through EI.
In Budget 2018, the Government proposes to provide an additional $448.5 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, to the YES. This funding will support the continued doubling of the number of job placements funded under the Canada Summer Jobs program in 2019-20 and provide additional resources for a modernized YES in the following years.
The Government is creating more opportunities for co-op and work integrated learning for students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and business programs through a new Student Work Placement (SWP) initiative. The SWP will create up to 10,000 new work placements for STEM and business students by 2021 in key sectors. To support Canada's National Cyber Security Strategy, Budget 2018 proposed additional funding of $8.3 million for the Student Work Placement initiative to support the creation of up to 1,000 new student work placements specifically in the cyber security sector. In April 2018, in the context of the G7, the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour also announced additional investments of $3 million over three years, to support the creation of up to 500 new student work placements in the artificial intelligence field, including targeted support for students in underrepresented groups, including women in STEM.
The Expert Panel on Youth Employment delivered a report in June 2017 outlining ways the Government of Canada can improve labour market outcomes for youth. These recommendations are currently being reviewed to determine possible areas for future action. A renewed YES will be announced over the course of the next year.
"
10/31/2018,153,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Increase our investment in the Youth Employment Strategy and improve the strategy's impact.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made",Increased investment in the Youth Employment Strategy helps more youth succeed in the labour market.,"The Government recognizes the importance of good quality jobs for younger workers. Thanks to incremental investments made in the Youth Employment Strategy (YES) in Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government will help more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop skills to find work or go back to school, create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians, and over 1,600 new youth job opportunities in the heritage sector. In Budget 2018, the Government proposes to provide an additional $448.5 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, to the YES. This funding will support the continued doubling of the number of job placements funded under the Canada Summer Jobs program in 2019-20 and provide additional resources for a modernized YES in the following years.
The Government is creating more opportunities for co-op and work integrated learning for students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and business programs through a new Student Work Placement SWP) initiative. The SWP will create up to 10,000 new work placements for STEM and business students by 2021 in key sectors. To support Canada's National Cyber Security Strategy, Budget 2018 proposed additional funding of $8.3 million for the Student Work Placement initiative to support the creation of up to 1,000 new student work placements specifically in the cyber security sector. In the context of the G7, the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour also recently announced additional investments of $3 million over three years, to support the creation of up to 500 new student work placements in the artificial intelligence field, including targeted support for students in underrepresented groups, including women in STEM.
The Expert Panel on Youth Employment was created to assess the barriers faced by vulnerable youth in finding and keeping jobs, and to examine innovative practices used by governments, nongovernmental organizations and employers both at home and abroad to improve job opportunities for vulnerable youth. The Government is reviewing the Panel's 2017 report, outlining ways the Government of Canada can improve labour market outcomes for youth. These recommendations are currently being reviewed to determine possible areas for future action. A renewed YES will be announced over the course of the next year."
10/31/2018,154,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Develop or expand Pre-Apprenticeship Training Programs.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges",Increased pre-apprenticeship training and improved literacy and essential skills among incoming apprentices.,"Consultations with provincial and territorial officials and stakeholders, including post-secondary institutions, were completed in Fall 2016. Additional targeted consultations are taking place to discuss how best to meet this commitment. Working in partnership with provinces, territories, post-secondary institutions, training providers, unions and employers, the Pre-Apprenticeship Program will help Canadians explore the trades, gain work experience, make informed career choices and develop the skills needed to find and keep good, well-paying jobs in the trades. Through Budget 2018, the Government proposes to provide $46 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, and $10 million per year thereafter, for the Pre-Apprenticeship Program. Progress has taken longer than expected but the Government believes the commitment can still be delivered before the end of the mandate."
10/31/2018,155,17-Feb,Strong Middle Class,Respond to the recommendations of the Expert Panel on Youth Employment.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made",The recommendations of the Expert Panel on Youth Employment will help inform future decisions on how best to help young Canadians succeed in the labour market.,"The Government created an Expert Panel on Youth Employment to examine the key barriers faced by youth in obtaining employment, and the main challenges faced by employers in hiring youth. The Panel delivered its final report in June 2017, which included recommendations on how to best help young Canadians succeed in the labour market. The Panel's report will inform ongoing work on the renewal of the Youth Employment Strategy. Through Budget 2017, the Government is investing an additional $395.5 million over three years, starting in 2017–18, for the Youth Employment Strategy. Combined with Budget 2016 measures, these investments will help more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop the skills they need to find work or go back to school; create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians; and provide over 1,600 new employment opportunities for youth in the heritage sector. Through Budget 2018, the Government proposes to provide an additional $448.5 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, to the Youth Employment Strategy. This funding will support the continued doubling of the number of job placements funded under the Canada Summer Jobs program in 2019-20 and provide additional resources for a modernized Youth Employment Strategy in the following years, building on the input of the Expert Panel on Youth Employment. A renewed Youth Employment Strategy will be announced over the course of the next year."
10/31/2018,156,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Implement a modern Fair Wages Policy.,"Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made",Firms with contracts with the federal government pay their employees a fair wage.,The government has completed its policy research and analysis on fair wages policies. The Government is now considering options for a modernized fair wages policy to be in place within the current mandate.
10/31/2018,157,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Amend the *Canada Labour Code* to allow workers to formally request flexible work arrangements.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,Federally regulated workers are now able to request flexible work arrangements.,"Budget 2017 aims to give federally regulated workers the right to request flexible work arrangements from their employer, such as flexible start and finish times and the ability to work from home. Changes will also provide federally regulated workers with new unpaid leave for family responsibilities, to participate in traditional Indigenous practices, and to seek care if they are victims of family violence. Changes will also make bereavement leave more flexible. Legislation to implement these changes was tabled in Parliament on October 27, 2017, as part of the *Budget Implementation Act, 2017, No. 2,* and received Royal Assent on December 14, 2017."
10/31/2018,158,15-Nov,Sustainable Infrastructure,Determine an appropriate apprenticeship target for federal infrastructure projects.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges",An appropriate apprenticeship target for federal infrastructure projects that leads to greater apprenticeship opportunities for Canadians.,"Progress continues to be made on this priority, but has taken longer than anticipated. The Government remains committed to leveraging federal projects as opportunities for training and skill development and is engaging a range of stakeholders, including provinces, territories, employers and unions on how best to support apprentices through these public investments. This commitment has taken longer to implement than anticipated."
10/31/2018,159,15-Nov,Jobs and Innovation,"Create more co-op placements for students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and business programs.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Science and Sport","Actions taken, progress made","More co-op and work-integrated learning placements for students enrolled in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and business programs, to help students gain the necessary experience for the jobs of today and tomorrow.","The Government is creating more opportunities for co-op and work integrated learning for students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and business programs through multiple initiatives. The $73 million Student Work Placement initiative will create up to 10,000 placements by 2021. Expanded federal support of $221 million for Mitacs, a not-for-profit organization that builds partnerships between industry and educational institutions, will fund over 44,000 placements by 2021-22.
To support Canada's National Cyber Security Strategy, Budget 2018 included $8.3 million in additional funding for the Student Work Placement initiative to support the creation of up to 1,000 student work placements in the cyber security sector. In the context of the G7, the Government also recently announced an additional investment of $3 million over three years to support the creation of up to 500 new student work placements in the artificial intelligence field, including targeted support for students in underrepresented groups, including women in STEM. Together, these initiatives will create close to 60,000 placements over five years. In addition, the Government is investing in the PromoScience program, which will support STEM learning activities for youth."
10/31/2018,160,15-Nov,Exports and Investment,Maintain constructive relations and deepen trade and commerce with the United States.,Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Strong economic growth and well-paying, middle-class jobs on both sides of the border.","The Government, in coordination with provinces and territories, continues to work with the United States (U.S.) administration, the U.S. Congress and officials at the state and local levels to grow Canada's economy, create well-paying middle class jobs, and address global challenges. Since January 2017, the Prime Minister, Cabinet ministers, parliamentary secretaries, premiers and provincial and territorial ministers have cumulatively undertaken over 480 visits to the U.S. and engagements in Canada and abroad with senior U.S. officials. In February 2017, Canada and the U.S. announced the creation of the Canada-United States Council for Advancement of Women Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders to promote the growth of women-owned enterprises and to further contribute to overall economic growth and competitiveness. The Council released its fifth, and final, report on October 29, 2018, recommending actions to reduce barriers that limit women's participation in business. On September 30, 2018, the Government completed negotiations toward a United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Canada continues to advocate against protectionist policies to maintain an open market. In cases where the U.S. has imposed unfair duties, Canada is forcefully challenging such duties under international disputes settlement processes (e.g. steel and aluminum, softwood lumber, paper products), and has responded to U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum with dollar for dollar tariffs on certain U.S. goods. The Government also regularly engages with the U.S. to respond to global security issues, such as by co-hosting the Foreign Ministers' Meeting on Security and Stability in the Korean Peninsula and participating alongside the U.S. in a multinational operation to enforce UN Security Council sanctions against North Korea. Canada and the U.S. are also responding to crises in Venezuela and Myanmar, including by coordinating sanctions against key officials in those countries responsible for human rights abuses, the deterioration of democracy, or acts of significant corruption."
10/31/2018,161,15-Nov,Exports and Investment,"Ensure border security and facilitate the movement of people, goods and services.",Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of Transport;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction,"Actions taken, progress made","The Canada-United States border is secure and facilitates the safe and efficient movement of people, goods and services.","In February 2017, the Prime Minister visited Washington, D.C., where Canada and the United States confirmed their commitment to working together on border security and efficiency. This joint effort includes preclearance and integrated cross-border law enforcement operations, full implementation of the Entry/Exit initiative, increased regulatory cooperation, and the expeditious construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge. In addition, both countries committed to establishing preclearance operations for cargo, accelerating the completion of preclearance for additional cities, and continuing to expand this program under the Land, Rail, Marine and Air Preclearance Agreement, once it is ratified. In December 2016, the United States preclearance legislation became law, a step forward for the new agreement with Canada. Canada's preclearance implementing legislation received Royal Assent in December 2017.
The Entry/Exit implementing legislation completed Second Reading in the Senate and has been referred to the Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence (October 23, 2018). These two pieces of legislation are crucial to ensure security and facilitate movement at the border. Construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge is ongoing and it is expected to open by the end of 2024. This critical border connection will speed the flow of secure and legitimate trade between the two countries."
10/31/2018,162,15-Nov,Canada in the World,Prepare for the North American Leaders Summit in Canada.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Completed - fully met,"Canada hosted the North American Leaders’ Summit on June 29, 2016.","The leaders from the three countries discussed key priorities of creating jobs, strengthening communities and building a clean growth economy for North America. The leaders also took important steps to create a more integrated, sustainable and globally competitive North American economy."
10/31/2018,163,15-Nov,Canada in the World,"Ensure a close link between foreign, defence, development and trade policy.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made",Canadian interests and values are effectively pursued through an integrated and comprehensive international approach.,"The Ministers of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, International Development, and National Defence have been working closely together on the Defence Policy, the Feminist International Assistance Policy, the Sustainable Development Goals, Canada's multinational North Atlantic Treaty Organization battlegroup in Latvia. The Government has put in place a whole-of-government approach to address the crisis in Iraq and Syria. In addition, the government has established the Peace and Stabilization Operations Program to provide a whole-of-government platform for preventing, mitigating and resolving violent conflict, crises and natural disasters abroad."
10/31/2018,164,15-Nov,Canada in the World,Expand Canadian diplomacy and leadership on global issues and in international institutions.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made",Canadian diplomatic activities advance Canadian interests and values abroad.,"Canada is active in multilateral fora and international institutions to pursue Canadian foreign policy interests and values. Canadian-led initiatives—such as supporting humanitarian access and monitoring in Syria, addressing the violation of human rights in Iran, supporting women's political participation and leadership, combatting violence against women and girls, supporting compliance with international law, and promoting respect for diversity and inclusion—secured widespread support in UN fora.
Canada is active in coordinating a hemispheric response to the crisis in Venezuela and hosted the third Ministerial meeting of the Lima Group in Toronto on October 26, 2017. In May 2018, Canada imposed a third round of targeted sanctions against top ranking Venezuelan government officials, bringing the total to 70.
Between February and August of 2018, Canada played a leading role at the Human Rights Council in an expert-led investigation into the human rights situation in Yemen. Canada hosted the UN Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial in Vancouver in November 2017, which resulted in a significant number of new funding pledges and advanced the global peacekeeping reform agenda. The Government also played a major role in the NATO Warsaw Summit by making Canada the leading country supporting NATO's enhanced Forward Presence in Latvia.
This year, Canada has used its G7 presidency to advance a common agenda based on respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms, democracy and the rule of law. In April 2018, Canada hosted the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, where ministers agreed to coordinate actions with the goal of building a more peaceful and secure world and to concrete shared commitments on the implementation of international humanitarian law and the advancement of the women, peace and security. G7 security and foreign ministers also committed to addressing international cyber threats, defending democracy against foreign threats and managing foreign terrorist fighters and associated travellers. In June 2018, G7 Leaders issued the Joint Communiqué and the Charlevoix Commitments, which include, among others, a commitment to establish a Rapid Response Mechanism to strengthen coordination to identify and respond to emerging threats.
Canada, in partnership with the EU, co-hosted a meeting of women foreign ministers in Montréal on September 21 and 22, 2018, to enhance dialogue and cooperation in support of democracy, human rights and global peace and security. The meeting also advanced discussions on gender equality and women’s empowerment, including women’s equitable inclusion at all levels of decision making. "
10/31/2018,166,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Make Canada a leader of international efforts to combat climate change.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",Canada meaningfully advances international solutions to climate change.,"Canada is leading efforts under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to implement a platform for the engagement of Indigenous peoples and to advance gender-responsive policy development and women's participation. Canada is also delivering on its five-year, $2.65 billion commitment to help developing countries achieve sustained emissions reductions and build resilience against the adverse effects of climate change. This includes providing support to Caribbean countries for disaster reconstruction and resilience and pursuing a focus on climate change adaptation. Climate change was regularly addressed in the themes of Canada’s G7 presidency. The G7 discussed the importance of the Paris Agreement and the goal of the transition to a low-carbon economy. At the G7 Summit in June 2018, leaders agreed to the Charlevoix Blueprint for Healthy Oceans, Seas and Resilient Coastal Communities, which promotes sustainable oceans and fisheries, commits to increase the availability and sharing of science and data and supports resilient coasts and coastal communities. Canada announced that it will invest $162 million to support these goals. Canada also announced: $100 million for the expansion of Climate Risk Insurance coverage in climate-vulnerable countries; $60 million in funding for Small Island Developing States for the expansion of and access to clean energy systems and infrastructure, to improve energy access for women and girls and provide training and employment for women in non-traditional, sustainable technology sectors; and, $2 million to support efforts by developing countries to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
In addition to advocating for the effective implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement, Canada is engaged in key initiatives aimed at enhancing global ambition on climate change and clean growth, such as Mission Innovation, the World Bank’s Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition, the Global Methane Initiative, and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition. Canada and the United States also issued a joint statement in February 2017 confirming both countries' commitment to collaborate on energy innovation. In September 2017, Canada co-hosted a Ministerial Meeting on Climate Action with China and the European Union to advance the global climate dialogue and will continue to play a leadership role in this new forum in 2018. Canada also played a leadership role at the second Ministerial Meeting on Climate Action hosted in June 2018.
In November 2017, Canada hosted the 29th the Montreal Protocol Conference, where Parties agreed to adopt the Kigali Amendment to reduce hydrofluorocarbons, a powerful greenhouse gas. Canada's early ratification of the Amendment on November 3, 2017 helped it reach the number of ratifications required to come into force. In addition, Canada and the United Kingdom jointly announced the creation of the Powering Past Coal Alliance, which aims to accelerate the global phase-out of unabated coal-fired electricity. Canada was also an active participant in the Bonn Climate Conference in November hosted by Fiji and the One Planet Summit hosted by France in December. In December 2017, Canada and China released a Joint Leaders' Statement on Climate Change and Clean Growth and held the first Ministerial Dialogue on the Environment in Beijing. Canada continues to highlight the serious impacts of climate change on the North through its participation in the Arctic Council.
In order to meet these commitments and drive action here at home, the Government is implementing the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change that was developed with the provinces and territories. This plan includes pricing carbon pollution and measures to reduce emissions across all sectors, as well as investments to drive innovation and ensure Canadian businesses are competitive in the global low-carbon economy."
10/31/2018,167,15-Nov,Canada in the World,Accede to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).,Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made",Canada implements the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).,"Legislation to accede to the ATT and further strengthen Canada’s export control regime, including by providing greater transparency and accountability in public reporting, is being considered in Parliament."
10/31/2018,168,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Increase the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) by 10%.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,"Nearly 900,000 low income, single seniors have greater financial security.","Starting in July 2016, the Government of Canada increased the Guaranteed Income Supplement by up to $947 per year for the most vulnerable single seniors. This has improved financial security for nearly 900,000 seniors—approximately 70% of whom are women—and lifted an estimated 13,000 people out of poverty."
10/31/2018,169,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Develop and implement a Poverty Reduction Strategy.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made",Fewer Canadians living in poverty.,"The Government of Canada released Opportunity for All – Canada’s First Poverty Reduction Strategy on August 21, 2018. The Strategy offers a bold vision for Canada as a world leader in the eradication of poverty, and is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of ending poverty. It establishes, for the first time in Canada’s history, an official measure of poverty: Canada's Official Poverty Line, based on the cost of a basket of goods and services that individuals and families require to meet their basic needs and achieve a modest standard of living in communities across the country.
Opportunity for All sets ambitious and concrete poverty reduction targets based on Canada’s Official Poverty Line: a 20% reduction in poverty by 2020 and a 50% reduction in poverty by 2030, which, relative to 2015 levels, will lead to the lowest poverty rate in Canada's history.
The Strategy brings together new investments of $22 billion that the Government has made since 2015 to support the social and economic well-being of all Canadians, including through the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), and the Canada Workers’ Benefit (CWB). These actions will help lift about 650,000 Canadians out of poverty by 2019, with more expected as the impacts of these and other investments are realized in the years to come.
Through Opportunity for All, a National Advisory Council on Poverty is being put in place to advise the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development on poverty reduction and to publicly report annually on the progress being made on poverty reduction in Canada.
On November 6, 2018, Bill C-87, “An Act respecting the reduction of poverty” was introduced and went through its first reading in the House of Commons. "
10/31/2018,170,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Create a housing strategy.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Infrastructure and Communities","Actions taken, progress made",Hundreds of thousands more Canadians have access to affordable housing.,"On November 22, 2017 the Government announced a 10-year, $40 billion National Housing Strategy that will help reduce homelessness and improve the availability and quality of housing for Canadians in need. This Strategy is part of a long-term vision to strengthen the middle class and provide affordable housing to Canadians, and lift more Canadians out of poverty. The strategy sets clear goals to remove 530,000 Canadians from housing need and reduce chronic homelessness. The Strategy – funded through new and existing programs – follows a human rights-based approach, and includes a National Housing Co-Investment Fund, community housing initiatives, and the Canada Housing Benefit.
On April 9, federal, provincial and territorial Ministers responsible for housing met to endorse a multilateral Housing Partnership Framework (except Québec), setting the foundation for federal, provincial and territorial governments to work together toward achieving a long-term shared vision for housing. As part of the Partnership, Ministers responsible for housing agreed that governments will achieve better housing outcomes by sharing data and information that will make program development and delivery more effective, collaborating with diverse stakeholders and aligning housing policies and planning with other sectors to create effective housing solutions and vibrant communities. Provinces and territories will be invited to participate in federal programs designed to increase affordable housing supply, such as the National Housing Co-Investment Fund, by supporting decision-making and co-investing."
10/31/2018,171,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Implement the middle class tax cut.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,The Government reduced the 22 percent federal personal income tax rate to 20.5 per cent to benefit millions of middle class Canadians.,"The middle class tax cut was announced on December 7, 2015, and came into effect as of January 1, 2016. Nearly nine million Canadians benefit from this tax cut. Single Canadians who benefit are saving an average of $330 each year and couples who benefit are saving an average of $540 each year."
10/31/2018,172,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Cut taxes for small businesses.,Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion,"Actions taken, progress made",Lower tax rates for small businesses.,"The Government is working to build a fairer and more efficient tax system that benefits all Canadians. As one of its first actions, the Government raised taxes on the wealthiest one per cent in order to cut taxes for the middle class.
As announced in October 2017, the Government is reducing taxes for small businesses so they can invest in new equipment, grow and create jobs. The Government has lowered the small business tax rate to 10%, effective January 1, 2018, and intends to reduce it further to 9%, effective January 1, 2019. This will help small businesses keep up to $7,500 of their hard earned money which they can use to grow and reinvest."
10/31/2018,173,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,"Cancel income splitting, while retaining income splitting of pensions for seniors.",Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"Cancelled income splitting for couples with children under 18, allowing for an increase in child benefits.","As the Canada Child Benefit was introduced, Budget 2016 eliminated income splitting for couples with children under 18. Pension income splitting was not affected by this change."
10/31/2018,174,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Enhance the Canada Pension Plan to provide more income security to retired Canadians.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"When fully mature, maximum Canada Pension Plan (CPP) benefits will increase by as much as 50 per cent, helping more Canadians achieve their goal of a strong, stable and secure retirement.","Canada’s Ministers of Finance reached a historic agreement on June 20, 2016, to enhance the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). In March 2017, all necessary legislative requirements were met by Canada's nine CPP participating provinces to implement the agreed-upon enhancements. Canada's Finance Ministers also agreed to further improvements in December 2017 to increase benefits for parents of young children and persons with disabilities. These CPP enhancements, which will begin in January 2019, will help provide a secure and stable retirement for more Canadians."
10/31/2018,175,15-Nov,Sustainable Infrastructure,Create the Canada Infrastructure Bank.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"The Infrastructure Bank was created to produce large, transformative infrastructure projects that create good, well-paying middle-class jobs and support economic growth and prosperity for years to come.","In June 2017, the Government passed legislation to create the Canada Infrastructure Bank, a Crown corporation at arm’s-length from government that leverages the expertise and capital of the private sector.
The Bank will support the transformational infrastructure that Canadian communities need now. It will make strategic investments with a focus on projects like green infrastructure, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and public transit, so Canadians can spend less time in traffic and more time with family and friends.
The Bank is now operational, with its headquarters in Toronto. A Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer has been appointed, effective June 1, 2018. Following an open, transparent, and merit-based selection process supported by the board of directors for the Canada Infrastructure Bank and an executive search firm, the search for a Chief Executive Officer has concluded. On May 24, 2018, Pierre Lavallée was appointed as the President and CEO of the Infrastructure Bank, effective June 18, 2018."
10/31/2018,177,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Develop proposals to limit Exploration Expenses tax deduction to unsuccessful projects.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,Successful exploration expenses incurred to develop discovery wells no longer benefit from favorable tax treatment.,"Budget 2017 announced changes that will ensure the costs of drilling discovery wells are deducted gradually over time as development expenses, rather than deducted immediately as exploration expenses. With these changes, Canadian exploration expense treatment will effectively be limited to unsuccessful exploration or cases where the linkage to success cannot reasonably be determined in the year the activity takes place."
10/31/2018,178,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Restore the tax credit for labour-sponsored funds.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"Canadian companies have greater access to venture capital, with the support of labour unions.","To help Canadian companies grow, the Government of Canada restored the Labour-Sponsored Venture Capital Corporations (LSVCC) Tax Credit to 15% for share purchases of provincially-registered LSVCCs for 2016 and subsequent tax years."
10/31/2018,179,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Introduce a tax benefit to help teachers and early childhood educators with the cost of school supplies.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,Teachers and Early Childhood Educators are able to buy necessary supplies to help kids learn.,"The Government of Canada introduced a new, refundable Teacher and Early Childhood Educator School Supply Tax Credit for the 2016 and subsequent tax years, which will provide a benefit to teachers and early education educators to help cover the cost of school supplies."
10/31/2018,180,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Enhance the Northern Residents Deduction to help with the high cost of living.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"Increased the Northern Residents Deduction to help approximately 225,000 Canadians with the high cost of living in northern and isolated communities.","Effective January 1, 2016, the Government of Canada increased the maximum daily residency deduction from $16.50 to $22 for residents in the Northern Zone and from $8.25 to $11 per day for residents in the Intermediate Zone. This measure is anticipated to put about $260 million back in the pockets of Canadians in northern and isolated communities over the 2015-16 to 2020-21 period and help these Canadians get the support they need."
10/31/2018,181,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Repeal the *Federal Balanced Budget Act*.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,The Act has been repealed.,"Parliament repealed this Act, effective June 22, 2016."
10/31/2018,182,15-Nov,Exports and Investment,Sign and ratify the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).,Minister of International Trade Diversification,Completed - fully met,"The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) has entered into force, creating jobs for Canadians across the country, giving consumers more choice, and increasing Canadian businesses' access to new customers.","Provisional application of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) took effect in September 2017 and all economically significant parts are now in force, e.g. tariff elimination on 98 per cent of European Union (EU) tariff lines for Canadian goods, increased quotas, services commitments, temporary entry commitments, and government procurement obligations. The Government has announced programs to help dairy farmers and processors adjust to increased EU cheese access under CETA. The Government is also working with the Atlantic provinces to support Canada's seafood sector in capitalizing on new opportunities in the European market. With CETA's provisional entry into force, Canadian exporters now enjoy improved access to more than 40 countries with nearly 1.2 billion of the world’s wealthiest consumers. The Parliamentary Budget Officer has estimated that CETA implementation could raise Canada's potential real gross domestic product by 0.4 percentage points. For the Agreement to come fully into force, all 28 EU Member States must ratify CETA in their national parliaments. To date, 12 Member States have ratified the Agreement. "
10/31/2018,183,15-Nov,Exports and Investment,Negotiate and sign modernized agreements with Israel and Chile.,Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made",Canada has negotiated and signed modernized free trade agreements in force with Israel and Chile.,"In May 2018, Canada and Israel signed the modernized Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement (CIFTA). Both countries are now undertaking their domestic ratification processes to bring the modernized Agreement info force. For Canada's part, the first step was the tabling of the treaty in Parliament June 20, 2018. The 21-day tabling period ended on October 22, 2018 and the bill to modernize CIFTA was introduced in Parliament on October 23, 2018. The modernized CIFTA includes new inclusive elements, such as a trade and gender chapter, a small and medium-sized enterprises chapter and a broader article on corporate social responsibility. It also includes further tariff reductions and eliminations for agricultural and agri-food products. In June 2017, Canada and Chile signed Amending Agreements to modernize the Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement. The modernized Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement includes a chapter dedicated to trade and gender—a first for Canada or any G20 nation. The updated agreement will also provide better mechanisms to address technical barriers to trade; add new progressive elements to the existing investment chapter, and amend the existing government procurement chapter. The Canadian Government notified Chile of ratification by Parliament on December 12, 2017. Chile is expected to ratify soon"
10/31/2018,184,15-Nov,Exports and Investment,Establish the Invest in Canada Agency.,Minister of International Trade Diversification,Completed - fully met,"Canada is positioned to attract more global investment, creating well-paying, middle-class jobs by making it simpler and faster for businesses to invest in Canada.","Parliament passed legislation in the spring of 2017 to establish the Invest in Canada Agency, which will help bring together all levels of government to provide seamless service to help global investors navigate Canada’s investment landscape. Increased foreign investment in Canada connects Canadian industries to global value chains and facilitates the transfer of knowledge and technology, increasing competitiveness, stimulating innovation, and promoting the prosperity of Canadians. As part of this initiative, the Government is also increasing the number of investment-focused trade commissioners across key global markets. The Invest in Canada Agency was officially launched on March 12, 2018 and will become increasingly operational over the coming months. The Chair of the Board of Directors along with 8 board members and CEO have been appointed. "
10/31/2018,186,15-Nov,Exports and Investment,"Promote trade and investment with emerging markets with a particular focus on the Asia-Pacific region, including China and India.",Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Two-way trade and investment with China, India and other emerging economies, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, is increased, creating good, middle class jobs, expanding opportunities for Canadian exports, and increasing access to goods for Canadian consumers.","The Government continues to engage China on expanding bilateral trade and investment while working to implement the trade and investment commitments that were made by the Prime Minister and the Premier of China in 2016 and 2017. The Government is engaged in exploratory discussions for a possible Free Trade Agreement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The Government is also working with India to intensify negotiations on a Canada-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA). Canada will continue to work to resolve regulatory and tariff issues with India to ensure Canadian pulse exports (e.g., peas, chickpeas, beans and lentils) continue to enter India unimpeded. During his February 2018 visit to India, the Prime Minister announced foreign direct investment commitments that will lead to the creation of more than 5,800 jobs in Canada. In addition, Canadian and Indian companies signed 66 new commercial contracts and agreements worth more than $1 billion. Since October 2015, six FIPAs with emerging markets in Sub-Saharan Africa have also come into force. In addition, the Canada-Hong Kong FIPA came into force in September 2016, and the Canada-Mongolia FIPA came into force in February 2017. Preliminary discussions are in the works regarding additional possible measures to enhance Canada-Hong Kong commercial relationship. The Government signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) on October 25, 2018, the CPTPP implementing legislation (Bill C-79) received Royal Assent. Canada is also undertaking negotiations for a free trade agreement between Canada and the Pacific Alliance, and between Canada and Mercosur. Since it was launched, CanExport has provided financial support to about 1,000 Small and Medium Enterprise-led projects aimed at diversifying export markets, in a variety of sectors, and reaching over 75 different markets around the world. To date, for every hundred supported projects, participating firms have reported on average some 85 export successes at the time of project completion, for a collective impact of almost $95 million in exports to new markets. To support Canadian firms and increase exports to new markets, the Government is implementing provisions from Budget 2018 that provide up to $75 million to build a stronger diplomatic presence and Trade Commissioner Service salesforce in China and Asia, as well as other initiatives to open market opportunities in the region."
10/31/2018,187,15-Nov,Exports and Investment,Improve support to companies looking to export and help communities looking to attract investments.,Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made","Double the number of high-growth firms in Canada by 2025; increase Canada's goods and services exports—from natural resources, advanced manufacturing, agri-food and others—by 30 per cent by 2025; increase global investment in Canada; and create more well-paying, middle-class jobs for Canadians.","The Government is encouraging global investment and promoting Canada through the creation of the Invest in Canada Agency and through the addition of 20 new investment-focused trade commissioners to the Trade Commissioner Service, with an additional five in the next year. The Government has successfully completed the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. The Government also recently signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) with 10 countries in the Pacific region and launched negotiations toward a comprehensive free trade agreement between the Mercosur member states and Canada. Canada is currently negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Pacific Alliance, which will upgrade its association with this trading bloc made up of Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru. The latest round took place in May 2018. Since January 2016, CanExport has provided financial support to 1,238 Small and Medium Enterprise-led projects aimed at diversifying export markets, in a variety of sectors, and reaching over 90 different markets around the world. To date, for every hundred supported projects, participating firms have reported on average some 92 export successes at the time of project completion, for a collective impact of over $375 million in exports to new markets. In 2018, the Invest Canada-Community Initiatives (ICCI) program, which provides support to communities to improve their capacity to attract, retain and expand foreign direct investment, allocated $3.5 million to 240 projects from 88 communities to attract job-creating investment. The application process for 2019 ICCI projects closed on October 17, 2018: a total of 97 applicants submitted proposals for over $8.5 million to be adjudicated against a total budget of $4.25 million. Budget 2017 announced $950 million to superclusters in highly innovative industries, and in February 2018, in cooperation with the private sector and academic partners, the Government announced the creation of five superclusters (Digital Technology; Protein Industries; Advanced Manufacturing; Artificial Intelligence; and Ocean) that will create great new opportunities for Canadian companies to innovate, scale up and export. To support Canadian firms and increase exports to new markets, Budget 2018 provides up to $75 million to build a stronger diplomatic presence and Trade Commissioner Service salesforce in China and Asia, as well as other initiatives to open market opportunities in the region."
10/31/2018,188,15-Nov,Exports and Investment,Reduce administrative burden for investors and companies associated with international trade.,Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made","Canadian businesses export and trade with international partners more easily and with less of an administrative burden, and international investors benefit from faster, clearer and more efficient engagement with government programs.","The Invest in Canada Agency, launched on March 12, 2018, will increase cooperation between provinces, territories and municipalities to bolster trade promotion by providing companies with a one-stop-shop for investment in Canada thereby reducing complexity and administrative burden for investors. The new Global Skills Strategy, launched in June 2017, will make it easier for companies that are making large investments in Canada to bring in highly skilled global talent, while supporting well-paying, middle-class jobs for Canadians. Canadian companies will have access to an expedited review process lasting no more than a combined 20 business days from end to end, including reviews conducted by Employment and Social Development Canada and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Canada has worked closely with the United States, as part of the Canada-US Regulatory Cooperation Council to facilitate greater alignment of regulatory systems where appropriate. Furthermore, to help Canadian firms unlock growth opportunities through exports, the Trade Commissioner Service will undergo transformative enhancements in the coming year to simplify the client experience, modernize tools, and offer innovative services."
10/31/2018,189,15-Nov,Indigenous peoples,"Improve essential infrastructure for Indigenous communities, including improving housing.",Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Indigenous Services,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges","Infrastructure on reserves is improved, schools on reserve are newer and in better condition; language and cultural knowledge is strengthened; more First Nations children graduate from high school and go on to post-secondary education; elimination of long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve by 2021; enhanced access to affordable housing for First Nations on-reserve, and to Inuit and the Métis Nation.","In Budget 2016, the Government of Canada made an investment of $4.280 billion over five years to support infrastructure development in communities to improve their population's quality of life. Budget 2017 built on this momentum, with new, additional investments of $4 billion over ten years to build and improve housing, and other community infrastructure. As of June 30, 2018, and since the Budget 2016 announcement, more than $2.25 billion of targeted funds have been allocated towards 3,385 on-reserve community infrastructure projects across all asset classes, 1,882 of which are completed. The Government is also improving primary and secondary education on reserve by building and renovating school facilities thereby supporting the enhancement of the quality of language and cultural programs; and empowering communities to establish First Nations' planned and led education systems. More than $300 million was invested since in 2016/17 to build/upgrade First Nation schools. This includes 70 new schools and 84 renovated/upgraded schools. As of June 30, 2018, 14 of the 70 new schools have been constructed, and renovations/upgrades on 19 of the 84 schools have been completed. In Budget 2016, the Government announced significant new funding to end long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve by 2021. As of June 30, 2018, and since the Budget 2016 announcement, more than $776 million was invested to support 468 projects to strengthen on-reserve water infrastructure. On January 23, 2018, the Government added close to 250 drinking water systems to the total number covered by the federal government’s commitment to ensure clean drinking water on public systems on reserves. Taking this expansion into account, as of October 26, 2018, the number of long-term drinking water advisories on public systems in First Nations Communities has declined from 105 to 67. Over this period, 74 long-term drinking water advisories have been lifted, while 36 have been added. The latest results on eliminating long-term drinking water advisories are available here. The Government is improving on-reserve housing conditions while engaging with First Nations and other partners to co-develop an effective long term strategy. As of June 30, 2018, and since the Budget 2016 announcement, 14,107 housing units were under construction, renovation/retrofit or being serviced (5,601 units from ISC, and 8,506 from CMHC). Of these 14,107 units, 71% (9,996 housing units) have been completed. With respect to Inuit housing, 193 housing units are expected to be built/renovated in 2016/17 and 2017/18. The Government is also improving health facilities. As of June 30, 2018, investments have been made in more than 213 First Nations infrastructure projects to design, replace, expand or renovate health facilities for which 148 (69.4%) of these projects are complete.
Since Budget 2016, and as of June 30, 2018, $95.1 million of targeted funds have been invested to support approximately 653 solid waste management projects on reserves across Canada through the First nations Solid Wasted Management Initiative. So far, 331 projects have been completed.
Budget 2017 provided $49 million over 3 years to address advisories as part of the expanded scope. Budget 2018 builds on prior investments and reaffirms the Government's commitment by providing an additional $172.6 million over three years, beginning in 2018-19, to improve access to clean and safe drinking water on reserve.
Indigenous leaders have told the Government that when it comes to housing in First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation communities, the best approach is one that respects the distinct needs of each Indigenous group. Through investments made in Budget 2017 and Budget 2018, the Government proposes dedicated funding to support the successful implementation of each of the distinctions-based housing strategies, including:
• $600 million over three years to support housing on reserve as part of a 10-year First Nations Housing Strategy that is being co-developed with First Nations.
• $400 million over 10 years to support an Inuit-led housing plan in the Inuit regions of Nunavik, Nunatsiavut and Inuvialuit Settlement Region. This is in addition to the $240 million over 10 years announced in Budget 2017 to support housing in Nunavut.
• $500 million over 10 years to support the Métis Nation’s housing strategy."
10/31/2018,190,15-Nov,Indigenous peoples,Implement the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges",All Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action are implemented.,"The Truth and Reconciliation Commission identified 94 Calls to Action, 76 of which fall under federal or shared responsibility with other partners, implicating 25 federal departments or agencies. Progress has been made on implementing over 80 per cent of the Calls to Action under federal or shared purview. Four Calls to Action are complete, with at least 29 others expected to be completed within the next 18 months. Information on the implementation status of all 76 Calls to Action within federal or shared responsibility can be found on the new Calls to Action webpage entitled Delivering on Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, which was launched in May 2018.
Important progress has already been made and will lead to greater and more equitable access to quality education, health care, clean water, housing and employment services for Indigenous peoples. This includes the announcement in May 2016 of Canada’s unequivocal support to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples, which directly relates to Calls to Action number 43 and 44. The Calls to Action are extensive and some require longer-term, transformative change. Many involve multiple parties and require significant consultation and coordination. Taking into account the scope of the task and the wide range of partners involved, it will take time to ensure it is done right, with careful consideration of how best to support ongoing healing. The Government of Canada is also working with other jurisdictions and partners to advance implementation of those 18 Calls to Action outside of the federal purview. The establishment of the National Council for Reconciliation (Calls to Action 53-56) will support ongoing efforts to advance and fully implement the Calls to Action. To this end, on December 14, 2017, the Government of Canada announced the creation of a six member interim board that will provide advice on the establishment of the Council, the scope and scale of its proposed mandate, and will undertake independent engagement. The Interim Board submitted its interim report on May 14, 2018 and their final report on June 12, 2018. The Government is examining proposed next steps in response to the report."
10/31/2018,191,15-Nov,Indigenous peoples,Undertake a review of laws and policies to ensure the Crown is fulfilling its obligations and commitments to the recognition and implementation of Indigenous peoples' rights.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations;Minister of Indigenous Services,"Actions taken, progress made","Canada's laws and policies reflect the Government's commitment to advancing a nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown and government-to-government relationship with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation, respectively.","On August 28, 2018, the Prime Minister announced changes to the structure and mandate of Cabinet committees to make them more efficient and responsive to the needs of Canadians, and to reflect recent changes to the Department. Among these changes, a new Cabinet Committee on Reconciliation has been formed to strengthen the relationship with Indigenous peoples and advance the commitment to a renewed nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relationship with First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership. This committee will build on the work previously undertaken by the Working Group of Ministers on the Review of Laws and Policies Related to Indigenous Peoples.
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10/31/2018,192,15-Nov,Indigenous peoples,Invest in First Nations education to ensure that First Nations children on reserve receive a quality education.,Minister of Indigenous Services,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges",Literacy and numeracy rates are improved; language and cultural knowledge is strengthened; and more First Nations children graduate from high school and go on to post-secondary education.,"The Government of Canada committed a $2.6 billion increase for First Nations K-12 education and an additional $969.4 million for education infrastructure. These investments will improve primary and secondary education on reserve by building and renovating school facilities; enhancing the quality of language and cultural programs; increasing special education support; and empowering communities to establish education systems planned and led by First Nations.
Based on the policy proposal for transforming the Government of Canada’s support for First Nations elementary and secondary education that was co-developed with First Nations, a new policy framework for First Nation elementary and secondary education has been established. After signing an agreement with the Government of Canada, the Manitoba First Nations School System officially began operating in July 2017. As of September 2017, students in this school system began receiving education programs that are designed, delivered and run by First Nations with funding that is comparable to provincial school boards with enhancements that meets their specific needs. As of April 1, 2018, 23 Anishinabek Nation First Nations are self-governing in the area of education. This education self-governing agreement is the first of its kind in Ontario and the largest in Canada. The Government and the Maskwacîs Education Schools Commission signed an agreement in spring 2018 to establish the Maskwacîs Cree School System, which will begin operations on July 1, 2018. The Government is engaged in discussions to establish similar initiatives in other regions of the country. Finally, as noted by the Parliamentary Budget Officer in November 2016, the Government's investments in education will, over the next several years, help fill critical and long-standing gaps in how on-reserve schools are funded compared to those under provincial jurisdiction. These investments will ensure that First Nations children get the best possible start in life and see an improvement in educational outcomes."
10/31/2018,193,15-Nov,Sustainable Infrastructure,Implement an Infrastructure Strategy that improves public transit.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Transport,"Actions taken, progress made",Canadians spend less time in traffic and have greater access to modern public transit.,"Through Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government has committed $28.7 billion to public transit projects over the next 10 years.
Over 1,188 public transit projects have been approved to date under the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund that will expand transit systems across the country and transform the way Canadians live, move, and work by spending less time in traffic. In order to provide Canadians with greater access to inclusive public transit, this fund has contributed to 3,257 new buses and rehabilitated or enhanced 3,742 others.
Larger projects to improve access to public transit are expected to reduce congestion, improve mobility and safety, and provide economic benefits while reducing harmful emissions. These projects include:
• the Regional Express Rail project in the Greater Toronto Area which will save 1.8 billion hours of commuter travel time and $14.7 billion in automobile operating savings over the lifetime of the project;
• Calgary’s Green Line Light Rail Transit route, a project that will provide 400 long-term jobs and improve interconnectivity between hospitals, employment hubs, and community centres; and,
• Stage 2 (OLRT2) of the Ottawa Light Rail Transit project will contribute to increasing overall public transit modal share from 22% in 2011 to 25% by 2048 and produce environmental benefits that will ultimately reduce overall incremental greenhouse gas emissions by 115,000 tonnes in the same time period."
10/31/2018,194,15-Nov,Sustainable Infrastructure,Implement an Infrastructure Strategy that improves social infrastructure.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism;Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made","More Canadians with access to affordable housing, child care, cultural and recreational infrastructure.","In Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government made significant and long-term investments in social infrastructure across Canada.
As of March 31, 2018, over 5,700 projects to retrofit or renovate social housing have been approved, helping improve energy and water efficiency in more than 109,000 existing social housing units off and on reserve.
The National Housing Strategy re-establishes the federal government as a leader in the area of affordable housing. Working in collaboration with provinces, territories and local communities, the Strategy leverages significant new capacity to build, repair and make housing more affordable across the country. As part of the Strategy, the new National Housing Co-investment Fund will include accessibility and energy efficiency requirements, and prioritize projects that have the greatest impact on communities and vulnerable populations, including women and children fleeing domestic violence, persons with disabilities, veterans, refugees, seniors, Indigenous peoples and persons with mental health and/or addictions issues. It is anticipated that the National Housing Strategy will reduce or eliminate housing need for 530,000 households.
The investment of incremental resources in the Enabling Accessibility Fund will support an estimated 1,970 additional projects to further improve the safety and accessibility of community spaces and workplaces, making it possible for Canadians with disabilities to participate more fully in their communities and in the labour market.
The Government is also creating affordable, high-quality child care spaces for low- and modest-income families, with the goal of supporting up to 40,000 new subsidized child care spaces over the next three years. In addition, the Government has co-developed a distinct Indigenous Framework on Early Learning and Child Care with Indigenous partners to reflect the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children across Canada.
As part of the Government’s Investing in Canada Plan, Budget 2016 proposed an additional investment of $168.2 million dollars over two years in the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, including $164.8 million in grants and contributions. Out of this amount, $164.3 million has been spent over the last two fiscal years to support the improvement, renovation and construction of arts and heritage facilities, and the acquisition of specialized equipment under the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund. Budget 2017 announced further investments in cultural infrastructure in the amount of $300 million, which will be made over 10 years starting in 2018-19 through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund to further support cultural spaces and creative hubs.
The Government will also invest $80 million over 10 years starting in 2018-19 to support the construction of community educational infrastructure in official language minority communities through the Development of Official Language Communities program at Canadian Heritage. The Government will provide $1.3 billion in funding for cultural, recreational and community infrastructure to provinces and territories through bilateral agreements negotiated by Infrastructure Canada.
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10/31/2018,195,15-Nov,Sustainable Infrastructure,Implement an Infrastructure Strategy that improves green infrastructure.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Transport;Minister of Environment and Climate Change,"Actions taken, progress made","More infrastructure in place to ensure access to clean water, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and increased resilience against the impacts of climate change.","Through Budget 2016 and 2017, the Government of Canada is investing $26.9 billion in Green infrastructure over 12 years, including projects to improve access to clean water, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase resilience against the impacts of climate change.
To ensure that investments are made towards more resilient, sustainable communities, Infrastructure Canada has adopted a Climate Lens as a requirement for funding under its new programs. The Climate Lens will help applicants to better understand how their projects will contribute to or reduce carbon pollution, and to consider climate change risks.
Significant investments towards clean water have been made across Canada. For example, the Government has invested over $1 billion in 772 drinking water systems as well as $830 million in 655 wastewater systems. In Budget 2016, the Government announced significant new funding to end long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserves by 2021. With the aim of ending long-term drinking water advisories on reserves by 2021, the Government has invested $776 million to fund 468 projects that will significantly strengthen the infrastructure of on-reserve public drinking water systems. As of October 1, 2018 there were 69 advisories in effect.
Through the Canada Infrastructure Bank, at least $5 billion will be available for green infrastructure projects. As well, national “green” programs, totaling $2.8 billion, will be provided to address a number of priorities identified in the Pan-Canadian Framework. This includes investments of over $180 million in charging and alternative fuel infrastructure to support greater deployment of zero-emission vehicles.
On May 17, 2018, the Government of Canada launched the $2 billion Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF). The DMAF is designed to strengthen the resilience of Canadian communities through investments in large-scale infrastructure projects to better manage the risk associated with natural hazards such as floods, wildfires and droughts. The first project intake is open and Expression of Interest applications are being accepted. In addition, $9.2 billion is being provided to provinces and territories through the Integrated Bilateral Agreements for green infrastructure. Natural infrastructure projects will be eligible under both the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund and the green stream of the Integrated Bilateral Agreements.
In addition to this, delivered through the Rural and Northern Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure program, the Arctic Energy Fund will provide $400 million to support energy security in the territories.
The Transportation Assets Risk Assessment initiative, announced in 2017, provides up to $16.35 million over a five year period (from 2017/18 to 2021/22) to help those responsible for federal transportation assets obtain information and data, and assess climate change-related factors that may present risks to their infrastructure. In addition, funding for the Northern Transportation Adaptation Initiative was renewed in fall 2017 providing $6.9 million over a three-year period (from 2018/19 to 2020/21) for research, development and collaborative activities to support the resilience of northern transportation systems to a changing climate."
10/31/2018,196,15-Nov,Sustainable Infrastructure,Invest in transportation infrastructure that helps get goods to market.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food;Minister of Transport,"Actions taken, progress made","Get Canadian goods to markets more quickly and increase exports, including natural resources, manufactured goods and agri-food products, by 30 per cent by 2025.","The Government of Canada established a new $2 billion National Trade Corridors Fund (NTCF) to address urgent capacity constraints and freight bottlenecks at major ports of entry, and to better connect the rail and highway infrastructure that delivers economic growth across Canada. Investments through this fund will target congestion and inefficiencies at marine ports, as well as along the busiest rail and highway corridors. The Canada Infrastructure Bank will make at least $5 billion in additional funding available to address trade and transportation projects. The Government is tracking transportation flows and will report publicly on how long it takes to get goods to market.
The Government of Canada formally launched the first call for proposals under the NTCF on July 4, 2017. Eligible projects were invited to submit Comprehensive Project Proposals, and the Government evaluated 177 complete project proposals, seeking a total of $7.5 billion in NTCF funding. The Prime Minister, Minister of Transport and other Ministers and Members of Parliament have announced $770 million in funding from the NTCF for 37 projects that will resolve bottlenecks across the country to support trade. The Government continues to announce NTCF investments in successful projects.
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10/31/2018,197,15-Nov,Sustainable Infrastructure,Establish bilateral agreements with provinces and territories on infrastructure investments.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities,Completed - fully met,"Agreements with all provinces and territories that improve public transit; increase access to affordable housing and child care; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; improve access to clean water, and enhance resilience in the face of a changing climate.","Infrastructure plays a central role in building strong communities, creating jobs and growing the economy.
In Budget 2017, the Government of Canada established a plan to sign bilateral agreements with provinces and territories in order to provide infrastructure funding to key priority areas. As part of this plan, over $33 billion is being committed for integrated bilateral agreements for public transit, green infrastructure, rural and northern infrastructure, community, culture and recreation infrastructure.
Integrated bilateral agreements have now been signed with all provinces and territories. The Government of Canada has implemented a climate lens assessment and new Community Employment Benefit requirement into these agreements.
In Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government of Canada made investments in public transit, green infrastructure and social infrastructure across Canada. To date, over 1,191 public transit projects and over 2,500 projects to retrofit or renovate social housing have been approved. Through the National Housing Strategy, the Government aims to reduce or eliminate housing need for 530,000 households by building, and repairing affordable housing across the country in addition to providing housing affordability support.
The Government is also creating affordable, high-quality child care spaces for low- and modest-income families, with the goal of supporting up to 40,000 new subsidized child care spaces over the next three years. Bilateral agreements have now been signed with all jurisdictions. In addition, the Government has co-developed a distinct Indigenous Framework on Early Learning and Child Care with Indigenous partners to reflect the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children across Canada.
To date, repairs and renovations have been undertaken in 210 First Nations and Inuit Childcare Initiative child care centers and in 63 Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve facilities. The Government has also invested more than $1 billion in 772 drinking water systems and over $835 million in 647 wastewater systems in order to improve access to clean water, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase protection against the impacts of climate change. These investments will lead to improvements in water/wastewater systems in 1,205 communities across the country. In Budget 2016, the Government announced significant new funding to end boil water advisories on reserves by 2021."
10/31/2018,198,15-Nov,Indigenous peoples,"Incorporate Aboriginal and treaty rights, residential schools and Indigenous contributions into school curricula.",Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations,"Actions taken, progress made","School curricula that is inclusive of Indigenous history and knowledge, resulting in improved knowledge and understanding.","The Government provides financial support to the Office of the Treaty Commissioner in Saskatchewan and Treaty Relations Commissions of Manitoba to, among other things, provide materials and training to teachers in support of the delivery of K-12 treaty education curricula to all provincial school students. The organizations are also working with universities in their respective provinces to develop treaty curricula and courses that will be mandatory for every university student.
The Government of Canada is working with the Council of Ministers of Education to enhance knowledge and awareness of First Nations, Inuit and Métis history and culture across Canada and to enhance the knowledge and awareness of teachers, students and school leaders on the history and culture of Indigenous peoples.
Further, Budget 2016 invested $275 million in First Nations language and culture over five years until 2020-2021. The Government of Canada is also working with First Nation partners to transform First Nations elementary and secondary education on reserve, which will include new funding formulas that are enhanced with language and culture investments to meet the specific needs of Indigenous students.
Starting in 2017-2018, the Government of Canada is contributing $3 million per year, for three years, to the First Nations University of Canada to develop a National Centre for Collaboration in Indigenous Education. The national centre will serve as an informational resource base for reconciliation, and will focus on the growing needs of students, educators and the various policy and other decision makers involved in Indigenous elementary and secondary education in Canada.
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10/31/2018,199,15-Nov,Indigenous peoples,Work with the Métis Nation to advance reconciliation and renew the relationship.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations,"Actions taken, progress made",A renewed relationship with the Métis Nation based on the principles of reconciliation.,"The Prime Minister and the Métis Nation signed the Canada-Métis Nation Accord in April 2017 establishing a permanent bilateral mechanism to develop policy on shared priorities. The President of the Métis National Council and its Governing Members’ Presidents met with key federal Ministers on September 21, 2017 to discuss progress in advancing and implementing first year priorities of the Accord, specifically: early learning and child care, housing, and skills and employment training. Progress in these priority areas was confirmed in Budget 2018, which proposes to invest $500 million over 10 years to support a Métis Nation housing strategy, $10 million in 2018–19 to support Métis Nation post-secondary education, and $6 million over five years to support the Métis Nation in gathering health data and developing a health strategy. Furthermore, Budget 2018 also proposes to invest $325 million in the Métis Nation stream of the Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program, which supports employment services, skills development and job training.
On March 19, 2018, the President of the Métis National Council and its Governing Members’ Presidents met with key federal Ministers to discuss progress under the first year of the process. At this meeting, the parties agreed that the focus of the second year of the permanent bilateral mechanism process would be to undertake joint work and policy co-development on Métis health, education, child and family services, economic development and the new fiscal relationship.
Furthermore, on June 15, 2018, the Prime Minister met with the President of the Métis National Council (MNC) and the Presidents of the MNC Governing Members at the annual Crown-Métis Nation Summit. Together, they reviewed progress made during the first year of the Canada-Métis Nation Accord and confirmed priorities for the coming year. The priorities identified during the meeting included education, health, Métis veterans, the new fiscal relationship, child and family services, economic development, environment, clean growth, and infrastructure. Participants will work together over the next year to advance these priorities, and will report on progress made at the next Crown-Métis Nation Summit. The Canada-Métis Nation Accord reflects Canada’s commitment to work with the Métis Nation to co-develop policies and programs, and drive progress toward the Métis Nation’s vision of self-determination. For example, a Memorandum of Understanding on the Development of a Canada-Métis Nation Child and Family Services Accord has been co-developed with the Métis National Council to guide the development of a ten-year Accord.
In addition, the Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples, launched in May 2017, provides funding to organizations that support urban Indigenous peoples in cities and urban areas, including an annual $7.27 million set-aside allocation under the Programs and Services stream for the Métis Nation.
Canada has engaged in Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions with each of the governing members of the Métis National Council as well as the Métis Settlements General Council. To date, Canada has signed Framework Agreements with the Manitoba Metis Federation (November 2016), Métis Nation of Alberta (November 2017) and Métis Nation of Ontario (December 2017). Memorandums of Understanding have also been reached with the Metis Settlements General Council (December 2017), and the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan (February 2018) and the Métis Nation of British Columbia (July 2018). To date, Canada has received a negotiation mandate with the Manitoba Metis Federation (June 2018) and signed a Framework Agreement with the Métis Nation of Alberta (November 2017), Métis Nation of Ontario (December 2017) and the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan (February 2018). Memorandums of Understanding have also been reached with the Metis Settlements General Council (December 2017) and the Métis Nation of British Columbia (July 2018). In addition, Canada is providing support to the Métis Settlements General Council, the Métis Nation of Alberta and the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan, on a pilot basis, to support consultation resource centres which are aimed at ensuring meaningful participation in consultation through the provision of tools, technical expertise, training, etc. On July 19, 2018, the Government of Canada and the Métis Nation of Alberta signed a Consultation Agreement setting out an agreed upon consultation process. On September 22, 2018, the Government of Canada and the Manitoba Metis Federation signed a document of mutual understanding to enable the Manitoba Metis Federation to receive funds to invest in areas it has identified to improve the social and economic well-being of the Manitoba Métis Community. This funding will form part of the reconciliation package that the parties are jointly working toward. Secondly, the parties will work towards reaching a self-government agreement in a timely manner that recognizes the Manitoba Metis Federation’s legal status, role and jurisdiction as a Métis government and implements the Manitoba Métis Community’s vision of greater self-determination. Thirdly, the funding will support the Manitoba Metis Federation’s transition from its current corporate structure to a self-governing Métis government.
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10/31/2018,200,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,"Develop a non-partisan, merit-based process to advise the Prime Minister on Senate appointments.",Minister of Democratic Institutions,Completed - fully met,"An independent advisory board has been established to provide a non-partisan, merit-based process of advice for recommending Senators, resulting in the appointment of 45 independent Senators thus far.","The Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments was established in January 2016 to provide advice to the Prime Minister on candidates for the Senate. As of July 7, 2016, Canadians were permitted, for the first time ever, to apply to be considered for appointment to the Senate through an open online application process. In the first application process, 2,757 Canadians applied for vacancies in seven provinces, demonstrating unprecedented engagement. A second open application process took place between December 2016 and January 2017 to fill positions in three provinces, resulting in over 1,350 applications. Forty non-partisan appointments to the Senate have been made under the new process so far. Thanks to these actions, a majority of Senators is not affiliated with a political party. In February 2018, the Minister of Democratic Institutions announced additional improvements to the Senate appointments process, including: keeping applications open year-round, retaining submitted applications for two years, and adding the ability for organizations or individuals to nominate potential candidates."
10/31/2018,201,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Establish a special parliamentary committee to consult on electoral reform.,Minister of Democratic Institutions,Not being pursued,A special parliamentary committee was established.,"A Special Committee, which included all five parties represented in the House of Commons, was established in June 2016 and presented its final report in December 2016. In addition to the consultation undertaken by the Special Committee, the Minister also consulted Members of Parliament of all parties, and oversaw an engagement process with 360,000 Canadians through mydemocracy.ca. Following extensive consultation with Canadians, it was determined that no clear preference for a new electoral system had emerged. The Government will not proceed with electoral reform."
10/31/2018,202,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Make the Commissioner of Canada Elections more independent.,Minister of Democratic Institutions,"Actions taken, progress made",A truly independent Commissioner of Canada Elections who can pursue their work free from political or partisan direction.,"In November 2016, the Government introduced legislation to enhance the independence of the Commissioner of Canada Elections (CCE) by repealing changes that created a reporting relationship for the CCE with the Minister of Justice. This enhances the independent role that the CCE held for decades before it was altered in 2014."
10/31/2018,203,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Bring forward options to create an independent commissioner to organize political party leaders' debates.,Minister of Democratic Institutions,"Actions taken, progress made",Bring forward options to create an independent commissioner to organize political party leaders' debates.,"The Government of Canada's online consultations and cross-country roundtables with Canadians were completed in February 2018. The information gathered during consultations will be used to help inform policy decisions, with the goal of having an independent commission or commissioner in place in advance of the next federal election campaign."
10/31/2018,204,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,"Review limits that political and third parties can spend during elections, and propose measures to control spending between elections.",Minister of Democratic Institutions,"Actions taken, progress made",Political and third party spending is limited and controlled to help strengthen Canadian democracy.,"On April 30, 2018, the Government introduced the *Elections Modernization Act *. Among other changes, the legislation establishes spending limits for political parties and third parties during a pre-election period that would start on June 30th the year of a fixed-date election and end with the issue of the writ of election. The legislation also modernizes the electoral system to make it more accessible, transparent and secure. The legislation has been referred to Committee in the House of Commons. "
10/31/2018,205,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,"Allow charities to do their work free from political harassment, and modernize the rules governing the charitable and not-for-profit sectors.",Minister of Finance;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister of National Revenue,"Actions taken, progress made",A transparent and rules-based legal framework for Canada's charities is in place and charities in Canada are free from political harassment.,"In September 2016, the Government launched a consultation process with the charitable sector and the public to assist in clarifying the rules for the participation of charities in political activities. A consultation panel reviewed the submissions and presented the Minister of National Revenue with recommendations at the end of March 2017. As an immediate first step to respond to the Panel’s recommendations, the Government has suspended all action in relation to the remaining audits and objections that were part of the Political Activities Audit Program. Consistent with recommendation no. 3 of the consultation panel, the Government proposed to amend the *Income Tax Act* to remove the quantitative limits on political activities by charities. Legislative proposals on this subject were included in Bill C-86, which was introduced in the House of Commons on October 29, 2018. The Government has indicated that it intends to fully respond to the Panel report once this legislation is passed by Parliament.
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10/31/2018,206,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Make strategic investments in the clean technology sector.,"Minister of Natural Resources;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food;Minister of International Trade Diversification","Actions taken, progress made","The clean technology sector's contribution to Canada's Gross Domestic Product grows, creating more good-paying, middle class jobs and increasing the number of high-growth companies in Canada.","Since 2016, the Government of Canada has committed more than $2.3 billion to several measures to grow clean technology in Canada as part of the Innovation and Skills Plan and the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change. The major points of focus of these investments are: building early-stage innovation, accelerating commercialization and growth, fostering greater adoption of clean technologies, increasing exports of clean technologies and processes, and strengthening collaboration and metrics for success.
In December 2017, Statistics Canada released new data on clean technology. As per the Environmental and Clean Technology Products Economic Account, in 2016, environmental and clean technology, excluding waste management and electricity production, accounted for 1.3% ($26.7 billion) of Canada’s GDP.
In January 2018, the Clean Growth Hub was officially launched as the Government of Canada’s focal point for clean technology. The Hub is focused on: helping clean technology producers and users identify the federal programs and services most relevant to their needs, coordinating existing federal programs to better support clean technology clients, and tracking results of federal investments in clean technology. To date, the Hub has worked with over 600 clean technology clients.
In March 2018, the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service officially launched $15 million over four years for the International Business Development Strategy for Clean Technology. The Government also launched the $25 million Agricultural Clean Technology Program in April 2018 to help the agricultural sector reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the research, development and adoption of clean technologies.
In April 2018, BDC announced financing agreements totaling $40-million with four high-potential clean technology companies, enabling them to accelerate growth and demonstrate leadership. In addition, Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) announced four new investments totaling $26 million. This is part of the government's announcement in Budget 2017 to recapitalize SDTC by $400 million.
Export Development Canada (EDC) has also been increasing its support to the clean technology industry. For example, in July 2018, EDC launched the new Cleantech Co-Investment Program (CCIP) to help early stage and next generation clean tech companies grow and access global markets.
In May 2018, the Women in Cleantech Challenge was launched as part of the Government’s Impact Canada Initiative. The Challenge aims to help level the playing field for Canadian women entrepreneurs in the area of clean technology, and offers six women an opportunity to develop their idea into a marketable world-class clean technology solution and compete for a $1 million prize. The six finalists were selected in September 2018. To date, three additional innovative challenges have been launched as part of the Impact Canada Initiative, including the Crush It! Challenge in the mining sector, the Power Forward Challenge to design better power grids, and the Sky’s the Limit Challenge seeking a breakthrough on green aviation fuels.
The Clean Growth Program, which provides $155M/4 years for the co-funding of clean technology projects with provinces and territories in the areas of Energy, Mining and Forestry, has released semi-finalists. The final project selection is anticipated to take place in Fall 2018.
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10/31/2018,207,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Enhance Canada's tax measures to generate and attract more clean technology investments.,Minister of Finance;Minister of Natural Resources,"Actions taken, progress made","The clean technology sector's contribution to Canada's Gross Domestic Product grows, creating more good-paying, middle class jobs and increasing the number of high-growth companies in Canada.",Budget 2016 changed Canadian tax rules to make certain electric vehicle charging stations and electrical energy storage equipment eligible for accelerated capital cost allowance treatment. Budget 2017 introduced further expansions of this tax treatment to geothermal projects and expenses. Budget 2018 extended the accelerated capital cost allowance for five years to property acquired before 2025. The Government will continue to work towards making Canada the world's most competitive tax jurisdiction for clean technology.
10/31/2018,208,15-Nov,Safety and Security,Launch an open and transparent competition to replace the CF-18 fighter aircraft.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility;Minister of National Defence,"Actions taken, progress made",A new fighter fleet that allows the Canadian Armed Forces to do their job with the equipment they need.,"A modern fighter jet fleet is essential for defending Canada and Canadian sovereignty - especially in the northern skies. It is a vital contribution to the partnership with the most important ally of Canada, the United States, and for the protection of the continent that is shared. It is also important for enabling Canada to fulfill its international commitments as an engaged and active member of NATO. On December 12, 2017, the Government launched an open and transparent competition to replace Canada’s fighter aircraft by acquiring 88 advanced fighter jets. The Government also announced its decision to allow the United States’ offer for the Super Hornets to expire, and to instead pursue acquiring 18 Australian F/A-18 fighter aircraft and associated spare parts and equipment to supplement the current fleet until the permanent replacement is in place and fully operational. Canada is actively working with Australia to implement this decision.
On January 22, 2018, the Government of Canada held a Future Fighter Industry Day to provide information on the planned fighter aircraft procurement process and timelines, project scope and high-level operational objectives of the fighter aircraft, as well as the approach to maintenance and repair and leveraging economic benefits. On February 22, 2018, the Government of Canada published a list of eligible suppliers that will be invited to submit proposals under the competition to replace Canada’s current fighter fleet. The first event of the Formal Supplier Engagement known as “Suppliers Week” was held from March 26 to April 13, 2018, in which all five eligible suppliers participated. A second round of supplier engagement meetings with the five suppliers were held from June 11 to July 5, 2018. The purpose of these events was to share and collect detailed information to support finalization of the procurement strategy and development of the solicitation documents. The Formal Supplier Engagement Phase will continue until spring 2019.
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10/31/2018,209,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that all federal services are delivered in compliance with the *Official Languages Act*.,"President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government;Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie","Actions taken, progress made",More Canadians receive federal services and communications in their official language of choice.,"The Government of Canada conducted the first review of the Official Languages Regulations in over twenty-five years. The Government is committed to ensuring the public is served in their official language of choice. Currently, 86.5% of federal institutions report that oral and written communications in designated bilingual offices ""nearly always"" occur in the official language chosen by the public. The Government has set a target to achieve at least 90% in 2020. On October 25, 2018, the Government of Canada introduced amendments to the Official Languages Regulations. The regulations implement key provisions of Part IV of the *Official Languages Act* regarding communications with, and services to, the public.
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10/31/2018,210,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Improve access to information to enhance the openness of government.,President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister of Democratic Institutions,"Actions taken, progress made",Greater government transparency and more information available for Canadians to hold their government to account.,"Following an Interim Directive in May 2016 that eliminated all fees except for the application fee and confirmed the principle of ""open by default"", the Government introduced Phase I reforms to modernize and expand the scope of the *Access to Information Act*. Legislation introduced in June 2017 proposes new requirements for the proactive publication of a broad range of information and would apply to more than 240 federal institutions, as well as the Prime Minister's Office, ministers' offices and administrative bodies that support Parliament and the courts. The legislation would also provide the Information Commissioner with the power to make binding orders to government institutions, including for the release of records. A review of the Act would also be required every five years to ensure that it remains current and continues to improve transparency for Canadians. The first of these reviews would be initiated within one year of the legislation coming into force. The legislation is currently before the Senate."
10/31/2018,211,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Conduct a review of tax expenditures.,President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government;Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"A simpler, fairer tax system.","The Government of Canada has taken action to reduce poorly targeted, complex and inefficient tax measures, including tax credits that were not available to families with the lowest incomes. Budget 2016 introduced a new Canada Child Benefit (CCB) that is simpler, tax-free, more generous and better targeted than the previous system of federal child benefits. The CCB replaced five tax credits and benefits, provides nine out of ten families with more generous benefits and lifts hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty. Budget 2016 also replaced poorly targeted transit tax credits with significant new long-term investments directly in public transit, and replaced tax deductions for textbooks with measures to significantly improve the affordability of post-secondary education for low- and middle-income families.
Budget 2017 took further action to implement changes resulting from the Government’s review of tax expenditures. The review identified opportunities to eliminate inefficient tax measures and make other existing tax measures more effective, equitable and accessible to Canadians. In this context, Budget 2017 included measures to improve tax relief for caregivers, students, and persons with disabilities. While the formal component of the tax expenditures review has concluded, the results of the review will continue to inform the Government’s ongoing work to make the tax system simpler, fairer and more efficient."
10/31/2018,212,15-Nov,Safety and Security,Improve marine safety.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Transport","Actions taken, progress made",Canadians are kept safe and our coasts are protected through evidence-based emergency preparedness and response.,"The Government has announced initiatives worth over $800 million, including $130 million in new science funding for partnerships, improved knowledge, and development of new technologies to help mitigate and prevent marine incidents such as oil spills. Engagement with Indigenous groups is a pillar of the Oceans Protection Plan, and to date, 128 workshops have been held with multiple Indigenous groups.
On June 21, 2018, 14 Central and North Coast First Nations in British Columbia and the Government of Canada announced the Reconciliation Framework Agreement for Bioregional Oceans Management and Protection to support the collaborative planning and implementation of marine initiatives and promote a more coordinated and efficient approach to the governance, management, and protection of oceans in the Pacific North Coast.
Following the public release of the Pilotage Act Review’s final report on May 22, 2018, key stakeholders have been engaged both at working level and through a Ministerial roundtable held on July 4, 2018. Transport Canada intends to introduce legislation at the earliest opportunity to enable improvements in the effectiveness, efficiency and accountability of Canada’s pilotage system.
The Government introduced proposed legislative changes to the *Canada Shipping Act, 2001* and the *Marine Liability Act*. These proposed amendments deliver on commitments made under the Oceans Protection Plan to strengthen marine safety and environmental protection, and modernize Canada’s Ship-source Oil Pollution Fund.
As part of the strategy to address abandoned and wrecked vessels, the Government introduced the Wrecked, Abandoned, or Hazardous Vessels Act in October 2017 (Bill C-64). On October 18, 2018, the Bill passed Second Reading in the Senate and was referred to the Senate Committee on Transport and Communications for further study.
The Government has assessed or removed over 100 abandoned and wrecked vessels in Canadian waters through the Abandoned Boats Program and Small Craft Harbours Abandoned and Wrecked Vessels Removal. Additionally, over $1 million in funding is being provided towards public education projects aimed at raising awareness about responsible boat ownership and end-of-life management practices as well as research on environmentally-responsible boat design and recycling of end-of-life boats.
The Government of Canada continues its work under the $167.4 million Whales Initiative with the goal of protecting and supporting the recovery of endangered whale populations across Canada by addressing key threats to Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW), North Atlantic Right Whales (NARW) and the St. Lawrence Estuary Beluga. In partnership with the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority’s Enhancing Cetacean Habitat and Observation (ECHO) Program, a voluntary slowdown of vessels and a lateral displacement trial were executed in the Salish Sea this summer to reduce acoustic disturbance in key foraging areas of Southern Resident Killer Whales. Additionally, measures were taken to reduce the risk of strikes and entanglements of North Atlantic Right Whales in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. To date in 2018, there have been no known North Atlantic Right Whales deaths in Canadian waters. On October 31, 2018, the government announced additional measures to protect Southern Resident Killer Whales. These include exploring the expansion of vessel slowdowns to further reduce underwater noise in Southern Resident Killer Whales critical habitat, developing agreements with marine industry partners to formalize current voluntary measures to reduce noise, new areas of habitat, investments aimed at protecting and recovering chinook salmon stocks, advancing feasibility work on Southern Resident Killer Whales sanctuaries and expanding vessel monitoring systems. This closely followed tabling of proposed changes to the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 to strengthen regulatory authorities to protect the marine environment from the impacts of shipping and navigation.
Recognizing that chemical contaminants are one of the key threats facing Canada’s endangered whale populations, the Government of Canada continues its actions to reduce the presence of chemical contaminants. As such, on October 13, 2018, the Government published a Notice of Intent to amend the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012. The amendments will strengthen controls for two flame retardants and three oil and water repellents, and will prohibit two additional flame retardants should the final scientific risk assessments confirm they are toxic.
The Government is modernizing the Coast Guard’s current suite of emergency response assets, and contracts have been awarded for the procurement of curtain booms, fence booms, a medium-size portable multi-cassette-skimmer package, and a small high-speed sweep system. Transport Canada is also modernizing its emergency response capacity and has trained more than 1,750 people in the internationally recognized Incident Command System to ensure interoperability, role clarity and overall emergency response effectiveness with partners such as the Canadian Coast Guard and Environment and Climate Change Canada.
In 2018, close to $1 million in funding was announced for four Arctic Indigenous communities to buy search and rescue capable boats and/or equipment to strengthen their participation in marine emergency responses in local waters as members of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary.
The Coastal Restoration Fund helps rehabilitate some of Canada's most vulnerable coastlines and protect marine life and ecosystems and is providing $75 million over five years to support coastal habitat restoration projects at the local and community level along Canada’s coasts. Since its launch, there have been 163 expressions of interest requesting over $310 million in funding submissions during its initial call for proposals. At present the program has allocated funding to 39 projects on all three coasts worth over $55 million. The next public call for proposals for the program’s remaining $13.6 million was launched on November 1, 2018.
In August 2018, a contract was awarded for the lease of two emergency offshore towing vessels to operate in the waters off the Pacific coast. These vessels will conduct emergency towing by assisting vessels in distress. Additionally, a contract was awarded to buy emergency tow kits for Coast Guard vessels and equipment caches across Canada.
To enhance the ability to mount an effective science-based federal response that minimizes environmental damage, Environment and Climate Change Canada has, since January 2018, placed three Environmental Emergency Officers on each coast (Pacific and Atlantic) as well as Wildlife Emergency Response Coordinators in four regions in Canada (i.e., Pacific, Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic).
In 2017, following discussions and consultation with various stakeholders to determine marine weather information needs/gaps, in addition to considering relevant monitoring rationalization data, Environment and Climate Change Canada identified specific High Risk Marine Areas, which informed the decision to moor up to five new weather buoys in two locations on the West Coast (Southern Georgia Strait and approaching the Port of Metro Vancouver) and two locations on the East Coast (Strait of Canso and Bay of Fundy). These new buoys will help provide mariners with enhanced forecast information.
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10/31/2018,213,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Review the previous government's changes to the *Fisheries Act* and *Navigable Waters Protection Act*.,"Minister of Transport;Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard","Actions taken, progress made","Restore lost protections and incorporate modern safeguards into the revised *Fisheries Act* and *Navigation Protection Act* to better protect Canada's environment for future generations, advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, and get resources to market.","In February 2018, the Government introduced legislation to restore lost protections and incorporate modern safeguards into the *Fisheries Act* and the *Navigation Protection Act*. The proposed legislative, regulatory and policy measures were informed by a federal discussion paper, parliamentary studies, and almost two years of consultations with Indigenous peoples, industry, provinces and territories, non-governmental organizations, academia and the public.
The Government will invest up to $284.2 million over five years to support restoring lost protections to fish and fish habitat and incorporating modern safeguards under the *Fisheries Act* and up to $76.5 million over five years to support restoring lost protections for the public right of navigation and incorporating modern safeguards under the proposed *Canadian Navigable Waters Act*.
In June 2018, the House of Commons referred the proposed legislation to the Senate for review.
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10/31/2018,214,15-Nov,Indigenous peoples,Promote economic development and create jobs for Indigenous peoples.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Indigenous Services;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development","Actions taken, progress made",Higher employment rates for Indigenous peoples and stronger economic growth in Indigenous communities.,"The Government is coordinating federal efforts in its response to this mandate commitment for Indigenous peoples and has identified potential areas of collaboration at both the regional and national levels. This includes ensuring program alignment among federal departments and agencies, including planning to review and respond to community opportunities; fostering economic reconciliation with the private sector; more closely aligning skills training to investment opportunities and organizational readiness; and increasing access to capital. Departments have explored potential policy and expenditure linkages to facilitate success, e.g. Atlantic Growth Strategy and Economic Pathways Partnership. In addition, the Government is engaging with national Indigenous organizations to discuss approaches to economic development and collaborating on opportunities to ensure better service delivery models at the community level.
The Government of Canada supports a suite of economic development and land management programs that are increasing the participation of Indigenous communities in the Canadian economy and enabling Indigenous people to pursue opportunities for employment, income, and wealth creation. To help close the employment and earning gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, Budget 2018 proposes to invest $2 billion over five years, and $408.2 million per year ongoing, to support the creation of a new Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program. This includes incremental investments of $447 million over five years, and $99.4 million per year ongoing, and a stronger focus on training for higher quality, better paying jobs rather than rapid re-employment. This additional funding will assist approximately 15,000 more clients gain greater skills and find jobs that will support their long-term career success. The Government has consulted with, and heard from, Indigenous partners on the importance of a distinctions-based approach that recognizes the unique needs of First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation.
Investments in commercial infrastructure, capacity development and partnerships within the federal government, provinces and the private sector are leading to major developments on and off reserve including commercial initiatives. For example, these investments will: help First Nations access long-term financing to undertake economic development projects in their communities ($20M), strengthen the First Nations and Inuit Summer Work Experience Program and the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program ($100M), grow Canada's Indigenous tourism industry ($8.6M), and improve Indigenous labour market programs through the new Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program ($2B over five years and $408.2M per year ongoing) which is the successor to the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy. In addition, the Government of Canada has increased funding for the Post-Secondary Student Support Program, which will help 4,600 First Nation students over a two-year period ($90M).
The Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business was created to help Indigenous business access procurement opportunities within the federal government. The Government of Canada is one of the largest public buyers of goods and services in Canada, purchasing approximately $16 billion worth of goods and services every year on behalf of federal departments and agencies. The Government is currently modernizing the federal approach to Indigenous procurement in order to grow Indigenous businesses and contribute to positive socio-economic outcomes in communities.
To enhance Indigenous participation in the public and private sector, the Government provides project-based funding to increase business and economic development strategies. For example, support has been provided for women’s participation in business and economic development opportunities; and, for the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, to develop Canada’s unique and
authentic Indigenous tourism industry in implementing the National Aboriginal Tourism Strategy.
The Government provides annual funding to the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association for distribution to the national network of Aboriginal Financial Institutions (AFI). The Government is currently working closely with partners on the development of options to recapitalize the AFI network to enhance access to capital for Indigenous entrepreneurs to start or expand their businesses."
10/31/2018,215,15-Nov,Indigenous peoples,Undertake an inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in Canada.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister of Status of Women,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges","Concrete solutions to address systemic causes of violence, resulting in increased safety of Indigenous women and girls in Canada.","The Government of Canada, with the governments of all provinces and territories, launched an independent National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The Commissioners have been asked to examine and report on the systemic and historical social, economic, institutional and cultural factors—as well as practices, policies and institutions—that contribute to the violence that Indigenous women and girls face. The Commission was mandated to complete its work by December 31, 2018. The Commission released their interim report on November 1, 2017. Following a thorough review of the interim report, the Government of Canada is taking action to address the interim recommendations by increasing health supports and victim services for families and survivors, establishing a commemoration fund, funding organizations with expertise in law enforcement and policing to lead a review of police policies and practices concerning their relations with the Indigenous peoples, as well as supporting a new Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) National Investigative Standards and Practices Unit with additional funding.
On March 6, 2018, the Commission submitted a request to the Government of Canada seeking an extension until December 31, 2020 as many legitimate concerns from families and stakeholders have been raised about the Inquiry's progress. The Government of Canada has granted the Inquiry an extension until April 30, 2019 to submit its final report. This enables the inquiry to use the time to hear from more families and survivors, further examine institutional practices and policies, and undertake the research necessary to inform their recommendations on the systemic causes of all forms of violence against Indigenous women and girls in Canada. On August 21, 2018, the Inquiry announced the final four public hearings which took place on: September 10-13 (Colonial Violence - Socio-economic, health and wellness impacts; Iqaluit, NU); September 17-21 (Criminal Justice System - oversight and accountability; Quebec City, QC); October 1-5 (Family and Child Welfare - family supports and domestic violence; Winnipeg, MB); and October 15-18 (Sexual Exploitation - human trafficking and sexual violence; St-John's NL).
On October 9, 2018, the Commission announced that final submissions from individuals and groups with official Standing will be heard at events in Calgary on November 26-30, 2018, and in Ottawa on December 10-14, 2018. Justice Canada has now been confirmed to appear on behalf of Canada on December 14.
As part of the National Inquiry’s Truth Gathering Process, the Commission has also requested final written evidence from all Parties with Standing by November 19, 2018. Justice Canada has submitted on behalf of releveant federal departments and agencies an overview of what each institution is currently doing to address the underlying causes of violence and increase safety for Indigenous women, girls, and LGBTQ2 communities.
An additional $5.4 million was also made available through Justice Canada to extend the Family Information Liaison Units and to support community-based services for families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls for 2019-2020. The Government is also establishing a commemoration fund by providing $10 million to honour the lives and legacies of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls and LGBTQ2S individuals, and is engaging with Indigenous organizations (through It's Time: Canada's Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence) to put forward a range of actions to help address violence against Indigenous women and girls."
10/31/2018,216,15-Nov,Indigenous peoples,Improve services to Indigenous people and those with mental illness throughout the criminal justice system.,Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,"Actions taken, progress made","Improved services and increased support to make it easier for Indigenous peoples and those with mental illness to navigate the criminal justice system, and reverse the trend of Indigenous overrepresentation in the justice system.","The Government of Canada has made investments to help ensure that Indigenous peoples and those with mental illness have increased access to justice and to reduce the over-representation of Indigenous peoples in the criminal justice system, both as victims and offenders. In addition to increasing access to legal aid, the Government has also provided long-term and stable funding to the Indigenous Justice Program which provides funding for community-based programs that use culturally relevant restorative justice approaches, in appropriate circumstances, to help address the over-representation of Indigenous peoples as accused, victims and offenders. In addition, the Government has made significant investments in the First Nation Policing Program to ensure the safety of First Nations and Inuit communities through culturally relevant policing and investments to ensure that police officers serving these communities work in safe facilities.
It is also investing in the Indigenous Courtwork Program to ensure Indigenous people have the representation and services they need to navigate the criminal justice system. The Government is also supporting community-based specialized services for Indigenous victims of crime and Family Information Liaison Units for families of murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls. The Government is working to further identify strategies that will build on these investments. The Government has proposed reform of the *Criminal Code* jury selection process to make it more inclusive and fair (Bill C-75).
The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) Commissioner has received a public mandate with direction to address the over-representation of Indigenous Peoples, including to re-examine CSC’s governance structure to better integrate Indigenous needs and perspectives, further ensure that Indigenous offenders have timely access to effective, culturally-appropriate interventions developed in collaboration with Indigenous partners, and continue to address the particular needs of Indigenous women within the corrections system.
Budget 2018 proposed to further support the mental health needs of federal inmates, with a focus on women in federal correctional facilities. The Government is also supporting greater emphasis on offender mental health information during the sentencing decision-making process (Bill C-375). On October 16, 2018, the Government of Canada introduced legislation (C-83) which proposes to strengthen the federal correctional system, aligning it with the latest evidence and best practices, by implementing a new correctional interventions model; strengthening health care governance; better supporting victims; and addressing the specific situation of Indigenous offenders."
10/31/2018,217,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Legalize and strictly regulate cannabis.,Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction;Minister of Health;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Completed - fully met,"The government established a strict framework for controlling the legal production, distribution, sale, and possession of Cannabis in Canada.","The *Cannabis Act* received Royal Assent on June 21, 2018, and came into force on October 17, 2018. The Act legalizes and regulates cannabis, with the objective of better protecting Canadian youth and keeping profits out of the hands of criminals and organized crime. It also makes it a specific criminal offence to sell cannabis to a minor and creates significant penalties for those who use young persons to commit cannabis-related offences.
The legislation was based on the advice from the Task Force on Cannabis Legalization and Regulation, following extensive engagement with Canadians, representatives of provincial, territorial and municipal governments, experts on public health, law enforcement and justice officials, patients, young people, advocates, Indigenous governments and representative organizations, employers and industry.
Regulations to support the *Cannabis Act* came into force at the same time as the Act, on October 17, 2018. A regulatory framework for the legal sale of edibles and concentrates is in development and is expected to be in force by October 2019.
Companion legislation to strengthen impaired driving laws (Bill C-46) also received Royal Assent on June 21, 2018, and includes three new offences for having a prohibited concentration of drugs (including THC) in the blood within two hours of driving.
A national Cannabis Tracking System to track high-level movements of cannabis through the supply chain is now operational. The Cannabis Tracking System will help prevent legal cannabis from being diverted to the illegal market and illegal cannabis from being introduced into the legal market. Federal license holders and Provinces and Territories are required to report monthly inventory and sales data to Health Canada.
The Government has made significant investments and continues to accept proposals from community-based and Indigenous organizations for projects that respond to specific public education and awareness needs related to cannabis. More than $100 million is budgeted over six years for investments in cannabis public education, awareness and surveillance.
Regulation of cannabis is a process which includes the ongoing objectives of keeping cannabis out of the hands of youth, keeping profits out of the hands of criminals, responsible usage and protecting public health and safety. For additional information of the government's continuing activities visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-medication/cannabis.html.
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10/31/2018,218,15-Nov,Safety and Security,Repeal problematic elements of Bill C-51 to balance security with rights and freedoms.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,"Actions taken, progress made",Canadians' safety and security are strongly protected in a manner consistent with the rights and freedoms Canadians cherish.,"The Government of Canada consulted Canadians on key elements of Canada's national security laws and policies to ensure they are effective at keeping Canadians safe, and equally reflect the rights, values and freedoms of Canadians. In June 2017, the Government introduced legislation covering a wide range of measures to enhance Canada’s national security framework, increase accountability through a National Security and Intelligence Review Agency and a new Intelligence Commissioner, and address problematic elements of former Bill C-51 (including revisions to threat reduction measures, amendments to the *Criminal Code* and the *Youth Criminal Justice Act*, and revisions to the *Security of Canada Information Sharing Act*), while re-affirming compliance with the Charter. Bill C-59 (*An Act respecting national security matters*) was passed by the House of Commons on June 19, 2018 and introduced in the Senate on June 20, 2018.
The Government also proposes to enhance the Passenger Protect Program, including the development of a rigorous centralized screening model and a redress mechanism for legitimate air travelers who are affected by the program. The enhanced program would help ensure that privacy and fairness concerns are addressed, while keeping Canadians safe."
10/31/2018,219,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Phase out inefficient fossil fuel industry subsidies over the medium-term.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Finance,"Actions taken, progress made","Phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, consistent with Canada’s commitment with the G20 countries, building a strong, clean economy and preserving our planet for generations to come.","Budget 2016 announced that the accelerated capital cost allowance for facilities used to liquefy natural gas will be allowed to expire at the end of 2024. Budget 2017 proposed changes to rationalize the treatment of exploration expenses for oil and gas producers and phase out their ability to reclassify certain development expenses as more favourably treated exploration expenses. The Government will continue to review, report on and phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, as appropriate."
10/31/2018,220,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,"Increase the proportion of Canada's marine and coastal areas that are protected to five percent by 2017, and ten percent by 2020.","Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Environment and Climate Change","Actions taken, progress made","Five per cent of Canada's marine and coastal areas are protected by 2017, and 10 per cent by 2020, protecting important habitats, maintaining and promoting tourism, and helping with climate change adaptation.","In October 2017, the Government achieved its commitment to protect 5% of Canada's marine and coastal areas by 2017. In December 2017, seven new marine refuges were established off the coasts of Nunavut and Newfoundland and Labrador, which contributed an additional 145,598 square km of protected ocean area to Canada’s coasts. The government is on track to achieve the 10% target by 2020, with 7.9% of Canada’s ocean conserved as of September 1, 2018.
In November 2016, the Government of Canada announced the designation of the Anguniaqvia niqiqyuam Marine Protected Area (MPA). In February 2017, the Government announced the designation of the Hecate Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound Glass Sponge Reefs MPA. In May 2017, a Large Offshore Pacific Area of Interest off the coast of British Columbia was announced, with the intention of making it one of Canada's largest MPAs by 2020. In June 2017, the Government announced the designation of St. Anns Bank MPA. In August 2017, the federal Government, Nunavut and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association together announced an agreement on the final boundary and interim protection of the new Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area in Lancaster Sound -- the largest protected area ever established in Canada. In June 2018, the Scott Islands Protected Marine Area Regulations were published and, in September 2018, the Government announced the establishment of the Scott Islands marine National Wildlife Area, Canada’s first marine area under the *Canada Wildlife Act*. To further support Canada’s marine conservation efforts, Shell Canada also announced, on September 13, 2018, its intent to voluntarily release nearly 50,000 square km of exploratory oil and gas permits off the coast of British Columbia.
Additional areas are also being pursued for protection. On March 22, 2018, the Government announced the establishment of two new Areas of Interest (Fundian Channel-Browns Bank and Eastern Shore Islands) and a proposed conservation area (Eastern Canyons) in the Scotian Shelf Bioregion. And on June 30, 2018, the proposed Banc-des-Américains Marine Protected Area Regulations were published.
In addition, the Government allocated funding towards exploring with Indigenous and Northern partners the protection of the High Arctic. In September 2017, Canada signed a statement of intent with the Nunatsiavut Government, committing to work together on marine planning in Labrador's offshore area.
Canada has developed science-based criteria for other effective area-based conservation measures that contribute to marine conservation targets. Fisheries area closures that meet these criteria, known as marine refuges, have been established throughout Canada's oceans to protect important species and ecosystem features. The Government will continue working with its partners to enhance the protection of Canada’s oceans.
The Government of Canada has proposed amendments to the *Oceans Act* to create a new authority to designate an interim MPA through ministerial order and to update existing enforcement officer powers and fines provisions. Amendments are also proposed to the *Canada Petroleum Resources Act* to allow for orders prohibiting oil and gas activities in designated *Oceans Act* MPAs. The proposed amendments would also allow for negotiations for the relinquishment of oil and gas rights that overlap Oceans Act MPAs. These amendments were informed by engagement with Indigenous peoples, provinces and territories, and stakeholders.
A National Advisory Panel has been established to gather perspectives and offer recommendations to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard on categories and associated protection standards for federal MPAs, using International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) guidance as a baseline. The Panel will also consider Indigenous approaches and governance with respect to marine conservation, including the evolving concept of Indigenous Protected Areas. The Panel presented its recommendations in a final report to the Minister in September and was publicly released on October 15, 2018."
10/31/2018,221,15-Nov,Canada in the World,"Advance human rights, gender equality, peaceful pluralism and respect for diversity internationally.",Minister of International Development;Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Inclusive governance, human rights, gender equality, peaceful pluralism and respect for diversity are enhanced around the world.","The Government of Canada promotes, and defends inclusive governance, human rights, gender equality, democracy, inclusion and respect for diversity in every international relationship and at every opportunity. Canada continues to champion the rights of indigenous peoples through supporting, without qualification, the United Nations (UN) Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Government made statements on inclusion and respect for diversity at the UN General Assembly in autumn 2017, and at the Organization of American States (OAS) General Assembly in June 2018. In October 2017, Canada adopted the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act and amendments to the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA) to take action to respond to cases of human rights violations and acts of corruption globally.
In February 2018, Canada announced $3 million over five years to support the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCR) to strengthen the promotion, monitoring and respect of human rights for vulnerable groups, especially women, girls and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) persons in Honduras.
In Guatemala, Canada approved a $2.5 million project over five years with OHCHR focusing on the rights of indigenous and other disadvantaged women. Canada also approved $4.1 million in new funding to the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) and a $6.1 million five-year project on women's rights and gender sensitive justice in Guatemala with Canadian organizations CECI and Lawyers without Borders Canada.
In response to the grave crisis in Myanmar, the Prime Minister appointed the Honourable Bob Rae as Special Envoy to Myanmar in October 2017. Canada’s response to the ongoing crisis in Myanmar focuses on alleviating the humanitarian crisis, encouraging positive political development, ensuring accountability for the crimes committed, and enhancing international cooperation. Canada has dedicated $300 million of international assistance funding over the next three years to support a coordinated response to the crisis in both Myanmar and Bangladesh. Under the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, Canada applied sanctions on a Myanmar national responsible for human rights violations against the Rohingya and has further sanctioned this person, and six others involved in military operations in Myanmar, under the Special Economic Measures Act.
Under Canada's presidency of the G7, the Government led efforts aimed at 1) reinforcing democracy; 2) preventing and countering technology facilitated gender-based violence; and 3) ensuring that rapid advances in Artificial Intelligence do not negatively impact Canada's human rights obligations. Gender equality was one of five themes of Canada’s presidency, and was integrated across all work, themes, activities and outcomes. To support this work, Canada established the Gender Equality Advisory Council. At the 2018 G7 Summit, Leaders recognized that respect for human rights, the rule of law and equality of opportunity are necessary for lasting security and to enable economic growth that works for everyone. Leaders also recognized that gender equality is fundamental for the fulfillment of human rights and took concrete steps to ensure that individuals' human rights are protected offline and online.
Canada leveraged its G7 presidency and partnership with the EU to co-host a meeting of women foreign ministers in Canada on September 21-22, 2018, which provided an opportunity to harness the perspectives of women foreign ministers in addressing the challenges facing global relations today, particularly with respect to advancing gender equality.
The government has also engaged in establishing normative standards for safe orderly and regular migration that are gender sensitive and promote and protect human rights through the negotiation of the Global Compact on Migration
In September 2018, Canada helped secure the adoption of a Lima Group-led resolution at the Human Rights Council on the promotion and protection of human rights in Venezuela. In the same month, Canada also joined other regional partners in referring the situation in Venezuela to the International Criminal Court, based on the possibility that crimes against humanity have been committed.
Canada successfully advocated for integration of gender considerations in the management of natural resources in the work of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, the OECD, the World Bank and the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining (IGF).
In August 2018, Canada hosted the ERC’s Global Conference on LGBTI Human Rights and Inclusive Development in Vancouver. The conference brought together delegates from over 85 countries, civil society representatives and multilateral agencies to discuss contemporary issues affecting LGBTI individuals and communities worldwide, and to consider strategies for making further progress in advancing LGBTI human rights and inclusive development. Canada announced up to $1 million in funding to support LGBTI persons in conflict-affected areas and that it would update to its Voices at Risk guidelines for Canadian representatives to support human rights defenders from vulnerable groups such as LGBTI persons, journalists, and women.
Canada has also taken additional measures to voice its opposition to death penalty and torture. In September 2017, Canada joined the Global Alliance to end trade in goods used for death penalty and torture. In October 2018, Canada joined the Friends of the Protocol, coordinated by the World Coalition against the Death Penalty to enhance and strengthen Canada’s advocacy against the death penalty.
At the October 2018 Francophonie Summit, the Prime Minister supported the adoption of the Francophonie Strategy for the Promotion of Gender Equality, the Rights and the Empowerment of Women and Girls. Canada played an active role in the drafting of this Strategy as well as a document (Appel francophone d'Erevan pour le Vivre ensemble) which calls for the respect of pluralism and diversity. Canada has backed up its diplomatic efforts by supporting human rights and justice activities around the globe.
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10/31/2018,222,15-Nov,Canada in the World,Work on development financing issues.,Minister of Finance;Minister of International Development;Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made","Increased international investment, reduced poverty and improved economic development in developing countries.","The Development Finance Institute Canada opened for business in early 2018 under the brand name “FinDev Canada.” FinDev Canada supports women's economic empowerment and gender equality, poverty reduction, and climate change mitigation and adaptation in developing countries.
FinDev’s first transaction, an investment with M-KOPA, a Kenya-based solar energy provider, was announced in March 2018. At the G7 meeting in June 2018, FinDev Canada joined with other G7 development finance institutions to support the 2X Challenge, a commitment to collectively mobilize $3 billion dollars by 2020 for investment in business activities that will benefit women in developing countries.
Budget 2018 provided $1.5 billion and $492.7 million per year ongoing thereafter to establish an International Assistance Innovation Program and a pilot Sovereign Loans Program.
In May 2018, the Minister of International Development launched a series of targeted engagements seeking expert advice on the creation of a new partnership between the Government of Canada, the philanthropic community and the private sector to catalyze new investments to advance gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in developing countries. The Minister of International Development also announced that Canada is willing to contribute up to $300 million to such a partnership.
The Minister of International Development and the Minister of Finance co-hosted the first ever G7 meeting of Development and Finance Ministers, to draw on the individual expertise of both ministries to seek out innovative approaches to financing international development. This meeting laid the groundwork for the Charlevoix Commitment on Innovative Financing for Development, which promotes economic growth in developing economies and fosters greater equality of opportunity within and between countries.
Canada is also fostering intellectual leadership and broadening the growth in development financing literacy and collaboration by co-leading (with Jamaica) the Group of Friends of SDG Financing at the UN. The Group is a platform to promote solution-oriented ideas for unlocking capital for development.
On September 24, 2018, at the Secretary-General’s High Level Meeting on Financing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Prime Minister of Canada announced that Canada will contribute $20 million to the Global Infrastructure Hub (GI Hub) to establish Toronto as the centre of its North American operations. The GI Hub will use $5 million of the funding to establish the Global Centre for Infrastructure Excellence, underscoring Canada’s commitment to foster new partnerships for development.
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10/31/2018,223,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Develop and implement a Youth Service Program.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of International Development","Actions taken, progress made","More young Canadians engaged in high quality public and community service, and through this service, gaining valuable skills that will benefit them in life and work.","On January 16, 2018, the Government launched the design phase of the Canada Service Corps, Canada’s new national youth service initiative.
Canada Service Corps will encourage young Canadians to get involved in service to their communities and gain valuable skills and experience that will benefit them in every aspect of life. This initiative will grow over time, creating more opportunities for youth who wish to serve.
During the design phase, the Government of Canada will engage youth directly to find out more about their motivations and interests, and to explore what service means to them. Their input will directly shape the initiative, ensuring that it meets the needs and priorities of young people once it is fully implemented in early 2019."
10/31/2018,224,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Raise awareness on concussion treatment.,Minister of Science and Sport;Minister of Health,Completed - fully met,"Consistent, coordinated Canadian guidelines on concussion in sport and return-to-learn and return-to-play protocols.","The Government is working in partnership with provinces, territories and other key stakeholders on a coordinated pan-Canadian concussion strategy. In June 2016, a framework for the strategy was endorsed by federal, provincial and territorial ministers. Budget 2016 made investments to harmonize concussion management guidelines on prevention, early detection and treatment, with a focus on return-to-play and return-to-learn protocols for athletes and students. In July 2017, federal, provincial and territorial Ministers responsible for sport, physical activity and recreation agreed to a Framework for Action focusing on the areas of awareness, prevention, detection, management, and surveillance of concussions, which will further harmonize the collective approach across jurisdictions. At the same time, Parachute Canada, with the financial support of the Government of Canada, released its “Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport”.
The Government directed funds to the Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC) for a national awareness campaign. SIRC worked collaboratively with National Sport Organizations on an awareness and implementation campaign regarding the sport specific protocols for return-to-play after a concussion. As of June 2018, 42 of Canada's National Sport Organizations have in place sport concussion protocols harmonized with the Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport. Other National Sport Organizations are working toward adopting or updating their protocols. Parachute also developed concussion resources for schools, including a detailed Return-to-School Strategy and an accredited online concussion course for medical professionals.
The Government has also partnered with the private sector to launch two new projects in June 2018. The SCHOOLFirst project, led by Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, provides access to up-to-date information for teachers and school boards on concussion practices to support youth who are returning to school after experiencing a concussion. The Progress Activation and Concussion Education (PACE) mobile app helps people recognize, prevent and manage a concussion.
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10/31/2018,225,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Update and expand the Nutrition North program.,Minister of Health;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations;Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,"Actions taken, progress made",More affordable nutritious food for Canadians in the North.,"In Budget 2016, the Government increased funding to expand Nutrition North Canada to isolated northern communities. Nutrition North Canada helps alleviate the high cost of food in 121 isolated northern communities by providing a subsidy on perishable nutritious food. To date, the full benefits of Nutrition North Canada, including nutrition education funding, have been expanded to 37 additional isolated northern communities.
Under the oversight of the Nutrition North Canada Advisory Board, throughout 2016 the Government engaged with Northerners to collect feedback on how to best update the program. In response to the findings from the public engagement, the Nutrition North Canada Advisory Board published the Reflections on What We Heard Report, and hosted a stakeholder meeting with Indigenous organizations, northern retailers and airlines, provincial and territorial governments and other federal government departments in early May 2017. The purpose was to discuss the feedback received during the public engagement and the key areas where many different views as identified by the Advisory Board. Through facilitated group discussions, participants collaborated on ways the program can be more responsive to the needs of Northerners. An Indigenous Working Group was launched at this meeting, including national and regional Indigenous organizations, which was tasked with co-developing options to help Nutrition North Canada work better for Northerners. Co-development work is ongoing, under the oversight of the Advisory Board to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs.
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10/31/2018,226,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Develop a coordinated national action plan on post-traumatic stress disorder.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,"Actions taken, progress made",Canada's public safety officers have better access to support for post-traumatic stress.,"The Government is developing a national action plan on post-traumatic stress injuries which will be evidence-based and will align substantively with the findings of the Fifth Report of the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security, including an emphasis on coordinated research, early intervention, and support and treatment for public safety officers.
Budget 2018 proposed funding to support a new national research consortium between the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT) to address the incidence of post-traumatic stress injuries among public safety officers. The Government also proposed funding to increase support for the mental health needs of RCMP officers, and for Public Safety Canada to work with CIPSRT to develop an internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy pilot as a means of providing greater access to care and treatment for public safety officers.
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10/31/2018,227,15-Nov,Indigenous peoples,Co-develop an Indigenous Languages Act.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism,"Actions taken, progress made","An Indigenous Languages Act co-developed with the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Métis National Council (on behalf of the Métis Nation) that preserves, promotes, and revitalizes Indigenous languages in Canada, resulting in more people speaking Indigenous languages.","On December 6, 2016 the Prime Minister announced that the Government of Canada will enact an Indigenous Languages Act, co-developed with Indigenous peoples, with the goal of ensuring the preservation, promotion, and revitalization of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit languages in Canada. On June 15, 2017, Canadian Heritage, the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Métis Nation Council (on behalf of the Métis Nation) launched the co-development of Indigenous languages legislation and agreed on a collaborative engagement process. Early engagement concluded in February 2018, and intensive engagement has been undertaken by Canadian Heritage with the support of the three National Indigenous Organizations throughout summer 2018."
10/31/2018,228,15-Nov,Sustainable Infrastructure,Expand the network of shelters and transition houses for those fleeing domestic violence.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Indigenous Services;Minister of Status of Women,"Actions taken, progress made",More shelters available for those fleeing domestic violence.,"In Budget 2016, the Government made significant investments to repair and expand the number of shelters and transition houses for victims of family violence and ensure that no one fleeing domestic violence is left without a place to go. As of March 31, 2018, this funding has supported over 3,200 projects, to assist more than 5,800 households. In Budget 2016, the Government also provided greater funding to renovate, construct and better support shelters serving victims of family violence in First Nation communities. Five communities (in Ontario, Manitoba, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Quebec) have been identified for the construction of new shelters, and planning and construction activities have begun. All projects are anticipated to be completed by March 31, 2019, with two scheduled to become operational in fall 2018.
The National Housing Strategy will fund projects that support vulnerable Canadians, including homeless women and those fleeing domestic violence. Along with Budget 2016, this funding will support the construction and renewal of at least 7,000 shelter spaces as well as aim for 33% of all investments to support projects that specifically target women and girls."
10/31/2018,229,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Reduce complexity and strengthen partnerships between National Defence and Veterans Affairs.,Minister of Veterans Affairs;Minister of National Defence,"Actions taken, progress made","A simpler and easier to navigate process for delivering benefits and services to ensure members of Canada's Armed Forces (CAF), Veterans, and their families are well supported and properly prepared for civilian life.","The Government is developing a roadmap with key milestones outlining the delivery of a simpler and more streamlined transition process focused on clients. This new approach is intended to ease access to benefits and services for those who need them.
Desired outcomes include increased awareness and easier navigation of benefits and services; timely provision of benefits and services; recognition of service and a lifelong sense of belonging; continuity of health care; and career development support.
All of these efforts are aimed at providing CAF members, Veterans, and their families with a more successful transition to civilian life.
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10/31/2018,230,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Develop a suicide prevention strategy for Canadian Armed Forces personnel and Veterans.,Minister of National Defence;Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,More Veterans and men and women in the Canadian Armed Forces receive the mental health care they need and suicides are reduced.,"Canada's new defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—invests in the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces and delivers the standard of service and care that current and former members deserve. The new policy expands the number of Canada's military personnel and significantly invest in the health and welfare of those serving in uniform. As part of the policy, the Government is expanding the Department of National Defence Medical Service Branch by 200 personnel to ensure serving members have better access to efficient and effective care anywhere they serve, in Canada or abroad. In October 2017, the Government announced the implementation of a joint Canadian Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Suicide Prevention Strategy composed of 160 different initiatives, programs and services, including the hiring of additional mental health professionals focused on preventing suicide across the entire military and Veteran community. The effectiveness of clinical interventions, training, education and other supports and services will be studied to assess progress in preventing suicide."
10/31/2018,231,15-Nov,Safety and Security,Create a committee of Parliamentarians to review national security.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Completed - fully met,Parliamentarians have the information they need to ensure Canada's national security framework and activities are effective and protect rights and freedoms and Canadian values.,"The law establishing the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) has been brought into force, funding has been allocated, members have been appointed, a chair designated, and an Executive Director has been appointed. The new NSICOP is an important step towards increased accountability and transparency. The Committee's broad government-wide mandate to scrutinize any national security matter will help ensure the protection of the public and that the rights and freedoms of individual Canadians are upheld. The NSICOP can perform reviews of national security and intelligence activities, including ongoing operations, and strategic and systemic reviews of the legislative, regulatory, policy, expenditure and administrative frameworks under which these activities are conducted."
10/31/2018,232,15-Nov,Canada in the World,End Canada's combat mission in Iraq and Syria and refocus Canada's efforts on training and humanitarian support.,Minister of National Defence,Completed - fully met,"Canada ceased conducting fighter jet strikes in Iraq and Syria and adopted a more comprehensive approach with increased resources for stabilization, humanitarian assistance, and training.","Effective February 15, 2016, Canada ceased conducting strikes by CF-18 fighter jets on Daesh targets. On February 8, 2016, Canada announced an increased contribution to the training of Iraq Security Forces, as well as humanitarian and stabilization support. The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are contributing many capabilities to the multinational efforts to degrade and defeat Daesh, and up to 830 CAF personnel are assigned to Operation IMPACT, which has been extended until March 31, 2019."
10/31/2018,233,15-Nov,Canada in the World,Renew Canada's commitment to United Nations peace operations.,Minister of National Defence;Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made","Canadian efforts enhance peace and security, protect human rights, promote stability, and help those most in need around the world.","At the UN peacekeeping conference in Vancouver in November 2017, the Prime Minister unveiled the main elements of Canada’s new approach to peace support operations and announced five types of contributions Canada will make: the launch of the Vancouver Principles on Child Soldiers; the Elsie Initiative to develop innovative approaches to overcome barriers to women's meaningful participation in peace operations; new training support for the UN; the offer of high-end military capabilities for deployment - within a five-year timeframe; and the deployment of Canadian police. Since Vancouver, Canada has advanced work on the Vancouver Principles (which 67 countries have endorsed), the Elsie Initiative, and the pledges of military capabilities. Canada has hosted several high-level Elsie Initiative events to advance design and announce progress, such as on the margins of the Commission on the Status of Women (March 2018), and during UN General Assembly High-Level week (September 2018). A Contact Group of eleven countries has been created to advise Canada on the design and implementation of the Initiative, and to support advocacy efforts in the UN system and more broadly. In September 2018, Canada announced that as part of the Initiative: bilateral technical assistance and training partnerships will be established with Ghana Armed Forces and Zambia Police Service to identify and address the barriers to uniformed women’s meaningful participation in UN peace operations; the Canadian Armed Forces will undergo the same barrier assessment as Ghana and Zambia; support will be provided for the implementation of the Senegalese Armed Forces’ Gender Integration Strategy; and the UN and Canada will collaborate on the design of a fund to accelerate the deployment of trained and qualified women to UN peace operations. Canada has also provided $6.3 million in assistance to the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and select UN Missions to improve their ability to support and benefit from women’s increased participation in peace operations. As part of Canada’s return to peace operations, on March 19, 2018, the Government of Canada announced the deployment of an Air Task Force to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali for a period of 12 months.
The Air Task Force became fully operational on August 15, 2018 and is comprised of Chinook helicopters, to provide urgently needed aeromedical evacuation of UN troops, transport, and logistics capacity for the MINUSMA mission, as well as Griffon helicopters to provide armed escort, and military staff officers within the UN command. Moreover, on July 5, 2018, the Government announced the deployment of up to 20 police officers to Mali. In November 2017, Canada launched its second National Action Plan (NAP) for the Implementation of the UN Security Council Resolutions on Women, Peace and Security 2017-2022. A strategy was developed and implementation of the NAP is underway. Through this, Canada will take a leadership role to implement global objectives that will support the integration of the women, peace and security agenda in initiatives related to fragile and conflict-affected states. In March 2019, the Chief of the Defence Staff will assume, from the United Kingdom, the Chair of the Women, Peace and Security United Nations Chiefs of Defence ?Network during their conference in New York. Through its Peace and Stabilization Operations Program, Canada is providing over $100 million in Grants and Contributions to support UN activities in peace and security from 2016-2019. This supports peace operations, peace processes, mediation, human rights, accountability, conflict prevention and peace building activities world-wide."
10/31/2018,234,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Ensure that Employment Insurance (EI) contributions are only used to fund EI programs.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Finance",Completed - fully met,Improved sustainability of the Employment Insurance (EI) program to ensure the program is available to Canadians when they need it.,"The Government of Canada continues to make sure that EI contributions are only used to fund EI programs. In April 2016, the seven-year break-even rate setting mechanism came into force, ensuring that the EI Operating Account will be balanced over a seven-year horizon. The EI premium rate declined from $1.88 per $100 of insurable earnings in 2016 to $1.66 per $100 of insurable earnings in 2018, a period over which the Government has made significant enhancements to EI benefits and programs funded by the EI Operating Account.
On September 13, 2018, the Canada Employment Commission announced that the 2019 EI premium rate will decrease to $1.62 per $100 of insurable earnings, reflecting strong economic conditions and projections, as well as additional new supports for Canadian families. This will be the lowest EI premium rate since 1980, and for most Canadian workers, the lowest they have paid since entering the workforce."
10/31/2018,235,15-Nov,Indigenous peoples,Renew and improve the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made","Improved employment outcomes for participants accessing programs through the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS), and reduced employment gaps with non-Indigenous Canadians who use similar employment services.","Budget 2018 announced an investment of $2 billion over five years, and $408.2 million per year ongoing, to support the creation of the new Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISET) Program, which will replace the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS). This new program is based on extensive engagement held in 2016 and 2017 with ASETS holders, Indigenous communities and leadership, and other stakeholders to seek feedback on how the ASETS structure and policy could be redesigned and improved. The ISET Program also builds upon previous increased federal investment, whereby approximately 1,700 additional Indigenous Peoples were supported through the ASETS in 2016 compared to 2015. The Government also made investments to increase capacity of service providers to meet the growing demand from Indigenous Peoples for skills development and job training and provided an additional $50 million to ASETS in 2017. The Government is currently engaging with Indigenous partners on the co-development of the implementation of the ISET Program."
10/31/2018,236,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Provide a 12-month break on Employment Insurance (EI) premiums for firms that hire younger workers into permanent positions.,"Minister of Finance;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Not being pursued,See below,"Based on research conducted by the Department of Finance, it was determined that this was not the most effective or efficient way of spending public resources to create jobs for young people. Budgets 2016 and 2017 invested significantly in the Youth Employment Strategy, nearly doubling the Canada Summer Jobs program, which will help more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop the skills they need to find work, create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians and provide over 1,600 new employment opportunities for youth in the heritage sector. In addition, Budget 2016 announced the creation of an Expert Panel on Youth Employment to assess the barriers faced by vulnerable youth in finding and keeping jobs, and to examine innovative practices used by governments, non-governmental organizations and employers to improve job opportunities for vulnerable youth. Through Budget 2018, the Government is providing an additional $448.5 million over five years starting in 2018–19, for the Youth Employment Strategy. This funding extends commitments made in 2016 to nearly double the number of Canada Summer Jobs for summer 2019 with up to 70,000 opportunities for youth. In addition, this funding will provide resources to implement a modernized Youth Employment Strategy, building on the input of the Expert Panel on Youth Employment."
10/31/2018,237,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Provide more generous and flexible leave for caregivers.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Caregivers of critically ill or injured Canadians receive greater support.,"Effective December 3, 2017, the new Family Caregiver benefit for adults is available to help families care for a critically ill adult. This benefit allows eligible caregivers to take up to 15 weeks off work to care for or support an adult family member who is critically ill or injured. Eligible caregivers are family members or individuals that the critically ill or injured adult considers to be like family."
10/31/2018,238,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Develop a Social Innovation and Social Finance strategy.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development","Actions taken, progress made",A government-wide strategy is established that facilitates new and innovative ways of addressing Canada's biggest social challenges.,"The Government of Canada recognizes that new and innovative approaches are needed to tackle persistent and complex social issues. In June 2017, the Government launched the Social Innovation and Social Finance Steering Group. Through consultations and engagement activities, the Steering Group will seek perspectives of industry, sector and community leaders to co-create a Social Innovation and Social Finance Strategy. Previous findings from government consultations and engagement activities related to social innovation and social finance will help the Steering Group identify policy solutions for the Strategy."
10/31/2018,239,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Introduce the Canada Child Benefit (CCB).,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Finance",Completed - fully met,"A generous, better-targeted, tax-free monthly Canada Child Benefit (CCB) that gives nine out of ten Canadian families more money to help with the high cost of raising their children.","In Budget 2016, the Government introduced the new, tax-free, income-tested Canada Child Benefit (CCB). In its first year of implementation, over 3.3 million families received more than $23 billion in CCB payments. The CCB has helped lift an estimated 300,000 children out of poverty in Canada. In the October 2017 Fall Economic Statement, the Government announced that the CCB will be increased annually to keep pace with the rising cost of living as of July 2018, two years ahead of schedule. For the 2018-19 benefit year, the CCB provides a maximum annual benefit of $6,496 per child under age 6 and $5,481 per child age 6 through 17. In Budget 2018, the Government expanded outreach efforts to help Indigenous Peoples access the full range of federal social benefits, including the CCB."
10/31/2018,240,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Develop a National Early Learning and Child care Framework with the provinces and territories.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Status of Women",Completed - fully met,"More high-quality, affordable child care spaces.","The Government of Canada is supporting the creation of affordable, high-quality child care spaces for low and modest income families, with the goal of supporting up to 40,000 new subsidized child care spaces over the next three years. The Federal, Provincial and Territorial Governments reached a historic agreement on a Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care Framework on June 12, 2017. The Government has worked with each province and territory to enter into three-year bilateral agreements that will outline their unique early learning and child care needs to be addressed and the funding allocation for each jurisdiction. Bilateral agreements have now been signed with all jurisdictions.
In addition to bilateral agreements with other levels of government, the Government will also dedicate funding towards specific initiatives to support better outcomes for early learning and child care in Canada. Over the next 11 years, this includes:
• $100 million for early learning and child care innovation, which will support new and innovative practices across the country and help to develop more effective services to improve life outcomes for children and their families.
• $95 million to close data gaps in order to better understand what child care looks like in Canada, supporting strong reporting on progress made in implementing the Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care Framework and the Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework."
10/31/2018,241,15-Nov,Indigenous peoples,Establish a new fiscal relationship with First Nations communities and lift the 2% cap.,Minister of Finance;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations,"Actions taken, progress made",Increased support for Indigenous communities consistent with needs and population growth rather than a fixed 2% cap; co-developed approaches to reforming funding policies and accountability.,"By 2021-22, total federal government spending on Indigenous programs will increase from over $11 billion in 2015-16 to over $15 billion in 2021-22—an increase of 34% over six years. The Government of Canada has also committed to a new fiscal relationship that is sufficient, sustainable and predictable. The Government is advancing a renewed fiscal relationship through two parallel initiatives. The first is with the Assembly of First Nations, through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in July 2016. The first phase of this collaboration with the Assembly of First Nations produced a report, ""A New Approach: Co-development of a New Fiscal Relationship between Canada and First Nation,"" that was submitted to the National Chief and the Minister of Indigenous Services in December 2017. In response to the report, the Minister committed to work with First Nation partners to move ahead on a number of proposals, including: providing more funding flexibility and predictability to support self-determination with the creation of ten-year-grants for qualified First Nations, with the goal of providing them to 100 First Nations by April 1, 2019; replace the Default Prevention and Management Policy; and establish an advisory committee to support ongoing co-development. To better support First Nations communities, to support strong Indigenous institutions and to advance the new fiscal relationship with First Nations, Budget 2018 proposes to invest $188.6 million over five years, starting in 2018–19. In total, 252 expressions of interest were received from First Nations interested in the ten-year-grant; work has begun in assessing eligibility.
The second collaborative process on fiscal policy is focused on Self-Governing Indigenous groups. Since May 2016, the Government and Self-Governing Indigenous Governments have been engaged in the Collaborative Self-Government Fiscal Policy Development Process, to develop a new policy framework for the provision of federal financial support to self-government. A co-developed draft policy proposal was completed in December 2017 and was endorsed by the Government of Canada. Through Budget 2018, the Government committed $189.2 million in 2018–19 to begin the implementation of fiscal policy reforms that have been co-developed with self-governing Indigenous Peoples. This funding will support key priorities, including the closing of socio-economic gaps, infrastructure, data collection and governance."
10/31/2018,242,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Develop a National Disabilities Act.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility","Actions taken, progress made",Federal accessibility legislation that promotes equality of opportunity and increases inclusion and participation of Canadians who have disabilities or functional limitations.,"Building on the extensive nine-month, in-person and online consultation with Canadians, the Government of Canada tabled the *Accessible Canada Act* on June 20th, 2018. The *Accessible Canada Act* represents the most significant Government of Canada disability rights legislation in over 30 years and is a cornerstone of the Government of Canada’s plan to build a more inclusive Canada. The legislation will address, in a systematic way, the barriers that exist in areas of federal jurisdiction. It proposes to cover sectors such as banking, transportation, telecommunications, and Government of Canada departments and agencies. The Government of Canada is providing funding of approximately $290 million over six years that will further the objectives of the new legislation. "
10/31/2018,244,15-Nov,Sustainable Infrastructure,Ensure any unspent infrastructure funds are transferred to municipalities.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Finance,"Actions taken, progress made",Ensure infrastructure funding approved by Parliament does not lapse and is invested in municipal infrastructure projects.,"In March 2017, the Government of Canada transferred $30.2 million in potentially lapsing funding from a number of previously established funding programs to municipalities through the federal Gas Tax Fund (GTF).
The Government has also committed to transfer unused legacy funding to the GTF. For example, any funding under the Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component of the 2014 New Building Canada Fund not approved for projects by March 31, 2019 will be transferred to the GTF."
10/31/2018,245,15-Nov,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Develop a 10-year infrastructure plan, improve governance and promote better data collection and asset management.",Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Transport,"Actions taken, progress made","Agreements with all provinces and territories that improve public transit, roads and bridges; increase access to affordable housing and child care; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; improve access to clean water, and enhance resilience in the face of a changing climate.","Infrastructure plays a central role in building strong communities, creating jobs and growing the economy. Taking into account the investments made in Budgets 2016 and 2017, the Government has developed a 12-year plan that will invest over $180 billion across Canada in public transit, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, rural and northern communities' infrastructure, and trade and transportation infrastructure.
Infrastructure bilateral agreements have now been signed with all provinces and territories, including agreements to report on benefits to communities. As part of the Plan, the Government has also signed an agreement with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) to deliver an asset management program to support municipalities in making informed infrastructure investment decisions.
The Government partnered with Statistics Canada and other stakeholders to launch an ambitious data collection initiative on Canadian infrastructure – Canada’s Core Public Infrastructure Survey (CCPI), which officially launched in mid-2017. Through the survey, the Government will better track, collect, use and share data on Canadian infrastructure, including tracking comparable data on infrastructure usage and demand across jurisdictions and tracking the state and performance of public infrastructure across asset classes.
The Infrastructure Economic Accounts launched in September 2018. These measures will help governments maximize taxpayer dollars and report back to Canadians on outcomes achieved. In addition, the Minister of Transport announced the new Canadian Centre on Transportation Data and the new Transportation Data and Information Hub on April 13, 2018. Better information supports better governance and asset management, and data will also be collected that will be complementary to the CCPI."
10/31/2018,246,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,"Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency proactively contacts those who are entitled to, but are not receiving, tax benefits.",Minister of National Revenue,"Actions taken, progress made","More Canadians receive the tax benefits and credits to which they are entitled, including vulnerable Canadians and Indigenous people on-reserve.","The CRA undertook a new initiative in 2016-2017 to proactively contact 260,000 Canadians who were potentially eligible for tax benefits but were not receiving them and continued it in 2017- 2018. In October 2017, the Agency issued 300,000 letters with a positive message to promote filing and ensure that Canadians receive the benefits and credits to which they are entitled. As a result of these mailings, a total of 37,934 returns were filed and over $6.98 million in tax refund payments and $32.4 million in credits and benefits were paid to Canadians. A similar campaign is planned in 2018-2019.
The Government, through the Canada Revenue Agency and Service Canada, has proactively promoted the Canada child benefit (CCB) in Indigenous communities to make sure Indigenous families have full access to this important benefit. Between September 2016 and March 2018, in-person visits were conducted in over 637 First Nations communities in order to promote the CCB and other benefits. The Government will continue to work to improve these results across all federal benefit programs.
In August 2018, the Minister of National Revenue announced that the Agency will open three new northern service centres in Whitehorse, Yellowknife and Iqaluit to better support Canadians living in the North, including Indigenous communities. In addition to maintaining a physical presence throughout the year, the Agency will expand the activities of the Outreach Program, the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP), and the Liaison Officer service offered to businesses and self-employed individuals.
Through Budget 2018, the Government proposes to significantly increase the size of the CVITP, which would support more volunteers to help hundreds of thousands more individuals by doing their taxes to ensure access to benefits designed to help them. This expansion will include funding to support additional year-round benefit clinics and more outreach activities to vulnerable population segments including seniors, newcomers and refugees, persons with disabilities, modest-income Canadians, housing insecure individuals, youth, and Indigenous people."
10/31/2018,247,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) offers to complete returns for lower-income Canadians whose financial situation is unchanged year-to-year.,Minister of National Revenue,"Actions taken, progress made",Simpler process for low-income Canadians to file their taxes when their financial situation hasn't changed much.,"Budget 2018 provided additional funding to increase the number of individuals helped by the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP), which assists vulnerable Canadians with tax filing and access to the benefits they are entitled to. The budget funding also provides additional support to community organizations participating in CVITP to hold tax clinics year-round, and to conduct more outreach activities to vulnerable population segments including Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, seniors, newcomers and refugees, modest-income Canadians, housing-insecure individuals and youth. For the 2017 tax year, the Government increased community partnerships for the CVITP by 9%, and through this program, volunteers filed over 786,000 returns on behalf of Canadians.
In August 2018, the Minister of National Revenue announced details of a Northern Service Improvement Strategy. As part of the strategy, to better support Indigenous communities and Canadians living in the Territories, the CRA will expand the activities of the Outreach Program and the CVITP.
The CRA provides the File my Return service for Canadians with a low or a fixed income whose situations remain unchanged year-to-year. Eligible Canadians are able to file their income tax and benefit return by providing some personal information and answering a series of short questions through an automated phone service. Over 47,000 eligible individuals used the new service to file their 2017 tax return.
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10/31/2018,248,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency supports more Canadians who wish to file taxes using no paper forms.,Minister of National Revenue,"Actions taken, progress made","More Canadians file their taxes online; and filing online is simple, easy and convenient for all CRA administered programs.","In 2017-2018, 87.6% of the income tax filings occurred online. This is an increase of nearly 750,000 Canadians using this method over the prior tax year.
Canadians continue to increase their use of the CRA’s secure online portals. In 2017-2018, Canadians logged into these portals over 63 million times. The Government is currently redesigning CRA's secure portals to enable even more online interactions. Budget 2018 investments will allow the government to update and modernize information technology infrastructure to deliver a more user-friendly, client-centric experience, allowing Canadians to easily find the tax and benefit information they need in order to meet their filing commitments. Being client-centric means understanding clients’ needs, their behaviours and expectations and adapting to meet those needs.
The CRA continues to improve its other online services for individuals and their representatives. These include Auto-fill my return, Express Notice of Assessment, File my Return, and ReFile.
Auto-fill my return helps fill in parts of the individual Income Tax and Benefit Return T1 return with data already available to CRA, making filing online simpler and easier. Since the start of the 2018 tax filing season, the Auto-fill my return service was used over 9.9 million times.
The Express Notice of Assessment service, available in EFILE and NETFILE certified tax preparation software, makes the notice of assessment available right after filing a return. In the 2018 tax filing season, the total number of uses of this service was over 415,000.
File my Return is available for Canadians with a low or a fixed income whose situations remain unchanged year-to-year, allowing them to file their income tax and benefit return by providing some personal information and answering a series of short questions through an automated phone service. In the 2018 tax filing season, over 47,000 Canadians used this service.
The ReFILE service makes it possible for tax preparers to amend their clients' returns electronically. In February 2018, the ReFILE service was expanded to allow individuals to submit online adjustments with certified NETFILE software. During the 2018 tax filing season, ReFILE was used over 123,000 times.
The CRA also continues to improve online services for businesses. The Corporation Income Tax Return T2 Auto-fill service allows business owners and their authorized representatives to download information from the CRA to their certified Corporation Income Tax Return T2 tax preparation software. Since its introduction in October 2017 to August 2018, there have been 87,363 logins to this service.
All corporations filing their Corporation Income Tax Return T2 returns electronically using certified tax preparation software are able to digitally attach certain supporting documentation to their returns, instead of having to mail or fax them in. From the implementation of this service in the Fall of 2017 until the end of August 2018, the CRA has received 12,153 electronic documents attached to the corporation income tax returns.
In May 2018, the CRA introduced a new service that lets business owners and authorized representatives create their own filing and balance confirmation letters online. As of September 4, 2018, the CRA processed 28,389 automated requests for this letter. Since May 14, 2018, tax preparers can submit business authorization requests using EFILE. The information provided through the certified commercial tax software is validated and processed in real time, providing tax preparers immediate access to their client’s account.
In September 2018, the Minister of National Revenue announced the signing of a joint digital services collaboration plan between the CRA and Tax-Filer Empowerment Canada, an association of Canada’s leading tax preparation and software firms. The primary goal of this collaboration is to produce and promote innovative, secure, and convenient electronic tax filing services. "
10/31/2018,249,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency delivers correspondence and other communications that are straightforward and easy to read.,Minister of National Revenue,"Actions taken, progress made","Correspondence is simplified so that Canadians can better understand information they receive from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), leading to increased client satisfaction and fewer inquiries for routine information.","The Government of Canada has simplified the correspondence CRA sends Canadians, making it easier to read and understand, including new, simple, and easy-to-read notices of assessment for businesses and individuals first sent in 2016. As of May 2018, 92% of the correspondence the CRA sends to Canadians has been transformed in the new easy-to-read format. The CRA will have simplified virtually all correspondence by May 2019."
10/31/2018,250,17-Feb,Fair and Open Government,"Enhance transparency in the political fundraising system for Cabinet members, party leaders and leadership candidates.",Minister of Democratic Institutions,"Actions taken, progress made",A more transparent political fundraising system is in place that strengthens trust and confidence in our democratic institutions.,"In May 2017 the Government introduced legislation to significantly enhance transparency in the political fundraising system for Cabinet members, party leaders and leadership candidates. This legislation, which received Royal Assent in June 2018 and will come into force in December 2018, will give Canadians more information than ever before: they will know who is going to fundraisers, when and where they are happening, and the amount required to attend. "
10/31/2018,251,17-Feb,Strong Middle Class,Update the *Canada Labour Code* to address emerging issues such as unpaid internships and ensure modern federal employment standards.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made",Stronger protections and employment standards that better protect workers and reflect the changing nature of the labour market.,"Budget 2017 announced the Government's intention to eliminate unpaid internships in federally regulated sectors where internships are not part of a formal educational program. In the case of unpaid internships that are part of an educational program, the Government will ensure standard labour protections apply, such as maximum hours of work, weekly days of rest and general holidays. Legislation to implement these changes was tabled in Parliament on October 27, 2017, as part of the *Budget Implementation Act, 2017, No. 2* which received Royal Assent December 14, 2017.
The Government has also concluded consultations on proposed updates to the *Canada Labour Code* to ensure that Canadians enjoy strong labour protections and standards, and is committed to taking action to update federal labour standards."
10/31/2018,252,17-Feb,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Increase the labour force participation of women and underrepresented groups.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made","Improved labour market participation and employment outcomes for groups traditionally under-represented in the labour market (women, youth, immigrants, persons with disabilities, racialized communities, and Indigenous peoples).","The Government has introduced several initiatives to help Canadians with the challenges they face when making decisions about pursuing work or going back to school. These initiatives will increase the number of high-quality, affordable child care spaces (up to 40,000 over the next three years), introduce flexible work arrangements, make parental leave more flexible, and expand opportunities for lifelong learning. These initiatives are expected to increase labour force participation among several under-represented groups, particularly mothers in low- and modest-income families. In addition, the Government has increased the number of work experience opportunities for young Canadians through the Youth Employment Strategy, and has also expanded access to job supports and skills training for all Canadians, with a particular focus on the needs of Indigenous Peoples and other under-represented groups. Budget 2018 proposed a new Employment Insurance Parental Sharing Benefit which will support greater gender equality in the home and in the workplace. The Benefit will provide additional weeks of “use it or lose it” EI parental benefits, when both parents agree to share parental leave. The creation of the new Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program, the introduction of a loans program and employment supports for newcomers and the introduction of a federal accessibility act will further support the unique needs of Indigenous Peoples, newcomers and persons with disabilities. To support women to enter and succeed in the trades, Budget 2018 proposed to pilot an Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women and implement a Women in Construction Fund."
10/31/2018,253,17-Feb,Strong Middle Class,"Develop further initiatives to equip Canadians with the skills needed for the jobs of today and tomorrow, and to better assist workers getting help before becoming unemployed.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made",Canadian workers have the skills they need to find and keep good quality jobs.,"The Government of Canada is working with employers, unions, provinces, territories and educational institutions to ensure that Canadians are equipped to adapt to rapidly changing skills requirements and make successful job transitions. There is a particular focus throughout the suite of government investments in training, education and work experiences on addressing the skills needs of those at risk of being left furthest behind, such as Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, newcomers and vulnerable youth.
To ensure Canadian workers have the skills they need to find and keep good quality jobs, the Government is significantly increasing investment in labour market transfer agreements with provinces and territories and expanding their inclusiveness and scope to improve workers' access to skills training and job supports. The Federal Government is also making post-secondary education more affordable for low- and modest income families, increasing opportunities for graduates to gain work-ready skills for smoother school-to-work transitions and improving access to opportunities for adult upskilling and lifelong learning. The Government is also enhancing supports for skilled trades and apprenticeships, with an increasing focus on women and groups that have traditionally been underrepresented in the labour market.
To ensure skills training is relevant to the jobs of today and tomorrow, in Budget 2018 the Government announced that it will launch Future Skills. Future Skills will bring together expertise from all sectors and leverage experience from partners across the country. It will also include an independent Council to advise on emerging skills and workforce trends, and a research lab focused on developing, testing and rigorously measuring new approaches to skills assessment and development.
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10/31/2018,254,17-Feb,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Introduce proactive pay equity legislation for federally-regulated workers.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Status of Women","Actions taken, progress made","Equal pay for work of equal value in federally regulated sectors. Proactive pay equity is expected to contribute to:
• reducing the gender wage gap by addressing the undervaluation of work traditionally performed by women; and
• fairness in the workplace.","On October 29, 2018, the Government introduced new pay equity legislation, delivering on the commitment to replace the current complaint-based approach to pay equity in federal jurisdiction with a proactive system. The new Pay Equity Act will bring about a dramatic shift in how the right to pay equity is protected in federally regulated workplaces. It will direct employers to take proactive steps to ensure that they are providing equal pay for work of equal value."
10/31/2018,255,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Restore a fair and balanced approach to organized labour.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility",Completed - fully met,A fair and balanced labour policy.,"In June 2017, Parliament repealed measures enacted by two pieces of legislation which would have undermined the ability of workers to collectively bargain. This action was supported by both employers and unions, in recognition of the need by all parties for a policy framework that is governed by the principles of fairness and balance."
10/31/2018,256,17-Feb,Healthy Canadians,Implement Canada's ban on asbestos.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,Canada comprehensively bans asbestos.,"In December 2016, the Government announced a set of comprehensive measures to ban asbestos and products containing asbestos by 2018. In July 2017, the Government brought into force changes to the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations to lower the exposure limit to as close to zero as possible for airborne chrysotile asbestos. These changes will protect federally regulated employees at risk."
10/31/2018,257,17-Feb,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Reduce the wage gap between men and women.,"Minister of Status of Women;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made",Fair compensation systems in organizations under federal jurisdiction and a more flexible work environment to reduce the pay gap between women and men.,"Proactive pay equity is expected to contribute to fairness in the workplace by reducing the gender wage gap in federally regulated workplaces by addressing the undervaluation of work traditionally performed by women.
In its response to the Special Committee on Pay Equity report titled It’s Time to Act, the Government of Canada made a commitment to table new, proactive pay equity legislation in federally regulated sectors before the end of 2018, and did so on October 29, 2018. According to preliminary estimates, this legislation could improve the gender wage gap from 91.4 cents to 94.1 cents for the core public administration, and from 88.1 cents to 90.7 cents in the federal private sector. In addition, new pay transparency requirements in the federally-regulated sector will provide more information on the pay practices of employers, with specific attention paid to making existing wage gaps more evident.
Other measures underway to reduce the gender wage gap and encourage greater workforce participation among women include investments in early learning and child care, a new Employment Insurance caregiving benefit, a major symposium on women and the workplace, the right to request flexible work arrangements for federally regulated employees and the piloting of a new Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women.
In addition, a number of measures support the creation of more work-integrated learning opportunities, and seek to attract more women to Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) and business programs as well as entrepreneurship. These include expanded eligibility for Canada Student Grants for part-time students and students with dependent children, co-ops for post-secondary students, a new Student Work-Integrated Learning Program, and the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy.
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10/31/2018,259,17-Feb,Canada in the World,"Continue joint efforts to address global security threats, combat terrorism and defend our continent.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Canada is protected from global threats and contributes to achieving a safer, more peaceful and prosperous world.","Canada's new defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—supports the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces and provides them with the necessary equipment and capabilities to defend Canada, protect North America and contribute to international peace and security. Canada is a core member of the Global Coalition Against Daesh and has taken a leadership role in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization by serving as the Framework Nation for the enhanced Forward Presence in Latvia. Canada remains committed to the North American Aerospace Defence Command, which has proven itself effective in its roles of deterring, detecting and defending; and continues to play an important role in the defence of North America. Canada also collaborates closely with the U.S. and others to support international measures to advance a diplomatic solution to the North Korea threat, including by providing $3.25 million in funding through Global Affairs Canada’s WMD Threat Reduction Program to the U.S. State Department's Cooperative Threat Reduction Office to build capacity in key states to fully implement UN Security Council (UNSC) sanctions and halt proliferation financing activities. Canada is also working with international research institutions to use open-source information to investigate North Korea's weapons of mass destruction production capacity and to gather intelligence on North Korea may be evading international sanctions and to match capacity-building projects to the priorities of donor countries. Furthermore, in May 2018, a Canadian maritime surveillance aircraft participated in a multinational initiative to counter North Korea's maritime sanctions evasion, with a particular focus on ship-to-ship transfers in defiance of UNSC resolutions. As 2018 Chair of the G7-led Global Partnership (GP) Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction, Canada is focusing collective efforts of the GP's 31 member countries on priority chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats, and developing and implementing a range of specific measures and initiatives to mitigate them. From October 17-19, 2018 Canada hosted the second Global Partnership Working Group (GPWG) meeting under the Canadian G7 Presidency, with representatives from 18 countries, 14 international organizations, and 9 NGOs in attendance. Canada was recently confirmed as co-chair (with Algeria) of the West Africa Working Group of the Global Counterterrorism Forum. In Latin America, Canada is continuing to support Colombia’s efforts towards the implementation of the peace process following the signature of the 2016 peace accord with the FARC and their transition to a political party. In Haiti, Canada is supporting, including through the deployment of Canadian police and correctional agents, the UN mission for Justice Support, launched in October 2017 and focused on assisting the Haitian government in strengthening rule of law institutions, further supporting and developing the Haitian National Police, and engaging in human rights monitoring, reporting and analysis. A theme of Canada’s 2018 G7 presidency is “building a more peaceful and secure world,” driving discussion and collective efforts among G7 partners to support a rules-based international order built around the core principles of democracy, human rights, the rule of law and territorial integrity. In addition to cooperating closely to address crises in multiple regions, at a joint meeting of G7 foreign and security ministers on April 23, 2018, Canada and its G7 partners have specifically committed to working together to manage the risks associated with foreign terrorist fighters and associated travellers, as well as to reinforce democracies and strengthen societies’ resilience against foreign actors seeking to undermine democratic institutions and processes through coercive, corrupt, covert or malicious means.
Canada is committed to addressing international peace and security concerns, gross violations of human rights, and significant corruption around the world, including through the use of autonomous sanctions. To that end, Canada has imposed targeted sanctions under the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (JVCFOA) and the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA) against countries such as Russia, Iran, Venezuela, North Korea, and Myanmar, as well as individuals from countries around the world. In May 2018, Canada increased its contribution to the UN Command on the Korean Peninsula, including the appointment of Deputy Commander, LGen. Wayne Eyre, the first non-U.S. General Officer to hold the post in its 68-year existence.
At the G7 Summit, leaders committed to take concerted action in responding to foreign actors who seek to undermine G7 democratic societies and institutions, electoral processes, sovereignty and security. The Charlevoix Commitment on Defending Democracy from Foreign Threats plans to develop the G7 Rapid Response Mechanism to strengthen G7 coordination to identify and respond to diverse and evolving threats to democracies.
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10/31/2018,260,17-Feb,Environment and Climate Change,Cooperate with the United States on energy security and energy infrastructure.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made",Canada and the United States benefit from a secure and effective cross-border energy infrastructure.,"Collaboration on energy security and infrastructure was included in the February 13, 2017 Joint Statement from the President of the United States and the Prime Minister. Canada continues to support several major cross-border energy infrastructure projects, including: Keystone XL, Line 67, Northern Pass, New England Clean Power Link, and Great Northern Transmission Line. All projects are at different stages of review, investment, or approval. The U.S. State Department has issued presidential permits for the construction of these projects. A North American Energy Ministerial meeting took place in November 2017, and identified further areas for North American collaboration, including the security, resiliency and reliability of shared energy systems; promoting energy trade and economic development; and developing and diversifying energy resources in a responsible manner. "
10/31/2018,261,17-Feb,Environment and Climate Change,Advance shared action with the United States on environmental issues and climate change.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made",Canada-U.S. collaboration leads to a cleaner shared environment and clean energy innovation.,"Canada and the United States issued a joint statement in February 2017 confirming both countries' commitment to collaborate closely in energy innovation, especially in the clean energy sphere; in environmental cooperation, particularly along the border and at the Great Lakes; and to enhance the quality of air and water. The status of the North American Climate, Clean Energy and Environment Partnership signed in June 2016 with the previous U.S. Administration is uncertain; however, Canada remains committed to implementing its commitments. Currently, Canada's focus has shifted from federal to state level in the U.S. In November 2017, Canada, Mexico and the state-driven U.S. Climate Alliance (a bipartisan coalition of 17 U.S. Governor launched the North American Climate Leadership Dialogue to address clean technology, clean power and carbon pricing initiatives. Canada continues to advance these priorities, in the context of the Global Climate Action Summit hosted by California in September 2018. "
10/31/2018,262,17-Feb,Exports and Investment,Strengthen trilateral cooperation with the United States and Mexico to enhance North America's global competitiveness.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",North America is strong and competitive in global markets.,"The Government continues to actively engage Mexico and the United States in order to advance issues of common interest. On September 30, 2018, the Government completed negotiations toward a United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) that includes a new chapter that will establish a committee on competitiveness dedicated to undertaking trilateral cooperative activities to advance North American competitiveness. In addition to trade, North American cooperation continues in key areas such as energy, security, and defence. On February 2, 2018, a North American Foreign Ministers Meeting took place in Mexico City, where the three foreign ministers discussed a range of topics including North American regional competitiveness that touched on the original NAFTA, energy cooperation, and women’s entrepreneurship."
10/31/2018,263,17-Feb,Canada in the World,"Strengthen relationships with key bilateral, regional and multilateral partners.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made",Canadian interests and values are promoted through enhanced cooperation with key international partners.,"Canada continues to constructively contribute to multilateral fora to advance its foreign policy priorities, including at the United Nations; the African Union; the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe; the Commonwealth; the International Organization of La Francophonie; the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation; the Association of Southeast Asian Nations; the Pacific Alliance; the International Syria Support Group; the Lima Group on Venezuela; the Organization of American States; the World Economic Forum, the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the World Trade Organization, and the World Health Organisation. The Government signed and provisionally applied the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and the Strategic Partnership Agreement with the European Union, signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Trade Partnership and the United States, Mexico and Canada Agreement, and is negotiating a free trade agreement with MERCOSUR (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay), and the Pacific Alliance. The Government has also strengthened relationships with key bilateral, regional and multilateral partners in the Asia Pacific, Europe, Eastern Europe and Eurasia, Latin America and the Caribbean, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and the Maghreb through high-level engagements, including 320 visits by the Prime Minister and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Development. Canada and France signed the Canada-France Statement on Artificial Intelligence, which calls for the creation of an international study group on artificial intelligence made up of experts from government, industry, and civil society, and which will be mandated to become the global reference on issues related to artificial intelligence.
At the G7 Summit in Charlevoix, Québec, Leaders resolved to work together in creating a healthy, prosperous, sustainable and fair future for all. Leaders agreed to a joint communiqué which included the seven Charlevoix Commitments. Canada, along with France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, further endorsed a charter on oceans plastics. Canada welcomed several world leaders and heads of international organizations to the G7 Summit to take part in a special outreach session, which focused on healthy oceans and resilient coastal communities. At the Foreign Ministers' meeting in April 2018 G7 Foreign and Security Ministers agreed to strengthen cooperation and share information, including on defending democracy and on managing risks associated with foreign terrorist fighters and associated travellers. Canada has expanded its networks and relationships with international coalitions and forums such as the Freedom Online Coalition; the Internet Governance Forum; the Inter Parliamentary Union, Women Political Leaders Global Forum, and the Community of Democracies. Canada and the EU also co-chaired a meeting of women foreign ministers in Canada on September 21-22, 2018, which provided an opportunity to harness the perspectives of women foreign ministers in addressing the challenges facing global relations today, particularly with respect to advancing gender equality. Canada is working with France, who holds the G7 Presidency in 2019, to ensure continuity between presidencies.
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10/31/2018,264,17-Feb,Canada in the World,Seek leadership opportunities for Canada and Canadians in multilateral institutions.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made",Canada and Canadians play a leading role in international organizations.,"Canada is currently seeking a non-permanent seat on the United Nations (UN) Security Council for 2020-2021 and is leading one of the four North Atlantic Treaty Organization multinational enhanced Forward Presence battlegroups in Eastern Europe. An Action Plan for international staffing will ensure that more Canadians secure positions of influence in multilateral institutions. Several Canadians have recently been appointed to senior positons in the UN. Canadian Kim Prost was elected to a nine-year term as a judge on the International Criminal Court in December 2017. Canada holds the G7 presidency and hosted G7 partners in Canada for a series of ministerial meetings throughout 2018, in addition to the Leaders' Summit in Charlevoix, Quebec, on June 8-9, 2018.
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10/31/2018,265,17-Feb,Canada in the World,"Ensure that the deployment of the Armed Forces aligns with Canada's interests, our commitments and the government's policy.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made",The deployment of the Canadian Armed Forces contributes to the achievement of Canada's broader international priorities.,"The Department of National Defence and Global Affairs Canada established a bi-weekly coordination mechanism to ensure greater policy coherence. The Government has also introduced new planning and policy development arrangements to ensure that analysis of military deployments include foreign policy considerations and reflect broader government objectives. Approximately 1,800 Canadian Armed Forces personnel are currently deployed on 18 missions supporting Canada's international priorities. In November 2019, Canada will assume command of the NATO Mission in Iraq for one year and will deploy 250 troops in support of that effort. "
10/31/2018,270,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Introduce restrictions on the commercial marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children.,Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made",Commercial marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children is significantly reduced leading to better health outcomes for Canadian children.,"Bill S-228 passed third reading in the House of Commons on September 19th and has been sent to the Senate to be considered in its amended form. The Bill aims to protect children's health by prohibiting the marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children. Health Canada is developing regulations to implement the proposed restrictions under Bill S-228. A policy update on Proposed Regulations was posted on May 8, 2018, on Canada.ca."
10/31/2018,271,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Bring in tougher regulations to eliminate trans fats and reduce salt in processed foods.,Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made","Industrially produced trans fats are eliminated from food products; the food and restaurant industries systematically reduce sodium levels in the food supply; and consumers are better able to identify foods high in sodium, sugar and saturated fat, resulting in improved public health.","The Government launched the Healthy Eating Strategy in October 2016. As part of this Strategy, a ban on partially hydrogenated oils, the main source of industrial trans fat, was published in September 2017 and took effect in September 2018. In addition, following the publication in January 2018 of a report evaluating industry's efforts to reduce sodium levels in foods, Health Canada published a report in July 2018 showing that most Canadians, particularly children, teens and males, are still consuming too much sodium.
On February 10, 2018, Health Canada pre-published proposed regulations that would require a symbol on the front of packaged foods that are high in sodium, sugars, and/or saturated fat in Canada Gazette, Part I. This initiative would support sodium reduction by providing consumers with quick and easy guidance to identify foods high in sodium and encouraging manufacturers to lower the sodium content of their foods. In addition, Health Canada completed an online consumer questionnaire and consumer research to help inform the design of the final symbol. The Government will continue to work with stakeholders to identify additional ways to further reduce sodium in foods. "
10/31/2018,272,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Improve food labels to give more information on added sugars and artificial dyes.,Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made","Canadians have the information, tools and resources to make healthy food choices, improving health outcomes.","The Government launched the Healthy Eating Strategy in October 2016, with the goal of making ""the healthy choice the easy choice."" As part of this Strategy, regulatory amendments were published in December 2016 updating the requirements for nutrition information on food labels, making them easier to understand. This includes making serving sizes more consistent, new information on how to use the Percentage Daily Value, and more information on sugars and food colors in the Nutrition Facts table and list of ingredients. The Front of Package labelling proposal will complement these changes by identifying prepackaged foods that contain high amounts of sodium, sugars and/or saturated fat."
10/31/2018,273,17-Feb,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Implement Canada's new immigration levels plans.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship","Actions taken, progress made","310,000 permanent residents are admitted to Canada in 2018, contributing to economic growth, family reunification and the Government's humanitarian commitments. Canada enjoys increased economic competitiveness through the attraction of global talent.","On October 31, the Government tabled the 2019-2021 multi-year immigration levels plan. The new plan maintains the three-year timeframe introduced in fall 2017, validates the target for 2019 (330,800), and sets admissions targets of 341,000 and 350,000 in 2020 and 2021 respectively. The plan will increase the number of permanent residents selected in economic programs, while maintaining a commitment to family reunification and resettlement of refugees. The Government is reducing application backlogs, improving the speed at which applications are processed and putting a greater focus on the attraction of highly skilled global talent."
10/31/2018,274,17-Feb,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Ensure the delivery of high-quality settlement services for newcomers, informed by rigorous outcomes data.","Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship","Actions taken, progress made","Improved, high-quality settlement services for newcomers to Canada, leading to improved outcomes for immigrants and their children.","The Government is helping immigrants better prepare for a new life in Canada. By the end of the Government’s current mandate, several enhancements will be in place including a finalized shared national vision with provinces and stakeholders; co-planning with the provinces and territories to better support client needs; and the completion of Federal-Provincial-Territorial Memorandums of Understanding to strengthen collaboration. Investments will be focused on outcomes and informed by evaluation findings and pilot projects results. Given demonstrated results, programming that combines workplace experience with language training will be increased. Increased data and analytical capacity will ensure that the Settlement Program is responsive and effective at meeting the needs of clients and the communities which welcome them."
10/31/2018,275,17-Feb,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Continue to welcome refugees from Syria and elsewhere.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship","Actions taken, progress made","The Government continues to welcome refugees from countries around the world and offer persons fleeing conflict and/or persecution a safe haven. Between January 2015 and August 31, 2018, approximately 58,000 Syrian refugees, and over 110,000 refugees in total, have been resettled to Canada.","Refugees welcomed to Canada include resettled persons from the Congo, Eritrea, and survivors of Daesh and their families, including Yazidi refugees. The commitment to resettle 1,200 survivors of Daesh has been surpassed as Canada has welcomed more than 1,400 survivors. Canada is also working to resettle up to 100 White Helmet volunteers and their families to Canada. The 2019 immigration levels plan increases the target of welcoming refugees and protected persons to Canada from 43,000 to 46,450. This figure remains among the highest in Canadian history, and double the number of refugees that were welcomed in 2015 and preceding years. Budget 2018 also committed to resettling an additional 1,000 vulnerable women and girls from various conflict zones around the world, further strengthening the growth in annual refugee resettlement."
10/31/2018,276,17-Feb,Canada in the World,Conduct a review of the visa policy framework.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship","Actions taken, progress made","An evidence-based visa policy framework that promotes Canada’s economic, foreign policy and cultural interests at the same time as protecting the safety and security of all Canadians.","The Government has initiated a review of Canada's visa policy framework to ensure it uses a robust, evidence-based approach when making visa decisions. The Government is also reviewing policies for managing foreign nationals transiting through Canadian airports to increase Canada's air connections with the rest of the world while prioritizing the security of Canadians. "
10/31/2018,277,17-Feb,Indigenous peoples,Make changes to the Oath of Canadian Citizenship to reflect the Truth and Reconciliation's Calls to Action.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship","Actions taken, progress made","Updated Oath of Canadian Citizenship, Citizenship Study Guide and Knowledge Test that reflect Canadian and Indigenous history.","The Government of Canada is currently working with national Indigenous organizations to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's recommendations to incorporate recognition of treaties with Indigenous peoples into the Oath of Canadian Citizenship, the citizenship study guide and knowledge test to reflect a more inclusive history of Indigenous peoples, and their rights. The Government will bring forward legislation to modify the Oath. Changes to the citizenship guide are currently being drafted, and these changes will be reflected in a revised citizenship knowledge test."
10/31/2018,278,17-Feb,Exports and Investment,Advance Canada's progressive trade agenda.,Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Canadian workers are protected from unfair trade practices, trade agreements maintain or improve Canadian levels of protection in key areas like employment and the environment, and Canada advances the rules-based international order and trading system.","Canada's progressive trade agenda seeks to ensure Canada's trading partners meet their international labour obligations, and enforce their labour laws. The agenda also seeks to ensure that levels of environmental protection are upheld and that a country’s environmental laws are enforced in the context of trade and investment liberalization. The modernized Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA) includes a Trade and Gender Chapter, a first for Canada and any G20 country, as does the recently modernized Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement, demonstrating Canada’s continued commitment to furthering gender equality and women’s participation in international trade. The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) includes provisions on protecting the environment, health and safety, and employment standards. The Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (CPTPP) includes robust labour and environment chapters that are subject to the Agreement's enforceable dispute settlement. As part of the agenda, the government continues to advocate for stronger provisions on the environment and labour, as well as on Trade and Gender, Indigenous peoples, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and the right to regulate in public interest.
The Government will continue to develop and advance inclusive approaches to trade through bilateral and multilateral engagement and play a leadership role in international fora. Canada's implementation of International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 98 which entered into force on in June 14 2018 and which affirms the fundamental right to collectively bargaining, is one example of this approach. Canada has now ratified all eight of the ILO Core conventions. Also, in December, 2017, Canada played a leadership role in advancing the WTO Buenos Aires Declaration on Women and Trade, endorsed by over 120 WTO members and observers. Declarations on Progressive Trade were signed in the context of the Foreign Investment Protection Agreements (FIPAs) with Kosovo in March 2018 and Moldova in June 2018. In support of Canada's commitment to the rules-based order, in October 2018, Canada hosted 12 WTO member countries at the Ottawa Ministerial on WTO Reform, with the view to identify possible concrete actions to enhance and improve the WTO over the short, medium and long term."
10/31/2018,279,17-Feb,Exports and Investment,Promote trade and investment with established markets such as Japan.,Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made","Increased two-way trade and investment with Japan, supporting well-paying, middle-class jobs.","The Government is promoting Canada-Japan trade through multilateral engagement with provinces, territories and municipalities. Visits by the Prime Minister, key ministers, and provincial premiers have showcased trade and investment potential in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, agriculture, life sciences and clean tech. Between April 2016 and March 2017, Canadian offices in Japan facilitated more than $850 million in Japanese investment stock in Canada, creating more than 450 jobs. Canada is working closely with Japan to explore ways to further deepen the bilateral trade and investment relationship including building on the recently signed Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). On October 25, 2018, the CPTPP implementing legislation (Bill C-79) received Royal Assent, and the Government is working hard to ensure Canada is among the first group of countries to bring the agreement into force. "
10/31/2018,280,17-Feb,Exports and Investment,Position Canada as a top destination for global investment and promote its economic brand.,Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made","Canada ranks among the top developed economies in global rankings of investment competitiveness, attractiveness and brand.","The Government is encouraging global investment and promoting Canada through the creation of the Invest in Canada Agency; the expansion of the Trade Commissioner Service, to increase Canadian presence in strategic markets abroad; and the acceleration of changes to the Investment Canada Act. The changes to the Act will lead to greater transparency of the guidelines used for national security reviews, and increase the threshold for review under the Act to transactions of $1 billion or greater as of 2017. The Government is also developing a comprehensive Progressive Trade Strategy which will bring forward additional measures to enhance business opportunities for Canadian businesses consistent with innovation, investment and job growth goals. Recent global surveys continue to rank Canada as a top place to do business. For example, the Economist Intelligence Unit has ranked Canada first in the G20 for doing business over 2017-2021; KPMG has ranked Canada as the most tax competitive country in the G7 with the lowest overall business costs in the G7; the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) shows that Canada leads the G20 in research and development (R&D) spending in higher education as share of GDP with the best tax incentives in the G7 and the most educated talent pool among member nations. Canada moved up three places to second in the 2018 A.T. Kearney Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Index to its highest ranking in the history of the Index. Thomson Reuters' investment in a new technology hub, General Motors' announcement of new manufacturing capacity, NOVA Chemicals (Mubadala) expansion of a new world-scale polyethylene plant in Sarnia, ON, Erwin Hymer’s new manufacturing facility in Cambridge, ON, Tech Mahindra's new centre of excellence in Toronto, ON, and Amazon’s 3,000 job expansion in Vancouver, Coca-Cola's new dairy production facility in Peterborough, ON, and Groupe Bel's new cheese factory in Sorel-Tracy, QC, Samsung's new AI centre in Montréal, and LG's new AI centre in Toronto are just a few examples of successes to date. Overall, the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) facilitated 101 investment projects to Canada with an estimated value of $2.25 billion and 2,979 jobs created between April 2016 and March 2017. In addition, the TCS facilitated 159 investor visits to Canada to pursue specific investment projects. Between April 2017 and March 2018, TCS reported 138 wins representing approximately $3.65 billion and over 7,600 new jobs and facilitated 184 site selection visits. Between April 2018 and October 2018, TCS reported 49 wins representing approximately $1.27 billion and over 5,840 new jobs and facilitated 61 site selection visits."
10/31/2018,281,17-Feb,Exports and Investment,Ensure alignment between Canada's export and innovation strategies.,Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made","More Canadian businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, export their products and services.","The Government launched a new Innovation and Skills Plan to: retrain Canadians for the jobs of today and tomorrow; drive investments in six high-growth sectors of the Canadian economy; and to make it easier for businesses and innovators to access the support they need. The Government will ensure that the upcoming Trade and Investment Strategy and the Innovation and Skills Plan will be aligned to: focus on free trade agreement promotion, support exporters and grow global firms by Canadian innovators and entrepreneurs, strengthen investment attraction, and support a progressive trade policy agenda."
10/31/2018,282,15-Nov,Exports and Investment,Implement and expand Canada's Free Trade Agreements globally.,Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Free Trade Agreements increase trade and investment, creating good middle-class jobs.","The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) entered into provisional application in September 2017 and has thus far been ratified at the national level by eleven EU Member States. The Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement entered into force in August 2017. On October 25, 2018, the implementing legislation (Bill C-79) for the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) received Royal Assent, and the Government is working hard to ensure that Canada is among the first group of countries to bring the agreement into force. On September 30, 2018, the Government completed negotiations toward a United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Canada is also negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Pacific Alliance (Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, Uruguay), with the latest round having taken place in October 2018 and the next round scheduled in November 2018. In addition, Canada continues to engage China and ASEAN on expanding bilateral trade and investment and is working with India to intensify negotiations on a Canada-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement. Canada continues to work closely with Israel to modernize the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement (CIFTA). Canada and Israel signed the modernized agreement on May 28, 2018 and the bill to implement the modernized CIFTA was introduced in Parliament on October 23, 2018. The amended Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA), including a chapter on trade and gender, was ratified by Parliament on December 7, 2017. Chile is expected to ratify soon. Canada and MERCOSUR launched FTA negotiations on March 9, 2018. The third round was held September 17-22, 2018, in Ottawa."
10/31/2018,283,17-Feb,Strong Middle Class,"Improve Canadian competiveness, create jobs and generate economic growth.",Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",Trade and investment boosts Canadian economic growth.,"Canadian goods and services exports reached $181.7 billion in Q2, 2018, up 5.1% compared to the same period a year earlier. The unemployment rate was 5.8% as of July 2018, down from 6.3% the same month a year earlier. There were 18.7 million Canadians employed as of July 2018, up nearly 246 thousand from the same month a year earlier. GDP in Q2, 2018 is up by 2.9%.
The Government launched a new Innovation and Skills Plan, an ambitious agenda to make Canada a centre of innovation, create well-paying, middle class jobs, and help more Canadians adapt to the changing economy. This plan will expand opportunities for skills training, drive investments in six high-growth sectors of the Canadian economy, and make it easier for businesses and innovators to access the support they need. Budget 2018 provides funding to for programs such as the Canadian Technology Accelerator (CTA) program and the Business Women in Trade; creates the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise; and allocates resources to develop bilateral relations with China and promote trade between Canada, China and Asia. With the $50 million of investment over five years announced in June 2018, the Government will help Canadian companies to be more competitive by diversifying their markets, and working in partnership with business associations, this will include new ""export readiness"" grants through programs such as CanExport and Global Opportunities for Associations among others.
The Government continues to take concrete steps to improve Canadian competitiveness and generate long-term economic growth."
10/31/2018,285,15-Nov,Canada in the World,Maintain Canada's strong commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).,Minister of National Defence,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) remains strong and Canada is a trusted partner in the alliance.,"Canada has substantially increased its commitment to NATO.
Canada will continue its contribution to NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) through Operation REASSURANCE until March 2023. It will also continue to lead NATO’s eFP Battlegroup Latvia as the Framework Nation, and will increase the number of Canadian Armed Forces personnel deployed to Latvia from 455 to 540. Canada’s contribution to NATO under Op REASSURANCE will continue to include air surveillance, air policing, training, and maritime operations.
Further, Canada will assume command of the new NATO Mission in Iraq, focused on training and capacity building of Iraqi Security Forces. This will include the deployment of up to 250 Canadian Armed Forces personnel and assets. Canada has committed to command the mission for the first year, beginning in the fall of 2018.
Canada also participated in NATO activities, programs, and decision-making, including the 2018 Brussels Heads of State and Government Summit. Outside the NATO context, but in close coordination with NATO Allies, Canada has continued its support to Ukraine, including renewal of the mandate for Operation UNIFIER (a military training and capacity building mission), until March 31, 2019, as well as filling senior positions in the NATO Liaison Office in Ukraine."
10/31/2018,286,15-Nov,Safety and Security,Increase the size of the Canadian Rangers.,Minister of National Defence,"Actions taken, progress made","The Canadian Rangers have the numbers, equipment and training needed to do their job properly.","The Government is in the final stages of determining the resource requirements to increase the capability of the Canadian Rangers. Each Canadian Ranger Patrol Group across the country has had an opportunity to provide input. Canada's new defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—commits to following up with related improvements in equipment and training."
10/31/2018,287,17-Oct,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Review collection of gender statistics to evaluate programs and policies.,Minister of Status of Women,"Actions taken, progress made","More data available from Statistics Canada, disaggregated by gender, allowing more informed decision-making.","Status of Women Canada and Statistics Canada are developing a plan to improve the availability and use of gender-disaggregated data to inform programs and policies aimed at advancing gender equality. Budgets 2016 and 2017 included many measures to increase access to gender disaggregated data, including investments in the collection of new data related to gender-based violence and the release of existing data through new reports on Women in Canada. Budget 2018 announced $6.7 million in funding over five years, starting in 2018-19 for a new Centre for Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Statistics to support evidence-based decision-making both in and out of the federal government. On September 26, 2018, Statistics Canada launched a new Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Statistics Hub, the principal component of the Centre for Gender, Diversity and Inclusion, which brings together data from a number of Statistics Canada sources. In addition, the Government introduced a new Gender Results Framework—a whole-of-government tool to track and monitor progress on gender equality. To support evidence-based policy, the Government will dedicate $5 million per year to undertake research and data collection in support of the Government’s Gender Results Framework, and will provide $1.5 million over five years starting in 2018–19 to develop a broader set of indicators to track progress on achieving gender equality objectives. "
10/31/2018,288,17-Oct,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Integrate gender-based questions and content into government consultations.,Minister of Status of Women,"Actions taken, progress made",All government consultations include gender-based questions and content.,"The Government is developing guidelines for departments to ensure all consultations incorporate gender-based questions. Collecting diverse perspectives through these consultations will allow for the assessment of how diverse groups of women, men and non-binary individuals may experience policies, programs and initiatives."
10/31/2018,289,17-Oct,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Host a national Gender-Based Analysis roundtable in 2018.,Minister of Status of Women,"Actions taken, progress made","Strengthened awareness of Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+), its potential use by governments, and opportunities for improvement.","Planning for this national event is underway. The event will take place on November 21-22, 2018 in Ottawa."
10/31/2018,290,17-Oct,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Build on the first Gender-based Analysis of Budget 2017 to improve future budgets.,Minister of Status of Women,"Actions taken, progress made",Comprehensive Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) is incorporated into all future budgets improving public policy.,"The Government is continuing to improve the quality and scope of GBA+ in federal budgets. This has included consultation with experts and key stakeholders during the pre-budget consultations process and meetings with experts and leaders globally. In Budget 2018, no budget decision was taken without being informed by Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+). To ensure that gender remains a key consideration for future governments, the Government has introduced new GBA+ legislation to make gender budgeting a permanent part of the federal budget-making process."
10/31/2018,291,17-Oct,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) is incorporated into key government reports.,Minister of Status of Women,"Actions taken, progress made","All major government reports include Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) considerations, improving their policy recommendations.",The Government has provided guidance to departments and agencies as to where and how GBA+ should be incorporated into their Results Frameworks and Reports on Results. The Government has also provided guidance to departments in incorporating GBA+ into Departmental Plans for 2018/19. The Government is now examining how best to extend GBA+ to other key reports.
10/31/2018,292,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Modernize the Communications Policy of the Government to reflect the modern digital environment.,President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government,Completed - fully met,Government communications that reflect the digital environment.,"The Government of Canada has transformed the communications policy to foster more coordinated communications within and across government departments through the use of innovative methods. This policy will help ensure the Government engages in activities that are timely, clear, cost-effective, in both official languages, accessible and non-partisan. In addition, the policy will help to ensure government communications are clearly branded, both in Canada and abroad."
10/31/2018,293,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Take a more modern approach to comptrollership.,President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government,Completed - fully met,Modernized cost analysis for all Government programs and legislation.,The Government has launched a renewed financial management policy in April 2017. The Treasury Board Secretariat engaged key stakeholders through information sessions and developed guidelines to help federal organizations ensure that financial resources are well managed.
10/31/2018,294,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that a fixed percentage of funds is devoted to experimenting with new approaches to challenges and measure the impact of programs.,President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government,"Actions taken, progress made","Innovation and experimentation are part of routine business of government, and new models are identified that improve outcomes for Canadians.","Ethical and rigorous experimentation is central to the Government’s focus on evidence-based policy-making. By testing program options, departments can generate evidence to learn what works and inform decision-making.
The Government has directed federal agencies and departments to allocate a percentage of program funding towards experimenting with new approaches, measuring impact and delivering better results to Canadians. In December 2016, federal Deputy Ministers were given guidance on experimentation and the use of new and innovative approaches, including user-centered design and outcomes-based funding. In April 2017, the Government provided federal departments with new structures that allow departments to distribute grants and contributions more flexibly under the Treasury Board Policy on Transfer Payments.
More recently, the Impact Canada Initiative was launched to use outcomes-based funding experiments, innovative financing approaches and new partnership models to achieve better results for Canadians. The Clerk of the Privy Council also recently endorsed the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Declaration on Public Sector innovation which calls for more experimentation within programs. The Government launched a new procurement initiative, Innovative Solutions Canada, to match businesses offering early stage prototypes with departments in need of new products or services."
10/31/2018,295,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Exercise due diligence regarding costing analysis prepared by departments for all proposed legislation and programs.,President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government,"Actions taken, progress made",Modernized costing informs all proposed legislation and programs.,"The Government issued new best practices for calculating program costs and commissioned a study to identify gaps in the existing costing approach, which will help inform future decisions. The Government is also undertaking a pilot project to better estimate future costing requirements for major procurement projects. This pilot project played a critical role in the development of the new defence policy: Strong, Secure, Engaged. These measures will help make sure solid costing information informs decision-making."
10/31/2018,296,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Restore annual federal funding for freshwater research and make new investments in Canada’s Experimental Lakes Area.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Completed - fully met,Restored annual federal funding for freshwater research and monitoring activities to keep our water safe.,"In April 2016, $197 million was committed to enhance ocean and freshwater science activities. In June 2016, the Government signed a contribution agreement with the International Institute of Sustainable Development (IISD), to support freshwater research at the Experimental Lakes Area. The Government is also conducting scientific research and monitoring activities in lakes and rivers, such as Lake Winnipeg and the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence watersheds. These measures will improve Canada's understanding of freshwater ecosystems and protect the environment shared."
10/31/2018,297,15-Nov,Safety and Security,Implement a strategy against gender violence.,Minister of Status of Women,"Actions taken, progress made","Reduced gender-based violence, greater awareness of gender-based violence and better support and services for survivors.","In June 2017, the Government launched It's Time: Canada's Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence, which takes a whole-of-government approach to prevent gender-based violence (GBV), support survivors and their families, and improve the responsiveness of the legal and justice systems. As part of the strategy, a Gender-Based Violence Knowledge Centre will be created to share best practices between governments and service providers.
To date, new programs have been established to implement, test and potentially scale up promising approaches to prevent GBV, including child maltreatment and teen dating violence; and to test promising practices to address gaps in support for diverse and underserved groups of survivors in Canada. On April 5, 2018 Statistics Canada launched a new national survey to collect data on GBV, the first such survey in Canada.
Budget 2018 augments these programs and adds new initiatives to prevent bullying and cyberbullying, enhance capacity to combat online child sexual exploitation, and increase access to sexual assault services for military personnel and their families. Budget 2018 also supports efforts to engage men and boys in promoting gender equality, announced the funding to establish a national framework for addressing gender-based violence in post-secondary institutions, and funding to support the RCMP’s Sexual Assault Review Team.
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10/31/2018,298,15-Nov,Jobs and Innovation,"Help small- and medium-sized enterprises grow, become more innovative and export oriented.","Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion","Actions taken, progress made","Double the number of high-growth firms in Canada by 2025 to create good, middle class jobs, strengthen communities, and grow the economy.","Small business owners work hard to provide Canadians with quality goods and services while also creating job opportunities that strengthen communities across the country and grow the middle class.
The Government is focused on helping small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) export and grow. The Government’s Innovation and Skills Plan, introduced in Budget 2017, introduced a suite of initiatives to help Canadian innovators and entrepreneurs grow their companies.
• The Strategic Innovation Fund, launched in July 2017, is a $1.26 billion fund designed to help companies from across sectors of the economy access regional and global supply chains and support growth through innovation to create new, good, well-paying jobs.
• Innovative Solutions Canada, launched in December 2017, is a new program with over $100 million dedicated to supporting the scale up and growth of Canada’s innovators and entrepreneurs by having the federal government act as a first customer.
• The Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative (VCCI) will make $400 million available through the Business Development Bank of Canada to increase late-stage venture capital funding for Canadian firms looking to grow, expand and compete globally. The first stream of funding to five funds-of-funds was announced on June 26, 2018.
The second and final stream recipients were announced on Nov 5, 2018.
• The Innovation Canada digital platform was launched in January 2018 and provides simplified and customized access to the business innovation support programs that are most appropriate for companies depending on their sector, stage of growth and innovation support needs.
These new initiatives complement existing programs such as the Industrial Research Assistance Program and the CanExport Program."
10/31/2018,299,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Support regional economic growth strategies.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development","Actions taken, progress made",Inclusive growth and economic diversification in all regions through improved programs and strategies.,"The Atlantic Growth Strategy was launched in 2016 and has set an ambitious vision to grow Atlantic Canada's economy. The strategy targets joint areas of priority including: innovation, trade & investment, skills/immigration, clean growth and infrastructure. The Atlantic Growth Strategy Year 2 Report was released in July 2018.
In Budget 2018, the Government identified regional development agencies as one of four key platforms which will help to grow Canadian businesses and advance the Innovation and Skills Plan across all regions of Canada (with the other three key platforms being: the Industrial Research Assistance Program, the Strategic Innovation Fund, and the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service).
Starting in 2018–19, the Government is providing more than $500 million over five years to regional development agencies to foster economic growth, including regionally tailored funding for women entrepreneurs as part of the new Women Entrepreneurship Strategy.
The Government is also extending core funding of the regional development agencies that is currently time-limited:
• $20 million per year, starting in 2018–19 and ongoing, to the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency;
• $920 million over six years, starting in 2018–19, to renew the funding for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
On April 9 2018, the Government unveiled a regional economic development strategy for Northern Ontario that is centered on supporting innovation, growing companies, building stronger communities and ensuring communities have the necessary skills for the middle-class jobs of tomorrow. Public consultations towards a growth strategy for Western Canada was launched in September 2018 and are set to be completed in November, with a “What We Heard” report will be released in December. A growth strategy for Quebec will also be launched this Fall."
10/31/2018,300,15-Nov,Safety and Security,"Review the criminal justice system, including sentencing reforms, to ensure it keeps us safe and it is fair.",Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,"Actions taken, progress made","Crime rates are reduced, the justice system has the resources it needs, and all Canadians have access to justice through a fairer system.","The Government continues to review the criminal justice system, including sentencing reforms, to ensure that it keeps Canadians safe, while also addressing the overrepresentation of vulnerable groups in prisons, including Indigenous people and those with mental illness. Using various platforms, such as in-person meetings and online discussion fora, Canadians had an opportunity to share their views on what can be done to improve the Criminal Justice System. The online public consultation closed on January 31, 2018. A report on the findings of the online consultation will be released in the fall 2018. This follows a program of broad engagement with justice system partners, stakeholders from diverse perspectives and various sectors, for which the report was released on March 22, 2018. Complimentary work was also done in partnership with the Institute for Research on Public Policy (IRPP) to explore how the criminal justice system could work in a more integrated manner with other social systems such as housing, education, and mental health. Four roundtables were held with stakeholders, and 18 articles were published in the digital magazine, Policy Options. A full report on the findings of this engagement was recently published.
A final report of the findings and next steps of the criminal justice system review will be available in 2019.
The Government has introduced bills that demonstrate respect for the courts and the Charter, including a bill to modernize the *Criminal Code* by removing outdated provisions as well as clarifying and strengthening sexual assault laws. Additionally, in March 2018, the Government tabled legislation to improve the efficiency of the criminal justice system and address court delays in six key areas: (1) modernize and streamline the bail regime; (2) enhance the approach to administration of justice offences, including for youth; (3) restrict the availability of preliminary inquiries to offences carrying life imprisonment; (4) reclassify some offences to provide greater flexibility and court efficiencies; (5) improve the jury composition and selection process; and, (6) strengthen case management measures and processes for making rules of court. Further, a number of these reforms will assist in reducing the overrepresentation of Indigenous people and vulnerable populations in the criminal justice system, including those with addictions and mental illness.
Budget 2016 and 2017 committed funding for more judges in Superior Courts, greater support programming on judicial education, ethics and conduct, further funding for court translation in both of Canada's official languages, long-term mandate in the Indigenous Justice Program which will provide a foundation for increasing restorative justice practices and more legal aid services provided in the provinces and territories, including specialized services to Indigenous people, and those with mental illness. Additional representation and services will also be offered through the Indigenous Justice Programs that will provide community-based justice programs and the Indigenous Courtwork Program for Indigenous people to help them navigate the criminal justice system.
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10/31/2018,305,17-Feb,Strong Middle Class,"Eliminate the $1,000 Labour Market Impact Assessment fee to hire caregivers.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Elimination of the Labour Market Impact Assessment fee to hire caregivers so those in need of assistance can meet their family caregiving responsibilities.,"Effective December 8, 2017, the Government eliminated the Labour Market Impact Assessment processing fee for families seeking to hire foreign caregivers to provide care for persons with high medical needs, and for families with an income of less than $150,000 in annual income seeking to hire foreign caregivers to provide child care. These changes will ensure that support is targeted at those most in need of assistance to meet their family caregiving responsibilities."
10/31/2018,307,17-Feb,Strong Middle Class,Promote good quality jobs by developing the Global Skills Strategy.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,"Shorter processing times and a dedicated service channel for employers seeking to attract highly skilled, in-demand global talent, leading to more investment and job creation in Canada.","In June 2017, as part of the Global Skills Strategy, the Government of Canada launched the new Global Talent Stream under the Temporary Foreign Worker program for a period of two years. This new Stream helps eligible companies attract highly-skilled global talent to scale up and remain globally competitive while creating good, middle class jobs in Canada. High-growth Canadian companies and global businesses making large investments in Canada can apply. Companies that apply have to demonstrate that the talent they wish to bring to Canada will provide labour market benefits for Canadians and that the position is in high-demand. They have access to an expedited review process lasting no more than a combined 20 business days from end to end, including reviews conducted by Employment and Social Development Canada and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada."
10/31/2018,308,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Develop a strategy that aims to create a single online window for all government services.,President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government;Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility;Minister of Democratic Institutions,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges",Government of Canada services and programs are simpler and Canadians can access them more easily.,"The Government of Canada Service Strategy will be released through the Government's long-term plan to improve services to Canadians. This plan will include measures to improve service standards and create a simpler, more focused online window for services. This plan will also include targeted investments to improve specific services, which will lead to simpler and more online tax filing options; more online services from the Canadian Border Services Agency; more digital options and self-service capabilities for student loans; auto-enrollment to Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement services; shorter immigration processing times; better integration of Veterans services; improved access to Employment Insurance; and simpler, more integrated information sharing to reduce administration and red tape hindering access to business services. In keeping with its Budget 2017 commitment to use technology to better serve Canadians, the Government has also established the Canadian Digital Service (CDS). The CDS is working with departments to make it faster, simpler and easier for Canadians to access benefits and services online. Achieving integrated online government service delivery will take time due to required Government-wide IT transformation and legislative changes."
10/31/2018,309,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Set transparent service standards for the delivery of Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development","Actions taken, progress made","Canadians making inquiries about Employment Insurance (EI) will receive answers more quickly, consistent with new, higher service standards.","As a result of Budget 2016 investments ($73 million), the EI Call Centre network significantly increased its capacity and improved its service accessibility. Building on these investments, Budget 2018 will provide an additional $127.7 million over three years to further improve accessibility and ensure Canadians receive timely and accurate information and assistance with Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.
In May 2016, the Government launched the EI Service Quality Review (SQR). The SQR sought input from stakeholders and Canadians on ways Service Canada could improve the quality of EI services on the phone, online and in person. The final report provided ten recommendations on how to make EI service delivery more responsive to the needs of Canadians. Service Canada used this input to review EI service standards, completed in March 2018, and is considering next steps.
In 2017-18, the Government consulted with Canadians as part of reviews of the EI, Old Age Security (OAS) and Canada Pension Plan (CPP) service standards, the results of which are informing the consideration of potential changes to these standards.
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10/31/2018,311,17-Feb,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Improve the Temporary Foreign Worker Program so it meets the needs of Canadian workers and employers.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made","The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) contributes to sustained economic growth without displacing qualified Canadians, meets the needs of workers and employers and protects the vulnerable.","The Government has taken action in a number of areas to improve the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) guided, in part, by the 2016 recommendations of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons' with Disabilities study of the TFWP. Budget 2017 confirmed permanent funding for the risk-based, TFWP employer compliance inspection regime, an increase in on-site inspections in sectors with high volumes of vulnerable workers such as Primary Agriculture, and to support work with industry sectors that rely on Temporary Foreign Workers to develop comprehensive workforce development strategies in partnership with employers, organized labour and other stakeholders. To ensure that Canadians always have the first opportunity at available jobs, the Government introduced a number of changes to improve the TFWP. Changes include: ending the four year cumulative duration rule; introducing the new Global Talent Stream for high-skill to help high-growth Canadian companies attract specialized global talent that will create new jobs for Canadians; increasing the requirement of employers to recruit Canadians typically under-represented in the workforce; extending the low-wage cap for seasonal employment; increasing on-site inspections of workplaces that employ temporary foreign workers; committing to further develop pathways to permanent residency so that eligible newcomers are able to more fully contribute to Canadian society; and working with heavy users of the TFWP to create Canadian workforce development strategies in partnership with employers, organized labour and other stakeholders.
The Government proposed to provide $194.1 million over five years, beginning in 2018–19, and $33.19 million per year ongoing, to ensure the rights of temporary foreign workers in Canada are protected and enforced through a robust compliance regime. Funding will support unannounced inspections under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, the continued implementation of the International Mobility Program compliance regime, and the ongoing collection of labour market information related to open work permits.
The Government is collaborating with stakeholders across the country to improve migrant workers’ experience. Recently, the Government announced funding for the Migrant Workers’ Dignity Association to help migrant workers become better informed about their rights as workers in Canada through the development of workshops, information tools and other materials aimed at informing TFWs on topics such as housing, health care, access to special benefits, and other rights. Budget 2018 proposed $3.4 million over two years, beginning 2018-19, to establish, on a pilot basis, a network of support organizations for temporary foreign workers dealing with potential abuse by their employers. This network would support these workers in reporting wrongdoing and provide information on their rights to temporarily remain and work in Canada free from harassment and abuse.
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10/31/2018,312,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Make meetings of the Board of Internal Economy open by default.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,Improved transparency in the administration of Parliament.,"The House of Commons has adopted changes to ensure that meetings of the Board of Internal Economy are open by default, meaning they will be public unless it is necessary to deal with particular items in-camera, as outlined in the *Parliament of Canada Act*, or the by-laws of the Board. Unanimous consent of all members present at the meeting would be required should the Board wish to hold a closed meeting on any other issue. These changes will increase parliamentary transparency for Canadians."
10/31/2018,313,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Make post-secondary education more affordable for low and middle income families.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,Hundreds of thousands of students receive increased grant-based aid through Canada Student Grants and students are better able to manage student loan repayments upon graduation. The Government expects more low and middle income students to attend post-secondary education.,"In Budget 2016, the Government increased Canada Student Grants (CSGs) by 50 per cent and eligibility was expanded. Because of these changes, over 400,000 students from low- and middle-income families are now receiving more financial assistance that they do not have to pay back.
The Government also increased thresholds for the Repayment Assistance Plan so that no graduate will have to repay their Canada Student Loan until they earn at least $25,000 per year. Thanks to this change and efforts to increase awareness, the number of borrowers using RAP increased from 276,000 to over 305,000 borrowers, an increase of approximately 11 per cent.
Under the Skills Boost initiative, additional measures announced in Budget 2017 were introduced in 2018-19. These include: increased eligibility thresholds for CSGs for students with dependent children, helping an additional 13,000 students; increasing eligibility thresholds for part-time students, helping an additional 10,000 students; and launched a three-year pilot project targeted to adult learners providing an estimated 43,000 students an additional $1,600 in grant support and allowing for flexibility to base CSG eligibility on current year’s income. The Skills Boost will also provide greater flexibility for Canadians on Employment Insurance (EI) to get new certificates or training without fear of losing their benefits.
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10/31/2018,315,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Index Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) payments to a new Seniors' Price Index.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Seniors","Actions taken, progress made",The cost of living for seniors is better reflected in their Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) benefits through a Seniors' Price Index.,The Government of Canada is exploring options and international best practices for a new Seniors' Price Index to make sure support for seniors reflects their needs.
10/31/2018,316,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Cancel the increase in age of eligibility for Old Age Security (OAS) from 65 to 67.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,The age of eligibility for Old Age Security (OAS) has been returned to 65 and provides greater financial security for our most vulnerable seniors.,"The Government of Canada cancelled the planned increase in age of eligibility for Old Age Security, so that eligibility is maintained at age 65. This will help ensure they benefit from a secure and dignified retirement."
10/31/2018,317,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Coordinate programs to support low income seniors with provinces and territories.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Seniors","Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Federal, provincial and territorial governments collaborate so seniors get the full benefits to which they are entitled.",The Government of Canada implemented the increase to the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and engaged with provinces and territories (PT) to ensure that low-income seniors who receive PT income supplements fully benefit from the increase. The Government will continue to seek new opportunities to work together to support the most vulnerable seniors and ensure that seniors receive the full benefit of the GIS.
10/31/2018,318,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Prioritize affordable housing and seniors' housing as part of the National Housing Strategy.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Seniors","Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Reduced housing need for seniors through rental support to reduce the cost of housing and enable seniors to age in place, and increased supply of affordable housing units specifically targeted towards seniors.","On November 22, 2017 the Government announced a 10-year, $40 billion National Housing Strategy that will help reduce homelessness and improve the availability and quality of housing for Canadians in need. This Strategy is part of a long-term vision to strengthen the middle class and provide affordable housing to Canadians, and lift more Canadians out of poverty. The strategy sets clear goals to remove 530,000 Canadians from housing need and reduce chronic homelessness, prioritizing the most vulnerable Canadians including seniors.
Budget 2016 provided investments of $200.7 million over two years to increase affordable housing for seniors and improve their housing conditions, to be delivered by provinces and territories through the Investment in Affordable Housing. The National Housing Strategy re-establishes the federal government as a leader in the area of affordable housing. Working in collaboration with provinces, territories and local communities, the Strategy will leverage significant new capacity to build, repair and renew affordable housing across the country. As part of the Strategy, the new National Housing Co-Investment Fund will prioritize projects that have the greatest impact on communities and vulnerable populations, including seniors. As a result of these investments, at least 12,000 new affordable units will be created for seniors."
10/31/2018,319,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Provide support to maintain rent-geared-to-income subsidies in existing social housing.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development","Actions taken, progress made",Affordable housing remains accessible to Canadians who need it during the transition through the expiry of current operating agreements.,"Community housing has been the backbone of Canada’s response to housing challenges for more than 60 years and provides an affordable place to live for thousands of Canadians. Federal investments have supported the creation of community housing for low- and modest-income families and individuals. About 80 per cent of all community housing is administered by the provinces and territories. As long-term social housing operating agreements expire, the Government will renew its investments in provinces and territories to protect low-income households and stabilize the operations of housing providers. The Government is deeply committed to ensuring that Canada’s existing community housing stock remains affordable and in good repair well into the future.
On November 22, 2017 the Government announced a 10-year, $40 billion National Housing Strategy that will help reduce homelessness and improve the availability and quality of housing for Canadians in need. This Strategy is part of a long-term vision to strengthen the middle class and provide affordable housing to Canadians, and lift more Canadians out of poverty. The strategy sets clear goals to remove 530,000 Canadians from housing need and reduce chronic homelessness, prioritizing the most vulnerable Canadians including seniors.
As part of the National Housing Strategy, the Government will support the provinces and territories as they protect and build a sustainable community-based housing sector, through a $4.3-billion Canada Community Housing Initiative. Additionally, to protect tenants living in federally administered community housing as operating agreements expire and to stabilize the operations of housing providers, the federal government will implement a new 10-year, $500-million Federal Community Housing Initiative. This initiative will put in place new operating agreements as old social housing operating agreements expire. As a result of these investments, 385,000 households will be protected from losing an affordable home."
10/31/2018,320,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Invest in Housing First to reduce homelessness.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development","Actions taken, progress made",Chronic and episodic homelessness is reduced by as much as 50% compared to current levels.,"On November 22, 2017 the Government announced a 10-year, $40 billion National Housing Strategy that will help reduce homelessness and improve the availability and quality of housing for Canadians in need. This Strategy is part of a long-term vision to strengthen the middle class and provide affordable housing to Canadians, and lift more Canadians out of poverty. The strategy sets clear goals to remove 530,000 Canadians from housing need and reduce chronic homelessness, and to reduce chronic homelessness by half.
As part of the National Housing Strategy, the Government announced a total investment of $2.2 billion for homelessness over 10 years, building on Budget 2016 incremental funding of $111.8 million over two years (2016-2017 and 2017-2018) for the Homelessness Partnering Strategy. By 2021-22, this will nearly double the investments made in 2015-16. These increased investment levels are expected to reduce the number of Canadians who are chronically homeless by as much as 50% compared to 2016 levels.
Over the past year, the Government of Canada consulted with stakeholders, provinces, territories and Indigenous partners on how to improve the Homelessness Partnering Strategy to better prevent and reduce homelessness across Canada. These consultations were guided by the work of an Advisory Committee comprised of experts, stakeholders and people with lived experience of homelessness, chaired by the Parliamentary Secretary (Housing and Urban Affairs) Adam Vaughan. The Advisory Committee on Homelessness Final Report and the Homelessness Partnering Strategy Engagement – What We Heard Report 2018, which contains highlights from the feedback received throughout all engagement activities, were released on May 18, 2018.
On June 11, 2018, the Minister of Families, Children, and Social Development announced Reaching Home, a redesigned federal homelessness program, which will replace the Homelessness Partnering Strategy on April 1, 2019.
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10/31/2018,321,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Remove all GST on new capital investments in affordable rental housing.,"Minister of Finance;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Not being pursued,See below.,"All Canadians should have a safe and affordable place to call home. The Government concluded, based on research and evidence, that there were more effective ways of encouraging the construction of affordable rental housing.
Budget 2016 introduced a targeted approach to stimulate the construction of affordable rental housing by providing funding to establish the Affordable Rental Housing Innovation Fund and Rental Construction Financing Initiative. Budget 2017 announced the investment of more than $11.2 billion over 11 years in various initiatives that will help build, renew and repair Canada’s affordable housing and make sure Canadians have affordable housing that meets their needs. The National Housing Strategy, launched on November 22, 2017, includes additional measures to stimulate the construction of affordable rental housing. The Rental Construction Financing Initiative offers $2.5 billion in low-cost loans to support the construction of new rental housing. Budget 2018 proposed expanding this initiative with an additional $1.25B in low-cost loan over the next three years.
Through the National Housing Strategy, the federal government is re-engaging in affordable housing by investing in the growth of livable communities and the resilience of the community housing sector. To ensure existing rental housing is not lost to disrepair and to develop new, high-performing affordable housing integrated with supports and services, the federal government is creating a $15.9-billion federally managed National Housing Co-Investment Fund. The National Housing Co-Investment Fund alone is expected to create up to 60,000 new units of housing and repair up to 240,000 units of existing affordable and community housing. The Fund will consist of nearly $4.7 billion in financial contributions and $11.2 billion in low interest loans. The Government’s recently announced Rental Construction Financing Initiative will be integrated into the National Housing Co-Investment Fund, as will the Government’s recently created Affordable Rental Innovation Fund. Applications for the National Housing Co-Investment Fund will be accepted starting April 2018.
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10/31/2018,322,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Modernize the Home Buyers' Plan.,"Minister of Finance;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development","Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges",Canadians impacted by a sudden and significant life change are better able to manage the costs of finding a home or relocating.,"In considering this proposal, the Government is examining how best to balance support for Canadians who have had a change of circumstance, such as a divorce or a change in employment, with the need to preserve and maintain retirement savings (e.g. Registered Retirement Savings Plans).
To date, the Government has made other changes to provide greater legal support for families facing divorce and training programs to help Canadians transitioning between jobs. The Government has also taken a number of steps to ensure Canada has a regulated and stable housing market, including: improving mortgage financing rules, creating the Affordable Housing Innovation Fund and Rental Construction Financing Initiative, and investing $11.2 billion over the next 11 years to help build, repair and maintain affordable housing across Canada. These measures will help address the challenges of housing affordability faced by Canadians in many large urban centres, encourage the creation of new rental housing construction and re-establish a long-term federal role in housing."
10/31/2018,324,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Identify available federal lands that could be repurposed for affordable housing.,"Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development","Actions taken, progress made",Increased available land to build new affordable housing and increased housing supply where it is needed.,"As part of the National Housing Strategy, the Government is launching in the fall of 2018 a new Federal Lands initiative to make surplus federal lands and buildings available at a discounted cost (up to no cost) for new affordable housing. Over the next 10 years, up to $200 million in federal lands will be transferred to eligible participants to encourage the development of sustainable, accessible, mixed-income, mixed-use developments and communities. As part of this initiative, starting in 2018-19, funding for renovations and remediation may be available to make transactions viable."
10/31/2018,325,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Review prices in high-priced housing markets and consider all policy tools that could keep home ownership within reach for more Canadians.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development","Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",Federal policy tools are employed to help keep home ownership within reach for more Canadians.,"The Government has completed analysis of factors impacting house prices, including identifying important data gaps and strategies to reduce these gaps, informed by consultations with a number of industry, academic, provincial and municipal government stakeholders. A final report, ""Examining Escalating House Prices in Large Canadian Cities"", providing an analysis of the underlying drivers of house price increases and a set of policy tools to help keep home ownership within reach for more Canadians, was publicly released on February 7, 2018. The release of this final report sets the stage for additional policy discussion and coordination across various levels of government."
10/31/2018,326,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Bring forward a proposal to prevent mortgage fraud.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Mortgage fraud is reduced.,"Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has developed an Action Plan with measures to mitigate and prevent mortgage fraud, and is engaging industry stakeholders to implement the plan.
As of January 1, 2018, CMHC has joined the Citadel fraud management consortium operated by Equifax. CMHC will participate in the Competition Bureau’s Fraud Prevention Month program with announcements on fraud prevention activities and efforts to raise public awareness of issues related to mortgage fraud. CMHC is also co-sponsoring a fraud prevention conference in Quebec City, hosted by École nationale d’administration publique (ENAC), in September 2018."
10/31/2018,327,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Use the best data available to make decisions on housing.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development","Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",Better data and understanding of the housing market to inform policy decisions so that the Government can help Canadians secure good housing.,"The Government is developing a new Housing Statistics Framework that will be administered by Statistics Canada, and is investing to improve data collection and analytics through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). These investments will help track progress on the National Housing Strategy, better support informed policy decisions, and build on the reintroduction of the mandatory long-form census for 2016, which provides for more accurate collection of data on key things like housing."
10/31/2018,328,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Raise taxes on the top 1% of earners.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,A fairer tax system where the richest pay their share.,"On December 7, 2015, the Government of Canada announced it would create a new top personal income tax rate of 33 per cent for individual taxable incomes above $200,000, effective January 1, 2016 (increased from 29 per cent). The Government continues to explore other measures to ensure tax fairness."
10/31/2018,329,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Repeal elements of the *Fair Elections Act* which make it harder for Canadians to vote.,Minister of Democratic Institutions,"Actions taken, progress made",Barriers are reduced to electoral participation for all Canadians and there is greater integrity in the electoral process.,"On April 30, 2018, the Government introduced the *Elections Modernization Act* (Bill C-76). Among other changes, the legislation proposes improvements to the integrity of the electoral system, and repeal provisions in the previous *Fair Elections Act* that made it harder for Canadians to vote. The legislation includes the measures that were previously introduced through Bill C-33. Notably, the changes reinstate the Voter Information Card as authorized identification (ID), restore vouching for those without proper ID, expand voting rights to more than one million Canadians living abroad, expand the Chief Electoral Officer’s ability to educate Canadians to improve civic literacy and knowledge and help future young voters participate in the electoral process by pre-registering youth aged 14-17 so they can more easily vote when they turn 18. The legislation is before the Senate."
10/31/2018,330,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Conduct a review of government spending to reduce poorly targeted and inefficient programs.,President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government;Minister of Finance,"Actions taken, progress made",Programs are effective and deliver measurable results for Canadians.,"Launched in Budget 2017, the horizontal review on innovation and clean technology is now complete, with results announced in Budget 2018. The second launched horizontal review on fixed assets is ongoing, which is being conducted in phases and is expected to be completed in 2019-20. The three departmental reviews also announced in Budget 2017, the Canada Border Services Agency, the Canada School of Public Service, and Health Canada, are underway and details will be announced when available. As part of Budget 2018, the Government launched a review on the Canada Revenue Agency’s service model to ensure that Canadians interacting with the Agency feel like valued clients, not just taxpayers. Budget 2018 also proposes to undertake a horizontal review of skills programming over the next year to maximize the effectiveness of programs that provide support to Canada’s labour force to ensure workers and students have the information and training needed to meet future challenges and opportunities head on. In addition, Budget 2018 announced a set of targeted reviews over the next three years of regulatory requirements and practices that are bottlenecks to innovation and growth with an initial focus on agri-food and aquaculture, health/bio-sciences, and transportation and infrastructure. Further details about these reviews will be available in the coming months."
10/31/2018,331,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Provide more flexible parental leave.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Parents who want to spend more time at home with their children have the option of doing so with protected Employment Insurance parental benefits.,"With Budget 2017, the Government of Canada created more flexible maternity and parental leave benefits. The changes allow parents to spread their parental benefit over a longer period of time (18 months), and give mothers the option to begin receiving Employment Insurance maternity benefits up to 12 weeks before their due date – up from eight weeks. The changes took effect December 3rd and give parents more support to spend time with their kids.
Further, to support greater gender equality in the home and in the workplace, Budget 2018 proposes to introduce a new EI Parental Sharing Benefit which will provide additional weeks of “use it or lose it” EI parental benefits, when both parents agree to share parental leave. "
10/31/2018,332,17-Feb,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure the successful integration of refugees into Canadian society.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship","Actions taken, progress made",Improved social and economic outcomes for refugees.,"The Government is currently studying how to deliver language training and employment services in a better, more collaborative way, as well as test innovative approaches, to improve the participation of newcomers in social, cultural, civic, and economic life in Canada."
10/31/2018,334,17-Oct,Healthy Canadians,Ensure safety and non-discrimination in blood donation policies.,Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made","An evidence-based, safe and non-discriminatory approach to ensuring an adequate blood supply.","A safe and effective blood system is a cornerstone of health care delivery. In June 2016, Health Canada approved a request from Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec to reduce the blood donation ineligibility period for men who have sex with men from five years to one year. This change was based on scientific evidence brought forward by the blood operators and brought Canada in line with other global regulators, such as the United States, France, Australia and the Netherlands. At the same time, the Government of Canada provided $3 million to Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec to conduct behavioural research and organize an international seminar. In 2017, the first round of competitions was undertaken which resulted in funding eleven research projects; the second and final funding competition was announced in February 2018 and research projects will be announced in fall 2018. Results of these research projects are expected to be available between fall 2018 and winter 2020 which will inform further changes that could be undertaken to implement an evidence-based, safe and non-discriminatory approach to donations from men who have sex with men."
10/31/2018,335,17-Oct,Healthy Canadians,Facilitate collaboration on an organ and tissue donation and transplant system that gives Canadians timely access to care.,Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made",An increase in the supply of organs and tissue available so that Canadians get timely and effective access to care.,"Since April 2008, the Government has worked collaboratively with provinces and territories to improve the Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplant system in Canada. This includes better collaboration, public education and use of best practices to increase donations and ultimately an increase in the supply of organs and tissue so that Canadians are able to access them when needed. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, a total of 2,835 lifesaving transplants were performed in Canada (including Quebec) in 2016, a 32 per cent increase since 2007. Over the last 10 years, the rate of deceased donation has increased 42 per cent but the rate of living donation has decreased 11%. There were 4,500 patients on organ waitlists at the end of 2016, and 260 patients died in 2016 while waiting for a transplant. Health Canada is facilitating a process with Canadian Blood Services (CBS) and the provincial/territorial members of the PT Blood Liaison Committee (PTBLC), led by Saskatchewan, to identify and explore how to make greater progress on governance and oversight, integration, coordination and system performance. Consultations have concluded and the summary findings will be shared at a stakeholder meeting in November 2018."
10/31/2018,336,17-Oct,Healthy Canadians,"Ensure Canada's response to the current opioid crisis is robust, well-coordinated and effective.",Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges","Federal opioid response is evidence-based, collaborative and comprehensive, and the harm caused by opioid use—including overdoses and accidental deaths—is reduced.","Problematic opioid use and overdose is an ongoing crisis in Canada, devastating individuals, families and communities. The federal government has been coordinating a whole of government response and working with provincial and territorial counterparts, engaging non-government partners and making significant investments to build the evidence base and take collaborative and comprehensive action across four strategic pillars: prevention, harm reduction, treatment and law enforcement. Budget 2017 committed $100 million over five years to support the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy including the opioid response. Budget 2018 committed an additional $231.4 million over five years to improve access to treatment, reduce stigma associated with drug use and continue to build the evidence base. The impact of some of these efforts will take time, and it remains troubling that recent data indicate the opioid crisis is ongoing.
The Government of Canada is regularly engaging Canadians most impacted by the crisis to inform the response, including people who use or have used drugs, people with chronic pain and their families. In September 2018, the Minister of Health hosted a two-day Opioid Symposium bringing together over 225 policy makers, researchers, clinicians, Indigenous groups, people with lived and living experience, drug policy advocates and law enforcement representatives to discuss challenges and identify additional opportunities to address the crisis. The Minister of Health highlighted federal priorities, such as: to increase access to evidence-based treatments including injectable opioid therapy; to expand access to safer alternatives to the contaminated drug supply; to consult Canadians on the Canada Drugs and Substances Strategy; to engage innovators through an Impact Canada Challenge to improve opioid detection and testing technologies; to establish a task force on chronic pain; and, to reduce stigma associated with drug use.
On October 2, 2018, the Government of Canada launched the Impact Canada Drug Checking Technology Challenge to create a rapid, accurate, easy to use, and low-cost testing device or instrument that can be used with minimal training and preparation work. The goal is to serve people who use drugs and those who support them, to allow them to make decisions that may reduce their risk of overdose and death."
10/31/2018,337,17-Oct,Healthy Canadians,Ensure Canada has a solid surveillance system for monitoring and reporting overdoses and deaths related to opioids.,Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made",Effective monitoring and reporting of overdoses and deaths related to opioids.,"The Government is committed to releasing updated data on a quarterly basis, in collaboration with provinces and territories. The Government is also working with provinces and territories to collect additional data on opioid use and harms. On September 18, 2018, the Government released data for the first quarter of 2018 on apparent opioid-related deaths in Canada and suspected opioid-related overdoses in seven jurisdictions across Canada based on emergency medical service data. In addition, the Government published a second special issue of the Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention in Canada: Research, Policy and Practice journal, including analysis of monitoring and surveillance efforts in Canada."
10/31/2018,338,17-Oct,Healthy Canadians,Review Canada's framework for dealing with public health emergencies.,Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made","Public health emergencies and events are prevented, detected, and responded to effectively.","The Public Health Agency of Canada is working with Health Portfolio partners and Public Safety Canada to assess its processes, mechanisms and tools to ensure timely and effective response to public health emergencies."
10/31/2018,339,17-Oct,Healthy Canadians,"Curb opioid misuse by introducing prescribing guidelines, tracking prescriptions at the patient level, and increasing transparency in marketing and promotion of therapies.",Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges","A reduction in inappropriate prescription of opioids, improved tracking of prescriptions, and better management of transitions where opioids are no longer required so as to reduce opioid dependency.","The Government is working with provinces, territories, and partners to address prescribing practices and prescription monitoring in Canada. The Canadian Institutes of Health Research is funding the Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse to develop a national guideline for medication-assisted treatment of opioid use disorder. That national guideline was published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal on March 5, 2018. The Government is collaborating with provinces and territories through the Problematic Substance Use and Harms Committee to share lessons learned and best practices in prescription monitoring.
In January 2018, Health Canada hosted a working session with provinces and territories to develop national standards for prescription monitoring programs.
The Government is also exploring options to restrict the marketing of opioids to healthcare professionals. On June 19, 2018, the Minister of Health announced a series of measures to address industry's opioid marketing and advertising practices, including the publication of a notice of intent to restrict marketing and advertising of opioids, and launching consultations with provinces, territories and stakeholders.
Health Canada further consulted stakeholders during the Opioid Symposium in Toronto on September 5, 2018.
Health Canada will continue to engage with provinces, territories and stakeholders in the coming months."
10/31/2018,340,17-Oct,Healthy Canadians,Ensure communities can introduce effective opioid treatments and programs.,Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made",Canadians have access to community-based opioid treatments and programs that are effective in reducing harm.,"Treatment is the key to moving people from using drugs to recovery. Budget 2018 includes measures to provide one-time emergency funding of $150 million for provinces and territories for multi-year projects that improve access to evidence-based treatments. Bilateral agreements for the emergency funding have been signed with British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Quebec.
In addition, the federal government has used its regulatory powers to make naloxone more widely available and to expedite approval of the nasal spray version. Further, the Government published regulations allowing the import of drugs for opioid use disorder treatments not yet approved in Canada. On March 26, 2018, the Minister of Health announced the removal of barriers to accessing diacetylmorphine (prescription-grade heroin) and methadone for the treatment of opioid use disorder. The regulatory amendments were published in the Canada Gazette, Part II, on March 21, 2018.
On September 5, 2018, Health Canada issued two section 56 exemptions to authorize nurses with the authority to possess, sell, provide, administer, transport, send and deliver controlled substances while providing primary health care services at community health facilities under certain conditions. These exemptions removed the barriers to establishing nurse-led community-based treatment models.
Through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Government is funding the development of a national treatment guideline for an injectable opioid agonist treatment for opioid use disorder and funding research to assess the effectiveness of this treatment for Canadians who have not benefited from other forms of treatment. In addition, the Substance Use and Addictions Program at Health Canada is providing funding for several projects across Canada to improve access to treatment, including in rural and remote areas through provider networks and telehealth models."
10/31/2018,341,17-Oct,Healthy Canadians,Promote the *Canada Health Act* to make absolutely clear that extra-billings and user fees are illegal and reporting is improved.,Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made","Canadians have access to publicly funded health care, without financial barriers at point of service.","The Government of Canada is moving forward with three new initiatives: The Diagnostic Services Policy is aimed at eliminating patient charges for medically necessary diagnostic services, such as MRI and CT scans. This policy will come into effect in April 2020, to allow time for provinces to align their health care systems with its requirements.
The Reimbursement Policy will provide an incentive for provinces and territories to eliminate patient charges, which result in mandatory deductions under the *Canada Health Act*. Under this policy, those provinces and territories facing deductions will be eligible to have them reimbursed if they eliminate patient charges in a timely manner. The first deductions eligible for reimbursement will be those that were taken in March 2018.
Strengthened reporting requirements will be phased in to help provide Canadians with a clearer picture of how the public health care insurance plans across all the provinces and territories are operating.
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10/31/2018,342,17-Oct,Healthy Canadians,Develop a new self-governed approach to delivering health services to Indigenous peoples and reduce health inequities between Indigenous peoples and non-Indigenous Canadians.,Minister of Health;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations;Minister of Indigenous Services,"Actions taken, progress made","New co-developed approaches to Indigenous health services that will be client-centred, culturally relevant and sustainable, resulting in healthier children, families and improved community wellness.","Since the creation of the Department of Indigenous Services, the Government continues, in partnership with Indigenous groups, to transform the way to deliver services to Indigenous peoples and transfer the design, planning and management and delivery of these services to Indigenous organisations. The Government's goal is to support increased flexibility and capacity building in Indigenous communities so that they are able to direct and design their own health services and partner more effectively with provincial healthcare systems. This gap in health outcomes can be narrowed, and providing access to quality health care close to home is an essential part of that change. To support the delivery of health services, Budget 2017 announced an investment of $828 million over 5 years to improve a range of health outcome for First Nations and Inuit. The Government is currently working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis to co-develop distinctions-based, self-determined and nation-to-nation approaches for health transformation. For example, as an interim measure in committing to and finalizing the Canada-Métis Nation Accord to Achieve Reconciliation, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed on August 21, 2018 between Canada and the Métis Nation, committing to the development of a 10-Year Métis Nation Health Accord.
Renewing the relationship with the Métis Nation based on recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership, Canada and the Métis National Council signed the Canada-Métis Nation Accord to Achieve Reconciliation, on August 21, 2018, committing to the development of a 10-Year Métis Nation Health Accord. Budget 2018 proposed investment of $6 million over five years to support the Métis Nation in gathering health data and developing a health strategy.
Additional investments were announced in Budget 2018, with $1.5 billion over five years, for Indigenous health, starting in 2018–19, and $149 million per year ongoing thereafter. This amount included $498 million, with $97.6 million per year ongoing, to sustain access to critical medical care and services. Budget 2018 identified $235 million to support work with First Nations partners to transform First Nations health systems by expanding successful models of self-determination so that health programs and services are developed, delivered and controlled by and for First Nations. This investment will also support access to quality and First Nations-controlled health care in remote and isolated James Bay communities as part of the Weeneebayko Area Health Integration Framework Agreement. First Nations are leading processes (in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec) to develop models for self-determination in health service-delivery. Memoranda of Understanding/agreements to advance these processes are being signed to confirm shared priorities. Other regional engagement efforts are underway across the country to identify strategies for transforming service delivery, including opportunities for increasing Indigenous control over services. In addition to the ongoing implementation of the historic British Columbia Tripartite Framework Agreement, which transferred operational control of health programs and services to the British Columbia First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), the Government is also facilitating a dialogue with the FNHA on how they might address the wider social determinants of health (initial focus on mental wellness and addictions).
In the North, Budget 2018 identified investments of $27.5 million over five years to support enhanced prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment of Tuberculosis (TB) and latent TB infection in Inuit Nunangat. Each of the four regions in Inuit Nunangat is developing an action plan to eliminate TB among Inuit by 2030, with a reduction of at least 50% of active TB by 2025. The Government of Canada provided $500,000 to the Government of Nunatsiavut to be used in TB elimination activities. In addition, the government is providing ongoing surge capacity including nurses and epidemiologists, as well as administrative and coordination support for the TB outbreak. Nunavik has recently launched a communication campaign to reach out to youth in particular. The Government of Canada also works closely with the Government of Nunavut in their response to a TB outbreak by investing in the purchase of rapid TB diagnostic technology and facilitating timely access to rifapentine, an antibiotic used in the treatment of latent TB. To help streamline the TB elimination work, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami will continue to lead the development of the Inuit TB Elimination Framework, in collaboration with the Government of Canada, through the Inuit Public Health Task Group, a subcommittee of the National Inuit Committee on Health.
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10/31/2018,343,17-Oct,Government Services and Operations,Help Veterans gain skills to successfully transition to the civilian workforce.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"More Veterans, Canadian Armed Forces members, and their spouses/common-law partners successfully transition to the civilian labour market. The Government hires more veterans into meaningful work.","As of April 1, 2018, eligible Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans, their spouses/common-law partners and survivors are now able to apply for a new, modernized set of career transition services, delivered consistently across Canada. Services are delivered by qualified career support professionals who understand military life and culture. For Veterans and survivors, these career transition services will be available throughout a person's post service working life, meaning they can get help when and where needed.
The Government of Canada also continues to provide access to hiring opportunities in the public service for certain serving and former members of the Canadian Armed Forces who are released for medical reasons. Priority for public service jobs is given to these members and Veterans over all other individuals."
10/31/2018,344,17-Oct,Government Services and Operations,"Implement the Caregiver Recognition Benefit, paid directly to Veterans' caregivers.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,Increased recognition and support for caregivers of ill and injured Veterans so that Veterans get better care.,"As of April 1, 2018, the Government of Canada has introduced the new Caregiver Recognition Benefit, replacing the Family Caregiver Relief Benefit. This new benefit provides a generous non-taxable $1,000 monthly benefit payable directly to informal caregivers of Veterans to better recognize and honour the vital role they play in supporting CAF members and Veterans. "
10/31/2018,345,17-Oct,Government Services and Operations,Implement the new Veteran Emergency Fund and Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,Improve the quality of life of Veterans and their families.,"As of April 1, 2018, the Veterans Emergency Fund (VEF) provides emergency financial support to Veterans, their families and survivors whose well-being is at risk due to an urgent and unexpected situation ($1 million per year over the next four years). The new fund gives the Government the flexibility to financially assist Veterans and their families quickly and efficiently in times when they most need it, without complicated eligibility requirements and approval processes. The VEF provides short-term relief while the Government works with Veterans and their families to identify any long-term needs and possible solutions.
In addition, the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund is one of the many new and enhanced programs and services brought forth in Budget 2017, focused on supporting innovative solutions to better support Veterans and their families. This new fund supports research and fosters innovation across the public, private and academic fields to make a real difference in the lives of Veterans and families. The fund supports a wide range of projects, such as suicide prevention research, an initiative that helps homeless Veterans find housing, or any innovative projects that contribute to the well-being of Veterans and their families.
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10/31/2018,346,17-Oct,Government Services and Operations,"Streamline the suite of benefits, improve transparency and communications, and improve the experience of Veterans as their needs change throughout their lives.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made","A streamlined, client-centric process that is easier to navigate, provides timely service and helps Veterans transition to civilian life.","Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) is streamlining its suite of benefits with the goal of reducing overlap and administrative burden to ensure a positive client experience for Veterans both as they transition to civilian life and as their needs change throughout their lives. A three-year communications and outreach strategy was launched to ensure that Veterans and their families are well-informed of the range of supports and services available to them.
On December 20, 2017, the Government announced its Pension for Life plan which will reintroduce lifelong monthly pain and suffering payments with the Pain and Suffering Compensation, implement a new recognition benefit through the Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation, and the Income Replacement Benefit (IRB) that simplifies VAC’s financial support programs through replacing six existing financial benefits with the new IRB. Specifically, the new IRB will replace the Earnings Loss Benefit; Extended Earnings Loss Benefit, Retirement Income Security Benefit, Supplementary Retirement Benefit, the Career Impact Allowance and Career Impact Allowance Supplement. This will reduce the burden on the Veteran and their Caregivers as there will be one application form where there used to be six."
10/31/2018,347,17-Oct,Government Services and Operations,Ensure public servants are paid accurately and promptly.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges",Public servants are paid in a timely manner and without errors.,"The ongoing public service pay problems are unacceptable, creating emotional and financial hardships, as well as unnecessary stress for many employees and their families.
The Government will ensure that employees receive timely and accurate pay and benefits, and is working hard to resolve issues as quickly as possible, but there are no quick fixes. The Government is committed to doing better. The Clerk of the Privy Council Office instructed Deputy Ministers to take a personal interest in seeing that employees are paid accurately and on time. Employees should not feel that they are facing these difficulties alone.
Budget 2018 announced an investment of $454 million over six years, starting in 2017-18, to increase the number of compensation employees at the Pay Centre and satellite offices to more than 1,500 and hire more HR advisors within departments to assist employees and provide them with tax support. In addition, over the next two years, the Government will work with experts, unions and technology providers on a way forward for a new pay system.
The Government is implementing a suite of measures as part of an integrated plan, informed by recommendations from the Office of Auditor General of Canada as well as the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, to stabilize the pay system so that transactions are processed more quickly and accurately, pay issues are resolved and employees receive better service. As part of this approach, Pay Pods, which group together compensation employees assigned to a specific department or agency, are being rolled out for departments and agencies serviced by the Pay Centre. Pay Pods will work with client departments to process current transactions first and outstanding transactions in an employee’s pay file, in contrast to the current approach of addressing pay issues by transaction type. This new approach is expected to result in faster and more comprehensive resolution of pay issues and a reduction in backlogged cases. As of October 2018, Pods were implemented for 24 departments and agencies, representing approximately 104,000 employees. The Government also recently announced enhancements to its Client Contact Centre, where employees now have access to a variety of tools so that they can provide more real-time, accurate information to public servants calling for information about their pay files. Progress towards reducing the number of outstanding pay transactions continues.
Progress is reported regularly through a monthly, publically available Dashboard, a Pay Bulletin and other online content, ensuring ongoing transparency and accountability.
Since January 2018, the backlog has decreased by over 100,000 transactions. At the same time, a historic number of collective agreements have been processed, providing about $1.5 billion in retroactive payments to employees.
In August 2018, the Treasury Board Secretariat announced steps to move away from Phoenix and develop a pay system that will meet the needs of employees and function with the complexity of the federal government’s human resources and pay structure.
The Government recently launched its innovative agile procurement process to seek potential vendors for the next generation human resources and pay system.
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10/31/2018,348,17-Oct,Fair and Open Government,Increase the diversity of bidders on government contracts.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made","The diversity of bidders and contractors will increase, including participation by businesses owned by women and Indigenous peoples.","In the first quarter of fiscal year 2018-19, the Government participated in 550 outreach events with 13,000 participants belonging to under-represented groups such as women, Indigenous Peoples and persons with disabilities to increase their awareness of business opportunities with the federal government and help government understand the barriers to their participation in procurement.
PSPC has launched social procurement pilots to increase the participation of small and diverse suppliers. As part of this, there is an increased focus on providing women-owned and Indigenous small and medium-sized businesses with the tools and guidance to compete for government opportunities.
The Government's aim to make procurement simpler, faster and accessible will also serve to increase bidder diversity. PSPC developed a common set of definitions for social procurement, and, where feasible, industry consultations now include a focus on supplier diversity. In Budget 2018, the Government set a target to increase the participation of women-owned businesses in federal procurement from 10% to at least 15%."
10/31/2018,349,17-Oct,Fair and Open Government,"Develop better tools to hold contractors accountable, particularly in large scale procurements.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made","Suppliers will be accountable for their contractual performance, which is expected to improve procurement results.","Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has finalized a draft Vendor Performance Management (VPM) Policy, in consultation with other government departments and agencies as well as with select members of the VPM Supplier Advisory Sub-Committee. Consultations are expected to be launched in late fall 2018. PSPC and Shared Services Canada have initiated discussions within the Government of Canada and with industry on pilots of the VPM, which are expected to begin in late fall 2018."
10/31/2018,350,17-Oct,Fair and Open Government,"Publish clear metrics on the competitiveness, cost and timeliness of procurement.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made",The Government of Canada will make more informed contract decisions based on feedback obtained from comprehensive data and sampling of procurement activities and surveys.,"
Metrics on competitiveness, cost and timeliness are published in the annual Departmental Plans and Departmental Results Reports, as well as in Our Services, Standards and Results. A data strategy is being developed to increase the number of metrics available to clients, suppliers and Canadians, including competitiveness, cost and timeliness. PSPC established strong Key Performance Indicators for the 2018-19 Departmental Results Framework."
10/31/2018,351,17-Oct,Fair and Open Government,Make more government data available to vendors participating in procurement bidding to encourage better bids.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made",Vendors and government decision makers have access to modern analytics to better understand Government of Canada procurement. This will help vendors decide when and how to compete in order to encourage more and better bids.,"Information on contracts over $10,000 is available on the Government of Canada Open Government Portal. Public Services and Procurement Canada is developing a data strategy to improve the contract data provided to suppliers and decision makers. It is expected that the Government of Canada will begin the implementation of the strategy in fall 2018. The Government's goal of making procurement simpler, faster and accessible will also serve to encourage better bids."
10/31/2018,352,17-Oct,Fair and Open Government,Ensure prompt payment of contractors and sub-contractors.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made",Barriers to accessing government contracts are reduced and small and medium enterprises require less working capital (cash flow) to do business with the Government of Canada because they get paid more quickly for work they've done.,"The Government is looking at different approaches to ensure expedited payment to its suppliers. Current initiatives include the launch of a pilot project to pay certain types of invoices within a shorter timeframe than the current 30 days. This will mean that small and medium-sized enterprises will require less working capital (cash flow) to do business with the Government. This initiative will also remove barriers to accessing government contracts.
Independent experts have concluded a national engagement process seeking input from the construction industry to identify the elements required to develop a robust federal prompt payment regime. The federal government will use the proposed recommendations to inform the development of an effective legislative solution that will direct terms of payment and provide for an adjudication process for federal construction contracts."
10/31/2018,353,17-Oct,Government Services and Operations,"Improve the delivery of information technology within the Government, including the renewal of Shared Services Canada.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made","An agile, reliable and secure information technology platform to support the delivery of digital services to Canadians.","In 2016 and 2017, Shared Services Canada completed broad-based consultations with industry, Canadians and federal departments on the best approaches for managing the Government of Canada's information technology assets and services. The Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat also released the independent review of Shared Services Canada commissioned from Gartner Canada Co., which included numerous recommendations for improvements, but which also confirmed that a shared services model for information technology is the right one for the Government of Canada.
Budget 2018 proposed funding of $2 billion over five years and $349.8 million per year thereafter to improve the management and provision of IT infrastructure and services within government and support the migration of applications from older data centres into more secure modern data centres or cloud solutions, and to support related cyber security measures.
In 2017, Shared Services Canada hired over 800 net new employees in anticipation of priorities for the coming years. Moving forward, recruitment will focus on the remaining talent gap required to support departmental initiatives that are aligned to government priorities.
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10/31/2018,354,17-Oct,Government Services and Operations,Ensure the timely and orderly transition of Parliamentary operations during the renewal of the Parliamentary precinct.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made","The Government of Canada is restoring and modernizing the Parliamentary Precinct for current and future generations of Canadians, and to provide Parliament with the accommodations it needs to operate effectively and safely in a modern, connected and sustainable world. ","On June 14, 2018, Parliament approved a phased move approach of Parliamentary operations to be completed by January 2019, at which point the West Block, Visitor Welcome Centre Phase 1 and Government Conference Centre will be fully operational. The phased move of operations from the Centre Block began in the summer of 2018 to support a timely and orderly transition to the new facilities, and enable the restoration of the Centre Block to begin.
This transition of parliamentary operations from the Centre Block and the start of its major restoration is a major milestone. At this time, many Members of Parliament, Ministers and Senators have begun moving out of the Centre Block. In addition, the Investigations Program examining the Centre Block’s condition is advancing well with more intrusive work (phase 2) having begun.
A Deputy Minister level committee has been established to provide direction and oversight on a coordinated, timely and orderly transition of operations from the Centre Block to the West Block and the Government Conference Centre in 2018. The committee is chaired by Public Services and Procurement Canada, and comprises representatives from the House of Commons, the Senate, the Library of Parliament, Parliamentary Protective Service, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the Privy Council Office.
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10/31/2018,355,17-Oct,Indigenous peoples,Develop a vision for a national space for Indigenous peoples at 100 Wellington.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations;Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made","Creating a space for Indigenous peoples directly across from Parliament Hill will symbolize a turning point in Canada's relationship with Indigenous peoples. This location will provide a concrete marker of the importance of Indigenous peoples to this country's past, present, and future.","On June 21, 2017, the Government announced that a new space for Indigenous peoples will be established at 100 Wellington Street in the National Capital Region that reflects the vision of Indigenous peoples and the spirit of reconciliation. To advance this project, an interim working group has been established with representatives from the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the Métis National Council and the Government of Canada to recommend next steps to ensure 100 Wellington becomes an inclusive space. Next steps include the development of a governance approach and a common vision for the space. This multi-year, large-scale project will involve broad consultations with Indigenous peoples on a national scale."
10/31/2018,356,17-Oct,Government Services and Operations,"Enhance the quality and capacity of services provided by the Translation Bureau, and promote the economic vitality of Canada's translation and interpretation community.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made",The Government of Canada has access to high quality linguistic services that enable it to operate and to serve Canadians in both official languages.,"In order to reposition the Translation Bureau as a centre of excellence, the Government is implementing a new vision that seeks to improve quality of services, strengthen relationships with professional associations, universities and clients, ensure effective resource management and planning and guarantee that linguistic tools meet the needs of employees.
The Translation Bureau’s Chief Quality Officer has been actively working on a quality evaluation framework and an action plan identifying a series of measures to improve quality. For example, the Translation Bureau’s new Supply Arrangement for Translation Services, which has been in effect since August 1, 2018, places greater emphasis on quality over price.
The Bureau is also working in collaboration with the interpretation industry to implement a new procurement tool for conference interpretation. In addition, the Bureau is working closely with clients, universities, associations and the language industry to ensure quality services and the vitality of language professions. It remains committed to hiring over 50 students per year over the next 5 years to train the next generation of language specialists. In 2017-2018, more than 150 students were hired. The Bureau has also taken steps to ensure that it is ready to embrace innovation, artificial intelligence and adopt leading-edge practices."
10/31/2018,357,17-Oct,Jobs and Innovation,Develop the vision for the new federal science infrastructure.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made",A modern science infrastructure that fosters collaboration to achieve policy goals and protects the safety and security and health of Canadians.,"In Budget 2018, the Government announced $2.8 billion over five years as part of an ambitious plan to renew federal laboratories. The Government is launching the first phase of the plan, which will begin the process for the construction of multipurpose, collaborative federal science and technology facilities. This plan will ensure that federal scientists have access to world-class infrastructure, equipment, and computer networks to produce the best results for Canadians.
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10/31/2018,358,17-Oct,Jobs and Innovation,Use work on accessibility as a catalyst for new ideas and business strategies through technology and design.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made",Canadians with disabilities are participating more in the digital economy with the help of assistive and adaptive digital devices and technologies.,"The Accessible Technology Program will help fill the gap in support for the development of assistive and adaptive digital devices and technologies that enable persons with disabilities to fully participate in society. It will help remove barriers to Internet access and other digital services for Canadians with disabilities, will help them gain the digital skills they need for good jobs, and enable them to fully participate in the digital economy."
10/31/2018,359,17-Oct,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Monitor federal allocations to improve public transit accessibility, and create reporting obligations on these expenditures.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made","Improved reliability, efficiency, safety and accessibility of public transit systems in Canada.","Canadian cities have been growing at a rapid rate, but investment in public transit has not kept pace and investments have not always considered accessibility issues.
To improve public transit systems across Canada and make them more accessible, Budget 2016 announced immediate federal investments of up to $3.4 billion in public transit, starting in 2016–17 to be provided through a new Public Transit Infrastructure Fund. These investments are helping to improve commutes, cut air pollution, strengthen communities and grow Canada's economy. Public Transit Infrastructure funding is being provided to support the rehabilitation of public transit systems, the planning of future system improvements and expansions, enhanced asset management, and system optimization and modernization."
10/31/2018,360,17-Oct,Indigenous peoples,Promote culturally relevant sport for Indigenous youth.,Minister of Science and Sport;Minister of Indigenous Services,"Actions taken, progress made","Increased and sustained participation of Indigenous children and youth in culturally relevant sport programming. In addition, sport programming is used to reduce the gap between Indigenous communities and the rest of Canada in areas of social development.","Budget 2017 invested $18.9 million over five years starting in 2017-2018, and ongoing funding of $5.5 million every four years thereafter to support Indigenous youth and sport. This included funding to the Aboriginal Sport Circle in the amount of $800,000 in 2017-18 to enable the organization to assume a leadership role on Indigenous sport development, as well as funding to the provinces and territories to promote culturally relevant sport programming in Indigenous communities. The Government also provided $3.5 million for the hosting of the North American Indigenous Games in Toronto from July 16 to 23, 2017. In addition, in 2017-18, approximately $4.85 million was provided to eleven national organizations to pilot physical activity and sport projects in 61 First Nation communities across the country. A total of 6,145 First Nation students, 595 parents/community members, 364 on reserve teachers, and 212 Elders participated in the pilot projects. All pilots have been completed. Each final project report is now being reviewed, and the most successful programs will be identified with the goal of increasing Indigenous participation in culturally relevant sports and recreation and to improve the health and well-being of Indigenous communities through sport participation. Through Budget 2018, the Government invested $47.5 million over five years, and $9.5 million per year ongoing, to expand the use of sports for social development in more than 300 Indigenous communities. The Government is working closely with the Aboriginal Sport Circle to design the program to deliver these funds."
10/31/2018,361,17-Oct,Healthy Canadians,Better support Canadian athletes through the Athlete Assistance Program.,Minister of Science and Sport,"Actions taken, progress made",High-performance Canadian athletes are better able to focus on training for world class performances due to greater financial support.,"The Government is investing an additional $25 million over 5 years through Budget 2017, with $5 million per year ongoing, to the Athlete Assistance Program. This investment represents an 18% increase over existing funding levels. New investments are being distributed in the following way: $4.25 million for the living and training allowance, $250,000 for tuition support and $500,000 for supplementary support. This new investment will directly assist approximately 1,900 athletes across Canada and enable them to continue to combine their sport and academic or working careers while training intensively in pursuit of world-class performance."
10/31/2018,362,17-Oct,Indigenous peoples,"Dissolve Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, and create a new Department of Indigenous Services and a new Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs to better serve Indigenous peoples.",Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations;Minister of Indigenous Services;Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,"Actions taken, progress made","Improved delivery and quality of day-to-day services for First Nations, Inuit and Métis. An improved nation-to-nation relationship and greater self-determination for Indigenous peoples who rightfully want and need to control service delivery for their own people.","The Government of Canada announced the creation of the Department of Indigenous Services Canada in early December 2017. The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs has been mandated to lead consultations on the structure of two new departments.
An Order-in-Council was adopted to designate Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) as a department. A Memorandum of Understanding between Health Canada and ISC was signed to ensure the seamless continuity of internal services to First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB), which was previously under Health Canada. As of April 1, 2018, employees who worked in Internal Services at Health Canada supporting the FNIHB are officially employees of ISC. This is an important step in the transformation towards a stronger service culture within ISC’s service to, and empowerment of, Indigenous peoples.
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10/31/2018,363,17-Oct,Indigenous peoples,"Lead a whole-of-government approach to renew the nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relationship with Indigenous people.",Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations,"Actions taken, progress made","A renewed relationship with Indigenous peoples based on co-developed policies that support strong and effective nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relationships that consider and respond to the unique realities of Indigenous peoples in Canada.","Three permanent bilateral mechanisms have been created, with the Prime Minister, the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and the Métis National Council, to jointly set priorities and oversee outcomes. On February 9, 2017, the Prime Minister and Inuit leaders signed a declaration to create the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee, demonstrating the shared commitment to a renewed Inuit-Crown relationship between Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Government of Canada. The first Métis Nation-Crown Summit took place on April 13, 2017, where the Prime Minister and the President of the Métis National Council and its Governing Members signed the Canada-Métis Nation Accord. On June 12, 2017, the Prime Minister and the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations signed a Memorandum of Understanding during the first Assembly of First Nations-Crown meeting. Since the creation of the Permanent Bilateral Mechanisms, regular meetings at the Ministerial and senior officials level have helped guide the substantive work underway in the co-developed joint priorities. Both the Inuit-Crown and Metis-Crown mechanisms have now had their second annual meeting with the Prime Minister, and preparations are underway for the second Prime Minister meeting with Assembly of First Nations to identify Year Two priorities. Results from the Permanent Bilateral Mechanisms process were reflected in distinctions based investments in Budget 2018 in areas such as Health, Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care, Indigenous skills and Employment Training Strategy, and First Nations' policing .
A successful Canada-Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations Forum, chaired by the Prime Minister and attended by 23 Indigenous Leaders was held on November 1, 2017. At this historic Forum, the Prime Minister committed to holding an annual Forum to discuss progress, with planning currently happening for the second meeting.
On February 14, 2018, the Government of Canada announced that it will develop in full partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, a Recognition and Implementation of Indigenous Rights Framework. The Government continues to work in partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, provincial and territorial governments, and other stakeholders to develop the legislative and policy elements of the Framework. To date, the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and senior officials have held over 100 engagement sessions with over 1600 participants. The contents of the Framework will be determined through national engagement activities, with the intention to have the Framework introduced in Fall 2018. In July 2018, an updated public engagement document and the ""What We Heard So Far"" report were released to confirm the Government of Canada's understanding of advice received over the winter and spring and to describe the options going forward. Throughout the spring and summer of 2018, the Government of Canada has been engaging with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, as well as with provinces and territories and industry stakeholders, towards the development of legislative and policy options that advance the Framework. On Monday, September 10, 2018, the Government of Canada released a document entitled the Overview of Recognition and Implementation of Indigenous Rights Framework which provides an overview of what elements could be included in the framework, including legislation, based on what was learned throughout the engagement sessions, including technical focus group sessions, and to provide a high-level policy outline.
Through Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions, the Government is working with Indigenous people to co-develop mandates that better address their needs and priorities and help advance, in partnership, community-identified priorities. These discussions also provide a forum for the Government to support the reconstitution of Indigenous nations, as well as self-determination and self-government. Over 70 of these discussions are underway with Indigenous communities, representing over 330 communities and a population of approximately 700,000 people. Of these, discussions are underway at 21 Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination tables in British Columbia.
Budget 2018 invested $74.9 million over five years, with $15.5 million per year ongoing, to provide ongoing support to these policy co-development forums.
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10/31/2018,364,17-Oct,Indigenous peoples,Include Indigenous representatives in a meaningful way in Canada's federal-provincial-territorial dialogues.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations;Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges",A consensus based approach to meaningful and collaborative engagement with Indigenous representatives in federal-provincial-territorial dialogues.,"Indigenous organizations have been active participants in ongoing federal-provincial-territorial (FPT) dialogues in policy areas that matter most to Indigenous peoples. These dialogues played a key role in identifying priorities and shaping the path forward in a number of areas, including justice and public safety, health, culture and heritage, sport and recreation, and early learning and childcare. In October 2017, national Indigenous organizations met with First Ministers to discuss measures to promote the inclusion of Indigenous peoples in an economic growth agenda and the connection to the broader reconciliation agenda. In January 2018, Indigenous leaders met with FPT Ministers responsible for Child and Family Services to discuss a plan for addressing the critical challenges being faced regarding Indigenous children in care.
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10/31/2018,365,17-Oct,Canada in the World,Develop a new Arctic Policy and a shared Arctic Leadership model for the government's work in the North.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations;Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,"Actions taken, progress made","Strong, resilient Arctic communities, sustainable and diversified Arctic economies and comprehensive Arctic infrastructure. Environmental sustainability and conservation of Arctic biodiversity.","In November 2017, the Government launched public engagement to support the development of an Arctic Policy Framework for Canada to replace Canada's Northern Strategy and the Statement on Canada's Arctic Foreign Arctic Policy. This Framework is intended to identify a vision and plan to guide federal activities in the region. Public engagement is completed and included roundtables with northern residents and Indigenous organizations, and stakeholder sessions with business, youth, non-governmental organizations and researchers. Federal, Provincial, Territorial and Indigenous partners continue to collaborate on the co-development of domestic and international elements of the framework. In March 2018, work on a new Arctic and Northern Policy Framework proceeded from public engagement to co-development with Territorial, Indigenous, and Provincial partners. As of October 2018, a broad consensus has been achieved on a path towards completing a draft Framework, with the aim of completing and launching the policy statement phase of the Framework by March 2019.
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10/31/2018,366,17-Oct,Indigenous peoples,Advance devolution in Nunavut in collaboration with the government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations;Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,"Actions taken, progress made","Greater control for Nunavut over their lands and resources, leading to increased investment and economic growth, more job opportunities and lower unemployment, and increased revenues for the Government of Nunavut. Devolution will also contribute to the broader goal of reconciliation and will be a key result under a new Arctic Policy Framework.","On July 9, 2016, the Government appointed a new Chief Federal Negotiator for Nunavut devolution. The Chief Federal Negotiator is meeting on specific issues to build common ground and facilitate the achievement of an Agreement-in-Principle. The Agreement-in-Principle will lead to a devolution agreement which would provide for the transfer of responsibilities for land and resource management to the Government of Nunavut. Main Table meetings with the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated began in December 2016. Negotiations are ongoing."
10/31/2018,367,17-Oct,Indigenous peoples,Increase the number of comprehensive modern treaties and new self-government agreements for Indigenous communities.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations;Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges","An increased number of modern treaties (comprehensive land claim agreements, self-government agreements) that supports Indigenous peoples' self-determination, self-government and nation rebuilding.","The Government is working with negotiating partners and other stakeholders to reform section 35 *Constitution Act, 1982* related policies and processes to address concerns expressed by Indigenous partners. Through Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions and the Collaborative Fiscal Policy Development Process with Self-Governing Indigenous Governments, the Government is also working with Indigenous people to co-develop policies, and approaches that lead to greater self-determination. In British Columbia, the Government is working in partnership with the province of British Columbia and the First Nations Summit to implement the proposals in the report on the ""Multilateral Engagement Process to Improve and Expedite Treaty Negotiations in British Columbia"" that was endorsed by the Principals to the British Columbia treaty process in May 2016.
Budget 2018 outlines new steps the Government will take to increase the number of comprehensive modern treaties, self-government agreements and other constructive arrangements with Indigenous communities in a manner that reflects a recognition of rights approach. These changes, along with the new approach brought forward through the Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions, will shorten the time it takes to reach new treaties and agreements, at a lower cost to all parties. As part of this new approach, the Government of Canada will be moving away from the use of loans to fund Indigenous participation in the negotiation of modern treaties. Starting in 2018–19, Indigenous participation in modern treaty negotiations will be funded through non-repayable contributions. The Government will engage with affected Indigenous groups on how best to address past and present negotiation loans, including forgiveness of loans. Through Budget 2018, the Government also proposes to invest $51.4 million over the next two years to continue its support for federal and Indigenous participation in the Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussion tables.
For example, on March 29th, 2018 Bill C-70 received Royal Assent giving effect to the Agreement on Cree Nation Governance between the Crees of Eeyou Istchee and the Government of Canada thereby advancing Self-Determination for approximately 18,000 Indigenous people in nine Cree communities in North-West Quebec. On December 14, 2017, Bill C-61, the *Anishinabek Nation Education Act*, received Royal Assent, marking the first self-government agreement in Ontario with 23 Anishinabek First Nations. The Agreement, which came into effect on April 1 2018, recognizes Anishinabek law-making powers and authority over K-12 education on reserve and a new education system grounded in Anishinabek culture and language. The Ontario Ministry of Education fully supports this Agreement and has a complementary arrangement in place to ensure that all Ontario students can benefit from this transformative education model.
On February 14, 2018, the Prime Minister announced the development of a Recognition and Implementation of Indigenous Rights Framework in full partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. As a starting point, the Prime Minister stated that the Framework would replace the Comprehensive Land Claims Policy and Inherent Right Policy with new and better approaches that fully embrace and give life to section 35 *Constitution Act, 1982*. By focusing on the recognition and implementation of rights, the new policy will support and advance Indigenous peoples’ self-determination."
10/31/2018,368,17-Oct,Indigenous peoples,Support Indigenous peoples in their work to advance self-determination.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges","Indigenous peoples will have sufficient capacity and resources to work towards rebuilding and reconstituting their nations, advancing self-determination, and, for First Nations, facilitating transitions away from the *Indian Act* and toward self-government.","The Government continues to support Indigenous peoples as they reconstitute their nations and advance self-determination and self-government. This is being accomplished through nation-level dialogues and community-level processes that are exploring the rights and priorities of Indigenous peoples and working towards their implementation in ways that make sense for Indigenous communities. For example, the Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions allow for the co-development of flexible negotiation mandates so that key issues can be appropriately prioritized and addressed. Over 70 of these discussions are underway with Indigenous communities and 25 preliminary agreements have been signed. The Government is also continuing to reform laws, policies and operational practices to better support Indigenous self-determination across the country. The Government continues to work in partnership with First Nation, Inuit and Métis peoples to develop the legislative and policy elements of the Recognition and Implementation of Indigenous Rights Framework. To date, the Minister of Crown Indigenous Relations and senior officials have held over 100 engagement sessions with over 1600 participants. In particular, as a starting point, a new policy could replace the Comprehensive Land Claims Policy and Inherent Right Policy with new and better approaches that fully embrace and give life to section 35 of the *Constitution Act*, 1982. By focusing on the recognition and implementation of rights, the new policy could support and advance Indigenous peoples’ self-determination. Through Budget 2018, the Government also proposes to invest $51.4 million over the next two years to continue its support for federal and Indigenous participation in the Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussion tables. Further, through Budget 2018, the Government proposes to provide $101.5 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, to support for nation rebuilding efforts of Indigenous Peoples. The program was launched in July 2018. The strong response by Indigenous groups demonstrates their desire to engage in the rebuilding of their nations. Funding would be made available to Indigenous groups to support activities that would facilitate their own path to reconstituting their nations. To support the expansion of the *First Nations Land Management Act* and the successful participation of First Nations under the Act, Budget 2018 proposes to invest $143.5 million over five years, beginning in 2018–19, and $19 million per year ongoing. This funding will allow an additional 50 First Nations to enter into the Land Management Regime, while providing pre-readiness support and capacity development to ensure their successful participation. Additionally, this will support over 200 First Nations to opt-out, or begin the process of opting-out, of the 33 lands related sections of the Indian Act and assume jurisdiction over their lands, environment, and natural resources under their own First Nations Land Codes. Budget 2018 also invested $50 million over 5 years and $11 million on-going to strengthen the First Nations Financial Management Board, the First Nations Finance Authority and the First Nations Tax Commission.
Through Budget 2018, the Government proposes to provide $5.5 million over two years to continue the activities of the Matrimonial Real Property Implementation Support Program. In addition, this funding will support new and more targeted training and awareness activities, such as the development of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, to respond to gaps in the administration of justice. This funding will provide for the continuation of a First Nation Centre of Excellence providing training to enhance knowledge and awareness of rights and protections available under related federal legislation; and support for First Nation law-making in this area.
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10/31/2018,369,17-Oct,Indigenous peoples,Advance positions in co-operative dispute resolution processes that are consistent with the resolution of past wrongs toward Indigenous peoples.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges","Resolution of past grievances through collaborative, trusted, mutually respectful processes consistent with the Government's commitment to a renewed nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown and government-to-government relationship.","Recent settlement agreements between the Government of Canada and Indigenous peoples signify progress on this commitment. This has been demonstrated by the Government's new approach to Childhood Claims, and specifically through the Newfoundland and Labrador residential schools settlement agreement (September 2016), and the Sixties Scoop settlement (Summer 2018), the joint development of the parameters of the Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation and the ongoing negotiations to resolve Gottfriedson and McLean class actions.
In addition, Canada entered into a settlement agreement with Ontario and the seven Williams Treaties First Nations, resolving a 95 year old land claim. As part of this agreement, Canada and Ontario acknowledged and recognized the rights of the Williams Treaties First Nations to hunt, trap, fish and gather in various pre-Confederation treaty areas in central Ontario, and further, both governments committed to provide an oral and written apology to the First Nations.
In October 2018, the Government, in partnership with the Lubicon Lake Band and the Government of Alberta, concluded the Lubicon Lake Band No. 453 Treaty 8 Lands and Benefits Claim Settlement Agreement and ancillary agreements following overwhelming community ratification. This settlement resolves the original omission of the Lubicon from Treaty 8 and addresses the grievances over this past wrong through the provision of reserve lands, compensation for the decades of loss of use of those lands and other treaty benefits and commits to the construction of significant community infrastructure. The settlement is a major step forward towards reconciliation with the Lubicon.
Also, Canada has reached a final settlement to resolve the Ahiarmiut litigation concerning the relocation of the community throughout Nunavut in the 1950s. In addition to the monetary settlement, the Government of Canada has received authority to deliver an apology to advance reconciliation with the Ahiarmiut.
Canada is engaged in over 70 Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities across the country. These discussions seek to advance, in partnership, community-identified priorities. Several Indigenous groups have entered into discussions in response to or as an alternative to litigation. By entering into these flexible discussions with Canada, groups seek to settle litigation through out of court settlements.
Specific claims are claims made by a First Nation against the Government of Canada which relate to the administration of land and other First Nation assets or alleged breaches of historic treaties. An Assembly of First Nations – Canada Joint Technical Working Group on Specific Claims, which includes representatives from a number of First Nation organizations is currently developing concrete proposals to improve the process for resolving specific claims. The resolution of these historic grievances is key to the recognition of First Nations’ rights, respect and advancing reconciliation.
The Reconciliation Measures workplan is central to the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee because the actions it encompasses are fundamental to a just and lasting reconciliation between Inuit and the Crown.
Further efforts in reconciliation have been made. For example, the Government has been working with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) and Inuit Land Claims on the Nanilavut Initiative, which concerns the Government’s role in the past tuberculosis epidemic among Inuit. The Nanilavut Initiative is included in the work plan of the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee under the Reconciliation Measures Theme. Discussions are underway with ITK and Inuit Land Claims for the launch of the Nanilavut Initiative.
The Government is also working on the Qikiqtani Truth Commission (QTC) Final Report (2013) as a member of the Saimaqatiqiingniq Working Group which provides a space where partners can discuss ways to implement the QTC’s 25 recommendations. Discussions to date have focused on quantifying the size and scope of the recommendations and determining the best way to implement them.
The Government is also advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples through symbolic Ministerial statements of posthumous exoneration and/or pardon that address historical incidents of cultural conflict and misunderstanding. A posthumous exoneration stands as an important symbol of the Government of Canada's commitment to reconciliation. For example, on March 26, 2018, the Prime Minister delivered a statement of exoneration on behalf of the Government of Canada to the Tsilhqot’in Nation and the descendants of six Tsilhqot’in Chiefs who led the Tsilhqot’in war effort in 1864 in response to a colonial road crew attempting to build a road through Tsilhqot'in territory without the agreement of the Tsilhqot'in Nation, and were executed in 1864 and 1865.
In addition, the Government is working with the Poundmaker Cree Nation to exonerate Chief Poundmaker who was wrongly convicted for treason against the Crown as one of the leaders of a community that had been involved in armed conflict against the Canadian Expeditionary Force following the looting of Battleford in 1855 (present day Saskatchewan).
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10/31/2018,370,17-Oct,Indigenous peoples,"Ensure the implementation of pre-Confederation, historic, and modern treaties and agreements.",Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Strengthened Crown-Indigenous relationships, greater autonomy, and improved social and economic outcomes for Indigenous peoples.","Collaborative work with Indigenous partners is ongoing, such as through the Inuit Crown Partnership Committee Permanent Bilateral Mechanism and the annual Canada-Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations Forum (the first forum was chaired by the Prime Minister in November 2017). Issue areas addressed through these fora include: collaborative participation in the formal Implementation Committees that each modern agreement entails; renewing the fiscal relationship with self-governing Indigenous governments, structures of governments, and furthering shared priorities through participation and engagement, and improving treaty implementation. The treaty relationship is maintained through various policies, mechanisms and processes including treaty discussions and treaty commissions. A number of historic treaty groups are engaged with Canada in discussions toward reinvigorating the treaty relationship and exploring reconciliation-focused approaches to address treaty-related interests, including with respect to treaty implementation. The Government is also supporting the implementation of the Additions to Reserve Policy Directive to ensure Canada meets its historic treaty obligations and to improve access to community lands and resources.
An annual forum with the Prime Minister was committed to at the November 1, 2017, Canada-Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations Forum. The Inuit Crown Partnership Committee has also identified land claims implementation as a priority issue and is pursuing recommendations echoed at the November 1, 2017 forum. First meetings were held in 2017 with the Prime Minister and Indigenous leaders, and these processes are expected to be ongoing. Other ongoing engagement, including with respect to departmental transformation, and with modern treaty and self-governing groups will be essential to positively advancing implementation of treaties and agreements.
Canada and Indigenous governments continue to engage in respectful and collaborative government-to-government discussions at regular meetings dedicated to the effective implementation of modern treaties and self-government agreements, with 50 having taken place to date in 2017-18.
In Québec, the Cree Nation Governance Agreement (signed on July 18, 2017) will modernize existing governance regimes on Cree lands. The implementing Bill on Cree Nation Governance Agreement received Royal Assent on March 29, 2018. This represents another step in implementing Cree self-governance in compliance with the 1975 James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement. It will provide the Cree First Nations and the Cree Nation Government with important tools to assume greater autonomy and responsibility in the governance of Cree community lands subject to federal jurisdiction. The Agreement on Cree Nation Governance and the Cree Constitution demonstrate that the Cree Nation Government and the Cree First Nations are mature governments. They are a step towards reconciliation and a respectful nation-to-nation relationship between the Cree and Canada in the spirit of the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement.
Additions to Reserves enable Canada to fulfill legal obligations established by Treaty Lands Entitlement, Specific Claims, and other legal agreements. Expanding the reserve land base is also an important mechanism by which First Nations can foster community and economic development. A National Additions to Reserve Advisory Committee made up of Indigenous organizations and stakeholders was created in 2017 to identify and implement process improvements that will streamline and accelerate the Additions to Reserve process. There were 111 Additions to Reserve approved in 2017-18, of which 99 represent the fulfillment of legal obligations on the part of the Crown. To date in 2018-19, 35 36 Additions to Reserve have been completed, of which 22 represent the fulfillment of legal obligations.
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10/31/2018,371,17-Oct,Indigenous peoples,"Collaboratively, identify the best models for delivering improved services to Indigenous peoples, and improve accountability.",Minister of Indigenous Services,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges","Co-creation of new and meaningful partnership models that strengthen service delivery for Indigenous peoples, resulting in improved outcomes in key areas including health, education, child welfare and community infrastructure.","The Government will continue to work in partnership with Indigenous peoples to identify the best models for improving the delivery of services and improving accountability to Indigenous peoples for the quality of those services. This will be achieved by strengthening engagement practices, supporting the transfer of services to be Indigenous-led where possible, recognizing the inherent knowledge of communities and ensuring that services are culturally appropriate. The Government will also work with Indigenous peoples to measure and monitor progress and improve service delivery on an ongoing basis.
The Government continues to work collaboratively with the First Nations Fiscal Management Act institutions, the First Nations Finance Authority, the First Nations Financial Management Board and the First Nations Tax Commission, who provide direct services to First Nations and a legislative and institutional framework to exercise jurisdiction over core fiscal and governance matters, including the financing of infrastructure and economic development projects through the issuance of bonds on capital markets. For an example of some of the results achieved, the First Nations Finance Authority’s September 2018 debenture issuance on the financial markets added an additional $138 million to the existing debentures and bringing the total to $518 million. Investments in infrastructure and socio-economic development projects include water treatment, roads, housing, schools, health, security and emergency services, renewable energy and aquaculture. In addition to the high quality services that they provide, these institutions are working collaboratively with the Government and other First Nation partners to lead the way on innovative initiatives that support a renewed nation-to-nation relationship, such as a proposed First Nation infrastructure institution, under the umbrella of a New Fiscal Relationship and 10 year grants, and exploring the potential to monetize federal capital transfers.
The Government also continues to work in close collaboration with other key partner Indigenous organizations such as the National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association, the First Nations Lands Management Resource Centre and the Tulo Centre of Indigenous Economics. These technical organizations play a crucial role in developing capacity, certifying First Nations through accredited programs and providing ongoing professional development and technical support in areas of relevance to First Nations - land use planning and surveys, matrimonial real property, resource development, environmental management, etc. The government will continue to look for opportunities to further devolve responsibilities to its partners as they have proven to be effective and efficient in providing culturally appropriate services and capacity development opportunities.
Budget 2018 proposes to invest $50 million over five years, and $11 million per year ongoing, to strengthen the First Nations Financial Management Board, the First Nations Finance Authority and the First Nations Tax Commission.
The Government is in discussions with the Métis National Council on increasing access to capital for the Métis Capital Corporations as well as the possibility of holding a MEDS 4 (Métis Economic Development Symposium). The Government will continue to work with First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation, as well as other partners, to advance the reforms to child and family services that are needed and develop Indigenous-led solutions that put the well-being of children first. For example, supporting community-led initiatives, working with First Nations communities, Inuit governments and organizations, and the Métis Nation to draw down jurisdiction in child and family services, and collaborating with partners to create federal legislation in child and family services.
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10/31/2018,372,17-Oct,Indigenous peoples,"Continue to provide services to Indigenous peoples, including community infrastructure, emergency management, water, education, moneys and trusts, and registration.",Minister of Indigenous Services,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges","Indigenous communities will have access to and benefit from quality community infrastructure including housing, water, schools and other forms of community infrastructure, and services (moneys and trusts, and registration).","**Water**: In January 2018, the scope of the commitment to resolve additional long-term drinking water advisories (LT-DWAs) was expanded. Between November 2015 and October 26, 2018, the total number of LT-DWAs on public systems on reserve declined from 105 to 67. Over this period, 74 LT-DWAs were lifted and 36 new LT-DWAs were added.
Budget 2018 builds on prior investments and reaffirms the Government’s commitment by providing an additional $172.6 million over three years, beginning in 2018–19, to improve access to clean and safe drinking water on reserve. The latest results on eliminating LT-DWA can be found here .
**Housing**: Investments in Indigenous housing from Budget 2016 are expected to build/renovate/lot service 14,107 units in First Nation communities. As of June 30, 2018, 9,996 (71%) of the 14,107 housing units have been completed. With respect to Inuit housing, 193 units are expected to be built/renovated in 2016/17 and 2017/18. Through investments made in Budget 2017 and Budget 2018, the Government proposes dedicated funding to support the successful implementation of each of the distinctions-based housing strategies, including:
• $600 million over three years to support housing on reserve as part of a 10-year First Nations Housing Strategy that is being co-developed with First Nations.
• $400 million over 10 years to support an Inuit-led housing plan in the Inuit regions of Nunavik, Nunatsiavut and Inuvialuit Settlement Region. This is in addition to the $240 million over 10 years announced in Budget 2017 to support housing in Nunavut.,
• $500 million over 10 years to support the Métis Nation’s housing strategy.
**Schools**: Over $300 million was invested to build/upgrade First Nation schools in 2016/17 and 2017/18. This includes 70 new schools and 84 renovated/upgraded schools. As of June 30, 2018, 11 out of the 70 new school projects have been completed, and renovations/upgrades on 19 of the 84 schools have been completed.
**Health facilities**: As of June 30, 2018, investments have been made in more than 213 First Nations infrastructure projects to build and renovate health facilities such as nursing stations, health centres, acute care facilities, drug and alcohol treatment centres, as well as facilities hosting Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve (AHSOR) programming. 148 (69.4%) of these projects are complete.
**Emergency Management**: In 2016/17, the Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP) invested $115.69 million to support First Nations in their efforts to prepare for, mitigate against, respond to and recover from emergency disasters. There were 117 emergency events affecting First Nation communities of which 37 caused evacuations involving approximately 6,668 evacuees (99.6% of whom have returned to their communities).
For 2017/18, forecasted expenditures for EMAP are approximately $137 million, with approximately $102.6 million of this for emergency response and recovery. There were 153 EMAP-eligible emergency events affecting First Nation communities, of which 54 55 caused evacuations involving approximately 14,888 evacuees (99.4 % of whom have returned to their communities to date). In the 2018/19 fiscal year (as of October 3, 2018), there have been 139 EMAP-eligible emergency events affecting First Nation communities, of which 53 resulted in evacuations involving approximately 9,734 evacuees. As of October 3, 2018, six communities, or approximately 360 individuals, who were evacuated in 2018/19, due to either flooding or wildland fires, remain evacuated. In the 2018/19 fiscal year (as of September 20, 2018), the EMAP supported the repatriation of 414 long-term evacuees. Presently, there remain 2,732 long term evacuees, of which 579 are receiving support through the EMAP, and 2,153 are receiving support through Public Safety Canada's Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements.
**Land Use Planning**: Over $10 million was invested in 2016/17 and 2017/18 to allow over 50 communities begin developing community-led land use plans, which will support healthy and environmentally sustainable community development by ensuring infrastructure investments are planned and implemented in a manner that serves the short and long term needs and priorities of communities.
**Moneys and Trusts**: In 2017/18, the Government processed 1,044 band moneys payment transactions totaling $180.9 million, 6,059 individual moneys payment transactions totaling $9.3 million, and 1,051 suspense account payment transactions totaling $5.6 million. To date, in 2018/19, the Government processed 283 band moneys payment transactions totaling $67.1 million, 3,014 individual moneys payment transactions totaling $4.5 million, and 487 suspense account payment transactions totaling $1.6 million.
From January to December 2017, the Government paid out $ 1,968,805.00 in treaty payments to 144,016 individuals at 342 Treaty payment events across Canada.
**Registrations**: On December 22, 2017, the *Indian Act* was amended in response to the Superior Court of Quebec decision in Descheneaux v. Canada (Procureur général). Amendments to address the sex-based inequities in Indian registration going back to 1951 are currently being implemented to all applications, regardless of their submission date.
Broader amendments that will remove sex-based inequities going back to 1869 will come into force at a later date after Canada has consulted with First Nations and other parties on how to implement the changes.
**Estates**: Since April 2017, the Government provided service to complete the administration for 7,034 decedent estates and opened the administration of 3,649 new decedent estates. Services were provided in the administration of 132 new Living estates."
10/31/2018,373,17-Oct,Healthy Canadians,Eliminate all long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve by March 2021.,Minister of Indigenous Services,"Actions taken, progress made","Continued progress in eliminating long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve, leading to the elimination of all long-term advisories by March 2021.","In January 2018, the scope of the commitment to resolve additional long-term drinking water advisories (LT-DWAs) was expanded. Between November 2015 and October 26, 2018, the number of LT-DWAs on public systems in First Nations communities has declined from 105 to 67. Over this period, 74 LT-DWAs were lifted, and 36 new LT-DWAs were added. Work is ongoing in partnership with First Nation communities and an action plan is in place to address all 67 LT-DWAs currently in effect.
To support this commitment, the Government of Canada is investing in First Nation water infrastructure projects and works directly with First Nations to assist communities in monitoring drinking water quality in all water systems, which includes providing advice and guidance about drinking water safety and wastewater disposal, and reviewing infrastructure project proposals from a public health perspective.
Budget 2017 provided $49 million over 3 years to address advisories as part of the expanded scope. Budget 2018 builds on prior investments and reaffirms the Government’s commitment providing an additional $172.6 million over three years, beginning in 2018–19, to improve access to clean and safe drinking water on reserve. Budget 2018 also proposed support for repairs to high risk water systems, recruitment, training and retention initiatives, and the establishment of innovative First Nation-led service delivery models.
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10/31/2018,374,17-Oct,Healthy Canadians,Improve the delivery of child welfare and health care under Jordan's Principle to focus on the best interests of the child.,Minister of Indigenous Services,"Actions taken, progress made","First Nations children have access to the health and social supports they need when they need them, no matter where they live.","Significant progress has been made in recent months in the provision of health, educational and social supports. From July 2016 to August 2018, Canada has approved 122,544 products, supports and services totaling $361 million for First Nations children and youth under Jordan's Principle. Actions to support Jordan's Principle, include:
• Increasing awareness of Jordan's Principle amongst First Nations families, health providers, provincial school boards and provincial/territorial stakeholders through a proactive and multi-faceted communications and marketing approach with a focus on Indigenous mediums (e.g. social media, radio advertisements, targeted mailouts to Child and Family Service agencies, educational institutions, etc.);
• Co-developing the long-term policy options for the implementation of Jordan's Principle through the Jordan’s Principle Action Table (a sub-committee of the National Advisory Committee) which will inform long term directions. The Table is chaired by the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), includes other First Nations stakeholders, and has undertaken engagement and regional focus groups since July 2017 to inform and then validate the proposed approach;
• Launching of the Jordan’s Principle National Call Centre to help First Nations children access the products, services and supports they need. 1-855-JP-CHILD (1-855-572-4453); As of September 16, 2018, a total of 1,657 calls were received, 445 of which generated a request for services.
• Participation of all interested Canadian Human Rights Tribunal parties at the monthly Jordan’s Principle Oversight Committee, a committee established to increase dialogue and timely advice on Jordan’s Principle implementation and planning activities;
• Ongoing monitoring, tracking and reporting of Jordan's Principle processes to comply with Canadian Human Right's Tribunal orders. The Affidavit compliance report was submitted to the Tribunal on May 24, 2018, and a reply affidavit was submitted on June 21, 2018. Cross examinations on these affidavits are expected to be scheduled for the end of October 2018;
• Development of a Client Satisfaction Survey in consultation with the parties to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal decision, to help assess the impact of Jordan's Principle. First wave of surveys returned, in May 2018. A second wave was distributed this summer, with a report on results to be developed in fall 2018; and
• Updates have been made to the Jordan's Principle webpages to include information on how to make a request, seek reimbursement, make an appeal as well as information on the application of substantive equality under Jordan's Principle;
• The Jordan’s Principle Summit, hosted by AFN in Winnipeg from September 12-13, was successful with over 800 participants.
Efforts are being undertaken to reform the delivery of child welfare, including:
• To address the funding pressures facing child and family service agencies, while also increasing prevention resources for communities so that children are safe and families can stay together, Budget 2018 provides more than $1.4 billion in new funding over six years, starting in 2017–18, for First Nations Child and Family Services. The Government will continue to work with First Nations, Inuit and the Metis Nation, as well as other partners, to advance the reforms to child and family services that are needed and develop Indigenous-led solutions that put the well-being of children first.
• The government’s commitment to continue to fully implement the orders of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, in consultation with the parties, including funding on actuals for retroactive and ongoing agency expenses in areas such as prevention/least disruptive measures, intake and investigation, building repairs, and legal fees.
• Engagement nationally and regionally to implement the six point plan on Indigenous child welfare, including developing a data and reporting strategy with provinces, territories, and Indigenous partners and advancing discussions on increasing jurisdiction for Indigenous communities.
• Canada signed a Consultation Protocol on March 2, 2018 with the Assembly of First Nations, the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, Nishnawbe-Aski Nation, Chiefs of Ontario and the Canadian Human Rights Commission to fulfill the Canadian Human Rights Tribunals (CHRT) orders and to promote transparency, mutual understanding and cooperation amongst the parties and to ensure that immediate, mid and long term relief measures are developed and implemented in an effective and cooperative manner to eliminate the discrimination outlined in the CHRT decision. Since its inception following the signing of the Consultation Protocol, the Consultation Committee on Child Welfare has held seven meetings and continues productive discussions on the program and implementation of the Tribunal's orders.
• Canada has continued to implement the six point plan on Indigenous child welfare, including developing a data and reporting strategy with provinces, territories, and Indigenous partners; supporting community-led initiatives; and advancing discussions on increasing jurisdiction for Indigenous communities.
• The Minister of Indigenous Services engaged across the country this summer and early fall to co-create options for potential federal legislation in partnership with Indigenous peoples and key partners, with the goal of introducing legislation in the fall so that it could be passed within this mandate.
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10/31/2018,375,17-Oct,Indigenous peoples,Implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in full partnership with Indigenous peoples.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges","Strengthened relationships between the Government and Indigenous peoples, and alignment of federal laws and policies related to Indigenous peoples with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).","The Government has created a Working Group of Ministers, chaired by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, on the Review of Laws and Policies Related to Indigenous peoples to identify opportunities to amend federal laws and policies to align with the spirit and intent of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). As of November 2017, Canada is engaged in over 70 Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions, which are an opportunity for the Government to work collaboratively with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities to advance their rights, needs and interests through flexible approaches. These discussions are guided by the spirit and intent of the UNDRIP and by the Principles Respecting the Government of Canada's Relationship with Indigenous peoples. What is heard through these discussions will help inform forthcoming reforms to section-35 related policies to align with a recognition of rights approach and Indigenous self-determination as expressed in the UNDRIP.
The Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions are one of the mechanisms Canada is using to advance implementation of Articles 3, 4, 5 and 9 of the UNDRIP. The Government of Canada is working together with Indigenous groups to strengthen their self-determination as well as advance shared priorities, including nation building and governance. In addition, Canada is implementing its commitment to co-development through the co-development of negotiation mandates for Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions. This reflects Article 18 of the Declaration affirming that Indigenous peoples have the right to participate in decision-making about matters affecting their rights through their own representatives.
The Government of Canada is also fulfilling its commitment to implement the UNDRIP by:
• Supporting Private Member’s Bill C-262: The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, as a strong first step in the process of implementation. More legislation will be needed in order to fully implement the Declaration in Canada;
• Co-developing Indigenous Languages legislation with national First Nation, Inuit, and Métis leaders;
• Establishing the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls;
• Adopting a set of Principles respecting the Government of Canada's relationship with Indigenous peoples;
• Undertaking major changes to the machinery of government through the creation of the new Department of Indigenous Services and Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, to be better partners in new, recognition-based, nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relations;
• Working with Indigenous self-governments to review financing policies as a first step to support Indigenous governance, self-sufficiency and economic development;
• Creating new pathways to self-determination in health and education, including concluding significant education agreements, like the Anishnabek Nation Education Agreement, that recognizes Anishnabek control over education for 23 participating First Nations, and the opening of the Manitoba First Nations School System;
• Co-developing amendments to the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management and the First Nations Land Management Act with the Lands Advisory Board;
• Developing a Recognition and Implementation of Indigenous Rights Framework to advance self-determination; and, make the recognition and implementation of rights the basis for all relations between Indigenous peoples and the federal government; and
• Co-developed a consultation protocol agreement between the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nations and the Government of Canada to demonstrate Canada’s commitment to work in a spirit of partnership and collaboration with the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation to advance reconciliation and self-determination, and make real progress on the issues most important to them.
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10/31/2018,376,15-Nov,Safety and Security,Undertake modernization efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the criminal justice system.,Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,"Actions taken, progress made","Canadians are kept safer and offenders are held to account, the system shows greater compassion for victims, the needs of vulnerable populations are addressed and the criminal justice system is more efficient.","On March 29, 2018, the Government tabled legislation to improve efficiencies in the criminal justice system and reduce court delays in six key areas:
• modernize and streamline the bail regime;
• enhance the approach to administration of justice offences, including for youth;
• restrict the availability of preliminary inquiries to offences carrying life imprisonment;
• reclassify some offences to provide greater flexibility and court efficiencies;
• improve the jury composition and selection process; and,
• strengthen case management measures and processes for making rules of court.
A number of these reforms will respond to victims and the needs of vulnerable populations, for instance, by providing better protection for victims of intimate partner violence; preventing victims from having to testify twice; and, by providing that circumstances of the accused, in particular Indigenous accused and accused persons from vulnerable populations, are considered at bail, and in determining how to address a breach of condition.
To enhance access to justice and improve outcomes for a significant number of Canadian families, Budget 2018 proposed to provide $77.2 million over four years, starting in 2019-2020, and $20.8 million per year ongoing to support the creation and expansion of Unified Family Courts in Alberta, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador
Further to this funding announcement, the necessary amendments to the Judges Act to create the new judicial positions were included in the Budget Implementation Act, 2018, No.1. Implementation planning for the new Unified Family Courts sites is underway in anticipation of these amendments coming into force on April 1, 2019. As a further significant family law initiative, on May 22, 2018, the Government of Canada introduced new legislation (Bill C-78) to make federal family laws more responsive to Canadian families’ needs. The proposed legislation is designed to meet four key objectives:
• promote the best interests of the child;
• address family violence;
• help to reduce child poverty; and
• make Canada’s family justice system more accessible and efficient.
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10/31/2018,377,17-Oct,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Lead preparations for future international sporting events.,Minister of Science and Sport,"Actions taken, progress made",Canadian athletes and national sport organizations are better prepared and supported for domestic and international events.,"Canada recorded its best ever Winter Olympics performance medal-wise at the PyeongChang Olympics with 29 medals (11 gold, eight silver, ten bronze). Canada also recorded its best ever Winter Paralympic performance at the PyeongChang Paralympics with 28 medals (eight gold, four silver and 16 bronze). The Government will continue to support Canadian athletes and national sport organizations in preparation for international events. Each year, Canada hosts more than 70 international single sport events that are supported through the Government's Hosting Program.
Canada’s female athletes make Canadians proud at high-performance sport events. They regularly achieve podium success at Senior World Championships, and Olympic and Paralympic Games, but fewer Canadian women and girls participate in sport and physical activity than men and boys. However of note, 58% of Team Canada at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games were women, an increase of 9% from the 2014 Games in Glasgow. Through Budget 2018, the Government proposed an initial $30 million in funding over three years to support data, research and innovative practices to promote women and girls’ participation in sport, and encourage greater inclusion of women and girls in all facets of sport. As such, in April 2018, a Working Group on gender Equity in Sport was created in order to examine issues that may affect participation and propose ideas, approaches, and strategies for eliminating barriers and to increase participation of women and girls in all facets of sport.
Budget 2018 also proposed to provide $16 million over five years with $2 million in ongoing funding for Special Olympics Canada to sustain its empowering movement. This includes support to the National Team Program which ensures optimal performance preparation for Special Olympics Team Canada to represent Canada on the world stage.
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10/31/2018,378,18-Aug,Exports and Investment,"Assess how the Government of Canada’s trade resources are currently applied compared to where Canadians’ economic opportunities are.
",Minister of International Trade Diversification,Completed - fully met,Develop an effective process to reallocate resources worldwide.,"The Department developed an effective process to reallocate resources across the globe in response to the changing needs of Canadian business. The Trade Resources Allocation Determination (TRAD) model was developed to ensure that resources are located in areas of opportunity for Canadian companies. TRAD incorporates macroeconomics indicators, client demand and operational constraints. Regions that generate positive TRAD results have become priorities for additional resources. "
10/31/2018,379,18-Aug,Exports and Investment,Ensure that our global engagements are maximizing relationship and partnership opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers.,Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made","Targeted global engagements by the Minister of International Trade Diversification, and increased commercial and partnership opportunities for Canadian businesses through the work of the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service.","Strong international relationships are critical to developing global opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers. In September, the Minister of International Trade Diversification accompanied the Prime Minister to the United Nations General Assembly in New York and advanced Canadian trade interests by reinforcing ties with international counterparts and engaging with business leaders. Earlier that month, Israel and Thailand were visited, where counterparts and local business leaders were met with to identify new trade opportunities for Canadian businesses. Canadian expertise in the digital media, transportation, clean-energy and financial sectors were promoted. In Singapore, counterparts from across the Asia-Pacific were met with to advance Canada's trade objectives for the ASEAN market. In addition to this high-level engagement, Global Affairs Canada has Trade Commissioners deployed in over 160 locations around the world who are connecting Canadian exporters with commercial opportunities and encouraging new investments into Canada. The Trade Commissioner Service provides assistance to nearly 15,000 clients. For each client, this means drawing on established relationships and forging new partnerships to meet their unique needs and goals. Firms that work with the Trade Commissioner Service export 19.8 percent more on average and are also more diversified, accessing 24.8 percent more foreign markets. "
10/31/2018,380,18-Aug,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Work with all cultural and creative sectors on the successful delivery of initiatives and $3.2 billion of new funding announced in previous budgets. ,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism,"Actions taken, progress made",Canada’s cultural and creative sectors contribute to strengthening Canadian identity and Canada’s economy.,"Promotion of Canadian artists through investments in national institutions and creative industries, both at home and abroad, supports the creation of Canadian content and contributes to Canada’s economy. Investments in languages enhance the vitality of official languages, and help preserve, promote and revitalize Indigenous languages and cultures with the objective of strengthening Canada as a cohesive society."
10/31/2018,381,18-Aug,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Continue to modernize the *Broadcasting Act* and *Telecommunications Act*, and examine how to best support Canadian content in English and French and ensure quality affordable Internet, mobile and media access.","Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development","Actions taken, progress made","The *Broadcasting Act* and Telecommunications Act* are modernized so Canadian citizens, businesses, artists and creators, communications industry, and economy as a whole better enjoy the benefits of the digital age.","In June 2018, the Government announced the Broadcasting and Telecommunications Legislative Review Panel, an expert panel to study these issues and make recommendations. The panel is consulting with Canadians including a phase of written submissions that closes January 11, 2019. The Panel is expected to publish an interim report in Spring 2019 and a final report by January 31, 2020."
10/31/2018,382,18-Aug,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Review the *Copyright Act* to ensure Canadian creators are valued for their work, users benefit from choice, and businesses grow and succeed.","Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development","Actions taken, progress made","Canada has a healthy copyright marketplace, one in which Canadian creators get fairly compensated for their work, users benefit from great choices and business can thrive.","The Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology (INDU) leads the statutory review of the Copyright Act which began on April 17, 2018. To support the work of INDU, the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage (CHPC) launched a study on remuneration models for artists and creative industries.
Parliamentary review of the Copyright Act is ongoing and expected to conclude early 2019. The Government will then have 120 calendar days to provide a response.
In the meantime, new appointments, investments and comprehensive legislative reforms regarding the Copyright Board of Canada will better position Canada's creators and cultural entrepreneurs to make, produce and reinvest in high quality Canadian content, and will support strong, vibrant and healthy creative industries for the benefit of all Canadians."
10/31/2018,383,18-Aug,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Deliver the Creative Export Strategy.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism;Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion,"Actions taken, progress made","Expanded reach of international markets, growth in exports, and increased international recognition for Canada’s creative sector.","The year 2017-2018 marked the second year of the implementation of the Budget 2016 announcement of $35 million over 2 years to “Showcase Canada’s cultural industries to the world”, which paved the way to the Creative Export Strategy. A comprehensive Creative Export Strategy was announced in September 2017.
The Strategy was publicly launched on June 26, 2018. Work to deliver the Creative Export Strategy in collaboration with Global Affairs Canada and the Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion is well underway and will continue over the next 5 years.
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10/31/2018,384,18-Aug,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Strengthen Canada's multicultural advantage by implementing a revitalized Multiculturalism Program and developing new initiatives to celebrate diversity and foster greater inclusion.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism,"Actions taken, progress made","A re-developed and revitalized Multiculturalism Program is in place to help strengthen Canada’s multicultural advantage, celebrate diversity and foster greater inclusion.",Work is currently underway to scope the depth and breadth of changes and additions to be proposed as part of the Multiculturalism Program’s revitalization.
10/31/2018,385,18-Aug,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Assess barriers faced by minority groups in Canada through cross-country engagement and develop a new federal anti-racism strategy to combat discrimination and racism.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism,"Actions taken, progress made",A new results-focused Federal approach is developed to address discrimination and racism.,Cross-country engagement sessions to better understand the barriers faced by minority groups in Canada are to be completed by December 2018. Collaboration with other government departments is ongoing to ensure the robustness of a future federal anti-racism approach.
10/31/2018,386,18-Aug,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Enhance local community support for young Black Canadians at risk and advance research on more culturally appropriate mental health support programs for the Black community.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism;Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made",Enhanced support for at-risk Black Canadian youth and more culturally appropriate mental health programs supported by research.,"Budget 2018 earmarked $42 million to strengthen multiculturalism and address the challenges faced by Black Canadians, including $10 million over five years for the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and $9 million over three years for the Department of Canadian Heritage that will be targeted to promote mental health for youth at risk and to develop research in support of more culturally focused mental health programs in the Black Canadian community.
In summer 2018, PHAC representatives met with a number of Black community organizations, researchers, and leaders to discuss promising approaches for improving the mental health and its determinants for Black Canadians. On September 25, 2018, PHAC launched
Promoting Health Equity: Mental Health of Black Canadians, a new funding initiative that aims to strengthen culturally informed approaches to improving mental health for Black youth and their families and communities.
Enhancements will be made to the Multiculturalism Program within the Department of Canadian Heritage to provide Black Canadian youth with greater community supports, education and training, and opportunities to engage on issues of racism and discrimination.
An initiative that builds on the efforts of PHAC regarding mental health and wellness and the elimination of health inequalities will be undertaken to strengthen knowledge of effective, culturally focused interventions to promote positive mental health for Black Canadians. In collaboration with PHAC, Canadian Heritage will develop a research initiative aimed at enhancing the body of knowledge on inequities and barriers faced by Black Canadian youth in an effort to improve future programming. "
10/31/2018,387,18-Aug,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Support local journalism and develop business models that facilitate private giving and philanthropic support for professional non-profit journalism and local news.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism;Minister of Finance,"Actions taken, progress made",Canadians have access to local journalism that reflects public interest.,"In Budget 2018, the Government committed to exploring, over the next year, new models that enable private giving and philanthropic support for trusted, professional, non-profit journalism and local news. This could include new ways for Canadian newspapers to innovate and be recognized to receive charitable status for not-for-profit provision of journalism, reflecting the public interest that they serve."
10/31/2018,388,18-Aug,Jobs and Innovation,Work with media organizations to consider how the government can further support the transition to digital media.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism,"Actions taken, progress made",Media organizations more easily transition to digital platforms.,"Consultations with key stakeholders, media organizations and experts have been ongoing in order to ease the transition to digital media. Policy options including government support for transition to digital in the newspaper and magazine industry are being prepared.
Meetings and discussions have occurred between government officials, including the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism, and media organizations to discuss how the government can further support the transition to digital media."
10/31/2018,389,18-Aug,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the government’s advertising budget better supports Canadian content providers and platforms.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism;President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government;Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made",Better support for Canadian content providers and platforms.,The Government of Canada is developing options that will consider both paid advertising as well as existing programs and initiatives aimed at supporting Canadian content providers and platforms.
10/31/2018,390,18-Aug,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Ensure that Canadians have access to accurate and timely information about community infrastructure investments, and improve financial reporting.",Minister of Infrastructure and Communities,"Actions taken, progress made",Accurate and timely information about infrastructure investments is available for Canadians.,"In December 2017, the Government launched an online interactive project map to highlight the development of a broad cross-section of projects that have been approved under the Investing in Canada plan.
In November 2018, the Government released an implementation progress and funding update table for the Investing in Canada Plan. "
10/31/2018,391,18-Aug,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Engage with provinces and territories to identify infrastructure priorities that achieve a fair balance of provincial, territorial, and municipal projects to benefit communities of all sizes.",Minister of Infrastructure and Communities,"Actions taken, progress made","Infrastructure projects are prioritized in a way that benefits communities of all sizes, and proponents while implementing the climate lens and community employment benefits framework.","Working in collaboration with its provincial-territorial partners, the Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that investments in infrastructure are made to benefit communities of all sizes. Infrastructure bilateral agreements have been signed with all provinces and territories, including agreement to report on benefits to communities."
10/31/2018,392,18-Aug,Sustainable Infrastructure,Ensure that infrastructure investments are accounted for and flow as construction work takes place. Honour bilateral agreements and report transparently to Canadians on changes.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government,"Actions taken, progress made","The Government transparently tracks and reports on infrastructure investments, and flows funding according to the pace of construction.","The Government of Canada is working diligently with its provincial-territorial partners to move forward with submissions, approve projects as quickly as possible, and address the timeliness of the flow of funds to help transform Canadian communities. "
10/31/2018,393,18-Aug,Sustainable Infrastructure,Ensure the Bank has the support it needs for its core purpose – attracting private sector and institutional investment to expand the scope of public infrastructure investment in Canada.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Finance,"Actions taken, progress made","The Canada Infrastructure Bank is increasing private and institutional investment to revenue-generating projects and transforming the way infrastructure is planned, funded and delivered in Canada.",The Canada Infrastructure Bank is now fully operational and is working to advance an innovative financing model that brings investors together to structure appropriate financial support to make projects commercially viable. The model will crowd-in and mobilize private and institutional capital and will relate financial returns to the project usage and revenue risk.
10/31/2018,394,18-Aug,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Leverage ideas from the Smart Cities Challenge to select winners from communities of all sizes, and test new, Indigenous-led projects through the Indigenous Homes Innovation Initiative.",Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Indigenous Services,"Actions taken, progress made","Winners from communities of all sizes are selected in the Smart Cities Challenge in Spring 2019 and funding is provided through the Indigenous Homes Innovation Initiative for new approaches in the design and construction of Indigenous-led home and community innovation projects for First Nations (on and off reserve), Inuit and Métis peoples living in rural and urban communities.","On November 23, 2017, the Government launched the Smart Cities Challenge. On June 1, 2018, the finalists were announced at the 2018 Federation of Canadian Municipalities meeting in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The Challenge is on track to announce the winners in Spring 2019. The Indigenous Homes Innovation Initiative, a partnership between Indigenous Services Canada and Infrastructure Canada, will provide funding to creative projects led by Indigenous peoples to design and build more effective, sustainable, and culturally appropriate living spaces for Indigenous peoples. From start to finish, this innovation initiative will be overseen by an Indigenous Steering Committee."
10/31/2018,395,18-Aug,Jobs and Innovation,Develop new and innovative approaches to modernize fisheries and aquaculture and responsible economic development on all three coasts.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard","Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",Innovative approaches to modernize fisheries and aquaculture are developed that expand the economy and ensure the responsible growth of the sector.,"In August 2017, the Government of Canada launched the $400 million, seven-year Atlantic Fisheries Fund, to drive innovation and to enable the fisheries and aquaculture sector to better meet market demands for sustainably sourced, high quality fish and seafood products, in the Atlantic provinces. Projects across the Fish and Seafood sectors have been announced in all four Atlantic provinces.
On December 18, 2017, the Government of Canada announced the Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technology Adoption Program (FACTAP), a four-year $20 million program that will help Canada’s fisheries and aquaculture industries incorporate clean technologies into their day-to-day operations. To date, the Program and its Provincial and private sector partners have allocated close to $7 million towards the adoption of innovative new clean technologies and processes.
The Government of Canada is also helping to foster innovation in fishing technologies and methods that would maintain an active fishing industry while also reducing the risk of marine mammal entanglements, e.g. sustainable harvesting technologies, weak links in buoy lines, etc. Industry-driven testing of new gear technologies and pilot projects will bring new technologies that could aid in the coexistence of marine mammals and fishing in the future.
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10/31/2018,396,18-Aug,Environment and Climate Change,"Implement the G7 Charlevoix Blueprint for Healthy Oceans, Seas and Resilient Coastal Communities and the G7 Ocean Plastics Charter.","Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Environment and Climate Change","Actions taken, progress made","Canada will work to implement the G7 Charlevoix Blueprint for Healthy Oceans, Seas and Resilient Coastal Communities and the Ocean Plastics Charter. Canada will broaden the support for the Ocean Plastics Charter and its implementation to new partners, which could include countries, industry and NGOs. Canada also agreed to further work with its G7 partners to launch the G7 Initiative on Earth Observation and Integral Coastal Zone Management, which will play an important role in supporting vulnerable coastal communities build resilience to extreme weather events. ","At the Charlevoix G7 Leaders’ Summit, Canada announced a $100 million investment to advance the objectives and commitments of the Ocean Plastics Charter by supporting developing countries’ efforts to take action on plastic. The Charter was adopted at the G7 Summit by the Leaders from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the UK and the EU, with the goal of eradicating plastic pollution. It aims to bring together leading countries, sub-national governments, businesses, and civil society organizations to support its objectives, committing them to take actions to move toward a more resource efficient and sustainable approach to the management of plastics. Now, 11 countries and 20 business and non-governmental organizations support the Charter.
Two primary initiatives have been identified to achieve the Charter’s objectives. First, a portion of the funds will be dedicated to helping developing countries prevent plastic waste from entering the oceans, address plastic waste on shorelines, and better manage existing plastic resources. Second, Canada will support an international innovation challenge focused on developing countries, to promote social and technological innovation by the private sector and innovators to address plastic waste in the oceans.
During the meeting of G7 Environment, Oceans and Energy Ministers on September 18-21, 2018, Ministers agreed on the need for collaborative partnerships to improve the health of oceans and seas and ways to advance the priorities identified by G7 Leaders in the Charlevoix Blueprint for Healthy Oceans, Seas and Resilient Coastal Communities.
In support of these commitments, Canada announced an unprecedented number of funding commitments which includes $2 million to the International Institute for Sustainable Development for the National Adaptation Plan Global Network to help developing vulnerable countries adapt to the effects of climate change and $60 million to help Small Island Developing States build back better after extreme weather events.
Canada also announced a $100 million commitment to support expansion of climate risk insurance coverage in Caribbean countries, and $2 million to establish a new initiative that will empower women entrepreneurs working on climate solutions in the developing world.
The Government of Canada will invest a total of up to $11.6 million to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing throughout the world and declares support work for the Global Fishing Watch -- an international, non-profit organization that promotes healthy, productive and resilient oceans through transparent and effective governance of its marine resources.
Canada also signed on to the Global Ghost Gear Initiative (GGGI), a multi-stakeholder alliance committed to driving solutions to the problem of ghost fishing gear worldwide.
In Halifax, Canada announced that it will contribute $20 million to support the G7 plastics innovation challenge, agreed to by all G7 members, plus an additional $12 million to invest in made-in-Canada innovative approaches and technologies to help stop the flow of plastics to the oceans. Canada also announced it will contribute $6 million through the World Economic Forum Global Plastic Action Partnership to strengthen public-private partnerships to support global action in plastic pollution hot spots, $65 million to support a World Bank fund to address plastic waste in developing countries, and that it would take action to reform government practices and procurement, with the goal of diverting at least 75 percent of plastic waste from government operations by 2030.
The federal government is working with provinces and territories through the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) on an approach for a national zero plastic waste strategy that will build on Canadian and international efforts to reduce plastic waste and marine litter, including those outlined in the Ocean Plastics Charter."
10/31/2018,397,18-Aug,Jobs and Innovation,Double the number of women-owned businesses in Canada by 2025. ,Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion,"Actions taken, progress made","The number of women-owned businesses in Canada doubles to 340,000 by 2025. ","Drawing on recommendations made by the Canada-United States Council for Advancement of Women Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders, the new Women Entrepreneurship Strategy will take a comprehensive approach, addressing critical growth stages and other challenges to better support
women entrepreneurs, to help them grow their businesses and to remove barriers to their success.
Budget 2018 announced $105 million over five years to the regional development agencies to support investments in women-led businesses, helping them scale and grow, as well as to support regional innovation ecosystems, including incubators and accelerators, and other third-party programs supporting mentorship, networking and skills development.
The government is also working with the Business Development Bank of Canada who has made it a goal to loan up to $1.4 billion to women entrepreneurs in three years, and have increased the size of their Women in Technology Venture Fund to $200 million – one of the largest global investment funds of its kind."
10/31/2018,398,18-Aug,Jobs and Innovation,"Identify opportunities to support workers and businesses in the natural resource sectors to export their goods to global markets, including twinning the Trans Mountain Pipeline.",Minister of Natural Resources,"Actions taken, progress made","Increased access to global markets to support investment in Canada’s natural resource sectors and higher exports creating more good-paying, middle class jobs for Canadians.","The Government of Canada’s support for exports contributes to the growth of companies and the economy, and creates well-paying jobs for Canadians. Budget 2017 included the goal to grow the country’s goods and services exports 30% by 2025. The export of natural resources represents almost half of Canada’s exports and the natural resource sectors will be key contributors in meeting this goal.
The Government of Canada supports market access for Canada’s natural resource sectors through negotiations on free trade agreements, and bilateral dialogues and partnerships with counterparts. The Government also works with provincial governments and industry to foster innovation and to expand markets. This includes through initiatives such as Mission Innovation, the Clean Growth Hub (launched in January 2018) and market development offices in key global markets, as well as through federal-provincial-territorial collaboration under the Energy and Mines Ministers' Energy Working Group.
The Government of Canada facilitates access to new markets for mining services and suppliers – including those specializing in electrification, renewable energy, and clean tech – through mining trade shows and missions abroad, including in China (China Mining), Africa (Mining Indaba), and the Americas (Expomin). Developing additional export opportunities for this sector is an objective of the Canadian Minerals and Metals Plan (CMMP), for which action items are currently in development.
Through the Softwood Lumber Action Plan, the Government of Canada invested $45 million over three years in the Expanding Market Opportunities Program, which supports market development offices in China, Japan, South Korea, the UK and India, to promote Canadian expertise in low-carbon construction with wood, using Canadian wood products. This program includes investment in the Sino-Canadian low carbon ecodistrict, whose first phase showcases 100 townhomes built with Canadian lumber and energy efficient technologies.
The Government of Canada also supports private industry in developing key infrastructure in Canada to get natural resources to market, such as federal support for the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project in Kitimat, British Columbia, which is expected to create 10,000 jobs at the height of construction.
The Trans Mountain Expansion Project will play an important role in ensuring the stability and growth of the Canadian economy, providing employment opportunities, and getting resources to global markets. Recognizing the economic importance of the Project, the Government of Canada finalized the purchase of the Trans Mountain Expansion Project and related assets on August 31, 2018.
The Government of Canada has taken steps to respond to the Federal Court of Appeals decision that quashed the GiC’s project approval on August 30th, 2018. On September 21st, 2018, the Government instructed the National Energy Board to reconsider its recommendations taking into account the effects of project-related marine shipping. On October 3rd, 2018, the Government announced its path forward on consultation with Indigenous peoples on the Project.
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10/31/2018,399,18-Aug,Environment and Climate Change,"Put more low-emission vehicles, including electric vehicles, on the roads in Canada.",Minister of Natural Resources;Minister of Transport,"Actions taken, progress made","New charging and refueling infrastructure supports more low-emission vehicles on the roads in Canada, and the federal government adopts low-carbon mobility solutions to modernize its fleet.","The Government of Canada continues to collaborate with provincial and territorial partners to develop a Canada-wide Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Strategy. An external Advisory Group and Expert Groups have been established to provide advice on barriers to opportunities for increased ZEV deployment in Canada. Their advice is being considered in the development of the ZEV Strategy.
The first phase of the Electric Vehicle and Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Deployment program surpasses its targets by establishing 102 electric vehicle fast-chargers, seven natural gas stations and three hydrogen refueling stations. With regards to EV infrastructure demonstration, the Government initiated ten projects, including projects to introduce infrastructure in multi-unit residential buildings in urban centres and at workplaces.
In an effort to align North American codes and standards, Canada held two workshops related to hydrogen, with its US counterparts (March 2017 and August 2018), and continues to collaborate on codes and standards for alternative fueled vehicles and infrastructure through the Regulatory Cooperation Council.
As described in the Greening Government Strategy released in December 2017, the Government is working to reduce emissions from its own operations by 40% by 2030, and 80% by 2050. Starting in the 2019 to 2020 fiscal year, 75% of new light-duty administrative fleet vehicle purchases will be zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) or hybrid, with the objective that the government’s administrative fleet comprises at least 80% ZEVs by 2030. In support of these goals, 1000 government fleet vehicles have been assessed to analyze vehicle usage, and identify lower emitting options.
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10/31/2018,400,18-Aug,Exports and Investment,"Defend Canadian workers potentially affected by trade disputes, including in the forestry, energy and mining sectors.",Minister of Natural Resources;Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made","The interests of Canadian industries and its workers in Natural Resource sectors are defended bilaterally and multilaterally to ensure fair, consistent rule-based trade practices.","The Government of Canada has a responsibility to Canadians to maintain fair, consistent rule-based trade. The Government works proactively to mitigate potential disputes and supports sectors impacted by trade actions of other countries in order to ensure that Canadian industries remain globally competitive and prosper in a healthy, integrated economy.
The Government works collaboratively with its trade partners to respond proactively to emerging trade issues. In the forest sector, the Government responded to trade actions on softwood lumber, uncoated groundwood paper, supercalendered paper and dissolving pulp; duties have been removed from uncoated groundwood paper and supercalendered paper and litigation continues on softwood lumber and dissolving pulp. The Government also responded to US steel and aluminum tariffs with reciprocal, proportionate countermeasures, and consulted broadly and transparently to efficiently implement retaliatory measures on targeted products. Through industry collaboration, Canada continues to develop mitigation policies, including the Softwood Lumber Action Plan, in order to mitigate the impacts of trade disputes until those barriers can be removed.
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10/31/2018,401,18-Aug,Exports and Investment,"Continue collaboration with the United States and Mexico in areas of mutual benefit, including energy security and cross-border infrastructure.",Minister of Natural Resources,"Actions taken, progress made","Greater integration of the Canadian, Mexican and American energy markets, reduced risk of energy supply interruptions and strengthened relations between the three North American partners.","Canada, the United States and Mexico share the most integrated and well-functioning continental energy markets in the world. With the risk of cyber attacks against North America’s energy systems on the rise, defending against these threats is a shared priority. Greater trilateral collaboration on energy security and cross-border infrastructure will help advance this priority.
At the November 2017, North American Energy Ministerial in Houston, energy ministers reiterated the importance of trilateral cooperation and committed to further collaboration in three priority areas:
1) security, reliability and resiliency;
2) trade and economic development; and,
3) diversifying resources.
Provisions in the new USMCA will ensure the continued free flow of energy products in North America and strengthen the bilateral and trilateral energy trade relationship with the U.S. and Mexico. The inclusion of a binding energy side letter with the U.S. will increase transparency and access to Canada's closest energy trading partner.
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10/31/2018,402,18-Aug,Strong Middle Class,Support seniors programming and work on initiatives that impact seniors.,Minister of Seniors,"Actions taken, progress made",Improved quality of life and well-being for seniors.,"The New Horizons for Seniors Program supports projects led or inspired by seniors who make a difference in the lives of others and in their communities. With an annual budget of $50 million, the New Horizons for Seniors Program works to improve the lives of seniors by supporting two types of projects: community-based and pan-Canadian. Community-based projects enable seniors to make valuable contributions to their communities by sharing their knowledge, skills and experience and increasing the capacity to address local issues. Pan-Canadian projects use collaborative and innovative approaches to help reduce social isolation among seniors.
Established by Order-in- Council in 2007, the National Seniors Council (NSC) provides advice to the Government through the Minister of Seniors and the Minister of Health on matters related to the health, well-being and quality of life of seniors, as well as the challenges and opportunities arising from a growing and diverse aging population. The NSC develops evidence-informed advice based on consultations with Canadians, including seniors and other stakeholders, and commissioning research. The Council will be submitting a three-year work plan for Ministerial approval in November 2018, which will include deliverables for each of the work priorities identified by the Ministers, including reports to be submitted to Ministers.
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10/31/2018,403,18-Aug,Strong Middle Class,"Design and implement initiatives to better protect consumers, particularly seniors, from potential harms in dealing with financial institutions and telecommunications companies.","Minister of Seniors;Minister of Finance;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development","Actions taken, progress made","Consumers are better empowered and protected in their dealings with financial institutions and telecommunications companies, including more vulnerable Canadians such as seniors.","Consumers deserve a competitive marketplace where they are treated fairly.
The Government has introduced legislation that fulfills its Budget 2018 commitment to advance consumers' rights and interests when dealing with their banks, and to strengthen the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada's tools and mandate.
This legislation includes a number of measures that would help protect vulnerable Canadians, including seniors.
In June 2018, the Government directed the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to launch a public inquiry to investigate the sales practices of large telecommunications companies. Particular consideration will be given to vulnerable groups, including seniors. The Competition Bureau is assisting the CRTC in light of their expertise and responsibilities regarding deceptive advertising.
In July 2018, the CRTC launched the inquiry with detail on the different phases and consultations processes. The CRTC is to report on the results of its inquiry including possible solutions by February 28, 2019. "
10/31/2018,404,18-Aug,Strong Middle Class,Strengthen the protection of workplace pensions.,"Minister of Seniors;Minister of Finance;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made",Canadians with privately sponsored pension plans experience enhanced retirement security.," The Government committed in Budget 2018 to seek feedback from Canadians, including pensioners, employees, companies, and lenders on how to take a whole-of-government, evidenced-based approach towards addressing retirement security issues associated with privately sponsored pension plans.
Targeted stakeholder consultations are anticipated to take place in the fall of 2018. Officials coordinating across several departments have been conducting preparatory work to support the launch of consultations. "
10/31/2018,405,18-Aug,Healthy Canadians,Build on federally supported programs that support the needs of seniors and their families to promote healthy aging. ,"Minister of Seniors;Minister of Health;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development","Actions taken, progress made",Enhanced support for seniors and their families. ,"Canada's senior population is growing. This makes it more important than ever to support the health and well-being of older Canadians. The Government of Canada is working with stakeholders on various initiatives to ensure support for the seniors and their families.
Budget 2018 provided one-time funding of $75 million for a three-year project through the Public Health Agency of Canada to support the Healthy Seniors Pilot Project in New Brunswick. The Healthy Seniors Pilot Project will: improve understanding of the impacts of aging, including different challenges faced by women and men; focus on testing innovative solutions that support healthy aging and improve the quality of life of older adults; and, provide useful information for governments and stakeholders across the country on how to better support seniors in their homes, communities and care facilities. On June 25, 2018, the Minister of Health and the Premier of New Brunswick announced the launch of the Pilot Project . New Brunswick opened its call for submissions on August 1, 2018.
The Government of Canada is also supporting additional programs to foster the healthy aging of seniors, including developing tools to help implement and evaluate age-friendly communities initiatives, investing in data and research such as the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging to better understand and respond to elder abuse, and, in consultation with partners, raising awareness and developing resources on mental health for seniors.
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10/31/2018,406,18-Aug,Healthy Canadians,Engage with stakeholders and parliamentarians on ways to address dementia.,Minister of Seniors;Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made",Improved quality of life for people living with dementia and those who care for them.,"In June 2017, the *National Strategy for Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias Act* came into force and requires the development of a national dementia strategy in cooperation with the provinces and territories (PTs). Federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) governance has been established to support the development and implementation of the strategy. The FPT Committee includes all jurisdictions except for Quebec, which opted for bilateral discussions.
The Ministerial Advisory Board on Dementia was established in May 2018. The national dementia conference, hosted by the Minister of Health, was held on May 14-15, 2018. Participants represented the six groups identified in the Act: people living with dementia; caregivers; health care professionals; advocacy groups; researchers; and PT governments.
Budget 2018 also committed $20 million over 5 years and $4 million per year ongoing to support community-based projects that enhance the wellbeing of people living with dementia and those who care for them.
Government of Canada investments focus on research, surveillance, innovation, international collaboration, care for federal populations, and community-based supports. The Public Health Agency of Canada works with PTs through the Canadian Chronic Disease Surveillance System to collect data on Canadians living and newly diagnosed with dementia. The Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation, established with federal funding, is developing products and services to support brain health and aging, with a focus on dementia.
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10/31/2018,407,18-Aug,Safety and Security,Address crimes that target seniors including elder abuse and online financial scams.,Minister of Seniors;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Finance,"Actions taken, progress made","Better protection of seniors from elder abuse, including financial abuse, and enhanced responses to crimes that target seniors.","Many forms of elder abuse and online financial scams are already targeted by existing offences under the *Criminal Code*.
The Justice Canada Victims Fund is available to provincial and territorial governments and non-governmental organizations to support projects that address the needs of victims and survivors of crime in the criminal justice system. In 2016, the Justice Canada issued a call for proposals under the Victims Fund to non-governmental organizations for projects that help to address gaps in support and services, awareness raising, or research to benefit victims and survivors of crime with disabilities, including older adults with disabilities. Seven projects are currently being funded.
As well, the Government of Canada’s Family Violence Initiative (FVI) addresses elder abuse, including financial abuse, by providing information and resources for professionals and the public, including Elder Abuse is Wrong, a booklet for older adults who may be suffering from abuse by someone they trust. In addition, on National Senior’s Day, October 1, 2018, Justice Canada hosted a web-ex to raise awareness about elder abuse and the supports available to older adult victims.
The Government of Canada is implementing the Strategy, Strengthening Financial Literacy of Seniors which includes a goal to increase the number of tools to combat fraud and financial abuse of seniors. The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada offers resources to seniors through its Canadian Financial Literacy Database. Currently, the database offers over 150 resources targeted at seniors including material related to the prevention of fraud and financial abuse. "
10/31/2018,408,18-Aug,Healthy Canadians,Represent the Government of Canada at the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum.,Minister of Seniors,"Actions taken, progress made","Federal, provincial and territorial governments collaborate for the advancement of common priorities to improve seniors’ well-being.","The Forum of FPT Ministers Responsible for Senior brings key Federal, Provincial, and Territorial Ministers together, providing an important vehicle for discussing issues of importance to seniors, for sharing information on seniors’ well-being, and undertaking initiatives to advance issues of common concern. The Forum is implementing a multi-year work plan (2018-2021) whose current priorities are aging in community, labour force participation of older workers, and addressing ageism.
The FPT Seniors Forum recently released the Promoting the Labour Force Participation of Older Canadians Report (June 2018). Other key deliverables include supplements to a toolkit on the social isolation of seniors which is currently being finalized and is expected to be released in late fall 2018.
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10/31/2018,409,18-Aug,Healthy Canadians,Consider options for how best to move forward with the implementation of national pharmacare.,Minister of Seniors;Minister of Finance;Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made",Develop options and recommendations for an affordable national pharmacare.,"The creation of the Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare (the Council) was announced in Budget 2018. The Council is leading a national dialogue on how to implement affordable national pharmacare for Canadians and their families, employers and governments. To develop its advice on national pharmacare implementation, the Council is tasked with:
• conducting an economic and social assessment of domestic and international models;
• working closely with provincial, territorial and Indigenous leaders; and,
• consulting with Canadians, as well as experts and stakeholders from relevant fields.
The Council's final report will be delivered in the spring of 2019 and will include options and recommendations as to what measures the federal government should take.
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10/31/2018,410,18-Aug,Exports and Investment,Identify and address structural barriers to Canada’s tourism sector to help unlock investment and diversify Canada’s source of tourists and attractions. ,"Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie","Actions taken, progress made",Canada has a new tourism strategy that identifies measures to eliminate structural barriers and improve the competitiveness of the tourism sector.,"Earlier in 2018, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) and Destination Canada commissioned independent research to examine the international competitiveness of Canada as a tourism destination, and highlight opportunities and constraints for the tourism sector. The resulting report may inform action by government, tourism industry partners, and the private sector to improve the competitiveness of the Canadian tourism sector by tackling key barriers to growth and identify how Canada can reach its potential."
10/31/2018,411,18-Aug,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Prepare celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the *Official Languages Act*.,"Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie","Actions taken, progress made",Highlight the importance of the *Official Languages Act* in building Canadian identity.,"Celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the *Official Languages Act* will be held in 2019 to help Canadians understand and highlight the importance of this legislation in building Canadian identity.
Options for the conduct and activities of the 50th anniversary of the *Official Languages Act* are being developed.
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10/31/2018,412,18-Aug,Canada in the World,"Defend, strengthen and promote the use of French around the world, including in the digital sphere and within international organizations.","Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie","Actions taken, progress made","Greater visibility of francophone communities and use of the French language around the world, including in the digital sphere.","Analysis is underway of opportunities Canada has to defend, strengthen and promote the use of French, including in the digital sphere."
10/31/2018,415,18-Aug,Safety and Security,Lead conversations with the United States on the Safe Third Country Agreement.,"Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction;Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship","Actions taken, progress made",Review the existing Safe Third Country Agreement with the U.S. to ensure that it continues to serve the interests of both countries. ,"In order to address the issue of irregular migration across the Canada-U.S. border, the Government of Canada has proposed to enter into negotiations with the U.S. to improve the Safe Third Country Agreement. More details on the progress for this commitment is expected in the coming months."
10/31/2018,416,18-Aug,Safety and Security,"Reduce the smuggling of opioids across Canadian borders in partnership with provinces, territories, and municipalities, and the United States.",Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction,"Actions taken, progress made","Safely and effectively detect, identify and reduce the flow of opioids at all Canadian ports of entry. ","The Government of Canada is committed to work in partnership with all levels of government across Canada and with international partners to protect our citizens from the adverse effects of opioids. The Government continues to advance bilateral cooperation with the US and others and, more officially, are part of the trilateral discussions with the US and Mexico through the North American Dialogue on Drug Policy.
Canada is also working closely with China and other international partners to disrupt the export of illegally produced fentanyl and combat the flow of illegal fentanyl and other opioids into Canada. In its efforts to combat the importation of illicit drugs, Canada Border Services Agency made over 16,000 drug seizures in 2017-18, which included 438 opioid seizures and a 16% increase in fentanyl seizures. Budget 2018 announced $33 million over five years to help stem the flow of opioids into Canada by equipping border agents with detection and identification tools to intercept fentanyl and other illicit or diverted substances at ports of entry.
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10/31/2018,417,18-Aug,Safety and Security,"Develop new policies and legislation to reduce organized crime and gang activity in Canada, including money laundering. ",Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction,"Actions taken, progress made",Reduced organized crime and gang activity in Canada through the development and implementation of effective policies and legislation.,"The Government of Canada is advancing efforts to reduce organized crime and gang activity in Canada, including a focus on reducing gun and gang violence and countering money laundering. We are advancing our commitment to flow up to $327.6 million over five years, and $100 million annually thereafter, to help support a variety of initiatives to reduce gun and gang violence. A Summit on Gun and Gang Violence was held in March 2018 to discuss the realities, issues and best practices to tackle gun and gang violence.
As announced in November 2018, the Government’s Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence includes investments of $34.5 million for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police that will provide additional resources for law enforcement to address gang activity and the criminal use of firearms. These resources will enhance the RCMP's new Integrated Criminal Firearms Initiative (ICFI), by helping to build capacity to meet the anticipated increase in requests for service for investigative support, training, firearms inspections, technological enhancements, while also addressing intelligence gaps. We will continue to explore options to address organized crime and money laundering in the coming months, including a response to the Report of the Standing Committee on Finance (Confronting Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing: Moving Canada Forward), which was presented to the House of Commons in November 2018.
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10/31/2018,418,18-Aug,Safety and Security,Seek additional opportunities to expand pre-clearance operations for travelers to the United States.,Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction;Minister of Transport;Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,"Actions taken, progress made","Facilitate the adoption of preclearance in Canada and the U.S and explore options for expansion.
","Canada is committed to expand the preclearance program in all modes of transportation under the Land, Rail, Marine and Air Preclearance Agreement (LRMA), once it is ratified. *Canada's Preclearance Act* received Royal Assent in December 2017 and will come into force with the ratification of the LRMA. Regulations flowing from the *Preclearance Act, 2016* are in development. "
10/31/2018,419,18-Aug,Fair and Open Government,"Maintain open and collaborative relationships with provinces and territories, with the goal of working together to serve and improve the lives of all Canadians.",Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,"Actions taken, progress made",Federal ministers collaborate effectively with their provincial and territorial counterparts to improve the lives of Canadians.,"Since being appointed, the Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade has met with his counterparts in all provincial and territorial jurisdictions and has worked with his federal colleagues to advance collaboration with the provinces and territories in areas including pollution pricing, irregular migration, Indigenous rights, northern development, and trade between the provinces and territories. "
10/31/2018,420,18-Aug,Jobs and Innovation,"Collaborate with provinces and territories to eliminate barriers to trade between each other, and work toward a stronger, more integrated Canadian economy.",Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,"Actions taken, progress made",Barriers to trade between provinces and territories are reduced to improve the competitiveness of the Canadian economy and benefit the everyday lives of Canadians.,"The Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade has initiated discussions with his provincial and territorial counterparts to improve trade within Canada.
At their annual meeting in July 2018, premiers agreed to increase personal exemption limits on the movement of alcoholic beverages and to accelerate work at the FPT regulatory reconciliation and cooperation table. Provinces and territories further agreed to develop reconciliation agreements by December 2018 in four regulatory areas: waiving extra-provincial fees for business registration; mutual recognition of Canadian registration numbers for pressure equipment; mutual recognition in specific areas of occupational health and safety; and aligning weight parity for wide-base tires on trucks.
An ad hoc meeting of federal, provincial, and territorial trade ministers took place in Vancouver for October 25, 2018 to discuss measures to enhance interprovincial trade. The Prime Minister has also announced that improving trade between provinces and territories will be a focus of the First Ministers' Meeting in fall 2018."
10/31/2018,421,18-Aug,Jobs and Innovation,Eliminate barriers to trade between provinces and territories to positively impact the competitiveness of Canadian businesses and the lives of Canadians through greater harmonization of rules and regulatory requirements where appropriate. ,Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,"Actions taken, progress made",Lower barriers to trade between provinces and territories and greater harmonization of rules and regulations.,This commitment was identified in the mandate letters that were published in August 2018. Progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
10/31/2018,422,18-Aug,Jobs and Innovation,"Support the Prime Minister in hosting a First Ministers’ Meeting in Fall 2018, focusing on ways to build on Canada’s economic growth.",Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,"Actions taken, progress made",Intergovernmental collaboration to take measures to improve Canadian competitiveness and foster economic growth.,"On July 19, 2018, the Prime Minister announced that a First Ministers’ Meeting (FMM) will be hosted in the fall. At the FMM, First Ministers will discuss ways to build on Canada’s economic growth through diversifying international trade and improving trade within the borders.
Discussions will be held on how to eliminate barriers to trade between provinces and territories, and work toward a stronger, more interconnected Canadian economy that is free from unnecessary barriers and restrictions imposed by provinces and territories.
The FMM is an important opportunity for federal, provincial, and territorial leaders to discuss shared priorities, strengthen collaboration, and work together to make life better for all Canadians."
10/31/2018,423,18-Aug,Jobs and Innovation,"Partner with the Atlantic provinces on the Atlantic Growth Strategy, and seek opportunities to develop new partnerships with other provinces and territories that contribute to economic prosperity.","Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development","Actions taken, progress made",Regional growth and prosperity. ,"Since the launch of the Atlantic Growth Strategy in 2016, the governments of Canada and the Atlantic provinces have worked collaboratively to foster economic and population growth in Atlantic Canada by focusing on five strategic priorities: skilled workforce and immigration, innovation, clean growth and climate change, trade and investment, and infrastructure.
Between July 2017 and April 2018, the Atlantic economy created more than 16,000 jobs and employment grew 1.5 per cent, better than the national average of 0.9 per cent. The region has also welcomed over 9,000 permanent residents and their families in 2017 under economic programs. With new dedicated support for businesses offered by the Atlantic Immigration Pilot, regional employers made nearly 1,800 job offers since 2017 to fill job vacancies using the Pilot Program, compared to over 250 job offers last year. A new Ocean Supercluster will support growth of the ocean economy in Atlantic Canada and is projected to create more than 3,000 jobs and add more than $14 billion to Canada’s economy over 10 years. Through the Accelerated Growth Service, 62 Atlantic Canadian high-growth companies are receiving customized support to grow their markets potential.
Under the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change initiatives, $185 million has been allocated to Atlantic Canadian provinces through the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund. A new Clean Growth Hub, launched in January 2018, has already helped 30 Atlantic Canadian companies to access federal clean technology programs, funding and services. There were nearly 70 more in exporters Atlantic Canada in 2017 compared to 2016. Exports from Atlantic Canada were valued at $25 billion in 2017, an increase of nearly 20 per cent between 2016 and 2017. Since the launch of the Atlantic Trade and Investment Growth Strategy in July 2017, partners have been organizing pan-Atlantic initiatives dedicated to international market engagement. A new pan-Atlantic tourism approach, also announced in July 2017, provides new tools for hundreds of exporters in the tourism industry and promotes the region as a world-class tourism destination. This approach includes the region’s largest ever media campaign in China, which builds on the 2018 Canada-China Year of Tourism. In November 2018, Atlantic premiers and federal ministers will be undertaking a trade mission to China focused on the themes of food, tourism, education, and clean growth.
In keeping with the focus on innovation, at the last Atlantic Growth Strategy meeting of ministers and premiers in July 2018, the Minister of Health announced that Canada Health Infoway will invest $70 million in an ACCESS Atlantic Initiative for Health, which will create a new digital health ecosystem across the Atlantic provinces and include the implementation of an electronic prescription service.
The federal and Atlantic governments are also supporting the region’s infrastructure in an effort to foster long-term economic growth and make communities more inclusive. Following the negotiation of Integrated Bilateral Agreements, over $2.4 billion will be provided to Atlantic governments through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program over the next decade for infrastructure projects, a record level of investment.
Beyond the Atlantic Growth Strategy, the Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario was launched in April 2018, and public consultations towards a growth strategy for Western Canada, launched in September 2018, are set to be completed in November, with a “What We Heard” report to be released in December. On November 9 2018, the Government launched its Federal Strategy on Innovation and Growth for the Quebec Regions."
10/31/2018,424,18-Aug,Safety and Security,Chair the Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Irregular Migration.,Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",Effective intergovernmental collaboration in response to irregular migration.,"The Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade became chair of the Task Force on August 13, 2018.
Announced on August 17, 2017, the Task Force also includes: Canada's Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction: Quebec's Minister of Immigration, Diversity and Inclusion; Ontario's Minister of Children, Community and Social Services; the Mayor of Toronto; and the Member of Parliament for Bourassa.
The Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Irregular Migration facilitates collaborative work undertaken at the federal and provincial levels to ensure a coordinated approach across governments in response to irregular migration."
10/31/2018,425,18-Aug,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Work with the Canadian National Railway Company, and the Government of Québec on a contribution towards repainting the Pont de Québec. ",Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Transport,"Actions taken, progress made",Collaboration with public and private sector partners ensures the Pont de Quebec gets repainted. ,"The Government of Canada is committed to working with the Government of Quebec, the municipalities, and the CN to explore options that would ensure the Bridge gets repainted."
10/31/2018,426,18-Aug,Sustainable Infrastructure,Support the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority as it advances the construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities,"Actions taken, progress made",Effective oversight of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority and stewardship of the Canadian Lands advances the timely delivery of the Gordie Howe International Bridge.,"On September 28, 2018, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority announced the signing of a P3 contract with Bridging North America to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the Gordie Howe International Bridge project. The contract is valued at $5.7 billion (nominal value), which includes the design-build (DB) phase and the 30-year operation, maintenance, rehabilitation (OMR) phase. Bridging North America has presented a 74 month construction schedule to complete the four components of the project with the bridge expected to be in service by the end of 2024.
On October 5, 2018, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority and the Government of Canada announced the full construction start of the Gordie Howe International Bridge. Expected to open by the end of 2024, the Gordie Howe International Bridge will provide direct connections between Ontario's Highway 401 and Michigan's Interstate 75. Enhanced border infrastructure at the crossing will also protect the safety and security of Canadians while making it easier, safer, and faster for people to travel and goods to flow between the two countries."
10/31/2018,427,18-Aug,Exports and Investment,Support the export mobilization of Canadian small- and medium-sized enterprises and ensure maximization of Canada's comparative advantage with its vibrant diversity and diaspora communities.,Minister of International Trade Diversification;Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion,"Actions taken, progress made","Canadians SMEs, from high growth firms trying to achieve export readiness, to under-represented businesses, to more established ones seeking to diversify export markets, are supported through access to information, direct financial assistance (for export ready companies), and government-led trade missions.","Over 1,200+ SME-led projects have been financed thus far by the program: they span a variety of sectors and have targeted over 80 countries. Those projects have resulted in over $195 million in new exports for Canada. Following the June 2018 Government of Canada announcement of new funding to defend and protect the interests of Canadian workers and businesses affected by the US tariffs, an additional $40 million has been earmarked for CanExport. The new funding, along with enhancements to the program will provide Canadian SMEs more opportunities to diversify their export markets. Leaders from over 170 under-represented businesses have participated with Global Affairs Canada in five trade missions during the current year. With new funding having been earmarked by Budget 2018, through the Women’s Entrepreneurship Strategy, to enlarging the Business Women in International Trade missions program and to expanding dedicated resources, there will be enhanced Trade Commissioner Service capacity to promote opportunities for under-represented client groups in international trade and to respond to the unique barriers faced by this business segment"
10/31/2018,428,18-Aug,Exports and Investment,Maximize Invest in Canada.,Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made","Canada attracts increased global investment, creating well-paying, middle-class jobs and makes it simpler and faster for businesses investing in Canada.","Since its launch in March 2018, Invest in Canada continues to grow as it puts in place the infrastructure, programs, services, tools and talent needed to become fully operational. The organization’s logo, web and social media channels were revealed as part of the launch and momentum has been building among partners and international investors through direct outreach and signature events. In promoting Canada’s value proposition, Invest in Canada currently highlights existing programs/incentives such as the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF), Global Skills Strategy, SRED. The board had its first meeting on September 25, 2018. Invest in Canada continues to work closely with Global Affairs Canada to ensure foreign investors receive coordinated federal support when looking to invest or expand their operations in Canada. From September 19-21, 2018 GAC and Invest in Canada met together with provincial/territorial governments as well as members of the Consider Canada City Alliance to share plans, priorities and best practices to ensure a continued coordinated approach to attracting prospective investors to Canada. Global Affairs Canada continues to increase its capacity to attract FDI and has added 20 dedicated investment officers in key global markets with an additional 5 to be added by 2019-20. This increased capacity improves Canada’s ability to identify investment leads by promoting Canada as a prime investment location through direct interaction with senior executives of highly innovative, internationally experienced companies."
10/31/2018,429,18-Aug,Exports and Investment,Implement CETA and ratify CPTPP.,Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made",Implementation of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) will increase economic opportunities for Canadian businesses. Ratification of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) expeditiously to help diversify Canada’s trade towards the Asia-Pacific region.,"September 21, 2017 marked the start of provisional application of CETA, with all economically significant parts of the agreement coming into force, e.g. tariff elimination on 98 per cent of European Union (EU) tariff lines for Canadian goods, increased quotas, services commitments, temporary entry commitments, and government procurement obligations. CETA is strengthening economic relations, promoting new economic opportunities for Canada, businesses, and increasing jobs. For the Agreement to come fully into force, all 28 EU Member States must ratify CETA in their national parliaments. To date, eleven Member States have ratified the Agreement. The Government signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and introduced the Implementation Bill for this agreement in the House of Commons on June 14, 2018.The Implementation Bill was adopted at Second Reading on September 18 and referred to the House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade (CIIT). The CIIT completed its clause-by-clause review of Bill C 79 on September 25, and has referred the Bill back to the House of Commons for Report Stage and Third Reading. On October 25, 2018, the CPTPP implementing legislation (Bill C-79) received Royal Assent. The Government will need to make a number of required regulatory changes and seek the authorities necessary to bring the CPTPP into force before it notifies the CPTPP Depositary of Canada’s ratification of the Agreement. The Government is working hard to ensure Canada is among the first group of countries to ratify and bring the agreement into force. "
10/31/2018,430,18-Aug,Environment and Climate Change,Support northern communities confronting immediate climate adaptation challenges.,Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",Northern communities strengthen their capacity to adapt to changing environments.,"Under the Pan-Canadian Framework for Clean Growth and Climate Change, the Government of Canada has been working with Territorial Governments, communities, academia and Indigenous partners to implement climate change adaptation projects in Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik and Nunatsiavut.
The Climate Change Preparedness in North program, announced in Budget 2016, provides support to northern communities and organizations to help them adapt to climate change impacts by funding projects such as assessment of vulnerability and risk assessments of climate change impacts, development of hazard maps and adaptation plans, development of adaptation options, and implementation of non-structural and structural adaptation measures. To date, the program has funded 109 climate change adaptation projects in the North representing $14.8 million in total investments.
The Indigenous Community-Based Climate Monitoring Program, announced in Budget 2017, supports the collection of local data on climate and climate change impacts that can be used to support adaptation planning and decision making. To date, the program has funded 46 community-based climate monitoring projects in the North, representing $3 million in total investments.
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10/31/2018,431,18-Aug,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Implement the Action Plan for Official Languages, and examine the modernization of the *Official Languages Act*.","Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie","Actions taken, progress made",Strong and vibrant English and French linguistic minority communities across Canada and a culture of bilingualism that encourages exchange and recognizes Canada's English and French linguistic heritage. ,"On March 28, 2018, the 2018-2023 Action Plan for Official Languages: Investing in our Future was unveiled. The Action Plan includes a new investment of almost $500 million to support official-language minority communities across the country and promote bilingualism of Canadians. The new plan took effect on April 1, 2018. 28 new initiatives are being gradually implemented by the seven federal partners over 2018-19, including: artistic and cultural activities at official languages minority schools, thanks to an investment of up to $7.5 million starting in 2019–20; a fund in support of official-language minority media that will support the creation of more than 100 year-long youth internships between 2018 and 2020, in official-language minority radio stations and community newspapers; and, the implementation of the Community Media Strategic Support Fund, with a funding envelope of $10 million over five years, to provide financial assistance for projects that contribute to the maintenance of official-language minority radio and newspapers.
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10/31/2018,432,18-Aug,Exports and Investment,Make it easier for SMEs to take advantage of trade agreements including CETA and CPTPP.,Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion,"Actions taken, progress made",SMEs are aware of existing opportunities for export markets and government services to support export related activities.,"Through enhanced outreach and engagement with Canadian SMEs and their industry associations, the government is raising SMEs’ awareness and understanding of export market opportunities under free trade agreements, and the programs and services available in Canada to help them prepare to be export ready."
10/31/2018,433,18-Aug,Environment and Climate Change,"Ensure effective use of restored funding to freshwater, oceans, fish stocks and aquaculture research programs.","Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard","Actions taken, progress made",Enhanced ocean and freshwater research and monitoring for improved decision making.,"The Government of Canada has made effective use of the restored research funding for oceans and freshwater research by adding fisheries monitoring and ecosystem-level surveys in Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic waters. An ecosystem-level survey has taken place in the Arctic. These activities will generate the basis for improved evidence-based advice to inform decision-making.
The first Pacific Region International Sighting Survey of Marine Megafauna took place in Summer 2018, simultaneously with a similar U.S. survey. This survey collected important information about the status of whale populations in the Pacific ocean and will inform conservation and management decisions related to these species.
Near real-time scientific data is being continuously collected and shared from more than 25 new ocean observing instruments deployed in Canadian waters. These instruments gather important information about the oceans (e.g. temperature, currents, etc.) that informs the Government’s work on weather prediction, climate change, fish and marine mammal status and distribution, and the selection of marine protected areas.
The Government has also used this funding to strengthen lab capacity for aquatic animal health diagnostic testing, which has improved diagnostic throughput by over 40%, allowing for more timely disease detection. Furthermore, aquaculture sites on both Pacific and Atlantic coasts have been selected for additional monitoring to better understand the effects of aquaculture inputs, such as drugs and pesticides and inputs of organic matter from feeds and fish feces. The data from these sites will inform advice into new regulations and standards for the aquaculture sector.
Enhanced ecosystem-based research activities also help provide insight on environmental changes and form a basis for resource managers and communities to adapt to the new environmental conditions. For example, research is being undertaken on predator-prey relations and linkages between benthic habitat and fisheries."
10/31/2018,434,18-Aug,Environment and Climate Change,Implement and further develop the Oceans Protection Plan.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Transport;Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Natural Resources","Actions taken, progress made",A world-leading marine safety system for Canada’s three coasts that protects marine environments.,"The Government has announced initiatives worth over $ 800 million, including $130 million in new science funding for partnerships, improved knowledge, and development of new technologies to help mitigate and prevent marine incidents such as oil spills. Engagement with Indigenous groups is a pillar of the Oceans Protection Plan, and to date, 128 workshops have been held with multiple Indigenous groups.
On June 21, 2018, 14 Central Pacific and North Coast First Nations in British Columbia and the Government of Canada announced the Reconciliation Framework Agreement for Bioregional Oceans Management and Protection to support the collaborative planning and implementation of marine initiatives and promote a more coordinated and efficient approach to the governance, management, and protection of oceans in the Pacific North Coast.
Following the public release of the Pilotage Act Review’s final report on May 22, 2018, key stakeholders have been engaged both at working level and through a Ministerial roundtable held on July 4, 2018. Transport Canada intends to introduce legislation at the earliest opportunity to enable improvements in the effectiveness, efficiency and accountability of Canada’s pilotage system.
The Government introduced proposed legislative changes to the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 and the Marine Liability Act. These proposed amendments deliver on commitments made under the Oceans Protection Plan to strengthen marine safety and environmental protection, and modernize Canada’s Ship-source Oil Pollution Fund.
As part of the strategy to address abandoned and wrecked vessels, the Government introduced the Wrecked, Abandoned, or Hazardous Vessels Act in October 2017 (Bill C-64). On October 18, 2018, the Bill passed Second Reading in the Senate and was referred to the Senate Committee on Transport and Communications for further study.
The government has assessed or removed over 100 abandoned and wrecked vessels in Canadian waters through the Abandoned Boats Program and Small Craft Harbours Abandoned and Wrecked Vessels Removal. Additionally, over $1 million in funding is being provided towards public education projects aimed at raising awareness about responsible boat ownership and end-of-life management practices as well as research on environmentally-responsible boat design and recycling of end-of-life boats.
The Government of Canada continues its work under the $167.4 million Whales Initiative with the goal of protecting and supporting the recovery of endangered whale populations across Canada by addressing key threats to Southern Resident Killer Whales, North Atlantic Right Whales and the St. Lawrence Estuary Beluga. In partnership with the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority’s Enhancing Cetacean Habitat and Observation (ECHO) Program, a voluntary slowdown of vessels and a lateral displacement trial were executed in the Salish Sea this summer to reduce acoustic disturbance in key foraging areas of Southern Resident Killer Whales. Additionally, measures were taken to reduce the risk of strikes and entanglements of North Atlantic Right Whales in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. To date in 2018, there have been no known North Atlantic Right Whales deaths in Canadian waters. On October 31, 2018, the government announced additional measures to protect Southern Resident Killer Whales. These include exploring the expansion of vessel slowdowns to further reduce underwater noise in Southern Resident Killer Whales critical habitat, developing agreements with marine industry partners to formalize current voluntary measures to reduce noise, new areas of habitat, investments aimed at protecting and recovering Chinook salmon stocks, advancing feasibility work on Southern Resident Killer Whales sanctuaries and expanding vessel monitoring systems. This closely followed tabling of proposed changes to the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 to strengthen regulatory authorities to protect the marine environment from the impacts of shipping and navigation.
Recognizing that chemical contaminants are one of the key threats facing Canada’s endangered whale populations, the Government of Canada continues its actions to reduce the presence of chemical contaminants. As such, on October 13, 2018, the Government published a Notice of Intent to amend the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012. The amendments will strengthen controls for two flame retardants and three oil and water repellents, and will prohibit two additional flame retardants should the final scientific risk assessments confirm they are toxic.
The Government is modernizing the Coast Guard’s current suite of emergency response assets, and contracts have been awarded for the procurement of curtain booms, fence booms, a medium-size portable multi-cassette-skimmer package, and a small high-speed sweep system. Transport Canada is also modernizing its emergency response capacity and has trained more than 1,750 people in the internationally recognized Incident Command System to ensure interoperability, role clarity and overall emergency response effectiveness with partners such as the Canadian Coast Guard and Environment and Climate Change Canada.
In 2018, close to $1 million in funding was announced for four Arctic Indigenous communities to buy search and rescue capable boats and/or equipment to strengthen their participation in marine emergency responses in local waters as members of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary.
The Coastal Restoration Fund helps rehabilitate some of the most vulnerable coastlines and protect marine life and ecosystems and will provide $75 million over five years to support coastal habitat restoration projects at the local and community level along Canada’s coasts. Since its launch, there have been 163 expressions of interest requesting over $310 million in funding submissions during its initial call for proposals. At present the program has allocated funding to 39 projects on all three coasts worth over $55 million. The next public call for proposals for the program’s remaining $13.6 million was launched on November 1, 2018.
In August 2018, a contract was awarded for the lease of two emergency offshore towing vessels to operate in the waters off the Pacific coast. These vessels will conduct emergency towing by assisting vessels in distress. Additionally, a contract was awarded to buy emergency tow kits for Coast Guard vessels and equipment caches across Canada.
To enhance the ability to mount an effective science-based federal response that minimizes environmental damage, Environment and Climate Change Canada has, since January 2018, placed three Environmental Emergency Officers on each coast (Pacific and Atlantic) as well as Wildlife Emergency Response Coordinators in four regions in Canada (i.e., Pacific, Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic).
In 2017, following discussions and consultation with various stakeholders to determine marine weather information needs/gaps, in addition to considering relevant monitoring rationalization data, Environment and Climate Change Canada identified specific High Risk Marine Areas, which informed the decision to moor up to five new weather buoys in two locations on the West Coast (Southern Georgia Strait and approaching the Port of Metro Vancouver) and two locations on the East Coast (Strait of Canso and Bay of Fundy). These new buoys will help provide mariners with enhanced forecast information."
10/31/2018,435,18-Aug,Environment and Climate Change,"Develop a strategy to protect Pacific salmon in cooperation with the Government of British Columbia, with concrete deliverables for the 2019 International Year of the Salmon.","Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard","Actions taken, progress made","An integrated Pacific salmon strategy is developed in collaboration with the Government of BC, including new initiatives launched and implemented for International Year of the Salmon.","The Government of Canada is working with the Government of BC on identifying opportunities to collaborate to protect wild salmon. A cornerstone of this strategy is the implementation of a new Wild Salmon Policy 2018-2022 Implementation Plan, announced on October 11, 2018. "
10/31/2018,436,18-Aug,Exports and Investment,Develop and implement the trade diversification strategy for the benefit of the middle class and small businesses seeking export opportunities.,Minister of International Trade Diversification;Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion,"Actions taken, progress made","Grow and diversify the base of Canadian exporters in a broader range of international markets, including through enhancement of their export readiness.","Grow and diversify the base of Canadian exporters in a broader range of international markets, including through enhancement of their export readiness. Efforts are ongoing to prepare a Trade Diversification Strategy aimed at increasing Canadian exports by helping businesses capitalize on growing opportunities in global markets, especially in the Asia-Pacific region and in markets made more accessible by Canada's free trade agreements. The Diversification Strategy will align with the Innovation and Skills Plan by supporting SMEs, including high-growth, high-potential companies, particularly in emerging technology, digital, and services sectors. To date, the Government's trade diversification initiatives include Budget 2018's announced investment of $75 million over five years for diplomatic and trade support in China and Asia, as well as $50 million over five years to help Canadian companies affected by the US tariffs diversify their exports. The Trade Commissioner Service will continue to play an instrumental role in the implementation of the Government's trade diversification agenda, and will be working closely with other business and trade development partners to help Canadian exporters succeed abroad."
10/31/2018,437,18-Aug,Environment and Climate Change,Build on the work of Generation Energy and work with provinces and territories to accelerate clean growth strategies.,Minister of Natural Resources,"Actions taken, progress made","Enhance competitiveness, improve in environmental performance and move Canada towards a clean energy future. ","Through Generation Energy, Canadians outlined a vision for a prosperous and inclusive low-carbon energy future built on affordable, clean, secure, and resilient energy production, distribution, and consumption systems. The Government will build on the Generation Energy Council report, engage provinces and territories to accelerate clean growth strategies and enhance the energy sector’s competitiveness.
Federal, provincial, and territorial governments are working together to advance priorities towards a low-carbon future, as demonstrated in the report outlining collaborative actions on energy, which was publicly released at the annual Energy and Mines Ministers’ Conference in August 2018. These collaborative actions support the implementation of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate, including through key programs related to electric vehicles, alternative fuels, smart grids, energy efficiency, renewable power, and clean energy for rural and remote communities. "
10/31/2018,101_1,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Implement the Auditor General's recommendations on enhancing mental health service delivery to Veterans.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,Veterans have increased awareness of available mental health services so that they know when they can expect care and get it quickly; there is improved performance management in the delivery of mental health services; and all recommendations of the Auditor General's 2014 report have been implemented.,"With the opening of a satellite operational stress injury clinic in Montreal on January 8, 2018, the Government of Canada has fully implemented the recommendations from the Auditor General's 2014 report on mental health services for Veterans.
In addition, a new information system has been implemented to better track operational stress injuries and mental health needs among Veterans. This system is intended to address the quality and impact of service, help identify those at risk and provide recommendations for Veterans and their mental health service providers.
These and other changes, reinforced by a new performance management framework, will improve the quality and effectiveness of how mental health services and outreach activities are delivered to Veterans. Lastly, Veterans Affairs Canada is continuously communicating about mental health services amongst the Veteran community to ensure those requiring assistance can access it."
10/31/2018,14_1,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and all other parts of the Public Safety portfolio are workplaces free from harassment and sexual violence.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,"Actions taken, progress made","Reduced incidents of harassment and sexual violence across Public Safety portfolio workplaces. Better training for staff at all levels, and implementation of all recommendations related to workplace safety and wellness at the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).","The Government is taking all necessary steps to ensure the RCMP is a workplace free from harassment and sexual violence. These steps include implementing all recommendations from the July 2016 Report on Allegations of Harassment and Sexual Misconduct at the RCMP's Canadian Police College Explosives Training Unit, providing $100 million for a settlement between the RCMP and female members and public service employees regarding gender and sexual orientation based harassment and discrimination, and establishing a senior executive responsible for Workforce Culture and Employee Engagement. The Government is also reviewing the report by Special Advisor Sheila Fraser on four cases of civil litigation against the RCMP regarding workplace harassment and the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission's comprehensive review of workplace harassment. In May 2018, the Government mandated the new RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki, in a letter from the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, to protect the health and safety of RCMP employees and members, including from harassment and violence in the workplace.
Agencies in the Public Safety portfolio, including the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC), Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), have also put initiatives in place to address harassment and sexual violence in the workplace. In June 2018, the Federal Court approved a landmark Final Settlement Agreement (FSA) to the LGBT Purge Class Action that will compensate current and former federal public servants, members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who were directly impacted by anti-LGBTQ2 policies and practices. The FSA also includes $15 million for Reconciliation and Memorialization Measures to prevent future discrimination and for reconciliation with LGBTQ2 communities."
10/31/2018,175_1,15-Nov,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Make sure the Infrastructure Bank supports the construction of new, affordable rental housing.","Minister of Families, Children and Social Development","Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Where relevant, the Canada Infrastructure Bank undertakes complementary projects that support the goals of the National Housing Strategy.","The Canada Infrastructure Bank was legally established in June 2017 as an arm’s length Crown corporation focused on making and attracting investments in revenue-generating infrastructure projects in the public interest. The Bank is responsible for investments of at least $35 billion over 11 years, focused on public transit, green infrastructure, and trade and transportation projects.
In parallel, the Government launched the National Housing Strategy which includes a new National Housing Co-investment Fund which will support initiatives designed to build, renew and repair Canada’s stock of affordable housing and ensure Canadians have greater access to affordable housing that meets their needs.
The Bank may undertake projects in the future related to housing, and if so these will complement the National Housing Strategy. But, to avoid duplication, the construction of affordable rental housing is not likely to be part of the Bank's primary mandate."
10/31/2018,227_1,18-Aug,Indigenous peoples,"Provide new funding to preserve, promote and revitalize Indigenous languages and cultures.",Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism,Completed - fully met,Community-based projects contribute to the revitalization and preservation of Indigenous languages.,"Budget 2017 invested $89.9 million to support Indigenous languages and cultures. These investments are supporting community-based projects that facilitate communication in, and revitalization of, Indigenous languages and are also helping to digitize Indigenous languages and oral histories. "
10/31/2018,240_1,15-Nov,Indigenous peoples,Co-develop an Indigenous Early Learning and Childcare Framework with Indigenous partners.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Indigenous Services;Minister of Status of Women",Completed - fully met,"Strengthened early learning and child care that reflects the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit and Métis children and families.","In September 2018, the Government of Canada, the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Métis National Council jointly announced the first Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care (IELCC) Framework.
In addition to investments to support early learning and child care under the Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care Framework with provinces and territories, the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the Métis National Council and the Government of Canada have co-developed an IELCC Framework that reflects the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children and families across Canada. The Framework will inform additional investments of up to $1.7 billion over 10 years to strengthen early learning and childcare programs and services for Indigenous children and families starting in 2018-19. This is part of the commitment of $7.5 billion over 11 years the Government has made to support and create more high-quality, affordable child care across the country in Budget 2016.
Budget 2016 announced $29.4 million in 2016-17 to support repairs and renovations of the facilities used by the First Nations and Inuit Child Care Initiative (FNICCI) and the Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve (AHSOR) program. Repairs and renovations were undertaken in 210 FNICCI child care centers and in 70 AHSOR facilities.
Budget 2016 also proposed investments of $100 million in 2017-18 to build capacity in existing Indigenous early learning and child care programs while the IELCC Framework was being co-developed. With these investments, repairs and renovations have been undertaken in 340 FNICCI child care centers, in 97 AHSOR facilities and in 90 Aboriginal Head Start in Urban and Northern Communities facilities.
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10/31/2018,257_1,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Encourage an increase in the number of women in senior positions and on boards in Canada.,"Minister of Status of Women;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made",More women occupy senior leadership positions in Canada.,"The first gender-balanced federal Cabinet was appointed in 2015. The Government has also adopted an open, transparent and merit-based approach to select candidates for federal appointments. Since late 2015, the representation of women serving as GIC appointees has increased by 13 percentage points and is now at 47 per cent. In addition, the Government has announced a process to address the underrepresentation of women as Canada Research Chairs, and newly amended legislation, which received Royal Assent on May 1, 2018, will require publicly-traded, federally-incorporated companies to disclose annually information on the diversity makeup of their boards and senior management, as well as their diversity policies (or explain why they do not have one). Budget 2018 announced that the Government will create an annual award for Canadian corporations showing leadership in promoting women, including minority women, to senior management positions and boards of directors."
10/31/2018,257_2,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Increase women representation where they have been traditionally under-represented, such as in the skilled trades.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made","Increase representation of women in professions and sectors traditionally dominated by men, including the skilled trades.","Budget 2017 investments in the PromoScience Program and FuturPreneur Canada are aimed at increasing the participation of underrepresented groups, including women, in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields as well as in entrepreneurship. Budget 2018 proposed to allocate approximately $20 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, to pilot an Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women. Under the Grant, women in male-dominated Red Seal trades would receive $3,000 for each of their first two years of training (up to $6,000). Working in partnership with provinces, territories, post-secondary institutions, training providers, unions and employers, the Government will provide $46 million over five years, starting in 2018-19, and $10 million per year thereafter, for the Pre-Apprenticeship Program. The new program will help Canadians explore the trades, gain work experience, make informed career choices and develop the skills needed to find and keep good, well-paying jobs in the trades. To help increase the number of women in the skilled trades, the Women in Construction Fund will be launched in 2018-19 with an investment of $10 million over three years. The Program will build on existing models that have proven to be effective in attracting women to the trades. These models provide supports such as mentoring, coaching and tailored supports that help women to progress through their training and find and retain jobs in the trades."
10/31/2018,39_1,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,"Implement the Pan-Canadian framework, including targeted federal funding and a flexible national carbon pollution pricing policy.",Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Finance;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations;Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,"Actions taken, progress made","Reduction in Canada's greenhouse gas emissions and progress to Canada's 2030 emission reduction targets as committed to in the Paris Agreement, ensuring that a cleaner, more sustainable world is left for our children and generations to come.","In December 2016, most First Ministers adopted the Pan-Canadian Framework (PCF) on Clean Growth and Climate Change, with Manitoba announcing its intention to join on February 23, 2018. The Government of Canada is working closely with the provinces and territories, Indigenous Peoples, and Canadians to implement over 50 measures outlined in the PCF. These actions, supported by significant federal investments announced in Budget 2016 and Budget 2017, will decrease emissions, air pollution, advance technology innovation and increase resilience across the broad range of impacts of climate change. In addition, the Government of Canada – working in partnership with the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and the Métis National Council – has launched three separate senior-level tables to engage with First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation in the implementation of the PCF.
In December 2017, the first annual report on progress made in implementing the PCF was released. This report highlights significant federal, provincial and territorial accomplishments of the past year under all four pillars of the Framework.
Under the pan-Canadian approach to pricing carbon pollution, provinces and territories have the flexibility to implement their own carbon pollution pricing systems to meet the federal benchmark. The Budget Implementation Act, 2018, No. 1, which enacts the *Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act* (GGPPA), received Royal Assent on June 21, 2018. The GGPPA establishes the framework for the federal carbon pollution pricing system that will apply in jurisdictions that request it or that do not have a carbon pollution pricing system in place in 2018 that meets the federal benchmark stringency requirements (announced in October 2016). Provinces and territories had until September 1, 2018 to outline their plans, which were assessed against the federal benchmark.
On October 23, 2018 the Government of Canada announced the results of that assessment. This included information on where the federal carbon pollution pricing system will apply and how direct proceeds will be returned to the province or territory of origin.
In February 2018, Canada published two proposed regulations to limit carbon dioxide emissions: one amendment to accelerate the phase-out of coal-fired power by 2030, and the other to set emission performance standards for new natural gas-fired electricity generation and coal boilers converted to run on natural gas.
Canada is also working on a full suite of adaptation programs; codes and standards for climate resilience; a Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund; investments of $21.9 billion in green infrastructure funding (including $9.2 billion for bilateral agreements with provinces and territories); launch of the Canadian Centre for Climate Services, and $2 billion for a Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund.
In July 2018, the timelines and approach to developing the Clean Fuel Standard were revised to enable continued consultations and analysis to ensure that the Clean Fuel Standard achieves its goal while maintaining Canadian competitiveness. The revised approach starts with the development of the standards for liquid fuels, followed by gaseous and solid fuels together.
In March 2018, the $500 million Low Carbon Economy Challenge was launched. In April 2018, the final Regulations Respecting Reductions in the Release of Methane and Certain Volatile Organic Compounds (upstream oil and gas sector) were published. In May 2018, the final Regulations Amending the Heavy-duty Vehicle and Engine Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations were published. In August 2018, a discussion paper was released on the mid-term evaluation of Canada’s GHG emission standards for light-duty vehicles of the 2022 to 2025 model years. This evaluation aims to determine whether the established greenhouse gas emission standards for the 2022 to 2025 model years remain appropriate for Canada. Also in August 2018, the Government of Canada launched the Climate Action Fund, providing up to $3 million in grants and contributions for projects that increase action and awareness on climate change and climate change initiatives, with results expected to be announced in late fall 2018.
To highlight how the Government of Canada is addressing climate change through investments in communities across the country, a Climate Action Map was released in October 2018.
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10/31/2018,393_1,18-Aug,Sustainable Infrastructure,Launch a new Canadian Green Bond that can enable additional investments to support green projects when a lack of capital represents a barrier to green projects.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Finance,"Actions taken, progress made",Increase the impact of green initiatives by introducing a new financing mechanism to promote increased investment when a lack of capital represents a barrier.,"Budget 2016 included investments of $5 billion over five years towards infrastructure projects that protect communities and support Canada's ongoing transition to a clean growth economy. Budget 2017 announced the Government's plan to invest $21.9 billion in green infrastructure, including initiatives, which will support the implementation of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change. Of this, $9.2 billion will be provided to provinces and territories over the next decade through bilateral agreements. A further $5 billion will be available for green infrastructure projects through the Canada Infrastructure Bank and $2.8 billion through a series of national programs.
In addition, the Government of Canada announced the creation of the Expert Panel on Sustainable Finance that will explore the opportunities and challenges relating to the financing of sustainable investments including infrastructure in Canada. The panel members released an Interim Report reviewing findings from their consultations to date in October 2018, and will provide a final report and recommendations to the government by the spring of 2019. "
10/31/2018,413_1,18-Aug,Safety and Security,"Lead the government’s plan on irregular migration, and ensure close collaboration with provinces, territories and municipalities.","Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship;Minister of Foreign Affairs","Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",Ensure Canada's borders are managed in a way that protects the safety and security of all Canadians while upholding Canada’s international obligations regarding asylum seekers. ,"The Government has made investments to help secure the Canada-U.S. border while ensuring asylum claims are processed in a timely manner. Investments are also supporting decision-making capacity for the Immigration and Refugee Board, which in turn will lead to more timely removals of those who are found to be without a valid claim. The Government has also launched outreach efforts to provide accurate information on Canadian immigration laws, risks of crossing the border between ports of entry, and to deter the abuse of U.S. travel documents. To better share information with various levels of government involved in managing irregular migration, the Intergovernmental Task Force on Irregular Migration was established in the Summer of 2017. The Task Force brings together the key federal ministers responsible for managing the influx of irregular migrants with the provincial and municipal governments that have been most heavily affected. Meeting on a frequent basis, it allows members of different government levels to address challenges and explore strategies."
10/31/2018,7_1,15-Nov,Safety and Security,Ensure the Royal Canadian Navy is able to operate as a true maritime force.,"Minister of National Defence;Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development","Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges",Improved equipment for the men and women in uniform.,"Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), the Government has started renewing Canada's maritime fleet so that needed vessels are delivered to the Royal Canadian Navy in a timely and affordable manner.
Significant milestones have been achieved on the following projects:
• Canadian Surface Combatant - A preferred bidder was identified in October 2018 and the negotiation/verification process started.
• Halifax-class frigates - In November 2018, Public Services and Procurement Canada issued three Advance Contract Award Notices to three Canadian shipyards to ensure the vessels remain operationally available to the Royal Canadian Navy.
• Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS) - The launch of the first AOPS, HMCS Harry DeWolf, took place in September 2018; in November 2018, the Minister of National Defence announced that the Royal Canadian Navy will receive a sixth patrol ship, which will help sustain hundreds of highly-skilled middle class jobs at Irving shipyards.
• Joint Support Ships (JSS) – Construction began on large segments of the Royal Canadian Navy’s JSS at Vancouver Shipyards in June 2018. JSS 1 is expected to be delivered in 2022-2023 and JSS 2 is expected in 2023-2024.
The NSS also continues to generate significant economic benefits across the country. Approximately $1.3 billion of NSS contracts were awarded in 2017. NSS contracts awarded between 2012 and 2017 are estimated to contribute close to $8.9 billion of gross domestic product, and create or maintain almost 8,800 jobs annually during the period of 2012 to 2022 in the Canadian economy. NSS shipyards also continue to engage with small and medium Canadian enterprises by awarding contracts for NSS related projects.
Given the scope and complexity of the construction of vessels, delivering on time and on budget presents implementation challenges that must be closely monitored and managed. "
10/31/2018,77_1,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,New Health Accord supports the delivery of more and better home care services.,Minister of Health;Minister of Seniors,"Actions taken, progress made",Improved access to home and community care services.,"The Government of Canada has reached agreement with all provinces and territories on collective priorities and 10-year funding to strengthen health care and will invest $6 billion over 10 years for provinces and territories to expand access to home and community care options, and better support the millions of Canadians who provide informal care to loved ones. Based on the collective priorities, bilateral funding agreements detailing how federal funding will be used are now being negotiated. Agreements have been signed with eight provinces and territories: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Nova Scotia, and British Columbia. The Government has also introduced a 15-week Employment Insurance benefit for those caring for critically ill or injured adult family members and created the new Canada Caregiving Credit to simplify and expand tax credits for caregivers.
In June 2018, federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) health ministers endorsed a set of indicators for measuring access to mental health and addictions services and to home and community care that was recommended by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), on behalf of the CIHI-FPT work groups. The federal government has agreed to an asymmetrical arrangement with Quebec, distinct from the Common Statement of Principles. Annual reporting is expected to begin in 2019. "
10/31/2018,77_2,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,New Health Accord advances pan-Canadian collaboration on health innovation.,Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made","More innovation within the health care system, including new digital and mobile technologies to improve results.","To support health innovation, Budget 2017 confirmed $300 million over five years for Canada Health Infoway to expand e-prescribing and virtual care initiatives. In addition, Budget 2017 committed $53 million over five years, with $15.0 million per year ongoing, to the Canadian Institute for Health Information to address health data gaps, support improved decision-making and strengthen health system performance reporting. Budget 2017 also committed $51 million over three years, starting in 2019-20, with $17 million ongoing, to the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement to continue to accelerate innovations in all provinces and territories."
10/31/2018,77_3,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,New Health Accord improves access to necessary prescription medications.,Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made",Canadians have access to lower cost prescription medications.,"The Government is working on enhancing the affordability, accessibility and appropriate use of prescription drugs in collaboration with provinces, territories and other partners. The Government has joined the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance, which leverages combined federal-provincial-territorial purchasing power to make patented prescription drugs cheaper for public plans and lower prescription generic drug prices for all payers. Following an initial consultation in Spring 2017, proposed amendments to the Patented Medicines Regulations were published in Canada Gazette I on December 2, 2017, launching a 75-day period during which stakeholders and interested Canadians were invited to provide feedback. Budget 2017 invested $140.3 million over five years and $18.2 million per year ongoing for Health Canada, the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board and the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health.
As part of Budget 2018, the Government announced it is creating an Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare. The Advisory Council will conduct an economic and social assessment of domestic and international models, and will recommend options on how to move forward. The full Council was launched on June 20, 2018, and has begun engaging with provincial, territorial and Indigenous leaders as well as experts, stakeholders, patients and other Canadians."
10/31/2018,77_4,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,New Health Accord makes high quality mental health services available.,Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made","Improved access to mental health and addictions services, particularly for vulnerable populations and youth.","The Government of Canada has reached agreement with all provinces and territories on collective priorities and 10-year funding to strengthen health care. It is investing $5 billion over 10 years to increase access to mental health and addictions services, including for young Canadians where early interventions can significantly improve outcomes. In August 2017, federal, provincial and territorial governments reached agreement on a Common Statement of Principles on Shared Health Priorities, which outlines key priorities for federal investments to improve access to mental health and addictions services, as well as home and community care and a joint commitment to advance health innovation and prescription drugs. Governments also committed to develop and report on a set of common metrics to ensure that these investments bring Canadians improved health outcomes.
The federal government is now in the process of developing bilateral agreements with each province and territory that will set out details of how each jurisdiction will use federal funding in future years, based on the priority areas of action outlined in the Common Statement. Agreements have been signed and announced for nine provinces and territories: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Nova Scotia, British Columbia, and Quebec. As these agreements are completed, they are posted publicly.
The federal government has agreed to an asymmetrical arrangement with Quebec, distinct from the Common Statement of Principles. "
10/31/2018,90_1,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Continue to reduce the federal debt-to-Gross Domestic Product ratio.,Minister of Finance,"Actions taken, progress made",A federal debt-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio that continues to go down.,"The Government is committed to building a strong middle class, making investments that lead to economic growth and reducing Canada’s already low debt-to-GDP ratio. The federal debt-to-GDP ratio fell by 0.7 percentage points in 2017-18 and is expected to continue to fall over the forecast horizon. The Government will maintain this downward debt ratio track—preserving Canada's low-debt advantage for current and future generations. Canada is among the leaders for economic growth in the G7 since late 2015, the share of working-aged Canadians who are employed is the highest ever and Canada is maintaining its low-debt advantage. The Government's approach has received praise from organizations including the International Monetary Fund."
10/31/2018,95_1,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Increase the value of the Disability Award.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"Increased the maximum Disability Award to $360,000 and indexed it to inflation so ill or injured Veterans receive better financial support.","The maximum Disability Award has been increased to a maximum of $360,000 for ill and injured Veterans in recognition of pain and suffering, commensurate with industry benchmarks and indexed to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This provides support to Veterans and their families for an injury or illness resulting from military service. All Veterans who received a Disability Award since 2006 have already or will receive an additional lump-sum payment as a result of these changes."
11/30/2018,1,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency is a client-focused agency.,Minister of National Revenue,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Improved client satisfaction levels, reduced wait times for inquiries, and simplified and easy to use processes.","The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is shifting toward a client-centric approach to program and service delivery. Being client-centric means understanding clients’ needs, their behaviours and expectations and adapting to meet those needs. Over the past year, many improvements have been made.
The government is undertaking a comprehensive review of the CRA’s service model. With this review underway, Budget 2018 announced $206 million over five years and $33.6 million in ongoing funding to address commitments to service excellence.
To improve telephone service, the budget proposed additional funding to enhance telephone technology, to hire more agents, and to provide additional training for agents. The CRA now allows more callers to reach its call centres, rather than be faced with a busy signal, by extending wait times in the queue. This has reduced the number of attempts that callers need to make to reach an agent. The CRA improved the accessibility of its telephone services, with 48% of the calls it received during 2017-18 being answered, compared to 36% in 2016-17, as reported in the Auditor General fall 2017 report.
The CRA also expanded the number of self-serve options available to Canadians. For example, since February 2018, callers can obtain their account balance and details about the last payment made to the CRA without speaking to an agent. The CRA’s call centres have doubled the rate of answered calls made to the CRA’s Individual Tax Enquiries lines since the 2015 tax-filing season.
In addition, My Account allows easier access to greater amounts of information, and allows more transactions to be undertaken, such as printing a Proof of Income.
The CRA is continually enhancing its Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP), and Budget 2018 provides additional funding for further enhancement of the program to increase the number of individuals helped by the CVITP. This program assists vulnerable Canadians with tax filing and access to the benefits to which they are entitled. As well, the budget provided funding to support additional year-round tax preparation offered by community organizations, and to conduct more outreach activities to vulnerable population segments including Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, seniors, newcomers and refugees, modest-income Canadians, housing insecure individuals and youth.
In November 2017, the CRA introduced the ""tell us once"" approach, a consent-based service that will make it easier for Canada Pension Plan recipients to update and share their direct deposit banking information quickly and safely between the CRA and Employment and Social Development Canada.
Individuals and business owners can now pay their taxes in person at any Canada Post retail outlet with cash or a debit card by using the personalized quick response (QR) code found on their remittance voucher, or by creating a QR code online, or by creating a QR code in the BizApp.
The CRA is continuously working to improve its services for individuals and businesses. In May 2018, a new service was introduced to inform business clients that mail addressed to them has been returned to the CRA, by sending them a message to their My Business Account. When logging into My Business Account, business owners and authorized representatives will be asked to confirm or update the account’s address information. As of October 2018, a Returned Mail Indicator (RMI) has also been added in the BizApp as another method to inform business owners of their outdated address.
The CRA has expanded the Liaison Officer (LO) service, which offers the owners of small unincorporated businesses help to understand their tax obligations.
In October 2017, the CRA launched BizApp, a mobile web app for small businesses and sole proprietors to keep on top of their business accounts securely, anytime and anywhere. Since its launch, small businesses and sole proprietors have logged in more than 9,000 times. As of mid-the end of October, over 150 payments had been made through pre-authorized debit in the app and this number is anticipated to grow as the service was expanded in late October 2018 to include the My Payment and QR code payment options.
In October 2018, the CRA launched a redesigned My Account, which makes finding information and transactions with the CRA easier. This is the first step in a multi-year project that will re-engineer My Account, My Business Account and Represent a Client into a modern, client-focused digital service.
By launching the 2018 Serving You Better (SYB) consultations with small and medium businesses in September 2018, the Minister of National Revenue reaffirmed the commitment to improving the services offered by the CRA to businesses. The SYB consultations provide a forum for small and medium businesses and accountants to share valuable insights, which the CRA can use to make its programs and services more streamlined and client-focused. During the in-person consultations, small and medium businesses and accountants are invited to provide feedback and recommendations to CRA senior officials in cities across Canada.
The CRA has published new service standards for the resolution of low and medium-complexity objections, and requests for taxpayer relief.
In August 2018, the Minister of National Revenue announced that the Agency will open three new northern service centres in the territorial capitals of Whitehorse, Yellowknife and Iqaluit prior to the 2019 tax filing season. These centres will better support territorial residents, Indigenous communities, and businesses. In addition to maintaining a physical presence throughout the year, the CRA will expand the outreach and the CVITP activities, and the LO service offered to businesses and self-employed individuals. The CRA will also set up dedicated telephone lines to connect territorial residents to CRA agents who are familiar with northern tax matters. Before the start of the 2019 tax season, up to 12 CRA employees will be working in the territorial capitals to deliver these services.
In addition, the CRA is taking steps to improve back-end verification activities for the northern resident deductions, and will recommend regulatory amendments to simplify the lowest return airfare component of those deductions. The Northern Service Improvement Strategy also includes initiatives designed to proactively guide people on how to correctly claim the deduction and, ultimately, minimize the frequency of repeat reviews caused by recurring errors.
To ensure that Indigenous peoples are able to fully participate in the Canadian tax and benefit system, the CRA conducted research with Indigenous communities to identify issues and challenges related to tax filing. The CRA is using the research findings to develop outreach programs and communications products to help Indigenous Peoples access the benefits and credits available through the tax system, including the non-taxable, Canada child benefit (CCB). Also, in collaboration with Service Canada, the government proactively promoted the CCB in Indigenous communities to make sure Indigenous families have full access to this important benefit.
The CRA is listening to Canadians, changing how it operates, and improving its services with the goal to be a trusted, helpful and fair world-class tax and benefit administration by putting people first. On October 29, 2018, the CRA announced it would develop a series of consultations with Canadians to better understand their expectations of the Agency and how to meet them. Consultations will be led by the Agency’s new Chief Service Officer (CSO). Appointed in March 2018, the CSO is leading the CRA’s service transformation through an integrated, client-focused approach that spans all CRA activities."
11/30/2018,2,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Crack down on tax evaders.,Minister of National Revenue,"Actions taken, progress made","A fairer tax system, and billions of dollars recovered from those who are evading taxes.","The Canada Revenue Agency continues its efforts to effectively limit tax evasion and avoidance, in particular by targeting non-compliance in the highest-risk areas, including wealthy individuals with offshore accounts. These efforts are showing concrete results for Canadians. The government has identified $13.6 billion in fiscal impact during the 2017-2018 fiscal year, an increase of more than $1 billion from the previous year. This includes $1.6 billion in incremental revenue from federal budget investments against a target of $1.1 billion.
As of March 31, 2018, the government reviewed all large money transfers between Canada and eight countries of concern—a total of 187,000 transactions worth over $177 billion that merited closer scrutiny. At the close of fiscal 2017-2018, the CRA was conducting more than 1,100 taxpayer audits with offshore links and had 50 ongoing criminal investigations related to offshore financial structures.
The government is also aggressively going after those who promote tax avoidance schemes, and in 2017-2018 imposed approximately $48 million in penalties on these third parties.
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is publishing a series of studies on Canada's tax gap. To do this, a dedicated unit was established to examine different parts of the gap. The CRA is committed to continue estimating the tax gap, while engaging with external experts and interested stakeholders to further work in this area. The CRA has made information relevant to tax gap available to the Parliamentary Budget Officer and to Canadians through the Government of Canada’s Open Data portal.
Canada is one of more than 60 countries taking part in the OECD/G20 Country-by-Country Reporting Initiative, a collaborative approach that allows countries to share revenue and profit information on their large multinational enterprises. This disclosing of worldwide financials helps the CRA better risk assess whether these companies are paying the right amount of tax in each country. The first exchanges of information took place in summer 2018.
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11/30/2018,3,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Develop a Canadian energy strategy with provinces and territories.,Minister of Natural Resources,Completed - modified,"Greater energy conservation, greater inclusion of clean energy and innovative technologies in Canada's energy future, reduced diesel use in remote and off-grid communities, and effective market access for Canadian energy exports.","Federal, provincial and territorial Energy Ministers are taking joint action under the provincial/territorial led Canadian Energy Strategy on shared goals to promote energy efficiency, develop new energy technology and innovations, and identify priority energy infrastructure and advance international energy collaboration. These initiatives complement the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, which is meant to help Canada meet its emissions reduction target and grow the economy.
In June 2018, the Generation Energy Council Report was released, outlining a vision, pathways and advice on a prosperous and low-carbon future. The government will build on the work of Generation Energy, to engage provinces and territories to accelerate clean growth strategies, and enhance the energy sector’s competitiveness.
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11/30/2018,4,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Modernize the National Energy Board.,Minister of Natural Resources,"Actions taken, progress made","Canada has a modern energy regulator that is more representative of Canada's regions and diversity and has greater expertise to undertake its responsibilities in considering environmental science, the knowledge and perspective of Indigenous peoples, and community development. The new regulator will facilitate more timely project decisions.","As announced in February 2018, the government is proposing to create the Canadian Energy Regulator (CER), a new and modern federal energy regulator with the required independence and the proper accountability to oversee a strong, safe and sustainable Canadian energy sector in the 21st century. This includes ensuring the new CER is built on modern effective governance, more inclusive engagement, greater Indigenous participation, stronger safety and environmental protection, and more timely project decisions that enhance certainty for industry. The legislation, regulations and policy measures to modernize the National Energy Board are being informed by an Expert Panel report, federal discussion papers, parliamentary studies, and over two years of consultations with Indigenous peoples, industry, provinces and territories, non-government organizations, academia and the public. The proposed legislation is currently before the Senate for review."
11/30/2018,5,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Develop a North American clean energy and environment agreement.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of Natural Resources,Completed - fully met,"Reduced greenhouse gas emissions, alignment of energy efficiency regulations and enhanced development of the clean technology sector in North America, setting the foundation for a stronger, more sustainable economy.","At the trilateral North American Leaders’ Summit in June 2016, an Action Plan for a North American Climate, Clean Energy, and Environment Partnership was publicly released. It announced ambitious targets to advance clean and secure energy, drive down short-lived climate pollutants, promote clean and efficient transportation, and show global leadership in addressing climate change. The February 13, 2017 Joint Statement from the President of the United States and the Prime Minister affirmed the importance of close collaboration on energy security, clean energy innovation and the environment, including clean air and water. Canada will continue to advance these priorities, including by working with Mexico and sub-national governments in the United States in the context of the North American Climate Leaders’ process. On September 13, 2018, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and the Mexican and United States Climate Alliance counterparts announced a North American Climate Leadership Dialogue joint statement committing to continued environment and climate change cooperation."
11/30/2018,6,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Undertake a review of Canada Post to make sure it provides high-quality service at a reasonable price.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges","Canadians receive the services they expect from Canada Post at a reasonable price. In addition, Canada Post is able to effectively adapt to changes in technology and consumer preferences.","The Canada Post Review has produced two public reports from an Independent Task Force and the House of Commons Standing Committee on government Operations and Estimates.
On January 24, 2018, the government completed the Review and announced a service-focused vision for renewal, providing guidance for renewal to the Board of Directors. This vision and guidance included concrete measures to make delivery more accessible, and to stop converting door-to-door service into community mailboxes.
A new Chair of Canada Post's Board of Directors was appointed in December 2017, who received a letter of expectations from the Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility in January 2018. Subsequently, the government has announced eight appointments to the Board.
Canada Post has been reclassified under the *Financial Administration Act* with the strengthened expectation that it will reinvest all of its profits in service and innovation and steps are underway to address drivers of rural-urban pricing differences. The collective bargaining process has been challenging, and labour has recently taken rotating job action. However, negotiations continue and the new leadership is actively looking to shift relations towards a culture of collaboration and service to Canadians."
11/30/2018,7,15-Nov,Safety and Security,Renew the Canadian Coast Guard fleet.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development","Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges",Enhanced protection and improved safety of Canadians along Canada's coasts.,"Through the Oceans Protection Plan and re-investments in the Canadian Coast Guard, the government has significantly enhanced support to the Coast Guard fleet. Specifically, the government is working to enhance the world-leading marine safety system that protects Canada’s coasts. It is also committed to ensuring that the Canadian Coast Guard has the equipment it needs to prevent potential marine pollution incidents. In August 2018, a contract was awarded for a three-year lease of two emergency offshore towing vessels to assist in towing vessels in distress off the Pacific coast. The first vessel arrived in Victoria in November 2018 and the second vessel is scheduled to arrive early December 2018. Additionally, a contract was awarded to buy emergency tow kits for Coast Guard vessels and equipment caches across Canada.
Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), the government has started renewing Canada's federal fleet so that needed vessels are delivered to the Canadian Coast Guard in a timely and affordable manner.
Construction is underway on all three Offshore Fisheries Science Vessels (OFSVs), the first of which was launched in December 2017. The vessel is undergoing a period of outfitting/build completion and trials. Construction engineering is also underway for the construction of the Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel, which will follow construction of the OFSV In addition, two Channel Survey and Sounding Vessels were delivered in October 2018 to replace vessels operating in the St. Lawrence River, which were nearing the end of their lifespan. Moreover, four of 20 new Search and Rescue lifeboats have been delivered to help keep Canadians and Canadian waterways safe.
On August 10, 2018, the Government of Canada issued a contract to Chantier Davie of Lévis, Quebec, for the acquisition and to begin the conversion of three medium commercial icebreakers In August 2018, the vessels arrived in Canada and progress is underway on the conversion of the first ship with a view to start operations in December 2018. The vessels will provide interim capability for the Canadian Coast Guard while existing ships are removed from service for repairs and until replacement vessels can be built under the NSS.
The government is also investing to: repair and modernize many of the Coast Guard's vessels with new technology and towing equipment, enhance collaborations between the Coast Guard with Indigenous communities, and harness cutting edge science and technology to understand ocean currents, real-time shipping movements and threat monitoring.
To advance the development of National Repair, Refit and Maintenance and Small Vessel Construction program strategies, Public Services and Procurement Canada hosted a series of four regional workshops (November 2017 – April 2018). In November 2018, a Federal Marine Procurement Outlook session was held to provide industry with the status and proposed disposition of action items heard in the regional workshops. The results of these workshops will be used to identify opportunities to improve and streamline the procurement processes.
The NSS continues to generate significant economic benefits across the country. The government has issued $8.8 billion in NSS contracts between the period of 2012 to the end of August 2018. These contracts are estimated to contribute over $10 billion ($928 million annually) to gross domestic product, and create or maintain more than 9,600 jobs in the Canadian economy annually during the period of 2012-2022. NSS shipyards also continue to engage with small and medium Canadian enterprises to award contracts for NSS-related projects.
Given the scope and complexity of the construction of vessels, delivering on -time and on -budget presents implementation challenges that must be closely monitored and managed.
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11/30/2018,8,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Modernize procurement practices.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made","Government procurement is faster, simpler, more competitive, and more predictable in terms of cost. Businesses with innovative ideas are able to more easily sell to the Government, and procurement processes benefit Canadians and communities across Canada.","The government is improving its procurement processes so that businesses can engage with government in a simpler and faster way. The procurement platform was enhanced so that suppliers have easier access to bidding opportunities and are given a second opportunity to comply with the mandatory requirements of bid solicitations. Steps have also been taken to adopt an agile approach to procurement, that provides a fair, transparent and inclusive process open to all businesses across Canada. The government announced the new Innovative Solutions Canada, which matches businesses offering early-stage prototypes with federal departments in need of innovative products or services. Budget 2018 announced $196.8 million over five years to establish a new electronic procurement platform, which will also help make government procurement simpler, faster, and more accessible.
The government is also making strides to increase bidder diversity. It participated in approximately 1,770 outreach events across Canada including 614 events that gathered 10,909 individuals belonging to under-represented groups such as women, Indigenous and multicultural communities to promote how to do business with the Government of Canada. PSPC also launched social procurement pilots to increase participation of small and diverse suppliers with a bigger focus on women-owned and Indigenous small and medium-sized businesses. These efforts also complement initiatives undertaken to support green and social procurement in order to deliver improved community and environmental benefits.
The government is also adopting innovative technologies, including the use of Artificial Intelligence to speed up the procurement process and determine how best to align government contracts to commercial best practices.
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11/30/2018,9,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Establish new performance standards for government services and measure and report on performance.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government;Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility;Minister of Democratic Institutions","Actions taken, progress made",Government services that better meet the needs of Canadians.,"The Government of Canada is assessing its service standards to ensure that they are comprehensive and meaningful. Among its initial achievements, the government has: implemented new and better service standards for new clients applying for Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPP-D) benefits; completed a Service Delivery Review for Veterans Affairs Canada to help drive wholesale change to delivering services and benefits to Veterans; re-opened nine Veterans Affairs Canada offices that were closed by the previous government, and opened a new tenth office; expanded auto-enrollment for Old Age Security benefits (OAS); and added new capacity for call centres handling inquiries related to Employment Insurance (EI) and Canada Revenue Agency. In 2017-18, the government consulted with Canadians as part of reviews of the EI, OAS and CPP service standards, the results of which are informing the consideration of potential changes to these standards. "
11/30/2018,10,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Strengthen oversight on government advertising.,President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government,"Actions taken, progress made",Increased oversight of government advertising so that public dollars aren't spent on partisan advertising.,"In May 2016, an interim process was established so that advertising campaigns with budgets greater than $500,000 undergo independent, mandatory reviews. These reviews ensure the campaigns are non-partisan. The results of these reviews are posted online. Following consultations with parliamentarians and other stakeholders, the government will entrench independent third-party oversight of federal advertising in law. The Office of the Auditor General of Canada has also committed to review the interim process."
11/30/2018,11,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Improve the use of evidence in program evaluation.,President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government,"Actions taken, progress made","Evidence-based reporting, measurement and evaluation of government activities are in place.","The government established a new Policy on Results in July 2016 that aims to improve how government organizations measure, evaluate, and report results. The policy also seeks to improve how departments and agencies gather and use evidence to inform decisions. As of June 2018, 79 departments have fully adopted the new policy and the remaining departments continue to do so.
Following the announcement in Budget 2018, planning has begun to establish a central performance evaluation team to undertake innovation performance evaluations on an ongoing basis."
11/30/2018,12,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Make government data available digitally.,"President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Completed - fully met,Digitized government data that are accessible to Canadians.,"The government has improved the Open government portal, Open.canada.ca, by adding content from across the Government of Canada and by simplifying the process for users to search. In addition, the Government of Canada added the Open by Default Pilot section to the portal, which gives Canadians early access to select draft and working documents from participating departments.
The government has increased the number of participating federal entities from 45 in 2014 to 67 as of October 2018. In the last year, over 30,000 new data sets have been published, which were accessed hundreds of thousands of times. New data sets continue to be made available on open.canada.ca. The government also continues to strengthen the quality, accessibility, and searchability of open data.
The Government of Canada was recognized for its leadership on open government, and in October 2018 assumed the role of lead government chair of the Open government Partnership, which is the global organization that coordinates open government. Budget 2018 also announced an investment of $1 million for the Treasury Board Secretariat in support of Canada’s co-chairmanship of the Open government Partnership and the organization of an international Summit taking place in Ottawa May 29-31, 2019. Finally, in September 2018 Canada ranked 1st globally (tied with the United Kingdom) on the World Wide Web Foundation’s Open Data Barometer Leaders Edition, which measures progress by 30 leading governments that have made concrete commitments to champion open data.
As the Government of Canada continues to maximize the release of open data and information, departments across government are increasingly focusing on opening up data that is relevant to Canadians and to stakeholders in civil society, private sector, media, and academia. For example, in July 2018 the government published on open.canada.ca an open dataset of the results of a private sector-led survey commissioned in 2016-17 to measure the adoption and use of various digital technologies by Canadian businesses. Additionally, the Government of Canada’s first departmental Service Inventory was recently published on open.canada.ca, and data collection is already underway to provide an update to this data.
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11/30/2018,13,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Bargain in good faith with Canada's public sector unions.,President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government,"Actions taken, progress made","Collective agreements with Canada's public sector unions are fair and reasonable for employees and Canadians, and are bargained in good faith.","The Government of Canada is committed to building a culture of respect for, and within, the federal public service. For the 2014 round of bargaining, through good-faith negotiations, the government has reached 26 agreements with bargaining agents, representing over 99% of unionized employees in the core public administration. For the 2018 round of bargaining, the Employer engaged with all bargaining agents who have served notice to bargain. The government will continue to bargain in good faith with public sector unions and remains committed to negotiating collective agreements that are fair for public servants, and that serve to attract, retain, motivate and renew the workforce required to deliver results to Canadians."
11/30/2018,14,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that Parliament and federal institutions are free from harassment and sexual violence.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government;Minister of Status of Women;Leader of the Government in the House of Commons","Actions taken, progress made","To ensure that Parliament and federal institutions are free from harassment and sexual violence, strategies are informed by expert and stakeholder consultations and are supported by new proposals and legislation introduced in fall 2017.","The government has taken key steps to address violence and sexual harassment in workplaces under federal jurisdiction:
In June 2018, the Federal Court approved a landmark Final Settlement Agreement (FSA) to the LGBT Purge Class Action that will compensate current and former federal public servants, members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who were directly impacted by anti-LGBTQ2 policies and practices. The FSA also includes $15 million for Reconciliation and Memorialization Measures to prevent future discrimination and for reconciliation with LGBTQ2 communities.
Also in June 2018, the Code of Conduct for Members of the House of Commons: Sexual Harassment Between Members was updated to change the definition of sexual harassment and improve the complaint and investigation processes.
In September 2018, the Clerk of the Privy Council released a report: “Safe Workspaces: Starting a Dialogue and Taking Action on Harassment in the Public Service” which offers recommendations aimed at preventing harassment, responding to allegations and supporting victims.
In October 2018, new legislation that replaces the current patchwork of laws and policies on violence and harassment in workplaces across the federal jurisdiction and enhances prevention, protection and support when harassment and violence occurs, received Royal Assent. Regulations will be introduced in the near future, and, subject to approval of the regulations, coming into force is anticipated as early as June 2019.
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11/30/2018,15,15-Nov,Safety and Security,Reinforce railway safety.,Minister of Transport,"Actions taken, progress made","Stronger railway safety regulations, improved communication with Canadians and rail infrastructure that is safer and in better condition, leading to fewer accidents and injuries and reduced loss of life.","The government tabled the final Report of the *Railway Safety Act* Review in Parliament on May 31, 2018. The statutory review was launched on April 27, 2017, one year earlier than required, to ensure this main piece of legislation governing rail safety in Canada continues to uphold the best interests of Canadians. On July 5, 2018, the Minister of Transport chaired a roundtable with representative stakeholder groups to get early perspectives on the Report and its findings. Transport Canada officials have further engaged stakeholders on the Report, including through a series of four roundtables, which took place in Moncton, Winnipeg, Vancouver, and Toronto throughout November 2018. Transport Canada is carefully considering the Report’s findings and recommendations, taking appropriate action to further strengthen the safety of Canada’s rail transportation system. The government is investing in infrastructure improvements to existing rail lines and crossings, safety-related research and innovative development, public education and awareness initiatives, as well as providing grants to encourage the closure of unsafe crossings. The government has supported 660 projects across Canada to reduce injuries and fatalities. In addition, collaboration is underway with local communities to improve the sharing of information for emergency responses and to educate the public about railway crossings and infrastructure in their communities. The government has also revised the rules governing the transportation of dangerous goods by rail, introduced a mandatory minimum level of insurance for federal railways and accelerated the timeline to phase out the DOT-111 tank cars (jacketed and unjacketed) and CPC 1232 tank cars (unjacketed) that transport crude oil and condensates. November 1, 2016 marked the complete removal of all DOT 111 tank cars from crude oil service. To assist municipalities with emergency planning, risk assessment and to help train first responders, the government issued Protective Direction 36 on April 28, 2016 to provide jurisdictions with access to comprehensive dangerous goods information from railways, including information that they can make publicly available. Now that the *Transportation Modernization Act* has received Royal Assent, the government will move to develop regulations to implement its amendments to the *Railway Safety Act*, which will improve rail safety by requiring the mandatory installation of recording instruments on locomotives.
The government has also developed a strategy for addressing fatigue in the rail industry that includes the publication of a Notice of Intent in the Canada Gazette, Part I on November 11, 2017, communicating to Canadians and interested stakeholders its most current policy direction on the management of fatigue in the rail industry. As a first step in engaging transportation stakeholders on fatigue management, Transport Canada held a Fatigue in Transportation Forum in Montreal on June 27-28, 2018. The forum brought together participants from all modes of transport, stakeholders in the Canadian transportation industry and academic experts on fatigue science to discuss risks and best practices relating to the management of fatigue. Results of this forum will provide the department the opportunity to incorporate relevant and up-to-date knowledge into future fatigue-related regulatory development activities."
11/30/2018,16,15-Nov,Exports and Investment,Undertake a full review of the Canadian grain transportation system to help farmers get their product to market.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food;Minister of Transport,Completed - fully met,"A more transparent and fair grain transportation system is in place so Canadian farmers can get their products to market, both in Canada and internationally.","The government has held consultations with grain sector stakeholders on rail transportation issues and the *Canada Transportation Act* Review, leading to the introduction of the *Transportation Modernization Act* to advance a long-term agenda for a more transparent, balanced, efficient and reliable rail system to move Canadian goods, including grain, to global markets. The *Transportation Modernization Act* received Royal Assent on May 23, 2018. Key measures include: new data reporting requirements for railways; a new Long-Haul Interswitching mechanism to provide captive shippers across multiple sectors and regions of Canada with access to a competing railway; a clear definition of “adequate and suitable” rail service; the ability for shippers to seek reciprocal financial penalties in their service agreements with railways; and more accessible and timely remedies for shippers. The *Transportation Modernization Act* also modernizes the Maximum Revenue Entitlement for Western grain, to better incent investments in hopper cars, and adds soybeans to the list of eligible crops. Furthermore, the government has renewed the western Grain Monitoring Program for three years."
11/30/2018,17,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Formalize a moratorium on crude oil tanker traffic on British Columbia's North Coast.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Transport","Actions taken, progress made","A moratorium is in place on crude oil tanker traffic on British Columbia's North Coast, protecting habitats and communities.","In May 2017, the Government of Canada introduced legislation to prohibit oil tankers carrying crude and persistent oils as cargo from stopping, loading or unloading at ports or marine installations in northern British Columbia. Vessels carrying less than 12,500 metric tonnes of crude or persistent oil as cargo will continue to be permitted in the moratorium area to ensure northern communities can receive critical shipments of heating oils and other products. The legislation proposes strong penalty provisions for contravention that could reach up to $5 million. The proposed *Oil Tanker Moratorium Act* complements the Oceans Protection Plan. This proposed legislation is currently at Second Reading debate stage in the Senate, is expected at Committee in February 2019."
11/30/2018,18,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Restore the long-form census.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Completed - fully met,"Restored the long-form census so communities, governments, businesses and other organizations have the data they need to do their jobs.","Canada and its economy depend on knowing about ourselves, and on having the data necessary to make informed decisions. That is why the Government of Canada reinstated the long-form census. The 2016 long-form census saw an unprecedented response rate of 97.8%. The first set of data from the 2016 Census was released in February, 2017. The release of all Census-related data was completed in November 2017, 10 months earlier than for the 2011 Census."
11/30/2018,19,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Reinforce Statistics Canada's independence.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Completed - fully met,Statistics Canada meets international standards for the independence of a national statistics office.,"Data collected by Statistics Canada helps the private sector, government, not-for-profit groups, and researchers make better decisions. In December 2016, the government introduced legislation that will reinforce Statistics Canada's independence. The legislation aligns with international standards for national statistical agencies and makes the Chief Statistician responsible for all operational decisions, statistical methodology and the communication of statistical products produced by Statistics Canada. The amended legislation is consistent with the United Nations Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics and the OECD Recommendations on Good Statistical Practice. The amended *Statistics Act* received Royal Assent on December 12, 2017."
11/30/2018,20,15-Nov,Jobs and Innovation,Develop and implement an Innovation Agenda.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development","Actions taken, progress made","Improved programs support more skills training and life-long learning for Canadians, increased investment in high growth industries, and more high growth, innovative and trade-oriented companies.","Through the Innovation and Skills Plan, the government will:
• more than double the number of Canadians potentially eligible for employment support and skills training programs to as many as 1.4 million per year;
• expand programs to support up to 10,000 work integrated learning placements each year;
• provide more affordable and accessible broadband services for low-income Canadians and Canadians in remote communities through investments in broadband infrastructure and low-income support programs;
• encourage the development of assistive technologies that make it easier for persons with disabilities to participate in the digital economy;
• expand access to venture capital financing; and
• support a series of superclusters that will promote innovation opportunities in high-growth industries.
Total funding for innovation programming will increase by $2.6 billion over five years, and the reforms will result in a reduction in the total number of business innovation programs by roughly two-thirds (92 to 35+).
To support a streamlined approach to business innovation programming, programs are being delivered under the Innovation Canada umbrella. This single window platform has seen more than 400,000 visits to the website since its launch in January 2018. Through the Accelerated Growth Service (AGS), more than 430 firms have been supported to scale up. The Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) has announced 31 projects worth $795 million, leveraging a total investment of $8 billion in Canada and securing over $6.1B in R&D commitments. These projects have the potential to support over 50,000 jobs and reduce over 7 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. Five successful Innovation Superclusters have been announced. Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC) has completed 15 challenges, and has launched 27 new challenges, 7 of which are on plastics-related themes."
11/30/2018,21,15-Nov,Exports and Investment,Implement a new Trade and Investment Strategy.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion;Minister of International Trade Diversification","Actions taken, progress made","Double the number of high-growth firms in Canada by 2025; increase Canada's goods and services exports—from natural resources, advanced manufacturing, agri-food and others—by 30% by 2025; increase global investment in Canada; more good-paying, middle class jobs for Canadians.","The government is encouraging global investment and promoting Canada's economic brand through the creation of the Invest in Canada Agency. On November 30, 2018, the United States, Mexico and Canada signed the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Global Affairs Canada is now seeking pre-drafting authority to develop the implementing legislation and is preparing a Memorandum to Cabinet with a view to ensure that Canada can ratify as soon as the U.S. and Mexico are ready.
The government has successfully completed the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). Provisional application of the trade agreement took effect in September 2017 and will give consumers more choice, boost Canadian businesses' access to new customers, create good, middle-class jobs, and help grow the economy. On March 8, 2018, the government signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) with 10 countries in the Pacific region. The fourth round of negotiations toward a comprehensive free trade agreement between the Mercosur member states and Canada took place in December 2018. Round 7 of negotiations towards a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Pacific Alliance (Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru) also took place in October.
As a concrete example of the Strategy's results, since January 2016, CanExport has provided financial support to 1,264 Small and Medium Enterprise-led projects aimed at diversifying export markets, in a variety of sectors, and reaching over 90 different markets around the world. To date, for every hundred supported projects, participating firms have reported on average some 92 export successes at the time of project completion, for a collective impact of almost over $375 million in exports to new markets.
Budget 2017 announced $950 million to superclusters in highly innovative industries, and, in February 2018, in cooperation with the private sector and academic partners, the government announced the creation of five superclusters (Digital Technology; Protein Industries; Advanced Manufacturing; Artificial Intelligence; and Ocean) that will create great new opportunities for Canadian companies to innovate, scale up and grow into globally successful firms. To support Canadian firms and increase exports to new markets, Budget 2018 provides up to $75 million to build a stronger diplomatic presence and Trade Commissioner Service salesforce in China and Asia, as well as other initiatives to open market opportunities in the region. In June 2018, the government announced it will invest $50 million over five years to help Canadian companies diversify their exports to take advantage of new trade agreements, such as CETA and CPTPP.
On November 21, 2018 the government, through the Fall Economic Statement, proposed to launch an Export Diversification Strategy with a target of increasing Canada's overseas exports by 50 per cent by 2025. In total, the Strategy will invest $1.1 billion over the next six years, starting in 2018-19, to help Canadian businesses access new markets. The Strategy will focus on three key components: investing in infrastructure to support trade, providing Canadian businesses with resources to execute their export plans and enhancing trade services for Canadian exporters.
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11/30/2018,22,15-Nov,Exports and Investment,Prepare the auto sector for the potential participation of Canada in the Trans-Pacific Partnership.,"Minister of Finance;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development","Actions taken, progress made",Greater access to growing markets under conditions that are fair to Canadian workers.,"The Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership was signed on March 8, 2018, and is scheduled to come into force on December 30, 2018. Budget 2018 committed the government to work with key sectors, including the auto sector, to evaluate the potential economic impacts of trade agreements, and ensure these key sectors remain strong and competitive.
Actions, including the creation of the Strategic Innovation Fund, the establishment of the Invest in Canada agency, and the launch of the Global Skills Strategy are seeking to enhance the competitiveness of the Canadian automotive industry. These changes have helped to secure investments of $1.4 billion by Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, $500 million by Honda of Canada Manufacturing, more than $1 billion by Ford Motor Company of Canada, and $750 million from Linamar Corp., among other recent automotive investments. These investments have created and secured thousands of long-term jobs in manufacturing and research and development, while fostering innovation to position Canada as a leader in the development of the ""car of the future"".
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11/30/2018,23,15-Nov,Jobs and Innovation,Increase high-speed broadband coverage and keep Canada at the leading edge of the digital economy.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development","Actions taken, progress made",More Canadians have access to high-speed and ultra-high-speed broadband services.,"Greater availability and affordability for high-speed internet in rural and remote areas of Canada gives Canadians more opportunity to participate in the economy, democracy and connected way of life.
The Connect to Innovate program will bring high-speed internet to rural and remote communities in Canada by supporting new ""backbone"" infrastructure to connect institutions like schools and hospitals, and ""last-mile"" infrastructure to connect households and businesses. Applications closed at the end of April 2017, and the government is now announcing project decisions. As of November 2018, 180 projects under the $500 million Connect to Innovate program have been announced representing an investment to date of $466 million and targeting more than 900 communities (more than tripling the initial target of 300) that will receive new or enhanced backbone connectivity.
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is expanding competition on new fibre networks and examining how to further improve innovative wireless pricing options. In addition, the CRTC's new fund will expand much faster Internet speeds to rural and remote communities.
Budget 2017 investments are also supporting affordable access to the internet for low-income families, digital literacy programming and better access to assistive devices. The Connecting Families initiative has provided thousands of Canadians with low cost internet and computers. The Digital Literacy Exchange Program will teach fundamental digital literacy skills to help Canadians use digital technology and the Internet safely, securely and effectively. Negotiations on contribution agreements are underway. CanCode will provide K-12 students and their teachers with coding and digital skills training, and programming has already reached over half of the targeted one million participants. The Accessible Technology Program will co-fund the development of new assistive and adaptive digital devices and technologies to make it easier for Canadians with disabilities to more fully participate in the digital economy. Two projects are started and negotiations on contribution agreements are underway for other projects. Budget 2018 proposes funding of $100 million over five years for the Strategic Innovation Fund, with a particular focus on supporting projects that relate to Low-Earth Orbit satellites and next generation rural broadband.
On October 26, 2018, federal, provincial and territorial ministers for innovation and economic development agreed to making broadband a priority and to develop a long-term strategy to improve access to high-speed Internet services for all Canadians, based on the principles of access, collaboration and effective investments.
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11/30/2018,24,15-Nov,Jobs and Innovation,Create a Chief Science Officer.,Minister of Science and Sport,Completed - fully met,"Following an open, transparent and merit-based process, the Chief Science Advisor, Dr. Mona Nemer, was appointed by the Government on September 26, 2017.","As the Chief Science Advisor, Dr. Nemer will help to improve dissemination and use of independent scientific information and strengthened evidence-based policy making within government. Dr. Nemer will also advise the government on how to ensure that government science is fully available to the public, that scientists are able to speak freely about their work, and that scientific analyses are considered when the government makes decisions. Dr. Nemer will report to the Prime Minister and Minister of Science."
11/30/2018,25,15-Nov,Jobs and Innovation,Re-insert scientific considerations into the heart of decision-making and investment choices.,Minister of Science and Sport,Completed - fully met,"Government scientists are able to speak freely about their work, and the role of scientific information and empirical evidence is strengthened in government decision making.","The government has updated the Communications Policy to ensure scientists are free to speak in an official capacity on subjects for which they have expertise, and have enshrined this provision into collective agreements covering 15,000 government scientists.
The government also reinstated the mandatory long-form census as well as the University and College Academic Staff System survey, which will provide accurate information about Canada's research community. To promote better use of science and evidence in government decision-making, the government updated the guidance on preparing Memoranda to Cabinet.
The government is examining additional opportunities to improve the use of evidence and scientific information. The new Chief Science Advisor will advise the government on how to ensure scientific evidence is considered when making decisions. In July 2018, the government announced the creation of a model science integrity policy, the development of which was led by the CSA. The model policy was created to assist departments and agencies in implementing guidelines in response to the commitments made under the 2016 memorandum of agreement between Treasury Board and Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada.
In addition, to ensure the government continues to have access to world-class, independent scientific assessments to inform policy development in priority areas, Budget 2018 proposed $9 million for the Council of Canadian Academies, a not-for-profit research organization. At the end of September 2018, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada will each establish a Departmental Science Advisor position. These new positions will further grow the network of science advisors across the federal government, which Canada's Chief Science Advisor identified as an important step in strengthening science advice within government.
The government will continue to ensure decisions are evidence-based, and investment choices are informed by analysis of effectiveness."
11/30/2018,26,15-Nov,Jobs and Innovation,Establish new Canada Research Chairs in sustainable technologies.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Science and Sport","Actions taken, progress made",Up to three new Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC) will be appointed to further research in clean and sustainable technology.,"Budget 2016 identified $20 million over eight years starting in 2018-19 for the creation of two new Canada Excellence Research Chairs in fields related to clean and sustainable technology.
On October 12, 2016, the Minister of Science announced the launch of a competition for these Chairs, in addition to nine others, which will be selected in 2019. In December 2017 the Phase 1 results of the competition were announced. Three institutions were invited to submit nominees in fields related to clean and sustainable technology: Concordia University (Smart, Sustainable and Resilient Communities and Cities), The University of British Columbia (Forest Bioproducts) and University of Manitoba (Arctic Sea Ice, Freshwater-Marine Coupling, and Climate Change).
To address the CERC gender imbalance, this competition will require institutions to include detailed equity plans and recruitment strategies that promote the participation of women and other underrepresented groups in the CERC program."
11/30/2018,27,15-Nov,Jobs and Innovation,Strengthen support for fundamental research to support new discoveries.,Minister of Science and Sport,"Actions taken, progress made","Modernized research infrastructure at post-secondary institutions, new research Chairs appointed in areas of strategic priority, and enhanced capacity for granting councils to support fundamental research.","Since 2016, the government has approved and funded 300 projects through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund to modernize research and training facilities on campuses across Canada. These investments will support key discovery research and facilitate the expansion of ongoing research efforts.
The government has also set aside $20 million to fund new Canada Excellence Research Chairs in the areas of clean and sustainable technologies (competition ongoing), and increased support for Canada's three granting councils.
In 2017, the government announced the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy, which will develop centres of expertise in Toronto, Montreal and Edmonton related to AI to train and attract key research talent in this emerging area of fundamental research.
The final report of an independent review of federal funding for fundamental research at post-secondary institutions was published in April 2017. A number of actions have already been taken in response to this report, for example, placing a limit on Tier 1 Canada Research Chair renewals to enhance opportunities for broad pools of qualified candidates and to strengthen equity, diversity and inclusion in research and launching the Canada Research Coordinating Committee (CRCC) to achieve greater harmonization and coordination of the granting councils and the Canada Foundation for Innovation.
Budget 2018 proposes to provide $1.7 billion over five years starting in 2018-19 and ongoing funding to support researchers through Canada's granting councils and research institutes. This includes $925 million for fundamental research through Canada's three granting councils; $231.3 million to increase the Research Support Fund to cover the indirect costs of research; $210 million for the Canada Research Chairs program to attract and retain early-career researchers at post-secondary institutions across the country while increasing diversity; and $275 million to create a new tri-council fund to support international, interdisciplinary, fast-breaking and higher risk researches. Budget 2018 further proposes $3.8 million to develop a strategic research plan that identifies new ways of doing research with Indigenous communities; $15 million for the granting councils to develop new plans, strategies and targets to ensure improved equity and diversity outcomes for underrepresented groups, including women; and $6 million to support surveys to collect better data on researchers to further advance equity and diversity in Canada's research community. Budget 2018 proposes over $1.3 billion for investments in the laboratories, equipment and infrastructure researchers rely on every day including: $763 million to the Canada Foundation for Innovation, including $160 million for increased support to Canada's nationally important research facilities through the Major Science Initiatives fund; and $572.5 million to implement a Digital Research Infrastructure Strategy that will deliver more open and equitable access to advanced computing and big data resources to researchers across Canada.
The CRCC undertook consultations with Canada’s post-secondary research community during summer 2018, which resulted in valuable input about how to improve federal support for fundamental research in Canada, particularly in three areas of focus: design of the new tri-council fund; enhancing equity, diversity, and inclusion outcomes; and, improving support for early career researchers. "
11/30/2018,28,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Align business support programs across governments.,Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion,"Actions taken, progress made",It is easier and simpler for Canadian innovators and entrepreneurs to access and benefit from government programs that help Canadian businesses grow.,"Since 2016, the Accelerated Growth Service has provided over 430 growth oriented firms access to a dedicated advisor, a customized plan of potential government programs and services to help support their growth, and connections to government programs and services relevant to their needs. To date, AGS clients have accessed over $280 million in funding, over 3,200 programs and services, and have been provided with 340 referrals to external programs and services. The AGS is being consolidated with the Industrial Research Assistance Program’s Concierge Service, and the new consolidated program will include 15 new Innovation Advisors to support AGS firms.
In January 2018, the government established the Innovation Canada digital platform as a one-stop-shop, which quickly matches businesses with the best fitting programs and services from across federal, provincial and territorial governments.
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11/30/2018,29,15-Nov,Exports and Investment,Increase tourism and strengthen the Canadian brand abroad by developing a new federal Tourism Strategy.,"Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie","Actions taken, progress made","Completion of a new federal Tourism Strategy. 30 per cent overall increase in tourism by 2021, increased tourism from the United States (U.S.) and China, and improved international ranking of Canada as a top tourist destination.","The government is working to increase the number of international tourists to Canada by 30% by 2021. This goal includes doubling the number of Chinese visitors by the same year and positioning Canada as a top-10 destination ranking by 2025.
Spending by international visitors to Canada reached $21.3 billion in 2017, representing an increase of 6.4% over 2016. Canada set a new record high number of tourist arrivals in 2017 of 20.8 million. The New York Times, Lonely Planet and Condé Nast have all recognized Canada as a top international destination to visit in 2017.
The Canada-China Year of Tourism in 2018 will be an opportunity to increase visitation from China, which is being supported by the opening of new Visa Application Centres in China. Budget 2018 proposed approximately $11 million in funding to support activities such as hosting the closing ceremony for the Canada?China Year of Tourism and working closely with Canadian businesses as they prepare to welcome an increased number of tourists from China."
11/30/2018,30,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Reduce the administrative burden on small business.,Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion,"Actions taken, progress made","Reduced administrative burden and simpler, clearer, and faster online services to help small businesses.","The new Innovation Canada platform launched in January 2018 is a one-stop-shop for Canada’s innovators and entrepreneurs so they no longer need to spend time figuring out which department to go to or which program best meets their needs. The website is able to quickly match users with the federal and provincial/territorial programs and services to help them innovate, create jobs and grow Canada's economy.
Federally, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) continues to drive the use of the Business Number (BN) by all departments as the standard identifier for business clients. More than half of ISED’s own services already use the Business Number, including Innovation Canada, and 16 other departments are also connected through the real time BN web validation services. The BN is a key component of digital identity for business, and its adoption across the Government of Canada will enable more seamless service delivery, including sign-on once, tell-us-once service integration across governments and personalized digital experience.
ISED is updating its Service Strategy to reflect the important work being done to improve service to Canadian businesses through digital transformation. New technologies will enable the department to create a seamless service experience in order to significantly reduce burden."
11/30/2018,31,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Respond to the Supreme Court of Canada decision regarding physician-assisted death.,Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Completed - fully met,Adult Canadians suffering from grievous and irremediable medical conditions and whose death is reasonably foreseeable are able to easily and effectively access medical assistance in dying if they so choose.,"On June 17, 2016, medical assistance in dying (MAID) became a reality in Canada following Royal Assent of the federal legal framework, which protects vulnerable persons while providing options to eligible Canadians to make an informed decision about the end of life. In December 2016, as required by the new law, the government initiated independent study reports to consider in more detail three particularly complex types of requests for MAID. These include requests by mature minors, advance requests, and requests where mental illness is the sole underlying medical condition. Independent expert panels, organised by the Council of Canadian Academies, conducted these reviews and produced three reports, which were tabled in Parliament in December 2018. The Government is carefully reviewing these reports, which will help inform debate on the issue of medical assistance in dying among Canadians and decision-makers. As of April 2017, Health Canada has been providing interim public reporting on the use of MAID across Canada, and the final interim report will be completed in spring 2019. Health Canada has also finalized the regulations that will establish a permanent monitoring regime, which came into force on November 1, 2018."
11/30/2018,32,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,"Review the government litigation strategy and end appeals or positions that are not consistent with our commitments, the Charter or our values.",Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,"Actions taken, progress made","Legal positions taken by the Government are consistent with Government commitments, the Charter and our values.","The legal positions taken by the government are consistent with government commitments, the Charter and Canadian values. For instance, counsel for the Attorney General – working in partnership with officials from the former Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada – negotiated an agreement in principle for many of those affected by the Sixties Scoop to resolve multiple class actions. The settlement is an acknowledgment of the trauma and harm caused by past government actions, and is the first step in resolving the Sixties Scoop litigation.
Counsel for the Attorney General also resolved the Ross, Roy and Satalic Class Action, which sought compensation for the historic federal policies and practices that targeted, investigated and discharged LGBTQ2 members of the federal public service. The agreement reached includes measures to support individual compensation reconciliation, and recognition, as well as initiatives to promote collective reconciliation and remembrance. The Prime Minister delivered a formal apology and reiterated the Government’s commitment to address systemic discrimination against LGBTQ2 people.
Counsel for the Attorney General also settled the Merlo and Davidson v Canada class action. The class action concerned allegations of gender and sexual orientation based harassment and discrimination within the RCMP. As part of the settlement, the Government has agreed to provide for change initiatives to address workplace harassment in the RCMP and compensation for the victims who experienced gender or sexual orientation based harassment and/or discrimination while working in the RCMP.
Moreover, in recognition of the importance of transparency and openness in the legislative process, the Government passed Bill C-51, which amends the Department of Justice Act. Pursuant to these amendments, the Minister of Justice has a statutory duty for every government bill to table in Parliament a statement that sets out the Bill's potential effects on the rights and freedoms guaranteed in the Charter. In December 2019, Charter statements will be required to be tabled. These amendments would provide greater openness and transparency about the effects of government legislation on Charter rights.
Additionally, the Attorney General has published the principles that govern this Government’s litigation strategy in Charter cases. These Charter principles confirm this Government’s view that the rule of law ensures that no one, including the elected Government of the day, is above the law and that as a guardian of the rule of law, the Attorney General is tasked with upholding the public interest.
The Attorney General has also published two editions of the Litigation Year in Review report that highlights some of the litigation positions the Government of Canada has taken since 2016."
11/30/2018,35,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,"Ensure that the appointment of Supreme Court Justices is transparent, inclusive and accountable to Canadians.",Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Completed - fully met,"Greater transparency, accountability and diversity in the appointment of Supreme Court Justices.","In August 2016, the Government of Canada announced a new, open and transparent process for filling vacancies on the Supreme Court of Canada. This new process includes: an open application process; the establishment of an Independent Advisory Board to assess all applications and prepare a shortlist; requiring functional bilingualism as an essential qualification for all shortlisted candidates; and ensuring there are consultations regarding the shortlist with key stakeholders, including members of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice. Justice Malcolm Rowe was the first Supreme Court Justice appointed under this new process in October 2016. Justice Sheilah L. Martin, appointed in December 2017, is the second appointment made under the Government of Canada’s new Supreme Court selection process, which promotes greater openness, transparency, and accountability."
11/30/2018,36,15-Nov,Safety and Security,"Toughen criminal laws in cases of domestic assault, with the goal of keeping survivors and children safe.",Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,"Actions taken, progress made",Greater protections for complainants and survivors of sexual assault and domestic assault.,"On March 29, 2018, the government tabled legislation to improve efficiencies in the criminal justice system and reduce court delays. This legislation includes reforms to strengthen responses to intimate partner violence (IPV). These reforms would:
• impose a reverse onus at bail for accused charged with an IPV offence if they have a prior conviction for violence against an intimate partner;
• require courts to consider whether an accused is charged with an IPV offence when determining whether to release on bail or detain the accused;
• clarify that strangulation, choking and suffocation is an elevated form of assault;
• define “intimate partner” for all *Criminal Code* purposes and clarify that it includes current or former spouse, common-law partner and dating partner;
• clarify that the current sentencing provisions, which treat abuse against a spouse or common law partner as an aggravating factor, apply to both current and former spouses/common law partners and dating partners; and,
• allow for the possibility of seeking a higher maximum penalty in cases involving a repeat IPV offender.
On December 13, 2018, government legislation clarified and strengthened the sexual assault provisions in the *Criminal Code*. The legislation clarifies that an unconscious person, or a person who is otherwise incapacitated, is incapable of consenting; clarifies the defence of mistaken belief to indicate that it cannot be relied upon if there is no evidence upon which the belief was founded; clarifies rape shield provisions to explicitly include communications of a sexual nature or communications for a sexual purpose, so these types of communications cannot be used to suggest that the complainant was more likely to have consented or is less worthy of belief; provides that a complainant has a right to legal representation in rape shield proceedings; and creates a regime to determine whether an accused can introduce a complainant's private records at trial that are in their possession. "
11/30/2018,37,15-Nov,Jobs and Innovation,"Ensure tax measures are efficient and encourage innovation, trade and the growth of Canadian businesses.","Minister of Finance;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development","Actions taken, progress made","Tax measures encourage innovation, trade, and the growth of Canadian businesses.","The government completed a whole-of-government review of business innovation programs to ensure that they are simple and effective and best meet the needs of Canada’s innovators. The review launched in Budget 2017 and results were announced in Budget 2018. The government also introduced a reduction of the small business tax rate from 10.5% to 10% as of January 1, 2018 and to 9% as of January 1, 2019. In the 2018 Fall Economic Statement, the government proposed three immediate changes to Canada’s tax system, in order to enhance business confidence in Canada: 1) allowing businesses to immediately write off the full cost of machinery and equipment used for the manufacturing or processing of goods; 2) allowing businesses to immediately write off the full cost of specified clean energy equipment to spur new investments and the adoption of advanced clean technologies in the Canadian economy; and 3) introducing the Accelerated Investment Incentive, an accelerated capital cost allowance for businesses of all sizes, across all sectors of the economy, that are making capital investments. "
11/30/2018,38,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Add gender identity as a prohibited ground for discrimination under the *Canadian Human Rights Act* and add it to the list of characteristics of identifiable groups protected by the hate speech provisions of the *Criminal Code*.,Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Completed - fully met,Discrimination on the basis of gender identity and gender expression is now illegal.,"In June 2017, amendments to the *Canadian Human Rights Act* and the *Criminal Code* received Royal Assent, ensuring the full protection of transgender people across Canada. These amendments formally add gender identity and gender expression to the *Canadian Human Rights Act* as prohibited grounds of discrimination, as well as amend the *Criminal Code* to deal with hate crimes related to gender identity and gender expression."
11/30/2018,39,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Ratify the Paris agreement and develop a Pan-Canadian framework for combating climate change.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Completed - fully met,Canada ratified the Paris Agreement and created the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change.,"The Government of Canada ratified the Paris Agreement on October 5, 2016, following a vote in Parliament. The Paris Agreement entered into force on November 4, 2016 and Canada continues to work with all countries on its implementation. In December 2016, First Ministers adopted the Pan-Canadian Framework (PCF) on Clean Growth and Climate Change, which is Canada’s comprehensive plan to reduce emissions across all sectors of the economy, accelerate clean economic growth and build resilience to the impacts of climate change. The PCF was developed with provinces and territories, in collaboration with Indigenous peoples, and was informed by input from Canadians across the country. The first annual synthesis report on the status of implementation was published in December 2017. To support and complement its commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Canada co-hosted, along with the European Union and China, two ministerial meetings on climate action that brought together key countries to discuss outstanding climate negotiating issues. Canada also ratified the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on November 3, 2017, which will phase down hydrofluorocarbons (powerful greenhouse gases), and was instrumental in achieving the required number of ratifications at the Montreal Protocol meeting in Montreal in November which will allow the Kigali Amendment to come into force in January 2019. On November 16, 2017, Canada launched the Powering Past Coal Alliance with the United Kingdom to accelerate the global phase-out of traditionally coal-fired electricity."
11/30/2018,41,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Improve protection and stewardship of our freshwater resources.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,"Actions taken, progress made","The protection of freshwater resources is improved, and water and wastewater infrastructure is in better repair.","Through research, assessment and regulation, the Government of Canada is working to ensure sustainable water management. The government has taken action to protect the Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg Basin and the St. Lawrence River by improving water quality, increasing conservation activities, addressing threats posed by invasive species, and improving collaboration with Indigenous peoples. As announced in Budget 2017, the government is investing $44.84 million to protect Great Lakes water quality, and $25.7 million for the Lake Winnipeg Basin Program. As part of its efforts to protect freshwater, Canada has announced funding to support partner-led on-the-ground projects that contribute to the restoration and protection of major freshwater basins across the country such as the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River Basin and the Lake Winnipeg Basin.
The government is collaborating with the United States to protect shared waters through the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, and has also established a Clean Water and Wastewater Fund to help provinces, territories and municipalities make immediate repairs to water and wastewater infrastructure. The government has also published updated Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations, and has initiated consultations to modernize the Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations and to develop regulations for effluents from coal mines and from oil sands. Work is also underway to enhance the Environmental Assessment process as it relates to freshwater areas."
11/30/2018,42,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Enhance protection of Canada's endangered species.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,"Actions taken, progress made",Species at risk are protected.,"The Government of Canada has developed a three-year plan to address the backlog of 149 terrestrial species eligible for listing under the *Species at Risk Act*. Since February 2017, final listing decisions were made for 89 of these species and proposed listing decisions were published for another 31 species. The Government of Canada has posted three-year plans (2014-15 to 2016-17) to address the backlog of overdue recovery documents for terrestrial species on the Species at Risk Public Registry. As of November 2018, 179 of the 192 overdue proposed recovery documents were completed and posted on the Species at Risk Public Registry. Parks Canada has completed and posted 21 multi-species action plans, addressing 174 species at risk occurring across 42 Parks Canada places in total, on the Species at Risk Public Registry. These measures will help make sure species at risk receive the protection they need.
As announced in Budget 2018, to support Canada's biodiversity and protect species at risk, the government is making an historic investment totaling $1.3 billion over five years, one of the most significant investments in nature conservation in Canadian history.
This investment will contribute $500 million from the federal government to create a new $1 billion Nature Fund in partnership with corporate, not?for-profit, provincial, territorial and other partners. In collaboration with partners, the Nature Fund will make it possible to secure private land, support provincial and territorial species protection efforts, and help build Indigenous capacity to conserve land and species, for the benefit of current and future generations."
11/30/2018,43,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Work with provinces and territories to set stronger air quality standards.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,"Actions taken, progress made","New national standards are put in place to improve air quality and reduce air pollutants from key sources, with progress demonstrated in recurring State of the Air reports.","The Government of Canada is implementing a national Air Quality Management System (AQMS) with provinces and territories to improve air quality and protect the health of Canadians and the environment. As part of this system, new ambient air quality standards for sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide were published in the Canada Gazette on October 28 and December 9, 2017 respectively. A review of the existing ambient air quality standards for ozone has been completed. Updated ozone standards are expected to be approved by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) in summer 2019. A new State of the Air Report was launched at the CCME in November 2017 to inform Canadians about air quality and air pollution. The government has also established national emissions standards to reduce air pollutants from industrial sources, including in the following sectors: iron and steel; aluminum; potash; pulp and paper; iron ore pellets; base metals smelting; cement; and the following equipment: stationary spark-ignition engines; non-utility boilers and heaters; stationary combustion turbines.
In February 2018, Canada published two proposed regulations to limit carbon dioxide emissions: one amendment to accelerate the phase-out of coal-fired power by 2030, and the other to set emission performance standards for new natural gas-fired electricity generation and coal boilers converted to run on natural gas. This will significantly improve air quality and the health of Canadians and will reduce Canada's greenhouse gas emissions by more than five megatonnes in 2030—equivalent to taking 1.3 million cars off the road."
11/30/2018,44,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Review Canada's environmental assessment processes.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Natural Resources;Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Science and Sport;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations;Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade","Actions taken, progress made","Environmental assessment processes that are fair to all parties, rely on scientific evidence, respect the rights of Indigenous Peoples and protect the environment for generations to come.","Following an extensive review of Canada's environmental assessment processes, the government tabled proposed legislation in February 2018 that will build a new impact assessment and regulatory system for Canada, including the proposed *Impact Assessment Act*. This new system is fair, based on science, respects the rights of Indigenous peoples, provides certainty to businesses and protects the environment and human health for generations to come. Its development was informed by expert panels and Parliamentary committee reports, a federal discussion paper, parliamentary studies, and almost two years of consultations with Indigenous peoples, industry, provinces and territories, non-government organizations, academia and the public. These reforms are based on the guiding principles of predictable processes that build on what works, partnership with Indigenous peoples at every stage of the process, early and inclusive public engagement; timely, evidence-based decisions reflecting the best available science and Indigenous knowledge; and one assessment for one project, with the scale of assessment aligned with the scale of the potential impacts of the project.
The government also announced that it will invest about $1 billion over five years to support the proposed new impact assessment system and Canadian Energy Regulator, increase federal scientific capacity, implement the changes required to protect water, fish and navigation, and increase Indigenous and public participation.
During the review of the proposed *Impact Assessment Act*, the House of Commons amended the proposed legislation to provide greater clarity and certainty with respect to impact assessment, strengthen public participation and consideration of science and Indigenous knowledge in assessments, and reflect the government’s commitment to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The proposed legislation is currently before the Senate for review. "
11/30/2018,45,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,"Develop Canada's National Parks system, as well as manage and expand National Wildlife Areas and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries.",Minister of Environment and Climate Change,"Actions taken, progress made",Terrestrial areas and inland water are conserved through networks of protected areas.,"The Government of Canada continues to work to conserve and connect terrestrial areas. A comprehensive plan is being developed to conserve at least 17% of terrestrial areas and inland water through networks of protected and conserved areas by 2020.
As announced in Budget 2018, to support Canada’s biodiversity and protect species at risk, the Government of Canada is making historic investments totaling $1.3 billion over five years, one of the most significant investments in nature conservation in Canadian history.
This investment will contribute $500 million from the federal government to create a new $1 billion Nature Fund in partnership with corporate, not?for-profit, provincial, territorial and other partners. In collaboration with partners, the Nature Fund will make it possible to secure private land, support provincial and territorial species protection efforts, and help build Indigenous capacity to conserve land and species, for the benefit of current and future generations.
In March 2018, a National Advisory Panel and an Indigenous Circle of Experts provided their recommendations to inform the development of the federal, provincial, and territorial plan. Work on expanding the system of National Parks includes the proposed Thaidene Nëné National Park Reserve. Negotiations with the government of the Northwest Territories, Lutsël K’e Dene First Nation and Northwest Territories Metis are close to completion. The Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia and the Syilx/Okanagan Nation announced re-engagement on a proposed national park reserve in the South Okanagan. Parks Canada has contacted the Manitoba government to re-engage on a proposed national park in the Manitoba Lowlands. As part of the expansion of National Wildlife Areas (NWA) and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries, the government is working closely with Indigenous peoples, Provinces, Territories, and stakeholders to secure new protected areas by the end of 2020.
The Scott Islands Marine National Wildlife Area which was formally designated a NWA in June 2018 will conserve 1.2 million hectares for the benefit of sea birds in the Pacific Ocean. Important Prairie Habitat in South West Saskatchewan will be conserved with the transfer of the Govenlock Community Pasture to Environment and Climate Change Canada in 2019.
In October 2018, the Government of Canada jointly announced, with the Dehcho First Nation and the Tlicho government, the signing of an establishment agreement for the Edéhzhíe National Wildlife Area in the Northwest Territories, which will protect over 1.4 million hectares of habitat for boreal caribou. Environment and Climate Change Canada is now working to develop federal regulations to enact establishment. It has also announced $5.2M over 5 years in contribution funding to support establishment and management of the area.
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11/30/2018,46,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Develop Parks Canada services so that more Canadians can experience our National Parks.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,"Actions taken, progress made",More Canadians visit and experience Parks Canada administered sites and the Trans Canada Trail is completed.,"The government has taken steps to make sites more accessible and to improve overall visitor experiences by investing approximately $3.6 billion over five years, including an additional $364 million announced in Budget 2017 to renew infrastructure assets. In September 2018 the government announced a $30 million contribution over four years to enhance and maintain the Great Trail (formerly known as the Trans Canada Trail). This funding will improve trail safety, accessibility, and sustainability. Since completion in 2017, the Trail provides 24,000 km of recreational trails within 30 minutes of about 29 million Canadians. The government is working with Indigenous peoples and stakeholders to improve interpretation and heritage programming and make sites more accessible. In February 2018 Parks Canada entered into a four-year contribution agreement with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) with the goal of enhancing and growing authentic Indigenous experiences in regions across the country. In 2017-18 there were more than 16.8 million visitors to Canada’s National Parks – up 9% from the year before."
11/30/2018,47,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,"Make admission to National Parks free for all in 2017 and, afterwards, free for children under 18 and new citizens.",Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Completed - fully met,Free admission to National Parks in 2017; free admission for children under 18 and new citizens in future years.,"To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation, the Government of Canada offered free admission to all national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas, as well as free passage through lock systems on all national historic canals. More than 8.5 million Discovery Passes were ordered and distributed to Canadians and people in 160 countries. Parks Canada welcomed over 27.2 million visitors in 2017, an 11% increase from 2016. Canada 150 programs offered by Parks Canada included the expanded National Indigenous Peoples Day and Canada Day celebrations, the first annual Canada Historic Places Day with more than 60 sites participating, as well as hosting numerous Canada 150 Signature Projects. Starting in 2018, admission for children under 18 is free for national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas. Parks Canada is also continuing to offer free admission for one year to new Canadian citizens through the Institute for Canadian Citizenship’s Cultural Access Pass Program."
11/30/2018,48,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Expand Learn to Camp programs.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Completed - fully met,More low to middle-income families participate in Learn to Camp and have greater opportunity to experience Canada's outdoors.,"In 2017, Parks Canada expanded the popular Learn-to Camp Program so that more low- to middle-income families could experience Canada’s outdoors. Throughout the year, Parks Canada hosted 30 overnight Learn-to Camp events as well as over 500 other Learn-to events and activities across Canada, reaching more than 70,000 Canadians."
11/30/2018,49,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Protect our National Parks by limiting development within them and help local eco-tourism industries.,"Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie","Actions taken, progress made",Development is limited within Canada's National Parks so future generations can experience their natural beauty.,"The government is maintaining and restoring ecological integrity within Canada's national parks while continuing to provide meaningful services and experiences to visitors. The government has established strict development limits to ensure ecological integrity in Canada's national parks. Parks Canada has put forward a rigorous environmental assessment process, which applies to development proposals to ensure compliance with park-wide ecological objectives and maintenance of ecological integrity. One pillar of Canada's Vision for Tourism is to distinguish Canada as a premier tourism destination through Canada's national parks. A number of initiatives have been developed to enhance visitation of Parks Canada places and Parks Canada is in the process of developing strategies to help grow local eco-tourism industries and create jobs."
11/30/2018,50,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Work with Ontario to enhance the country's first urban National Park: Rouge National Urban Park.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Completed - fully met,"Created Canada's first urban National Park, Rouge National Urban Park.","In June 2017, legislation was passed to expand the size of the Rouge National Urban Park and guide how the park will be managed. This legislation strengthens ecological protections and will ensure that ecological integrity is the first priority in the management of Canada's first national urban park, while recognizing its important cultural heritage and providing greater certainty for the continuation of park agriculture. In October 2017, the government of Ontario transferred 6.5 square km of land to Parks Canada for inclusion in the Park."
11/30/2018,51,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,"Protect the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River Basin and the Lake Winnipeg Basin.","Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard","Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Increased protection for the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River Basin and the Lake Winnipeg Basin so they can continue to be enjoyed by future generations.","Through Budget 2017, the government is providing funding to protect Canada’s freshwater resources, including the Great Lakes and Lake Winnipeg basins. The government is expanding efforts to address toxic and nuisance algae, as well as aquatic invasive species programming, which will further help address the threats posed by such species as Asian Carps and Sea Lamprey. As announced in Budget 2017, the government is investing $44.84 million to protect Great Lakes water quality, and $25.7 million for the Lake Winnipeg Basin Program. In addition, the government invested $43.8 million to protect against aquatic invasive species in Canadian waters. The Asian Carp Program received funding as part of this investment, which has allowed the government to improve early detection capabilities and increase the number of sites being monitored for Asian carp in the Great Lakes. The funding has also increased the capacity of Canada’s Sea Lamprey Control Program to reduce the numbers of this destructive, invasive species by assessing larval populations, treating them with lampricides and maintaining and improving physical barriers and dams that prevent sea lamprey from accessing spawning habitat in tributaries to the Great Lakes.
A program on freshwater aquatic invasive species is being deployed in Quebec in 2018-2019, which will complement marine species monitoring already underway in the Saint Lawrence and fund work with the government of Quebec to detect and prevent the invasion of Asian carps in Quebec.
The government is also increasing outreach to assist Canadians with identifying, responding and properly reporting any invasive species they catch. In June 2017, the governments of Canada and Quebec announced continued investment in the conservation and enhancement of the St. Lawrence River Basin to enhance water quality, protect biodiversity and ensure its sustainable use. The government has also begun two research projects to assess the contribution of organic matter and nutrient inputs and oxygen depletion in the deep waters of the Laurentian Channel. In November 2018, the government launched a new mobile app which will be a valuable tool for Ontario's recreational fishers to help keep invasive species out of Ontario waters and protect aquatic species at risk in the Great Lakes."
11/30/2018,52,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Examine the implications of climate change on Arctic marine ecosystems.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Science and Sport","Actions taken, progress made",Greater knowledge and understanding of the changes occurring in Canada's Arctic and a better understanding of how Canada might adapt to ensure the continued welfare of Canada's Arctic communities.,"The official opening of the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) will significantly enhance Arctic research, including on the impacts of climate change. The Government of Canada is also investing in the Aquatic Climate Change Adaptation Services Program to conduct the research and monitoring necessary to identify climate change impacts and vulnerabilities, develop adaptation tools, and improve ocean forecasting in vulnerable coastal regions to inform management decisions. This Program has supported ocean chemistry monitoring, fisheries vulnerability assessments and predictive modelling activities in the Arctic. As part of the Oceans Protection Plan, the government will be working with Indigenous and coastal communities to collect baseline environmental information at six sites across Canada, including one in the Arctic.
The government has also concluded new international agreements to strengthen Arctic scientific cooperation, including signing the Agreement to Prevent Unregulated High Seas Fisheries in the Central Arctic Ocean in October 2018 which, after ratification by all parties, will include a joint program of research and monitoring to improve understanding of the ecosystems. The Government of Canada participated in the Arctic Science Ministerial in September 2016 and October 2018, helping to advance several joint international research projects. The Canadian Space Agency is collaborating on a US-France mission—Surface Water & Ocean Topography—that will provide the first global survey of earth surface water, ocean surface topography, ocean currents, and measure change over time. In addition, the Government of Canada has committed to work together in collaboration with northern partners to better understand the “Last Ice Area.” This region in the high Arctic is the only region that is expected to retain summer sea ice until 2050.
Research and monitoring activities in coastal and offshore marine ecosystems are increasing understanding of the changes occurring in Canada’s Arctic as well as understanding of Arctic ecosystems and the impact of climate change on species and habitats.
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11/30/2018,53,15-Nov,Canada in the World,Refocus Canada's development assistance on helping the most vulnerable and supporting fragile states.,Minister of International Development,"Actions taken, progress made",Global poverty is reduced by investing in gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls and by focusing on the poorest and most vulnerable.,"In June 2017, the government launched Canada's new Feminist International Assistance Policy to eradicate poverty and build a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous world. Canada is investing in women's empowerment and gender equality as the best ways to achieve its objectives, grounded in the Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Canada is focusing its assistance on closing gaps and barriers faced by women and girls in areas such as health and nutrition including sexual and reproductive health and rights, education, humanitarian action, inclusive governance, environment and climate action, peace and security, and growth that works for everyone. These commitments are reflected in the Women’s Voice and Leadership Program and Small and Medium Organizations for Impact and Innovation Initiative. The Feminist International Assistance Policy commits to directing no less than 50% of Canada's annual bilateral international development assistance to sub-Saharan African countries by 2021-2022 and ensuring 95% of bilateral international development assistance integrates or targets gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. In 2017-18, Canada directed 48% of its bilateral international development assistance to sub-Saharan Africa. Canada also made substantial progress towards the 95% target by achieving 90% of bilateral international development assistance, which either integrates or targets gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. To support the implementation of the Feminist International Assistance Policy, Budget 2018 announced up to $2 billion in new resources and $1.5 billion for innovative finance approaches to enhance development impact. This is the largest increase to Canadian International Assistance since 2002. In May 2018, Canada announced the launch of a new partnership to catalyze new investments in support of gender equality and women’s rights in developing countries with philanthropic community, private sector and civil society for which it will contribute up to $300 million. In June 2018, G7 Development Ministers, G7 Finance Ministers and the G7 Leaders agreed to a variety of ambitious declarations on Financing for Development and on gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, including the announcement of $3.8 billion to support the education of women and girls in crisis and conflict situations in connection with the Charlevoix Declaration on Quality Education for Girls, Adolescent Girls and Women in Developing Countries, of which Canada will invest $400 million."
11/30/2018,54,15-Nov,Canada in the World,"Create a new policy and funding framework to ensure that Canada's aid empowers people and supports broad-based, sustainable growth in the developing world.",Minister of International Development,Completed - fully met,"A comprehensive, feminist international assistance policy is in place that will reduce global poverty by investing in gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls and by focusing on the poorest and most vulnerable.","After a year of consultations with over 15,000 people in 65 countries, Canada released its Feminist International Assistance Policy in June 2017. The government engaged with people online and in person on how Canada's international assistance should be invested and focused. The consultation summary report was released in December 2016 and formed the basis of the new policy."
11/30/2018,55,15-Nov,Canada in the World,"Support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by the United Nations in September 2015.","Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of International Development","Actions taken, progress made","Canada's international assistance helps countries make progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and helps to build a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous world.","Canada's Feminist International Assistance Policy is explicitly aligned with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure that investments are coordinated with the rest of the international community. Sustainable Development Goal 5—achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls—is at the heart of Canada's approach to implement the SDGs because it will help to drive progress on all other SDGs and to eradicate poverty. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is central to the government's partnership with all civil society organizations to maximize the impact of Canada’s international assistance. Budget 2018 highlighted the government's commitment to the SDGs at home and abroad. In April, the government announced the development of a national strategy that will catalyze action on the SDGs across the country, and launched the Voluntary National Review Web portal to invite Canadians to share their stories of how they are helping to advance the SDGs. In July, Canada delivered its first Voluntary National Review (VNR) to the United Nations. The VNR report highlights Canada’s efforts and success over the past three years, underlining challenges that remain, and outlines Canada’s way forward on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs.
At the G7 Summit, leaders made progress against SDG 4 - Quality Education by endorsing the Charlevoix Declaration on Quality Education for Girls, Adolescent Girls and Women in Developing Countries to increase opportunities for at least 12 years of safe and quality education for all and to dismantle the barriers to girls’ and women’s quality education. Canada announced funding of $400 million and was joined by the European Union, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the World Bank, to announce an investment of close to $3.8 billion in education for women and girls in crisis and conflict situations. On September 26, 2018 at the United General Assembly in New York, Canada welcomed an additional contribution of more than $527 million from Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and Qatar to help developing countries give every child access to quality education and modern skills training.
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11/30/2018,56,15-Nov,Canada in the World,"Support the full range of reproductive health services and close the gap in the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Initiative.",Minister of International Development,"Actions taken, progress made","More women and girls are able to make informed reproductive health choices and assert control over their own bodies, saving the lives of women and children.","From 2017-2020, the government will focus on closing key gaps in sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls (e.g. contraceptives and safe, legal abortion), and on preventing and responding to sexual and gender-based violence including child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation and cutting. This will help reduce the number of women and girls around the world who have unmet needs for modern contraception, currently estimated to be 214 million. Consistent with Canada's new Feminist International Assistance Policy, the government also now strongly encourages partners funded by the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health programs to integrate the full range of sexual and reproductive health services into their programming. Canada also joined key global partnerships, such as Family Planning 2020, which will help enable up to 120 million more women and girls to access family planning by 2020, as well as the Ouagadougou Partnership, which will accelerate the use of these services in nine countries in West Africa. Canada will continue to promote sexual and reproductive health rights through its participation in movements such as SheDecides and will host the 2019 Women Deliver 5th Global Conference in Vancouver on June 3-6, 2019."
11/30/2018,57,15-Nov,Canada in the World,"Support innovative, evidence-based approaches to development assistance.",Minister of International Development ,"Actions taken, progress made",More effective international assistance and more rigorous use of evidence-based practice and innovative solutions within decision-making processes.,"Guided by the June 2017 Feminist International Assistance Policy, Canada is providing more integrated and responsive assistance, supporting innovation and research, providing better reporting on results, developing more effective partnerships, and concentrating on those regions of the world where Canada can make the greatest difference in reducing poverty and inequality, particularly for women and girls. The government and its partners are measuring and reporting progress and results, conducting gender-based and human rights-based analyses of programs, and implementing new programming to support innovative partnerships.
In 2017, the government collaborated with the Canadian Council for International Co-operation, the Canadian Association for the Study of International Development and the International Development Research Centre to enhance innovative multi-stakeholder approaches to global development research. This initiative included the launch of an online searchable tool of more than 500 Canadian international development researchers from universities, colleges, institutes, think-tanks, and civil society organizations. The government also launched the International Policy Ideas Challenge (IPIC), in which early career and graduate researchers in Canada were selected to conduct and present innovative research on foreign policy, international trade and international development issues. The IPIC remains an ongoing program.
In the fall of 2017, the government launched the Small and Medium Organizations for Impact and Innovation initiative (SMO initiative), which aims to attract new and diverse partners and encourage innovation in international development. In February and March 2018, more than 250 stakeholders submitted comments as part of the virtual engagement process on the development of action area policies under the Feminist International Assistance Policy. Feedback is being carefully considered as the policies are finalized and prepared for public release.
In 2018, the government is collecting data on a set of performance indicators that will be used to report to Canadians on progress achieved in each of the Feminist International Assistance Policy’s action areas. The government continues to engage with the International Development Innovation Alliance, the OECD Development Assistance Committee and Canadian civil society partners to learn about and share good practices on innovative evidence-based approaches in development assistance.
To increase the transparency of Canada's international assistance, the government expects to start publicly reporting the planned level of the International Assistance Envelope every year starting in 2018. To support innovation in Canada’s international assistance, the government will provide up to $1.5 billion over five years and $492.7 million per year ongoing to the International Assistance Innovation Program and the Sovereign Loans Program. In April 2018, the government co-hosted a meeting in Washington D.C. with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the World Economic Forum and the UN on blended finance. At the 2018 G7Summit, Leaders committed to the Charlevoix Commitment on Innovative Financing for Development to promote economic growth in developing economies and foster greater equality of opportunity within and between countries. "
11/30/2018,58,15-Nov,Canada in the World,Provide assistance to countries that are vulnerable to the destabilizing effects of climate change.,Minister of International Development,"Actions taken, progress made",Countries receiving Canadian international assistance are better equipped to deal with the destabilizing effects of climate change.,"Canada is providing assistance to developing countries that are vulnerable to the destabilizing effects of climate change. The majority of this support is included in the government’s commitment to provide $2.65 billion over five years to help developing countries, in particular the poorest and most vulnerable transition to low carbon and climate resilient economies. To date, the government has announced more than $1.2 billion in funding contributions. This includes $300 million to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to support the poorest and most vulnerable countries in fighting the adverse effects of climate change, $250 million to establish the Blended Climate Finance Program at the International Finance Corporation, which will reduce barriers to private investment in climate change initiatives globally; $200 million to the Asian Development Bank to catalyze private investments for climate action in Asia and the Pacific, $150 million in support of renewable energy in Africa, $40 million for the African Risk Capacity agency to help developing countries protect themselves against the economic consequences of natural catastrophes (such as droughts caused by climate change), $39 million to help build the resilience of farming households in Senegal, with a particular emphasis on women and young people, and $17.2 million to support sustainable energy and economic growth in Burkina Faso. In February 2018, Canada announced that it would provide $20 million to support women's health and economic opportunities in Haiti through the adoption of clean cookstoves in 150,000 households and another $15 million to reinforce national systems in Haiti to better manage and respond to natural disasters. Canada also recently pledged $100 million to support reconstruction and climate resilience initiatives across the Caribbean over the next five years, $50 million of which will be part of Canada's $2.65 billion climate finance commitment. Canada is providing $16.2 million to support a $36 million Climate Resilience and Green Infrastructure project that puts specific emphasis on the role of women in managing water resources in Peru, and $6 million to the Food and Agriculture Organization for forest management and increased sustainable economic growth for rural indigenous women and youth in Honduras, two of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. Canada's new Development Finance Institute, capitalized with $300 million over five years, will mobilize its resources to promote green economic growth, which in turn will provide access to clean technology and climate-resilient infrastructure to those people most affected by climate change.
At the G7 Summit, Leaders agreed to the Charlevoix Blueprint for Healthy Oceans, Seas and Resilient Coastal Communities. The leaders committed to support resilient coasts and communities globally via better adaptation planning, emergency preparedness and recovery, and innovative financing for coastal resilience, and launched a G7 initiative to deploy Earth observation technologies and related applications to scale up capacities for the integrated management of coastal zones in the poorest and most vulnerable regions of the world. Canada announced $162 million to preserve the health and resilience of its oceans and coasts. As part of its G7 Presidency, Canada also announced $60 million in funding for Small-Island Developing States (SIDS) to expand energy systems and infrastructure, improve energy access for women and girls and provide training and employment for women in non-traditional, sustainable technology sectors.
In November 2018, at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting hosted by Papua New Guinea, the Prime Minister announced $10 million to the Pacific Initiative for Biodiversity, Climate Change and Resilience that will assist the Pacific region to adapt to climate change, protect biodiversity, and improve ocean and fisheries health.
The Prime Minister also announced in November 2018 that Canada will join the InsuResilience Global Partnership for Climate and Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance Solutions, launched at the 2017 UN Climate Change Conference in Bonn, Germany, to strengthen disaster preparedness, response, and recovery in developing countries."
11/30/2018,59,15-Nov,Canada in the World,Ensure Canada's strong and sustained engagement in the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie.,"Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie","Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",Promotion of Canadian values of diversity and inclusion through La Francophonie and promotion of French Canadian culture globally.,"Canada has maintained strong and sustained commitment to the International Organisation of La Francophonie and continues to use it as an important platform to engage the international community on priority areas. On gender equality, Canada continues to play an active role in the development of La Francophonie's gender equality Strategy in the promotion of women and youth empowerment and in the development of La Francophonie’s Action Plan on Women's Economic Empowerment. In May 2018, Canada supported the organisation of an international conference on conflict prevention and human security in Ottawa. The conference, which was organised by the University of Ottawa and the OIF, aimed to develop a roadmap to update existing Francophonie tools and instruments to address conflict prevention and human security in Francophonie member countries. Canada continues to advocate in support of enhanced governance and transparency measures to further strengthen the Organisation's administrative and financial governance practices, with examples of best practices regarding governance, transparency, and the communication of results being shared. "
11/30/2018,60,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Resettle 25,000 refugees from Syria.","Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship;Minister of International Development",Completed - modified,"The Government welcomed 26,172 Syrian refugees (government-assisted and privately sponsored) between November 4, 2015, and February 29, 2016.","As of January 29, 2017, Canada had welcomed 40,081 refugees from Syria: 21,876 government-assisted refugees, 3,931 blended visa office-referred refugees, and 14,274 privately sponsored refugees. Although the government hit and surpassed its targets, it did so two months later than the initial timeline to ensure proper security and medical examinations and resettlement preparations."
11/30/2018,61,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Double the number of entry applications for parents and grandparents of immigrants to 10,000 a year.","Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,"The Government made reuniting families a top priority and doubled the number of parents and grandparents sponsorship applications accepted to 10,000 in 2016. The new cap will be further doubled to 20,000 for 2019.","Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has formally increased the number of applications it will take in through its Parent and Grandparent (PGP) Program. In 2018, the cap was increased to 17,000 applications and it has been announced that the cap will be 20,000 in 2019."
11/30/2018,62,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Give additional points under the Express Entry system to applicants who have Canadian siblings.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,"Changes to Canada's Express Entry program, including additional points for candidates with Canadian siblings and candidates who have strong French and/or English languages skills were implemented on June 6, 2017. This is increasing the number of eligible economic immigrants who have the support they need to more easily integrate into the labour market and contribute to the economic success of all Canadians.","Changes to Canada's Express Entry program were implemented on June 6, 2017."
11/30/2018,63,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Increase the maximum age for dependents from 19 to 22 to allow more families to stay together and bring their children to Canada.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,More family reunification.,"The government has made reuniting families a top priority. Regulatory amendments to increase the maximum age of dependent children from 19 to 22 years of age came into force October 24, 2017."
11/30/2018,64,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Bring forward a proposal regarding permanent residency for new spouses entering Canada.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Sponsored spouses and partners no longer have to remain in abusive relationships for fear of losing their immigration status.,"To address concerns that some vulnerable sponsored spouses or partners were staying in abusive relationships out of fear of losing their permanent resident status, the government repealed the requirement of conditional residency. This means sponsored spouses and partners are no longer required to live with their sponsor for two years in order to maintain their permanent resident status, thereby reducing vulnerability and dependence."
11/30/2018,65,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,"Improve client service delivery and immigration, refugees and citizenship application processing times.","Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship","Actions taken, progress made","Enhanced client service and timely processing of immigration, refugee and citizenship applications.","The government is developing initiatives to reduce processing times in several programs and a client service strategy to enhance the client experience. In December 2016, spousal sponsorship was reformed to speed up processing and simplify the sponsorship process. In 2017, IRCC met its commitment to process 80% of spousal applications received before December 2016. For 2018, IRCC continues to monitor progress against the commitment. The government also announced an intake management strategy for privately sponsored refugees and the goal of reducing wait times for new applications to 12 months. Service standards in other programs are being maintained: 80% of citizenship grant applications received since April 2015 are processed within a 12-month timeframe, and Express Entry permanent residence applications are processed within a six-month timeframe. Since June 2017, the Global Skills Strategy continues to assist companies in getting workers to Canada faster, including through two-week processing time for 80% of eligible work permit applications. In July 2018, IRCC rolled out forward-looking processing times for five permanent resident lines of business to improve the client experience. The Dedicated Service Channel helps guide companies making significant, job-creating investments in Canada. Enhancements to the asylum system will be informed by the recent findings of the independent review of the Immigration and Refugee Board."
11/30/2018,66,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Restore the Interim Federal Health Program that provides health benefits to refugees.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Improved access to necessary health care for refugees.,"In April 2016, the government restored the Interim Federal Health Program for all eligible refugee beneficiaries. In addition, the government eliminated the coverage expiry date to ensure refugee claimants remain covered until they are eligible for provincial/territorial health insurance. "
11/30/2018,67,15-Nov,Canada in the World,Establish an expert human rights panel to help determine designated countries of origin and provide a right to appeal refugee decisions for citizens from these countries.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship","Actions taken, progress made","Canada upholds its commitment to welcoming those seeking refuge from conflict and war, while leveraging expertise and systems to strengthen program integrity and efficiency.","As of July 2015, claimants from Designated Countries of Origin - countries that do not normally produce refugees and do respect human rights and offer state protection - have had access to an appeal at the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. An independent review of the Immigration and Refugee Board and the asylum system has been completed, and findings are informing how the government will reform the asylum system to achieve both efficiency and fairness for all claimants."
11/30/2018,68,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Work with stakeholders to better co-manage our three oceans.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard","Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Better planning, management and protection of oceans, marine mammals, and coastal communities.","Through the Oceans Protection Plan (OPP) and other ocean initiatives, Canada has been engaging Indigenous and coastal communities, stakeholders and other levels of government, including activities, such as improved marine safety, protection of the marine environment, restoration of Canada’s coastlines, waterways management, and new opportunities for Indigenous and coastal communities in emergency response.
The OPP includes new research on the effects of oil spills, measures to protect marine mammals, and increased emergency response capacity in which coastal communities will play a greater role. The OPP is a key part of the government's commitment to redefine its relationship with Indigenous peoples and engage in a meaningful and productive partnership with Indigenous communities. In addition to the OPP, the government has officially endorsed the Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area Plan with the Province of British Columbia and Pacific North Coast First Nations; explored partnerships with land claims organizations in the North to advance Canada’s marine conservation agenda; and signed a statement of intent between Canada and the Nunatsiavut government to work together on oceans management in northern Labrador.
The Reconciliation Framework Agreement for Bioregional Oceans Management and Protection was announced by the Prime Minister on National Indigenous Peoples Day, June 21. This significant agreement demonstrates a commitment between Canada and First Nations along the North and Central Coast of British Columbia to partner on marine initiatives within the Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area. Key areas of work will include marine spatial planning, marine protected area network development and initiatives to support marine safety.
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11/30/2018,69,15-Nov,Canada in the World,Facilitate the temporary entry of low risk travellers and lift the visa requirement for Mexico.,"Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,"Canada is a more open country that does not impose unnecessary barriers to business travellers, tourists and other visitors.","On December 1, 2016, Canada lifted the requirement for Mexican travellers to have a visa. To facilitate the temporary entry of low-risk travellers, the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) was put in place on November 10, 2016 for visa-exempt foreign nationals (other than U.S. citizens) boarding their flight to Canada. On May 1, 2017, Canada expanded eTA to Brazil, Bulgaria and Romania to facilitate air travel for low-risk travellers. The visa requirement for Bulgaria and Romania was fully lifted on December 1, 2017. Additionally, on June 5, 2018, Canada lifted the visa requirement for the United Arab Emirates. "
11/30/2018,70,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Repeal provisions in the *Citizenship Act* that give the government the right to strip citizenship from dual nationals.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Repealed provisions in the *Citizenship Act* that gave the Government the right to strip citizenship from dual nationals.,"In June 2017, legislation was passed that repealed the unfair elements of the *Citizenship Act* that applied only to Canadians with dual or multiple citizenships and allowed the government to strip them of their Canadian citizenship. This legislation also makes it easier for applicants to meet the requirements for citizenship, and helps immigrants obtain citizenship earlier and faster."
11/30/2018,72,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Make it easier for international students to stay in Canada after their studies.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Better outcomes for immigrants to Canada because those who become permanent residents and citizens have Canadian educational experience.,"It is now easier for international students to become permanent residents or Canadian citizens after completing their studies. The government made changes to the Express Entry system that award more points to those who have studied in Canada, making it easier for international students to become permanent residents. As well, in October 2017, regulatory changes introduced by the government came into force, providing greater flexibility for international students who want to become Canadian citizens."
11/30/2018,73,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Restore funding to support federal ocean science and monitoring programs.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Completed - fully met,"Restored funding to support the hiring of new scientific staff, the acquisition of new lab equipment, and added capacity for ocean science and monitoring.","The Government of Canada restored funding for federal ocean science and monitoring programs. In April 2016, $197 million was committed to fund ocean and freshwater science activities, which will help better understand aquatic ecosystems and support evidence-based management decisions. The government is recruiting 135 new scientific staff and creating a new Partnership Fund to build capacity in the Canadian ocean and freshwater science community. The government is also investing in high-performance lab equipment to mitigate life-cycle management concerns, procuring new state-of-the-art acoustic and remote sensing technology, and enhancing monitoring activities for various species of marine mammals, fish and invertebrates."
11/30/2018,74,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Use good scientific evidence and traditional Indigenous knowledge when making decisions affecting fish stocks and ecosystem management.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard","Actions taken, progress made","A new, strong process that integrates scientific information in all major fish stock and ecosystem management decisions.",The Government of Canada has changed its internal processes to ensure that scientific information and advice are presented as part of decision making. The government is currently developing a plan to implement the precautionary approach policy for all major fish stocks. The new Chief Science Advisor will provide guidance on this.
11/30/2018,75,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Act on recommendations of the Cohen Commission on restoring sockeye salmon stocks in the Fraser River.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Completed - fully met,"The new Wild Salmon Policy implementation plan includes measures to restore and maintain salmon stocks, and will be implemented in collaboration with experts, stakeholders and Indigenous peoples.","In August 2016 and September 2018, the government released its first and second formal response to the final report of the Cohen Commission. On October 11, 2018, the government provided a third and final status update showing that all 75 recommendations from the Cohen Commission have been acted on. Many of the recommendations are ongoing, and the government continues to engage with scientific experts and stakeholders to further action on many of the Commission's recommendations. After extensive engagement with Indigenous peoples, stakeholders and the general public, the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard released the Wild Salmon Policy 2018-2022 Implementation Plan (WSP IP) on October 11, 2018, alongside the 2018 Cohen Response Status Update. The WSP IP sets out how the government is working to restore and maintain salmon stock and highlights measures for sustainable aquaculture.
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11/30/2018,76,15-Nov,Safety and Security,"Re-open the Maritime Rescue Sub-centre in St. John's, Newfoundland, and the Kitsilano Coast Guard Base in Vancouver.","Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Completed - fully met,Kitsilano Coast Guard Base and St. John's Maritime Rescue Sub-centre are re-opened to restore search and rescue services and save lives.,"In May 2016, the Kitsilano Coast Guard Base in Vancouver was re-opened to provide 24/7 search and rescue and environmental response services. The base received a new search and rescue vessel in December 2017.
The Maritime Rescue Sub-centre in St. John's officially re-opened on May 18, 2018, and is supporting the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) Halifax in coordinating maritime search and rescue operations in waters surrounding Newfoundland and Labrador.
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11/30/2018,77,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Sign new Health Accord with the provinces and territories.,Minister of Health,Completed - fully met,"A new, multi-year agreement to strengthen health care has been reached between the Government of Canada and provinces and territories.","The Government of Canada has reached agreements with all provinces and territories on collective priorities and 10-year funding to strengthen health care. Budget 2017 confirmed a targeted investment of $11 billion over 10 years to support home and community care and mental health and addictions services. In addition, the federal government also committed to federal investments of $544 million, which will help to increase the accessibility and affordability of prescription drugs and enhance innovation in the delivery of health services. In August 2017, federal, provincial and territorial governments reached agreement on a Common Statement of Principles on Shared Health Priorities, which outlines key priorities for federal investments to improve access to mental health and addictions services, as well as home and community care and a joint commitment to advance health innovation and prescription drugs. governments also committed to develop and report on a set of common metrics to ensure that these investments bring Canadians improved health outcomes.
The federal government is now in the process of developing bilateral agreements with each province and territory that will set out details of how each jurisdiction will use federal funding in future years, based on the priority areas of action outlined in the Common Statement. Agreements have been signed and announced with nine provinces and territories: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Nova Scotia, British Columbia, and Quebec. As these agreements are completed, they are posted publicly.
The Canadian Institute for Health Information has been leading a process with federal, provincial and territorial officials to develop a focused set of common indicators in home care and mental health to enable Canadians to assess progress on shared priorities. In June 2018, federal, provincial and territorial Health Ministers endorsed a set of common indicators to measure progress and to report to Canadians on overall improvements in access to home and community care as well as mental health and addiction services. Annual reporting is expected to begin in 2019.
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11/30/2018,78,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Increase rates of vaccination.,Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made","By 2025, 95% of children under the age of two have received all recommended vaccinations.","The Government of Canada, working together with the provinces and territories, updated the national vaccination coverage goals and vaccine preventable disease reduction targets. The new goals and targets were endorsed by all jurisdictions in fall 2017. The Government of Canada also enhanced its Childhood National Immunization Coverage Survey to better estimate vaccination coverage and measure vaccine hesitancy. The Survey was launched in fall 2017 and initial reporting is expected in 2019. Since the launch of the Immunization Partnership Fund in 2016, 13 projects have been funded to support innovative projects aimed at increasing vaccination acceptance and uptake in Canada. Six additional projects are expected to be funded in 2018-19.
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11/30/2018,79,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Introduce plain packaging requirements for tobacco products.,Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made",New plain packaging requirements for tobacco products will contribute to continued decrease in use.,"Public consultation on the proposed Tobacco Products Regulations (Plain and Standardized Appearance) was published in Canada Gazette, Part I, on June 23, 2018. Feedback on the proposed regulations was accepted until September 6, 2018. All views and evidence submitted will be considered by Health Canada as final regulations are prepared for publication in Canada Gazette, Part II.
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11/30/2018,80,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Promote the celebration of Canada 150.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism;Minister of Science and Sport,Completed - fully met,"Canadians came together to celebrate the best of Canada and to experience Canada’s rich cultural, linguistic, and geographical diversity.","Canada 150 celebrations came to a close. The Canada 150 Fund supported over six hundred community projects and thirty-eight pan-Canadian Signature projects through non-governmental organizations. Canada 150 enabled the promotion of active living, sport, and athleticism to students and communities across Canada, and it highlighted diversity and inclusion, reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, the environment, and youth. More than 31 million people participated in Canada 150 events. Programming included an investment of more than $1 million into the 2017 Canada Summer Games and an accompanying cultural festival. The closing of Canada 150 in December 2017 included Skating Day, one of a suite of community events supported by micro-grants that brought Canadians together, emphasized the connection all Canadians share as a northern people, and underscored Canada 150’s four major themes."
11/30/2018,81,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Restore and increase funding for CBC/Radio-Canada.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism,Completed - fully met,"Increased funding for CBC/Radio-Canada, leading to the creation of new, high-quality content across all platforms.","In Budget 2016, the government increased CBC/Radio-Canada funding by $675 million over five years. In 2017/18, this funding was directed toward CBC/Radio-Canada’s key programming and initiatives; the creation of new, high-quality content, including local content, across all platforms; digital transformation, and continued development of both its existing services and the next generation of digital talent."
11/30/2018,82,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that the appointment process to the CBC/Radio-Canada Board of Directors is merit-based and independent.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism,Completed - fully met,A new independent and merit-based appointment process has been established for selecting the CBC/Radio-Canada Board of Directors.,"The government has appointed an independent and non-partisan Advisory Committee that will provide the Minister of Canadian Heritage with recommendations of qualified candidates for appointments to CBC/Radio-Canada. Published, merit-based criteria will guide the Advisory Committee as they identify Canadians who would make significant contributions to the work of the Board of Directors of CBC/Radio-Canada. On December 18, 2017, the Minister of Canadian Heritage announced the appointment of five directors to the CBC/RC Board of Directors. On April 3, 2018, the Minister of Canadian Heritage announced the appointment of the new Chair, President and CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada, and three additional members of the Board. "
11/30/2018,83,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Double investment in the Canada Council for the Arts.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism,Completed - fully met,The Government invested $550 million in the Canada Council for the Arts to foster the development of the arts in Canada.,"New investments are being made in the form of grants, services and awards to professional Canadian artists and arts organizations, as well as through scholarly awards. The Government of Canada's annual investment in the Council is doubling over the next five years, growing local economies and creating good middle-class jobs."
11/30/2018,84,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Increase funding for Telefilm Canada and the National Film Board.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism,Completed - fully met,"Increased funding for Canada's film industry, creating growth and jobs in the creative industries.","The government invested $22 million in Telefilm Canada to fund and promote programs dedicated to the cultural, commercial and industrial success of Canada’s audiovisual industry and provided the National Film Board of Canada with $13.5 million to create social issue documentaries, animation, and digital content."
11/30/2018,85,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Restore PromArt and Trade Routes international cultural promotion programs.,Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism;Minister of International Trade Diversification,Completed - fully met,"Greater awareness of Canadian excellence in arts and culture, greater international demand for Canadian creators and more jobs in the creative industries.","In fall 2017, the government announced an investment of $125 million over five years towards the implementation of a new Creative Export Strategy. This initiative will help Canada's creative industries seize business opportunities abroad and increase Canada’s interactions with the world through culture, supporting cultural diplomacy efforts. Building on the $35 million committed in Budget 2016, the Strategy provides improved measures and redesigned cultural programs. Based on former PromArt and Trade Routes, it will help artists and creative industries kick-start or promote their creative offerings abroad. This will include more support from Canadian missions abroad to coordinate events showcasing Canadian artists on the world stage, as well as direct on-the-ground support from Canadian Trade Commissioners in key markets including London, Paris, Los Angeles, New York and China. With this support, Canadian creative industries will be able to better navigate export markets, meet key foreign contacts, and conclude business deals abroad. The government also expanded access to cultural trade data through Statistics Canada to provide more accurate and up-to-date information to help guide and focus Canadian creative exporters abroad. The Creative Export Strategy was announced on June 26, 2018."
11/30/2018,86,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,"Increase funding to ""Young Canada Works"" to help prepare the next generation working in the heritage sector.",Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism,Completed - fully met,More jobs for young Canadians in the heritage sector.,"Through Budget 2016, the government invested $1.5 million in new funding for Young Canada Works at Building Careers in Heritage programming to create 150 additional internships for young graduates in 2016-2017, multiplying by five the number of Young Canada Works internships for youth in heritage organizations in Canada. Through Budget 2017, the government further invested $14.05 million over three years in funding in Young Canada Works-Heritage programming. These new funds enabled the creation of 1,508 more jobs for Canadian youth in Canadian museums and related heritage organizations: 1,038 summer/short-term jobs through YCW in Heritage Organizations and 470 graduate internships through YCW at Building Careers in Heritage. The combined 2016 and 2017 budget investments in Young Canada Works-Heritage programming are enabling the creation of over 1,600 new employment opportunities for youth in the heritage sector over four years (2016-2017 to 2019-2020)."
11/30/2018,87,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Develop a multi-year Official Languages plan to support English and French linguistic minorities.,"Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism;Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie",Completed - fully met,A new Official Languages plan was developed and will be implemented to support English and French linguistic minorities across Canada.,"On March 28, the 2018-2023 Action Plan for Official Languages: Investing in our Future was announced. The Action Plan includes a new investment of almost $500 million to support official-language minority communities across the country and promote bilingualism of Canadians. The new plan took effect on April 1, 2018. New initiatives will be gradually implemented over 2018-19."
11/30/2018,88,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Establish a free, online service for learning and retaining English and French as second languages.","Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie;President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government","Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges","A cross-platform, web-based application will enable adult Canadians to learn and retain – in a way that is flexible, accessible and free – their second official language (English or French).","Canadian Heritage has conducted consultations with industry to identify possible approaches for providing an e-learning tool for Canadians. Budget 2018 and the announcement on March 28, 2018 of the 2018-2023 Action Plan for Official Languages confirmed the funding for the web-based application. The solution’s architecture and the information technology requirements are being developed. A Request for Proposals will be launched in the near future."
11/30/2018,89,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Restore a modern Court Challenges Program.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Completed - fully met,Increased protection for human rights and official language rights through a modernized Court Challenges Program.,"The government has reinstated a modernized Court Challenges Program to provide financial support to individuals or groups in Canada to access the courts for the litigation of test cases of national significance, to help clarify and assert certain constitutional and quasi-constitutional official language rights and human rights in Canada. On September 1, 2017, the government announced that the University of Ottawa had been selected to manage the modernized program. The Government of Canada announced the nomination of fourteen part time Expert Panel Members on November 20, 2018. The two panels, responsible for official language rights and human rights, will assess funding applications to the Court Challenges Program for court cases of national significance and will allocate resources accordingly. This will help people and groups in Canada access the justice system to assert their language rights and human rights. The Government of Canada is committed to strengthening and promoting Canada’s two official languages and human rights. It is important that people and groups are able to assert and defend their official language rights and their equality rights.
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11/30/2018,90,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Balance the budget in 2019/20.,Minister of Finance,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges",Balance the budget over the long-term and continue to reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio.,"Budget 2018 shows that the fiscal framework does not forecast a balanced budget in 2019/20. Before the government delivered the 2016 Budget, the baseline fiscal track weakened as a result of low oil prices and slow global economic growth. Important fiscal investments were made to kick-start the economy, support the middle class and address the long-term challenges that were limiting Canada's potential. Canada continues to have the strongest economic growth in the G7 and increased consumer and business confidence. As a result, the current fiscal track shows steady improvements in the government's budgetary position along with a continued decline in the federal debt-to-GDP ratio. In fact, the Budget 2018 fiscal track continues to show steady improvements in the government’s annual budgetary balance, which is nearly $7 billion lower annually, on average, than projected in Budget 2017. The budgetary deficit is on track to fall from 0.9% of GDP in 2016-17 to 0.5% of GDP by 2022-23. The government will maintain this downward debt ratio track and preserve Canada's low-debt advantage for current and future generations."
11/30/2018,91,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Lead preparations for the 2016 Rio Olympics and Paralympics.,Minister of Science and Sport,Completed - fully met,Canadian athletes and national sport organizations were well prepared for and supported at a successful showing at the 2016 Rio Olympics and Paralympics.,"Canadian athletes excelled during the 2016 Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games. Nearly 15% more Canadian athletes were able to attend the Games compared to 2012. Canadian athletes placed 10th in total Olympic medals, up from 14th in 2012 and Paralympians also had a very strong showing, bringing home 29 medals."
11/30/2018,92,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Create greater links between our elite athletes and young Canadians to promote health and achievement among youth.,Minister of Science and Sport,"Actions taken, progress made",Increased number of events organized to connect young Canadians and Canada's elite athletes.,"Following the 2016 Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games, the government organized a number of events both online and in person at schools across the country, to connect young Canadians with Canada's elite athletes. Approximately 250 Olympic and Paralympic athletes and coaches from the 2016 Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games participated in these events, reaching tens of thousands of students across Canada. In May 2018, over 300 Canadian athletes, guides, and coaches attended events at Rideau Hall and Parliament Hill to celebrate their achievements at the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games of PyeongChang 2018. The celebrations included a Facebook Live “Team Canada Classroom Champion Chat,” providing youth across Canada with the opportunity to engage with Olympians and Paralympians from Rideau Hall. Athletes, students and the general public at Rideau Hall were also able to try out sports such as Para ice hockey and snowboarding. "
11/30/2018,93,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Raise the quality of the Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) applied to Cabinet proposals.,Minister of Status of Women,"Actions taken, progress made",Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) is effectively integrated into policy-making across government.,"Since 2016, proposals to Cabinet now require a full GBA+ analysis, which includes an analysis of the proposal's impact on diverse groups of people. Budget submissions also require a full GBA+ analysis. The government will continue to improve the quality of the analysis through new training tools and videos. In addition, to ensure that gender remains a key consideration for future governments, as announced in Budget 2018, the government has introduced new GBA+ legislation to make gender budgeting a permanent part of the federal budget-making process."
11/30/2018,94,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that the Government's senior appointments are merit-based and demonstrate gender parity.,Minister of Status of Women,Completed - fully met,Greater representation of Canada's gender diversity in senior appointments.,"In 2016, the government put in place a new open, transparent and merit-based approach to selecting candidates for some 1500 federal Governor in Council (GIC) appointments. This will help over time to close gaps in the representation of women in GIC positions. Since late 2015, more than half of appointments made under this new process were attributed to women, and the overall representation of women serving as GIC appointees has increased by 13 percentage points and is now at 47 per cent.
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11/30/2018,95,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Help injured Veterans by re-establishing lifelong pensions and insuring that they all have access to financial advice and support.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made","Injured Veterans have the option of taking a monthly, tax free payment for life and are provided financial advice and support to assist them in determining the form of compensation that works best for them and their families.","The recently introduced Pension for Life initiative is a combination of benefits that provide recognition, income support and better overall stability to Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and Veterans who are living with a disability due to a service-related injury and/or illness.
As of April 1, 2019, Pension for Life will provide a holistic package that reintroduces lifelong monthly pain and suffering payments, implement a new recognition benefit, and consolidate six existing income-related financial benefits.
The resulting Pension for Life benefits package includes: The Pain and Suffering Compensation, Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation, and the Income Replacement Benefit.
1) For injured Veterans, the Pain and Suffering Compensation (PSC) recognizes pain and suffering caused by a disability resulting from a service-related injury and/or illness. The PSC replaces the lump sum Disability Award announced in 2006. It delivers a maximum of $1,150 per month for the life of the serving member or Veteran, or if a Veteran chooses, they can elect to have the monthly PSC cashed out for a lump sum payment that will be equal to the lump sum offered less any monthly payments already paid. The maximum lump sum cash out for the PSC will be equivalent to a maximum lump sum payment available under the Disability Award on March 31, 2019, which is being replaced by PSC. The amount provided by the PSC will be adjusted annually by the percent increase in the Consumer Price Index.
2) Some injured Veterans will also benefit from Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation (APSC). This benefit provides additional support to Veterans who are experiencing barriers to re-establishment in post-service life due to a service related severe and permanent impairment. Depending on the extent of the Veteran’s impairment, the monthly payment would be $500, $1,000 or $1,500 adjusted annually by the percent increase in the Consumer Price Index. This benefit is not intended to replace lost earnings and so is tax-free.
3) In addition to the PSC and APSC recognition benefits, PFL will introduce the Income Replacement Benefit (IRB). The Income Replacement Benefit (IRB) is a monthly benefit designed to provide income support to Veterans who are experiencing barriers to re-establishment due to a health problem resulting primarily from service. As the IRB is designed to replace income, it is an economic benefit and as such is taxable. The benefit is available to Veterans and survivors, for life, and orphans, should they need it. For Veterans who have not yet served a full career in the military, the monthly salary will be increased by 1% every year until the Veteran reaches what would have been 20 years of service or age 60. The IRB replaces six pre-existing benefits (i.e. Earnings Loss, Benefit, Extended Earnings Loss Benefit, Career Impact Allowance, Career Impact Allowance Supplement, Supplementary Retirement Benefit and Retirement Income Security Benefit) with one, simpler benefit. Veterans who wish to join the workforce may also earn up to $20,000 from employment before any reduction will be made to their IRB payment. "
11/30/2018,96,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Expand access to the Permanent Impairment Allowance to better support Veterans.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,More Veterans qualify for higher benefit amounts if they have had their career options limited by service-related illness or injury.,"As of April 2017, the Government of Canada has replaced the outdated Permanent Impairment Allowance with the new Career Impact Allowance. This new measure provides broader eligibility to more generous benefit amounts for the most seriously ill and injured Veterans whose careers are impacted by service-related illness or injury. The benefit amount that a Veteran receives will depend on the unique circumstances of each case.
Effective, April 1, 2019, the Career Impact Allowance will be consolidated as part of the new Income Replacement Benefit announced under Pension for Life."
11/30/2018,97,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,"Provide injured veterans with 90% of their pre-release salary, and index this benefit to inflation.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"Veterans now receive 90 per cent of their pre-release salary under the Earnings Loss Benefit (ELB), and benefits are indexed to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).","Canada's women and men in uniform put their lives at risk to protect the values that Canadians cherish most. In Budget 2016, the Government of Canada made significant investments to give more money to Veterans with disabilities primarily resulting from military service. In particular, in October 2016 ELB eligibility was increased from 75% to 90% of a Veteran's monthly pre-release military salary. This benefit provides financial support to injured Veterans while they are undergoing rehabilitation or up to age 65 if they are determined to have a diminished earning capacity. As of June 30, 2017, a total of 12,461 Veterans have received an increase or are newly in receipt of benefits since changes to the ELB were made.
Effective, April 1, 2019, the Earnings Loss Benefit will be consolidated as part of the new Income Replacement Benefit announced under Pension for Life. All eligible Veterans will continue to receive 90% of their pre-release salary, indexed to CPI during rehabilitation and for life if they are found to have a diminished earning capacity."
11/30/2018,98,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Create a Veterans Education Benefit that supports the education costs of Canadian Forces Veterans after completion of service.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,More Veterans receive education and training upon release and are given the means to achieve their education and post-service employment goals.,"As of April 1, 2018, the Government of Canada has implemented the new Education and Training Benefit which provides Veterans who have a total of at least six years of service in the Regular or Reserve Force and who were honourably released on or after April 1, 2006 with up to $40,000 for college, university or technical education. Veterans with at least 12 years of service can receive up to $80,000. This will help Veterans cover the cost of getting a new degree or certificate, which is often critical in making a successful transition to post-service life. "
11/30/2018,99,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Improve career and vocational assistance for Veterans.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made",Improve career and vocational assistance for Veterans and ensure jobs for Veterans are included in federally-funded infrastructure projects.,"The government has introduced new initiatives to support Veterans’ transition to the labour market.
• The government is working with provinces and territories as part of infrastructure negotiations to ensure Community Benefits Agreements integrate jobs for Veterans into infrastructure projects.
• Through the *Veterans Hiring Act* (VHA), which came into effect July 1, 2015, current and former members of the Canadian Armed Forces are given priority within public service hiring processes. As of October 31, 2018, 769 medically-released Veterans have been hired as permanent employees into the federal public service through this process.
• As of April 1, 2018, eligible Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans, their spouses/common-law partners and survivors can now apply for a new, modernized set of Career Transition Services delivered by career support professionals familiar with the military culture, whenever and wherever needed. These services also ensure that Veterans have the knowledge, skills and abilities required to search for employment in the civilian work force so that they are more likely to gain employment and feel satisfaction in their employment.
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11/30/2018,100,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,"Deliver a higher standard of service and care, and ensure that a ""one veteran, one standard"" approach is upheld.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made","Veterans and their families have seamless support as they transition out of the military, with simplified application processes, improved client services and reduced wait times to receive benefits.","The government has invested $42.8 million to increase service delivery capacity and reduce the backlog in key programs at Veterans Affairs Canada.
The government is lowering its case-management ratios so that Veterans who require more in-depth, one-on-one personal based support can access services in a timely manner.
The government's recently completed a Service Delivery Review, which will shape efforts to reduce complexity and strengthen partnerships between Veterans Affairs and National Defence.
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11/30/2018,101,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Re-open the nine Veterans Affairs service offices recently closed.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"To improve services for Veterans, all Veterans Affairs Canada offices closed by the previous government have been re-opened and resources have been added in new areas not previously served.","All nine offices previously closed have been reopened and a new tenth office has been opened to serve the needs of veterans in Surrey, BC, and the Lower Mainland. In addition, the Government of Canada has expanded outreach to the territories and other northern communities to provide an enhanced level of service and outreach to Veterans and their families. As of April 2018, the government has hired more than 470 new employees, including 190 new case managers, to improve services for veterans."
11/30/2018,102,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,"Create two centres of excellence in Veterans' care, including one specialized in mental health and post-traumatic stress disorder.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made",Veterans and their caregivers and providers have better access to better knowledge and expertise to address the unique care needs of someone who previously served.,"Budget 2017 invested in the creation of the first centre of excellence that will focus on the creation and dissemination of knowledge on prevention, assessment and treatment of PTSD and related mental health conditions for Veterans and Canadian Armed Forces members. Plans for the second centre of excellence are at an early stage of development and consultation."
11/30/2018,103,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Support families who are providing care and support to Veterans living with physical and/or mental health issues.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,Increased support for families who are providing care and support to Veterans living with physical and/or mental health issues.,"As of April 1, 2018, military members who leave the service for medical reasons, as well as their families, have access to a full range of support services at all of Canada's 32 Military Family Resource Centres as well as through services delivered over the phone and online. Further support is offered to families by the new Caregiver Recognition Benefit, which provides a more generous non-taxable monthly benefit payable directly to caregivers of Veterans to better recognize and honour the vital role they play."
11/30/2018,104,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,End the time limit for surviving spouses applying for vocational rehabilitation and assistance services.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,Surviving spouses are able to receive vocational rehabilitation and assistance services whenever they need them.,"As of April 1, 2018, the Government of Canada has enhanced support for survivors and common-law/spouses by eliminating the current one-year time limit on applications for Rehabilitation Services and Vocational Assistance. This change allows survivors to apply for assistance whenever they are prepared to return to work."
11/30/2018,105,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Increase the Veteran survivor's pension amount from 50% to 70%.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made","Surviving spouses receive better support, and benefits are delivered in a more client-centred, streamlined fashion.","Announced on December 20, 2017 as part of the Pension for Life initiative, support for eligible spouses will increase from 50% to 70% of the Veteran’s post age 65 Income Replacement Benefit, providing them with enhanced financial security when they need it most. This measure, effective April 1, 2019, will improve the delivery of benefits so that surviving spouses and their families have a simpler system to navigate."
11/30/2018,106,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that surviving spouses of Veterans receive appropriate benefits by eliminating the marriage after 60 clawback.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made",Surviving spouses receive the same pension amounts as all other survivors regardless of the age at which they were married.,The Government of Canada is working to eliminate the pension clawback for spouses married to Veterans over the age of 60 at the time of marriage that currently exists in the *Canadian Armed Forces Superannuation Act*. Progress on this commitment has taken longer than anticipated.
11/30/2018,107,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Double funding to the Last Post Fund to ensure that all veterans receive a dignified burial.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"Funding is doubled to the Last Post Fund, and more families qualify for a burial or marking benefit when a Veteran dies.","As of October 2016, the Government of Canada enhanced the Funeral and Burial Program, which is delivered by the Last Post Fund Corporation so that more families can qualify for financial support for the funeral and burial of a recently deceased Veteran. The government nearly tripled the survivor estate exemption from approximately $12,000 to $35,200 so that more people can access this support in their time of need. Going forward, this amount will be indexed annually."
11/30/2018,108,15-Nov,Safety and Security,Create an Office of Community Outreach and Counter-radicalization Coordinator.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,"Actions taken, progress made",Reduced radicalization and greater understanding of how to prevent radicalization.,"On June 26, 2017, the government established the Canada Centre for Community Engagement and Prevention of Violence to help provide leadership on Canada's response to radicalization to violence, coordinate domestic and international initiatives, and support community outreach. The government is in the process of appointing a Special Advisor and Advisory Committee. The Community Resilience Fund was also launched to provide financial assistance to organizations undertaking programming and research to address radicalization to violence in Canada. In September 2018, the government released an independent report that provides an overview of what the government heard during its public consultation on countering radicalization to violence."
11/30/2018,109,15-Nov,Safety and Security,Protect Canadians and our critical infrastructure from cyber threats.,"Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of National Defence;Minister of Democratic Institutions","Actions taken, progress made","Increased cyber security for Canada's critical infrastructure, economy, and democratic institutions, resulting in better protection for Canadian businesses and individuals from cyber threats.","The government conducted a public consultation and review of cyber security measures, and published a report on the public consultation findings in 2017. To strengthen Canada’s cyber security and prosperity in the Digital Age, Budget 2018 announced funding of $507.7M over the next five years to deliver on a new National Cyber Security Strategy that was launched in June 2017. Also announced in the Budget were some important early initiatives to deliver on this new vision for Canadians, including the creation of a new Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, which became operational on October 1, 2018, and the creation of a National Cybercrime Coordination Unit to be launched by the RCMP. In addition, the government continues to take proactive, collaborative measures to protect and defend Canada's democratic institutions from cyber threats. "
11/30/2018,110,15-Nov,Safety and Security,"Strengthen controls on handguns and assault weapons, and examine a full ban of both.",Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,"Actions taken, progress made","Reduced gun violence through balanced, effective firearms measures.","The government is developing effective firearms measures that prioritize public safety while ensuring law-abiding Canadians are not unduly impacted. To support this objective, the government established a more representative Firearms Advisory Committee that includes representation from law enforcement, civilian firearms users, public health advocates, women’s groups, farmers, conservation organizations, and the legal community. The government also reversed a ministerial directive that could have allowed gun manufacturers to determine the classification of their own products under certain conditions.
On November 17, 2017, the government announced up to $327.6 million over five years, and $100 million annually thereafter, in new funding for initiatives to reduce gun crime and criminal gang activities. As announced in November 2018, the government’s Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence includes investments of $51.5 million for the Canada Border Services Agency and $34.5 million for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police that will help interrupt the flow of smuggled and trafficked firearms at the border while also providing additional resources for law enforcement to address gang activity and the criminal use of firearms.
A Summit on Gun and Gang Violence was held in March 2018 to bring together stakeholders to share information on the realities, issues and best practices to combat criminal gun and gang violence. Also in March 2018, the government introduced legislation that prioritizes public safety and effective police work, while respecting law-abiding firearms owners. It will not recreate a federal long-gun registry. Throughout October 2018 and November 2018, the government will lead an engagement process, including in-person roundtable discussions across Canada, and online engagement on the topic of handguns and assault weapons.
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11/30/2018,111,15-Nov,Safety and Security,Enhance compensation for public safety officers who are permanently disabled or killed in the line of duty.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,"Actions taken, progress made","Public safety officers who are permanently disabled or killed in the line of duty, and their families, are appropriately compensated.","In March 2017, the government announced the creation of a tax-free community heroes benefit that will support the families of firefighters, police officers and paramedics who died in the line of duty. Through the Memorial Grant Program for First Responders, families of first responders that lose a loved one as a direct result of their duties, will receive a one-time lump sum, tax-free payment of $300,000. The Program took effect on April 1, 2018. On September 7, 2018, Public Safety Canada announced that a third-party service provider had been contracted to administer this initiative. Grants will be awarded to eligible families in this calendar year."
11/30/2018,112,15-Nov,Safety and Security,Restore funding to provinces and territories to support Heavy Urban Search and Rescue teams.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Completed - fully met,"Search and rescue capacity across Canada is strengthened, helping save lives.","Last year, the government restored funding of $15.5 million previously cut from the Heavy Urban Search and Rescue taskforces in Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, and across Manitoba. The government is also providing support to build new heavy urban search and rescue capacity in Montreal and Halifax."
11/30/2018,113,15-Nov,Safety and Security,"Develop a plan to better predict, prepare for, and respond to weather-related emergencies and natural disasters.",Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,"Actions taken, progress made","Canadians are quickly and effectively supported when natural disasters occur, and communities are better prepared for weather-related emergencies.","All Canadians, regardless of age, gender, location or on-reserve and off-reserve Indigenous status, deserve equal access to tools and resources to build resilience and enhance the readiness of their communities in a climate-impacted future. In recognition of the growing severity and frequency of natural disasters in Canada, like the recent wildfire seasons in British Columbia, the government is working in collaboration with provinces and territories, and Indigenous peoples to develop a whole-of-society Emergency Management Strategy that will support Canadians and communities impacted by weather-related events and natural disasters.
The government continues to respond quickly and effectively to support Canadians and communities impacted by weather-related events and natural disasters. This has included partnerships with the Red Cross, payments to assist provincial governments, and the creation of ad hoc Cabinet committees to coordinate a response across government. Additionally, Canada is playing a leading role globally on the issues of disaster risk reduction, having hosted the United Nations Fifth Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in March 2017.
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11/30/2018,114,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure strong and effective gender and culturally sensitive training policies for federal front-line law enforcement officers.,Minister of Status of Women,"Actions taken, progress made",Increased cultural competency and trauma-informed gender-based violence training across the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).,"In 2018-19, the RCMP is developing cultural competency and gender-based violence (GBV) training that will be offered to RCMP employees starting in 2019-20. Through this training, there will be an improved capacity across the RCMP to effectively respond to GBV, including violence against Indigenous women and girls, in a gender and culturally sensitive manner. All training material will be examined using the GBA+ tool. "
11/30/2018,115,15-Nov,Sustainable Infrastructure,Move forward on a toll-free replacement for the Champlain Bridge.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities,"Actions taken, progress made",New toll-free Champlain Bridge opened by December 2018.,"The Champlain Bridge is vital to its daily users and plays an important role in the Canadian economy. The Government of Canada's priority is to deliver a quality, toll-free new Champlain Bridge as soon as possible without compromising the safety of workers and the public, and ensuring sound management of taxpayers' money. The opening will take place no later than June 30, 2019. The current bridge is safe and continuously monitored in real time."
11/30/2018,116,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,"Work with Parliamentarians to reform Question Period so that all ministers, including the Prime Minister, are held to greater account.",Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,"Increased accountability of all ministers, including the Prime Minister, during Question Period.","Since April 2017, the Prime Minister has adopted the practice of taking all questions during Wednesday sittings, as his schedule permits. In addition, when invited, ministers have participated in Senate Question Period."
11/30/2018,117,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Promote free votes and limit the circumstances in which Liberal Members of Parliament will be required to vote with the Government.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,Members of Parliament are strong voices for their communities and there is greater accountability within Parliament.,"Since fall 2015, all House of Commons votes have been free votes for Liberal Members of Parliament with the exception of those relating to: platform commitments, matters of confidence, and protections guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms."
11/30/2018,118,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,End the improper use of omnibus bills and prorogation.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,Measures are in place to end the improper use of omnibus bills and prorogation.,"In June 2017, the House of Commons adopted a government motion that changed the Standing Orders to prevent the improper use of omnibus bills and prorogation. The motion gives the Speaker power to split omnibus bills for the purposes of voting except for budget implementation bills that contain only provisions that were announced in a budget presentation or in the budget documents. The motion also forces the government to justify, in writing, the reasons for a prorogation and the House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs has the power to study the government's justification."
11/30/2018,119,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,"Make government accounting and financial reporting more consistent, transparent and understandable to Canadians.",President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government;Minister of Finance;Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,"Government reporting is easier for Canadians to find, understand and use to hold the Government accountable.","The government has introduced significant changes to improve accountability and make financial reporting more transparent and easier to understand. These changes include: making the Parliamentary Budget Officer an independent officer of Parliament with new powers and resources to more rigorously examine the country's finances; publishing fiscal decisions between budgets; publishing accrual versus cash reconciliation for the Estimates and the Budget; and changing the Standing Orders of the House of Commons to allow Main Estimates to be published later in the calendar year, resulting in the 2018-19 Main Estimates being tabled after the 2018 Budget and including 100% of announced Budget measures in a new centrally-managed Budget Implementation vote. As Budget items receive Treasury Board approval of program authorities, the allocations will be reported and updated regularly in an online annex."
11/30/2018,120,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Improve reporting to Parliament.,President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government,"Actions taken, progress made",Increased transparency so that parliamentarians and all Canadians can more easily hold the Government to account.,"Part III of the Estimates (i.e., Departmental Plans and Departmental Results Reports) have been simplified and new features and data have been added to the online GC InfoBase. In addition, the government introduced and adopted changes to the Standing Orders to better ensure consistency across the Budget, Estimates and Public Accounts, and provide greater clarity in voting on appropriations. These changes will help parliamentarians and Canadians better examine government spending and allow for the timely flow of funding outlined in budget plans.
In the last year, the GC InfoBase has been updated to provide broader availability of data, graphics, and analytics, including:
• Actual and Planned Spending and Results information in support of the Policy on Results;
• An aggregation of program performance to provide data-driven results narratives at the department and government-wide level;
• A Budget Tracker tool that makes it possible to follow where public funds are going and how they will be spent all the way down to the programs delivering the services;
• A government at a Glance flow chart to see how government resources flow across different tagging schemes;
• More granular expenditure data at the program level with spending on specific components such as salaries, capital, transfer payments, etc.;
• Open and accessible datasets organised by the source report (e.g., Public Accounts, Main Estimates, Departmental Plans, etc.)."
11/30/2018,121,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Ensure that Agents of Parliament are properly funded and accountable only to Parliament.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,"Actions taken, progress made",Agents of Parliament are independent and are properly funded.,"In June 2017, legislation was passed that established the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) as an independent agent of Parliament, reporting directly to Parliament. This legislation provides the PBO with the ability to request the funds from the Speakers of the House and Senate needed to fulfill their mandate. The government will continue to work with Agents of Parliament to support their important work."
11/30/2018,122,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Ensure that the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) is properly funded and independent of the Government.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,The Parliamentary Budget Officer is independent and properly funded to conduct analyses on behalf of Parliament.,"In June 2017, legislation was passed that established the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) as an independent agent of Parliament, reporting directly to Parliament. This legislation provides the PBO with the ability to request the funds from the Speakers of the House and Senate needed to fulfill their mandate. This is consistent with the practice for all other independent agents of Parliament. The PBO will also have greater access to relevant information within departments, agencies and Crown Corporations; will be appointed for a term of seven years and can only be removed with cause, subject to the approval of parliamentarians; and will be able to cost election platform proposals at the request of political parties."
11/30/2018,123,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Strengthen Parliamentary committees so that they can better scrutinize legislation.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,Parliamentary committees are freer and better equipped to study legislation.,"The Government of Canada has strengthened parliamentary committees by giving them more funding through the Board of Internal Economy so they can undertake the appropriate research and engage with Canadians. The government has also ensured that the practice of electing committee chairs by secret ballot has continued. In addition, the House of Commons adopted a motion that enables Parliamentary Secretaries to be non-voting members of committees, ensuring that they can no longer vote on committees that fall within their minister's mandate, helping assure the freedom and independence of House of Commons standing committees."
11/30/2018,124,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Disclose the expenses of all Parliamentarians in detail each quarter.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,"Actions taken, progress made","Increased transparency through the quarterly, detailed disclosure of parliamentarians' expenses.",The Government of Canada has introduced legislation to codify in law that the expenses of all parliamentarians continue to be disclosed on a quarterly basis. Details are disclosed on the Parliament of Canada website in an accessible and easy-to-read format.
11/30/2018,125,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Examine ways to make the House of Commons more family-friendly for Members of Parliament.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,"Actions taken, progress made","A House of Commons that is truly a modern, professional, family-friendly workplace for Members of Parliament and their staff.","The House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs released a report in June 2016 outlining ways to make the House of Commons more family-friendly for Members of Parliament and their staff. The government is currently implementing the principal recommendations of this report, which include scheduling votes immediately following Question Period rather than later in the evening, and tabling the House sitting calendar prior to the summer adjournment so that Members and staff are able to better plan their schedules. The Board of Internal Economy has also taken steps to implement more family-friendly administrative practices, such as providing more flexible childcare services and making high chairs available in Parliamentary cafeterias. The Board of Internal Economy made changes to travel policies for Members to promote a family friendly environment and facilitate family reunification. Parliament passed legislation to make it possible for Parliamentarians to take maternity and parental leave. The House of Commons and the Senate can now develop and implement policies. More needs to be done to ensure Parliament, as a workplace, fully recognizes the challenges and pressures of raising a family. The government is fully committed to working with all parties to make this happen."
11/30/2018,126,15-Nov,Exports and Investment,"Invest in an Agri-Food Investment Fund to attract investment and create good, well-paying jobs in food processing.",Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,"Actions taken, progress made",The agri-food sector is a leading area for economic growth over the next 10 years.,"The government is increasing investment in the agri-food sector to increase and diversify exports to create good middle-class jobs. Budget 2017 identified agri-food as one of the six key sectors for future economic growth and set an ambitious objective of increasing annual agri-food exports to $75 billion by 2025. The government announced a $1.26 billion five-year Strategic Innovation Fund to attract and support new high-quality business investments, including for agri-food value added processors. The Canadian Agricultural Partnership, launched on April 1, 2018, includes a commitment to facilitate the maintenance and expansion of both domestic and international agricultural and agri-food markets, as well as to enhance the ability of the agriculture and agri-food sector to diversify market opportunities.
The final report of the Economic Strategy Tables was released on September 24, 2018, outlining sector-specific plans for economic growth, including for the agri-food sector, along with signature initiatives endorsed by all six Tables. The Fall Economic Statement, announced on November 21, 2018, reflects many of the Economic Strategy Tables' recommendations and proposes an additional $800 million over five years to the Strategic Innovation Fund, which will continue to be available to support innovative investments across the country in all economic sectors."
11/30/2018,127,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Develop a food policy that promotes healthy living and safe food.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,"Actions taken, progress made",A whole of government food policy that promotes Canadians' health and quality of life.,"In 2017, the government formally consulted with Canadians and stakeholders to support the development of *A Food Policy for Canada*. This policy is intended to identify a vision and plan to address challenges such as increasing access to safe and nutritious food; improving health and food safety; conserving the soil, water and air; and growing more high-quality food. A national Food Policy Summit was held in June 2017 and six regional roundtables were held in August and September 2017. An online survey was conducted, receiving 45,000 responses, and other grassroots engagements with Canadians were led by Members of Parliament, and stakeholder groups. The government issued a “What We Heard” report on the consultations on September 5, 2018. The consultations provided valuable insights into what matters to Canadians and stakeholders, including support for the development of a food policy that addresses food security, health, environmental protection, and growth of the agriculture and food industry. The feedback received from Canadians and stakeholders is informing the development of *A Food Policy for Canada*."
11/30/2018,128,15-Nov,Jobs and Innovation,Invest in agricultural research to support discovery science and innovation.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,"Actions taken, progress made","Advance research in agricultural genomics, digitize nearly six million specimens by 2022 and invest in discovery research in priority areas.","Starting in 2016, the government has been working to accelerate the DNA analysis, data capture and imaging of specimens from its biological collections, completing the digitization of nearly six million specimens. In addition, Budget 2017 announced $70 million to further support agricultural discovery science and innovation, with a focus on addressing emerging priorities such as climate change and soil and water conservation. Of this $70 million investment, $44 million is dedicated to hiring the next generation of federal research scientists and science professionals and equipping them with the state-of-the-art tools they need to advance agricultural research, including environmental sampling equipment and analytical instruments.
The government also launched a new Living Laboratories Initiative, which includes $10 million to support collaborative research projects with external partners. It is an integrated approach that brings farmers, scientists and other stakeholders together to co-develop, test and monitor new practices and technologies on farms. The result will be more practical technologies and sustainable farming practices that are adopted more quickly by Canadian farmers.
In the same spirit of collaboration, the remaining $16 million of the $70 million is earmarked to fund collaborative federal research projects focused on priority areas affecting the agriculture sector, such as environmental issues."
11/30/2018,129,15-Nov,Exports and Investment,Promote Canadian agricultural interests during trade negotiations.,Minister of International Trade Diversification;Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Achieve the target of $75 billion annually in agri-food exports, and create more middle class jobs and higher incomes for the many rural and urban Canadians employed in the agri-food sector.","The government has made agriculture and agri-food trade a priority in the trade expansion strategy. The Prime Minister and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, International Trade Diversification and Agriculture and Agri-Food have completed trade missions to Mexico, China, Japan, India, South Korea, the European Union and the United States promoting agri-food. The government signed and ratified the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which will improve market access for Canadian agriculture exports to key markets in the Asia-Pacific. The CPTPP will enter into force on December 30, 2018. The government also introduced the bill to modernize the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement (CIFTA) in Parliament on October 23, 2018, and on September 30, 2018, the government completed negotiations towards a Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), which was signed on November 30, 2018. The government has taken every effort to minimize the impact on the supply-managed sectors, but recognizes that the CUSMA may result in production declines in the short term for some producers. The government is committed to full and fair compensation for losses incurred as a result of the agreement. The government is implementing the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement that expands opportunities for Canadian agri-food products with 94% of EU agricultural tariff lines now duty free. Canada has also signed a memorandum of understanding with China on canola and negotiated new market access in China for Canadian beef and pork exporters. Canada will continue to work to resolve regulatory, quota and tariff issues with India to ensure long-term access to the Indian market for Canadian pulse exports (e.g., peas, chickpeas, beans and lentils). Canada and India have also committed to finalizing an arrangement on pulse fumigation requirements by the end of 2018.
The government will continue to strongly defend the interests of its agricultural industries, including supply management, with all trading partners, for example, with Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru in the negotiation of a Free Trade Agreement between Canada and the Pacific Alliance, with Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay in the negotiation of a Free Trade Agreement between Canada and MERCOSUR and with India in the negotiation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Canadian exports of agriculture, agri-food, fish and seafood to all countries in 2017 rose to $64.6 billion, a $2-billion increase from 2016 exports.
To better engage with international standard-setting bodies and support efforts to meet the government's goal of growing Canada's agri-food exports to $75 billion per year by 2025, the government proposes to invest an additional $25 million over the next five years to enhance federal capacity to increase its influence and investment in areas where Canadian agricultural producers may be restricted from selling goods in international markets."
11/30/2018,130,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Assess whether current farm income safety nets meet the needs of Canadian farmers.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,Completed - fully met,"Implement a new agricultural policy framework, with updated business risk management programs, to support an agricultural and agri-food sector that is strong, innovative and resilient.","The Government of Canada launched the Canadian Agricultural Partnership on April 1, 2018.
On November 24, 2017, the government announced the initiatives and priorities of the $1 billion federal investment under the $3 billion Canadian Agricultural Partnership, including the six federal programs: AgriMarketing, AgriCompetitiveness, AgriScience, AgriInnovate, AgriDiversity and AgriAssurance. Federal program details were announced on February 13, 2018 and application forms are now available.
The government has finalized bilateral negotiations with provinces and territories on the $2 billion in federal, provincial and territorial cost-shared initiatives, which will be announced as they become available. The Business Risk Management (BRM) Programs Review has been completed and the Review’s Expert Panel delivered its recommendations on the future direction of BRM to federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Agriculture at their annual conference in Vancouver in July 2018. FPT governments will work collaboratively on a path forward that addresses the Review’s recommendations to ensure BRM programs work as intended, including industry engagement throughout the process. Changes to BRM programs agreed upon under the CAP are in place for the 2018 Program Year."
11/30/2018,131,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Help the agriculture sector adjust to climate change and better address water and soil conservation issues.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,Completed - fully met,An agricultural food sector that succeeds in the face of a changing climate.,"In April 2018 the Government of Canada launched the Canadian Agricultural Partnership to support an agriculture and agri-food sector that is strong, innovative and resilient. The government finalized bilateral agreements with provinces and territories on the Partnership, including on environment and climate change programming. The government also supports innovation and on-farm action on soil, water and climate change through: the Agricultural Clean Technology Program; A Food Policy for Canada; Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Program; the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change; the Lake Erie Domestic Action Plan; and internationally through the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and the Global Soil Partnership of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Budget 2017 announced $70 million to support agricultural discovery science and innovation with a focus on addressing emerging priorities, including climate change and soil and water conservation. This investment will be used to hire and equip around 75 science professionals, support collaborative research, and launch a new Living Laboratories Initiative. The Living Laboratories Initiative brings together farmers, scientists and other stakeholders to co-develop, test and monitor new practices and technologies on farms."
11/30/2018,132,15-Nov,Safety and Security,Ensure that the Canadian Armed Forces have the equipment they need.,Minister of National Defence;Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","The Canadian Armed Forces receive the ships, fighter jets and other equipment that it needs over the next 20 years as planned for and funded in the new defence policy.","Canada's new defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—invests in the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces and delivers the standard of service and care that current and former members deserve. The government is investing to expand the Regular and Reserve Forces, build 15 new surface combatant ships, replace the current fighter jet fleet with 88 advanced fighter aircraft, and develop new space capabilities and global communications in the Arctic, among other key projects.
In accordance with Strong, Secure, Engaged, measures being pursued to improve defence and marine procurements include: enhancing governance and strategic oversight; streamlining processes and undertaking process transformation; leveraging defence and marine procurements to advance national economic priorities; improving communications; and growing and professionalizing the workforce."
11/30/2018,133,15-Nov,Safety and Security,"Maintain current National Defence spending levels, including current planned increases.",Minister of National Defence,"Actions taken, progress made",The Government will exceed previous funding levels.,"Under Strong, Secure, Engaged, the annual budget will grow, on a cash-basis, from $18.9 billion in 2017-18 to $32.7 billion in 2026-27. Funding is allocated to ensure that it is made available whenever the Department needs it. The Department of National Defence will access the funds through the usual parliamentary approval process."
11/30/2018,134,15-Nov,Safety and Security,Maintain Canada's strong commitment to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).,Minister of National Defence,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",North America is safe and secure and Canada remains a strong and responsible partner in NORAD.,"Canada is meeting its commitment to NORAD on an ongoing basis, focusing on four key areas: personnel, capabilities, infrastructure, and participation in key decision-making fora on the future of NORAD. The government is also expanding the Royal Canadian Air Force fighter jet fleet in order to properly fulfill its NORAD and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) commitments."
11/30/2018,135,15-Nov,Safety and Security,Conduct an open and transparent defence strategy review.,Minister of National Defence,Completed - fully met,Canada now has a new defence policy that was built on extensive input from Canadians and delivers the standard of service and care that current and former Canadian Armed Forces members deserve.,"On June 7, 2017, the Minister of National Defence launched Canada's new defence policy: Strong, Secure, Engaged. This followed extensive external consultations, including engagement with the Canadian public, Parliamentarians, defence experts, and allies and partners. The new policy will allocate realistic funding to projects that will keep the military running efficiently and effectively for years to come, and ensure Canada remains a trusted and capable ally. Through this plan, the government will build an even stronger military and, most importantly, deliver the standard of service and care that Canada's women and men in uniform deserve."
11/30/2018,136,15-Nov,Safety and Security,"Renew the focus on surveillance and control of Canadian territory, and approaches, particularly for our Arctic regions.",Minister of National Defence,"Actions taken, progress made","The Canadian Armed Forces has developed the necessary capabilities to expand its presence in Canada's air, maritime, land, space, and cyber domains to protect our sovereignty and keep Canadians safe.","As outlined in Strong, Secure, Engaged, the government will invest in new space capabilities; prioritize Arctic Joint Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance in defence research and innovation; and collaborate with select Arctic partners in order to increase surveillance and monitoring of the broader Arctic region.
The Department of National Defence is investing in surveillance solutions that will support Canada's ability to exercise sovereignty in the North (RADARSAT Constellation Mission and Polar Epsilon 2, Defence Enhanced Surveillance of Space Program, Enhanced Satellite Communications Project – Polar, and Tactical Narrow Band Satellite Communications).
In line with the SSE commitment to collaborate with the US on the development of new technologies to improve Arctic surveillance and control, including the renewal of the North Warning System, Canada will collaborate with the US on the Binational Northern Approaches Surveillance Analysis of Alternatives for an innovative technological solution to early warning.
The first of six Arctic and Offshore Patrol vessels will be at initial operating capacity in summer 2020 and the Canadian Army has begun the process to acquire tracked semi-amphibious vehicles optimized for use in the Arctic environment.
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11/30/2018,137,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that the Canadian Armed Forces are a workplace free from harassment and discrimination.,Minister of National Defence,"Actions taken, progress made","The Chief of Defence Staff and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) senior leaders continue to lead the full implementation of recommendations made by the Deschamps report and in Operation HONOUR, the Canadian Armed Forces mission to eliminate harmful and inappropriate sexual behaviour in the military. CAF members have access to a full range of victim and survivor services, and harassment complaints are dealt with in a timely manner.","The defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged— affirms that the Government of Canada will not tolerate gender-based violence or workplace harassment. The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) will continue to work on gender, diversity and inclusion initiatives to eliminate harmful behaviours and ensure a work environment free from harassment and discrimination. On January 31, 2018, DND and the CAF launched the Positive Space initiative to promote a safe and inclusive work environment for all employees regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
Defence is developing enhanced procedures and training packages to address harassment incidents. A new integrated conflict and complaint management program now provides the Defence Team accessible, responsive, and personalized services. This initiative fosters a trusted and healthy workplace, which attracts talent, enhances operational effectiveness, and supports retention. In November 2017, the Prime Minister issued an apology to LGBTQ2 (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and two spirit) Canadians for past discrimination, and in March 2018 the Government of Canada signed an Agreement in Principle with parties to the LGBT Purge Class Action lawsuit. In June 2018, the Federal Court approved a landmark Final Settlement Agreement (FSA) to the LGBT Purge Class Action that includes compensation and reconciliation measures for current and former members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and federal public servants, who experienced discrimination, threats, sanctions and termination due to their sexual orientation or identity between 1955 and 1996. The FSA also includes $15 million for Reconciliation and Memorialization Measures to prevent reoccurrence while also confirming the ongoing responsibility and determination to continue to address barriers and enhance diversity and inclusion. The CAF has established a Litigation Implementation Team to implement the DND/CAF requirements under the LGBT Purge Final Settlement Agreement for eligible former and current CAF members.
In order to eliminate sexual misconduct, the CAF is committed to utilizing external stakeholders and experts in the development of the Operation HONOUR strategic campaign plan and program development to drive sustained cultural change. In accordance with the November 2018 Auditor General’s report and recommendations on the CAF response to inappropriate sexual behaviour, the CAF will focus on enhanced victim support as well as improved training and education programs."
11/30/2018,139,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Repeal the recent changes made to the Employment Insurance (EI) system that have been punitive to unemployed workers.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Repealed the 2012 changes to Employment Insurance (EI) so that unemployed Canadians have better benefits and more opportunities for good quality jobs.,"In 2016, the Government of Canada reversed EI restrictions related to commute times and work type. Now, workers are no longer forced to accept lower-paying work that is far away from their homes. This change simplifies job search responsibilities, while maintaining the long-standing requirement to search for and accept available work."
11/30/2018,140,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Reduce Employment Insurance (EI) premiums.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,"Employment Insurance (EI) premium rates have been reduced and a new, transparent EI premium rate setting process has been established so that revenues and costs remain in line over the long-term.","The EI premium rate was lowered from $1.88 in 2016 to $1.63 in 2017. The premium rate has been announced and set at $1.66 for 2018, which reflects important new supports for Canadian families and changing economic conditions. For the first time, beginning with the 2017 premium rate, the Canada Employment Insurance Commission (EI Commission) assumed responsibility for setting the annual EI premium rate.
On September 13, 2018, the EI Commission announced that the 2019 EI premium rate will decrease to $1.62 per $100 of insurable earnings, reflecting strong economic conditions and projections, as well as additional new supports for Canadian families. This will be the lowest EI premium rate since 1980, and for most Canadian workers, the lowest they have paid since entering the workforce."
11/30/2018,141,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Improve the Employment Insurance (EI) system that currently leaves too many unemployed workers with no safety net.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development","Actions taken, progress made",Employment Insurance (EI) remains responsive over the long-term to the needs of workers and employers and reflects the diversity of needs across the country.,"In 2016, the government reduced the waiting period for EI and made benefits more flexible, easier to access and more generous for workers who need it. For example, the New Entrants and Re-Entrants provision has been eliminated—which set higher eligibility requirements for youth, newcomers and other workers new to the labour market—enabling over 50,000 more Canadians annually to qualify in the event of job loss. In addition, extra weeks of benefits were provided to regions most affected by the commodities downturn and job search responsibilities were simplified.
Over the last year, the government has heard from Parliamentarians, stakeholders and experts as to how to further modernize EI. In Budget 2018, the government introduced a permanent successor strategy to the current EI Working While on Claim pilot that expires in August 2018. In addition, Budget 2018 announced that Working While on Claim provisions will be extended to EI maternity and sickness benefits, so that workers can maintain their connection to the labour force during periods of temporary unemployment. In addition, Budget 2018 proposed to better assist workers in seasonal industries that experience a gap in income support before the start of the next season.
The government will continue to look for ways to better serve Canadians as they deal with important life events. "
11/30/2018,142,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,"Eliminate Employment Insurance (EI) discrimination against immigrants, younger workers and parents re-entering the workforce.","Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Canadian workers in the same economic region are now treated equally in the Employment Insurance (EI) system.,"In July 2016, the Government of Canada eliminated rules that limited access to EI for those new to the labour market or re-entering the labour market. Under the previous rules, workers who were entering the workforce or re-entering after being away for two years were required to have 910 hours of insurable employment, regardless of their actual work history prior to unemployment. Now, these workers are treated the same as other Canadians. This will help approximately 50,000 Canadians every year qualify for EI in the event of job loss, particularly immigrants, young workers and parents returning to the workforce."
11/30/2018,143,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Reduce the wait time for new Employment Insurance (EI) recipients from two weeks to one week.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Canadians are able to access Employment Insurance (EI) benefits more quickly.,"On January 1, 2017, the EI waiting period was reduced from two weeks to one week. With this measure, claimants are now eligible to receive benefits starting one week earlier. This helps approximately 1.8 million EI claimants each year pay their bills during a time of unemployment and provides higher benefits at the beginning of the claim period."
11/30/2018,144,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Improve Canadians' access to good quality job training.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made","Canada will have one of the most skilled, talented, creative and diverse workforces in the world, with more opportunities for all Canadians to get the education, skills, and work experience they need to participate fully in the workforce of today, as they—and their children—prepare for the jobs of tomorrow.","In Budget 2017, as part of the government's Innovation and Skills Plan, the Government of Canada announced several measures to help more Canadians get the education, skills and work experience they need to succeed today and prepare for the jobs of tomorrow.
In support of this, the Skills Boost initiative will introduce several measures for 2018-2019, including: increased eligibility for Canada Student Grants and Loans for part-time students as well as Canada Student Grants for students with dependents; and a three-year pilot project targeted to adult learners that will provide an additional $1,600 in grant support and allow flexibility to base Canada Student Grant eligibility on current year's income. The Skills Boost will also provide greater flexibility for Canadians on Employment Insurance (EI) to get new certificates or training without fear of losing their benefits.
The government has also expanded workers' access to skills training and job supports, and is improving access to opportunities for lifelong learning, and increasing work experience opportunities for young Canadians. Starting in 2017-2018, the government has significantly expanded federal investments being provided to provinces and territories over the next six years through the labour market transfer agreements, which include Labour Market Development Agreements and new Workforce Development Agreements. Agreements have been signed with most jurisdictions. Remaining negotiations are expected to be completed later this fiscal year."
11/30/2018,145,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Rationalize and expand the intergovernmental agreements that support skills training.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development","Actions taken, progress made",Agreements with provinces and territories that expand and support skills training for Canadians.,"To help more Canadians get the skills they need, the Government of Canada provided funding to temporarily boost existing labour market transfer agreements (Labour Market Development Agreements and Canada Job Fund Agreements) in 2016. Starting in 2017-2018, the government has significantly expanded federal investments that will be provided to provinces and territories over the next six years through the labour market transfer agreements, which include Labour Market Development Agreements and new Workforce Development Agreements. The government also amended the *Employment Insurance Act* to broaden eligibility for job training under the Labour Market Development Agreements. This change came into effect on April 1, 2018. Agreements have been signed with most jurisdictions. Remaining negotiations are expected to be completed later this fiscal year. Work continues with provinces and territories to develop more effective training programs and share best practices. In addition, in Budget 2018 the government announced that it will launch Future Skills this spring. Future Skills will bring together expertise from all sectors and leverage experience from partners across the country. It will also include an independent Council to advise on emerging skills and workforce trends, and a research lab focused on developing, testing and rigorously measuring new approaches to skills assessment and development."
11/30/2018,146,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Develop a framework to fund training facilities delivered in partnership with labour unions.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,Establish a program to support union-based training centres that provide Canadians with the skills that are needed by employers.,"The Government of Canada has consulted with labour, industry and other stakeholders. The new Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) was launched in July 2017. Projects have started and most are aimed specifically at increasing the participation and success of women in the trades and/or Indigenous Peoples."
11/30/2018,148,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,"Change the Repayment Assistance Plan so that graduates are required to repay only once they earn at least $25,000 per year.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,"Recent graduates earning less than $25,000 are able to delay repayment of their Canada Student Loans until they are more financially secure.","Effective November 2016, thresholds for the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) have been increased so that no borrower will have to repay their Canada Student Loan until they are earning at least $25,000 per year. Thanks to this change and efforts to increase awareness, an additional 29,000 Canadians will be able to delay payment (an increase of approximately 11%), and many more will have lower payments until they can afford to pay back their debts. "
11/30/2018,149,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Increase take up rates of Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) and Canada Learning Bonds by making registration easier.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made",Increased number of low and middle income families using Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) and receiving Canada Learning Bonds so that more Canadians get access to post-secondary education.,"In 2017, 142,778 children received the Canada Learning Bond (CLB) for the first time, bringing the total number of children who have ever received the CLB to over 1 million. In addition, 290,410 children received the Canada Education Savings Grants (CESG) for the first time, bringing the total number of children aged 0-17 who have ever received the CESG to 3.69 million.
The Government of Canada is exploring new and innovative approaches to increase awareness and take-up of the CLB.
Of note, a Call for Concepts was launched in November 2017. Proposals are being considered for funding under three themes:
• Support for Indigenous Peoples;
• Facilitated Access; and,
• Research and Innovation.
Successful applicants will be advised in the new calendar year. The findings from these projects will help inform additional efforts that the government could undertake to increase take-up of the CLB.
Budget 2017 announced amendments to the *Canada Education Savings Act* to make it easier to access the CLB and the additional amount of the CESG by allowing the cohabitating spouse or common-law partner of the primary caregiver to request the CLB and/or the additional amount of the CESG on behalf of an eligible child.
The Government of Canada collaborated with the Province of Ontario to integrate an “Education Savings Referral Service” into ServiceOntario’s online Newborn Registration Service, as announced in Budget 2018. As of March 2018, parents of newborns are able to request to be contacted by a participating RESP promoter of their choice to learn more about and start the process to open an RESP, and request the education savings incentives for an eligible child.
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11/30/2018,150,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,"Collaborate with provinces and territories on the Canada Student Loans Program, and compensate provinces and territories that do not participate in it.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,"Changes to the Canada Student Loans Program increase participation of low and middle income students, with accommodations for any province or territory that does not wish to participate.",Canada Student Loans Program (CSLP) funding is delivered in partnership with participating provinces and territories with costs being covered by the federal government. CSLP worked closely with provinces and territories to implement changes to the Program announced in Budgets 2016 and 2017. The Government of Canada is committed to respecting existing arrangements for compensation with the provinces or territories that do not participate.
11/30/2018,151,15-Nov,Indigenous peoples,Increase annual support to the Post-Secondary Student Support Program.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Indigenous Services","Actions taken, progress made","Indigenous students have greater access to financial support, boosting their post-secondary education participation and completion rates.","The Government of Canada has enhanced support for the Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP) for 2017-18 and 2018-19, which will help meet the financial needs of an additional 4,600 Indigenous students attending post-secondary education. This funding is an interim step while the government undertakes a review of federal support for Indigenous students pursuing a post-secondary education credential, in order to develop student-centered solutions to improve access and attainment. The Government of Canada is working with Indigenous partners and stakeholders to inform the review and the future approach.
Changes have been made to the PSSSP, and University and College Entrance Preparation Program reflecting early engagement with the Assembly of First Nations and consistent with Budget 2016 and Budget 2017 commitments. These changes improve program flexibility by:
• Increasing maximum amounts payable to individual students, to better respond to rising tuition costs;
• Expanding eligible expenditures to include transcript and application fees;
• Allowing students more time to complete their programs of study, by removing or adjusting limitations on duration of financial assistance; and
• Providing greater flexibility for students who wish to pursue more than one certificate or degree program.
To support Indigenous students in having greater access to financial support to boost their post-secondary education participation and completion rates, additional efforts have been undertaken. Starting in the 2017-18 academic year, Indigenous students are more likely to be eligible for support under the Canada Student Loans Program (CSLP) since funds they receive through PSSSP are no longer considered assets during their assessment. Learners who self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, including status and non-status Indians, Métis, or Inuit) are exempt from making a fixed student contribution. This exemption means that Indigenous students will be eligible for more grant and loan funding and will have access to the full suite of CSLP supports to help with the costs of PSE. Finally, Budget 2017 proposed amendments to the *Canada Student Financial Assistance Act* which came into force on August 1, 2018 so that, starting in the 2018-19 school year, students who are registered under the *Indian Act* but do not have Canadian citizenship can access the CSLP."
11/30/2018,152,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,"Increase the number of good quality, permanent jobs for younger workers.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Reduced youth unemployment, greater opportunities for work experience, and improved access to job supports for youth.","The government recognizes the importance of good quality jobs for younger workers. In Budgets 2016 and 2017, the government made significant incremental investments in the Youth Employment Strategy (YES). Thanks to these investments, the government will help more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop skills to find work or go back to school, create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians, and over 1,600 new youth job opportunities in the heritage sector. For instance, the number of jobs supported under Canada Summer Jobs increased from approximately 34,500 in 2015 to approximately 68,900 in 2017. Changes have also been made to Employment Insurance (EI) to remove the discriminatory New Entrants and Re-Entrants requirement, ensuring that young workers are treated fairly when they need to access job support through EI.
In Budget 2018, the government proposes to provide an additional $448.5 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, to the YES. This funding will support the continued doubling of the number of job placements funded under the Canada Summer Jobs program in 2019-20 and provide additional resources for a modernized YES in the following years.
The government is creating more opportunities for co-op and work integrated learning for students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and business programs through a new Student Work Placement (SWP) initiative. The SWP will create up to 10,000 new work placements for STEM and business students by 2021 in key sectors. To support Canada's National Cyber Security Strategy, Budget 2018 proposed additional funding of $8.3 million for the Student Work Placement initiative to support the creation of up to 1,000 new student work placements specifically in the cyber security sector. In April 2018, in the context of the G7, the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour also announced additional investments of $3 million over three years, to support the creation of up to 500 new student work placements in the artificial intelligence field, including targeted support for students in underrepresented groups, including women in STEM.
The Expert Panel on Youth Employment delivered a report in June 2017 outlining ways the Government of Canada can improve labour market outcomes for youth. These recommendations are currently being reviewed to determine possible areas for future action. A renewed YES will be announced over the course of the next year.
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11/30/2018,153,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Increase our investment in the Youth Employment Strategy and improve the strategy's impact.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made",Increased investment in the Youth Employment Strategy helps more youth succeed in the labour market.,"The government recognizes the importance of good quality jobs for younger workers. Thanks to incremental investments made in the Youth Employment Strategy (YES) in Budgets 2016 and 2017, the government will help more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop skills to find work or go back to school, create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians, and over 1,600 new youth job opportunities in the heritage sector. In Budget 2018, the government proposes to provide an additional $448.5 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, to the YES. This funding will support the continued doubling of the number of job placements funded under the Canada Summer Jobs program in 2019-20 and provide additional resources for a modernized YES in the following years.
The government is creating more opportunities for co-op and work integrated learning for students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and business programs through a new Student Work Placement SWP) initiative. The SWP will create up to 10,000 new work placements for STEM and business students by 2021 in key sectors. To support Canada's National Cyber Security Strategy, Budget 2018 proposed additional funding of $8.3 million for the Student Work Placement initiative to support the creation of up to 1,000 new student work placements specifically in the cyber security sector. In the context of the G7, the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour also recently announced additional investments of $3 million over three years, to support the creation of up to 500 new student work placements in the artificial intelligence field, including targeted support for students in underrepresented groups, including women in STEM.
The Expert Panel on Youth Employment was created to assess the barriers faced by vulnerable youth in finding and keeping jobs, and to examine innovative practices used by governments, nongovernmental organizations and employers both at home and abroad to improve job opportunities for vulnerable youth. The government is reviewing the Panel's 2017 report, outlining ways the Government of Canada can improve labour market outcomes for youth. These recommendations are currently being reviewed to determine possible areas for future action. A renewed YES will be announced over the course of the next year."
11/30/2018,154,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Develop or expand Pre-Apprenticeship Training Programs.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made",Increased pre-apprenticeship training and improved literacy and essential skills among incoming apprentices.,"Announced in Budget 2018, the new pre-apprenticeship program was launched with $6 million in 2018-19 and $10 million per year thereafter. The purpose is to encourage Canadians - particularly groups facing barriers such as women, Indigenous Peoples, newcomers, youth, and persons with disabilities - to explore the trades, gain work experience, make informed career choices and develop the skills needed to find and keep good, well-paying jobs in the trades.
Organizations, including colleges, Indigenous organizations, trade organizations, and industry, were asked to submit applications for the new pre-apprenticeship program and projects are starting."
11/30/2018,155,17-Feb,Strong Middle Class,Respond to the recommendations of the Expert Panel on Youth Employment.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made",The recommendations of the Expert Panel on Youth Employment will help inform future decisions on how best to help young Canadians succeed in the labour market.,"The government created an Expert Panel on Youth Employment to examine the key barriers faced by youth in obtaining employment, and the main challenges faced by employers in hiring youth. The Panel delivered its final report in June 2017, which included recommendations on how to best help young Canadians succeed in the labour market. The Panel's report will inform ongoing work on the renewal of the Youth Employment Strategy. Through Budget 2017, the government is investing an additional $395.5 million over three years, starting in 2017–18, for the Youth Employment Strategy. Combined with Budget 2016 measures, these investments will help more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop the skills they need to find work or go back to school; create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians; and provide over 1,600 new employment opportunities for youth in the heritage sector. Through Budget 2018, the government proposes to provide an additional $448.5 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, to the Youth Employment Strategy. This funding will support the continued doubling of the number of job placements funded under the Canada Summer Jobs program in 2019-20 and provide additional resources for a modernized Youth Employment Strategy in the following years, building on the input of the Expert Panel on Youth Employment. A renewed Youth Employment Strategy will be announced over the course of the next year."
11/30/2018,156,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Implement a modern Fair Wages Policy.,"Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made",Firms with contracts with the federal government pay their employees a fair wage.,The government has completed its policy research and analysis on fair wages policies and consultations with external stakeholders are underway. The government is now considering options for a modernized fair wages policy to be in place within the current mandate.
11/30/2018,157,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Amend the *Canada Labour Code* to allow workers to formally request flexible work arrangements.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,Federally regulated workers are now able to request flexible work arrangements.,"Budget 2017 aims to give federally regulated workers the right to request flexible work arrangements from their employer, such as flexible start and finish times and the ability to work from home. Changes will also provide federally regulated workers with new unpaid leave for family responsibilities, to participate in traditional Indigenous practices, and to seek care if they are victims of family violence. Changes will also make bereavement leave more flexible. Legislation to implement these changes was tabled in Parliament on October 27, 2017, as part of the *Budget Implementation Act, 2017, No. 2,* and received Royal Assent on December 14, 2017."
11/30/2018,158,15-Nov,Sustainable Infrastructure,Determine an appropriate apprenticeship target for federal infrastructure projects.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made",An appropriate apprenticeship target for federal infrastructure projects that leads to greater apprenticeship opportunities for Canadians.,"Significant engagement has been undertaken with Infrastructure Canada (INFC) and Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) to determine an appropriate target for apprentices to be employed as part of federal infrastructure projects. In the Integrated Bilateral Agreements (IBAs) with Provinces and Territories (P/Ts), INFC will be collecting data on the project hours worked by apprentices through the Community Employment Benefit (CEB) initiative. The CEB initiative requires P/Ts to report annually on progress against project-level targets, which includes an option for reporting on employment of apprentices for all major infrastructure projects (projects with total eligible costs over a threshold of $10M or $25M depending on the results of negotiations). The CEB is included in integrated Bilateral Agreements signed with all P/Ts.
"
11/30/2018,159,15-Nov,Jobs and Innovation,"Create more co-op placements for students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and business programs.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Science and Sport","Actions taken, progress made","More co-op and work-integrated learning placements for students enrolled in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and business programs, to help students gain the necessary experience for the jobs of today and tomorrow.","The government is creating more opportunities for co-op and work integrated learning for students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and business programs through multiple initiatives. The $73 million Student Work Placement initiative will create up to 10,000 placements by 2021. Expanded federal support of $221 million for Mitacs, a not-for-profit organization that builds partnerships between industry and educational institutions, will fund over 44,000 placements by 2021-22.
To support Canada's National Cyber Security Strategy, Budget 2018 included $8.3 million in additional funding for the Student Work Placement initiative to support the creation of up to 1,000 student work placements in the cyber security sector. In the context of the G7, the government also recently announced an additional investment of $3 million over three years to support the creation of up to 500 new student work placements in the artificial intelligence field, including targeted support for students in underrepresented groups, including women in STEM. Together, these initiatives will create close to 60,000 placements over five years. In addition, the government is investing in the PromoScience program, which will support STEM learning activities for youth."
11/30/2018,160,15-Nov,Exports and Investment,Maintain constructive relations and deepen trade and commerce with the United States.,Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Strong economic growth and well-paying, middle-class jobs on both sides of the border.","The government, in coordination with provinces and territories, continues to work with the United States (U.S.) administration, the U.S. Congress and officials at the state and local levels to grow Canada's economy, create well-paying middle class jobs, and address global challenges. Since January 2017, the Prime Minister, Cabinet ministers, parliamentary secretaries, premiers and provincial and territorial ministers have cumulatively undertaken over 495 visits to the U.S. and engagements in Canada and abroad with senior U.S. officials. In February 2017, Canada and the U.S. announced the creation of the Canada-United States Council for Advancement of Women Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders to promote the growth of women-owned enterprises and to further contribute to overall economic growth and competitiveness. The Council has released its fifth, and final, report on October 29, 2018, recommending actions to reduce barriers that limit women's participation in business. On September 30, 2018, the government completed negotiations toward a Canada-US-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), which was signed on November 30, 2018. Canada continues to advocate against protectionist policies to maintain an open market. In cases where the U.S. has imposed unfair duties, Canada is forcefully challenging such duties under international disputes settlement processes (e.g. steel and aluminum, softwood lumber, paper products), and has responded to U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum with dollar for dollar tariffs on certain U.S. goods. The government also regularly engages with the U.S. to respond to global security issues, such as by co-hosting the Foreign Ministers' Meeting on Security and Stability in the Korean Peninsula and participating alongside the U.S. in a multinational operation to enforce UN Security Council sanctions against North Korea. Canada and the U.S. are also responding to crises in Venezuela and Myanmar, including by coordinating sanctions against key officials in those countries responsible for human rights abuses, the deterioration of democracy, or acts of significant corruption."
11/30/2018,161,15-Nov,Exports and Investment,"Ensure border security and facilitate the movement of people, goods and services.",Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of Transport;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction,"Actions taken, progress made","The Canada-United States border is secure and facilitates the safe and efficient movement of people, goods and services.","In February 2017, the Prime Minister visited Washington, D.C., where Canada and the United States confirmed their commitment to working together on border security and efficiency. This joint effort includes preclearance and integrated cross-border law enforcement operations, full implementation of the Entry/Exit initiative, increased regulatory cooperation, and the expeditious construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge. In addition, both countries committed to establishing preclearance operations for cargo, accelerating the completion of preclearance for additional cities, and continuing to expand this program under the Land, Rail, Marine and Air Preclearance Agreement, once it is ratified. In December 2016, the United States preclearance legislation became law, a step forward for the new agreement with Canada. Canada's preclearance implementing legislation received Royal Assent in December 2017. The Entry/Exit implementing legislation completed Second Reading in the Senate and has been referred to the Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence (October 23, 2018). These two pieces of legislation are crucial to ensure security and facilitate movement at the border. Construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge is ongoing and it is expected to open by the end of 2024. This critical border connection will speed the flow of secure and legitimate trade between the two countries"
11/30/2018,162,15-Nov,Canada in the World,Prepare for the North American Leaders Summit in Canada.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Completed - fully met,"Canada hosted the North American Leaders’ Summit on June 29, 2016.","The leaders from the three countries discussed key priorities of creating jobs, strengthening communities and building a clean growth economy for North America. The leaders also took important steps to create a more integrated, sustainable and globally competitive North American economy."
11/30/2018,163,15-Nov,Canada in the World,"Ensure a close link between foreign, defence, development and trade policy.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made",Canadian interests and values are effectively pursued through an integrated and comprehensive international approach.,"The Ministers of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, International Development, and National Defence have been working closely together on the Defence Policy, the Feminist International Assistance Policy, the Sustainable Development Goals, Canada's multinational North Atlantic Treaty Organization battlegroup in Latvia. The government has put in place a whole-of-government approach to address the crisis in Iraq and Syria. In addition, the government has established the Peace and Stabilization Operations Program to provide a whole-of-government platform for preventing, mitigating and resolving violent conflict, crises and natural disasters abroad."
11/30/2018,164,15-Nov,Canada in the World,Expand Canadian diplomacy and leadership on global issues and in international institutions.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made",Canadian diplomatic activities advance Canadian interests and values abroad.,"Canada is active in multilateral fora and international institutions to pursue Canadian foreign policy interests and values. Canadian-led initiatives—such as supporting humanitarian access and monitoring in Syria, addressing the violation of human rights in Iran, supporting women's political participation and leadership, combatting violence against women and girls, supporting compliance with international law, and promoting respect for diversity and inclusion—secured widespread support in UN fora.
Canada is active in coordinating a hemispheric response to the crisis in Venezuela and hosted the third Ministerial meeting of the Lima Group in Toronto on October 26, 2017. In May 2018, Canada imposed a third round of targeted sanctions against top ranking Venezuelan government officials, bringing the total to 70.
Between February and August of 2018, Canada played a leading role at the Human Rights Council in an expert-led investigation to monitor the human rights situation in Yemen.
Canada hosted the UN Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial in Vancouver in November 2017, which resulted in a significant number of new funding pledges and advanced the global peacekeeping reform agenda. The government also played a major role in the NATO Warsaw Summit by making Canada the leading country supporting NATO's enhanced Forward Presence in Latvia.
This year, Canada has used its G7 presidency to advance a common agenda based on respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms, democracy and the rule of law. In April 2018, Canada hosted the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, where ministers agreed to coordinate actions with the goal of building a more peaceful and secure world and to concrete shared commitments on the implementation of international humanitarian law and the advancement of the women, peace and security. G7 security and foreign ministers also committed to addressing international cyber threats, defending democracy against foreign threats and managing foreign terrorist fighters and associated travellers. In June 2018, G7 Leaders issued the Joint Communiqué and the Charlevoix Commitments, which include, among others, a commitment to establish a Rapid Response Mechanism to strengthen coordination to identify and respond to emerging threats. In November 2018, Canada hosted the first meeting of G7 RRM focal points. All G7 members were represented, and the meeting successfully negotiated the Terms of Reference and information/response protocols for the mechanism.
Canada, in partnership with the EU, co-hosted a meeting of women foreign ministers in Montréal on September 21 and 22, 2018, to enhance dialogue and cooperation in support of democracy, human rights and global peace and security. The meeting also advanced discussions on gender equality and women’s empowerment, including women’s equitable inclusion at all levels of decision making.
On October 7, 2018, the member States and governments of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) adopted the Organisation’s first policy on transparency consolidation, which aims to increase the OIFs effectiveness in pursuing its objectives and to ensure that it accounts for the use of public funds. Canada was the first member State to request such a policy and actively contributed to its drafting. Canada will now monitor the OIF’s implementation of this policy. "
11/30/2018,166,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Make Canada a leader of international efforts to combat climate change.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",Canada meaningfully advances international solutions to climate change.,"Canada is leading efforts under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to implement a platform for the engagement of Indigenous peoples and to advance gender-responsive policy development and women's participation. Canada is also delivering on its five-year, $2.65 billion commitment to help developing countries achieve sustained emissions reductions and build resilience against the adverse effects of climate change. This includes providing support to Caribbean countries for disaster reconstruction and resilience and pursuing a focus on climate change adaptation. Climate change was regularly addressed in the themes of Canada’s G7 presidency. The G7 discussed the importance of the Paris Agreement and the goal of the transition to a low-carbon economy. At the G7 Summit in June 2018, leaders agreed to the Charlevoix Blueprint for Healthy Oceans, Seas and Resilient Coastal Communities, which promotes sustainable oceans and fisheries, commits to increase the availability and sharing of science and data and supports resilient coasts and coastal communities. Canada announced that it will invest $162 million to support these goals. Canada also announced: $100 million for the expansion of Climate Risk Insurance coverage in climate-vulnerable countries; $60 million in funding for Small Island Developing States for the expansion of and access to clean energy systems and infrastructure, to improve energy access for women and girls and provide training and employment for women in non-traditional, sustainable technology sectors; and, $2 million to support efforts by developing countries to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
In addition to advocating for the effective implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement, Canada is engaged in key initiatives aimed at enhancing global ambition on climate change and clean growth, such as Mission Innovation, the World Bank’s Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition, the Global Methane Initiative, and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition. Canada and the United States also issued a joint statement in February 2017 confirming both countries' commitment to collaborate on energy innovation. In September 2017, Canada co-hosted a Ministerial Meeting on Climate Action with China and the European Union to advance the global climate dialogue, and will continue to play a leadership role in this new forum in 2018. Canada also played a leadership role at the second Ministerial Meeting on Climate Action hosted in June 2018.
In November 2017, Canada hosted the 29th the Montreal Protocol Conference, where Parties agreed to adopt the Kigali Amendment to reduce hydrofluorocarbons, a powerful greenhouse gas. Canada's early ratification of the Amendment on November 3, 2017 helped it reach the number of ratifications required to come into force. In addition, Canada and the United Kingdom jointly announced the creation of the Powering Past Coal Alliance, which aims to accelerate the global phase-out of unabated coal-fired electricity. Canada was also an active participant in the Bonn Climate Conference in November hosted by Fiji and the One Planet Summit hosted by France in December. In December 2017, Canada and China released a Joint Leaders' Statement on Climate Change and Clean Growth and held the first Ministerial Dialogue on the Environment in Beijing. Canada continues to highlight the serious impacts of climate change on the North through its participation in the Arctic Council.
In order to meet these commitments and drive action here at home, the government is implementing the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change that was developed with the provinces and territories. This plan includes pricing carbon pollution and measures to reduce emissions across all sectors, as well as investments to drive innovation and ensure Canadian businesses are competitive in the global low-carbon economy.
In November 2018, at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting hosted by Papua New Guinea, the Prime Minister hosted a roundtable with Pacific Islands Forum leaders where he reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to fight climate change and help them adapt to the changing climate. The Prime Minister also announced $10 million to the Pacific Initiative for Biodiversity, Climate Change and Resilience that will assist the Pacific region to adapt to climate change, protect biodiversity, and improve ocean and fisheries health."
11/30/2018,167,15-Nov,Canada in the World,Accede to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).,Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made",Canada implements the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).,"Legislation to accede to the ATT and further strengthen Canada’s export control regime, including by providing greater transparency and accountability in public reporting, is being considered in the Senate. "
11/30/2018,168,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Increase the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) by 10%.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,"Nearly 900,000 low income, single seniors have greater financial security.","Starting in July 2016, the Government of Canada increased the Guaranteed Income Supplement by up to $947 per year for the most vulnerable single seniors. This has improved financial security for nearly 900,000 seniors—approximately 70% of whom are women—and lifted an estimated 13,000 people out of poverty."
11/30/2018,169,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Develop and implement a Poverty Reduction Strategy.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made",Fewer Canadians living in poverty.,"The Government of Canada released Opportunity for All – Canada’s First Poverty Reduction Strategy on August 21, 2018. The Strategy offers a bold vision for Canada as a world leader in the eradication of poverty, and is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of ending poverty. It establishes, for the first time in Canada’s history, an official measure of poverty: Canada's Official Poverty Line, based on the cost of a basket of goods and services that individuals and families require to meet their basic needs and achieve a modest standard of living in communities across the country.
Opportunity for All sets ambitious and concrete poverty reduction targets based on Canada’s Official Poverty Line: a 20% reduction in poverty by 2020 and a 50% reduction in poverty by 2030, which, relative to 2015 levels, will lead to the lowest poverty rate in Canada's history.
The Strategy brings together new investments of $22 billion that the government has made since 2015 to support the social and economic well-being of all Canadians, including through the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), and the Canada Workers’ Benefit (CWB). These actions will help lift about 650,000 Canadians out of poverty by 2019, with more expected as the impacts of these and other investments are realized in the years to come.
Through Opportunity for All, a National Advisory Council on Poverty is being put in place to advise the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development on poverty reduction and to publicly report annually on the progress being made on poverty reduction in Canada.
On November 6, 2018, Bill C-87, ""An Act respecting the reduction of poverty” was introduced and went through its first reading in the House of Commons. "
11/30/2018,170,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Create a housing strategy.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Infrastructure and Communities","Actions taken, progress made",Hundreds of thousands more Canadians have access to affordable housing.,"On November 22, 2017 the government announced a 10-year, $40 billion National Housing Strategy that will help reduce homelessness and improve the availability and quality of housing for Canadians in need. This Strategy is part of a long-term vision to strengthen the middle class and provide affordable housing to Canadians, and lift more Canadians out of poverty. The strategy sets clear goals to remove 530,000 Canadians from housing need and reduce chronic homelessness. The Strategy – funded through new and existing programs – follows a human rights-based approach, and includes a National Housing Co-Investment Fund, community housing initiatives, and the Canada Housing Benefit.
On April 9, federal, provincial and territorial Ministers responsible for housing met to endorse a multilateral Housing Partnership Framework (except Québec), setting the foundation for federal, provincial and territorial governments to work together toward achieving a long-term shared vision for housing. As part of the Partnership, Ministers responsible for housing agreed that governments will achieve better housing outcomes by sharing data and information that will make program development and delivery more effective, collaborating with diverse stakeholders and aligning housing policies and planning with other sectors to create effective housing solutions and vibrant communities. Provinces and territories will be invited to participate in federal programs designed to increase affordable housing supply, such as the National Housing Co-Investment Fund, by supporting decision-making and co-investing."
11/30/2018,171,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Implement the middle class tax cut.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,The Government reduced the 22 percent federal personal income tax rate to 20.5 per cent to benefit millions of middle class Canadians.,"The middle class tax cut was announced on December 7, 2015, and came into effect as of January 1, 2016. Nearly nine million Canadians benefit from this tax cut. Single Canadians who benefit are saving an average of $330 each year and couples who benefit are saving an average of $540 each year."
11/30/2018,172,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Cut taxes for small businesses.,Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion,"Actions taken, progress made",Lower tax rates for small businesses.,"The government is working to build a fairer and more efficient tax system that benefits all Canadians. As one of its first actions, the government raised taxes on the wealthiest one per cent in order to cut taxes for the middle class.
As announced in October 2017, the government is reducing taxes for small businesses so they can invest in new equipment, grow and create jobs. The small business tax rate was reduced to 10% from 10.5%, effective January 1, 2018 and will be reduced further to 9%, effective January 1, 2019. This will help small businesses keep up to $7,500 of their hard earned money which they can use to grow and reinvest."
11/30/2018,173,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,"Cancel income splitting, while retaining income splitting of pensions for seniors.",Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"Cancelled income splitting for couples with children under 18, allowing for an increase in child benefits.","As the Canada Child Benefit was introduced, Budget 2016 eliminated income splitting for couples with children under 18. Pension income splitting was not affected by this change."
11/30/2018,174,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Enhance the Canada Pension Plan to provide more income security to retired Canadians.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"When fully mature, maximum Canada Pension Plan (CPP) benefits will increase by as much as 50 per cent, helping more Canadians achieve their goal of a strong, stable and secure retirement.","Canada’s Ministers of Finance reached a historic agreement on June 20, 2016, to enhance the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). In March 2017, all necessary legislative requirements were met by Canada's nine CPP participating provinces to implement the agreed-upon enhancements. Canada's Finance Ministers also agreed to further improvements in December 2017 to increase benefits for parents of young children and persons with disabilities. These CPP enhancements, which will begin in January 2019, will help provide a secure and stable retirement for more Canadians."
11/30/2018,175,15-Nov,Sustainable Infrastructure,Create the Canada Infrastructure Bank.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"The Infrastructure Bank was created to produce large, transformative infrastructure projects that create good, well-paying middle-class jobs and support economic growth and prosperity for years to come.","In June 2017, the government passed legislation to create the Canada Infrastructure Bank, a Crown corporation at arm’s-length from government that leverages the expertise and capital of the private sector.
The Bank will support the transformational infrastructure that Canadian communities need now. It will make strategic investments with a focus on projects like green infrastructure, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and public transit, so Canadians can spend less time in traffic and more time with family and friends.
The Bank is now operational, with its headquarters in Toronto. A Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer has been appointed, effective June 1, 2018. Following an open, transparent, and merit-based selection process supported by the board of directors for the Canada Infrastructure Bank and an executive search firm, the search for a Chief Executive Officer has concluded. On May 24, 2018, Pierre Lavallée was appointed as the President and CEO of the Infrastructure Bank, effective June 18, 2018."
11/30/2018,177,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Develop proposals to limit Exploration Expenses tax deduction to unsuccessful projects.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,Successful exploration expenses incurred to develop discovery wells no longer benefit from favorable tax treatment.,"Budget 2017 announced changes that will ensure the costs of drilling discovery wells are deducted gradually over time as development expenses, rather than deducted immediately as exploration expenses. With these changes, Canadian exploration expense treatment will effectively be limited to unsuccessful exploration or cases where the linkage to success cannot reasonably be determined in the year the activity takes place."
11/30/2018,178,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Restore the tax credit for labour-sponsored funds.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"Canadian companies have greater access to venture capital, with the support of labour unions.","To help Canadian companies grow, the Government of Canada restored the Labour-Sponsored Venture Capital Corporations (LSVCC) Tax Credit to 15% for share purchases of provincially-registered LSVCCs for 2016 and subsequent tax years."
11/30/2018,179,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Introduce a tax benefit to help teachers and early childhood educators with the cost of school supplies.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,Teachers and Early Childhood Educators are able to buy necessary supplies to help kids learn.,"The Government of Canada introduced a new, refundable Teacher and Early Childhood Educator School Supply Tax Credit for the 2016 and subsequent tax years, which will provide a benefit to teachers and early education educators to help cover the cost of school supplies."
11/30/2018,180,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Enhance the Northern Residents Deduction to help with the high cost of living.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"Increased the Northern Residents Deduction to help approximately 225,000 Canadians with the high cost of living in northern and isolated communities.","Effective January 1, 2016, the Government of Canada increased the maximum daily residency deduction from $16.50 to $22 for residents in the Northern Zone and from $8.25 to $11 per day for residents in the Intermediate Zone. This measure is anticipated to put about $260 million back in the pockets of Canadians in northern and isolated communities over the 2015-16 to 2020-21 period and help these Canadians get the support they need."
11/30/2018,181,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Repeal the *Federal Balanced Budget Act*.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,The Act has been repealed.,"Parliament repealed this Act, effective June 22, 2016."
11/30/2018,182,15-Nov,Exports and Investment,Sign and ratify the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).,Minister of International Trade Diversification,Completed - fully met,"The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) has entered into force, creating jobs for Canadians across the country, giving consumers more choice, and increasing Canadian businesses' access to new customers.","Provisional application of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) took effect in September 2017 and all economically significant parts are now in force, e.g. tariff elimination on 98 per cent of European Union (EU) tariff lines for Canadian goods, increased quotas, services commitments, temporary entry commitments, and government procurement obligations. The government has announced programs to help dairy farmers and processors adjust to increased EU cheese access under CETA. The government is also working with the Atlantic provinces to support Canada's seafood sector in capitalizing on new opportunities in the European market. With CETA's provisional entry into force, Canadian exporters now enjoy improved access to more than 40 countries with nearly 1.2 billion of the world’s wealthiest consumers. The Parliamentary Budget Officer has estimated that CETA implementation could raise Canada's potential real gross domestic product by 0.4 percentage points. For the Agreement to come fully into force, all 28 EU Member States must ratify CETA in their national parliaments. To date, 12 Member States have ratified the Agreement. "
11/30/2018,183,15-Nov,Exports and Investment,Negotiate and sign modernized agreements with Israel and Chile.,Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made",Canada has negotiated and signed modernized free trade agreements in force with Israel and Chile.,"In May 2018, Canada and Israel signed the modernized Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement (CIFTA). Both countries are now undertaking their domestic ratification processes to bring the modernized Agreement info force. For Canada's part, the first step was the tabling of the treaty in Parliament June 20, 2018. The 21-day tabling period ended on October 22, 2018 and the bill to modernize CIFTA was introduced in Parliament on October 23, 2018. The modernized CIFTA includes new inclusive elements, such as a trade and gender chapter, a small and medium-sized enterprises chapter and a broader article on corporate social responsibility. It also includes further tariff reductions and eliminations for agricultural and agri-food products. In June 2017, Canada and Chile signed Amending Agreements to modernize the Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement. The modernized Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement includes a chapter dedicated to trade and gender—a first for Canada or any G20 nation. The updated agreement will also provide better mechanisms to address technical barriers to trade; add new progressive elements to the existing investment chapter, and amend the existing government procurement chapter. The Canadian government notified Chile of ratification by Parliament on December 12, 2017. Chile is expected to ratify soon."
11/30/2018,184,15-Nov,Exports and Investment,Establish the Invest in Canada Agency.,Minister of International Trade Diversification,Completed - fully met,"Canada is positioned to attract more global investment, creating well-paying, middle-class jobs by making it simpler and faster for businesses to invest in Canada.","Parliament passed legislation in the spring of 2017 to establish the Invest in Canada Agency, which will help bring together all levels of government to provide seamless service to help global investors navigate Canada’s investment landscape. Increased foreign investment in Canada connects Canadian industries to global value chains and facilitates the transfer of knowledge and technology, increasing competitiveness, stimulating innovation, and promoting the prosperity of Canadians. As part of this initiative, the government is also increasing the number of investment-focused trade commissioners across key global markets. The Invest in Canada Agency was officially launched on March 12, 2018 and will become increasingly operational over the coming months. The Chair of the Board of Directors along with 8 board members and CEO have been appointed. "
11/30/2018,186,15-Nov,Exports and Investment,"Promote trade and investment with emerging markets with a particular focus on the Asia-Pacific region, including China and India.",Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Two-way trade and investment with China, India and other emerging economies, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, is increased, creating good, middle class jobs, expanding opportunities for Canadian exports, and increasing access to goods for Canadian consumers.","The government continues to engage China on expanding bilateral trade and investment while working to implement the trade and investment commitments that were made by the Prime Minister and the Premier of China in 2016 and 2017. The government is engaged in exploratory discussions for a possible Free Trade Agreement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The government is also working with India to intensify negotiations on a Canada-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA). Canada will continue to work to resolve regulatory and tariff issues with India to ensure Canadian pulse exports (e.g., peas, chickpeas, beans and lentils) continue to enter India unimpeded. During his February 2018 visit to India, the Prime Minister announced foreign direct investment commitments that will lead to the creation of more than 5,800 jobs in Canada. In addition, Canadian and Indian companies signed 66 new commercial contracts and agreements worth more than $1 billion. Since October 2015, six FIPAs with emerging markets in Sub-Saharan Africa have also come into force. In addition, the Canada-Hong Kong FIPA came into force in September 2016, and the Canada-Mongolia FIPA came into force in February 2017. Preliminary discussions are in the works regarding additional possible measures to enhance Canada-Hong Kong commercial relationship. The government signed and ratified the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which will enter into force on December 30, 2018. Canada is also undertaking negotiations for a free trade agreement between Canada and the Pacific Alliance, and between Canada and Mercosur. Since it was launched, CanExport has provided financial support to about 1,000 Small and Medium Enterprise-led projects aimed at diversifying export markets, in a variety of sectors, and reaching over 75 different markets around the world. To date, for every hundred supported projects, participating firms have reported on average some 85 export successes at the time of project completion, for a collective impact of almost $95 million in exports to new markets. To support Canadian firms and increase exports to new markets, the government is implementing provisions from Budget 2018 that provide up to $75 million to build a stronger diplomatic presence and Trade Commissioner Service salesforce in China and Asia, as well as other initiatives to open market opportunities in the region."
11/30/2018,187,15-Nov,Exports and Investment,Improve support to companies looking to export and help communities looking to attract investments.,Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made","Double the number of high-growth firms in Canada by 2025; increase Canada's goods and services exports—from natural resources, advanced manufacturing, agri-food and others—by 30 per cent by 2025; increase global investment in Canada; and create more well-paying, middle-class jobs for Canadians.","The government is encouraging global investment and promoting Canada through the creation of the Invest in Canada Agency and through the addition of 20 new investment-focused trade commissioners to the Trade Commissioner Service, with an additional five in the next year. The government has successfully completed the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. The government also recently signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) with 10 countries in the Pacific region and launched negotiations toward a comprehensive free trade agreement between the Mercosur member states and Canada. Canada is currently negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Pacific Alliance, which will upgrade its association with this trading bloc made up of Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru. The latest round took place in May 2018. Since January 2016, CanExport has provided financial support to 1,264 Small and Medium Enterprise-led projects aimed at diversifying export markets, in a variety of sectors, and reaching over 90 different markets around the world. To date, for every hundred supported projects, participating firms have reported on average some 92 export successes at the time of project completion, for a collective impact of over $375 million in exports to new markets. In 2018, the Invest Canada-Community Initiatives (ICCI) program, which provides support to communities to improve their capacity to attract, retain and expand foreign direct investment, allocated $3.5 million to 240 projects from 88 communities to attract job-creating investment. The application process for 2019 ICCI projects closed on October 17, 2018: a total of 97 applicants submitted proposals for over $8.5 million to be adjudicated against a total budget of $4.25 million. Budget 2017 announced $950 million to superclusters in highly innovative industries, and in February 2018, in cooperation with the private sector and academic partners, the government announced the creation of five superclusters (Digital Technology; Protein Industries; Advanced Manufacturing; Artificial Intelligence; and Ocean) that will create great new opportunities for Canadian companies to innovate, scale up and export. To support Canadian firms and increase exports to new markets, Budget 2018 provides up to $75 million to build a stronger diplomatic presence and Trade Commissioner Service salesforce in China and Asia, as well as other initiatives to open market opportunities in the region."
11/30/2018,188,15-Nov,Exports and Investment,Reduce administrative burden for investors and companies associated with international trade.,Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made","Canadian businesses export and trade with international partners more easily and with less of an administrative burden, and international investors benefit from faster, clearer and more efficient engagement with government programs.","The Invest in Canada Agency, launched on March 12, 2018, will increase cooperation between provinces, territories and municipalities to bolster trade promotion by providing companies with a one-stop-shop for investment in Canada thereby reducing complexity and administrative burden for investors. The new Global Skills Strategy, launched in June 2017, will make it easier for companies that are making large investments in Canada to bring in highly skilled global talent, while supporting well-paying, middle-class jobs for Canadians. Canadian companies will have access to an expedited review process lasting no more than a combined 20 business days from end to end, including reviews conducted by Employment and Social Development Canada and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Canada has worked closely with the United States, as part of the Canada-US Regulatory Cooperation Council to facilitate greater alignment of regulatory systems where appropriate. Furthermore, to help Canadian firms unlock growth opportunities through exports, the Trade Commissioner Service will undergo transformative enhancements in the coming year to simplify the client experience, modernize tools, and offer innovative services."
11/30/2018,189,15-Nov,Indigenous peoples,"Improve essential infrastructure for Indigenous communities, including improving housing.",Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Indigenous Services,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges","Infrastructure on reserves is improved, schools on reserve are newer and in better condition; language and cultural knowledge is strengthened; more First Nations children graduate from high school and go on to post-secondary education; elimination of long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve by 2021; enhanced access to affordable housing for First Nations on-reserve, and to Inuit and the Métis Nation.","In Budget 2016, the Government of Canada made an investment of $4.28 billion over five years to support infrastructure development in First Nations communities on reserves to improve their population's quality of life. Budget 2017 built on this momentum, with new, additional investments of $4 billion over ten years starting in 2018-2019 to build and improve housing, and other community infrastructure in First Nation and Inuit communities. As of September 30, 2018, and since the Budget 2016 announcement, close to$2.47 billion of targeted funds have been invested towards 3,565 on-reserve community infrastructure projects , 2,061,of which are complete. These investments are building and improving water treatment systems, housing, schools, health facilities and other essential community infrastructure, which includes cultural and recreational facilities, energy, sustainability and connectivity infrastructure, fundamental community infrastructure (including roads and bridges, structural mitigation against natural disasters, fire protection), as well as waste management on reserves. Some key results include:
**Education**: The government is improving primary and secondary education on reserve by building and renovating school facilities thereby supporting the enhancement of the quality of language and cultural programs; and empowering communities to establish First Nations' planned and led education systems. As of September 30, 2018, and since April 2016, more than $318 million of targeted funding has been invested since 2016-2017 to support 173 school-related projects. This includes 70 new schools (14 of which are completed), 87 renovations and upgrades (27 of which are completed), and 16 feasibility studies and supporting projects.
**Water and Wastewater**: In Budget 2016, the government announced significant new funding to end long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserves by 2021. As of September 30, 2018, and since the Budget 2016 announcement, more than $867 million of targeted funding has been invested to support 490 projects in 581 First Nations communities to strengthen on-reserve water infrastructure. On January 23, 2018, the government added close to 250 drinking water systems to the total number covered by the federal government’s commitment to ensure clean drinking water on public systems on reserves. Taking this expansion into account, as of December 14, 2018, there are currently only 65 long-term drinking water advisories in effect has declined, down from 105 in November 2015. Since November 2015, a total of 76 long-term drinking water advisories have been lifted, while 36 have been added.
**Housing**: The Government of Canada is improving on-reserve housing conditions while engaging with First Nations and other partners to co-develop an effective long term strategy. As of September 30, 2018, and since the Budget 2016 announcement, Indigenous Services Canada has invested $504.3 million of targeted funds, resulting in 6,336 housing units and lots under construction, renovation/retrofit, or being serviced or acquired. As a result of the combined investments between the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and Indigenous Services Canada, the government is currently building and renovating/retrofitting 15,050 housing units and lots, of which 69% (10,391) have been completed. With respect to Inuit housing, 193 housing units are expected to be built/renovated in 2016-2017 and 2017-2018.
**Health**: As of September, 2018, investments have been made in more than 213 First Nations infrastructure projects to design, replace, expand, or renovate health facilities; currently, 171 (80%) of these projects are complete.
**Other Essential Infrastructure**: Other essential infrastructure includes cultural and recreational facilities on reserves; energy, sustainability and connectivity infrastructure (including roads and bridges, structural mitigation against natural disasters and fire protection); as well as solid waste management on reserves. To support other essential infrastructure on reserves, the Government of Canada is investing $1.32 billion until 2027-2028. Since Budget 2016, and as of September 30, 2018, $544.1 million of targeted funds has been invested to support 1,265 essential infrastructure projects, 722 of which have been completed. 642 out of the 1,265 projects, representing $112.5 million of targeted funds support solid waste management projects on reserves across Canada through the First nations Solid Wasted Management Initiative. So far, 362 of the 642 projects have been completed.
Budget 2017 provided $49.1 million over three years for clean and safe drinking water on reserve. Budget 2018 builds on prior investments and reaffirms the government's commitment by proposing to provide an additional $172.6 million over three years, beginning in 2018-19, to improve access to clean and safe drinking water on reserve.
Indigenous leaders have told the government that when it comes to housing in First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation communities, the best approach is one that respects the distinct needs of each Indigenous group. Through investments made in Budget 2017 and Budget 2018, the government proposes dedicated funding to support the successful implementation of each of the distinctions-based housing strategies, including:
•$600 million over three years to support housing on reserve as part of a 10-year First Nations Housing Strategy that is being co-developed with First Nations.
•$400 million over 10 years to support an Inuit-led housing plan in the Inuit regions of Nunavik, Nunatsiavut and Inuvialuit Settlement Region. This is in addition to the $240 million over 10 years announced in Budget 2017 to support housing in Nunavut.
•$500 million over 10 years to support the Métis Nation’s housing strategy.
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11/30/2018,190,15-Nov,Indigenous peoples,Implement the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges",All Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action are implemented.,"The Truth and Reconciliation Commission identified 94 Calls to Action, 76 of which fall under federal or shared responsibility with other partners, implicating 25 federal departments or agencies. Progress has been made on implementing over 80 per cent of the Calls to Action under federal or shared purview. Five Calls to Action are fully implemented, 43 are well underway and 28 others are in early planning stages. Of the 76 Calls to Action under federal or federal-shared responsibility, we expect 28 Calls to Action to be fully implemented by next year.
Important progress has already been made and will lead to greater and more equitable access to quality education, health care, clean water, housing and employment services for Indigenous peoples. This includes the announcement in May 2016 of Canada’s unequivocal support to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples, which directly relates to Calls to Action number 43 and 44. The Calls to Action are extensive and some require longer-term, transformative change. Many involve multiple parties and require significant consultation and coordination. Taking into account the scope of the task and the wide range of partners involved, it will take time to ensure it is done right, with careful consideration of how best to support ongoing healing. The Government of Canada is also working with other jurisdictions and partners to advance implementation of those 18 Calls to Action outside of the federal purview. The establishment of the National Council for Reconciliation (Calls to Action 53-56) will support ongoing efforts to advance and fully implement the Calls to Action. To this end, on December 14, 2017, the Government of Canada announced the creation of a six member interim board that will provide advice on the establishment of the Council, the scope and scale of its proposed mandate, and will undertake independent engagement. The Interim Board submitted its interim report on May 14, 2018 and their final report on June 12, 2018. The government is examining proposed next steps in response to the report."
11/30/2018,191,15-Nov,Indigenous peoples,Undertake a review of laws and policies to ensure the Crown is fulfilling its obligations and commitments to the recognition and implementation of Indigenous peoples' rights.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations;Minister of Indigenous Services,"Actions taken, progress made","Canada's laws and policies reflect the Government's commitment to advancing a nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown and government-to-government relationship with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation, respectively.","On August 28, 2018, the Prime Minister announced changes to the structure and mandate of Cabinet committees to make them more efficient and responsive to the needs of Canadians, and to reflect recent changes to the Department. Among these changes, a new Cabinet Committee on Reconciliation has been formed to strengthen the relationship with Indigenous peoples and advance the commitment to a renewed nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relationship with First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership. This committee will build on the work previously undertaken by the Working Group of Ministers on the Review of Laws and Policies Related to Indigenous Peoples.
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11/30/2018,192,15-Nov,Indigenous peoples,Invest in First Nations education to ensure that First Nations children on reserve receive a quality education.,Minister of Indigenous Services,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges",Literacy and numeracy rates are improved; language and cultural knowledge is strengthened; and more First Nations children graduate from high school and go on to post-secondary education.,"The Government of Canada committed a $2.6 billion increase for First Nations K-12 education and an additional $1.47 billion for education infrastructure. These investments will improve primary and secondary education on reserve by building and renovating school facilities; enhancing the quality of language and cultural programs; increasing special education support; and empowering communities to establish education systems planned and led by First Nations.
Based on the policy proposal for transforming the Government of Canada’s support for First Nations elementary and secondary education that was co-developed with First Nations, a new policy framework for First Nation elementary and secondary education has been established. Beginning in 2019-20, ISC will begin implementing a series of new formula-based regional funding models for elementary and secondary education to ensure that students attending First Nations schools are supported by predictable base funding that is more directly comparable to what students enrolled in provincial education systems receive. After signing an agreement with the Government of Canada, the Manitoba First Nations School System officially began operating in July 2017. As of September 2017, students in this school system began receiving education programs that are designed, delivered and run by First Nations with funding that is comparable to provincial school boards with enhancements that meets their specific needs. As of April 1, 2018, 23 Anishinabek Nation First Nations are self-governing in the area of education. This education self-governing agreement is the first of its kind in Ontario and the largest in Canada. The government and the Maskwacîs Education Schools Commission signed an agreement in spring 2018 to establish the Maskwacîs Cree School System, which will begin operations on July 1, 2018. The government is engaged in discussions to establish similar initiatives in other regions of the country. Finally, as noted by the Parliamentary Budget Officer in November 2016, the government's investments in education will, over the next several years, help fill critical and long-standing gaps in how on-reserve schools are funded compared to those under provincial jurisdiction. These investments will ensure that First Nations children get the best possible start in life and see an improvement in educational outcomes.
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11/30/2018,193,15-Nov,Sustainable Infrastructure,Implement an Infrastructure Strategy that improves public transit.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Transport,Completed - fully met,Canadians spend less time in traffic and have greater access to modern public transit.,"Through Budgets 2016 and 2017, the government has committed $28.7 billion to public transit projects over the next 10 years.
Over 1,188 public transit projects have been approved to date under the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund that will expand transit systems across the country and transform the way Canadians live, move, and work by spending less time in traffic. In order to provide Canadians with greater access to inclusive public transit, this fund has contributed to 3,257 new buses and rehabilitated or enhanced 3,742 others.
Larger projects to improve access to public transit are expected to reduce congestion, improve mobility and safety, and provide economic benefits while reducing harmful emissions. These projects include:
• The Regional Express Rail project in the Greater Toronto Area which will save 1.8 billion hours of commuter travel time and $14.7 billion in automobile operating savings over the lifetime of the project;
• Calgary’s Green Line Light Rail Transit route, a project that will provide 400 long-term jobs and improve interconnectivity between hospitals, employment hubs, and community centres; and,
• Stage 2 (OLRT2) of the Ottawa Light Rail Transit project will contribute to increasing overall public transit modal share from 22% in 2011 to 25% by 2048 and produce environmental benefits that will ultimately reduce overall incremental greenhouse gas emissions by 115,000 tonnes in the same time period."
11/30/2018,194,15-Nov,Sustainable Infrastructure,Implement an Infrastructure Strategy that improves social infrastructure.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism;Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made","More Canadians with access to affordable housing, child care, cultural and recreational infrastructure.","In Budgets 2016 and 2017, the government made significant and long-term investments in social infrastructure across Canada.
As of March 31, 2018, over 5,700 projects to retrofit or renovate social housing have been approved, helping improve energy and water efficiency in more than 109,000 existing social housing units off and on reserve.
The National Housing Strategy re-establishes the federal government as a leader in the area of affordable housing. Working in collaboration with provinces, territories and local communities, the Strategy leverages significant new capacity to build, repair and make housing more affordable across the country. As part of the Strategy, the new National Housing Co-investment Fund will include accessibility and energy efficiency requirements, and prioritize projects that have the greatest impact on communities and vulnerable populations, including women and children fleeing domestic violence, persons with disabilities, veterans, refugees, seniors, Indigenous peoples and persons with mental health and/or addictions issues. It is anticipated that the National Housing Strategy will reduce or eliminate housing need for 530,000 households.
The investment of incremental resources in the Enabling Accessibility Fund will support an estimated 1,970 additional projects to further improve the safety and accessibility of community spaces and workplaces, making it possible for Canadians with disabilities to participate more fully in their communities and in the labour market.
The government is also creating affordable, high-quality child care spaces for low- and modest-income families, with the goal of supporting up to 40,000 new subsidized child care spaces over the next three years. In addition, the government has co-developed a distinct Indigenous Framework on Early Learning and Child Care with Indigenous partners to reflect the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children across Canada.
As part of the government’s Investing in Canada Plan, Budget 2016 proposed an additional investment of $168.2 million dollars over two years in the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, including $164.8 million in grants and contributions. Out of this amount, $164.3 million has been spent over the last two fiscal years to support the improvement, renovation and construction of arts and heritage facilities, and the acquisition of specialized equipment under the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund. Budget 2017 announced further investments in cultural infrastructure in the amount of $300 million, which will be made over 10 years starting in 2018-19 through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund to further support cultural spaces and creative hubs.
The government will also invest $80 million over 10 years starting in 2018-19 to support the construction of community educational infrastructure in official language minority communities through the Development of Official Language Communities program at Canadian Heritage. The government will provide $1.3 billion in funding for cultural, recreational and community infrastructure to provinces and territories through bilateral agreements negotiated by Infrastructure Canada.
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11/30/2018,195,15-Nov,Sustainable Infrastructure,Implement an Infrastructure Strategy that improves green infrastructure.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Transport;Minister of Environment and Climate Change,"Actions taken, progress made","More infrastructure in place to ensure access to clean water, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and increased resilience against the impacts of climate change.","Through Budget 2016 and 2017, the Government of Canada is investing $26.9 billion in Green infrastructure over 12 years, including projects to improve access to clean water, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase resilience against the impacts of climate change.
To ensure that investments are made towards more resilient, sustainable communities, Infrastructure Canada has adopted a Climate Lens as a requirement for funding under its new programs. The Climate Lens will help applicants to better understand how their projects will contribute to or reduce carbon pollution, and to consider climate change risks.
Significant investments towards clean water have been made across Canada. For example, the government has invested over $1 billion in 772 drinking water systems as well as $830 million in 655 wastewater systems. In Budget 2016, the government announced significant new funding to end long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserves by 2021. With the aim of ending long-term drinking water advisories on reserves by 2021, the government has invested $776 million to fund 468 projects that will significantly strengthen the infrastructure of on-reserve public drinking water systems. As of October 1, 2018 there were 69 advisories in effect.
Through the Canada Infrastructure Bank, at least $5 billion will be available for green infrastructure projects. As well, national “green” programs, totaling $2.8 billion, will be provided to address a number of priorities identified in the Pan-Canadian Framework. This includes investments of over $180 million in charging and alternative fuel infrastructure to support greater deployment of zero-emission vehicles.
On May 17, 2018, the Government of Canada launched the $2 billion Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF). The DMAF is designed to strengthen the resilience of Canadian communities through investments in large-scale infrastructure projects to better manage the risk associated with natural hazards such as floods, wildfires and droughts. The first project intake is open and Expression of Interest applications are being accepted. In addition, $9.2 billion is being provided to provinces and territories through the Integrated Bilateral Agreements for green infrastructure. Natural infrastructure projects will be eligible under both the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund and the green stream of the Integrated Bilateral Agreements.
In addition to this, delivered through the Rural and Northern Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure program, the Arctic Energy Fund will provide $400 million to support energy security in the territories.
The Transportation Assets Risk Assessment initiative, announced in 2017, provides up to $16.35 million over a five year period (from 2017/18 to 2021/22) to help those responsible for federal transportation assets obtain information and data, and assess climate change-related factors that may present risks to their infrastructure. In addition, funding for the Northern Transportation Adaptation Initiative was renewed in fall 2017 providing $6.9 million over a three-year period (from 2018/19 to 2020/21) for research, development and collaborative activities to support the resilience of northern transportation systems to a changing climate."
11/30/2018,196,15-Nov,Sustainable Infrastructure,Invest in transportation infrastructure that helps get goods to market.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food;Minister of Transport,"Actions taken, progress made","Get Canadian goods to markets more quickly and increase exports, including natural resources, manufactured goods and agri-food products, by 30 per cent by 2025.","The Government of Canada established a new $2 billion National Trade Corridors Fund (NTCF) to address urgent capacity constraints and freight bottlenecks at major ports of entry, and to better connect the rail and highway infrastructure that delivers economic growth across Canada. Investments through this fund will target congestion and inefficiencies at marine ports, as well as along the busiest rail and highway corridors. The Canada Infrastructure Bank will make at least $5 billion in additional funding available to address trade and transportation projects. The government is tracking transportation flows and will report publicly on how long it takes to get goods to market.
The Government of Canada formally launched the first call for proposals under the NTCF on July 4, 2017. Eligible projects were invited to submit Comprehensive Project Proposals, and the government evaluated 177 complete project proposals, seeking a total of $7.5 billion in NTCF funding. The Prime Minister, Minister of Transport and other Ministers and Members of Parliament have announced more than $800 million in funding from the NTCF for 39 projects that will resolve bottlenecks across the country to support trade.
To build on the success of the first national NTCF call for proposals, the government launched a second call for proposals on November 19, 2018 specifically targeting projects in Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. This call will allocate funding from the $400 million envelope dedicated to addressing the unique transportation priorities in the territorial North.
In the 2018 Fall Economic Statement, the government announced that it will accelerate investments in our ports and trade transportation corridors leading to Asia and Europe, including key ports on the east and west coasts. To expedite projects, the government will establish a continuous call for proposals for the NTCF backed by an accelerated investment of $773.9 million over five years.
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11/30/2018,197,15-Nov,Sustainable Infrastructure,Establish bilateral agreements with provinces and territories on infrastructure investments.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities,Completed - fully met,"Agreements with all provinces and territories that improve public transit; increase access to affordable housing and child care; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; improve access to clean water, and enhance resilience in the face of a changing climate.","Infrastructure plays a central role in building strong communities, creating jobs and growing the economy.
In Budget 2017, the Government of Canada established a plan to sign bilateral agreements with provinces and territories in order to provide infrastructure funding to key priority areas. As part of this plan, over $33 billion is being committed for integrated bilateral agreements for public transit, green infrastructure, rural and northern infrastructure, community, culture, and recreation infrastructure. Integrated bilateral agreements have now been signed with all provinces and territories. The Government of Canada has implemented a climate lens assessment and new Community Employment Benefit requirement into these agreements.
Through the National Housing Strategy, the government aims to reduce or eliminate housing need for 530,000 households by building, and repairing affordable housing across the country in addition to providing housing affordability support.
The government is also creating affordable, high-quality child care spaces for low- and modest-income families, with the goal of supporting up to 40,000 new subsidized child care spaces over the next three years. Bilateral agreements have now been signed with all jurisdictions. In addition, the government has co-developed a distinct Indigenous Framework on Early Learning and Child Care with Indigenous partners to reflect the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children across Canada."
11/30/2018,198,15-Nov,Indigenous peoples,"Incorporate Aboriginal and treaty rights, residential schools and Indigenous contributions into school curricula.",Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations,"Actions taken, progress made","School curricula that is inclusive of Indigenous history and knowledge, resulting in improved knowledge and understanding.","The government provides financial support to the Office of the Treaty Commissioner in Saskatchewan and Treaty Relations Commissions of Manitoba to, among other things, provide materials and training to teachers in support of the delivery of K-12 treaty education curricula to all provincial school students. The organizations are also working with universities in their respective provinces to develop treaty curricula and courses that will be mandatory for every university student.
The Government of Canada is working with the Council of Ministers of Education to enhance knowledge and awareness of First Nations, Inuit and Métis history and culture across Canada and to enhance the knowledge and awareness of teachers, students and school leaders on the history and culture of Indigenous peoples.
Further, Budget 2016 invested $275 million in First Nations language and culture over five years until 2020-2021. The Government of Canada is also working with First Nation partners to transform First Nations elementary and secondary education on reserve, which will include new funding formulas that are enhanced with language and culture investments to meet the specific needs of Indigenous students.
Starting in 2017-2018, the Government of Canada is contributing $3 million per year, for three years, to the First Nations University of Canada to develop a National Centre for Collaboration in Indigenous Education. The national centre will serve as an informational resource base for reconciliation, and will focus on the growing needs of students, educators and the various policy and other decision makers involved in Indigenous elementary and secondary education in Canada.
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11/30/2018,199,15-Nov,Indigenous peoples,Work with the Métis Nation to advance reconciliation and renew the relationship.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations,"Actions taken, progress made",A renewed relationship with the Métis Nation based on the principles of reconciliation.,"In April 2017, the Prime Minister and the Métis Nation signed the Canada-Métis Nation Accord in establishing a permanent bilateral mechanism to co-develop policy on shared priorities. The Canada Métis Nation Accord reflects Canada’s commitment to work with the Métis Nation to fulfill the vision of self-determination. In March 2018, the President of the Métis National Council (MNC) and its Governing Members’ Presidents met with federal Ministers to discuss progress under the first year. In June 2018, the Prime Minister met with the President of the Métis National Council and the Governing Members’ Presidents at the annual Crown-Métis Nation Summit. Together, they reviewed progress made during the first year of the Accord and confirmed priorities for the coming year. The priorities identified during the meeting included education, health, Métis veterans, the new fiscal relationship, child and family services, economic development, environment, clean growth, and infrastructure. For example, a Memorandum of Understanding on the Development of a Canada-Métis Nation Child and Family Services Accord has been co-developed with the Métis National Council to guide the development of a ten-year Accord.
Progress in these priority areas was confirmed in Budget 2018, which proposes to invest $500 million over 10 years to support a Métis Nation housing strategy, $10 million in 2018–2019 to support Métis Nation post-secondary education, and $6 million over five years to support the Métis Nation in gathering health data and developing a health strategy. Furthermore, Budget 2018 also proposes to invest $325 million in the Métis Nation stream of the Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program, which supports employment services, skills development and job training.
Canada has engaged in Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions with each of the governing members of the Métis National Council as well as the Métis Settlements General Council (MSCG). Canada has signed Framework Agreements with the Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) (November 2016), Métis Nation of Alberta (November 2017), Métis Nation of Ontario (December 2017), and the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan (July 2018). Memoranda of Understanding have also been reached with the Metis Settlements General Council (December 2017), the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan (February 2018) and the Métis Nation of British Columbia (July 2018). Additionally, Canada has received a negotiation mandate with the Manitoba Metis Federation (June 2018) to recognize the Manitoba Metis Federation’s legal status, role and jurisdiction as a Métis government and will support the Manitoba Metis Federation’s transition from its current corporate structure to a self-governing Métis government. Other agreements signed include a Consultation Agreement between Canada and the Métis Nation of Alberta (July 2018), and a document of mutual understanding to negotiate the receipt of funds to be invested in areas of social and economic well-being, between Canada and the Manitoba Metis Federation (September 2018).
The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations (formally the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada) has held seven distinct engagement sessions with Métis groups to advance the development of the legislative and policy elements of the Recognition and Implementation of Indigenous Rights Framework. Métis representatives also attended the two technical engagement sessions held by senior officials.
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11/30/2018,200,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,"Develop a non-partisan, merit-based process to advise the Prime Minister on Senate appointments.",Minister of Democratic Institutions,Completed - fully met,"An independent advisory board has been established to provide a non-partisan, merit-based process of advice for recommending Senators, resulting in the appointment of 45 independent Senators thus far.","The Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments was established in January 2016 to provide advice to the Prime Minister on candidates for the Senate. As of July 7, 2016, Canadians were permitted, for the first time ever, to apply to be considered for appointment to the Senate through an open online application process. Forty-five non-partisan appointments to the Senate have been made under the new process so far. Thanks to these actions, the majority of Senators are not affiliated with a political party. In February 2018, the Minister of Democratic Institutions announced additional improvements to the Senate appointments process, including: keeping applications open year-round, retaining submitted applications for two years, and adding the ability for organizations or individuals to nominate potential candidates."
11/30/2018,201,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Establish a special parliamentary committee to consult on electoral reform.,Minister of Democratic Institutions,Not being pursued,A special parliamentary committee was established.,"A Special Committee, which included all five parties represented in the House of Commons, was established in June 2016 and presented its final report in December 2016. In addition to the consultation undertaken by the Special Committee, the Minister also consulted Members of Parliament of all parties, and oversaw an engagement process with 360,000 Canadians through mydemocracy.ca. Following extensive consultation with Canadians, it was determined that no clear preference for a new electoral system had emerged. The government will not proceed with electoral reform."
11/30/2018,202,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Make the Commissioner of Canada Elections more independent.,Minister of Democratic Institutions,"Actions taken, progress made",A truly independent Commissioner of Canada Elections who can pursue their work free from political or partisan direction.,"In November 2016, the government introduced legislation to enhance the independence of the Commissioner of Canada Elections (CCE) by repealing changes that created a reporting relationship for the CCE with the Minister of Justice. This enhances the independent role that the CCE held for decades before it was altered in 2014."
11/30/2018,203,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Bring forward options to create an independent commissioner to organize political party leaders' debates.,Minister of Democratic Institutions,Completed - fully met,Bring forward options to create an independent commissioner to organize political party leaders' debates.,"On October 30, 2018, the Minister of Democratic Institutions announced the creation of an independent Leaders' Debates Commission, which has a mandate to organize two leaders' debates - one in each official language - for the 2019 federal General Election. "
11/30/2018,204,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,"Review limits that political and third parties can spend during elections, and propose measures to control spending between elections.",Minister of Democratic Institutions,"Actions taken, progress made",Political and third party spending is limited and controlled to help strengthen Canadian democracy.,"On April 30, 2018, the government introduced the *Elections Modernization Act *. Among other changes, the legislation establishes spending limits for political parties and third parties during a pre-election period that would start on June 30th the year of a fixed-date election and end with the issue of the writ of election. The legislation also modernizes the electoral system to make it more accessible, transparent and secure. The legislation has been referred to Committee in the House of Commons. "
11/30/2018,205,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,"Allow charities to do their work free from political harassment, and modernize the rules governing the charitable and not-for-profit sectors.",Minister of Finance;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister of National Revenue,"Actions taken, progress made",A transparent and rules-based legal framework for Canada's charities is in place and charities in Canada are free from political harassment.,"In September 2016, the government launched a consultation process with the charitable sector and the public to assist in clarifying the rules for the participation of charities in political activities. A consultation panel reviewed the submissions and presented the Minister of National Revenue with recommendations at the end of March 2017. As an immediate first step to respond to the Panel’s recommendations, the government has suspended all action in relation to the remaining audits and objections that were part of the Political Activities Audit Program. Consistent with recommendation no. 3 of the consultation panel, the government proposed to amend the *Income Tax Act* to remove the quantitative limits on political activities by charities. Legislative proposals on this subject were included in Bill C-86, which received Royal Assent on December 13, 2018. In addition, in the 2018 Fall Economic Statement, the government announced that it is establishing a permanent Advisory Committee on the Charitable Sector. Led by the Canada Revenue Agency, the Advisory Committee will be made up of stakeholders from the charitable sector, and will provide advice to the government on important issues facing charities on an ongoing basis. "
11/30/2018,206,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Make strategic investments in the clean technology sector.,"Minister of Natural Resources;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food;Minister of International Trade Diversification","Actions taken, progress made","The clean technology sector's contribution to Canada's Gross Domestic Product grows, creating more good-paying, middle class jobs and increasing the number of high-growth companies in Canada.","Since 2016, the Government of Canada has committed more than 2.3B to several measures to grow clean technology in Canada as part of the Innovation and Skills Plan and the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change. The major points of focus of these investments are: building early-stage innovation, accelerating commercialization and growth, fostering greater adoption of clean technologies, increasing exports of clean technologies and processes, and strengthening collaboration and metrics for success.
In December 2017, Statistics Canada released new data on clean technology. As per the Environmental and Clean Technology Products Economic Account, in 2016, environmental and clean technology, excluding waste management and electricity production, accounted for 1.3% ($26.7 billion) of Canada’s GDP.
In January 2018, the Clean Growth Hub was officially launched as the Government of Canada’s focal point for clean technology. The Hub is focused on: helping clean technology producers and users identify the federal programs and services most relevant to their needs, coordinating existing federal programs to better support clean technology clients, and tracking results of federal investments in clean technology. To date, the Hub has worked with over 700 clean technology clients.
In March 2018, the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service officially launched $15 million over four years for the International Business Development Strategy for Clean Technology. The government also launched the $25 million Agricultural Clean Technology Program in April 2018 to help the agricultural sector reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the research, development and adoption of clean technologies.
Budget 2017 provided $400 million to recapitalize Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) to develop and demonstrate new clean technologies. In October 2018, SDTC announced new investments totaling $58.6 million to support 14 Canadian clean technology firms develop and demonstrate their technologies.
To help Canada's innovative clean technology firms bring their technologies to market, the Fall Economic Statement 2018 proposes to make available an additional $50 million on a cash basis to increase venture capital available to clean technology firms, under the Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative.
Export Development Canada (EDC) has also been increasing its support to the clean technology industry. For example, in July 2018, EDC launched the new Cleantech Co-Investment Program (CCIP) to help early stage and next generation clean tech companies grow and access global markets.
In May 2018, the Women in Cleantech Challenge was launched as part of the government’s Impact Canada Initiative. The Challenge aims to help level the playing field for Canadian women entrepreneurs in the area of clean technology, and offers six women an opportunity to develop their idea into a marketable world-class clean technology solution and compete for a $1 million prize. The six finalists were selected in September 2018. To date, three additional innovative challenges have been launched as part of the Impact Canada Initiative, including the Crush It! Challenge in the mining sector, the Power Forward Challenge to design better power grids, and the Sky’s the Limit Challenge seeking a breakthrough on green aviation fuels.
The Clean Growth Program, which provides $155M/4 years for the co-funding of clean technology projects with provinces and territories in the areas of Energy, Mining and Forestry, has released semi-finalists. The final project selection is underway. The first project, with Goldcorp Borden was announced in October 2018."
11/30/2018,207,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Enhance Canada's tax measures to generate and attract more clean technology investments.,Minister of Finance;Minister of Natural Resources,"Actions taken, progress made","The clean technology sector's contribution to Canada's Gross Domestic Product grows, creating more good-paying, middle class jobs and increasing the number of high-growth companies in Canada.","Budget 2016 changed Canadian tax rules to make certain electric vehicle charging stations and electrical energy storage equipment eligible for accelerated capital cost allowance treatment. Budget 2017 introduced further expansions of this tax treatment to geothermal projects and expenses. Budget 2018 extended the accelerated capital cost allowance for five years to property acquired before 2025. In the 2018 Fall Economic Statement, the government proposed that specified clean energy equipment be eligible for immediate expensing – i.e., that such equipment be eligible for a full tax write-off the year it is put in use in the business. The government will continue to work towards making Canada the world's most competitive tax jurisdiction for clean technology."
11/30/2018,208,15-Nov,Safety and Security,Launch an open and transparent competition to replace the CF-18 fighter aircraft.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility;Minister of National Defence,"Actions taken, progress made",A new fighter fleet that allows the Canadian Armed Forces to do their job with the equipment they need.,"A modern fighter jet fleet is essential for defending Canada and Canadian sovereignty - especially in the northern skies. It is a vital contribution to the partnership with Canada’s most important ally, the United States, and for the protection of the continent that we share. It is also important for enabling Canada to fulfill its international commitments as an engaged and active member of NATO. On December 12, 2017, the government launched an open and transparent competition to acquire 88 advanced fighter jets to replace Canada’s fighter aircraft. Until the future fleet is in place and fully operational, the Royal Canadian Air Force will integrate 18 Australian F/A-18 jets into the CF-18 fleet. On November 9, 2018, the Government of Canada signed a procurement agreement with Australia for the 18 F/A-18 fighter aircraft and up to seven additional non-flyable aircraft for use as spare parts and training aids. The first two aircraft are expected to arrive in Canada in the second quarter of 2019.
On January 22, 2018, the Government of Canada held a Future Fighter Industry Day to provide information on the planned procurement process and timelines, project scope and high-level operational objectives of the competitive process to replace Canada’s current fighter aircraft, as well as the approach to maintenance and repair and generating economic benefits. On February 22, 2018, the Government of Canada published a list of eligible suppliers that will be invited to submit proposals under the competition to replace Canada’s current fighter fleet. The first event of the Formal Supplier Engagement known as “Suppliers Week” was held from March 26 to April 13, 2018, in which all five eligible suppliers participated. A second round of supplier engagement meetings with the five suppliers were held from June 11 to July 5, 2018. The purpose of these events was to share and collect detailed information to support finalization of the procurement strategy and development of the solicitation documents.
On October 26, 2018, Canada released a Draft Request for Proposal to eligible suppliers for their review and feedback by December 21, 2018. A third “Suppliers Week” is being planned with eligible suppliers to discuss feedback on the draft Request for Proposal, for end January / mid-February 2019. The Formal Supplier Engagement Phase will continue until spring 2019.
National Defence welcomes the November 2018 Auditor General’s report on our fighter force. It affirms the RCAF need for additional support to meet both its NORAD and NATO commitments. The Government of Canada is taking steps to address the Auditor General’s recommendations, and our broader concerns around the fighter force, including launching new efforts to recruit and retain pilots and technicians and assessing necessary combat systems upgrades for the CF-18 fleet that could be implemented to address evolving threats.
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11/30/2018,209,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that all federal services are delivered in compliance with the *Official Languages Act*.,"President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government;Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie","Actions taken, progress made",More Canadians receive federal services and communications in their official language of choice.,"The Government of Canada conducted the first review of the Official Languages Regulations in over twenty-five years. The government is committed to ensuring the public is served in their official language of choice. Currently, 86.5% of federal institutions report that oral and written communications in designated bilingual offices ""nearly always"" occur in the official language chosen by the public. The government has set a target to achieve at least 90% in 2020. On October 25, 2018, the Government of Canada introduced amendments to the Official Languages Regulations. The regulations implement key provisions of Part IV of the *Official Languages Act* regarding communications with, and services to, the public.
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11/30/2018,210,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Improve access to information to enhance the openness of government.,President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister of Democratic Institutions,"Actions taken, progress made",Greater government transparency and more information available for Canadians to hold their government to account.,"Following an Interim Directive in May 2016 that eliminated all fees except for the application fee and confirmed the principle of ""open by default"", the government introduced Phase I reforms to modernize and expand the scope of the *Access to Information Act*. Legislation introduced in June 2017 proposes new requirements for the proactive publication of a broad range of information and would apply to more than 240 federal institutions, as well as the Prime Minister's Office, ministers' offices and administrative bodies that support Parliament and the courts. The legislation would also provide the Information Commissioner with the power to make binding orders to government institutions, including for the release of records. A review of the Act would also be required every five years to ensure that it remains current and continues to improve transparency for Canadians. The first of these reviews would be initiated within one year of the legislation coming into force. The legislation is currently before the Senate."
11/30/2018,211,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Conduct a review of tax expenditures.,President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government;Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"A simpler, fairer tax system.","The Government of Canada has taken action to reduce poorly targeted, complex and inefficient tax measures, including tax credits that were not available to families with the lowest incomes. Budget 2016 introduced a new Canada Child Benefit (CCB) that is simpler, tax-free, more generous and better targeted than the previous system of federal child benefits. The CCB replaced five tax credits and benefits, provides nine out of ten families with more generous benefits, and lifts hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty. Budget 2016 also replaced poorly targeted transit tax credits with significant new long-term investments directly in public transit, and replaced tax deductions for textbooks with measures to significantly improve the affordability of post-secondary education for low- and middle-income families.
Budget 2017 took further action to implement changes resulting from the government’s review of tax expenditures. The review identified opportunities to eliminate inefficient tax measures and make other existing tax measures more effective, equitable and accessible to Canadians. In this context, Budget 2017 included measures to improve tax relief for caregivers, students, and persons with disabilities. While the formal component of the tax expenditures review has concluded, the results of the review will continue to inform the government’s ongoing work to make the tax system simpler, fairer and more efficient."
11/30/2018,212,15-Nov,Safety and Security,Improve marine safety.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Transport","Actions taken, progress made",Canadians are kept safe and our coasts are protected through evidence-based emergency preparedness and response.,"The government has announced initiatives worth over $800 million, including $130 million in new science funding for partnerships, improved knowledge, and development of new technologies to help mitigate and prevent marine incidents such as oil spills. Engagement with Indigenous groups is a pillar of the Oceans Protection Plan, and to date, 138 workshops have been held with multiple Indigenous groups.
On June 21, 2018, 14 Central and North Coast First Nations in British Columbia and the Government of Canada announced the Reconciliation Framework Agreement for Bioregional Oceans Management and Protection to support the collaborative planning and implementation of marine initiatives and promote a more coordinated and efficient approach to the governance, management, and protection of oceans in the Pacific North Coast.
Following the public release of the *Pilotage Act* Review’s final report on May 22, 2018, key stakeholders have been engaged both at working level and through a Ministerial roundtable held on July 4, 2018. Transport Canada intends to introduce legislation at the earliest opportunity to enable improvements in the effectiveness, efficiency and accountability of Canada’s pilotage system.
In October 2018, the government introduced proposed legislative changes to the *Canada Shipping Act*, 2001 and the *Marine Liability Act*, as part of Bill C-86. These proposed amendments deliver on commitments made under the Oceans Protection Plan to strengthen marine safety and environmental protection, and modernize Canada’s Ship-source Oil Pollution Fund. As of the end of November 2018, these proposed amendments completed Report Stage in the House of Commons, and are undergoing pre-study at Senate Committee.
As part of the strategy to address abandoned and wrecked vessels, the government introduced the *Wrecked, Abandoned, or Hazardous Vessels Act* in October 2017 (Bill C-64). As of November 2018, the Bill had passed Second Reading in the Senate and is now being studied by the Senate Committee on Transport and Communications.
The government has assessed or removed over 100 abandoned and wrecked vessels in Canadian waters through the Abandoned Boats Program and Small Craft Harbours Abandoned and Wrecked Vessels Removal Program. Additionally, over $1 million in funding is being provided towards public education projects aimed at raising awareness about responsible boat ownership and end-of-life management practices as well as research on environmentally responsible boat design and recycling of end-of-life boats.
The Government of Canada continues its work under the $167.4 million Whales Initiative with the goal of protecting and supporting the recovery of endangered whale populations across Canada by addressing key threats to Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW), North Atlantic Right Whales (NARW) and the St. Lawrence Estuary Beluga. In partnership with the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority’s Enhancing Cetacean Habitat and Observation (ECHO) Program, a voluntary slowdown of vessels and a lateral displacement trial were executed in the Salish Sea this summer to reduce acoustic disturbance in key foraging areas of Southern Resident Killer Whales. Additionally, measures were taken to reduce the risk of strikes and entanglements of North Atlantic Right Whales in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. To date in 2018, there have been no known North Atlantic Right Whales deaths in Canadian waters. On October 31, 2018, the government announced additional measures to protect Southern Resident Killer Whales. These include exploring the expansion of vessel slowdowns to further reduce underwater noise in Southern Resident Killer Whales critical habitat, developing agreements with marine industry partners to formalize current voluntary measures to reduce noise, new areas of habitat, investments aimed at protecting and recovering chinook salmon stocks, advancing feasibility work on Southern Resident Killer Whales sanctuaries and expanding vessel monitoring systems. This closely followed tabling of proposed changes to the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 to strengthen regulatory authorities to protect the marine environment from the impacts of shipping and navigation.
Recognizing that chemical contaminants are one of the key threats facing Canada’s endangered whale populations, the Government of Canada continues its actions to reduce the presence of chemical contaminants. As such, on October 13, 2018, the government published a Notice of Intent to amend the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012. The amendments will strengthen controls for two flame retardants and three oil and water repellents, and will prohibit two additional flame retardants should the final scientific risk assessments confirm they are toxic.
The government is modernizing the Coast Guard’s current suite of emergency response assets, and contracts have been awarded for the procurement of environmental response training software, curtain booms, fence booms, a medium-size portable multi-cassette-skimmer package, and a small high-speed sweep system. Transport Canada is also modernizing its emergency response capacity and has trained more than 1902 people in the internationally recognized Incident Command System to ensure interoperability, role clarity and overall emergency response effectiveness with partners such as the Canadian Coast Guard and Environment and Climate Change Canada.
In 2018, close to $1 million in funding was announced for four Arctic Indigenous communities to buy search and rescue capable boats and/or equipment to strengthen their participation in marine emergency responses in local waters as members of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary.
In November 2018, six new RADAR installations for monitoring marine traffic on the West Coast were announced. These installations will increase our coverage range, enhancing our ability to monitor vessel traffic, which contributes to ensuring safer movement of vessels in the waters off southern British Columbia.
The Coastal Restoration Fund helps rehabilitate some of Canada's most vulnerable coastlines and protect marine life and ecosystems and is providing $75 million over five years to support coastal habitat restoration projects at the local and community level along Canada’s coasts. Since its launch, there have been 163 expressions of interest requesting over $310 million in funding submissions during its initial call for proposals. At present the program has allocated funding to 39 projects on all three coasts worth over $55 million. The next public call for proposals for the program’s remaining $13.6 million was launched on November 1, 2018.
In August 2018, a contract was awarded for a three year lease of two emergency offshore towing vessels to assist in towing vessels in distress off the Pacific coast. The first vessel arrived in Victoria on November 5, 2018, and the second vessel is scheduled to arrive early December. Additionally, a contract was awarded to buy emergency tow kits for Coast Guard vessels and equipment caches across Canada.
To enhance the ability to mount an effective science-based federal response that minimizes environmental damage, Environment and Climate Change Canada has, since January 2018, placed three Environmental Emergency Officers on each coast (Pacific and Atlantic) as well as Wildlife Emergency Response Coordinators in four regions in Canada (i.e., Pacific, Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic).
In 2017, following discussions and consultation with various stakeholders to determine marine weather information needs/gaps, in addition to considering relevant monitoring rationalization data, Environment and Climate Change Canada identified specific High Risk Marine Areas, which informed the decision to moor up to five new weather buoys in two locations on the West Coast (Southern Georgia Strait and approaching the Port of Metro Vancouver) and two locations on the East Coast (Strait of Canso and Bay of Fundy). These new buoys will help provide mariners with enhanced forecast information."
11/30/2018,213,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Review the previous government's changes to the *Fisheries Act* and *Navigable Waters Protection Act*.,"Minister of Transport;Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard","Actions taken, progress made","Restore lost protections and incorporate modern safeguards into the revised *Fisheries Act* and *Navigation Protection Act* to better protect Canada's environment for future generations, advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, and get resources to market.","In February 2018, the government introduced legislation to restore lost protections and incorporate modern safeguards into the *Fisheries Act* and the *Navigation Protection Act*. The proposed legislative, regulatory and policy measures were informed by a federal discussion paper, parliamentary studies, and almost two years of consultations with Indigenous peoples, industry, provinces and territories, non-governmental organizations, academia and the public.
The government will invest up to $284.2 million over five years to support restoring lost protections to fish and fish habitat and incorporating modern safeguards under the *Fisheries Act* and up to $76.5 million over five years to support restoring lost protections for the public right of navigation and incorporating modern safeguards under the proposed *Canadian Navigable Waters Act*.
In June 2018, the House of Commons referred the proposed legislation to the Senate for review.
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11/30/2018,214,15-Nov,Indigenous peoples,Promote economic development and create jobs for Indigenous peoples.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Indigenous Services;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development","Actions taken, progress made",Higher employment rates for Indigenous peoples and stronger economic growth in Indigenous communities.,"The government is coordinating federal efforts in its response to this mandate commitment for Indigenous peoples and has identified potential areas of collaboration at both the regional and national levels. This includes ensuring program alignment among federal departments and agencies, including planning to review and respond to community opportunities; fostering economic reconciliation with the private sector; more closely aligning skills training to investment opportunities and organizational readiness; and increasing access to capital. Departments have explored potential policy and expenditure linkages to facilitate success, e.g. Atlantic Growth Strategy and Economic Pathways Partnership. In addition, the government is engaging with national Indigenous organizations to discuss approaches to economic development and collaborating on opportunities to ensure better service delivery models at the community level.
The Government of Canada supports a suite of economic development and land management programs that are increasing the participation of Indigenous communities in the Canadian economy and enabling Indigenous people to pursue opportunities for employment, income, and wealth creation. To help close the employment and earning gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, Budget 2018 proposes to invest $2 billion over five years, and $408.2 million per year ongoing, to support the creation of a new Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program. This includes incremental investments of $447 million over five years, and $99.4 million per year ongoing, and a stronger focus on training for higher quality, better paying jobs rather than rapid re-employment. This additional funding will assist approximately 15,000 more clients gain greater skills and find jobs that will support their long-term career success. The government has consulted with, and heard from, Indigenous partners on the importance of a distinctions-based approach that recognizes the unique needs of First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation.
Investments in commercial infrastructure, capacity development and partnerships within the federal government, provinces and the private sector are leading to major developments on and off reserve including commercial initiatives. For example, these investments will: help First Nations access long-term financing to undertake economic development projects in their communities ($20M), strengthen the First Nations and Inuit Summer Work Experience Program and the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program ($100M), grow Canada's Indigenous tourism industry ($8.6M), and improve Indigenous labour market programs through the new Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program ($2B over five years and $408.2M per year ongoing) which is the successor to the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy. In addition, the Government of Canada has increased funding for the Post-Secondary Student Support Program, which will help 4,600 First Nation students over a two-year period ($90M).
The Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business was created to help Indigenous business access procurement opportunities within the federal government. The Government of Canada is one of the largest public buyers of goods and services in Canada, purchasing approximately $16 billion worth of goods and services every year on behalf of federal departments and agencies. The government is currently modernizing the federal approach to Indigenous procurement in order to grow Indigenous businesses and contribute to positive socio-economic outcomes in communities.
To enhance Indigenous participation in the public and private sector, the government provides project-based funding to increase business and economic development strategies. For example, support has been provided for women’s participation in business and economic development opportunities; and, for the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, to develop Canada’s unique and
authentic Indigenous tourism industry in implementing the National Aboriginal Tourism Strategy.
The government provides annual funding to the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association for distribution to the national network of Aboriginal Financial Institutions (AFI). The government is currently working closely with partners on the development of options to recapitalize the AFI network to enhance access to capital for Indigenous entrepreneurs to start or expand their businesses."
11/30/2018,215,15-Nov,Indigenous peoples,Undertake an inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in Canada.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister of Status of Women,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges","Concrete solutions to address systemic causes of violence, resulting in increased safety of Indigenous women and girls in Canada.","The Government of Canada, with the governments of all provinces and territories, launched an independent National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The Commissioners have been asked to examine and report on the systemic and historical social, economic, institutional and cultural factors—as well as practices, policies and institutions—that contribute to the violence that Indigenous women and girls face. The Commission was mandated to complete its work by December 31, 2018. The Commission released their interim report on November 1, 2017. Following a thorough review of the interim report, the Government of Canada is taking action to address the interim recommendations by increasing health supports and victim services for families and survivors, establishing a commemoration fund, funding organizations with expertise in law enforcement and policing to lead a review of police policies and practices concerning their relations with the Indigenous peoples, as well as supporting a new Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) National Investigative Standards and Practices Unit with additional funding.
On March 6, 2018, the Commission submitted a request to the Government of Canada seeking an extension until December 31, 2020 as many legitimate concerns from families and stakeholders have been raised about the Inquiry's progress. The Government of Canada has granted the Inquiry an extension until April 30, 2019 to submit its final report. This enables the inquiry to use the time to hear from more families and survivors, further examine institutional practices and policies, and undertake the research necessary to inform their recommendations on the systemic causes of all forms of violence against Indigenous women and girls in Canada. On August 21, 2018, the Inquiry announced the final four public hearings which took place on: September 10-13 (Colonial Violence - Socio-economic, health and wellness impacts; Iqaluit, NU); September 17-21 (Criminal Justice System - oversight and accountability; Quebec City, QC); October 1-5 (Family and Child Welfare - family supports and domestic violence; Winnipeg, MB); and October 15-18 (Sexual Exploitation - human trafficking and sexual violence; St-John's NL).
The National Inquiry has now concluded its Truth Gathering Process, following nine days of final submissions from parties with standing. On November 26-30 and December 10-14, 2018, the National Inquiry heard final submissions from individuals and groups with official standing. In all, Commissioners have received recommendations from nearly 60 parties with official standing on a range of critical issues, from poverty to racism. The Commissioners are expected to submit their final report to the Government of Canada by April 2019.
As part of the National Inquiry’s Truth Gathering Process, the Commission also received final written evidence from all parties. Justice Canada has submitted on behalf of relevant federal departments and agencies an overview of what each institution is currently doing to address the underlying causes of violence and increase safety for Indigenous women, girls, and LGBTQ2S and gender non-binary individuals.
An additional $5.4 million was also made available through Justice Canada to extend the Family Information Liaison Units and to support community-based services for families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls for 2019-2020. The government is also establishing a commemoration fund by providing $10 million to honour the lives and legacies of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls and LGBTQ2S and gender non-binary individuals, and is engaging with Indigenous organizations to put forward a range of actions to help address violence against Indigenous women and girls.
The Government of Canada is also proposing to invest $38 million in additional funding to support the Inquiry during its extension. The Commission would use these funds to assist with operational needs and provide short term aftercare to families and survivors who testify. If approved, the total funding for the Inquiry would be $92 million."
11/30/2018,216,15-Nov,Indigenous peoples,Improve services to Indigenous people and those with mental illness throughout the criminal justice system.,Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,"Actions taken, progress made","Improved services and increased support to make it easier for Indigenous peoples and those with mental illness to navigate the criminal justice system, and reverse the trend of Indigenous overrepresentation in the justice system.","The Government of Canada has made investments to help ensure that Indigenous peoples and those with mental illness have increased access to justice and to reduce the over-representation of Indigenous peoples in the criminal justice system, both as victims and offenders. In addition to increasing access to legal aid, the government has also provided long-term and stable funding to the Indigenous Justice Program which provides funding for community-based programs that use culturally relevant restorative justice approaches, in appropriate circumstances, to help address the over-representation of Indigenous peoples as accused, victims and offenders. In addition, the government has made significant investments in the First Nation Policing Program to ensure the safety of First Nations and Inuit communities through culturally relevant policing and investments to ensure that police officers serving these communities work in safe facilities.
It is also investing in the Indigenous Courtwork Program to ensure Indigenous people have the representation and services they need to navigate the criminal justice system. The government is also supporting community-based specialized services for Indigenous victims of crime and Family Information Liaison Units for families of murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls. The government is working to further identify strategies that will build on these investments. The government has proposed reform of the *Criminal Code* jury selection process to make it more inclusive and fair (Bill C-75).
The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) Commissioner has received a public mandate with direction to address the over-representation of Indigenous Peoples, including to re-examine CSC’s governance structure to better integrate Indigenous needs and perspectives, further ensure that Indigenous offenders have timely access to effective, culturally-appropriate interventions developed in collaboration with Indigenous partners, and continue to address the particular needs of Indigenous women within the corrections system.
Budget 2018 proposed to further support the mental health needs of federal inmates, with a focus on women in federal correctional facilities. The government is also supporting greater emphasis on offender mental health information during the sentencing decision-making process (Bill C-375). On October 16, 2018, the Government of Canada introduced legislation (C-83) which proposes to strengthen the federal correctional system, aligning it with the latest evidence and best practices, by implementing a new correctional interventions model; strengthening health care governance; better supporting victims; and addressing the specific situation of Indigenous offenders."
11/30/2018,217,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Legalize and strictly regulate cannabis.,Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction;Minister of Health;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Completed - fully met,"The government established a strict framework for controlling the legal production, distribution, sale, and possession of Cannabis in Canada.","The *Cannabis Act* received Royal Assent on June 21, 2018, and came into force on October 17, 2018. The Act legalizes and regulates cannabis, with the objective of better protecting Canadian youth and keeping profits out of the hands of criminals and organized crime. It also makes it a specific criminal offence to sell cannabis to a minor and creates significant penalties for those who use young persons to commit cannabis-related offences.
The legislation was based on the advice from the Task Force on Cannabis Legalization and Regulation, following extensive engagement with Canadians, representatives of provincial, territorial and municipal governments, experts on public health, law enforcement and justice officials, patients, young people, advocates, Indigenous governments and representative organizations, employers and industry.
Regulations to support the *Cannabis Act* came into force at the same time as the Act, on October 17, 2018. A regulatory framework for the legal sale of edibles and concentrates is in development and is expected to be in force by October 2019.
Companion legislation to strengthen impaired driving laws (Bill C-46) also received Royal Assent on June 21, 2018, and includes three new offences for having a prohibited concentration of drugs (including THC) in the blood within two hours of driving.
A national Cannabis Tracking System to track high-level movements of cannabis through the supply chain is now operational. The Cannabis Tracking System will help prevent legal cannabis from being diverted to the illegal market and illegal cannabis from being introduced into the legal market. Federal license holders, and Provinces and Territories are required to report monthly inventory and sales data to Health Canada.
The government has made significant investments and continues to accept proposals from community-based and Indigenous organizations for projects that respond to specific public education and awareness needs related to cannabis. More than $100 million is budgeted over six years for investments in cannabis public education, awareness and surveillance.
Regulation of cannabis is a process that includes the ongoing objectives of keeping cannabis out of the hands of youth, keeping profits out of the hands of criminals, responsible usage and protecting public health and safety.
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11/30/2018,218,15-Nov,Safety and Security,Repeal problematic elements of Bill C-51 to balance security with rights and freedoms.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,"Actions taken, progress made",Canadians' safety and security are strongly protected in a manner consistent with the rights and freedoms Canadians cherish.,"The Government of Canada consulted Canadians on key elements of Canada's national security laws and policies to ensure they are effective at keeping Canadians safe, and equally reflect the rights, values and freedoms of Canadians. In June 2017, the government introduced legislation covering a wide range of measures to enhance Canada’s national security framework, increase accountability through a National Security and Intelligence Review Agency and a new Intelligence Commissioner, and address problematic elements of former Bill C-51 (including revisions to threat reduction measures, amendments to the *Criminal Code* and the *Youth Criminal Justice Act*, and revisions to the *Security of Canada Information Sharing Act*), while re-affirming compliance with the Charter. Bill C-59 (*An Act respecting national security matters*) was passed by the House of Commons on June 19, 2018 and introduced in the Senate on June 20, 2018.
The government also proposes to enhance the Passenger Protect Program, including the development of a rigorous centralized screening model and a redress mechanism for legitimate air travelers who are affected by the program. The enhanced program would help ensure that privacy and fairness concerns are addressed, while keeping Canadians safe."
11/30/2018,219,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Phase out inefficient fossil fuel industry subsidies over the medium-term.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Finance,"Actions taken, progress made","Phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, consistent with Canada’s commitment with the G20 countries, building a strong, clean economy and preserving our planet for generations to come.","Budget 2016 announced that the accelerated capital cost allowance for facilities used to liquefy natural gas will be allowed to expire at the end of 2024. Budget 2017 proposed changes to rationalize the treatment of exploration expenses for oil and gas producers and phase out their ability to reclassify certain development expenses as more favourably treated exploration expenses. The government will continue to review, report on, and phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, as appropriate."
11/30/2018,220,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,"Increase the proportion of Canada's marine and coastal areas that are protected to five percent by 2017, and ten percent by 2020.","Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Environment and Climate Change","Actions taken, progress made","Five per cent of Canada's marine and coastal areas are protected by 2017, and 10 per cent by 2020, protecting important habitats, maintaining and promoting tourism, and helping with climate change adaptation.","In October 2017, the government achieved its commitment to protect 5% of Canada's marine and coastal areas by 2017. In December 2017, seven new marine refuges were established off the coasts of Nunavut and Newfoundland and Labrador, which contributed an additional 145,598 square km of protected ocean area to Canada’s coasts. The government is on track to achieve the 10% target by 2020, with 7.9% of Canada’s ocean conserved as of June 27, 2018.
In November 2016, the Government of Canada announced the designation of the Anguniaqvia niqiqyuam Marine Protected Area (MPA). In February 2017, the government announced the designation of the Hecate Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound Glass Sponge Reefs MPA. In May 2017, a Large Offshore Pacific Area of Interest off the coast of British Columbia was announced, with the intention of making it one of Canada's largest MPAs by 2020. In June 2017, the government announced the designation of St. Anns Bank MPA. In August 2017, the federal government, Nunavut and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association together announced an agreement on the final boundary and interim protection of the new Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area in Lancaster Sound -- the largest protected area ever established in Canada. In June 2018, the Scott Islands Protected Marine Area Regulations were published and, in September 2018, the government announced the establishment of the Scott Islands marine National Wildlife Area, Canada’s first marine area under the *Canada Wildlife Act*. To further support Canada’s marine conservation efforts, Shell Canada also announced, on September 13, 2018, its intent to voluntarily release nearly 50,000 square km of exploratory oil and gas permits off the coast of British Columbia.
Additional areas are also being pursued for protection. On March 22, 2018, the government announced the establishment of two new Areas of Interest (Fundian Channel-Browns Bank and Eastern Shore Islands) and a proposed conservation area (Eastern Canyons) in the Scotian Shelf Bioregion. And on June 30, 2018, the proposed Banc-des-Américains Marine Protected Area Regulations were published.
In addition, the government allocated funding towards exploring with Indigenous and Northern partners the protection of the High Arctic. In September 2017, Canada signed a statement of intent with the Nunatsiavut government, committing to work together on marine planning in Labrador's offshore area.
Canada has developed science-based criteria for other effective area-based conservation measures that contribute to marine conservation targets. Fisheries area closures that meet these criteria, known as marine refuges, have been established throughout Canada's oceans to protect important species and ecosystem features. The government will continue working with its partners to enhance the protection of Canada’s oceans.
The Government of Canada has proposed amendments to the *Oceans Act* to create a new authority to designate an interim MPA through ministerial order and to update existing enforcement officer powers and fines provisions. Amendments are also proposed to the *Canada Petroleum Resources Act* to allow for orders prohibiting oil and gas activities in designated *Oceans Act* MPAs. The proposed amendments would also allow for negotiations for the relinquishment of oil and gas rights that overlap Oceans Act MPAs. These amendments were informed by engagement with Indigenous peoples, provinces and territories, and stakeholders.
A National Advisory Panel was established to gather perspectives and offer recommendations to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard on categories and associated protection standards for federal MPAs, using International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) guidance as a baseline. The Panel also considered Indigenous approaches and governance with respect to marine conservation, including the evolving concept of Indigenous Protected Areas. The Panel presented its recommendations in a final report to the Minister in September was publicly released on October 16, 2018."
11/30/2018,221,15-Nov,Canada in the World,"Advance human rights, gender equality, peaceful pluralism and respect for diversity internationally.",Minister of International Development;Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Inclusive governance, human rights, gender equality, peaceful pluralism and respect for diversity are enhanced around the world.","The Government of Canada promotes, and defends inclusive governance, human rights, gender equality, democracy, inclusion and respect for diversity in every international relationship and at every opportunity. Canada continues to champion the rights of indigenous peoples through supporting, without qualification, the United Nations (UN) Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The government made statements on inclusion and respect for diversity at the UN General Assembly in autumn 2017, and at the Organization of American States (OAS) General Assembly in June 2018. In October 2017, Canada adopted the *Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act* and amendments to the *Special Economic Measures Act* (SEMA) to take action to respond to cases of human rights violations and acts of corruption globally.
In February 2018, Canada announced $3 million over five years to support the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCR) to strengthen the promotion, monitoring and respect of human rights for vulnerable groups, especially women, girls and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) persons in Honduras.
On July 5, 2018, the UN Human Rights Council adopted by consensus the Canadian-led resolution on “Accelerating efforts to eliminate violence against women and girls: preventing and responding to violence against women and girls in digital contexts.” Co-sponsored by 77 countries, the resolution is ground-breaking in putting technology-mediated violence at the centre of international deliberations.
In Guatemala, Canada approved a $2.5 million project over five years with OHCHR focusing on the rights of indigenous and other disadvantaged women. Canada also approved $4.1 million in new funding to the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) and a $6.1 million five-year project on women's rights and gender sensitive justice in Guatemala with Canadian organizations CECI and Lawyers without Borders Canada.
In response to the grave crisis in Myanmar, Prime Minister Trudeau appointed the Honourable Bob Rae as Special Envoy to Myanmar in October 2017. Canada’s response to the ongoing crisis in Myanmar focuses on alleviating the humanitarian crisis, encouraging positive political development, ensuring accountability for the crimes committed, and enhancing international cooperation. Canada has dedicated $300 million of international assistance funding over the next three years to support a coordinated response to the crisis in both Myanmar and Bangladesh. Under the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, Canada applied sanctions on a Myanmar national responsible for human rights violations against the Rohingya and has further sanctioned this person, and six others involved in military operations in Myanmar, under the *Special Economic Measures Act*.
Under Canada's presidency of the G7, the government led efforts aimed at 1) reinforcing democracy; 2) preventing and countering technology facilitated gender-based violence; and 3) ensuring that rapid advances in Artificial Intelligence do not negatively impact Canada's human rights obligations. Gender equality was one of five themes of Canada’s presidency, and was integrated across all work, themes, activities and outcomes. To support this work, Canada established the Gender Equality Advisory Council. At the 2018 G7 Summit, Leaders recognized that respect for human rights, the rule of law and equality of opportunity are necessary for lasting security and to enable economic growth that works for everyone. Leaders also recognized that gender equality is fundamental for the fulfillment of human rights and took concrete steps to ensure that individuals' human rights are protected offline and online.
Canada leveraged its G7 presidency and partnership with the EU to co-host a meeting of women foreign ministers in Canada on September 21-22, 2018, which provided an opportunity to harness the perspectives of women foreign ministers in addressing the challenges facing global relations today, particularly with respect to advancing gender equality.
The government has also engaged in establishing normative standards for safe orderly and regular migration that are gender sensitive and promote and protect human rights through the negotiation of the Global Compact on Migration.
In September 2018, Canada helped secure the adoption of a Lima Group-led resolution at the Human Rights Council on the promotion and protection of human rights in Venezuela. In the same month, Canada also joined other regional partners in referring the situation in Venezuela to the International Criminal Court, based on the possibility that crimes against humanity have been committed.
Canada successfully advocated for integration of gender considerations in the management of natural resources in the work of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, the OECD, the World Bank and the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining (IGF).
In August 2018, Canada hosted the ERC’s Global Conference on LGBTI Human Rights and Inclusive Development in Vancouver. The conference brought together delegates from over 85 countries, civil society representatives and multilateral agencies to discuss contemporary issues affecting LGBTI individuals and communities worldwide, and to consider strategies for making further progress in advancing LGBTI human rights and inclusive development. Canada announced up to $1 million in funding to support LGBTI persons in conflict-affected areas and that it would update to its Voices at Risk guidelines for Canadian representatives to support human rights defenders from vulnerable groups such as LGBTI persons, journalists, and women.
Canada has also taken additional measures to voice our opposition to death penalty and torture. In September 2017, Canada joined the Global Alliance to end trade in goods used for death penalty and torture. In October 2018, Canada joined the Friends of the Protocol, coordinated by the World Coalition against the Death Penalty to enhance and strengthen Canada’s advocacy against the death penalty.
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11/30/2018,222,15-Nov,Canada in the World,Work on development financing issues.,Minister of Finance;Minister of International Development;Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made","Increased international investment, reduced poverty and improved economic development in developing countries.","The Development Finance Institute Canada opened for business in early 2018 under the brand name “FinDev Canada.” FinDev Canada supports women's economic empowerment and gender equality, poverty reduction, and climate change mitigation and adaptation in developing countries.
FinDev’s first transaction, an investment with M-KOPA, a Kenya-based solar energy provider, was announced in March 2018. At the G7 meeting in June 2018, FinDev Canada joined with other G7 development finance institutions to support the 2X Challenge, a commitment to collectively mobilize $3 billion dollars by 2020 for investment in business activities that will benefit women in developing countries.
Budget 2018 provided $1.5 billion and $492.7 million per year ongoing thereafter to establish an International Assistance Innovation Program and a pilot Sovereign Loans Program.
In May 2018, the Minister of International Development launched a series of targeted engagements seeking expert advice on the creation of a new partnership between the Government of Canada, the philanthropic community and the private sector to catalyze new investments to advance gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in developing countries. The Minister of International Development also announced that Canada is willing to contribute up to $300 million to such a partnership.
The Minister of International Development and the Minister of Finance co-hosted the first ever G7 meeting of Development and Finance Ministers, to draw on the individual expertise of both ministries to seek out innovative approaches to financing international development. This meeting laid the groundwork for the Charlevoix Commitment on Innovative Financing for Development, which promotes economic growth in developing economies and fosters greater equality of opportunity within and between countries.
Canada is also fostering intellectual leadership and broadening the growth in development financing literacy and collaboration by co-leading (with Jamaica) the Group of Friends of SDG Financing at the UN. The Group is a platform to promote solution-oriented ideas for unlocking capital for development.
On September 24, 2018, at the Secretary-General’s High Level Meeting on Financing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Prime Minister of Canada announced that Canada will contribute $20 million to the Global Infrastructure Hub (GI Hub) to establish Toronto as the centre of its North American operations. The GI Hub will use $5 million of the funding to establish the Global Centre for Infrastructure Excellence, underscoring Canada’s commitment to foster new partnerships for development.
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11/30/2018,223,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Develop and implement a Youth Service Program.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of International Development","Actions taken, progress made","More young Canadians engaged in high quality public and community service, and through this service, gaining valuable skills that will benefit them in life and work.","On January 16, 2018, the government launched the design phase of the Canada Service Corps, Canada’s new national youth service initiative.
Canada Service Corps will encourage young Canadians to get involved in service to their communities and gain valuable skills and experience that will benefit them in every aspect of life. This initiative will grow over time, creating more opportunities for youth who wish to serve.
During the design phase, the Government of Canada will engage youth directly to find out more about their motivations and interests, and to explore what service means to them. Their input will directly shape the initiative, ensuring that it meets the needs and priorities of young people once it is fully implemented in early 2019."
11/30/2018,224,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Raise awareness on concussion treatment.,Minister of Science and Sport;Minister of Health,Completed - fully met,"Consistent, coordinated Canadian guidelines on concussion in sport and return-to-learn and return-to-play protocols.","The government is working in partnership with provinces, territories and other key stakeholders on a coordinated pan-Canadian concussion strategy. In June 2016, a framework for the strategy was endorsed by federal, provincial, and territorial ministers. Budget 2016 made investments to harmonize concussion management guidelines on prevention, early detection and treatment, with a focus on return-to-play and return-to-learn protocols for athletes and students. In July 2017, federal, provincial and territorial Ministers responsible for sport, physical activity and recreation agreed to a Framework for Action focusing on the areas of awareness, prevention, detection, management, and surveillance of concussions, which will further harmonize the collective approach across jurisdictions. At the same time, Parachute Canada, with the financial support of the Government of Canada, released its “Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport”.
The government directed funds to the Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC) for a national awareness campaign. SIRC worked collaboratively with National Sport Organizations on an awareness and implementation campaign regarding the sport specific protocols for return-to-play after a concussion. As of June 2018, 42 of Canada's National Sport Organizations have in place sport concussion protocols harmonized with the Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport. Other National Sport Organizations are working toward adopting or updating their protocols. Parachute also developed concussion resources for schools, including a detailed Return-to-School Strategy and an accredited online concussion course for medical professionals.
The government has also partnered with the private sector to launch two new projects in June 2018. The SCHOOLFirst project, led by Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, provides access to up-to-date information for teachers and school boards on concussion practices to support youth who are returning to school after experiencing a concussion. The Progress Activation and Concussion Education (PACE) mobile app helps people recognize, prevent and manage a concussion.
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11/30/2018,225,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Update and expand the Nutrition North program.,Minister of Health;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations;Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,"Actions taken, progress made",More affordable nutritious food for Canadians in the North.,"In Budget 2016, the government increased funding to expand Nutrition North Canada to isolated northern communities. Nutrition North Canada helps alleviate the high cost of food in 121 isolated northern communities by providing a subsidy on perishable nutritious food. To date, the full benefits of Nutrition North Canada, including nutrition education funding, have been expanded to 37 additional isolated northern communities.
Under the oversight of the Nutrition North Canada Advisory Board, throughout 2016 the government engaged with Northerners to collect feedback on how to best update the program. In response to the findings from the public engagement, the Nutrition North Canada Advisory Board published the Reflections on the What We Heard Report and hosted a stakeholder meeting with Indigenous organizations, northern retailers and airlines, provincial and territorial governments and other federal government departments in early May 2017. The purpose was to discuss the feedback received during the public engagement and the key areas where many different views as identified by the Advisory Board. Through facilitated group discussions, participants collaborated on ways the program can be more responsive to the needs of Northerners. An Indigenous Working Group was launched at this meeting, including national and regional Indigenous organizations, which was tasked with co-developing options to help Nutrition North Canada work better for Northerners. Co-development work is ongoing, under the oversight of the Advisory Board to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs.
As of July 2018, Nutrition North Canada falls under the portfolio of the Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade. In his Mandate Letter, Minister LeBlanc was directed to ""Continue to work to update and expand the Nutrition North program, in consultation with northern communities"".
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11/30/2018,226,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Develop a coordinated national action plan on post-traumatic stress disorder.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,"Actions taken, progress made",Canada's public safety officers have better access to support for post-traumatic stress.,"The government is developing a national action plan on post-traumatic stress injuries, which will be evidence-based and will align substantively with the findings of the Fifth Report of the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security, including an emphasis on coordinated research, early intervention, and support and treatment for public safety officers.
Budget 2018 proposed funding to support a new national research consortium between the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT) to address the incidence of post-traumatic stress injuries among public safety officers. The government also proposed funding to increase support for the mental health needs of RCMP officers, and for Public Safety Canada to work with CIPSRT to develop an internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy pilot as a means of providing greater access to care and treatment for public safety officers.
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11/30/2018,227,15-Nov,Indigenous peoples,Co-develop an Indigenous Languages Act.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism,"Actions taken, progress made","An Indigenous Languages Act co-developed with the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Métis National Council (on behalf of the Métis Nation) that preserves, promotes, and revitalizes Indigenous languages in Canada, resulting in more people speaking Indigenous languages.","On December 6, 2016 the Prime Minister announced that the Government of Canada will enact an Indigenous Languages Act, co-developed with Indigenous peoples, with the goal of ensuring the preservation, promotion, and revitalization of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit languages in Canada. On June 15, 2017, Canadian Heritage, the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Métis Nation Council (on behalf of the Métis Nation) launched the co-development of Indigenous languages legislation and agreed on a collaborative engagement process. Early engagement concluded in February 2018, and intensive engagement has been undertaken by Canadian Heritage with the support of the three National Indigenous Organizations throughout summer 2018."
11/30/2018,228,15-Nov,Sustainable Infrastructure,Expand the network of shelters and transition houses for those fleeing domestic violence.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Indigenous Services;Minister of Status of Women,"Actions taken, progress made",More shelters available for those fleeing domestic violence.,"In Budget 2016, the government made significant investments to repair and expand the number of shelters and transition houses for victims of family violence and ensure that no one fleeing domestic violence is left without a place to go. As of March 31, 2018, this funding has supported over 3,200 projects, to assist more than 5,800 households. In Budget 2016, the government also provided greater funding to renovate, construct and better support shelters serving victims of family violence in First Nation communities. Five communities (in Ontario, Manitoba, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Quebec) have been identified for the construction of new shelters, and planning and construction activities have begun. The new Manitoba shelter held their grand opening on November 6, 2018, with a statement from the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. The remaining four are scheduled to become operational by March 2019.
The National Housing Strategy will fund projects that support vulnerable Canadians, including homeless women and those fleeing domestic violence. Along with Budget 2016, this funding will support the construction and renewal of at least 7,000 shelter spaces as well as aim for 33% of all investments to support projects that specifically target women and girls.
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11/30/2018,229,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Reduce complexity and strengthen partnerships between National Defence and Veterans Affairs.,Minister of Veterans Affairs;Minister of National Defence,"Actions taken, progress made","A simpler and easier to navigate process for delivering benefits and services to ensure members of Canada's Armed Forces (CAF), Veterans, and their families are well supported and properly prepared for civilian life.","The government is developing a roadmap with key milestones outlining the delivery of a simpler and more streamlined transition process focused on clients. This new approach is intended to ease access to benefits and services for those who need them.
Desired outcomes include increased awareness and easier navigation of benefits and services; timely provision of benefits and services; recognition of service and a lifelong sense of belonging; continuity of health care; and career development support.
All of these efforts are aimed at providing CAF members, Veterans, and their families with a more successful transition to civilian life.
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11/30/2018,230,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Develop a suicide prevention strategy for Canadian Armed Forces personnel and Veterans.,Minister of National Defence;Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,More Veterans and men and women in the Canadian Armed Forces receive the mental health care they need and suicides are reduced.,"Canada's new defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—invests in the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces and delivers the standard of service and care that current and former members deserve. The new policy expands the number of Canada's military personnel and significantly invest in the health and welfare of those serving in uniform. As part of the policy, the government is expanding the Department of National Defence Medical Service Branch by 200 personnel to ensure serving members have better access to efficient and effective care anywhere they serve, in Canada or abroad. In October 2017, the government announced the implementation of a joint Canadian Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Suicide Prevention Strategy composed of 160 different initiatives, programs and services, including the hiring of additional mental health professionals focused on preventing suicide across the entire military and Veteran community. The effectiveness of clinical interventions, training, education and other supports and services will be studied to assess progress in preventing suicide."
11/30/2018,231,15-Nov,Safety and Security,Create a committee of Parliamentarians to review national security.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Completed - fully met,Parliamentarians have the information they need to ensure Canada's national security framework and activities are effective and protect rights and freedoms and Canadian values.,"The law establishing the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) has been brought into force, funding has been allocated, members have been appointed, a chair designated, and an Executive Director has been appointed. The new NSICOP is an important step towards increased accountability and transparency. The Committee's broad government-wide mandate to scrutinize any national security matter will help ensure the protection of the public and that the rights and freedoms of individual Canadians are upheld. The NSICOP can perform reviews of national security and intelligence activities, including ongoing operations, and strategic and systemic reviews of the legislative, regulatory, policy, expenditure and administrative frameworks under which these activities are conducted."
11/30/2018,232,15-Nov,Canada in the World,End Canada's combat mission in Iraq and Syria and refocus Canada's efforts on training and humanitarian support.,Minister of National Defence,Completed - fully met,"Canada ceased conducting fighter jet strikes in Iraq and Syria and adopted a more comprehensive approach with increased resources for stabilization, humanitarian assistance, and training.","Effective February 15, 2016, Canada ceased conducting strikes by CF-18 fighter jets on Daesh targets. On February 8, 2016, Canada announced an increased contribution to the training of Iraq Security Forces, as well as humanitarian and stabilization support. The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are contributing many capabilities to the multinational efforts to degrade and defeat Daesh. Up to 830 CAF personnel are assigned to Operation IMPACT, which has been extended until March 31, 2019."
11/30/2018,233,15-Nov,Canada in the World,Renew Canada's commitment to United Nations peace operations.,Minister of National Defence;Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made","Canadian efforts enhance peace and security, protect human rights, promote stability, and help those most in need around the world.","Canada has a long and proud history of contributing to peacekeeping operations. Modern conflicts have, nevertheless, called for a rethinking of how we can most effectively promote international peace and security. At the UN peacekeeping conference in Vancouver in November 2017, the Prime Minister unveiled the main elements of Canada’s new approach to peace support operations. Canada is taking a leadership role supporting, among other initiatives, the following:
? The Vancouver Principles – focused on ending the recruitment and use of child soldiers in the context of UN peacekeeping operations. As of November 2018, 69 countries have already endorsed the principles.
? The Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations – a pilot project that aims to test approaches to increase the meaningful participation of uniformed women in UN peace operations. As of November 2018, a baseline study which describes the barriers faced by uniformed women in UN peace operations has been completed, bilateral technical assistance and training partnerships have been established with Ghana and Zambia, and $3 million has been provided to the UN's Department of Peacekeeping Operations and select UN missions to support the creation of receptive environments for women peacekeepers.
? A range of Smart Pledges and military capabilities – aimed at leveraging Canadian expertise and supporting broader UN reform efforts.
In keeping with this approach, on March 19, 2018, the Government of Canada announced the deployment of an Air Task Force to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) for a period of 12 months. The Air Task Force became fully operational on August 15, 2018, as part of Canada’s efforts to help set the conditions for durable peace, development, and prosperity in Mali. The Task Force provides urgently needed aeromedical evacuation, transport, and logistics capacity, as well as armed escort and protection."
11/30/2018,234,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Ensure that Employment Insurance (EI) contributions are only used to fund EI programs.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Finance",Completed - fully met,Improved sustainability of the Employment Insurance (EI) program to ensure the program is available to Canadians when they need it.,"The Government of Canada continues to make sure that EI contributions are only used to fund EI programs. In April 2016, the seven-year break-even rate setting mechanism came into force, ensuring that the EI Operating Account will be balanced over a seven-year horizon. The EI premium rate declined from $1.88 per $100 of insurable earnings in 2016 to $1.66 per $100 of insurable earnings in 2018, a period over which the government has made significant enhancements to EI benefits and programs funded by the EI Operating Account.
On September 13, 2018, the Canada Employment Commission announced that the 2019 EI premium rate will decrease to $1.62 per $100 of insurable earnings, reflecting strong economic conditions and projections, as well as additional new supports for Canadian families. This will be the lowest EI premium rate since 1980, and for most Canadian workers, the lowest they have paid since entering the workforce."
11/30/2018,235,15-Nov,Indigenous peoples,Renew and improve the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made","Improved employment outcomes for participants accessing programs through the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS), and reduced employment gaps with non-Indigenous Canadians who use similar employment services.","Budget 2018 announced an investment of $2 billion over five years, and $408.2 million per year ongoing, to support the creation of the new Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISET) Program, which will replace the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS). This new program is based on extensive engagement held in 2016 and 2017 with ASETS holders, Indigenous communities and leadership, and other stakeholders to seek feedback on how the ASETS structure and policy could be redesigned and improved. The ISET Program also builds upon previous increased federal investment, whereby approximately 1,700 additional Indigenous Peoples were supported through the ASETS in 2016 compared to 2015. The government also made investments to increase capacity of service providers to meet the growing demand from Indigenous Peoples for skills development and job training and provided an additional $50 million to ASETS in 2017. The government is currently engaging with Indigenous partners on the co-development of the implementation of the ISET Program."
11/30/2018,236,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Provide a 12-month break on Employment Insurance (EI) premiums for firms that hire younger workers into permanent positions.,"Minister of Finance;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Not being pursued,See below,"Based on research conducted by the Department of Finance, it was determined that this was not the most effective or efficient way of spending public resources to create jobs for young people.
Budgets 2016 and 2017 invested significantly in the Youth Employment Strategy, nearly doubling the Canada Summer Jobs program, which will help more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop the skills they need to find work, create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians and provide over 1,600 new employment opportunities for youth in the heritage sector. In addition, Budget 2016 announced the creation of an Expert Panel on Youth Employment to assess the barriers faced by vulnerable youth in finding and keeping jobs, and to examine innovative practices used by governments, non-governmental organizations and employers to improve job opportunities for vulnerable youth.
Through Budget 2018, the government is providing an additional $448.5 million over five years starting in 2018–19, for the Youth Employment Strategy. This funding extends commitments made in 2016 to nearly double the number of Canada Summer Jobs for summer 2019 with up to 70,000 opportunities for youth. In addition, this funding will provide resources to implement a modernized Youth Employment Strategy, building on the input of the Expert Panel on Youth Employment."
11/30/2018,237,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Provide more generous and flexible leave for caregivers.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Caregivers of critically ill or injured Canadians receive greater support.,"Effective December 3, 2017, the new Family Caregiver benefit for adults is available to help families care for a critically ill adult. This benefit allows eligible caregivers to take up to 15 weeks off work to care for or support an adult family member who is critically ill or injured. Eligible caregivers are family members or individuals that the critically ill or injured adult considers to be like family."
11/30/2018,238,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Develop a Social Innovation and Social Finance strategy.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development","Actions taken, progress made",A government-wide strategy is established that facilitates new and innovative ways of addressing Canada's biggest social challenges.,"The Government of Canada recognizes that new and innovative approaches are needed to tackle persistent and complex social issues. In June 2017, the government launched the Social Innovation and Social Finance Steering Group. Through consultations and engagement activities, the Steering Group will seek perspectives of industry, sector and community leaders to co-create a Social Innovation and Social Finance Strategy. Previous findings from government consultations and engagement activities related to social innovation and social finance will help the Steering Group identify policy solutions for the Strategy. As part of the Fall Economic Statement 2018, released on November 21, 2018, the Government announced the Social Finance Fund."
11/30/2018,239,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Introduce the Canada Child Benefit (CCB).,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Finance",Completed - fully met,"A generous, better-targeted, tax-free monthly Canada Child Benefit (CCB) that gives nine out of ten Canadian families more money to help with the high cost of raising their children.","In Budget 2016, the government introduced the new, tax-free, income-tested Canada Child Benefit (CCB). In its first year of implementation, over 3.3 million families received more than $23 billion in CCB payments. The CCB has helped lift an estimated 300,000 children out of poverty in Canada. In the October 2017 Fall Economic Statement, the government announced that the CCB will be increased annually to keep pace with the rising cost of living as of July 2018, two years ahead of schedule. For the 2018-19 benefit year, the CCB provides a maximum annual benefit of $6,496 per child under age 6 and $5,481 per child age 6 through 17. In Budget 2018, the government expanded outreach efforts to help Indigenous Peoples access the full range of federal social benefits, including the CCB."
11/30/2018,240,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Develop a National Early Learning and Child care Framework with the provinces and territories.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Status of Women",Completed - fully met,"More high-quality, affordable child care spaces.","The Government of Canada is supporting the creation of affordable, high-quality child care spaces for low and modest income families, with the goal of supporting up to 40,000 new subsidized child care spaces over the next three years. The Federal, Provincial and Territorial governments reached a historic agreement on a Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care Framework on June 12, 2017. The government has worked with each province and territory to enter into three-year bilateral agreements that will outline their unique early learning and child care needs to be addressed and the funding allocation for each jurisdiction. Bilateral agreements have now been signed with all jurisdictions.
In addition to bilateral agreements with other levels of government, the government will also dedicate funding towards specific initiatives to support better outcomes for early learning and child care in Canada. Over the next 11 years, this includes:
• $100 million for early learning and child care innovation, which will support new and innovative practices across the country and help to develop more effective services to improve life outcomes for children and their families.
• $95 million to close data gaps in order to better understand what child care looks like in Canada, supporting strong reporting on progress made in implementing the Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care Framework and the Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework."
11/30/2018,241,15-Nov,Indigenous peoples,Establish a new fiscal relationship with First Nations communities and lift the 2% cap.,Minister of Finance;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations,"Actions taken, progress made",Increased support for Indigenous communities consistent with needs and population growth rather than a fixed 2% cap; co-developed approaches to reforming funding policies and accountability.,"By 2021-22, total federal government spending on Indigenous programs will increase from over $11 billion in 2015-16 to over $15 billion in 2021-22—an increase of 34% over six years. The Government of Canada has also committed to a new fiscal relationship that is sufficient, sustainable and predictable. The government is advancing a renewed fiscal relationship through two parallel initiatives. The first is with the Assembly of First Nations, through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in July 2016. The first phase of this collaboration with the Assembly of First Nations produced a report, ""A New Approach: Co-development of a New Fiscal Relationship between Canada and First Nation,"" that was submitted to the National Chief and the Minister of Indigenous Services in December 2017. In response to the report, the Minister committed to work with First Nation partners to move ahead on a number of proposals, including: providing more funding flexibility and predictability to support self-determination with the creation of ten-year-grants for qualified First Nations, with the goal of providing them to 100 First Nations by April 1, 2019; replace the Default Prevention and Management Policy; and establish an advisory committee to support ongoing co-development. To better support First Nations communities, to support strong Indigenous institutions and to advance the new fiscal relationship with First Nations, Budget 2018 proposes to invest $188.6 million over five years, starting in 2018–19. In total, 252 expressions of interest were received from First Nations interested in the ten-year-grant; work has begun in assessing eligibility.
The second collaborative process on fiscal policy is focused on Self-Governing Indigenous groups. Since May 2016, the government and Self-Governing Indigenous governments have been engaged in the Collaborative Self-government Fiscal Policy Development Process, to develop a new policy framework for the provision of federal financial support to self-government. A co-developed draft policy proposal was completed in December 2017 and was endorsed by the Government of Canada. Through Budget 2018, the government committed $189.2 million in 2018–19 to begin the implementation of fiscal policy reforms that have been co-developed with self-governing Indigenous Peoples. This funding will support key priorities, including the closing of socio-economic gaps, infrastructure, data collection and governance."
11/30/2018,242,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Develop a National Disabilities Act.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility","Actions taken, progress made",Federal accessibility legislation that promotes equality of opportunity and increases inclusion and participation of Canadians who have disabilities or functional limitations.,"Building on the extensive nine-month, in-person and online consultation with Canadians, the Government of Canada tabled the *Accessible Canada Act* on June 20th, 2018. The *Accessible Canada Act* represents the most significant Government of Canada disability rights legislation in over 30 years and is a cornerstone of the Government of Canada’s plan to build a more inclusive Canada. The legislation will address, in a systematic way, the barriers that exist in areas of federal jurisdiction. It proposes to cover sectors such as banking, transportation, telecommunications, and Government of Canada departments and agencies. The Government of Canada is providing funding of approximately $290 million over six years that will further the objectives of the new legislation. "
11/30/2018,244,15-Nov,Sustainable Infrastructure,Ensure any unspent infrastructure funds are transferred to municipalities.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Finance,"Actions taken, progress made",Ensure infrastructure funding approved by Parliament does not lapse and is invested in municipal infrastructure projects.,"In March 2017, the Government of Canada transferred $30.2 million in potentially lapsing funding from a number of previously established funding programs to municipalities through the federal Gas Tax Fund (GTF).
The government has also committed to transfer unused legacy funding to the GTF. For example, any funding under the Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component of the 2014 New Building Canada Fund not approved for projects by March 31, 2019 will be transferred to the GTF."
11/30/2018,245,15-Nov,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Develop a 10-year infrastructure plan, improve governance and promote better data collection and asset management.",Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Transport,Completed - fully met,"Agreements with all provinces and territories that improve public transit, roads and bridges; increase access to affordable housing and child care; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; improve access to clean water, and enhance resilience in the face of a changing climate.","Infrastructure plays a central role in building strong communities, creating jobs and growing the economy. Taking into account the investments made in Budgets 2016 and 2017, the government has developed a 12-year plan that will invest over $180 billion across Canada in public transit, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, rural and northern communities' infrastructure, and trade and transportation infrastructure.
Infrastructure bilateral agreements have now been signed with all provinces and territories, including agreements to report on benefits to communities. As part of the Plan, the government has also signed an agreement with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) to deliver an asset management program to support municipalities in making informed infrastructure investment decisions.
The government partnered with Statistics Canada and other stakeholders to launch an ambitious data collection initiative on Canadian infrastructure – Canada’s Core Public Infrastructure Survey (CCPI), which officially launched in mid-2017. Through the survey, the government will better track, collect, use and share data on Canadian infrastructure, including tracking comparable data on infrastructure usage and demand across jurisdictions and tracking the state and performance of public infrastructure across asset classes.
The Infrastructure Economic Accounts launched in September 2018. These measures will help governments maximize taxpayer dollars and report back to Canadians on outcomes achieved. In addition, the Minister of Transport announced the new Canadian Centre on Transportation Data and the new Transportation Data and Information Hub on April 13, 2018. Better information supports better governance and asset management, and data will also be collected that will be complementary to the CCPI."
11/30/2018,246,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,"Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency proactively contacts those who are entitled to, but are not receiving, tax benefits.",Minister of National Revenue,"Actions taken, progress made","More Canadians receive the tax benefits and credits to which they are entitled, including vulnerable Canadians and Indigenous people on-reserve.","The CRA undertook a new initiative in 2016-2017 to proactively contact 260,000 Canadians who were potentially eligible for tax benefits but were not receiving them and continued it in 2017- 2018. In October 2017, the Agency issued 300,000 letters with a positive message to promote filing and ensure that Canadians receive the benefits and credits to which they are entitled. As a result of these mailings, a total of 37,934 returns were filed and over $6.98 million in tax refund payments and $32.4 million in credits and benefits were paid to Canadians. The 2018-2019 campaign was launched on October 26, 2018. Results will be compiled until February 2019 and reported by March 2019.
The government, through the Canada Revenue Agency and Service Canada, has proactively promoted the Canada child benefit (CCB) in Indigenous communities to make sure Indigenous families have full access to this important benefit. Between September 2016 and March 2018, in-person visits were conducted in over 637 First Nations communities in order to promote the CCB and other benefits. The government will continue to work to improve these results across all federal benefit programs.
In August 2018, the Minister of National Revenue announced that the Agency will open three new northern service centres in Whitehorse, Yellowknife and Iqaluit to better support Canadians living in the North, including Indigenous communities. In addition to maintaining a physical presence throughout the year, the Agency will expand the activities of the Outreach Program, the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP), and the Liaison Officer service offered to businesses and self-employed individuals.
Through Budget 2018, the government proposes to significantly increase the size of the CVITP, which would support more volunteers to help hundreds of thousands more individuals by doing their taxes to ensure access to benefits designed to help them. This expansion will include funding to support additional year-round benefit clinics and more outreach activities to vulnerable population segments including seniors, newcomers and refugees, persons with disabilities, modest-income Canadians, housing insecure individuals, youth, and Indigenous people."
11/30/2018,247,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) offers to complete returns for lower-income Canadians whose financial situation is unchanged year-to-year.,Minister of National Revenue,"Actions taken, progress made",Simpler process for low-income Canadians to file their taxes when their financial situation hasn't changed much.,"Budget 2018 provided additional funding to increase the number of individuals helped by the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP), which assists vulnerable Canadians with tax filing and access to the benefits they are entitled to. The budget funding also provides additional support to community organizations participating in CVITP to hold tax clinics year-round, and to conduct more outreach activities to vulnerable population segments including Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, seniors, newcomers and refugees, modest-income Canadians, housing-insecure individuals and youth. For the 2017 tax year, the government increased community partnerships for the CVITP by 9%, and through this program, volunteers filed over 786,000 returns on behalf of Canadians.
In August 2018, the Minister of National Revenue announced details of a Northern Service Improvement Strategy. As part of the strategy, to better support Indigenous communities and Canadians living in the Territories, the CRA will expand the activities of the Outreach Program and the CVITP.
The CRA provides the File my Return service for Canadians with a low or a fixed income whose situations remain unchanged year-to-year. Eligible Canadians are able to file their income tax and benefit return by providing some personal information and answering a series of short questions through an automated phone service. Over 47,000 eligible individuals used the new service to file their 2017 tax return.
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11/30/2018,248,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency supports more Canadians who wish to file taxes using no paper forms.,Minister of National Revenue,"Actions taken, progress made","More Canadians file their taxes online; and filing online is simple, easy and convenient for all CRA administered programs.","In 2017-2018, 87.6% of the income tax filings occurred online. This is an increase of nearly 750,000 Canadians using this method over the prior tax year.
Canadians continue to increase their use of the CRA’s secure online portals. In 2017-2018, Canadians logged into these portals over 63 million times. The government is currently redesigning CRA's secure portals to enable even more online interactions. Budget 2018 investments will allow the government to update and modernize information technology infrastructure to deliver a more user-friendly, client-centric experience, allowing Canadians to easily find the tax and benefit information they need in order to meet their filing commitments. Being client-centric means understanding clients’ needs, their behaviours and expectations and adapting to meet those needs.
The CRA continues to improve its other online services for individuals and their representatives. These include Auto-fill my return, Express Notice of Assessment, File my Return, and ReFile.
Auto-fill my return helps fill in parts of the individual Income Tax and Benefit Return T1 return with data already available to CRA, making filing online simpler and easier. Since the start of the 2018 tax filing season, the Auto-fill my return service was used over 9.9 million times.
The Express Notice of Assessment service, available in EFILE and NETFILE certified tax preparation software, makes the notice of assessment available right after filing a return. In the 2018 tax filing season, the total number of uses of this service was over 415,000.
File my Return is available for Canadians with a low or a fixed income whose situations remain unchanged year-to-year, allowing them to file their income tax and benefit return by providing some personal information and answering a series of short questions through an automated phone service. In the 2018 tax filing season, over 47,000 Canadians used this service.
The ReFILE service makes it possible for tax preparers to amend their clients' returns electronically. In February 2018, the ReFILE service was expanded to allow individuals to submit online adjustments with certified NETFILE software. During the 2018 tax filing season, ReFILE was used over 123,000 times.
The CRA also continues to improve online services for businesses. The Corporation Income Tax Return T2 Auto-fill service allows business owners and their authorized representatives to download information from the CRA to their certified Corporation Income Tax Return T2 tax preparation software. Since its introduction in October 2017 to October 31, 2018, there have been 134,715 logins to this service.
All corporations filing their Corporation Income Tax Return T2 returns electronically using certified tax preparation software are able to digitally attach certain supporting documentation to their returns, instead of having to mail or fax them in. From the implementation of this service in the Fall of 2017 until the end of October 2018, the CRA has received 17,016 electronic documents attached to the corporation income tax returns.
In May 2018, the CRA introduced a new service that lets business owners and authorized representatives create their own filing and balance confirmation letters online. As of October 2018, the CRA processed 44,805 automated requests for this letter. Since May 14, 2018, tax preparers can submit business authorization requests using EFILE. The information provided through the certified commercial tax software is validated and processed in real time, providing tax preparers immediate access to their client’s account.
In September 2018, the Minister of National Revenue announced the signing of a joint digital services collaboration plan between the CRA and Tax-Filer Empowerment Canada, an association of Canada’s leading tax preparation and software firms. The primary goal of this collaboration is to produce and promote innovative, secure, and convenient electronic tax filing services."
11/30/2018,249,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency delivers correspondence and other communications that are straightforward and easy to read.,Minister of National Revenue,"Actions taken, progress made","Correspondence is simplified so that Canadians can better understand information they receive from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), leading to increased client satisfaction and fewer inquiries for routine information.","The Government of Canada has simplified the correspondence CRA sends Canadians, making it easier to read and understand, including new, simple, and easy-to-read notices of assessment for businesses and individuals first sent in 2016. As of October 2018, 93% of the correspondence the CRA sends to Canadians has been transformed in the new easy-to-read format. The CRA will have simplified virtually all correspondence by May 2019."
11/30/2018,250,17-Feb,Fair and Open Government,"Enhance transparency in the political fundraising system for Cabinet members, party leaders and leadership candidates.",Minister of Democratic Institutions,Completed - fully met,A more transparent political fundraising system is in place that strengthens trust and confidence in our democratic institutions.,"In May 2017 the government introduced legislation to significantly enhance transparency in the political fundraising system for Cabinet members, party leaders and leadership candidates. This legislation, which received Royal Assent in June 2018 and will come into force in December 2018, will give Canadians more information than ever before: they will know who is going to fundraisers, when and where they are happening, and the amount required to attend. "
11/30/2018,251,17-Feb,Strong Middle Class,Update the *Canada Labour Code* to address emerging issues such as unpaid internships and ensure modern federal employment standards.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made",Stronger protections and employment standards that better protect workers and reflect the changing nature of the labour market.,"Budget 2017 announced the government's intention to eliminate unpaid internships in federally regulated sectors where internships are not part of a formal educational program. In the case of unpaid internships that are part of an educational program, the government will ensure standard labour protections apply, such as maximum hours of work, weekly days of rest and general holidays. Legislation to implement these changes was tabled in Parliament on October 27, 2017, as part of the *Budget Implementation Act, 2017, No. 2* which received Royal Assent December 14, 2017.
Legislation on modern labour standards was tabled in Parliament on October 29, 2018 as part of the *Budget Implementation Act, 2018, No. 2*.
In the 2018 Fall Economic Statement, the Government announced $196 million in funding over six years, starting in 2018-2019, and $25.38 million per year ongoing to support implementation of amendments to modern labour standards. This funding will provide support for the modernization of federal labour standards and enhance the Wage Earner Protection Program (WEPP) to increase the financial security for workers who are owed wages when their employer files for bankruptcy or enters receivership. "
11/30/2018,252,17-Feb,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Increase the labour force participation of women and underrepresented groups.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made","Improved labour market participation and employment outcomes for groups traditionally under-represented in the labour market (women, youth, immigrants, persons with disabilities, racialized communities, and Indigenous peoples).","The government has introduced several initiatives to help Canadians with the challenges they face when making decisions about pursuing work or going back to school. These initiatives will increase the number of high-quality, affordable child care spaces (up to 40,000 over the next three years), introduce flexible work arrangements, make parental leave more flexible, and expand opportunities for lifelong learning. These initiatives are expected to increase labour force participation among several under-represented groups, particularly mothers in low- and modest-income families. In addition, the government has increased the number of work experience opportunities for young Canadians through the Youth Employment Strategy, and has also expanded access to job supports and skills training for all Canadians, with a particular focus on the needs of Indigenous Peoples and other under-represented groups. Budget 2018 proposed a new Employment Insurance Parental Sharing Benefit which will support greater gender equality in the home and in the workplace. The Benefit will provide additional weeks of “use it or lose it” EI parental benefits, when both parents agree to share parental leave. The creation of the new Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program, the introduction of a loans program and employment supports for newcomers and the introduction of a federal accessibility act will further support the unique needs of Indigenous Peoples, newcomers and persons with disabilities. To support women to enter and succeed in the trades, Budget 2018 proposed to pilot an Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women and implement a Women in Construction Fund."
11/30/2018,253,17-Feb,Strong Middle Class,"Develop further initiatives to equip Canadians with the skills needed for the jobs of today and tomorrow, and to better assist workers getting help before becoming unemployed.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made",Canadian workers have the skills they need to find and keep good quality jobs.,"The Government of Canada is working with employers, unions, provinces, territories and educational institutions to ensure that Canadians are equipped to adapt to rapidly changing skills requirements and make successful job transitions. There is a particular focus throughout the suite of government investments in training, education and work experiences on addressing the skills needs of those at risk of being left furthest behind, such as Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, newcomers and vulnerable youth.
To ensure Canadian workers have the skills they need to find and keep good quality jobs, the government is significantly increasing investment in labour market transfer agreements with provinces and territories and expanding their inclusiveness and scope to improve workers' access to skills training and job supports. The Federal government is also making post-secondary education more affordable for low- and modest income families, increasing opportunities for graduates to gain work-ready skills for smoother school-to-work transitions and improving access to opportunities for adult upskilling and lifelong learning. The government is also enhancing supports for skilled trades and apprenticeships, with an increasing focus on women and groups that have traditionally been underrepresented in the labour market.
To ensure skills training is relevant to the jobs of today and tomorrow, in Budget 2018 the government announced that it will launch Future Skills. Future Skills will bring together expertise from all sectors and leverage experience from partners across the country. It will also include an independent Council to advise on emerging skills and workforce trends, and a research lab focused on developing, testing and rigorously measuring new approaches to skills assessment and development.
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11/30/2018,254,17-Feb,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Introduce proactive pay equity legislation for federally-regulated workers.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Status of Women","Actions taken, progress made","Equal pay for work of equal value in federally regulated sectors. Proactive pay equity is expected to contribute to:
• reducing the gender wage gap by addressing the undervaluation of work traditionally performed by women; and
• fairness in the workplace.","On October 29, 2018, the Government delivered on its commitment to replace the current complaint-based approach to pay equity in the federal jurisdiction with a proactive system with the tabling of new proactive pay equity legislation as part of Budget Implementation Act, 2018, No. 2. The new legislation – An Act to Establish a Proactive Pay Equity Regime within the Federal Public and Private Sectors (Pay Equity Act) and amendments to related legislation will bring about a dramatic shift in how the right to pay equity is protected in federally regulated workplaces. It will direct employers to take proactive steps to ensure that they are providing equal pay for work of equal value.
The proposed Act will apply to federally regulated public and private sector employers with 10 or more employees as well as Ministers’ offices. The new legislation will:
• Require employers to establish a pay equity plan within three years of becoming subject to the Act;
• Require unionized employers, as well as those non-unionized employers with 100 or more employees, to establish a pay equity committee to develop, renew and update their pay equity plans. Employer, union and non-unionized employee representatives would all be members of the committee;
• Provide employees with the opportunity to comment on a proposed pay equity plan (or update) before it is finalized and require that any comments be taken into consideration before finalizing the plan; and
• Provide for the appointment of a Pay Equity Commissioner within the Canadian Human Rights Commission who will play both education and enforcement roles with regards to the legislation.
Pay equity requirements would also be extended, as a non-legislative measure, to participants of the Federal Contractors Program with contracts to supply the Government with $1 million or more worth of goods or services.
In developing a proactive approach to pay equity, the Government considered the recommendations of the 2004 Bilson Task Force Report on Pay Equity and the 2016 ESPE Report and drew on lessons from models in Ontario and Quebec. In addition, feedback received from employer, employee and advocacy stakeholders during the 2017 Labour Program roundtables on design elements of a proactive pay equity system was considered.
On October 25, 2018, the Government of Canada released its Proactive Pay Equity What We Heard report, which summarizes stakeholder feedback received during the 2017 Labour Program roundtables.
In the 2018 Fall Economic Statement, the Government announced that it would provide a total of $26.6 million over six years, starting in 2018–19, and $5.8 million per year ongoing to support the new Pay Equity Commissioner and the new Pay Equity Unit within the Canadian Human Rights Commission to implement and administer the proactive pay equity legislation for the federally regulated public and private sectors once it comes into force.
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11/30/2018,255,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Restore a fair and balanced approach to organized labour.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility",Completed - fully met,A fair and balanced labour policy.,"In June 2017, Parliament repealed measures enacted by two pieces of legislation which would have undermined the ability of workers to collectively bargain. This action was supported by both employers and unions, in recognition of the need by all parties for a policy framework that is governed by the principles of fairness and balance."
11/30/2018,256,17-Feb,Healthy Canadians,Implement Canada's ban on asbestos.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,Canada comprehensively bans asbestos.,"In December 2016, the government announced a set of comprehensive measures to ban asbestos and products containing asbestos by 2018. In July 2017, the government brought into force changes to the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations to lower the exposure limit to as close to zero as possible for airborne chrysotile asbestos. These changes will protect federally regulated employees at risk."
11/30/2018,257,17-Feb,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Reduce the wage gap between men and women.,"Minister of Status of Women;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made",Fair compensation systems in organizations under federal jurisdiction and a more flexible work environment to reduce the pay gap between women and men.,"Proactive pay equity is expected to contribute to fairness in the workplace by reducing the gender wage gap in federally regulated workplaces by addressing the undervaluation of work traditionally performed by women.
In its response to the Special Committee on Pay Equity report titled It’s Time to Act, the Government of Canada made a commitment to table new, proactive pay equity legislation in federally regulated sectors before the end of 2018, and did so on October 29, 2018. According to preliminary estimates, this legislation could improve the gender wage gap from 91.4 cents to 94.1 cents for the core public administration, and from 88.1 cents to 90.7 cents in the federal private sector. In addition, new pay transparency requirements in the federally-regulated sector will provide more information on the pay practices of employers, with specific attention paid to making existing wage gaps more evident.
Other measures underway to reduce the gender wage gap and encourage greater workforce participation among women include investments in early learning and child care, a new Employment Insurance caregiving benefit, a major symposium on women and the workplace, the right to request flexible work arrangements for federally regulated employees and the piloting of a new Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women and a new Parental Sharing EI Benefit.
In addition, a number of measures support the creation of more work-integrated learning opportunities, and seek to attract more women to Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) and business programs as well as entrepreneurship. These include expanded eligibility for Canada Student Grants for part-time students and students with dependent children, co-ops for post-secondary students, a new Student Work-Integrated Learning Program, and the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy.
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11/30/2018,259,17-Feb,Canada in the World,"Continue joint efforts to address global security threats, combat terrorism and defend our continent.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Canada is protected from global threats and contributes to achieving a safer, more peaceful and prosperous world.","Canada's new defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—supports the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces and provides them with the necessary equipment and capabilities to defend Canada, protect North America and contribute to international peace and security. Canada is a core member of the Global Coalition Against Daesh and has taken a leadership role in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization by serving as the Framework Nation for the enhanced Forward Presence in Latvia. Canada remains committed to the North American Aerospace Defence Command, which has proven itself effective in its roles of deterring, detecting and defending; and continues to play an important role in the defence of North America.
Canada also collaborates closely with the U.S. and others to support international measures to advance a diplomatic solution to the North Korea threat, including by providing $3.25 million in funding through Global Affairs Canada’s Weapons Threat Reduction Program to the U.S. State Department's Cooperative Threat Reduction Office to build capacity in key states to fully implement UN Security Council (UNSC) sanctions and halt proliferation financing activities. An additional $8.6 million has been committed since April 2018 towards projects to counter North Korea's illicit networks and sanctions evasion tactics including working with international research institutions to use open-source information to investigate North Korea's weapons of mass destruction production capacity and to gather intelligence on how North Korea may be evading international sanctions. Furthermore, in September and October 2018, a Canadian maritime patrol aircraft participated in a multinational initiative to counter North Korea's maritime sanctions evasion, with a particular focus on ship-to-ship transfers, contrary to UNSC resolutions. HMCS Calgary also participated in this initiative in October. In May 2018, Canada increased our contribution to the UN Command on the Korean Peninsula, including the appointment of Deputy Commander, LGen. Wayne Eyre, the first non-U.S. General Officer to hold the post in its 68-year existence.
A theme of Canada’s 2018 G7 presidency is “building a more peaceful and secure world,” driving discussion and collective efforts among G7 partners to support a rules-based international order built around the core principles of democracy, human rights, the rule of law and territorial integrity. In addition to cooperating closely to address crises in multiple regions, at a joint meeting of G7 foreign and security ministers on April 23, 2018, Canada and its G7 partners have specifically committed to working together to manage the risks associated with foreign terrorist fighters and associated travellers, to address the proliferation of synthetic drugs, including fentanyl, as well as to reinforce our democracies and strengthen our societies’ resilience against foreign actors seeking to undermine democratic institutions and processes through coercive, corrupt, covert or malicious means. In support of these efforts, Canada chaired two meetings of the G7 Roma-Lyon Group (RLG) on Transnational Organized Crime and Terrorism in March and October 2018 and an ad-hoc RLG+ experts meeting on measures that states can take to counter the spread of synthetic drugs. Canada also plays a leading role in the 30 member Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF), supporting counter-terrorism capacity building efforts, particularly in the West Africa region. Canada is currently completing its second term as co-chair (with Algeria) of the West Africa Working Group of the GCTF.
At the G7 Summit, leaders committed to take concerted action in responding to foreign actors who seek to undermine G7 democratic societies and institutions, electoral processes, sovereignty and security. The Charlevoix Commitment on Defending Democracy from Foreign Threats announced the creation of a G7 Rapid Response Mechanism to strengthen G7 coordination to identify and respond to diverse and evolving threats to our democracies. In November 2018, Canada successfully hosted the first meeting of G7 RRM focal points.
As 2018 Chair of the G7-led Global Partnership (GP) Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction, Canada is focusing collective efforts of the GP's 31 member countries on priority chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats, and developing and implementing a range of specific measures and initiatives to mitigate them. From October 17-19, 2018 Canada hosted the second Global Partnership Working Group meeting under the Canadian G7 Presidency, with representatives from 18 countries, 14 international organizations, and 9 NGOs in attendance.
Canada is committed to addressing international peace and security concerns, gross violations of human rights, and significant corruption around the world, including through the use of autonomous sanctions. To that end, Canada has imposed targeted sanctions under the *Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act* and the *Special Economic Measures Act* against countries such as Russia, Iran, Venezuela, North Korea, and Myanmar, as well as individuals from countries around the world.
In Latin America, Canada is continuing to support Colombia’s efforts towards the implementation of the peace process following the signature of the 2016 peace accord with the FARC and their transition to a political party. In Haiti, Canada is supporting, including through the deployment of Canadian police and correctional agents, the UN mission for Justice Support, launched in October 2017 and focused on assisting the Haitian government in strengthening rule of law institutions, further supporting and developing the Haitian National Police, and engaging in human rights monitoring, reporting and analysis. In El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, Canada has committed $4.3 million to strengthen the capacities of justice officials working on human trafficking cases.
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11/30/2018,260,17-Feb,Environment and Climate Change,Cooperate with the United States on energy security and energy infrastructure.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made",Canada and the United States benefit from a secure and effective cross-border energy infrastructure.,"Collaboration on energy security and infrastructure was included in the February 13, 2017 Joint Statement from the President of the United States and the Prime Minister. Canada continues to support several major cross-border energy infrastructure projects, including: Keystone XL, Line 67, Northern Pass, New England Clean Power Link, and Great Northern Transmission Line. All projects are at different stages of review, investment, or approval. The U.S. State Department has issued presidential permits for the construction of these projects. A North American Energy Ministerial meeting took place in November 2017, and identified further areas for North American collaboration, including the security, resiliency and reliability of shared energy systems; promoting energy trade and economic development; and developing and diversifying energy resources in a responsible manner. "
11/30/2018,261,17-Feb,Environment and Climate Change,Advance shared action with the United States on environmental issues and climate change.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made",Canada-U.S. collaboration leads to a cleaner shared environment and clean energy innovation.,"Canada and the United States issued a joint statement in February 2017 confirming both countries' commitment to collaborate closely in energy innovation, especially in the clean energy sphere; in environmental cooperation, particularly along our border and at the Great Lakes; and to enhance the quality of our air and water. The status of the North American Climate, Clean Energy and Environment Partnership signed in June 2016 with the previous U.S. Administration is uncertain; however, Canada remains committed to implementing its commitments. Currently, Canada's focus has shifted from federal to state level in the U.S. In November 2017, Canada, Mexico and the state-driven U.S. Climate Alliance (a bipartisan coalition of 17 U.S. Governors launched the North American Climate Leadership Dialogue to address clean technology, clean power and carbon pricing initiatives. Canada continues to advance these priorities, in the context of the Global Climate Action Summit hosted by California in September 2018. Progress continues on the implementation of the Canada-U.S. Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, with the next meeting of the Executive Committee taking place in December, 2018."
11/30/2018,262,17-Feb,Exports and Investment,Strengthen trilateral cooperation with the United States and Mexico to enhance North America's global competitiveness.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",North America is strong and competitive in global markets.,"The government continues to actively engage Mexico and the United States in order to advance issues in our common interest. On September 30, 2018, the government completed negotiations toward a Canada-US-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) that includes a new chapter that will establish a committee on competitiveness dedicated to undertaking trilateral cooperative activities to advance North American competitiveness. In addition to trade, North American cooperation continues in key areas such as energy, security, and defence. On February 2, 2018, a North American Foreign Ministers Meeting took place in Mexico City, where the three foreign ministers discussed a range of topics including North American regional competitiveness that touched on the original NAFTA, energy cooperation, and women’s entrepreneurship."
11/30/2018,263,17-Feb,Canada in the World,"Strengthen relationships with key bilateral, regional and multilateral partners.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made",Canadian interests and values are promoted through enhanced cooperation with key international partners.,"Canada continues to constructively contribute to multilateral fora to advance its foreign policy priorities, including at the United Nations; the African Union; the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe; the Commonwealth; the International Organization of La Francophonie; the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation; the Association of Southeast Asian Nations; the Pacific Alliance; the International Syria Support Group; the Lima Group on Venezuela; the Organization of American States; the World Economic Forum, the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the World Trade Organization, and the World Health Organisation. The government signed and provisionally applied the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and the Strategic Partnership Agreement with the European Union, signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Trade Partnership and the United States, Mexico and Canada Agreement, and is negotiating a free trade agreement with MERCOSUR (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay), and the Pacific Alliance. The government has also strengthened relationships with key bilateral, regional and multilateral partners in the Asia Pacific, Europe, Eastern Europe and Eurasia, Latin America and the Caribbean, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and the Maghreb through high-level engagements, including 320 visits by the Prime Minister and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Development, as well as the Governor General, who undertook a state visit to three West African countries. Canada and France signed the Canada-France Statement on Artificial Intelligence, which calls for the creation of an international study group on artificial intelligence made up of experts from government, industry, and civil society, and which will be mandated to become the global reference on issues related to artificial intelligence.
At the G7 Summit in Charlevoix, Québec, Leaders resolved to work together in creating a healthy, prosperous, sustainable and fair future for all. Leaders agreed to a joint communiqué which included the seven Charlevoix Commitments. Canada, along with France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, further endorsed a charter on oceans plastics. Canada welcomed several world leaders and heads of international organizations to the G7 Summit to take part in a special outreach session, which focused on healthy oceans and resilient coastal communities. At the Foreign Ministers' meeting in April 2018, G7 Foreign and Security Ministers agreed to strengthen cooperation and share information, including on defending democracy and on managing risks associated with foreign terrorist fighters and associated travellers. Canada has expanded its networks and relationships with international coalitions and forums such as the Freedom Online Coalition; the Internet Governance Forum; the Inter Parliamentary Union, Women Political Leaders Global Forum, and the Community of Democracies. Canada and the EU also co-chaired a meeting of women foreign ministers in Canada on September 21-22, 2018, which provided an opportunity to harness the perspectives of women foreign ministers in addressing the challenges facing global relations today, particularly with respect to advancing gender equality. Canada is working with France, who holds the G7 Presidency in 2019, to ensure continuity between presidencies."
11/30/2018,264,17-Feb,Canada in the World,Seek leadership opportunities for Canada and Canadians in multilateral institutions.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made",Canada and Canadians play a leading role in international organizations.,"Canada is currently seeking a non-permanent seat on the United Nations (UN) Security Council for 2020-2021 and is leading one of the four North Atlantic Treaty Organization multinational enhanced Forward Presence battlegroups in Eastern Europe. An Action Plan for international staffing will ensure that more Canadians secure positions of influence in multilateral institutions. Several Canadians have recently been appointed to senior positons in the UN. Canadian Kim Prost was elected to a nine-year term as a judge on the International Criminal Court in December 2017. Canada holds the G7 presidency and hosted G7 partners in Canada for a series of ministerial meetings throughout 2018, in addition to the Leaders' Summit in Charlevoix, Quebec, on June 8-9, 2018.
Canada has also sought to take a leadership role in multilateral institutions by reaffirming its commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and strengthening transatlantic security serving as the Framework Nation for the enhanced Forward Presence and leading NATO's multinational Latvia battlegroup in Latvia.
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11/30/2018,265,17-Feb,Canada in the World,"Ensure that the deployment of the Armed Forces aligns with Canada's interests, our commitments and the government's policy.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made",The deployment of the Canadian Armed Forces contributes to the achievement of Canada's broader international priorities.,"The Department of National Defence and Global Affairs Canada established a bi-weekly coordination mechanism to ensure greater policy coherence. The government has also introduced new planning and policy development arrangements to ensure that analysis of military deployments include foreign policy considerations and reflect broader government objectives. Approximately 1,800 Canadian Armed Forces personnel are currently deployed on 18 missions supporting Canada's international priorities. In November 2019, Canada will assume command of the NATO Mission in Iraq for one year and will deploy 250 troops in support of that effort. "
11/30/2018,270,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Introduce restrictions on the commercial marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children.,Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made",Commercial marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children is significantly reduced leading to better health outcomes for Canadian children.,"Bill S-228 passed third reading in the House of Commons on September 19. The concurrence debate on the House amendments to the Bill took place in the Senate on October 18th and on November 22, 2018, but has not yet concluded. The Bill aims to protect children's health by prohibiting the marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children. Health Canada is developing regulations to implement the proposed restrictions under Bill S-228. "
11/30/2018,271,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Bring in tougher regulations to eliminate trans fats and reduce salt in processed foods.,Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made","Industrially produced trans fats are eliminated from food products; the food and restaurant industries systematically reduce sodium levels in the food supply; and consumers are better able to identify foods high in sodium, sugar and saturated fat, resulting in improved public health.","The government launched the Healthy Eating Strategy in October 2016. As part of this Strategy, a ban on partially hydrogenated oils, the main source of industrial trans-fat, was published in September 2017 and took effect in September 2018. In addition, following the publication in January 2018 of a report evaluating industry's efforts to reduce sodium levels in foods, Health Canada published a report in July 2018 showing that most Canadians, particularly children, teens and males, are still consuming too much sodium.
On February 10, 2018, Health Canada pre-published proposed regulations that would require a symbol on the front of packaged foods that are high in sodium, sugars, and/or saturated fat in Canada Gazette, Part I. This initiative would support sodium reduction by providing consumers with quick and easy guidance to identify foods high in sodium and encouraging manufacturers to lower the sodium content of their foods. In addition, Health Canada completed an online consumer questionnaire and consumer research to help inform the design of the final symbol. The government will continue to work with stakeholders to identify additional ways to further reduce sodium in foods."
11/30/2018,272,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Improve food labels to give more information on added sugars and artificial dyes.,Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made","Canadians have the information, tools and resources to make healthy food choices, improving health outcomes.","The government launched the Healthy Eating Strategy in October 2016, with the goal of making ""the healthy choice the easy choice."" As part of this Strategy, regulatory amendments were published in December 2016 updating the requirements for nutrition information on food labels, making them easier to understand. This includes making serving sizes more consistent, new information on how to use the Percentage Daily Value, and more information on sugars and food colors in the Nutrition Facts table and list of ingredients. The Front of Package labelling proposal will complement these changes by identifying prepackaged foods that contain high amounts of sodium, sugars and/or saturated fat."
11/30/2018,273,17-Feb,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Implement Canada's new immigration levels plans.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship","Actions taken, progress made","310,000 permanent residents are admitted to Canada in 2018, contributing to economic growth, family reunification and the Government's humanitarian commitments. Canada enjoys increased economic competitiveness through the attraction of global talent.","On October 31, the government tabled the 2019-2021 multi-year immigration levels plan. The new plan maintains the three-year timeframe introduced in fall 2017, validates the target for 2019 (330,800), and sets admissions targets of 341,000 and 350,000 in 2020 and 2021 respectively. The plan will increase the number of permanent residents selected in economic programs, while maintaining a commitment to family reunification and resettlement of refugees. The government is reducing application backlogs, improving the speed at which applications are processed and putting a greater focus on the attraction of highly skilled global talent."
11/30/2018,274,17-Feb,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Ensure the delivery of high-quality settlement services for newcomers, informed by rigorous outcomes data.","Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship","Actions taken, progress made","Improved, high-quality settlement services for newcomers to Canada, leading to improved outcomes for immigrants and their children.","The government is helping immigrants better prepare for a new life in Canada. By the end of the government’s current mandate, several enhancements will be in place including a finalized shared national vision with provinces and stakeholders; co-planning with the provinces and territories to better support client needs; and the completion of Federal-Provincial-Territorial Memorandums of Understanding to strengthen collaboration. Investments will be focused on outcomes and informed by evaluation findings and pilot projects results. Given demonstrated results, programming that combines workplace experience with language training will be increased. Increased data and analytical capacity will ensure that the Settlement Program is responsive and effective at meeting the needs of clients and the communities that welcome them."
11/30/2018,275,17-Feb,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Continue to welcome refugees from Syria and elsewhere.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship","Actions taken, progress made","The Government continues to welcome refugees from countries around the world and offer persons fleeing conflict and/or persecution a safe haven. Between January 2015 and August 31, 2018, approximately 58,000 Syrian refugees, and over 110,000 refugees in total, have been resettled to Canada.","Refugees welcomed to Canada include resettled persons from the Congo, Eritrea, and survivors of Daesh and their families, including Yazidi refugees. The commitment to resettle 1,200 survivors of Daesh has been surpassed as Canada has welcomed more than 1,400 survivors. Canada is also working to resettle up to 100 White Helmet volunteers and their families to Canada. The 2019 immigration levels plan increases the target of welcoming refugees and protected persons to Canada from 43,000 to 46,450. This figure remains among the highest in Canadian history, and double the number of refugees that were welcomed in 2015 and preceding years. Budget 2018 also committed to resettling an additional 1,000 vulnerable women and girls from various conflict zones around the world, further strengthening the growth in annual refugee resettlement."
11/30/2018,276,17-Feb,Canada in the World,Conduct a review of the visa policy framework.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship","Actions taken, progress made","An evidence-based visa policy framework that promotes Canada’s economic, foreign policy and cultural interests at the same time as protecting the safety and security of all Canadians.","The government has initiated a review of Canada's visa policy framework to ensure it uses a robust, evidence-based approach when making visa decisions. The government is also reviewing policies for managing foreign nationals transiting through Canadian airports to increase Canada's air connections with the rest of the world while prioritizing the security of Canadians. "
11/30/2018,277,17-Feb,Indigenous peoples,Make changes to the Oath of Canadian Citizenship to reflect the Truth and Reconciliation's Calls to Action.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship","Actions taken, progress made","Updated Oath of Canadian Citizenship, Citizenship Study Guide and Knowledge Test that reflect Canadian and Indigenous history.","The Government of Canada is currently working with national Indigenous organizations to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's recommendations to incorporate recognition of treaties with Indigenous peoples into the Oath of Canadian Citizenship, the citizenship study guide and knowledge test to reflect a more inclusive history of Indigenous peoples, and their rights. The government will bring forward legislation to modify the Oath. Changes to the citizenship guide are currently being drafted, and these changes will be reflected in a revised citizenship knowledge test."
11/30/2018,278,17-Feb,Exports and Investment,Advance Canada's progressive trade agenda.,Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Canadian workers are protected from unfair trade practices, trade agreements maintain or improve Canadian levels of protection in key areas like employment and the environment, and Canada advances the rules-based international order and trading system.","As part of Canada's inclusive approach to trade, the government continues to consult broadly and advocate for stronger provisions on the Environment and Labour, as well as on Trade and Gender, Indigenous peoples, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and the right to regulate in public interest. Canada's inclusive approach to trade seeks to ensure that the benefits of trade and investment are more widely shared. This approach also seeks to ensure that levels of environmental and labour protection are upheld and that a country’s environmental and labour laws and obligations are enforced in the context of trade and investment liberalization. The modernized Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA) includes a Trade and Gender Chapter, a first for Canada and any G20 country, as does the recently modernized Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement, demonstrating Canada’s continued commitment to furthering gender equality and women’s participation in international trade. The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) includes provisions on protecting the environment, health and safety, and employment standards. The CETA joint committee recently issued three joint recommendations on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, Trade and Gender, and SMEs. The Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (CPTPP) includes robust labour and environment chapters that are subject to the Agreement's enforceable dispute settlement. The government will continue to develop and advance inclusive approaches to trade through bilateral and multilateral engagement and play a leadership role in international fora. Canada's implementation of International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 98 which entered into force on in June 14 2018 and which affirms the fundamental right to collectively bargaining, is one example of this approach. Canada has now ratified all eight of the ILO Core conventions. Also, in December, 2017, Canada played a leadership role in advancing the WTO Buenos Aires Declaration on Women and Trade, endorsed by over 120 WTO members and observers. Declarations on Progressive and Inclusive Trade and Investment were signed in the context of the Foreign Investment Protection Agreements (FIPAs) with Kosovo in March 2018 and Moldova in June 2018. In support of Canada's commitment to the rules-based order, in October 2018, Canada hosted 12 WTO member countries at the Ottawa Ministerial on WTO Reform, with the view to identify possible concrete actions to enhance and improve the WTO over the short, medium and long term."
11/30/2018,279,17-Feb,Exports and Investment,Promote trade and investment with established markets such as Japan.,Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made","Increased two-way trade and investment with Japan, supporting well-paying, middle-class jobs.","The government is promoting Canada-Japan trade through multilateral engagement with provinces, territories and municipalities. Visits by the Prime Minister, key ministers, and provincial premiers have showcased trade and investment potential in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, agriculture, life sciences and clean tech. Between April 2016 and March 2017, Canadian offices in Japan facilitated more than $850 million in Japanese investment stock in Canada, creating more than 450 jobs. Canada is working closely with Japan to explore ways to further deepen the bilateral trade and investment relationship including building on the recently signed Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which will enter into force on December 30, 2018. "
11/30/2018,280,17-Feb,Exports and Investment,Position Canada as a top destination for global investment and promote its economic brand.,Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made","Canada ranks among the top developed economies in global rankings of investment competitiveness, attractiveness and brand.","The government is encouraging global investment and promoting Canada through the creation of the Invest in Canada Agency; the expansion of the Trade Commissioner Service, to increase Canadian presence in strategic markets abroad; and the acceleration of changes to the *Investment Canada Act*. The changes to the Act will lead to greater transparency of the guidelines used for national security reviews, and increase the threshold for review under the Act to transactions of $1 billion or greater as of 2017. The government is also developing a comprehensive Progressive Trade Strategy which will bring forward additional measures to enhance business opportunities for Canadian businesses consistent with innovation, investment and job growth goals. Recent global surveys continue to rank Canada as a top place to do business. For example, the Economist Intelligence Unit has ranked Canada first in the G20 for doing business over 2017-2021; KPMG has ranked Canada as the most tax competitive country in the G7 with the lowest overall business costs in the G7; the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) shows that Canada leads the G20 in research and development (R&D) spending in higher education as share of GDP with the best tax incentives in the G7 and the most educated talent pool among member nations. Canada moved up three places to second in the 2018 A.T. Kearney Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Index to its highest ranking in the history of the Index. Thomson Reuters' investment in a new technology hub, General Motors' new automotive software development centre in Markham Ontario focused on autonomous vehicle and connected vehicle technology, NOVA Chemicals (Mubadala) expansion of a new world-scale polyethylene plant in Sarnia, ON, Erwin Hymer’s new manufacturing facility in Cambridge, ON, Tech Mahindra's new centre of excellence in Toronto, ON, and Amazon’s 3,000 job expansion in Vancouver, Coca-Cola's new dairy production facility in Peterborough, ON, and Groupe Bel's new cheese factory in Sorel-Tracy, QC, Samsung and IBM's new AI centres in Montréal, and LG's new AI centre in Toronto are just a few examples of successes to date. Overall, the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) facilitated 101 investment projects to Canada with an estimated value of $2.25 billion and 2,979 jobs created between April 2016 and March 2017. In addition, the TCS facilitated 159 investor visits to Canada to pursue specific investment projects. Between April 2017 and March 2018, TCS reported 138 wins representing approximately $3.65 billion and over 7,600 new jobs and facilitated 184 site selection visits. Between April 2018 and November 2018, TCS reported 55 wins representing approximately $1.28 billion and over 6,066 new jobs and facilitated 87 site selection visits."
11/30/2018,281,17-Feb,Exports and Investment,Ensure alignment between Canada's export and innovation strategies.,Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made","More Canadian businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, export their products and services.","The government launched a new Innovation and Skills Plan to: retrain Canadians for the jobs of today and tomorrow; drive investments in six high-growth sectors of the Canadian economy; and to make it easier for businesses and innovators to access the support they need. The government will ensure that the upcoming Export Diversification Strategy and the Innovation and Skills Plan will be aligned to: focus on free trade agreement promotion, support exporters and grow global firms by Canadian innovators and entrepreneurs, strengthen investment attraction, and support a progressive trade policy agenda."
11/30/2018,282,15-Nov,Exports and Investment,Implement and expand Canada's Free Trade Agreements globally.,Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Free Trade Agreements increase trade and investment, creating good middle-class jobs.","The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) entered into provisional application in September 2017 and has thus far been ratified at the national level by twelve EU Member States. The Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement entered into force in August 2017. The government signed and ratified the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which will enter into force on December 30, 2018. On September 30, 2018, the government completed negotiations toward a Canada- US-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), which was signed on November 30, 2018. Canada is also negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Pacific Alliance (Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru), with the latest round having taken place in October 2018. In addition, Canada continues to engage China and ASEAN on expanding bilateral trade and investment and is working with India to intensify negotiations on a Canada-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement. Canada continues to work closely with Israel to modernize the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement (CIFTA). Canada and Israel signed the modernized agreement on May 28, 2018 and the bill to implement the modernized CIFTA was introduced in Parliament on October 23, 2018. Bill C-85 was adopted at Second Reading November 7 and referred to the Standing Committee on International Trade. The amended Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA), including a chapter on trade and gender, was ratified by Parliament on December 7, 2017. Chile is expected to ratify soon.
Canada and MERCOSUR launched FTA negotiations on March 9, 2018. The third round was held September 17-22, 2018, in Ottawa."
11/30/2018,283,17-Feb,Strong Middle Class,"Improve Canadian competitiveness, create jobs and generate economic growth.",Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",Trade and investment boosts Canadian economic growth.,"Canadian goods and services exports reached $181.7 billion in Q2, 2018, up 5.1% compared to the same period a year earlier. The unemployment rate was 5.8% as of July 2018, down from 6.3% the same month a year earlier. There were 18.7 million Canadians employed as of July 2018, up nearly 246 thousand from the same month a year earlier. GDP in Q2, 2018 is up by 2.9%.
The government launched a new Innovation and Skills Plan, an ambitious agenda to make Canada a centre of innovation, create well-paying, middle class jobs, and help more Canadians adapt to the changing economy. This plan will expand opportunities for skills training, drive investments in six high-growth sectors of the Canadian economy, and make it easier for businesses and innovators to access the support they need. Budget 2018 provides funding to for programs such as the Canadian Technology Accelerator (CTA) program and the Business Women in Trade; creates the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise; and allocates resources to develop bilateral relations with China and promote trade between Canada, China and Asia. With the $50 million of investment over five years announced in June 2018, the government will help Canadian companies to be more competitive by diversifying their markets, and working in partnership with business associations, this will include new ""export readiness"" grants through programs such as CanExport and Global Opportunities for Associations among others.
The government continues to take concrete steps to improve Canadian competitiveness and generate long-term economic growth.
In the fall economic statement, the government announced $17 million in new funding over the next five years to expand the successful Canadian Technology Accelerator in global technology hubs, such as Delhi, Hong Kong, and Tokyo. This funding will provide Canadian technology firms with support, connections, and guidance in-market."
11/30/2018,285,15-Nov,Canada in the World,Maintain Canada's strong commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).,Minister of National Defence,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) remains strong and Canada is a trusted partner in the alliance.,"Canada has increased its contributions to NATO as a testament of its steadfast commitment to the Alliance.
Canada has extended its contribution to NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) through Operation REASSURANCE until March 2023. It will also continue to lead NATO’s eFP Battlegroup Latvia as the Framework Nation, and will increase the number of Canadian Armed Forces personnel deployed to Latvia from 455 to 540. Canada’s contribution to NATO under Op REASSURANCE will continue to include air surveillance, air policing, training, and maritime operations.
Further, Canada has assumed command of the new NATO Mission in Iraq, which will advise Iraqi officials in the Ministry of Defence and the Office of the National Security Advisor, and will train instructors at Iraqi military schools and academies. To support the mission, Canada will deploy approximately 250 Canadian Armed Forces personnel for the first year of the mission. This includes advisors and trainers, headquarters staff, a force protection company, and a helicopter detachment.
Canada also rejoined the NATO Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) program in 2018, committing between $17 and $20 million per year and up to 25 personnel.
Canada also takes a leadership role in NATO activities, programs, and decision-making, including at the 2018 Brussels Heads of State and government Summit. Outside the NATO context, but in close coordination with NATO Allies, Canada has continued its support to Ukraine, including renewal of the mandate for Operation UNIFIER (a military training and capacity building mission), until March 31, 2019, as well as filling senior positions in the NATO Liaison Office in Ukraine.
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11/30/2018,286,15-Nov,Safety and Security,Increase the size of the Canadian Rangers.,Minister of National Defence,"Actions taken, progress made","The Canadian Rangers have the numbers, equipment and training needed to do their job properly.","The Canadian Rangers are critical to effective military surveillance and contribute to providing a Government of Canada presence in sparsely populated northern, coastal, and isolated areas of Canada. Members come from diverse backgrounds and are recruited for their unique survival skills and extensive knowledge of the land. In April 2015, the Canadian Armed Forces launched a comprehensive review of the Canadian Rangers organization and structure. The first four new patrols were established in 2018. Concurrently, 30 additional positions were allocated to Canadian Ranger Patrol Group Headquarters units to better support the Canadian Rangers and Junior Canadian Ranger administration and training. The government is in the final stages of consultation with select communities to increase the number of Canadian Rangers patrols by the year 2022.
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11/30/2018,287,17-Oct,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Review collection of gender statistics to evaluate programs and policies.,Minister of Status of Women,"Actions taken, progress made","More data available from Statistics Canada, disaggregated by gender, allowing more informed decision-making.","Improvements to the availability and use of gender-disaggregated data are underway. In Budget 2018 the government introduced a new Gender Results Framework (GRF) —a whole-of-government tool that articulates Canada’s gender equality goals and outlines relevant indicators to measure progress towards gender equality. The GRF will guide future decision-making to maximize the impact of federal policies, programs and initiatives, and to allow progress to be monitored and measured. In parallel, the government is investing in research and data collection initiatives to ensure access to a broad set of indicators to track progress on achieving gender equality objectives. On September 26, 2018, Statistics Canada launched a new Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Statistics Hub, the principal component of the Centre for Gender, Diversity and Inclusion, which brings together data from a number of Statistics Canada sources. "
11/30/2018,288,17-Oct,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Integrate gender-based questions and content into government consultations.,Minister of Status of Women,"Actions taken, progress made",All government consultations include gender-based questions and content.,"The government is developing guidelines for departments to ensure all consultations incorporate gender-based questions. Collecting diverse perspectives through these consultations will allow for the assessment of how diverse groups of women, men and non-binary individuals may experience policies, programs and initiatives."
11/30/2018,289,17-Oct,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Host a national Gender-Based Analysis roundtable in 2018.,Minister of Status of Women,Completed - fully met,"Strengthened awareness of Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+), its potential use by governments, and opportunities for improvement.","The GBA+ Forum took place on November 21-22, 2018 in Ottawa. The Forum facilitated a national dialogue on the importance of integrating GBA+ in the development of public policies, programs and initiatives, and provided an opportunity for leaders in GBA+ to discuss strategies to strengthen analytical capacity across Canada, and also share results and best practices. The event hosted over 800 participants, in-person and online, from across Canada and around the world, from federal, provincial/territorial and municipal governments, leaders from the private sector, civil society, think tanks, academia and research institutions, and international stakeholders."
11/30/2018,290,17-Oct,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Build on the first Gender-based Analysis of Budget 2017 to improve future budgets.,Minister of Status of Women,"Actions taken, progress made",Comprehensive Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) is incorporated into all future budgets improving public policy.,"The government is continuing to improve the quality and scope of GBA+ in federal budgets. This has included consultation with experts and key stakeholders during the pre-budget consultations process and meetings with experts and leaders globally. In Budget 2018, no budget decision was taken without being informed by Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+). To ensure that gender remains a key consideration for future governments, the government has introduced new GBA+ legislation to make gender budgeting a permanent part of the federal budget-making process."
11/30/2018,291,17-Oct,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) is incorporated into key government reports.,Minister of Status of Women,"Actions taken, progress made","All major government reports include Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) considerations, improving their policy recommendations.","Budget 2017 included the government’s first-ever Gender Statement—a high-level review of the ways in which the policies put forward affect women and men in different ways—Budget 2018 went further, integrating considerations of gender impacts at each step of the budgeting process, and introducing a new Gender Results Framework (GRF). The Framework includes goals and indicators that will guide the government’s decisions and measure Canada’s progress in achieving greater gender equality. In Budget 2018, no budget decision was taken without being informed by Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+). To help achieve the government's goal of greater equality, in the 2018 Fall Economic Statement, all measures and investments that were included were informed by GBA+ and the government's GRF.
The government has provided guidance to departments and agencies as to where and how GBA+ should be incorporated into their Departmental Results Frameworks and Departmental Plans and continues to examine how best to extend GBA+ to other key reports."
11/30/2018,292,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Modernize the Communications Policy of the Government to reflect the modern digital environment.,President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government,Completed - fully met,Government communications that reflect the digital environment.,"The Government of Canada has transformed the communications policy to foster more coordinated communications within and across government departments through the use of innovative methods. This policy will help ensure the government engages in activities that are timely, clear, cost-effective, in both official languages, accessible and non-partisan. In addition, the policy will help to ensure government communications are clearly branded, both in Canada and abroad."
11/30/2018,293,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Take a more modern approach to comptrollership.,President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government,Completed - fully met,Modernized cost analysis for all Government programs and legislation.,The government has launched a renewed financial management policy in April 2017. The Treasury Board Secretariat engaged key stakeholders through information sessions and developed guidelines to help federal organizations ensure that financial resources are well managed.
11/30/2018,294,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that a fixed percentage of funds is devoted to experimenting with new approaches to challenges and measure the impact of programs.,President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government,"Actions taken, progress made","Innovation and experimentation are part of routine business of government, and new models are identified that improve outcomes for Canadians.","Ethical and rigorous experimentation is central to the government’s focus on evidence-based policy-making. By testing program options, departments can generate evidence to learn what works and inform decision-making.
The government has directed federal agencies and departments to allocate a percentage of program funding towards experimenting with new approaches, measuring impact and delivering better results to Canadians. In December 2016, federal Deputy Ministers were given guidance on experimentation and the use of new and innovative approaches, including user-centered design and outcomes-based funding. In April 2017, the government provided federal departments with new structures that allow departments to distribute grants and contributions more flexibly under the Treasury Board Policy on Transfer Payments.
More recently, the Impact Canada Initiative was launched to use outcomes-based funding experiments, innovative financing approaches and new partnership models to achieve better results for Canadians. The Clerk of the Privy Council also recently endorsed the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Declaration on Public Sector innovation, which calls for more experimentation within programs. The government launched a new procurement initiative, Innovative Solutions Canada, to match businesses offering early stage prototypes with departments in need of new products or services."
11/30/2018,295,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Exercise due diligence regarding costing analysis prepared by departments for all proposed legislation and programs.,President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government,"Actions taken, progress made",Modernized costing informs all proposed legislation and programs.,"The government issued new best practices for calculating program costs and commissioned a study to identify gaps in the existing costing approach, which will help inform future decisions. The government is also undertaking a pilot project to better estimate future costing requirements for major procurement projects. This pilot project played a critical role in the development of the new defence policy: Strong, Secure, Engaged. These measures will help make sure solid costing information informs decision-making."
11/30/2018,296,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Restore annual federal funding for freshwater research and make new investments in Canada’s Experimental Lakes Area.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Completed - fully met,Restored annual federal funding for freshwater research and monitoring activities to keep our water safe.,"In April 2016, $197 million was committed to enhance ocean and freshwater science activities. In June 2016, the government signed a contribution agreement with the International Institute of Sustainable Development (IISD), to support freshwater research at the Experimental Lakes Area. The government is also conducting scientific research and monitoring activities in lakes and rivers, such as Lake Winnipeg and the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence watersheds. These measures will improve Canada's understanding of freshwater ecosystems and protect the environment shared."
11/30/2018,297,15-Nov,Safety and Security,Implement a strategy against gender violence.,Minister of Status of Women,"Actions taken, progress made","Reduced gender-based violence, greater awareness of gender-based violence and better support and services for survivors.","In June 2017, the government launched It's Time: Canada's Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence, which takes a whole-of-government approach to prevent gender-based violence (GBV), support survivors and their families, and improve the responsiveness of the legal and justice systems. As part of the strategy, a Gender-Based Violence Knowledge Centre will be created to better align existing resources across the government. The Centre will also support the development of research and data, and its sharing to enable more coordinated evidence-based actions against GBV.
To date, new programs have been established to implement, test and potentially scale up promising approaches to prevent GBV, including child maltreatment and teen dating violence; and to test promising practices to address gaps in support for diverse and underserved groups of survivors in Canada. On April 5, 2018 Statistics Canada launched a new national survey to collect data on GBV, the first such survey in Canada.
Budget 2018 augments these programs and adds new initiatives to prevent bullying and cyberbullying, enhance capacity to combat online child sexual exploitation, and increase access to sexual assault services for military personnel and their families. Budget 2018 also supports efforts to engage men and boys in promoting gender equality, announced the funding to establish a national framework for addressing gender-based violence in post-secondary institutions, and funding to support the RCMP’s Sexual Assault Review Team.
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11/30/2018,298,15-Nov,Jobs and Innovation,"Help small- and medium-sized enterprises grow, become more innovative and export oriented.","Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion","Actions taken, progress made","Double the number of high-growth firms in Canada by 2025 to create good, middle class jobs, strengthen communities, and grow the economy.","Small business owners work hard to provide Canadians with quality goods and services while also creating job opportunities that strengthen communities across the country and grow the middle class.
The government is focused on helping small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) export and grow. The government’s Innovation and Skills Plan, introduced in Budget 2017, introduced a suite of initiatives to help Canadian innovators and entrepreneurs grow their companies.
• The Strategic Innovation Fund, launched in July 2017, is a $1.26 billion fund designed to help companies from across sectors of the economy access regional and global supply chains and support growth through innovation to create new, good, well-paying jobs.
• Innovative Solutions Canada, launched in December 2017, is a new program with over $100 million dedicated to supporting the scale up and growth of Canada’s innovators and entrepreneurs by having the federal government act as a first customer.
• The Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative (VCCI) will make $400 million available through the Business Development Bank of Canada to increase late-stage venture capital funding for Canadian firms looking to grow, expand and compete globally. The first stream of funding to five funds-of-funds was announced on June 26, 2018.
The second stream recipients were announced on Nov 5, 2018.
A third stream was announced as part of the Federal Economic Statement in November.
• The Innovation Canada digital platform was launched in January 2018 and provides simplified and customized access to the business innovation support programs that are most appropriate for companies depending on their sector, stage of growth and innovation support needs.
These new initiatives complement existing programs such as the Industrial Research Assistance Program and the CanExport Program."
11/30/2018,299,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Support regional economic growth strategies.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development","Actions taken, progress made",Inclusive growth and economic diversification in all regions through improved programs and strategies.,"The Atlantic Growth Strategy was launched in 2016 and has set an ambitious vision to grow Atlantic Canada's economy. The strategy targets joint areas of priority including: innovation, trade & investment, skills/immigration, clean growth and infrastructure. The Atlantic Growth Strategy Year 2 Report was released in July 2018.
In Budget 2018, the government identified regional development agencies as one of four key platforms which will help to grow Canadian businesses and advance the Innovation and Skills Plan across all regions of Canada (with the other three key platforms being: the Industrial Research Assistance Program, the Strategic Innovation Fund, and the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service).
Starting in 2018–19, the government is providing more than $500 million over five years to regional development agencies to foster economic growth, including regionally tailored funding for women entrepreneurs as part of the new Women Entrepreneurship Strategy.
The government is also extending core funding of the regional development agencies that is currently time-limited:
• $20 million per year, starting in 2018–19 and ongoing, to the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency;
• $920 million over six years, starting in 2018–19, to renew the funding for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
On April 9 2018, the government unveiled a regional economic development strategy for Northern Ontario that is centered on supporting innovation, growing companies, building stronger communities and ensuring communities have the necessary skills for the middle-class jobs of tomorrow. Public consultations towards a growth strategy for Western Canada was launched in September 2018 and are set to be completed in November, with a “What We Heard” report to be released in December. On November 9 2018, the government launched its Federal Strategy on Innovation and Growth for the Quebec Regions, focused on innovation and clean tech, growth and exports, entrepreneurial talent, and growth in all regions of Quebec. "
11/30/2018,300,15-Nov,Safety and Security,"Review the criminal justice system, including sentencing reforms, to ensure it keeps us safe and it is fair.",Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,"Actions taken, progress made","Crime rates are reduced, the justice system has the resources it needs, and all Canadians have access to justice through a fairer system.","The government continues to review the criminal justice system, including sentencing reforms, to ensure that it keeps Canadians safe, while also addressing the overrepresentation of vulnerable groups in prisons, including Indigenous people and those with mental illness. Using various platforms, such as in-person meetings and online discussion fora, Canadians had an opportunity to share their views on what can be done to improve the Criminal Justice System. The online public consultation closed on January 31, 2018. A report on the findings of the online consultation will be released in the fall 2018. This follows a program of broad engagement with justice system partners, stakeholders from diverse perspectives and various sectors, for which the report was released on March 22, 2018. Complimentary work was also done in partnership with the Institute for Research on Public Policy (IRPP) to explore how the criminal justice system could work in a more integrated manner with other social systems such as housing, education, and mental health. Four roundtables were held with stakeholders, and 18 articles were published in the digital magazine, Policy Options. A full report on the findings of this engagement was recently published.
A final report of the findings and next steps of the criminal justice system review will be available in 2019.
The government has introduced bills that demonstrate respect for the courts and the Charter. On December 13, 2018, government legislation aimed at modernizing the *Criminal Code* by removing outdated provisions as well as clarifying and strengthening sexual assault laws received Royal Assent. Additionally, in March 2018, the government tabled legislation to improve the efficiency of the criminal justice system and address court delays in six key areas: (1) modernize and streamline the bail regime; (2) enhance the approach to administration of justice offences, including for youth; (3) restrict the availability of preliminary inquiries to offences carrying life imprisonment; (4) reclassify some offences to provide greater flexibility and court efficiencies; (5) improve the jury composition and selection process; and, (6) strengthen case management measures and processes for making rules of court. Further, a number of these reforms will assist in reducing the overrepresentation of Indigenous people and vulnerable populations in the criminal justice system, including those with addictions and mental illness.
Budget 2016 and 2017 committed funding for more judges in Superior Courts, greater support programming on judicial education, ethics and conduct, further funding for court translation in both of Canada's official languages, long-term mandate in the Indigenous Justice Program which will provide a foundation for increasing restorative justice practices and more legal aid services provided in the provinces and territories, including specialized services to Indigenous people, and those with mental illness. Additional representation and services will also be offered through the Indigenous Justice Programs that will provide community-based justice programs and the Indigenous Courtwork Program for Indigenous people to help them navigate the criminal justice system.
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11/30/2018,305,17-Feb,Strong Middle Class,"Eliminate the $1,000 Labour Market Impact Assessment fee to hire caregivers.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Elimination of the Labour Market Impact Assessment fee to hire caregivers so those in need of assistance can meet their family caregiving responsibilities.,"Effective December 8, 2017, the government eliminated the Labour Market Impact Assessment processing fee for families seeking to hire foreign caregivers to provide care for persons with high medical needs, and for families with an income of less than $150,000 in annual income seeking to hire foreign caregivers to provide child care. These changes will ensure that support is targeted at those most in need of assistance to meet their family caregiving responsibilities."
11/30/2018,307,17-Feb,Strong Middle Class,Promote good quality jobs by developing the Global Skills Strategy.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,"Shorter processing times and a dedicated service channel for employers seeking to attract highly skilled, in-demand global talent, leading to more investment and job creation in Canada.","In June 2017, as part of the Global Skills Strategy, the Government of Canada launched the new Global Talent Stream under the Temporary Foreign Worker program for a period of two years. This new Stream helps eligible companies attract highly-skilled global talent to scale up and remain globally competitive while creating good, middle class jobs in Canada. High-growth Canadian companies and global businesses making large investments in Canada can apply. Companies that apply have to demonstrate that the talent they wish to bring to Canada will provide labour market benefits for Canadians and that the position is in high-demand. They have access to an expedited review process lasting no more than a combined 20 business days from end to end, including reviews conducted by Employment and Social Development Canada and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada."
11/30/2018,308,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Develop a strategy that aims to create a single online window for all government services.,President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government;Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility;Minister of Democratic Institutions,"Actions taken, progress made",Government of Canada services and programs are simpler and Canadians can access them more easily.,"In 2016-17, the Government of Canada finalized the Service Strategy. This Strategy includes a commitment to create a single online window for all government services as well as targeted investments to modernize online services for Canadians, including: simplified online tax filing options; expanding the online management of border taxes and duties; new online tools to manage student loans; new online services available to veterans through their MY VAC Account; and a faster, more streamlined process for businesses to submit records like payroll and employment information. The government also established the Canadian Digital Service (CDS) to make it faster, simpler and easier for Canadians to access benefits and services online.
Since 2017-18, the government has been working towards an “omni-channel” approach to service delivery, going beyond a single window to offer GC services to Canadians anywhere, anytime and on any device. To date, significant progress has been made on the foundational elements of this approach. With the support of provincial, territorial, municipal and private sectors partners, a pilot where a digital identity from another jurisdiction will be used to verify identity and grant access to federal services is being launched and could serve as a model for citizen services moving forward. Additionally, in order to make it easy for government departments to share their data with each other and the outside world in a modern, secure, and unified way, the federal government is developing a Canadian Digital Exchange Platform (CDXP) that will form the foundation for real-time information sharing.
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11/30/2018,309,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Set transparent service standards for the delivery of Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development","Actions taken, progress made","Canadians making inquiries about Employment Insurance (EI) will receive answers more quickly, consistent with new, higher service standards.","As a result of Budget 2016 investments ($73 million), the EI Call Centre network significantly increased its capacity and improved its service accessibility. Building on these investments, Budget 2018 will provide an additional $127.7 million over three years to further improve accessibility and ensure Canadians receive timely and accurate information and assistance with Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.
In May 2016, the government launched the EI Service Quality Review (SQR). The SQR sought input from stakeholders and Canadians on ways Service Canada could improve the quality of EI services on the phone, online and in person. The final report provided ten recommendations on how to make EI service delivery more responsive to the needs of Canadians. Service Canada used this input to review EI service standards, completed in March 2018, and is considering next steps.
In 2017-18, the government consulted with Canadians as part of reviews of the EI, Old Age Security (OAS) and Canada Pension Plan (CPP) service standards, the results of which are informing the consideration of potential changes to these standards.
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11/30/2018,311,17-Feb,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Improve the Temporary Foreign Worker Program so it meets the needs of Canadian workers and employers.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made","The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) contributes to sustained economic growth without displacing qualified Canadians, meets the needs of workers and employers and protects the vulnerable.","The government has taken action in a number of areas to improve the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) guided, in part, by the 2016 recommendations of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons' with Disabilities study of the TFWP. Budget 2017 confirmed permanent funding for the risk-based, TFWP employer compliance inspection regime, an increase in on-site inspections in sectors with high volumes of vulnerable workers such as Primary Agriculture, and to support work with industry sectors that rely on Temporary Foreign Workers to develop comprehensive workforce development strategies in partnership with employers, organized labour and other stakeholders. The government introduced a number of changes to improve the TFWP: ending the four year cumulative duration rule; introducing the new Global Talent Stream for high-skill to help high-growth Canadian companies attract specialized global talent that will create new jobs for Canadians; increasing the requirement of employers to recruit Canadians typically under-represented in the workforce; extending the low-wage cap for seasonal employment; increasing on-site inspections of workplaces that employ temporary foreign workers; committing to further develop pathways to permanent residency so that eligible newcomers are able to more fully contribute to Canadian society; and working with heavy users of the TFWP to create Canadian workforce development strategies in partnership with employers, organized labour and other stakeholders.
The government proposed to provide $194.1 million over five years, beginning in 2018–19, and $33.19 million per year ongoing, to ensure the rights of temporary foreign workers in Canada are protected and enforced through a robust compliance regime. Funding will support unannounced inspections under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, the continued implementation of the International Mobility Program compliance regime, and the ongoing collection of labour market information related to open work permits.
The government is collaborating with stakeholders across the country to improve migrant workers’ experience. Recently, the government announced funding for the Migrant Workers’ Dignity Association to help migrant workers become better informed about their rights as workers in Canada through the development of workshops, information tools and other materials aimed at informing TFWs on topics such as housing, health care, access to special benefits, and other rights. Budget 2018 proposed $3.4 million over two years, beginning 2018-19, to establish, on a pilot basis, a network of support organizations for temporary foreign workers dealing with potential abuse by their employers. This network would support these workers in reporting wrongdoing and provide information on their rights to temporarily remain and work in Canada free from harassment and abuse.
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11/30/2018,312,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Make meetings of the Board of Internal Economy open by default.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,Improved transparency in the administration of Parliament.,"The House of Commons has adopted changes to ensure that meetings of the Board of Internal Economy are open by default, meaning they will be public unless it is necessary to deal with particular items in-camera, as outlined in the *Parliament of Canada Act*, or the by-laws of the Board. Unanimous consent of all members present at the meeting would be required should the Board wish to hold a closed meeting on any other issue. These changes will increase parliamentary transparency for Canadians."
11/30/2018,313,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Make post-secondary education more affordable for low and middle income families.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,Hundreds of thousands of students receive increased grant-based aid through Canada Student Grants and students are better able to manage student loan repayments upon graduation. The Government expects more low and middle income students to attend post-secondary education.,"In Budget 2016, the government increased Canada Student Grants (CSGs) by 50 per cent and eligibility was expanded. Because of these changes, over 400,000 students from low- and middle-income families are now receiving more financial assistance that they do not have to pay back.
The government also increased thresholds for the Repayment Assistance Plan so that no graduate will have to repay their Canada Student Loan until they earn at least $25,000 per year. Thanks to this change and efforts to increase awareness, the number of borrowers using RAP increased from 276,000 to over 305,000 borrowers, an increase of approximately 11 per cent.
Under the Skills Boost initiative, additional measures announced in Budget 2017 were introduced in 2018-19. These include: increased eligibility thresholds for CSGs for students with dependent children, helping an additional 13,000 students; increasing eligibility thresholds for part-time students, helping an additional 10,000 students; and launched a three-year pilot project targeted to adult learners providing an estimated 43,000 students an additional $1,600 in grant support and allowing for flexibility to base CSG eligibility on current year’s income. The Skills Boost will also provide greater flexibility for Canadians on Employment Insurance (EI) to get new certificates or training without fear of losing their benefits.
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11/30/2018,315,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Index Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) payments to a new Seniors' Price Index.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Seniors","Actions taken, progress made",The cost of living for seniors is better reflected in their Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) benefits through a Seniors' Price Index.,The Government of Canada is exploring options to make sure that the indexation of Old Age Security benefits reflects the increases in the cost of living faced by seniors.
11/30/2018,316,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Cancel the increase in age of eligibility for Old Age Security (OAS) from 65 to 67.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,The age of eligibility for Old Age Security (OAS) has been returned to 65 and provides greater financial security for our most vulnerable seniors.,"The Government of Canada cancelled the planned increase in age of eligibility for Old Age Security, so that eligibility is maintained at age 65. This will help ensure they benefit from a secure and dignified retirement."
11/30/2018,317,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Coordinate programs to support low income seniors with provinces and territories.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Seniors","Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Federal, provincial and territorial governments collaborate so seniors get the full benefits to which they are entitled.",The Government of Canada implemented the increase to the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and engaged with provinces and territories (PT) to ensure that low-income seniors who receive PT income supplements fully benefit from the increase. The government will continue to seek new opportunities to work together to support our most vulnerable seniors.
11/30/2018,318,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Prioritize affordable housing and seniors' housing as part of the National Housing Strategy.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Seniors","Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Reduced housing need for seniors through rental support to reduce the cost of housing and enable seniors to age in place, and increased supply of affordable housing units specifically targeted towards seniors.","On November 22, 2017 the government announced a 10-year, $40 billion National Housing Strategy that will help reduce homelessness and improve the availability and quality of housing for Canadians in need. This Strategy is part of a long-term vision to strengthen the middle class and provide affordable housing to Canadians, and lift more Canadians out of poverty. The strategy sets clear goals to remove 530,000 Canadians from housing need and reduce chronic homelessness, prioritizing the most vulnerable Canadians including seniors.
Budget 2016 provided investments of $200.7 million over two years to increase affordable housing for seniors and improve their housing conditions, to be delivered by provinces and territories through the Investment in Affordable Housing. The National Housing Strategy re-establishes the federal government as a leader in the area of affordable housing. Working in collaboration with provinces, territories and local communities, the Strategy will leverage significant new capacity to build, repair and renew affordable housing across the country. As part of the Strategy, the new National Housing Co-Investment Fund will prioritize projects that have the greatest impact on communities and vulnerable populations, including seniors. As a result of these investments, at least 12,000 new affordable units will be created for seniors."
11/30/2018,319,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Provide support to maintain rent-geared-to-income subsidies in existing social housing.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development","Actions taken, progress made",Affordable housing remains accessible to Canadians who need it during the transition through the expiry of current operating agreements.,"Community housing has been the backbone of Canada’s response to housing challenges for more than 60 years and provides an affordable place to live for thousands of Canadians. Federal investments have supported the creation of community housing for low- and modest-income families and individuals. About 80 per cent of all community housing is administered by the provinces and territories. As long-term social housing operating agreements expire, the government will renew its investments in provinces and territories to protect low-income households and stabilize the operations of housing providers. The government is deeply committed to ensuring that Canada’s existing community housing stock remains affordable and in good repair well into the future.
On November 22, 2017 the government announced a 10-year, $40 billion National Housing Strategy that will help reduce homelessness and improve the availability and quality of housing for Canadians in need. This Strategy is part of a long-term vision to strengthen the middle class and provide affordable housing to Canadians, and lift more Canadians out of poverty. The strategy sets clear goals to remove 530,000 Canadians from housing need and reduce chronic homelessness, prioritizing the most vulnerable Canadians including seniors.
As part of the National Housing Strategy, the government will support the provinces and territories as they protect and build a sustainable community-based housing sector, through a $4.3-billion Canada Community Housing Initiative. Additionally, to protect tenants living in federally administered community housing as operating agreements expire and to stabilize the operations of housing providers, the federal government will implement a new 10-year, $500-million Federal Community Housing Initiative. This initiative will put in place new operating agreements as old social housing operating agreements expire. As a result of these investments, 385,000 households will be protected from losing an affordable home."
11/30/2018,320,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Invest in Housing First to reduce homelessness.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development","Actions taken, progress made",Chronic homelessness is reduced by 50% by 2027-28 compared to 2016 levels.,"On November 22, 2017 the government announced a 10-year, $40 billion National Housing Strategy that will help reduce homelessness and improve the availability and quality of housing for Canadians in need. This Strategy is part of a long-term vision to strengthen the middle class and provide affordable housing to Canadians, and lift more Canadians out of poverty. The strategy sets clear goals to remove 530,000 Canadians from housing need and reduce chronic homelessness, and to reduce chronic homelessness by half.
As part of the National Housing Strategy, the government announced a total investment of $2.2 billion for homelessness over 10 years, building on Budget 2016 incremental funding of $111.8 million over two years (2016-2017 and 2017-2018) for the Homelessness Partnering Strategy. By 2021-22, this will nearly double the investments made in 2015-16. These increased investment levels are expected to reduce the number of Canadians who are chronically homeless by as much as 50% compared to 2016 levels.
Over the past year, the Government of Canada consulted with stakeholders, provinces, territories and Indigenous partners on how to improve the Homelessness Partnering Strategy to better prevent and reduce homelessness across Canada. These consultations were guided by the work of an Advisory Committee comprised of experts, stakeholders and people with lived experience of homelessness, chaired by the Parliamentary Secretary (Housing and Urban Affairs) Adam Vaughan. The Advisory Committee on Homelessness Final Report and the Homelessness Partnering Strategy Engagement – What We Heard Report 2018, which contains highlights from the feedback received throughout all engagement activities, were released on May 18, 2018.
On June 11, 2018, the Minister of Families, Children, and Social Development announced Reaching Home, a redesigned federal homelessness program, which will replace the Homelessness Partnering Strategy on April 1, 2019.
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11/30/2018,321,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Remove all GST on new capital investments in affordable rental housing.,"Minister of Finance;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Not being pursued,See below.,"All Canadians should have a safe and affordable place to call home. The government concluded, based on research and evidence, that there were more effective ways of encouraging the construction of affordable rental housing.
Budget 2016 introduced a targeted approach to stimulate the construction of affordable rental housing by providing funding to establish the Affordable Rental Housing Innovation Fund and Rental Construction Financing Initiative. Budget 2017 announced the investment of more than $11.2 billion over 11 years in various initiatives that will help build, renew and repair Canada’s affordable housing and make sure Canadians have affordable housing that meets their needs. The National Housing Strategy, launched on November 22, 2017, includes additional measures to stimulate the construction of affordable rental housing. The Rental Construction Financing Initiative offers $2.5 billion in low-cost loans to support the construction of new rental housing. Budget 2018 proposed expanding this initiative with an additional $1.25B in low-cost loan over the next three years.
Through the National Housing Strategy, the federal government is re-engaging in affordable housing by investing in the growth of livable communities and the resilience of the community housing sector. To ensure existing rental housing is not lost to disrepair and to develop new, high-performing affordable housing integrated with supports and services, the federal government is creating a $15.9-billion federally managed National Housing Co-Investment Fund. The National Housing Co-Investment Fund alone is expected to create up to 60,000 new units of housing and repair up to 240,000 units of existing affordable and community housing. The Fund will consist of nearly $4.7 billion in financial contributions and $11.2 billion in low interest loans. The government’s recently announced Rental Construction Financing Initiative will be integrated into the National Housing Co-Investment Fund, as will the government’s recently created Affordable Rental Innovation Fund. Applications for the National Housing Co-Investment Fund will be accepted starting April 2018.
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11/30/2018,322,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Modernize the Home Buyers' Plan.,"Minister of Finance;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development","Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges",Canadians impacted by a sudden and significant life change are better able to manage the costs of finding a home or relocating.,"In considering this proposal, the government is examining how best to balance support for Canadians who have had a change of circumstance, such as a divorce or a change in employment, with the need to preserve and maintain retirement savings (e.g. Registered Retirement Savings Plans).
To date, the government has made other changes to provide greater legal support for families facing divorce and training programs to help Canadians transitioning between jobs. The government has also taken a number of steps to ensure Canada has a regulated and stable housing market, including: improving mortgage financing rules, creating the Affordable Housing Innovation Fund and Rental Construction Financing Initiative, and investing $11.2 billion over the next 11 years to help build, repair and maintain affordable housing across Canada. These measures will help address the challenges of housing affordability faced by Canadians in many large urban centres, encourage the creation of new rental housing construction and re-establish a long-term federal role in housing."
11/30/2018,324,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Identify available federal lands that could be repurposed for affordable housing.,"Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development","Actions taken, progress made",Increased available land to build new affordable housing and increased housing supply where it is needed.,"As part of the National Housing Strategy, the government is launching in the fall of 2018 a new Federal Lands initiative to make surplus federal lands and buildings available at a discounted cost (up to no cost) for new affordable housing. Over the next 10 years, up to $200 million in federal lands will be transferred to eligible participants to encourage the development of sustainable, accessible, mixed-income, mixed-use developments and communities. As part of this initiative, starting in 2018-19, funding for renovations and remediation may be available to make transactions viable."
11/30/2018,325,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Review prices in high-priced housing markets and consider all policy tools that could keep home ownership within reach for more Canadians.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development","Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",Federal policy tools are employed to help keep home ownership within reach for more Canadians.,"The government has completed analysis of factors impacting house prices, including identifying important data gaps and strategies to reduce these gaps, informed by consultations with a number of industry, academic, provincial and municipal government stakeholders. A final report, ""Examining Escalating House Prices in Large Canadian Cities"", providing an analysis of the underlying drivers of house price increases and a set of policy tools to help keep home ownership within reach for more Canadians, was publicly released on February 7, 2018. The release of this final report sets the stage for additional policy discussion and coordination across various levels of government."
11/30/2018,326,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Bring forward a proposal to prevent mortgage fraud.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Mortgage fraud is reduced.,"Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has developed an Action Plan with measures to mitigate and prevent mortgage fraud, and is engaging industry stakeholders to implement the plan.
As of January 1, 2018, CMHC has joined the Citadel fraud management consortium operated by Equifax. CMHC will participate in the Competition Bureau’s Fraud Prevention Month program with announcements on fraud prevention activities and efforts to raise public awareness of issues related to mortgage fraud. CMHC is also co-sponsoring a fraud prevention conference in Quebec City, hosted by École nationale d’administration publique (ENAC), in September 2018."
11/30/2018,327,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Use the best data available to make decisions on housing.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development","Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",Better data and understanding of the housing market to inform policy decisions so that the Government can help Canadians secure good housing.,"The government is developing a new Housing Statistics Framework that will be administered by Statistics Canada, and is investing to improve data collection and analytics through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). These investments will help track progress on the National Housing Strategy, better support informed policy decisions, and build on the reintroduction of the mandatory long-form census for 2016, which provides for more accurate collection of data on key things like housing."
11/30/2018,328,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Raise taxes on the top 1% of earners.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,A fairer tax system where the richest pay their share.,"On December 7, 2015, the Government of Canada announced it would create a new top personal income tax rate of 33 per cent for individual taxable incomes above $200,000, effective January 1, 2016 (increased from 29 per cent). The government continues to explore other measures to ensure tax fairness."
11/30/2018,329,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Repeal elements of the *Fair Elections Act* which make it harder for Canadians to vote.,Minister of Democratic Institutions,"Actions taken, progress made",Barriers are reduced to electoral participation for all Canadians and there is greater integrity in the electoral process.,"On April 30, 2018, the government introduced the *Elections Modernization Act* (Bill C-76). Among other changes, the legislation proposes improvements to the integrity of the electoral system, and repeal provisions in the previous *Fair Elections Act* that made it harder for Canadians to vote. The legislation includes the measures that were previously introduced through Bill C-33. Notably, the changes reinstate the Voter Information Card as authorized identification (ID), restore vouching for those without proper ID, expand voting rights to more than one million Canadians living abroad, expand the Chief Electoral Officer’s ability to educate Canadians to improve civic literacy and knowledge and help future young voters participate in the electoral process by pre-registering youth aged 14-17 so they can more easily vote when they turn 18. The legislation is before the Senate."
11/30/2018,330,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Conduct a review of government spending to reduce poorly targeted and inefficient programs.,President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government;Minister of Finance,"Actions taken, progress made",Programs are effective and deliver measurable results for Canadians.,"Launched in Budget 2017, the horizontal review on innovation and clean technology is now complete, with results announced in Budget 2018. The second launched horizontal review on fixed assets is ongoing, which is being conducted in phases and is expected to be completed in 2019-20. The three departmental reviews also announced in Budget 2017, the Canada Border Services Agency, the Canada School of Public Service, and Health Canada, are underway and details will be announced when available. As part of Budget 2018, the government launched a review on the Canada Revenue Agency’s service model to ensure that Canadians interacting with the Agency feel like valued clients, not just taxpayers. Budget 2018 also proposes to undertake a horizontal review of skills programming over the next year to maximize the effectiveness of programs that provide support to Canada’s labour force to ensure workers and students have the information and training needed to meet future challenges and opportunities head on. In addition, Budget 2018 announced a set of targeted reviews over the next three years of regulatory requirements and practices that are bottlenecks to innovation and growth with an initial focus on agri-food and aquaculture, health/bio-sciences, and transportation and infrastructure. Further details about these reviews will be available in the coming months."
11/30/2018,331,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Provide more flexible parental leave.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Parents who want to spend more time at home with their children have the option of doing so with protected Employment Insurance parental benefits.,"With Budget 2017, the Government of Canada created more flexible maternity and parental leave benefits. The changes allow parents to spread their parental benefit over a longer period of time (18 months), and give mothers the option to begin receiving Employment Insurance maternity benefits up to 12 weeks before their due date – up from eight weeks. The changes took effect December 3rd and give parents more support to spend time with their kids.
Further, to support greater gender equality in the home and in the workplace, Budget 2018 proposes to introduce a new EI Parental Sharing Benefit which will provide additional weeks of “use it or lose it” EI parental benefits, when both parents agree to share parental leave. "
11/30/2018,332,17-Feb,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure the successful integration of refugees into Canadian society.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship","Actions taken, progress made",Improved social and economic outcomes for refugees.,"The government is currently studying how to deliver language training and employment services in a better, more collaborative way, as well as test innovative approaches, to improve the participation of newcomers in social, cultural, civic, and economic life in Canada."
11/30/2018,334,17-Oct,Healthy Canadians,Ensure safety and non-discrimination in blood donation policies.,Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made","An evidence-based, safe and non-discriminatory approach to ensuring an adequate blood supply.","A safe and effective blood system is a cornerstone of health care delivery. Health Canada is working towards reducing barriers to blood and plasma donation for men who have sex with men by funding research that will help inform relevant policy changes. In June 2016, Health Canada approved a request from Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec to reduce the blood donation ineligibility period for men who have sex with men from five years to one year. This change was based on scientific evidence brought forward by the blood operators and brought Canada in line with other global regulators, such as the United States, France, Australia and the Netherlands. At the same time, the Government of Canada provided $3 million to Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec to conduct behavioural research and organize an international seminar. In 2017, the first round of competitions was undertaken which resulted in funding eleven research projects; the second and final funding competition was announced in February 2018 and four new research projects were announced in fall 2018. Results of these research projects are expected to be available between fall 2018 and winter 2020 which will inform further changes that could be undertaken to implement an evidence-based, safe and non-discriminatory approach to donations from men who have sex with men."
11/30/2018,335,17-Oct,Healthy Canadians,Facilitate collaboration on an organ and tissue donation and transplant system that gives Canadians timely access to care.,Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made",An increase in the supply of organs and tissue available so that Canadians get timely and effective access to care.,"Since April 2008, the government has worked collaboratively with provinces and territories to improve the Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplant system in Canada. This includes better collaboration, public education and use of best practices to increase donations and ultimately an increase in the supply of organs and tissue so that Canadians are able to access them when needed.
According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, a total of 2,835 lifesaving transplants were performed in Canada (including Quebec) in 2016, a 32 per cent increase since 2007. Over the last 10 years, the rate of deceased donation has increased 42 per cent but the rate of living donation has decreased 11%. There were 4,500 patients on organ waitlists at the end of 2016, and 260 patients died in 2016 while waiting for a transplant.
Health Canada is facilitating a process with Canadian Blood Services (CBS) and the provincial/territorial members of the PT Blood Liaison Committee (PTBLC), led by Saskatchewan, to identify and explore how to make greater progress on governance and oversight, integration, coordination and system performance. Consultations have concluded and the summary findings were shared at a stakeholder meeting in November 2018 at which time priority actions were identified. "
11/30/2018,336,17-Oct,Healthy Canadians,"Ensure Canada's response to the current opioid crisis is robust, well-coordinated and effective.",Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges","Federal opioid response is evidence-based, collaborative and comprehensive, and the harm caused by opioid use—including overdoses and accidental deaths—is reduced.","Problematic opioid use and overdose is an ongoing crisis in Canada, devastating individuals, families and communities. The federal government has been coordinating a whole of government response and working with provincial and territorial counterparts, engaging non-government partners and making significant investments to build the evidence base and take collaborative and comprehensive action across four strategic pillars: prevention, harm reduction, treatment and law enforcement.
Budget 2017 committed $100 million over five years to support the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy including the opioid response. Budget 2018 committed an additional $231.4 million over five years to improve access to treatment, reduce stigma associated with drug use and continue to build the evidence base. The impact of some of these efforts will take time, and it remains troubling that recent data indicate
The Government of Canada is regularly engaging Canadians most impacted by the crisis to inform the response, including people who use or have used drugs, people with chronic pain and their families. In September 2018 the Minister of Health hosted a two-day Opioid Symposium bringing together over 225 policy makers, researchers, clinicians, Indigenous groups, people with lived and living experience, drug policy advocates and law enforcement representatives to discuss challenges and identify additional opportunities to address the crisis. The Minister of Health highlighted federal priorities, such as: to increase access to evidence-based treatments including injectable opioid therapy; to expand access to safer alternatives to the contaminated drug supply; to consult Canadians on the Canada Drugs and Substances Strategy; to engage innovators through an Impact Canada Challenge to improve opioid detection and testing technologies; to establish a task force on chronic pain; and, to reduce stigma associated with drug use.
On October 2, 2018, the Government of Canada launched the Impact Canada Drug Checking Technology Challenge to create a rapid, accurate, easy to use, and low-cost testing device or instrument that can be used with minimal training and preparation work. The goal is to serve people who use drugs and those who support them, to allow them to make decisions that may reduce their risk of overdose and death."
11/30/2018,337,17-Oct,Healthy Canadians,Ensure Canada has a solid surveillance system for monitoring and reporting overdoses and deaths related to opioids.,Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made",Effective monitoring and reporting of overdoses and deaths related to opioids.,"The government is committed to releasing updated data on a quarterly basis, in collaboration with provinces and territories. The government is also working with provinces and territories to collect additional data on opioid use and harms. On September 18, 2018, the government released data for the first quarter of 2018 on apparent opioid-related deaths in Canada and suspected opioid-related overdoses in seven jurisdictions across Canada based on emergency medical service data. In addition, the government published a second special issue of the Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention in Canada: Research, Policy and Practice journal, including analysis of monitoring and surveillance efforts in Canada."
11/30/2018,338,17-Oct,Healthy Canadians,Review Canada's framework for dealing with public health emergencies.,Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made","Public health emergencies and events are prevented, detected, and responded to effectively.","The Public Health Agency of Canada is working with Health Portfolio partners and Public Safety Canada to assess its processes, mechanisms and tools to ensure timely and effective response to public health emergencies."
11/30/2018,339,17-Oct,Healthy Canadians,"Curb opioid misuse by introducing prescribing guidelines, tracking prescriptions at the patient level, and increasing transparency in marketing and promotion of therapies.",Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges","A reduction in inappropriate prescription of opioids, improved tracking of prescriptions, and better management of transitions where opioids are no longer required so as to reduce opioid dependency.","The government is working with provinces, territories, and partners to address prescribing practices and prescription monitoring in Canada. The Canadian Institutes of Health Research funded the Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse to develop a national guideline for medication-assisted treatment of opioid use disorder. That national guideline was published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal on March 5, 2018. The government is collaborating with provinces and territories through the Problematic Substance Use and Harms Committee to share lessons learned and best practices in prescription monitoring.
In January 2018, Health Canada hosted a working session with provinces and territories to develop national standards for prescription monitoring programs.
The government is also exploring options to restrict the marketing of opioids to healthcare professionals. On June 19, 2018, the Minister of Health announced a series of measures to address industry's opioid marketing and advertising practices, including the publication of a notice of intent to restrict marketing and advertising of opioids, and launching consultations with provinces, territories and stakeholders.
Health Canada further consulted stakeholders during the Opioid Symposium in Toronto on September 5, 2018.
Health Canada will continue to engage with provinces, territories and stakeholders in the coming months.
Canada's Food and Drug Regulations were recently amended to require that a warning sticker and patient information handout be provided to patients, at the time of sale, with all prescription opioids that appear in Part A of the “List of Opioids”. These requirements came into force on October 23, 2018.
Health Canada continues to work with manufacturers to update the labelling of all prescription opioid products to include enhanced information about their risks for prescribers and patients."
11/30/2018,340,17-Oct,Healthy Canadians,Ensure communities can introduce effective opioid treatments and programs.,Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made",Canadians have access to community-based opioid treatments and programs that are effective in reducing harm.,"Treatment is the key to moving people from using drugs to recovery. Budget 2018 includes measures to provide one-time emergency funding of $150 million for provinces and territories for multi-year projects that improve access to evidence-based treatments. Bilateral agreements for the emergency funding have been signed with British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec, and Saskatchewan.
In addition, the federal government has used its regulatory powers to make naloxone more widely available and to expedite approval of the nasal spray version. Further, the government published regulations allowing the import of drugs for opioid use disorder treatments not yet approved in Canada. On March 26, 2018, the Minister of Health announced the removal of barriers to accessing diacetylmorphine (prescription-grade heroin) and methadone for the treatment of opioid use disorder. The regulatory amendments were published in the Canada Gazette, Part II, on March 21, 2018. In April and November 2018, Health Canada also authorized two new drug products for the treatment of opioid use disorder.
On September 5, 2018, Health Canada issued two section 56 exemptions to authorize nurses with the authority to possess, sell, provide, administer, transport, send and deliver controlled substances while providing primary health care services at community health facilities under certain conditions. These exemptions removed the barriers to establishing nurse-led community-based treatment models.
Through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the government is funding the development of a national treatment guideline for an injectable opioid agonist treatment for opioid use disorder and funding research to assess the effectiveness of this treatment for Canadians who have not benefited from other forms of treatment. In addition, the Substance Use and Addictions Program at Health Canada is providing funding for several projects across Canada to improve access to treatment, including in rural and remote areas through provider networks and telehealth models.
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11/30/2018,341,17-Oct,Healthy Canadians,Promote the *Canada Health Act* to make absolutely clear that extra-billings and user fees are illegal and reporting is improved.,Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made","Canadians have access to publicly funded health care, without financial barriers at point of service.","The Government of Canada is moving forward with three new initiatives: The Diagnostic Services Policy is aimed at eliminating patient charges for medically necessary diagnostic services, such as MRI and CT scans. This policy will come into effect in April 2020, to allow time for provinces to align their health care systems with its requirements.
The Reimbursement Policy will provide an incentive for provinces and territories to eliminate patient charges, which result in mandatory deductions under the *Canada Health Act*. Under this policy, those provinces and territories facing deductions will be eligible to have them reimbursed if they eliminate patient charges in a timely manner. The first deductions eligible for reimbursement will be those that were taken in March 2018.
Strengthened reporting requirements will be phased in to help provide Canadians with a clearer picture of how the public health care insurance plans across all the provinces and territories are operating.
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11/30/2018,342,17-Oct,Healthy Canadians,Develop a new self-governed approach to delivering health services to Indigenous peoples and reduce health inequities between Indigenous peoples and non-Indigenous Canadians.,Minister of Health;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations;Minister of Indigenous Services,"Actions taken, progress made","New co-developed approaches to Indigenous health services that will be client-centred, culturally relevant and sustainable, resulting in healthier children, families and improved community wellness.","Since the creation of the Department of Indigenous Services, the government continues, in partnership with Indigenous groups, to transform the way to deliver services to Indigenous peoples and transfer the design, planning and management and delivery of these services to Indigenous organisations.
The government's goal is to support increased flexibility and capacity building in Indigenous communities so that they are able to direct and design their own health services and partner more effectively with provincial healthcare systems. This gap in health outcomes can be narrowed, and providing access to quality health care close to home is an essential part of that change. To support the delivery of health services, Budget 2017 announced an investment of $828 million over 5 years to improve a range of health outcome for First Nations and Inuit. The government is currently working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis to co-develop distinctions-based, self-determined and nation-to-nation approaches for health transformation. For example, as an interim measure in committing to and finalizing the Canada-Métis Nation Accord to Achieve Reconciliation, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed on August 21, 2018 between Canada and the Métis Nation, committing to the development of a 10-Year Métis Nation Health Accord.
Renewing the relationship with the Métis Nation based on recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership, Canada and the Métis National Council signed the Canada-Métis Nation Accord to Achieve Reconciliation, on August 21, 2018, committing to the development of a 10-Year Métis Nation Health Accord. Budget 2018 proposed investment of $6 million over five years to support the Métis Nation in gathering health data and developing a health strategy.
Additional investments were announced in Budget 2018, with $1.5 billion over five years, for Indigenous health, starting in 2018–19, and $149 million per year ongoing thereafter. This amount included $498 million, with $97.6 million per year ongoing, to sustain access to critical medical care and services. Budget 2018 identified $235 million to support work with First Nations partners to transform First Nations health systems by expanding successful models of self-determination so that health programs and services are developed, delivered and controlled by and for First Nations. This investment will also support access to quality and First Nations-controlled health care in remote and isolated James Bay communities as part of the Weeneebayko Area Health Integration Framework Agreement. First Nations are leading processes (in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec) to develop models for self-determination in health service-delivery. Memoranda of Understanding/agreements to advance these processes are being signed to confirm shared priorities. Other regional engagement efforts are underway across the country to identify strategies for transforming service delivery, including opportunities for increasing Indigenous control over services. In addition to the ongoing implementation of the historic British Columbia Tripartite Framework Agreement, which transferred operational control of health programs and services to the British Columbia First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), the Government of Canada has also invested $10M to support a Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Mental Health and Wellness that was signed in July 2013 with the Province of British Columbia and British Columbia First Nations with matching resources invested by the province and First Nations; these efforts will contribute to innovative and more flexible funding approaches to address the broader social determinants of health.
In the North, Budget 2018 identified investments of $27.5 million over five years to support enhanced prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment of Tuberculosis (TB) and latent TB infection in Inuit Nunangat. Each of the four regions in Inuit Nunangat is developing an action plan to eliminate TB among Inuit by 2030, with a reduction of at least 50% of active TB by 2025. The Government of Canada provided $500,000 to the government of Nunatsiavut to be used in TB elimination activities. In addition, the government is providing ongoing surge capacity including nurses and epidemiologists, as well as administrative and coordination support for the TB outbreak. Nunavik has recently launched a communication campaign to reach out to youth in particular. The Government of Canada also works closely with the government of Nunavut in their response to a TB outbreak by investing in the purchase of rapid TB diagnostic technology and facilitating timely access to rifapentine, an antibiotic used in the treatment of latent TB. To help streamline the TB elimination work, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami will continue to lead the development of the Inuit TB Elimination Framework, in collaboration with the Government of Canada, through the Inuit Public Health Task Group, a subcommittee of the National Inuit Committee on Health.
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11/30/2018,343,17-Oct,Government Services and Operations,Help Veterans gain skills to successfully transition to the civilian workforce.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"More Veterans, Canadian Armed Forces members, and their spouses/common-law partners successfully transition to the civilian labour market. The Government hires more veterans into meaningful work.","As of April 1, 2018, eligible Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans, their spouses/common-law partners and survivors are now able to apply for a new, modernized set of career transition services, delivered consistently across Canada. Services are delivered by qualified career support professionals who understand military life and culture. For Veterans and survivors, these career transition services will be available throughout a person's post service working life, meaning they can get help when and where needed.
The Government of Canada also continues to provide access to hiring opportunities in the public service for certain serving and former members of the Canadian Armed Forces who are released for medical reasons. Priority for public service jobs is given to these members and Veterans over all other individuals."
11/30/2018,344,17-Oct,Government Services and Operations,"Implement the Caregiver Recognition Benefit, paid directly to Veterans' caregivers.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,Increased recognition and support for caregivers of ill and injured Veterans so that Veterans get better care.,"As of April 1, 2018, the Government of Canada has introduced the new Caregiver Recognition Benefit, replacing the Family Caregiver Relief Benefit. This new benefit provides a generous non-taxable $1,000 monthly benefit payable directly to informal caregivers of Veterans to better recognize and honour the vital role they play in supporting CAF members and Veterans. "
11/30/2018,345,17-Oct,Government Services and Operations,Implement the new Veteran Emergency Fund and Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,Improve the quality of life of Veterans and their families.,"As of April 1, 2018, the Veterans Emergency Fund (VEF) provides emergency financial support to Veterans, their families and survivors whose well-being is at risk due to an urgent and unexpected situation ($1 million per year over the next four years). The new fund gives the government the flexibility to financially assist Veterans and their families quickly and efficiently in times when they most need it, without complicated eligibility requirements and approval processes. The VEF provides short-term relief while the government works with Veterans and their families to identify any long-term needs and possible solutions.
In addition, the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund is one of the many new and enhanced programs and services brought forth in Budget 2017, focused on supporting innovative solutions to better support Veterans and their families. This new fund supports research and fosters innovation across the public, private and academic fields to make a real difference in the lives of Veterans and families. The fund supports a wide range of projects, such as suicide prevention research, an initiative that helps homeless Veterans find housing, or any innovative projects that contribute to the well-being of Veterans and their families.
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11/30/2018,346,17-Oct,Government Services and Operations,"Streamline the suite of benefits, improve transparency and communications, and improve the experience of Veterans as their needs change throughout their lives.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made","A streamlined, client-centric process that is easier to navigate, provides timely service and helps Veterans transition to civilian life.","Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) is streamlining its suite of benefits with the goal of reducing overlap and administrative burden to ensure a positive client experience for Veterans both as they transition to civilian life and as their needs change throughout their lives. A three-year communications and outreach strategy was launched to ensure that Veterans and their families are well-informed of the range of supports and services available to them.
On December 20, 2017, the government announced its Pension for Life plan which will reintroduce lifelong monthly pain and suffering payments with the Pain and Suffering Compensation, implement a new recognition benefit through the Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation, and the Income Replacement Benefit (IRB) that simplifies VAC’s financial support programs through replacing six existing financial benefits with the new IRB. Specifically, the new IRB will replace the Earnings Loss Benefit; Extended Earnings Loss Benefit, Retirement Income Security Benefit, Supplementary Retirement Benefit, the Career Impact Allowance and Career Impact Allowance Supplement. This will reduce the burden on the Veteran and their Caregivers as there will be one application form where there used to be six."
11/30/2018,347,17-Oct,Government Services and Operations,Ensure public servants are paid accurately and promptly.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges",Public servants are paid in a timely manner and without errors.,"The ongoing public service pay problems are unacceptable, creating emotional and financial hardships, as well as unnecessary stress for many employees and their families.
The government will ensure that employees receive timely and accurate pay and benefits, and is working hard to resolve issues as quickly as possible, but there are no quick fixes. The government is committed to doing better. The Clerk of the Privy Council Office instructed Deputy Ministers to take a personal interest in seeing that employees are paid accurately and on time. Employees should not feel that they are facing these difficulties alone.
Budget 2018 announced an investment of $454 million over six years, starting in 2017-18, to increase the number of compensation employees at the Pay Centre and satellite offices to more than 1,500 and hire more HR advisors within departments to assist employees and provide them with tax support. In addition, over the next two years, the government will work with experts, unions and technology providers on a way forward for a new pay system.
The government is implementing a suite of measures as part of an integrated plan, informed by recommendations from the Office of Auditor General of Canada as well as the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, to stabilize the pay system so that transactions are processed more quickly and accurately, pay issues are resolved and employees receive better service. As part of this approach, Pay Pods, which group together compensation employees assigned to a specific department or agency, are being rolled out for departments and agencies serviced by the Pay Centre. Pay Pods will work with client departments to process current transactions first and outstanding transactions in an employee’s pay file, in contrast to the current approach of addressing pay issues by transaction type. This new approach is expected to result in faster and more comprehensive resolution of pay issues and a reduction in backlogged cases. As of October 2018, Pods were implemented for 24 departments and agencies, representing approximately 104,000 employees. The government also recently announced enhancements to its Client Contact Centre, where employees now have access to a variety of tools so that they can provide more real-time, accurate information to public servants calling for information about their pay files. Progress towards reducing the number of outstanding pay transactions continues.
Progress is reported regularly through a monthly, publically available Dashboard, a Pay Bulletin and other online content, ensuring ongoing transparency and accountability.
Since January 2018, the backlog has decreased by over 100,000 transactions. At the same time, a historic number of collective agreements have been processed, providing about $1.5 billion in retroactive payments to employees.
In August 2018, the Treasury Board Secretariat announced steps to move away from Phoenix and develop a pay system that will meet the needs of employees and function with the complexity of the federal government’s human resources and pay structure.
The government recently launched its innovative agile procurement process to seek potential vendors for the next generation human resources and pay system.
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11/30/2018,348,17-Oct,Fair and Open Government,Increase the diversity of bidders on government contracts.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made","The diversity of bidders and contractors will increase, including participation by businesses owned by women and Indigenous peoples.","In the first quarter of fiscal year 2018-19, the government participated in 550 outreach events with 13,000 participants belonging to under-represented groups such as women, Indigenous Peoples and persons with disabilities to increase their awareness of business opportunities with the federal government and help government understand the barriers to their participation in procurement.
PSPC has launched social procurement pilots to increase the participation of small and diverse suppliers. As part of this, there is an increased focus on providing women-owned and Indigenous small and medium-sized businesses with the tools and guidance to compete for government opportunities.
The government's aim to make procurement simpler, faster and more accessible to increase bidder diversity. PSPC developed a common set of definitions for social procurement, and, where feasible, industry consultations now include a focus on supplier diversity. In Budget 2018, the government set a target to increase the participation of women-owned businesses in federal procurement from 10% to at least 15%.
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11/30/2018,349,17-Oct,Fair and Open Government,"Develop better tools to hold contractors accountable, particularly in large scale procurements.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made","Suppliers will be accountable for their contractual performance, which is expected to improve procurement results.","Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has finalized a draft Vendor Performance Management (VPM) Policy, in consultation with other government departments and agencies as well as with select members of the VPM Supplier Advisory Sub-Committee. Consultations are expected to be launched in late fall 2018. PSPC and Shared Services Canada have initiated discussions within the Government of Canada and with industry on pilots of the VPM, which are expected to begin in late fall 2018."
11/30/2018,350,17-Oct,Fair and Open Government,"Publish clear metrics on the competitiveness, cost and timeliness of procurement.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made",The Government of Canada will make more informed contract decisions based on feedback obtained from comprehensive data and sampling of procurement activities and surveys.,"
Metrics on competitiveness, cost and timeliness are published in the annual Departmental Plans and Departmental Results Reports, as well as in Our Services, Standards and Results. A data strategy is being developed to increase the number of metrics available to clients, suppliers and Canadians, including competitiveness, cost and timeliness. PSPC established strong Key Performance Indicators for the 2018-19 Departmental Results Framework."
11/30/2018,351,17-Oct,Fair and Open Government,Make more government data available to vendors participating in procurement bidding to encourage better bids.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made",Vendors and government decision makers have access to modern analytics to better understand Government of Canada procurement. This will help vendors decide when and how to compete in order to encourage more and better bids.,"Information on contracts over $10,000 is available on the Government of Canada Open Government Portal. Public Services and Procurement Canada is developing a data strategy to improve the contract data provided to suppliers and decision makers. It is expected that the Government of Canada will begin the implementation of the strategy in fall 2018. The government's goal of making procurement simpler, faster and accessible will also serve to encourage better bids."
11/30/2018,352,17-Oct,Fair and Open Government,Ensure prompt payment of contractors and sub-contractors.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made",Barriers to accessing government contracts are reduced and small and medium enterprises require less working capital (cash flow) to do business with the Government of Canada because they get paid more quickly for work they've done.,"The government is looking at different approaches to ensure expedited payment to its suppliers. Current initiatives include the launch of a pilot project to pay certain types of invoices within a shorter timeframe than the current 30 days. This will mean that small and medium-sized enterprises will require less working capital (cash flow) to do business with the government. This initiative will also remove barriers to accessing government contracts. In the fall Economic Statement, the government made a commitment to develop legislation to implement the prompt payment of contractors and sub-contractors for federal projects on federal lands.
Independent experts have concluded a national engagement process seeking input from the construction industry to identify the elements required to develop a robust federal prompt payment regime. The federal government will use the proposed recommendations to inform the development of an effective legislative solution that will direct terms of payment and provide for an adjudication process for federal construction contracts."
11/30/2018,353,17-Oct,Government Services and Operations,"Improve the delivery of information technology within the Government, including the renewal of Shared Services Canada.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made","An agile, reliable and secure information technology platform to support the delivery of digital services to Canadians.","In 2016 and 2017, Shared Services Canada completed broad-based consultations with industry, Canadians and federal departments on the best approaches for managing the Government of Canada's information technology assets and services. The Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat also released the independent review of Shared Services Canada commissioned from Gartner Canada Co., which included numerous recommendations for improvements, but which also confirmed that a shared services model for information technology is the right one for the Government of Canada.
Budget 2018 proposed funding of $2 billion over five years and $349.8 million per year thereafter to improve the management and provision of IT infrastructure and services within government and support the migration of applications from older data centres into more secure modern data centres or cloud solutions, and to support related cyber security measures.
In 2017, Shared Services Canada hired over 800 net new employees in anticipation of priorities for the coming years. Moving forward, recruitment will focus on the remaining talent gap required to support departmental initiatives that are aligned to government priorities.
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11/30/2018,354,17-Oct,Government Services and Operations,Ensure the timely and orderly transition of Parliamentary operations during the renewal of the Parliamentary precinct.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made","The Government of Canada is restoring and modernizing the Parliamentary Precinct for current and future generations of Canadians, and to provide Parliament with the accommodations it needs to operate effectively and safely in a modern, connected and sustainable world. ","The beautifully restored and modernized West Block and the new Visitor Welcome Centre were officially transferred to the House of Commons on November 8, 2018. This follows a 7-year rehabilitation, and a June 2018 decision by the House of Commons to proceed with a phased move. The move of parliamentary operations will be completed in time for the 2019 winter parliamentary sitting. Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) is working collaboratively with Parliament to ensure a seamless transition of parliamentary operations.
The phased move of operations from the Centre Block began in the summer of 2018 to support a timely and orderly transition to the new facilities, and enable the restoration of the Centre Block to begin.
This transition of parliamentary operations from the Centre Block and the start of its major restoration is a major milestone in this effort. At this time, many Members of Parliament, Ministers and Senators have begun moving out of Centre Block and into their newly rehabilitated accommodations. In addition, the Investigations Program examining the Centre Block’s condition is advancing well with more intrusive work (phase 2) underway.
A Deputy Minister level committee has been established to provide direction and oversight on a coordinated, timely and orderly transition of operations from the Centre Block to the West Block and the government Conference Centre in 2018. The committee is chaired by Public Services and Procurement Canada, and comprises representatives from the House of Commons, the Senate, the Library of Parliament, Parliamentary Protective Service, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the Privy Council Office.
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11/30/2018,355,17-Oct,Indigenous peoples,Develop a vision for a national space for Indigenous peoples at 100 Wellington.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations;Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made","Creating a space for Indigenous peoples directly across from Parliament Hill will symbolize a turning point in Canada's relationship with Indigenous peoples. This location will provide a concrete marker of the importance of Indigenous peoples to this country's past, present, and future.","On June 21, 2017, the government announced that a new space for Indigenous peoples will be established at 100 Wellington Street in the National Capital Region that reflects the vision of Indigenous peoples and the spirit of reconciliation. To advance this project, an interim working group has been established with representatives from the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the Métis National Council and the Government of Canada to recommend next steps to ensure 100 Wellington becomes an inclusive space. Next steps include the development of a governance approach and a common vision for the space. This multi-year, large-scale project will involve broad consultations with Indigenous peoples on a national scale."
11/30/2018,356,17-Oct,Government Services and Operations,"Enhance the quality and capacity of services provided by the Translation Bureau, and promote the economic vitality of Canada's translation and interpretation community.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made",The Government of Canada has access to high quality linguistic services that enable it to operate and to serve Canadians in both official languages.,"In order to reposition the Translation Bureau as a centre of excellence, the government is implementing a new vision that seeks to improve quality of services, strengthen relationships with professional associations, universities and clients, ensure effective resource management and planning and guarantee that linguistic tools meet the needs of employees.
The Translation Bureau’s Chief Quality Officer has been actively working on a quality evaluation framework and an action plan identifying a series of measures to improve quality. For example, the Translation Bureau’s new Supply Arrangement for Translation Services, which has been in effect since August 1, 2018, places greater emphasis on quality over price.
The Bureau is also working in collaboration with the interpretation industry to implement a new procurement tool for conference interpretation. In addition, the Bureau is working closely with clients, universities, associations and the language industry to ensure quality services and the vitality of language professions. It remains committed to hiring over 50 students per year over the next 5 years to train the next generation of language specialists. In 2017-2018, more than 150 students were hired. The Bureau has also taken steps to ensure that it is ready to embrace innovation, artificial intelligence and adopt leading-edge practices."
11/30/2018,357,17-Oct,Jobs and Innovation,Develop the vision for the new federal science infrastructure.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made",A modern science infrastructure that fosters collaboration to achieve policy goals and protects the safety and security and health of Canadians.,"In Budget 2018, the government announced $2.8 billion over five years as part of an ambitious plan to renew federal laboratories. The government is launching the first phase of the plan, which will begin the process for the construction of multipurpose, collaborative federal science and technology facilities. This plan will ensure that federal scientists have access to world-class infrastructure, equipment, and computer networks to produce the best results for Canadians.
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11/30/2018,358,17-Oct,Jobs and Innovation,Use work on accessibility as a catalyst for new ideas and business strategies through technology and design.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made",Canadians with disabilities are participating more in the digital economy with the help of assistive and adaptive digital devices and technologies.,"The Accessible Technology Program will help fill the gap in support for the development of assistive and adaptive digital devices and technologies that enable persons with disabilities to fully participate in society. It will help remove barriers to Internet access and other digital services for Canadians with disabilities, will help them gain the digital skills they need for good jobs, and enable them to fully participate in the digital economy."
11/30/2018,359,17-Oct,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Monitor federal allocations to improve public transit accessibility, and create reporting obligations on these expenditures.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made","Improved reliability, efficiency, safety and accessibility of public transit systems in Canada.","Canadian cities have been growing at a rapid rate, but investment in public transit has not kept pace and investments have not always considered accessibility issues.
To improve public transit systems across Canada and make them more accessible, Budget 2016 announced immediate federal investments of up to $3.4 billion in public transit, starting in 2016–17 to be provided through a new Public Transit Infrastructure Fund. These investments are helping to improve commutes, cut air pollution, strengthen communities and grow Canada's economy. Public Transit Infrastructure funding is being provided to support the rehabilitation of public transit systems, the planning of future system improvements and expansions, enhanced asset management, and system optimization and modernization."
11/30/2018,360,17-Oct,Indigenous peoples,Promote culturally relevant sport for Indigenous youth.,Minister of Science and Sport;Minister of Indigenous Services,"Actions taken, progress made","Increased and sustained participation of Indigenous children and youth in culturally relevant sport programming. In addition, sport programming is used to reduce the gap between Indigenous communities and the rest of Canada in areas of social development.","Budget 2017 invested $18.9 million over five years starting in 2017-2018, and ongoing funding of $5.5 million every four years thereafter to support Indigenous youth and sport. This included funding to the Aboriginal Sport Circle in the amount of $800,000 in 2017-18 to enable the organization to assume a leadership role on Indigenous sport development, as well as funding to the provinces and territories to promote culturally relevant sport programming in Indigenous communities. The government also provided $3.5 million for the hosting of the North American Indigenous Games in Toronto from July 16 to 23, 2017. In addition, in 2017-18, approximately $4.85 million was provided to eleven national organizations to pilot physical activity and sport projects in 61 First Nation communities across the country. A total of 6,145 First Nation students, 595 parents/community members, 364 on reserve teachers, and 212 Elders participated in the pilot projects. All pilots have been completed. Each final project report is now being reviewed, and the most successful programs will be identified with the goal of increasing Indigenous participation in culturally relevant sports and recreation, and to improve the health and well-being of Indigenous communities through sport participation. Through Budget 2018, the government invested $47.5 million over five years, and $9.5 million per year ongoing, to expand the use of sports for social development in more than 300 Indigenous communities. The government is working closely with the Aboriginal Sport Circle to design the program to deliver these funds."
11/30/2018,361,17-Oct,Healthy Canadians,Better support Canadian athletes through the Athlete Assistance Program.,Minister of Science and Sport,"Actions taken, progress made",High-performance Canadian athletes are better able to focus on training for world class performances due to greater financial support.,"The government is investing an additional $25 million over 5 years through Budget 2017, with $5 million per year ongoing, to the Athlete Assistance Program. This investment represents an 18% increase over existing funding levels. New investments are being distributed in the following way: $4.25 million for the living and training allowance, $250,000 for tuition support and $500,000 for supplementary support. This new investment will directly assist approximately 1,900 athletes across Canada and enable them to continue to combine their sport and academic or working careers while training intensively in pursuit of world-class performance."
11/30/2018,362,17-Oct,Indigenous peoples,"Dissolve Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, and create a new Department of Indigenous Services and a new Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs to better serve Indigenous peoples.",Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations;Minister of Indigenous Services;Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,"Actions taken, progress made","Improved delivery and quality of day-to-day services for First Nations, Inuit and Métis. An improved nation-to-nation relationship and greater self-determination for Indigenous peoples who rightfully want and need to control service delivery for their own people.","The Government of Canada announced the creation of the Department of Indigenous Services Canada in early December 2017. The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs has been mandated to lead consultations on the structure of two new departments.
An Order-in-Council was adopted to designate Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) as a department. A Memorandum of Understanding between Health Canada and ISC was signed to ensure the seamless continuity of internal services to First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB), which was previously under Health Canada. As of April 1, 2018, employees who worked in Internal Services at Health Canada supporting the FNIHB are officially employees of ISC. This is an important step in the transformation towards a stronger service culture within ISC’s service to, and empowerment of, Indigenous peoples.
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11/30/2018,363,17-Oct,Indigenous peoples,"Lead a whole-of-government approach to renew the nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relationship with Indigenous people.",Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations,"Actions taken, progress made","A renewed relationship with Indigenous peoples based on co-developed policies that support strong and effective nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relationships that consider and respond to the unique realities of Indigenous peoples in Canada.","Three permanent bilateral mechanisms have been created, with the Prime Minister, the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and the Métis National Council, to jointly set priorities and oversee outcomes. On February 9, 2017, the Prime Minister and Inuit leaders signed a declaration to create the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee, demonstrating the shared commitment to a renewed Inuit-Crown relationship between Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Government of Canada. The first Métis Nation-Crown Summit took place on April 13, 2017, where the Prime Minister and the President of the Métis National Council and its Governing Members signed the Canada-Métis Nation Accord. On June 12, 2017, the Prime Minister and the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations signed a Memorandum of Understanding during the first Assembly of First Nations-Crown meeting. Since the creation of the Permanent Bilateral Mechanisms, regular meetings at the Ministerial and senior officials level have helped guide the substantive work underway in the co-developed joint priorities. Both the Inuit-Crown and Metis-Crown mechanisms have now had their second annual meeting with the Prime Minister, and preparations are underway for the second Prime Minister meeting with Assembly of First Nations to identify Year Two priorities. Results from the Permanent Bilateral Mechanisms process were reflected in distinctions based investments in Budget 2018 in areas such as Health, Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care, Indigenous skills and Employment Training Strategy, and First Nations' policing.
A successful Canada-Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations Forum, chaired by the Prime Minister and attended by 23 Indigenous Leaders was held on November 1, 2017. At this historic Forum, the Prime Minister committed to holding an annual Forum to discuss progress, with planning currently happening for the second meeting.
On February 14, 2018, the Government of Canada announced that it will develop in full partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, a Recognition and Implementation of Indigenous Rights Framework. The Government continues to work in partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, provincial and territorial governments, and other stakeholders to develop the legislative and policy elements of the Framework. To date, the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and senior officials have held over 100 engagement sessions with close to 1700 participants. Three public engagement documents and a ""what we heard so far"" report have been released to date. The Government of Canada will continue to engage with Indigenous peoples and other key stakeholders to ensure that the path forward reflects their views. We are committed to continuing to work with our partners to develop the legislative and policy elements of the Framework.
Through Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions, the Government is working with Indigenous groups to co-develop mandates that better address their needs and priorities. These discussions also provide a forum for the Government to support the reconstitution of Indigenous nations, as well as self-determination and self-government. There are over 75 discussions underway representing over 390 communities and a population of approximately 850,000 people.
Budget 2018 invested $74.9 million over five years, with $15.5 million per year ongoing, to provide ongoing support to these policy co-development forums.
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11/30/2018,364,17-Oct,Indigenous peoples,Include Indigenous representatives in a meaningful way in Canada's federal-provincial-territorial dialogues.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations;Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges",A consensus based approach to meaningful and collaborative engagement with Indigenous representatives in federal-provincial-territorial dialogues.,"Indigenous organizations have been active participants in ongoing federal-provincial-territorial (FPT) dialogues in policy areas that matter most to Indigenous peoples. This continued dialogue plays a key role in identifying priorities and shaping the path forward in a number of areas, including justice and public safety, health, culture and heritage, sport and recreation, and early learning and childcare. Indigenous representatives continue to be involved in federal-provincial-territorial dialogues on a bilateral and multi-lateral basis. In October 2017, national Indigenous organizations met with First Ministers to discuss measures to promote the inclusion of Indigenous peoples in an economic growth agenda and the connection to the broader reconciliation agenda. In January 2018, Indigenous leaders met with FPT Ministers responsible for Child and Family Services to discuss a plan for addressing the critical challenges being faced regarding Indigenous children in care.
In December 2018, leaders of national Indigenous Organizations again met with First Ministers to discuss continued economic growth and prosperity for Indigenous peoples.
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11/30/2018,365,17-Oct,Canada in the World,Develop a new Arctic Policy and a shared Arctic Leadership model for the government's work in the North.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations;Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,"Actions taken, progress made","Strong, resilient Arctic communities, sustainable and diversified Arctic economies and comprehensive Arctic infrastructure. Environmental sustainability and conservation of Arctic biodiversity.","In November 2017, the government launched public engagement to support the development of an Arctic Policy Framework for Canada to replace Canada's Northern Strategy and the Statement on Canada's Arctic Foreign Arctic Policy. This Framework is intended to identify a vision and plan to guide federal activities in the region. Public engagement is completed and included roundtables with northern residents and Indigenous organizations, and stakeholder sessions with business, youth, non-governmental organizations and researchers. Federal, Provincial, Territorial and Indigenous partners continue to collaborate on the co-development of domestic and international elements of the framework. In March 2018, work on a new Arctic and Northern Policy Framework proceeded from public engagement to co-development with Territorial, Indigenous, and Provincial partners. As of October 2018, a broad consensus has been achieved on a path towards completing a draft Framework, with the aim of completing and launching the policy statement phase of the Framework by March 2019.
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11/30/2018,366,17-Oct,Indigenous peoples,Advance devolution in Nunavut in collaboration with the government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations;Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,"Actions taken, progress made","Greater control for Nunavut over their lands and resources, leading to increased investment and economic growth, more job opportunities and lower unemployment, and increased revenues for the Government of Nunavut. Devolution will also contribute to the broader goal of reconciliation and will be a key result under a new Arctic Policy Framework.","On July 9, 2016, the government appointed a new Chief Federal Negotiator for Nunavut devolution. The Chief Federal Negotiator is meeting on specific issues to build common ground and facilitate the achievement of an Agreement-in-Principle. The Agreement-in-Principle will lead to a devolution agreement which would provide for the transfer of responsibilities for land and resource management to the government of Nunavut. Main Table meetings with the government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated began in December 2016. Negotiations are ongoing."
11/30/2018,367,17-Oct,Indigenous peoples,Increase the number of comprehensive modern treaties and new self-government agreements for Indigenous communities.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations;Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges","An increased number of modern treaties (comprehensive land claim agreements, self-government agreements) that supports Indigenous peoples' self-determination, self-government and nation rebuilding.","On February 14, 2018, the Prime Minister announced the development of a Recognition and Implementation of Indigenous Rights Framework in full partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. As a starting point, the Prime Minister stated that the Framework would replace the Comprehensive Land Claims Policy and Inherent Right Policy with new and better approaches that fully embrace section 35 Constitution Act, 1982. By focusing on the recognition and implementation of rights, the new policy will support and advance Indigenous peoples’ self-determination. Canada also engages in Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions to co-develop policies and approaches that lead to greater self-determination.
In British Columbia, the Government is working in partnership with the province of British Columbia and the First Nations Summit to implement the proposals in the report on the ""Multilateral Engagement Process to Improve and Expedite Treaty Negotiations in British Columbia"" that was endorsed by the Principals to the British Columbia treaty process in May 2016.
Budget 2018 outlines new steps the Government will take to increase the number of modern treaties and self-government agreements with Indigenous communities in a manner that reflects a recognition of rights approach. As part of this new approach,Canada will be moving away from the use of loans to fund Indigenous participation in the negotiation of modern treaties. Starting in 2018–2019, Indigenous participation in modern treaty negotiations will be funded through non-repayable contributions. The Government will engage with affected Indigenous groups on how best to address past and present negotiation loans, including forgiveness of loans. This engagement has taken place, resulting in a number of productive discussions. Results of these discussions will prove useful as Canada continues to work on the development of options with regards to treatment of past and present negotiation loan debt. Through Budget 2018, also allows for the Collaborative Fiscal Policy for Self-Government Arrangements, which focuses on governance costs and Indigenous government own source revenues in preparation for the renewal of 16+ fiscal financial agreements to take place in 2019-2020. Additionally, in Budget 2018, the Government also proposes to invest $51.4 million over the next two years to continue the Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussion tables.
As a result, on March 29th, 2018 Bill C-70 received Royal Assent giving effect to the Agreement on Cree Nation Governance between the Crees of Eeyou Istchee and the Government of Canada thereby advancing Self-Determination for approximately 18,000 Indigenous people in nine Cree communities in North-West Quebec. On December 14, 2017, Bill C-61, the *Anishinabek Nation Education Act*, received Royal Assent, marking the first self-government agreement in Ontario with 23 Anishinabek First Nations. The Agreement, which came into effect on April 1 2018, recognizes Anishinabek law-making powers and authority over K-12 education on reserve and a new education system grounded in Anishinabek culture and language. The Ontario Ministry of Education fully supports this Agreement and has a complementary arrangement in place to ensure that all Ontario students can benefit from this transformative education model."
11/30/2018,368,17-Oct,Indigenous peoples,Support Indigenous peoples in their work to advance self-determination.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges","Indigenous peoples will have sufficient capacity and resources to work towards rebuilding and reconstituting their nations, advancing self-determination, and, for First Nations, facilitating transitions away from the *Indian Act* and toward self-government.","The Government continues to support Indigenous peoples as they reconstitute their nations and advance self-determination and self-government. This is being accomplished through nation-level dialogues and community-level processes that are exploring the rights and priorities of Indigenous groups and working towards their implementation in ways that make sense for Indigenous communities. The Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions allow for the co-development of flexible negotiation mandates so that key issues can be appropriately prioritized and addressed. Over 75 of these discussions are underway with Indigenous communities and 25 preliminary agreements have been signed. The Government is continuing to update policies and operational practices to better support Indigenous self-determination across the country. To date, the Minister of Crown Indigenous Relations and senior officials have held over 100 engagement sessions with close to 1700 participants in advance of the Recognition and Implementation of Indigenous Rights Framework coming into force. This new policy intends to replace the Comprehensive Land Claims Policy and Inherent Right Policy to fully embrace section 35 of the *Constitution Act, 1982*.
Through Budget 2018, the Government also proposes to invest $51.4 million over the next two years to continue its support for federal and Indigenous participation in the Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussion tables. Additionally, Budget 2018, provides $101.5 million over five years, starting in 2018–2019, to support the nation rebuilding efforts of Indigenous Peoples. The program was launched in July 2018. The strong response by Indigenous groups demonstrates their desire to engage in the rebuilding of their nations. Funding would be made available to Indigenous groups to support activities that would facilitate their own path to reconstituting their nations. To support the expansion of the *First Nations Land Management Act* and the successful participation of First Nations under the Act, Budget 2018 proposes to invest $143.5 million over five years, beginning in 2018–19, and $19 million per year ongoing. This funding will allow an additional 50 First Nations to enter into the Land Management Regime, while providing pre-readiness support and capacity development to ensure their successful participation. Additionally, this will support over 200 First Nations to opt-out, or begin the process of opting-out, of the 33 lands related sections of the Indian Act and assume jurisdiction over their lands, environment, and natural resources under their own First Nations Land Codes. Budget 2018 also invested $50 million over 5 years and $11 million on-going to strengthen the First Nations Financial Management Board, the First Nations Finance Authority and the First Nations Tax Commission.
Through Budget 2018, the Government proposes to provide $5.5 million over two years to continue the activities of the Matrimonial Real Property Implementation Support Program. In addition, this funding will support new and more targeted training and awareness activities, such as the development of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, to respond to gaps in the administration of justice. This funding will provide for the continuation of a First Nation Centre of Excellence providing training to enhance knowledge and awareness of rights and protections available under related federal legislation; and support for First Nation law-making in this area.
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11/30/2018,369,17-Oct,Indigenous peoples,Advance positions in co-operative dispute resolution processes that are consistent with the resolution of past wrongs toward Indigenous peoples.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges","Resolution of past grievances through collaborative, trusted, mutually respectful processes consistent with the Government's commitment to a renewed nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown and government-to-government relationship.","Recent settlement agreements between the Government of Canada and Indigenous peoples signify progress on this commitment. This has been demonstrated by the Government's new approach to Childhood Claims, and specifically through the Newfoundland and Labrador residential schools settlement agreement (September 2016), the Prime Minister’s historic apology to former students of the Newfoundland and Labrador Residential Schools (November 2017), and the Sixties Scoop settlement (August 2018), the joint development of the parameters of the Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation and the ongoing negotiations to resolve Gottfriedson and McLean class actions.
In addition, Canada entered into a settlement agreement (federal investment of $666M) with Ontario and the seven Williams Treaties First Nations, resolving a 95 year old land claim. As part of this agreement, Canada and Ontario acknowledged and recognized the rights of the Williams Treaties First Nations to hunt, trap, fish and gather in various pre-Confederation treaty areas in central Ontario, and further, both governments provided an oral and written apology to the First Nations (November 17,2018).
In October 2018, the Government, in partnership with the Lubicon Lake Band and the Government of Alberta, concluded the Lubicon Lake Band No. 453 Treaty 8 Lands and Benefits Claim Settlement Agreement (federal investment of $95M) and ancillary agreements following overwhelming community ratification. This settlement resolves the original omission of the Lubicon from Treaty 8 and addresses the grievances over this past wrong through the provision of reserve lands, compensation for the decades of loss of use of those lands and other treaty benefits and commits to the construction of significant community infrastructure. The settlement is a major step forward towards reconciliation with the Lubicon.
Also, Canada has reached a final settlement to resolve the Ahiarmiut litigation concerning the relocation of the community throughout Nunavut in the 1950s. In addition to the monetary settlement, the Government of Canada will deliver an apology to advance reconciliation with the Ahiarmiut.
The Government is also advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples through symbolic Ministerial statements of posthumous exoneration and/or pardon that address historical incidents of cultural conflict and misunderstanding. A posthumous exoneration stands as an important symbol of the Government of Canada's commitment to reconciliation. For example, on March 26, 2018, the Prime Minister delivered a statement of exoneration on behalf of the Government of Canada to the Tsilhqot’in Nation and the descendants of six Tsilhqot’in Chiefs who led the Tsilhqot’in war effort in 1864 in response to a colonial road crew attempting to build a road through Tsilhqot'in territory without the agreement of the Tsilhqot'in Nation, and were executed in 1864 and 1865.
In addition, the Government is working with the Poundmaker Cree Nation to exonerate Chief Poundmaker who was wrongly convicted for treason against the Crown as one of the leaders of a community that had been involved in armed conflict against the Canadian Expeditionary Force following the looting of Battleford in 1855 (present day Saskatchewan).
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11/30/2018,370,17-Oct,Indigenous peoples,"Ensure the implementation of pre-Confederation, historic, and modern treaties and agreements.",Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Strengthened Crown-Indigenous relationships, greater autonomy, and improved social and economic outcomes for Indigenous peoples.","Collaborative work with Indigenous partners is ongoing, such as through the Inuit Crown Partnership Committee Permanent Bilateral Mechanism and the annual Canada-Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations Forum (the first forum was chaired by the Prime Minister in November 2017). Issue areas addressed through these fora include: collaborative participation in the formal Implementation Committees that each modern agreement entails; renewing the fiscal relationship with self-governing Indigenous governments, structures of governments, and furthering shared priorities through participation and engagement, and improving treaty implementation. The treaty relationship is maintained through various policies, mechanisms and processes including treaty discussions and treaty commissions. A number of historic treaty groups are engaged with Canada in discussions toward reinvigorating the treaty relationship and exploring reconciliation-focused approaches to address treaty-related interests, including with respect to treaty implementation. The Government is also supporting the implementation of the Additions to Reserve Policy Directive to ensure Canada meets its historic treaty obligations and to improve access to community lands and resources.
An annual forum with the Prime Minister was committed to at the November 1, 2017, Canada-Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations Forum. The Inuit Crown Partnership Committee has also identified land claims implementation as a priority issue and is pursuing recommendations echoed at the November 1, 2017 forum. First meetings were held in 2017 with the Prime Minister and Indigenous leaders, and these processes are expected to be ongoing. Other ongoing engagement, including with respect to departmental transformation, and with modern treaty and self-governing groups will be essential to positively advancing implementation of treaties and agreements.
Canada entered into a settlement (federal investment of $666M) agreement with Ontario and the seven Williams Treaties First Nations, resolving a 95 year old land claim. As part of this agreement, Canada and Ontario acknowledged and recognized the rights of the Williams Treaties First Nations to hunt, trap, fish and gather in various pre-Confederation treaty areas in central Ontario.
In October 2018, the Government, in partnership with the Lubicon Lake Band and the Government of Alberta, concluded the Lubicon Lake Band No. 453 Treaty 8 Lands and Benefits Claim Settlement Agreement (federal investment of $95M) and ancillary agreements following overwhelming community ratification. This settlement resolves the original omission of the Lubicon from Treaty 8 and addresses the grievances over this past wrong through the provision of reserve lands, compensation for the decades of loss of use of those lands and other treaty benefits and commits to the construction of significant community infrastructure. The settlement is a major step forward towards reconciliation with the Lubicon.
Canada and Indigenous governments continue to engage in respectful and collaborative government-to-government discussions at regular meetings dedicated to the effective implementation of modern treaties and self-government agreements, with 50 having taken place to date in 2017-18.
In Québec, the Cree Nation Governance Agreement (signed on July 18, 2017) will modernize existing governance regimes on Cree lands. The implementing Bill on Cree Nation Governance Agreement received Royal Assent on March 29, 2018. This represents another step in implementing Cree self-governance in compliance with the 1975 James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement. It will provide the Cree First Nations and the Cree Nation Government with important tools to assume greater autonomy and responsibility in the governance of Cree community lands subject to federal jurisdiction. The Agreement on Cree Nation Governance and the Cree Constitution demonstrate that the Cree Nation Government and the Cree First Nations are mature governments. They are a step towards reconciliation and a respectful nation-to-nation relationship between the Cree and Canada in the spirit of the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement.
Additions to Reserves enable Canada to fulfill legal obligations established by Treaty Lands Entitlement, Specific Claims, and other legal agreements. Expanding the reserve land base is also an important mechanism by which First Nations can foster community and economic development. A National Additions to Reserve Advisory Committee made up of Indigenous organizations and stakeholders was created in 2017 to identify and implement process improvements that will streamline and accelerate the Additions to Reserve process. There were 111 Additions to Reserve approved in 2017-18, of which 99 represent the fulfillment of legal obligations on the part of the Crown. To date in 2018-19, 35 36 Additions to Reserve have been completed, of which 22 represent the fulfillment of legal obligations.
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11/30/2018,371,17-Oct,Indigenous peoples,"Collaboratively, identify the best models for delivering improved services to Indigenous peoples, and improve accountability.",Minister of Indigenous Services,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges","Co-creation of new and meaningful partnership models that strengthen service delivery for Indigenous peoples, resulting in improved outcomes in key areas including health, education, child welfare and community infrastructure.","The government will continue to work in partnership with Indigenous peoples to identify the best models for improving the delivery of services and improving accountability to Indigenous peoples for the quality of those services. This will be achieved by strengthening engagement practices, supporting the transfer of services to be Indigenous-led where possible, recognizing the inherent knowledge of communities and ensuring that services are culturally appropriate. The government will also work with Indigenous peoples to measure and monitor progress and improve service delivery on an ongoing basis.
The government continues to work collaboratively with the *First Nations Fiscal Management Act* institutions, the First Nations Finance Authority, the First Nations Financial Management Board and the First Nations Tax Commission, who provide direct services to First Nations and a legislative and institutional framework to exercise jurisdiction over core fiscal and governance matters, including the financing of infrastructure and economic development projects through the issuance of bonds on capital markets. For an example of some of the results achieved, the First Nations Finance Authority’s September 2018 debenture issuance on the financial markets added an additional $138 million to the existing debentures and bringing the total to $518 million. Investments in infrastructure and socio-economic development projects include water treatment, roads, housing, schools, health, security and emergency services, renewable energy and aquaculture. In addition to the high quality services that they provide, these institutions are working collaboratively with the government and other First Nation partners to lead the way on innovative initiatives that support a renewed nation-to-nation relationship, such as a proposed First Nation infrastructure institution, under the umbrella of a New Fiscal Relationship and 10 year grants, and exploring the potential to monetize federal capital transfers.
The government also continues to work in close collaboration with other key partner Indigenous organizations such as the National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association, the First Nations Lands Management Resource Centre and the Tulo Centre of Indigenous Economics. These technical organizations play a crucial role in developing capacity, certifying First Nations through accredited programs and providing ongoing professional development and technical support in areas of relevance to First Nations - land use planning and surveys, matrimonial real property, resource development, environmental management, etc. The government will continue to look for opportunities to further devolve responsibilities to its partners as they have proven to be effective and efficient in providing culturally appropriate services and capacity development opportunities.
Budget 2018 proposes to invest $50 million over five years, and $11 million per year ongoing, to strengthen the First Nations Financial Management Board, the First Nations Finance Authority and the First Nations Tax Commission.
The government is in discussions with the Métis National Council on increasing access to capital for the Métis Capital Corporations as well as the possibility of holding a MEDS 4 (Métis Economic Development Symposium). The government will continue to work with First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation, as well as other partners, to advance the reforms to child and family services that are needed and develop Indigenous-led solutions that put the well-being of children first. For example, supporting community-led initiatives, working with First Nations communities, Inuit governments and organizations, and the Métis Nation to draw down jurisdiction in child and family services, and collaborating with partners to create federal legislation in child and family services.
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11/30/2018,372,17-Oct,Indigenous peoples,"Continue to provide services to Indigenous peoples, including community infrastructure, emergency management, water, education, moneys and trusts, and registration.",Minister of Indigenous Services,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges","Indigenous communities will have access to and benefit from quality community infrastructure including housing, water, schools and other forms of community infrastructure, and services (moneys and trusts, and registration).","**Water**: In January 2018, the scope of the commitment to resolve additional long-term drinking water advisories (LT-DWAs) was expanded. Between November 2015 and December 14, 2018, the total number of LT-DWAs on public systems on reserve declined from 105 to 65. Over this period, 76 LT-DWAs were lifted and 36 new LT-DWAs were added.
The Government of Canada has committed $2.05 billion until 2020-2021 to strengthen water infrastructure on reserves. This includes $1.83 billion (+$151.7 million for monitoring, not included in infrastructure funding) from Budget 2016, as well as $49.1 million to address long-term drinking water advisories on systems included as part of the expanded scope from Budget 2017. Budget 2018 builds on prior investments and reaffirms the government’s commitment by providing an additional $172.6 million over three years, beginning in 2018–2019, to improve access to clean and safe drinking water on reserve.
As part of the Government of Canada commitment to ending all long-term drinking water advisories affecting public systems on reserve by 2021, the government is monitoring and ready to provide support on more than 1,000 public drinking water systems on reserve, if any additional drinking water advisories become long-term, or are at risk of becoming long-term. Since November 2015, progress has been made and long-term drinking water advisories have been lifted on public water systems on reserve through the work done in partnership with First Nations communities and partners.
Work is ongoing in partnership with First Nations communities and an action plan is in place to address all LT-DWAs currently in effect.
As of September 30, 2018, $867 million of the available targeted funding has been invested to support 490 water and wastewater projects in 581 First Nations communities serving approximately 458,000 people. A total of 185 of those projects are completed. The Government of Canada is also working with First Nations communities to ensure effective management and maintenance of existing water systems on reserve, as well as helping to ensure that new water infrastructure better meets the needs of communities.
**Housing**: Investments in Indigenous housing from Budget 2016 and Budget 2017 are supporting the construction/renovation and servicing/acquisition of 15,050 units and lots (6,336 from ISC and 8.714 from CMHC) in First Nations communities. As of September 30, 2018, 10,391 (69%) of the 15,050 housing units and lots have been completed. With respect to Inuit housing, 193 units are expected to be built/renovated in 2016/2017 and 2017/2018. Through investments made in Budget 2017 and Budget 2018, the government proposes dedicated funding to support the successful implementation of each of the distinctions-based housing strategies, including:
•$600 million over three years to support housing on reserve as part of a 10-year First Nations Housing Strategy that is being co-developed with First Nations.
•$400 million over 10 years to support an Inuit-led housing plan in the Inuit regions of Nunavik, Nunatsiavut and Inuvialuit Settlement Region. This is in addition to the $240 million over 10 years announced in Budget 2017 to support housing in Nunavut; and,
•$500 million over 10 years to support the Métis Nation’s housing strategy.
**Schools**: The government is improving primary and secondary education on reserve by building and renovating school facilities thereby supporting the enhancement of the quality of language and cultural programs; and empowering communities to establish First Nations' planned and led education systems. As of September 30, 2018, and since April 2016, more than $318 million of targeted funding has been invested to support 173 school-related projects. This includes 70 new schools, 14 of which are completed, 87 renovations and upgrades, 27 of which are completed, and 16 feasibility studies and supporting projects.
**Health facilities**: As of September 30, 2018, $232.5 million of targeted investments have been made to support 213 First Nations infrastructure projects to build and renovate health facilities such as nursing stations, health centres, acute care facilities, drug and alcohol treatment centres, as well as facilities hosting Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve (AHSOR) programming. 171 (80%) of these projects are complete.
**Emergency Management**: In 2016-2017, the Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP) invested $115.69 million to support First Nations in their efforts to prepare for, mitigate against, respond to and recover from emergency disasters. There were 117 emergency events affecting First Nation communities of which 37 caused evacuations involving approximately 6,668 evacuees (99.6% of whom have returned to their communities).
For 2017-2018, forecasted expenditures for EMAP are approximately $137 million, with approximately $102.6 million of this for emergency response and recovery. There were 153 EMAP-eligible emergency events affecting First Nation communities, of which 55 caused evacuations involving approximately 14,888 evacuees (99.4 % of whom have returned to their communities to date).
For 2018/19, forecasted expenditures for EMAP are approximately $166.9 million, with approximately $129 million of this for emergency response and recovery. In the 2018/19 fiscal year (as of November 30, 2018), there have been 162 EMAP-eligible emergency events affecting First Nation communities, of which 57 resulted in evacuations involving approximately 9,804 evacuees. Presently, five communities, or approximately 371 individuals, who were evacuated in 2018/19, remain evacuated. As of November 30, 2018, the EMAP has supported the repatriation of 521 long-term evacuees. Presently, there remain 2,980 long term evacuees, of which 908 are receiving support through the Emergency Management Assistance Program, and 2,072 are receiving support through Public Safety Canada's Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements. Expenditures for EMAP in 2017/18 totalled approximately $137 million, with approximately $102.6 million of this for emergency response and recovery. During the 2017/18 fiscal year, there were 153 emergency events affecting First Nation communities, of which 54 caused evacuations involving approximately 14,888 evacuees, of which 89 remain evacuated (99.4% have returned to their communities to date).
**Land Use Planning**: Over $10 million was invested in 2016/17 and 2017/18 to allow over 50 communities begin developing community-led land use plans, which will support healthy and environmentally sustainable community development by ensuring infrastructure investments are planned and implemented in a manner that serves the short and long term needs and priorities of communities.
**Moneys and Trusts**: In 2017-2018, the government processed 1,044 band moneys payment transactions totaling $180.9 million, 6,059 individual moneys payment transactions totaling $9.3 million, and 1,051 suspense account payment transactions totaling $5.6 million. To date, in 2018/19, the government processed 363, band moneys payment transactions totaling $79.7 million, 3607 individual moneys payment transactions totaling $5.8 million, and 796 suspense account payment transactions totaling $2.0 million.
From January to December 2017, the government paid out $ 1,968,805.00 in treaty payments to 144,016 individuals at 342 Treaty payment events across Canada.
**Registrations**: On December 22, 2017, the *Indian Act* was amended in response to the Superior Court of Quebec decision in Descheneaux v. Canada (Procureur général). Amendments to address the sex-based inequities in Indian registration going back to 1951 are currently being implemented to all applications, regardless of their submission date.
Broader amendments that will remove sex-based inequities going back to 1869 will come into force at a later date after Canada has consulted with First Nations and other parties on how to implement the changes.
**Estates**: Since April 2017, the government provided service to complete the administration for 7,435 decedent estates and opened the administration of 3,722 new decedent estates. Services were provided in the administration of 135 new Living estates."
11/30/2018,373,17-Oct,Healthy Canadians,Eliminate all long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve by March 2021.,Minister of Indigenous Services,"Actions taken, progress made","Continued progress in eliminating long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve, leading to the elimination of all long-term advisories by March 2021.","In January 2018, the scope of the commitment to resolve additional long-term drinking water advisories (LT-DWAs) was expanded. Between November 2015 and December 14, 2018, the number of LT-DWAs on public systems in First Nations communities has declined from 105 to 65. Over this period, 76 LT-DWAs were lifted, and 36 new LT-DWAs were added. Work is ongoing in partnership with First Nation communities and an action plan is in place to address all 65 LT-DWAs currently in effect, as well as prevent new advisories from becoming long-term. At 65, the number of LT-DWAs drinking water advisories affecting public drinking water systems on reserve is at its lowest level since the Government of Canada started tracking them. The Government of Canada is on track to lift these by March 2021.
To support this commitment, the Government of Canada is investing in First Nation water infrastructure projects and works directly with First Nations to assist communities in monitoring drinking water quality in all water systems, which includes providing advice and guidance about drinking water safety and wastewater disposal, and reviewing infrastructure project proposals from a public health perspective.
Budget 2017 provided $49 million over 3 years to address advisories as part of the expanded scope. Budget 2018 builds on prior investments and reaffirms the government’s commitment providing an additional $172.6 million over three years, beginning in 2018–19, to improve access to clean and safe drinking water on reserve. Budget 2018 also proposed support for repairs to high risk water systems, recruitment, training and retention initiatives, and the establishment of innovative First Nation-led service delivery models."
11/30/2018,374,17-Oct,Healthy Canadians,Improve the delivery of child welfare and health care under Jordan's Principle to focus on the best interests of the child.,Minister of Indigenous Services,"Actions taken, progress made","First Nations children have access to the health and social supports they need when they need them, no matter where they live.","Significant progress has been made in recent months in the provision of health, educational and social supports. From July 2016 to October 2018, Canada has approved 171,649 products, supports and services totaling $361 million for First Nations children and youth under Jordan's Principle. Actions to support Jordan's Principle, include:
• In October, 2018, an additional $297.4M was approved in G&Cs funding to fund the approved services, support, and products thus increasing the Service Access Resolution Fund over three-years from $324.2M to $621.6M.;
• Increasing awareness of Jordan's Principle amongst First Nations families, health providers, provincial school boards and provincial/territorial stakeholders through a proactive and multi-faceted communications and marketing approach with a focus on Indigenous mediums (e.g. social media, radio advertisements, targeted mailouts to Child and Family Service agencies, educational institutions, etc.);
• Co-developing the long-term policy options for the implementation of Jordan's Principle through the Jordan’s Principle Action Table (a sub-committee of the National Advisory Committee) which will inform long term directions. The Table is chaired by the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), includes other First Nations stakeholders, and has undertaken engagement and regional focus groups since July 2017 to inform and then validate the proposed approach;
• Launching of the Jordan’s Principle National Call Centre to help First Nations children access the products, services and supports they need. 1-855-JP-CHILD (1-855-572-4453). As of October 31, 2018, a total of 2,381 calls were received, 685 of which generated a request for services;
• Continued participation of all interested Canadian Human Rights Tribunal parties at the monthly Jordan’s Principle Operations Committee, a committee established to increase dialogue and timely advice on Jordan’s Principle implementation and planning activities; and,
• Ongoing monitoring, tracking and reporting of Jordan's Principle processes to comply with Canadian Human Right's Tribunal orders. Preparing further compliance evidence for submissions to the CHRT and undertakings following the cross-examination of the Senior ADM of the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch October 30 and 31, 2018 before the CHRT. Anticipating CHRT decision in coming months as to if it will maintain its jurisdiction over Canada’s compliance under Jordan’s Principle;
• Results were received from Phase one of the Client Satisfaction Survey created in consultation with the parties to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal decision to help assess the impact of Jordan's Principle. Most respondents reported: an improvement in their child’s well-being (82%); that they were satisfied with all Jordan’s Principle products/services/supports (91%), and that they received all Jordan’s Principle products/services/supports (81%). Almost all respondents (99%) stated that they were treated with respect and dignity. A second wave of surveys was distributed this summer, with a final report expected in fall/early winter 2018; and
• Updates have also been made to the Jordan's Principle webpages to include information on how to make a request, seek reimbursement, and make an appeal as well as information on the application of substantive equality under Jordan's Principle; and,
The Jordan’s Principle Summit, hosted by AFN in Winnipeg from September 12-13, was successful with over 900 participants,
A series of case studies have been completed on service delivery models in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. A report will be completed in Fall 2018.
Efforts are being undertaken to reform the delivery of Indigenous Child and Family Services, including:
• To address the funding pressures facing child and family service agencies, while also increasing prevention resources for communities so that children are safe and families can stay together, Budget 2018 provides more than $1.4 billion in new funding over six years, starting in 2017–18, for First Nations Child and Family Services program. The government will continue to work with First Nations, Inuit and the Metis Nation, as well as other partners, to advance the reforms to child and family services that are needed and develop Indigenous-led solutions that put the well-being of children first.
• The federal government’s commitment to continue to fully implement the orders of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, in consultation with the parties, including funding on actuals for retroactive and ongoing agency expenses in areas such as prevention/least disruptive measures, intake and investigation, building repairs, and legal fees.
• Canada signed a Consultation Protocol on March 2, 2018 with the Assembly of First Nations, the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, Nishnawbe-Aski Nation, Chiefs of Ontario and the Canadian Human Rights Commission to fulfill the Canadian Human Rights Tribunals (CHRT) orders and to promote transparency, mutual understanding and cooperation amongst the parties and to ensure that immediate, mid and long term relief measures are developed and implemented in an effective and cooperative manner to eliminate the discrimination outlined in the CHRT decision. Since its inception following the signing of the Consultation Protocol, the Consultation Committee on Child Welfare has held seven meetings and continues productive discussions on the program and implementation of the Tribunal's orders.
• Canada has continued to implement the six point plan on Indigenous child welfare, including developing a data and reporting strategy with provinces, territories, and Indigenous partners; supporting community-led initiatives; and advancing discussions on increasing jurisdiction for Indigenous communities.
• The Minister engaged across the country this summer and early fall to develop options for potential federal legislation in partnership with Indigenous peoples and key partners, with the intent to introduce legislation in Fall/Winter 2019.
"
11/30/2018,375,17-Oct,Indigenous peoples,Implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in full partnership with Indigenous peoples.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges","Strengthened relationships between the Government and Indigenous peoples, and alignment of federal laws and policies related to Indigenous peoples with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).","The government has created a Working Group of Ministers, chaired by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, on the Review of Laws and Policies Related to Indigenous peoples to identify opportunities to amend federal laws and policies to align with the spirit and intent of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). As of November 2018, Canada is engaged in over 75 Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions, which are an opportunity for the government to work collaboratively with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities to advance their rights, needs and interests through the co-development of negotiation mandates. These discussions are guided by the spirit and intent of the UNDRIP and by the Principles Respecting the Government of Canada's Relationship with Indigenous peoples. What is heard through these discussions will help inform forthcoming updates to policy that addresses section-35 related policies to align with a recognition of rights approach and Indigenous self-determination as expressed in the UNDRIP.
The Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions are one of the mechanisms Canada is using to advance implementation of Articles 3, 4, 5 and 9 of the UNDRIP. This reflects Article 18 of the Declaration affirming that Indigenous peoples have the right to participate in decision-making about matters affecting their rights through their own representatives.
The Government of Canada is also fulfilling its commitment to implement the UNDRIP by:
• Supporting Private Member’s Bill C-262: The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, as a strong first step in the process of implementation. More legislation will be needed in order to fully implement the Declaration in Canada;
• Co-developing Indigenous Languages legislation with national First Nation, Inuit, and Métis leaders;
• Establishing the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls;
• Adopting a set of Principles respecting the Government of Canada's relationship with Indigenous peoples;
• Undertaking major changes to the machinery of government through the creation of the new Department of Indigenous Services and Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, to be better partners in new, recognition-based, nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relations;
• Working with Indigenous self-governments to review financing policies as a first step to support Indigenous governance, self-sufficiency and economic development;
• Creating new pathways to self-determination in health and education, including concluding significant education agreements, like the Anishnabek Nation Education Agreement, that recognizes Anishnabek control over education for 23 participating First Nations, and the opening of the Manitoba First Nations School System;
• Co-developing amendments to the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management and the First Nations Land Management Act with the Lands Advisory Board;
• Developing a Recognition and Implementation of Indigenous Rights Framework to advance self-determination; and, make the recognition and implementation of rights the basis for all relations between Indigenous peoples and the federal government; and
• Co-developed a consultation protocol agreement between the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nations and the Government of Canada to demonstrate Canada’s commitment to work in a spirit of partnership and collaboration with the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation to advance reconciliation and self-determination, and make real progress on the issues most important to them.
"
11/30/2018,376,15-Nov,Safety and Security,Undertake modernization efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the criminal justice system.,Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,"Actions taken, progress made","Canadians are kept safer and offenders are held to account, the system shows greater compassion for victims, the needs of vulnerable populations are addressed and the criminal justice system is more efficient.","On March 29, 2018, the government tabled legislation to improve efficiencies in the criminal justice system and reduce court delays in six key areas:
• modernize and streamline the bail regime;
• enhance the approach to administration of justice offences, including for youth;
• restrict the availability of preliminary inquiries to offences carrying life imprisonment;
• reclassify some offences to provide greater flexibility and court efficiencies;
• improve the jury composition and selection process; and,
• strengthen case management measures and processes for making rules of court.
A number of these reforms will respond to victims and the needs of vulnerable populations, for instance, by providing better protection for victims of intimate partner violence; preventing victims from having to testify twice; and, by providing that circumstances of the accused, in particular Indigenous accused and accused persons from vulnerable populations, are considered at bail, and in determining how to address a breach of condition.
On December 13, 2018, a second piece of government legislation aimed at modernizing the criminal justice system received Royal Assent. This legislation repealed a number of outdated or obsolete *Criminal Code* provisions, and expanded protections for victims of sexual assault. In particular, the legislation clarifies the law of consent, expands the *Criminal Code’*s “rape shield” provisions, and provides complainants with a right to counsel during rape shield proceedings.
To enhance access to justice and improve outcomes for a significant number of Canadian families, Budget 2018 proposed to provide $77.2 million over four years, starting in 2019-2020, and $20.8 million per year ongoing to support the creation and expansion of Unified Family Courts in Alberta, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Further to this funding announcement, the necessary amendments to the *Judges Act* to create the new judicial positions were included in the Budget Implementation Act, 2018, No.1. Implementation planning for the new Unified Family Courts sites is underway in anticipation of these amendments coming into force on April 1, 2019. As a further significant family law initiative, on May 22, 2018, the Government of Canada introduced new legislation (Bill C-78) to make federal family laws more responsive to Canadian families’ needs. The proposed legislation is designed to meet four key objectives:
• promote the best interests of the child;
• address family violence;
• help to reduce child poverty; and
• make Canada’s family justice system more accessible and efficient.
"
11/30/2018,377,17-Oct,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Lead preparations for future international sporting events.,Minister of Science and Sport,"Actions taken, progress made",Canadian athletes and national sport organizations are better prepared and supported for domestic and international events.,"Canada recorded its best ever Winter Olympics performance medal-wise at the PyeongChang Olympics with 29 medals (11 gold, eight silver, ten bronze). Canada also recorded its best ever Winter Paralympic performance at the PyeongChang Paralympics with 28 medals (eight gold, four silver and 16 bronze). The government will continue to support Canadian athletes and national sport organizations in preparation for international events. Each year, Canada hosts more than 70 international single sport events that are supported through the government's Hosting Program.
Canada’s female athletes make Canadians proud at high-performance sport events. They regularly achieve podium success at Senior World Championships, and Olympic and Paralympic Games, but fewer Canadian women and girls participate in sport and physical activity than men and boys. However of note, 58% of Team Canada at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games were women, an increase of 9% from the 2014 Games in Glasgow. Through Budget 2018, the government proposed an initial $30 million in funding over three years to support data, research and innovative practices to promote women and girls’ participation in sport, and encourage greater inclusion of women and girls in all facets of sport. As such, in April 2018, a Working Group on gender Equity in Sport was created in order to examine issues that may affect participation and propose ideas, approaches, and strategies for eliminating barriers and to increase participation of women and girls in all facets of sport.
Budget 2018 also proposed to provide $16 million over five years with $2 million in ongoing funding for Special Olympics Canada to sustain its empowering movement. This includes support to the National Team Program which ensures optimal performance preparation for Special Olympics Team Canada to represent Canada on the world stage.
"
11/30/2018,378,18-Aug,Exports and Investment,"Assess how the Government of Canada’s trade resources are currently applied compared to where Canadians’ economic opportunities are.
",Minister of International Trade Diversification,Completed - fully met,Develop an effective process to reallocate resources worldwide.,"The Department developed an effective process to reallocate resources across the globe in response to the changing needs of Canadian business. The Trade Resources Allocation Determination (TRAD) model was developed to ensure that resources are located in areas of opportunity for Canadian companies. TRAD incorporates macroeconomics indicators, client demand and operational constraints. Regions that generate positive TRAD results have become priorities for additional resources. "
11/30/2018,379,18-Aug,Exports and Investment,Ensure that our global engagements are maximizing relationship and partnership opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers.,Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made","Targeted global engagements by the Minister of International Trade Diversification, and increased commercial and partnership opportunities for Canadian businesses through the work of the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service.","Strong international relationships are critical to developing global opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers. In September, the Minister of International Trade Diversification accompanied the Prime Minister to the United Nations General Assembly in New York and advanced Canadian trade interests by reinforcing ties with international counterparts and engaging with business leaders. Earlier that month, Israel and Thailand were visited, where counterparts and local business leaders were met with to identify new trade opportunities for Canadian businesses. Canadian expertise in the digital media, transportation, clean-energy and financial sectors was promoted. In Singapore, counterparts from across the Asia-Pacific were met with to advance Canada's trade objectives for the ASEAN market. In addition to this high-level engagement, Global Affairs Canada has Trade Commissioners deployed in over 160 locations around the world who are connecting Canadian exporters with commercial opportunities and encouraging new investments into Canada. The Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) provides assistance to nearly 15,000 clients. For each client, this means drawing on established relationships and forging new partnerships to meet their unique needs and goals. Firms that work with the Trade Commissioner Service export 19.8 percent more on average and are also more diversified, accessing 24.8 percent more foreign markets.
In the Fall Economic Statement, of November 2018, the government announced additional funding for the Trade Commissioner Service, as follows:
• $60 million in new funding over the next five years that will provide the TCS with a refreshed digital presence, including new online tools for exporters, enhanced market intelligence, and tools to facilitate seamless client referrals between other federal and provincial partners.
• $44.1 million over the next five years for expanded TCS services abroad, including the increase of the number of trade commissioners available to serve Canadian businesses in key overseas markets such as China and India, and major markets involved in the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreements."
11/30/2018,380,18-Aug,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Work with all cultural and creative sectors on the successful delivery of initiatives and $3.2 billion of new funding announced in previous budgets. ,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism,"Actions taken, progress made",Canada’s cultural and creative sectors contribute to strengthening Canadian identity and Canada’s economy.,"Promotion of Canadian artists through investments in national institutions and creative industries, both at home and abroad, supports the creation of Canadian content and contributes to Canada’s economy. Investments in languages enhance the vitality of official languages, and help preserve, promote and revitalize Indigenous languages and cultures with the objective of strengthening Canada as a cohesive society."
11/30/2018,381,18-Aug,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Continue to modernize the *Broadcasting Act* and *Telecommunications Act*, and examine how to best support Canadian content in English and French and ensure quality affordable Internet, mobile and media access.","Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development","Actions taken, progress made","The *Broadcasting Act* and Telecommunications Act* are modernized so Canadian citizens, businesses, artists and creators, communications industry, and economy as a whole better enjoy the benefits of the digital age.","In June 2018, the government announced the Broadcasting and Telecommunications Legislative Review Panel, an expert panel to study these issues and make recommendations. The panel is consulting with Canadians including a phase of written submissions that closes January 11, 2019. The Panel is expected to publish an interim report in Spring 2019 and a final report by January 31, 2020."
11/30/2018,382,18-Aug,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Review the *Copyright Act* to ensure Canadian creators are valued for their work, users benefit from choice, and businesses grow and succeed.","Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development","Actions taken, progress made","Canada has a healthy copyright marketplace, one in which Canadian creators get fairly compensated for their work, users benefit from great choices and business can thrive.","The Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology leads the statutory review of the *Copyright Act* which began on April 17, 2018. To support the work of INDU, the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage launched a study on remuneration models for artists and creative industries.
Parliamentary review of the *Copyright Act* is ongoing and expected to conclude early 2019. The government will then have 120 calendar days to provide a response.
In the meantime, new appointments, investments and comprehensive legislative reforms regarding the Copyright Board of Canada will better position Canada's creators and cultural entrepreneurs to make, produce and reinvest in high quality Canadian content, and will support strong, vibrant and healthy creative industries for the benefit of all Canadians."
11/30/2018,383,18-Aug,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Deliver the Creative Export Strategy.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism;Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion,"Actions taken, progress made","Expanded reach of international markets, growth in exports, and increased international recognition for Canada’s creative sector.","The year 2017-2018 marked the second year of the implementation of the Budget 2016 announcement of $35 million over 2 years to “Showcase Canada’s cultural industries to the world”, which paved the way to the Creative Export Strategy. A comprehensive Creative Export Strategy was announced in September 2017.
The Strategy was publicly launched on June 26, 2018. Work to deliver the Creative Export Strategy in collaboration with Global Affairs Canada and the Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion is well underway and will continue over the next 5 years.
"
11/30/2018,384,18-Aug,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Strengthen Canada's multicultural advantage by implementing a revitalized Multiculturalism Program and developing new initiatives to celebrate diversity and foster greater inclusion.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism,"Actions taken, progress made","A re-developed and revitalized Multiculturalism Program is in place to help strengthen Canada’s multicultural advantage, celebrate diversity and foster greater inclusion.","Work is currently underway to scope the depth and breadth of changes and additions to be proposed as part of the Multiculturalism Program’s revitalization.
Budget 2018 earmarked $23 million over two years to strengthen multiculturalism, with $2 million of that supporting a cross-country engagement. A new Community Support, Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Initiatives Program to support events, projects and capacity building with a priority focus on Indigenous Peoples and racialized women and girls has been introduced, and is currently accepting applications."
11/30/2018,385,18-Aug,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Assess barriers faced by minority groups in Canada through cross-country engagement and develop a new federal anti-racism strategy to combat discrimination and racism.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism,"Actions taken, progress made",A new results-focused Federal approach is developed to address discrimination and racism.,Cross-country engagement sessions to better understand the barriers faced by minority groups in Canada are to be completed by January 2019. Collaboration with other government departments is ongoing to ensure the robustness of a future federal anti-racism approach.
11/30/2018,386,18-Aug,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Enhance local community support for young Black Canadians at risk and advance research on more culturally appropriate mental health support programs for the Black community.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism;Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made",Enhanced support for at-risk Black Canadian youth and more culturally appropriate mental health programs supported by research.,"Enhancements will be made to the Multiculturalism Program within the Department of Canadian Heritage to provide Black Canadian youth with greater community supports, education and training, and opportunities to engage on issues of racism and discrimination.
An initiative that builds on the efforts of the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) regarding mental health and wellness and the elimination of health inequalities will be undertaken to strengthen knowledge of effective, culturally focused interventions to promote positive mental health for Black Canadians. In collaboration with PHAC, Canadian Heritage will develop a research initiative aimed at enhancing the body of knowledge on inequities and barriers faced by Black Canadian youth in an effort to improve future programming.""
Budget 2018 earmarked $19 million ($10 million over five years for PHAC and $9 million over three years for the Department of Canadian Heritage) that will be targeted to promote mental health for youth at risk and to develop research in support of more culturally focused mental health programs in the Black Canadian community.
In summer 2018, PHAC representatives met with a number of Black community organizations, researchers, and leaders to discuss promising approaches for improving the mental health and its determinants for Black Canadians. On September 25, 2018, PHAC launched Promoting Health Equity: Mental Health of Black Canadians, a new funding initiative that aims to strengthen culturally informed approaches to improving mental health for Black youth and their families and communities."
11/30/2018,387,18-Aug,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Support local journalism and develop business models that facilitate private giving and philanthropic support for professional non-profit journalism and local news.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism;Minister of Finance,"Actions taken, progress made",Canadians have access to local journalism that reflects public interest.,"In Budget 2018, the government committed to exploring, over the next year, new models that enable private giving and philanthropic support for trusted, professional, non-profit journalism and local news. This could include new ways for Canadian newspapers to innovate and be recognized to receive charitable status for not-for-profit provision of journalism, reflecting the public interest that they serve. In the 2018 Fall Economic Statement, the government announced its intention to propose three new initiatives to support Canadian journalism: 1) allowing non-profit news organizations to receive charitable donations and issue official donation receipts; 2) introducing a new refundable tax credit to support original news content creation, including local news; and 3) introducing a new temporary non-refundable tax credit to support subscriptions to Canadian digital news media. Additional details on these measures will be provided in Budget 2019."
11/30/2018,388,18-Aug,Jobs and Innovation,Work with media organizations to consider how the government can further support the transition to digital media.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism,"Actions taken, progress made",Media organizations more easily transition to digital platforms.,"Consultations with key stakeholders, media organizations and experts have been ongoing in order to ease the transition to digital media. Policy options including government support for transition to digital in the newspaper and magazine industry are being prepared.
Meetings and discussions have occurred between government officials, including the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism, and media organizations to discuss how the government can further support the transition to digital media."
11/30/2018,389,18-Aug,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the government’s advertising budget better supports Canadian content providers and platforms.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism;President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government;Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made",Better support for Canadian content providers and platforms.,The Government of Canada is developing options that will consider both paid advertising as well as existing programs and initiatives aimed at supporting Canadian content providers and platforms.
11/30/2018,390,18-Aug,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Ensure that Canadians have access to accurate and timely information about community infrastructure investments, and improve financial reporting.",Minister of Infrastructure and Communities,"Actions taken, progress made",Accurate and timely information about infrastructure investments is available for Canadians.,"In December 2017, the government launched an online interactive project map to highlight the development of a broad cross-section of projects that have been approved under the Investing in Canada plan.
In November 2018, the government released an implementation progress and funding update table for the Investing in Canada Plan. "
11/30/2018,391,18-Aug,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Engage with provinces and territories to identify infrastructure priorities that achieve a fair balance of provincial, territorial, and municipal projects to benefit communities of all sizes.",Minister of Infrastructure and Communities,"Actions taken, progress made","Infrastructure projects are prioritized in a way that benefits communities of all sizes, and proponents while implementing the climate lens and community employment benefits framework.","Working in collaboration with its provincial-territorial partners, the Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that investments in infrastructure are made to benefit communities of all sizes. Infrastructure bilateral agreements have been signed with all provinces and territories, including agreement to report on benefits to communities."
11/30/2018,392,18-Aug,Sustainable Infrastructure,Ensure that infrastructure investments are accounted for and flow as construction work takes place. Honour bilateral agreements and report transparently to Canadians on changes.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government,"Actions taken, progress made","The Government transparently tracks and reports on infrastructure investments, and flows funding according to the pace of construction.","The Government of Canada is working diligently with its provincial-territorial partners to move forward with submissions, approve projects as quickly as possible, and address the timeliness of the flow of funds to help transform Canadian communities. "
11/30/2018,393,18-Aug,Sustainable Infrastructure,Ensure the Bank has the support it needs for its core purpose – attracting private sector and institutional investment to expand the scope of public infrastructure investment in Canada.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Finance,"Actions taken, progress made","The Canada Infrastructure Bank is increasing private and institutional investment to revenue-generating projects and transforming the way infrastructure is planned, funded and delivered in Canada.",The Canada Infrastructure Bank is now fully operational and is working to advance an innovative financing model that brings investors together to structure appropriate financial support to make projects commercially viable. The model will crowd-in and mobilize private and institutional capital and will relate financial returns to the project usage and revenue risk.
11/30/2018,394,18-Aug,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Leverage ideas from the Smart Cities Challenge to select winners from communities of all sizes, and test new, Indigenous-led projects through the Indigenous Homes Innovation Initiative.",Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Indigenous Services,"Actions taken, progress made","Winners from communities of all sizes are selected in the Smart Cities Challenge in Spring 2019. Funding is provided through the Indigenous Homes Innovation Initiative for new approaches in the design and construction of Indigenous-led home and community innovation projects for First Nations (on and off reserve), Inuit and Métis peoples living in rural and urban communities.","On November 23, 2017, the government launched the Smart Cities Challenge. On June 1, 2018, the finalists were announced at the 2018 Federation of Canadian Municipalities meeting in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The Challenge is on track to announce the winners in Spring 2019. The Indigenous Homes Innovation Initiative, a partnership between Indigenous Services Canada and Infrastructure Canada, to provide funding to creative projects led by Indigenous peoples to design and build more effective, sustainable, and culturally appropriate living spaces for Indigenous peoples. From start to finish, this innovation initiative will be overseen by an Indigenous Steering Committee."
11/30/2018,395,18-Aug,Jobs and Innovation,Develop new and innovative approaches to modernize fisheries and aquaculture and responsible economic development on all three coasts.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard","Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",Innovative approaches to modernize fisheries and aquaculture are developed that expand the economy and ensure the responsible growth of the sector.,"In August 2017, the Government of Canada launched the $400 million, seven-year Atlantic Fisheries Fund, to drive innovation and to enable the fisheries and aquaculture sector to better meet market demands for sustainably sourced, high quality fish and seafood products, in the Atlantic provinces. Projects across the Fish and Seafood sectors have been announced in all four Atlantic provinces.
The 2018 Fall Economic Statement (FES) announced $100 million over six years, starting in 2018–19, to create a British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund, as well as $30 million over five years, starting in 2019–20 for a Quebec Fisheries Fund. The B.C. and Quebec funds will support projects focused on innovation, clean technology adoption, infrastructure investments that improve productivity, sustainability and safety, and science partnerships. The FES also included a one-time payment of $5 million to the Pacific Salmon Endowment Fund society, which will support hundreds of non-profit organizations that work in communities across B.C. to conserve wild salmon.
On December 18, 2017, the Government of Canada announced the Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technology Adoption Program (FACTAP), a four-year $20 million program that will help Canada’s fisheries and aquaculture industries incorporate clean technologies into their day-to-day operations. To date, the Program and its Provincial and private sector partners have allocated close to $7 million towards the adoption of innovative new clean technologies and processes.
The Government of Canada is also helping to foster innovation in fishing technologies and methods that would maintain an active fishing industry while also reducing the risk of marine mammal entanglements, e.g. sustainable harvesting technologies, weak links in buoy lines, etc. Industry-driven testing of new gear technologies and pilot projects will bring new technologies that could aid in the coexistence of marine mammals and fishing in the future.
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11/30/2018,396,18-Aug,Environment and Climate Change,"Implement the G7 Charlevoix Blueprint for Healthy Oceans, Seas and Resilient Coastal Communities and the G7 Ocean Plastics Charter.","Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Environment and Climate Change","Actions taken, progress made","Canada will work to implement the G7 Charlevoix Blueprint for Healthy Oceans, Seas and Resilient Coastal Communities and the Ocean Plastics Charter. Canada will broaden the support for the Ocean Plastics Charter and its implementation to new partners, which could include countries, industry and NGOs. Canada also agreed to further work with its G7 partners to launch the G7 Initiative on Earth Observation and Integral Coastal Zone Management, which will play an important role in supporting vulnerable coastal communities build resilience to extreme weather events. ","The Oceans Plastics Charter was adopted at the 2018 G7 Summit in Charlevoix bringing together governments, businesses, and civil society organizations to help eradicate plastic pollution, committing them to take actions to move toward a more resource efficient and sustainable approach to the management of plastics. As of November 2018, 10 countries plus the EU and 20 business and non-governmental organizations support the Charter.
To support the implementation of the Charter objectives Canada will help developing countries prevent plastic waste from entering the oceans, address plastic waste on shorelines, and better manage existing plastic resources. Canada will also support an international innovation challenge focused on developing countries, to promote social and technological innovation by the private sector and innovators to address plastic waste in the oceans.
At the Charlevoix G7 Leaders’ Summit, Canada announced a $100 million investment to advance the objectives and commitments of the Ocean Plastics Charter. This includes $20 million to support the G7 Plastics Innovation Challenge, agreed to by all G7 members, $6 million through the World Economic Forum Global Plastic Action Partnership to strengthen public-private partnerships to support global action in plastic pollution hot spots, and $65 million to support a World Bank fund to address plastic waste in developing countries.
In addition to this $100 million investment, Canada announced an additional $12 million to invest in made-in-Canada innovative approaches and technologies to help stop the flow of plastics to the oceans. Canada also committed to take action to reform government practices and procurement, with the goal of diverting at least 75 percent of plastic waste from government operations by 2030.
During the meeting of G7 Environment, Oceans and Energy Ministers on September 18-21, 2018, Ministers agreed on the need for collaborative partnerships to improve the health of oceans and seas and ways to advance the priorities identified by G7 Leaders in the Charlevoix Blueprint for Healthy Oceans, Seas and Resilient Coastal Communities.
In support of these commitments, Canada announced an unprecedented number of funding commitments which includes $2 million to the International Institute for Sustainable Development for the National Adaptation Plan Global Network to help developing vulnerable countries adapt to the effects of climate change and $60 million to help Small Island Developing States accelerate their transition to cleaner energy systems.
Canada also announced a $100 million commitment to support expansion of climate risk insurance coverage in Caribbean countries, and $2 million to establish a new initiative that will empower women entrepreneurs working on climate solutions in the developing world.
The Government of Canada will invest a total of up to $11.6 million to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing throughout the world, signed on to the Global Ghost Gear Initiative (GGGI), and announced its support for Global Fishing Watch.
The federal government is working with provinces and territories through the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) and recently released a national zero plastic waste strategy that will build on Canadian and international efforts to reduce plastic waste and marine litter, including those outlined in the Ocean Plastics Charter.
At the Sustainable Blue Economy Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, in November 2018, Canada announced an additional investment of up to $9.5 million in funding to advance activities of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
Canada also announced an investment of up to $1 million to the World Economic Forum’s Friends of Ocean Action and for the Government of Canada’s support to the United Nations Special Envoy for the Ocean.
Canada's actions support implementation of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 14 to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources. "
11/30/2018,397,18-Aug,Jobs and Innovation,Double the number of women-owned businesses in Canada by 2025. ,Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion,"Actions taken, progress made","The number of women-owned businesses in Canada doubles to 340,000 by 2025. ","Drawing on recommendations made by the Canada-United States Council for Advancement of Women Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders, the new Women Entrepreneurship Strategy will take a comprehensive approach, addressing critical growth stages and other challenges to better support
women entrepreneurs, to help them grow their businesses and to remove barriers to their success.
Budget 2018 announced $105 million over five years to the regional development agencies to support investments in women-led businesses, helping them scale and grow, as well as to support regional innovation ecosystems, including incubators and accelerators, and other third-party programs supporting mentorship, networking and skills development.
The government is also working with the Business Development Bank of Canada who has made it a goal to loan up to $1.4 billion to women entrepreneurs in three years, and have increased the size of their Women in Technology Venture Fund to $200 million – one of the largest global investment funds of its kind."
11/30/2018,398,18-Aug,Jobs and Innovation,"Identify opportunities to support workers and businesses in the natural resource sectors to export their goods to global markets, including twinning the Trans Mountain Pipeline.",Minister of Natural Resources,"Actions taken, progress made","Increased access to global markets to support investment in Canada’s natural resource sectors and higher exports creating more good-paying, middle class jobs for Canadians.","The Government of Canada’s support for exports contributes to the growth of companies and the economy, and creates well-paying jobs for Canadians. Budget 2017 included the goal to grow the country’s goods and services exports 30% by 2025. The export of natural resources represents almost half of Canada’s exports and the natural resource sectors will be key contributors in meeting this goal.
The Government of Canada supports market access for Canada’s natural resource sectors through negotiations on free trade agreements, and bilateral dialogues and partnerships with counterparts. The government also works with provincial governments and industry to foster innovation and to expand markets. This includes through initiatives such as Mission Innovation, the Clean Growth Hub (launched in January 2018) and market development offices in key global markets, as well as through federal-provincial-territorial collaboration under the Energy and Mines Ministers' Energy Working Group.
The Government of Canada facilitates access to new markets for mining services and suppliers – including those specializing in electrification, renewable energy, and clean tech – through mining trade shows and missions abroad, including in China (China Mining), Africa (Mining Indaba), and the Americas (Expomin). Developing additional export opportunities for this sector is an objective of the Canadian Minerals and Metals Plan (CMMP), for which action items are currently in development.
Through the Softwood Lumber Action Plan, the Government of Canada invested $45 million over three years in the Expanding Market Opportunities Program, which supports market development offices in China, Japan, South Korea, the UK and India, to promote Canadian expertise in low-carbon construction with wood, using Canadian wood products. This program includes investment in the Sino-Canadian low carbon ecodistrict, whose first phase showcases 100 townhomes built with Canadian lumber and energy efficient technologies.
The Government of Canada also supports private industry in developing key infrastructure in Canada to get natural resources to market, such as federal support for the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project in Kitimat, British Columbia, which is expected to create 10,000 jobs at the height of construction.
The Trans Mountain Expansion Project will play an important role in ensuring the stability and growth of the Canadian economy, providing employment opportunities, and getting resources to global markets. Recognizing the economic importance of the Project, the Government of Canada finalized the purchase of the Trans Mountain Expansion Project and related assets on August 31, 2018.
The Government of Canada has taken steps to respond to the Federal Court of Appeals decision that quashed the GiC’s project approval on August 30th, 2018. On September 21st, 2018, the government instructed the National Energy Board to reconsider its recommendations taking into account the effects of project-related marine shipping. On October 3rd, 2018, the government announced its path forward on consultation with Indigenous peoples on the Project.
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11/30/2018,399,18-Aug,Environment and Climate Change,"Put more low-emission vehicles, including electric vehicles, on the roads in Canada.",Minister of Natural Resources;Minister of Transport,"Actions taken, progress made","New charging and refueling infrastructure supports more low-emission vehicles on the roads in Canada, and the federal government adopts low-carbon mobility solutions to modernize its fleet.","The Government of Canada continues to collaborate with provincial and territorial partners to develop a Canada-wide Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Strategy. An external Advisory Group and Expert Groups have been established to provide advice on barriers to opportunities for increased ZEV deployment in Canada. Their advice is being considered in the development of the ZEV Strategy.
The first phase of the Electric Vehicle and Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Deployment program surpasses its targets by establishing 102 electric vehicle fast-chargers, seven natural gas stations and three hydrogen refueling stations. With regards to EV infrastructure demonstration, the government initiated ten projects, including projects to introduce infrastructure in multi-unit residential buildings in urban centres and at workplaces.
In an effort to align North American codes and standards, Canada held two workshops related to hydrogen, with its US counterparts (March 2017 and August 2018), and continues to collaborate on codes and standards for alternative fueled vehicles and infrastructure through the Regulatory Cooperation Council.
As described in the Greening government Strategy released in December 2017, the government is working to reduce emissions from its own operations by 40% by 2030, and 80% by 2050. Starting in the 2019 to 2020 fiscal year, 75% of new light-duty administrative fleet vehicle purchases will be zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) or hybrid, with the objective that the government’s administrative fleet comprises at least 80% ZEVs by 2030. In support of these goals, 1500 government fleet vehicles have been assessed to analyze vehicle usage, and identify lower emitting options.
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11/30/2018,400,18-Aug,Exports and Investment,"Defend Canadian workers potentially affected by trade disputes, including in the forestry, energy and mining sectors.",Minister of Natural Resources;Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made","The interests of Canadian industries and its workers in Natural Resource sectors are defended bilaterally and multilaterally to ensure fair, consistent rule-based trade practices.","The Government of Canada has a responsibility to Canadians to maintain fair, consistent rule-based trade. The Government works proactively to mitigate potential disputes and supports sectors impacted by trade actions of other countries in order to ensure that Canadian industries remain globally competitive and prosper in a healthy, integrated economy.
The Government works collaboratively with its trade partners to respond proactively to emerging trade issues. In the forest sector, the Government has challenged trade actions on softwood lumber, uncoated groundwood paper, supercalendered paper and dissolving pulp under NAFTA Chapter 19 and at the World Trade Organization; duties have been removed from uncoated groundwood paper and supercalendered paper and litigation continues on softwood lumber and dissolving pulp. The Government also responded to US steel and aluminum tariffs with reciprocal, proportionate countermeasures, and consulted broadly and transparently to efficiently implement retaliatory measures on targeted products. Canada continues to develop and implement mitigation policies, such as the Softwood Lumber Action Plan, in order to support industries, communities, and workers affected by trade disputes until those barriers can be removed.
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11/30/2018,401,18-Aug,Exports and Investment,"Continue collaboration with the United States and Mexico in areas of mutual benefit, including energy security and cross-border infrastructure.",Minister of Natural Resources,"Actions taken, progress made","Greater integration of the Canadian, Mexican and American energy markets, reduced risk of energy supply interruptions and strengthened relations between the three North American partners.","Canada, the United States and Mexico share the most integrated and well-functioning continental energy markets in the world. With the risk of cyber attacks against North America’s energy systems on the rise, defending against these threats is a shared priority. Greater trilateral collaboration on energy security and cross-border infrastructure will help advance this priority.
At the November 2017, North American Energy Ministerial in Houston, energy ministers reiterated the importance of trilateral cooperation and committed to further collaboration in three priority areas:
1) security, reliability and resiliency;
2) trade and economic development; and,
3) diversifying resources.
Provisions in the new USMCA will ensure the continued free flow of energy products in North America and strengthen the bilateral and trilateral energy trade relationship with the U.S. and Mexico. The inclusion of a binding energy side letter with the U.S. will increase transparency and access to Canada's closest energy trading partner.
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11/30/2018,402,18-Aug,Strong Middle Class,Support seniors programming and work on initiatives that impact seniors.,Minister of Seniors,"Actions taken, progress made",Improved quality of life and well-being for seniors.,"The New Horizons for Seniors Program supports projects led or inspired by seniors who make a difference in the lives of others and in their communities. With an annual budget of $50 million, the New Horizons for Seniors Program works to improve the lives of seniors by supporting two types of projects: community-based and pan-Canadian. Community-based projects enable seniors to make valuable contributions to their communities by sharing their knowledge, skills and experience and increasing the capacity to address local issues. Pan-Canadian projects use collaborative and innovative approaches to help reduce social isolation among seniors.
Established by Order-in- Council in 2007, the National Seniors Council (NSC) provides advice to the government through the Minister of Seniors and the Minister of Health on matters related to the health, well-being and quality of life of seniors, as well as the challenges and opportunities arising from a growing and diverse aging population. The NSC develops evidence-informed advice based on consultations with Canadians, including seniors and other stakeholders, and commissioning research. The Council submitted a three-year work plan for Ministerial approval in November 2018, which includes deliverables for each of the work priorities identified by the Ministers, including reports to be submitted to Ministers.
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11/30/2018,403,18-Aug,Strong Middle Class,"Design and implement initiatives to better protect consumers, particularly seniors, from potential harms in dealing with financial institutions and telecommunications companies.","Minister of Seniors;Minister of Finance;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development","Actions taken, progress made","Consumers are better empowered and protected in their dealings with financial institutions and telecommunications companies, including more vulnerable Canadians such as seniors.","Consumers deserve a competitive marketplace where they are treated fairly.
In June 2018, the government directed the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to launch a public inquiry to investigate the sales practices of large telecommunications companies. Particular consideration will be given to vulnerable groups, including seniors. The Competition Bureau is assisting the CRTC in light of their expertise and responsibilities regarding deceptive advertising.
In July 2018, the CRTC launched the inquiry with detail on the different phases and consultations processes. The CRTC is to report on the results of its inquiry including possible solutions by February 28, 2019. In parallel, on November 9, 2018, the CRTC began a regulatory proceeding with a call for comments on the creation of consumer code of conduct for Internet services.
To respond to the unique needs of Canada's aging population, the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada will engage with banks and seniors' groups to create a code of conduct to guide banks in their delivery of services to Canada's seniors. The new Minister of Seniors will support this engagement."
11/30/2018,404,18-Aug,Strong Middle Class,Strengthen the protection of workplace pensions.,"Minister of Seniors;Minister of Finance;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made",Canadians with privately sponsored pension plans experience enhanced retirement security.,"The government committed in Budget 2018 to seek feedback from Canadians, including pensioners, employees, companies, and lenders on how to take a whole-of-government, evidenced-based approach towards addressing retirement security issues associated with privately sponsored pension plans.
On November 22, targeted stakeholder consultations were launched, as well as an online portal through which the general public can share their views; these consultations will run until December 21, 2018. During this time, officials will meet with stakeholder groups, and accept written submissions. As part of the consultations, a Consultation Document was distributed to stakeholders and shared with the public.
Following consultations, stakeholder feedback and submissions from the public will be assessed by government officials and weighted against potential policy options to enhance retirement security for Canadians."
11/30/2018,405,18-Aug,Healthy Canadians,Build on federally supported programs that support the needs of seniors and their families to promote healthy aging. ,"Minister of Seniors;Minister of Health;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development","Actions taken, progress made",Enhanced support for seniors and their families. ,"Canada's senior population is growing. This makes it more important than ever to support the health and well-being of older Canadians. The Government of Canada is working with stakeholders on various initiatives to ensure support for the seniors and their families.
Budget 2018 provided one-time funding of $75 million for a three-year project through the Public Health Agency of Canada to support the Healthy Seniors Pilot Project in New Brunswick. The Healthy Seniors Pilot Project will: improve understanding of the impacts of aging, including different challenges faced by women and men; focus on testing innovative solutions that support healthy aging and improve the quality of life of older adults; and, provide useful information for governments and stakeholders across the country on how to better support seniors in their homes, communities and care facilities. On June 25, 2018, the Minister of Health and the Premier of New Brunswick announced the launch of the Pilot Project. New Brunswick opened its call for submissions on August 1, 2018.
The Government of Canada is also supporting additional programs to foster the healthy aging of seniors, including developing tools to help implement and evaluate age-friendly communities initiatives, investing in data and research such as the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging to better understand and respond to elder abuse, and, in consultation with partners, raising awareness and developing resources on mental health for seniors.
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11/30/2018,406,18-Aug,Healthy Canadians,Engage with stakeholders and parliamentarians on ways to address dementia.,Minister of Seniors;Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made",Improved quality of life for people living with dementia and those who care for them.,"In June 2017, the *National Strategy for Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias Act* came into force and requires the development of a national dementia strategy in cooperation with the provinces and territories (PTs). Federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) governance has been established to support the development and implementation of the strategy. The FPT Committee includes all jurisdictions except for Quebec, which opted for bilateral discussions.
The Ministerial Advisory Board on Dementia was established in May 2018. The national dementia conference, hosted by the Minister of Health, was held on May 14-15, 2018. Participants represented the six groups identified in the Act: people living with dementia; caregivers; health care professionals; advocacy groups; researchers; and PT governments.
Budget 2018 also committed $20 million over 5 years and $4 million per year ongoing to support community-based projects that enhance the wellbeing of people living with dementia and those who care for them. On October 22, 2018, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) launched the Dementia Community Investment directed solicitations to Alzheimer Society of Canada, the University of Alberta and the University of British Columbia. On November 19, 2018, PHAC launched the Dementia Community Investment open solicitation (up to $12.3 million over 4 years) for initiatives that support optimizing the well-being of people living with dementia and their caregivers, and/or promoting awareness of dementia and its risk factors to tackle stigma and promote compassion/support.
Government of Canada investments focus on research, surveillance, innovation, international collaboration, care for federal populations, and community-based supports. The Public Health Agency of Canada works with PTs through the Canadian Chronic Disease Surveillance System to collect data on Canadians living and newly diagnosed with dementia. The Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation, established with federal funding, is developing products and services to support brain health and aging, with a focus on dementia.
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11/30/2018,407,18-Aug,Safety and Security,Address crimes that target seniors including elder abuse and online financial scams.,Minister of Seniors;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Finance,"Actions taken, progress made","Better protection of seniors from elder abuse, including financial abuse, and enhanced responses to crimes that target seniors.","Many forms of elder abuse and online financial scams are already targeted by existing offences under the *Criminal Code*.
The Justice Canada Victims Fund is available to provincial and territorial governments and non-governmental organizations to support projects that address the needs of victims and survivors of crime in the criminal justice system. In 2016 Justice Canada issued a call for proposals under the Victims Fund to non-governmental organizations for projects that help to address gaps in support and services, awareness raising, or research to benefit victims and survivors of crime with disabilities, including older adults with disabilities. Seven projects are currently being funded. In addition, to commemorate the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, on December 3, 2018, Justice Canada hosted a webinar that explored various approaches in Supporting and Empowering Women Victims and Survivors with Disabilities, including senior women with disabilities who are victims of domestic violence.
As well, the Government of Canada’s Family Violence Initiative (FVI) addresses elder abuse, including financial abuse, by providing information and resources for professionals and the public, including Elder Abuse is Wrong, a booklet for older adults who may be suffering from abuse by someone they trust. In addition, on National Senior’s Day, October 1, 2018, Justice Canada hosted a web-ex to raise awareness about elder abuse and the supports available to older adult victims.
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), which is jointly managed by the RCMP, the Competition Bureau and the Ontario Provincial Police, provides support to senior fraud victims and works to prevent further victimization. The CAFC and the RCMPs Federal Policing Prevention and Engagement program produce a variety of resources to educate law enforcement and the public on fraud and various scams, some of which have closer linkages to seniors.
The Government of Canada is implementing the Strategy, Strengthening Financial Literacy of Seniors which includes a goal to increase the number of tools to combat fraud and financial abuse of seniors. The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada offers resources to seniors through its Canadian Financial Literacy Database. Currently, the database offers over 150 resources targeted at seniors including material related to the prevention of fraud and financial abuse.
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11/30/2018,408,18-Aug,Healthy Canadians,Represent the Government of Canada at the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum.,Minister of Seniors,"Actions taken, progress made","Federal, provincial and territorial governments collaborate for the advancement of common priorities to improve seniors’ well-being.","The Forum of FPT Ministers Responsible for Senior brings key Federal, Provincial, and Territorial Ministers together, providing an important vehicle for discussing issues of importance to seniors, for sharing information on seniors’ well-being, and undertaking initiatives to advance issues of common concern. The Forum is implementing a multi-year work plan (2018-2021) whose current priorities are aging in community, labour force participation of older workers, and addressing ageism.
The FPT Seniors Forum recently released the Promoting the Labour Force Participation of Older Canadians Report (June 2018). Other key deliverables include supplements to a toolkit on the social isolation of seniors which were released in November 2018.
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11/30/2018,409,18-Aug,Healthy Canadians,Consider options for how best to move forward with the implementation of national pharmacare.,Minister of Seniors;Minister of Finance;Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made",Develop options and recommendations for an affordable national pharmacare.,"The creation of the Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare (the Council) was announced in Budget 2018. The Council is leading a national dialogue on how to implement affordable national pharmacare for Canadians and their families, employers and governments. To develop its advice on national pharmacare implementation, the Council is tasked with:
• conducting an economic and social assessment of domestic and international models;
• working closely with provincial, territorial and Indigenous leaders; and,
• consulting with Canadians, as well as experts and stakeholders from relevant fields.
The Council's final report will be delivered in the spring of 2019 and will include options and recommendations as to what measures the federal government should take.
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11/30/2018,410,18-Aug,Exports and Investment,Identify and address structural barriers to Canada’s tourism sector to help unlock investment and diversify Canada’s source of tourists and attractions. ,"Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie","Actions taken, progress made",Canada has a new tourism strategy that identifies measures to eliminate structural barriers and improve the competitiveness of the tourism sector.,"Earlier in 2018, Destination Canada, in collaboration with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), commissioned independent research to examine the international competitiveness of Canada as a tourism destination, and highlight opportunities and constraints for the tourism sector. The resulting report will inform the development of a new federal tourism strategy. "
11/30/2018,411,18-Aug,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Prepare celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the *Official Languages Act*.,"Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie","Actions taken, progress made",Highlight the importance of the *Official Languages Act* in building Canadian identity.,"Celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the *Official Languages Act* will be held in 2019 to help Canadians understand and highlight the importance of this legislation in building Canadian identity.
Options for the conduct and activities of the 50th anniversary of the *Official Languages Act* are being developed.
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11/30/2018,412,18-Aug,Canada in the World,"Defend, strengthen and promote the use of French around the world, including in the digital sphere and within international organizations.","Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie","Actions taken, progress made","Greater visibility of francophone communities and use of the French language around the world, including in the digital sphere.","Analysis is underway of opportunities Canada has to defend, strengthen and promote the use of French, including in the digital sphere."
11/30/2018,415,18-Aug,Safety and Security,Lead conversations with the United States on the Safe Third Country Agreement.,"Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction;Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship","Actions taken, progress made",Review the existing Safe Third Country Agreement with the U.S. to ensure that it continues to serve the interests of both countries. ,"In order to address the issue of irregular migration across the Canada-U.S. border, the Government of Canada has proposed to enter into negotiations with the U.S. to improve the Safe Third Country Agreement. More details on the progress for this commitment is expected in the coming months."
11/30/2018,416,18-Aug,Safety and Security,"Reduce the smuggling of opioids across Canadian borders in partnership with provinces, territories, and municipalities, and the United States.",Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction,"Actions taken, progress made","Safely and effectively detect, identify and reduce the flow of opioids at all Canadian ports of entry. ","The Government of Canada is committed to work in partnership with all levels of government across Canada and with international partners to protect our citizens from the adverse effects of opioids. The government continues to advance bilateral cooperation with the US and others and, more officially, are part of the trilateral discussions with the US and Mexico through the North American Dialogue on Drug Policy.
Canada is also working closely with China and other international partners to disrupt the export of illegally produced fentanyl and combat the flow of illegal fentanyl and other opioids into Canada. In its efforts to combat the importation of illicit drugs, Canada Border Services Agency made over 16,000 drug seizures in 2017-18, which included 438 opioid seizures and a 16% increase in fentanyl seizures. Budget 2018 announced $33 million over five years to help stem the flow of opioids into Canada by equipping border agents with detection and identification tools to intercept fentanyl and other illicit or diverted substances at ports of entry.
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11/30/2018,417,18-Aug,Safety and Security,"Develop new policies and legislation to reduce organized crime and gang activity in Canada, including money laundering. ",Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction,"Actions taken, progress made",Reduced organized crime and gang activity in Canada through the development and implementation of effective policies and legislation.,"The Government of Canada is advancing efforts to reduce organized crime and gang activity in Canada, including a focus on reducing gun and gang violence and countering money laundering. We are advancing our commitment to flow up to $327.6 million over five years, and $100 million annually thereafter, to help support a variety of initiatives to reduce gun and gang violence. A Summit on Gun and Gang Violence was held in March 2018 to discuss the realities, issues and best practices to tackle gun and gang violence.
As announced in November 2018, the government’s Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence includes investments of $34.5 million for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police that will provide additional resources for law enforcement to address gang activity and the criminal use of firearms. These resources will enhance the RCMP's new Integrated Criminal Firearms Initiative (ICFI), by helping to build capacity to meet the anticipated increase in requests for service for investigative support, training, firearms inspections, technological enhancements, while also addressing intelligence gaps. We will continue to explore options to address organized crime and money laundering in the coming months, including a response to the Report of the Standing Committee on Finance (Confronting Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing: Moving Canada Forward), which was presented to the House of Commons in November 2018.
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11/30/2018,418,18-Aug,Safety and Security,Seek additional opportunities to expand pre-clearance operations for travelers to the United States.,Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction;Minister of Transport;Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,"Actions taken, progress made","Facilitate the adoption of preclearance in Canada and the U.S and explore options for expansion.
","Canada is committed to expand the preclearance program in all modes of transportation under the Land, Rail, Marine and Air Preclearance Agreement (LRMA), once it is ratified. *Canada's Preclearance Act* received Royal Assent in December 2017 and will come into force with the ratification of the LRMA. Regulations flowing from the *Preclearance Act, 2016* are in development. "
11/30/2018,419,18-Aug,Fair and Open Government,"Maintain open and collaborative relationships with provinces and territories, with the goal of working together to serve and improve the lives of all Canadians.",Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,"Actions taken, progress made",Federal ministers collaborate effectively with their provincial and territorial counterparts to improve the lives of Canadians.,"Since being appointed, the Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade has met with his counterparts in all provincial and territorial jurisdictions and has worked with his federal colleagues to advance collaboration with the provinces and territories in areas including pollution pricing, irregular migration, Indigenous rights, northern development, and trade between the provinces and territories. "
11/30/2018,420,18-Aug,Jobs and Innovation,"Collaborate with provinces and territories to eliminate barriers to trade between each other, and work toward a stronger, more integrated Canadian economy.",Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,"Actions taken, progress made",Barriers to trade between provinces and territories are reduced to improve the competitiveness of the Canadian economy and benefit the everyday lives of Canadians.,"The Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade has initiated discussions with his provincial and territorial counterparts to improve trade within Canada.
At their annual meeting in July 2018, premiers agreed to increase personal exemption limits on the movement of alcoholic beverages and to accelerate work at the FPT regulatory reconciliation and cooperation table. Provinces and territories further agreed to develop reconciliation agreements by December 2018 in four regulatory areas: waiving extra-provincial fees for business registration; mutual recognition of Canadian registration numbers for pressure equipment; mutual recognition in specific areas of occupational health and safety; and aligning weight parity for wide-base tires on trucks.
An ad hoc meeting of federal, provincial, and territorial trade ministers took place in Vancouver for October 25, 2018 to discuss measures to enhance interprovincial trade. The Prime Minister has also announced that improving trade between provinces and territories will be a focus of the First Ministers' Meeting in fall 2018.
On November 28, 2018, the Government of Canada announced specific federal action to reduce barriers to trade within Canada. This included measures to make the national building code available for free and to align provincial and territorial codes with the federal codes; aligning meat inspection standards through equivalency frameworks; amend the Energy Efficiency Regulations to ensure alignment across Canada and with the United States; amending the definition of vodka, and reviewing the guidelines for products to be labelled as a ""Product of Canada.""
At the December 7, 2018, First Ministers' Meeting, First Ministers agreed to accelerate work to address domestic barriers to trade that increase business costs and impose needless burden on Canadian firms. Specifically, First Ministers agreed to:
• Develop harmonized standards in the trucking sector, building on federal investments in the National Trade and Transportation Corridors initiative. Federal, provincial and territorial governments will work together on an accelerated basis to harmonize standards for wide base tires, electronic logging devices, and size and weight restrictions.
• Take action to strengthen Canada’s agri-food sector, including clearer rules for organic products, and eliminating the duplication of food oversight and safety. The Government of Canada will also continue to work collaboratively with the territories to support their food industries and build food security.
• Consult industry and consumers to develop ways to facilitate the sale of alcoholic beverages, taking into consideration social responsibility obligations. As a first step, Canada will consider amendments to the *Importation of Intoxicating Liquors Act* to remove the federal requirement that alcohol moving from one province to another be sold or consigned to a provincial liquor authority.
• Accelerate work to strengthen the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, including a plan to reduce the number of exceptions and strengthen the dispute resolution provisions."
11/30/2018,421,18-Aug,Jobs and Innovation,Eliminate barriers to trade between provinces and territories to positively impact the competitiveness of Canadian businesses and the lives of Canadians through greater harmonization of rules and regulatory requirements where appropriate. ,Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,"Actions taken, progress made",Lower barriers to trade between provinces and territories and greater harmonization of rules and regulations.,"The Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade has initiated discussions with his provincial and territorial counterparts to improve trade within Canada.
At their annual meeting in July 2018, premiers agreed to increase personal exemption limits on the movement of alcoholic beverages and to accelerate work at the FPT regulatory reconciliation and cooperation table. Provinces and territories further agreed to develop reconciliation agreements by December 2018 in four regulatory areas: waiving extra-provincial fees for business registration; mutual recognition of Canadian registration numbers for pressure equipment; mutual recognition in specific areas of occupational health and safety; and aligning weight parity for wide-base tires on trucks.
An ad hoc meeting of federal, provincial, and territorial trade ministers took place in Vancouver for October 25, 2018 to discuss measures to enhance interprovincial trade. The Prime Minister also announced that improving trade between provinces and territories will be a focus of the First Ministers' Meeting in fall 2018.
On November 28, 2018, the Government of Canada announced specific federal action to reduce barriers to trade within Canada. This included measures to make the national building code available for free and to align provincial and territorial codes with the federal codes; aligning meat inspection standards through equivalency frameworks; amend the Energy Efficiency Regulations to ensure alignment across Canada and with the United States; amending the definition of vodka, and reviewing the guidelines for products to be labelled as a ""Product of Canada.""
At the December 7, 2018, First Ministers' Meeting, First Ministers agreed to accelerate work to address domestic barriers to trade that increase business costs and impose needless burden on Canadian firms. Specifically, First Ministers agreed to:
• Develop harmonized standards in the trucking sector, building on federal investments in the National Trade and Transportation Corridors initiative. Federal, provincial and territorial governments will work together on an accelerated basis to harmonize standards for wide base tires, electronic logging devices, and size and weight restrictions.
• Take action to strengthen Canada’s agri-food sector, including clearer rules for organic products, and eliminating the duplication of food oversight and safety. The Government of Canada will also continue to work collaboratively with the territories to support their food industries and build food security.
• Consult industry and consumers to develop ways to facilitate the sale of alcoholic beverages, taking into consideration social responsibility obligations. As a first step, Canada will consider amendments to the *Importation of Intoxicating Liquors Act* to remove the federal requirement that alcohol moving from one province to another be sold or consigned to a provincial liquor authority.
• Accelerate work to strengthen the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, including a plan to reduce the number of exceptions and strengthen the dispute resolution provisions."
11/30/2018,422,18-Aug,Jobs and Innovation,"Support the Prime Minister in hosting a First Ministers’ Meeting in Fall 2018, focusing on ways to build on Canada’s economic growth.",Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,Completed - fully met,Intergovernmental collaboration to take measures to improve Canadian competitiveness and foster economic growth.,"On July 19, 2018, the Prime Minister announced that a First Ministers’ Meeting (FMM) will be hosted in the fall. At the FMM, First Ministers will discuss ways to build on Canada’s economic growth through diversifying international trade and improving trade within the borders.
Discussions will be held on how to eliminate barriers to trade between provinces and territories, and work toward a stronger, more interconnected Canadian economy that is free from unnecessary barriers and restrictions imposed by provinces and territories.
On December 7, 2018, First Ministers met to discuss ways to strengthen economic growth and create jobs for the middle class by diversifying Canada’s international trade, promoting clean growth, and strengthening trade between provinces and territories. A joint communique was released outlining consensus to move forward on measures to create a framework for a clean electric future, to invest in measures to support energy sectors impacted by the oil price differential, to collaborate on the implementation of environmental assessment legislation, and to take specific measures to enhance internal trade.
The FMM is an important opportunity for federal, provincial, and territorial leaders to discuss shared priorities, strengthen collaboration, and work together to make life better for all Canadians."
11/30/2018,423,18-Aug,Jobs and Innovation,"Partner with the Atlantic provinces on the Atlantic Growth Strategy, and seek opportunities to develop new partnerships with other provinces and territories that contribute to economic prosperity.","Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development","Actions taken, progress made",Regional growth and prosperity. ,"Since the launch of the Atlantic Growth Strategy in 2016, the governments of Canada and the Atlantic provinces have worked collaboratively to foster economic and population growth in Atlantic Canada by focusing on five strategic priorities: skilled workforce and immigration, innovation, clean growth and climate change, trade and investment, and infrastructure.
Between July 2017 and April 2018, the Atlantic economy created more than 16,000 jobs and employment grew 1.5 per cent, better than the national average of 0.9 per cent. The region has also welcomed over 9,000 permanent residents and their families in 2017 under economic immigration programs. With new dedicated support for businesses offered by the Atlantic Immigration Pilot, regional employers made nearly 1,800 job offers since 2017 to fill job vacancies using the Pilot Program, compared to over 250 job offers last year. A new Ocean Supercluster will support growth of the ocean economy in Atlantic Canada and is projected to create more than 3,000 jobs and add more than $14 billion to Canada’s economy over 10 years. Through the Accelerated Growth Service, 62 Atlantic Canadian high-growth companies are receiving customized support to grow their markets potential.
Under the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change initiatives, $185 million has been allocated to Atlantic Canadian provinces through the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund. A new Clean Growth Hub, launched in January 2018, has already helped 30 Atlantic Canadian companies to access federal clean technology programs, funding and services. There were nearly 70 more in exporters Atlantic Canada in 2017 compared to 2016. Exports from Atlantic Canada were valued at $25 billion in 2017, an increase of nearly 20 per cent between 2016 and 2017. Since the launch of the Atlantic Trade and Investment Growth Strategy in July 2017, partners have been organizing pan-Atlantic initiatives dedicated to international market engagement. A new pan-Atlantic tourism approach, also announced in July 2017, provides new tools for hundreds of exporters in the tourism industry and promotes the region as a world-class tourism destination. This approach includes the region’s largest ever media campaign in China, which builds on the 2018 Canada-China Year of Tourism. In November 2018, Atlantic premiers and federal ministers will be undertaking a trade mission to China focused on the themes of food, tourism, education, and clean growth.
In keeping with the focus on innovation, at the last Atlantic Growth Strategy meeting of ministers and premiers in July 2018, the Minister of Health announced that Canada Health Infoway will invest $70 million in an ACCESS Atlantic Initiative for Health, which will create a new digital health ecosystem across the Atlantic provinces and include the implementation of an electronic prescription service.
The federal and Atlantic governments are also supporting the region’s infrastructure in an effort to foster long-term economic growth and make communities more inclusive. Following the negotiation of Integrated Bilateral Agreements, over $2.4 billion will be provided to Atlantic governments through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program over the next decade for infrastructure projects, a record level of investment.
Beyond the Atlantic Growth Strategy, the Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario was launched in April 2018, and public consultations towards a growth strategy for Western Canada, launched in September 2018, are set to be completed in November, with a “What We Heard” report to be released in December. On November 9 2018, the government launched its Federal Strategy on Innovation and Growth for the Quebec Regions."
11/30/2018,424,18-Aug,Safety and Security,Chair the Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Irregular Migration.,Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",Effective intergovernmental collaboration in response to irregular migration.,"The Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade became chair of the Task Force on August 13, 2018.
Announced on August 17, 2017, the Task Force also includes: Canada's Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction: Quebec's Minister of Immigration, Diversity and Inclusion; Ontario's Minister of Children, Community and Social Services; the Mayor of Toronto; and the Member of Parliament for Bourassa.
The Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Irregular Migration facilitates collaborative work undertaken at the federal and provincial levels to ensure a coordinated approach across governments in response to irregular migration."
11/30/2018,425,18-Aug,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Work with the Canadian National Railway Company, and the Government of Québec on a contribution towards repainting the Pont de Québec. ",Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Transport,"Actions taken, progress made",Collaboration with public and private sector partners ensures the Pont de Quebec gets repainted. ,"The Government of Canada is committed to working with the government of Quebec, the municipalities, and the CN to explore options that would ensure the Bridge gets repainted."
11/30/2018,426,18-Aug,Sustainable Infrastructure,Support the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority as it advances the construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities,"Actions taken, progress made",Effective oversight of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority and stewardship of the Canadian Lands advances the timely delivery of the Gordie Howe International Bridge.,"On September 28, 2018, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority announced the signing of a P3 contract with Bridging North America to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the Gordie Howe International Bridge project. The contract is valued at $5.7 billion (nominal value), which includes the design-build (DB) phase and the 30-year operation, maintenance, rehabilitation (OMR) phase. Bridging North America has presented a 74 month construction schedule to complete the four components of the project with the bridge expected to be in service by the end of 2024.
On October 5, 2018, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority and the Government of Canada announced the full construction start of the Gordie Howe International Bridge. Expected to open by the end of 2024, the Gordie Howe International Bridge will provide direct connections between Ontario's Highway 401 and Michigan's Interstate 75. Enhanced border infrastructure at the crossing will also protect the safety and security of Canadians while making it easier, safer, and faster for people to travel and goods to flow between the two countries."
11/30/2018,427,18-Aug,Exports and Investment,Support the export mobilization of Canadian small- and medium-sized enterprises and ensure maximization of Canada's comparative advantage with its vibrant diversity and diaspora communities.,Minister of International Trade Diversification;Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion,"Actions taken, progress made","Canadians SMEs, from high growth firms trying to achieve export readiness, to under-represented businesses, to more established ones seeking to diversify export markets, are supported through access to information, direct financial assistance (for export ready companies), and government-led trade missions.","1,264 SME-led projects have been financed by the CanExport program: they span a variety of sectors and segments of the SME population and have targeted over 90 countries, including those in which Canada has FTAs. Those projects have resulted in over $395 million in new exports for Canada. Following the June 2018 Government of Canada announcement of new funding to defend and protect the interests of Canadian workers and businesses affected by the US tariffs, an additional $40 million has been earmarked for CanExport. The new funding, along with enhancements to the program, will provide Canadian SMEs more opportunities to diversify their export markets. Over 170 under-represented businesses have participated with Global Affairs Canada in five trade missions during the current year. Of the five diversity trade missions, there were three business women’s trade missions in February, June and November, the first-ever LGBTQ2 business mission to the US in August, and then another delegation of Indigenous businesses to the World Indigenous Business Forum in New Zealand this past October. With new funding having been earmarked in Budget 2018, through the Women’s Entrepreneurship Strategy, Canada’s Business Women in International Trade program will support: expanded diversity trade missions focusing on FTA markets; a new market access fund to support business development opportunities; greater participation of women technology entrepreneurs within the Canadian Technology Accelerator; and expanded dedicated resources across Canada which will enhance capacity to promote opportunities for under-represented client groups thereby responding to the unique barriers faced by this business segment.
In the 2018 Fall Economic Statement the Government announced additional funding that will help small and medium-sized businesses realize their export potential:
• A further $100 million over six years to support businesses looking to reach new overseas markets, including new export readiness grants. This funding will go to CanExport and related funding programs to support small and medium-sized enterprise’s export development efforts, including providing them with funding to participate in trade shows and trade missions, market research, legal fees and adaptation of marketing tools. This new funding will primarily target CETA and CPTPP markets.
• $10 million over three years for export readiness and export capacity building initiatives. Some initiatives would be delivered in partnership with provincial/territorial governments, local organizations (such as Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade), incubators and accelerators, to help firms realize new international opportunities. Support will be targeted to businesses that have a high potential to export products and services in markets where Canada has gained a competitive advantage under recently implemented free trade agreements (e.g. CETA and CPTPP).
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11/30/2018,428,18-Aug,Exports and Investment,Maximize Invest in Canada.,Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made","Canada attracts increased global investment, creating well-paying, middle-class jobs and makes it simpler and faster for businesses investing in Canada.","Since its launch in March 2018, Invest in Canada continues to grow as it puts in place the infrastructure, programs, services, tools and talent needed to become fully operational. The organization’s logo, web and social media channels were revealed as part of the launch and momentum has been building among partners and international investors through direct outreach and signature events. In promoting Canada’s value proposition, Invest in Canada currently highlights existing programs/incentives such as the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF), Global Skills Strategy, and SRED. The board had its first meeting on September 25, 2018. Invest in Canada continues to work closely with Global Affairs Canada to ensure foreign investors receive coordinated federal support when looking to invest or expand their operations in Canada. From September 19-21, 2018 GAC and Invest in Canada met together with provincial/territorial governments as well as members of the Consider Canada City Alliance to share plans, priorities and best practices to ensure a continued coordinated approach to attracting prospective investors to Canada. Global Affairs Canada continues to increase its capacity to attract FDI and has added 20 dedicated investment officers in key global markets with an additional 5 to be added by 2019-20. This increased capacity improves Canada’s ability to identify investment leads by promoting Canada as a prime investment location through direct interaction with senior executives of highly innovative, internationally experienced companies."
11/30/2018,429,18-Aug,Exports and Investment,Implement CETA and ratify CPTPP.,Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made",Implementation of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) will increase economic opportunities for Canadian businesses. Ratification of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) expeditiously to help diversify Canada’s trade towards the Asia-Pacific region.,"September 21, 2017 marked the start of provisional application of CETA, with all economically significant parts of the agreement coming into force, e.g. tariff elimination on 98 per cent of European Union (EU) tariff lines for Canadian goods, increased quotas, services commitments, temporary entry commitments, and government procurement obligations. CETA is strengthening economic relations, promoting new economic opportunities for Canada, businesses, and increasing jobs. For the Agreement to come fully into force, all 28 EU Member States must ratify CETA in their national parliaments. To date, 12 Member States have ratified the Agreement. The government signed and ratified the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which will enter into force on December 30, 2018. "
11/30/2018,430,18-Aug,Environment and Climate Change,Support northern communities confronting immediate climate adaptation challenges.,Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",Northern communities strengthen their capacity to adapt to changing environments.,"Under the Pan-Canadian Framework for Clean Growth and Climate Change, the Government of Canada has been working with Territorial governments, communities, academia and Indigenous partners to implement climate change adaptation projects in Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik and Nunatsiavut.
The Climate Change Preparedness in North program, announced in Budget 2016, provides support to northern communities and organizations to help them adapt to climate change impacts by funding projects such as assessment of vulnerability and risk assessments of climate change impacts, development of hazard maps and adaptation plans, development of adaptation options, and implementation of non-structural and structural adaptation measures. To date, the program has funded 109 climate change adaptation projects in the North representing $14.8 million in total investments.
The Indigenous Community-Based Climate Monitoring Program, announced in Budget 2017, supports the collection of local data on climate and climate change impacts that can be used to support adaptation planning and decision making. To date, the program has funded 46 community-based climate monitoring projects in the North, representing $3 million in total investments.
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11/30/2018,431,18-Aug,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Implement the Action Plan for Official Languages, and examine the modernization of the *Official Languages Act*.","Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie","Actions taken, progress made",Strong and vibrant English and French linguistic minority communities across Canada and a culture of bilingualism that encourages exchange and recognizes Canada's English and French linguistic heritage. ,"On March 28, 2018, the 2018-2023 Action Plan for Official Languages: Investing in our Future was unveiled. The Action Plan includes a new investment of almost $500 million to support official-language minority communities across the country and promote bilingualism of Canadians. The new plan took effect on April 1, 2018. 28 new initiatives are being gradually implemented by the seven federal partners over 2018-19, including: artistic and cultural activities at official languages minority schools, thanks to an investment of up to $7.5 million starting in 2019–20; a fund in support of official-language minority media that will support the creation of more than 100 year-long youth internships between 2018 and 2020, in official-language minority radio stations and community newspapers; and, the implementation of the Community Media Strategic Support Fund, with a funding envelope of $10 million over five years, to provide financial assistance for projects that contribute to the maintenance of official-language minority radio and newspapers.
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11/30/2018,432,18-Aug,Exports and Investment,Make it easier for SMEs to take advantage of trade agreements including CETA and CPTPP.,Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion,"Actions taken, progress made",SMEs are aware of existing opportunities for export markets and government services to support export related activities.,"Through enhanced outreach and engagement with Canadian SMEs and their industry associations, the government is raising SMEs’ awareness and understanding of export market opportunities under free trade agreements, and the programs and services available in Canada to help them prepare to be export ready."
11/30/2018,433,18-Aug,Environment and Climate Change,"Ensure effective use of restored funding to freshwater, oceans, fish stocks and aquaculture research programs.","Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard","Actions taken, progress made",Enhanced ocean and freshwater research and monitoring for improved decision making.,"The Government of Canada has made effective use of the restored research funding for oceans and freshwater research by adding fisheries monitoring and ecosystem-level surveys in Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic waters. An ecosystem-level survey has taken place in the Arctic. These activities will generate the basis for improved evidence-based advice to inform decision-making.
The first Pacific Region International Sighting Survey of Marine Megafauna took place in Summer 2018, simultaneously with a similar U.S. survey. This survey collected important information about the status of whale populations in the Pacific ocean and will inform conservation and management decisions related to these species.
Near real-time scientific data is being continuously collected and shared from more than 25 new ocean observing instruments deployed in Canadian waters. These instruments gather important information about the oceans (e.g. temperature, currents, etc.) that informs the government’s work on weather prediction, climate change, fish and marine mammal status and distribution, and the selection of marine protected areas.
The government has also used this funding to strengthen lab capacity for aquatic animal health diagnostic testing, which has improved diagnostic throughput by over 40%, allowing for more timely disease detection. Furthermore, aquaculture sites on both Pacific and Atlantic coasts have been selected for additional monitoring to better understand the effects of aquaculture inputs, such as drugs and pesticides and inputs of organic matter from feeds and fish feces. The data from these sites will inform advice into new regulations and standards for the aquaculture sector.
Enhanced ecosystem-based research activities also help provide insight on environmental changes and form a basis for resource managers and communities to adapt to the new environmental conditions. For example, research is being undertaken on predator-prey relations and linkages between benthic habitat and fisheries."
11/30/2018,434,18-Aug,Environment and Climate Change,Implement and further develop the Oceans Protection Plan.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Transport;Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Natural Resources","Actions taken, progress made",A world-leading marine safety system for Canada’s three coasts that protects marine environments.,"The government has announced initiatives worth over $800 million, including $130 million in new science funding for partnerships, improved knowledge, and development of new technologies to help mitigate and prevent marine incidents such as oil spills. Engagement with Indigenous groups is a pillar of the Oceans Protection Plan, and to date, 138 workshops have been held with multiple Indigenous groups.
On June 21, 2018, 14 Central and North Coast First Nations in British Columbia and the Government of Canada announced the Reconciliation Framework Agreement for Bioregional Oceans Management and Protection to support the collaborative planning and implementation of marine initiatives and promote a more coordinated and efficient approach to the governance, management, and protection of oceans in the Pacific North Coast.
Following the public release of the *Pilotage Act* Review’s final report on May 22, 2018, key stakeholders have been engaged both at working level and through a Ministerial roundtable held on July 4, 2018. Transport Canada intends to introduce legislation at the earliest opportunity to enable improvements in the effectiveness, efficiency and accountability of Canada’s pilotage system.
In October 2018, the government introduced proposed legislative changes to the *Canada Shipping Act*, 2001 and the *Marine Liability Act*, as part of Bill C-86. These proposed amendments deliver on commitments made under the Oceans Protection Plan to strengthen marine safety and environmental protection, and modernize Canada’s Ship-source Oil Pollution Fund. As of the end of November 2018, these proposed amendments completed Report Stage in the House of Commons, and are undergoing pre-study at Senate Committee.
As part of the strategy to address abandoned and wrecked vessels, the government introduced the *Wrecked, Abandoned, or Hazardous Vessels Act* in October 2017 (Bill C-64). As of November 2018, the Bill had passed Second Reading in the Senate and is now being studied by the Senate Committee on Transport and Communications.
The government has assessed or removed over 100 abandoned and wrecked vessels in Canadian waters through the Abandoned Boats Program and Small Craft Harbours Abandoned and Wrecked Vessels Removal Program. Additionally, over $1 million in funding is being provided towards public education projects aimed at raising awareness about responsible boat ownership and end-of-life management practices as well as research on environmentally-responsible boat design and recycling of end-of-life boats.
The Government of Canada continues its work under the $167.4 million Whales Initiative with the goal of protecting and supporting the recovery of endangered whale populations across Canada by addressing key threats to Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW), North Atlantic Right Whales (NARW) and the St. Lawrence Estuary Beluga. In partnership with the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority’s Enhancing Cetacean Habitat and Observation (ECHO) Program, a voluntary slowdown of vessels and a lateral displacement trial were executed in the Salish Sea this summer to reduce acoustic disturbance in key foraging areas of Southern Resident Killer Whales. Additionally, measures were taken to reduce the risk of strikes and entanglements of North Atlantic Right Whales in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. To date in 2018, there have been no known North Atlantic Right Whales deaths in Canadian waters. On October 31, 2018, the government announced additional measures to protect Southern Resident Killer Whales. These include exploring the expansion of vessel slowdowns to further reduce underwater noise in Southern Resident Killer Whales critical habitat, developing agreements with marine industry partners to formalize current voluntary measures to reduce noise, new areas of habitat, investments aimed at protecting and recovering chinook salmon stocks, advancing feasibility work on Southern Resident Killer Whales sanctuaries and expanding vessel monitoring systems. This closely followed tabling of proposed changes to the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 to strengthen regulatory authorities to protect the marine environment from the impacts of shipping and navigation.
Recognizing that chemical contaminants are one of the key threats facing Canada’s endangered whale populations, the Government of Canada continues its actions to reduce the presence of chemical contaminants. As such, on October 13, 2018, the government published a Notice of Intent to amend the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012. The amendments will strengthen controls for two flame retardants and three oil and water repellents, and will prohibit two additional flame retardants should the final scientific risk assessments confirm they are toxic.
The government is modernizing the Coast Guard’s current suite of emergency response assets, and contracts have been awarded for the procurement of environmental response training software, curtain booms, fence booms, a medium-size portable multi-cassette-skimmer package, and a small high-speed sweep system. Transport Canada is also modernizing its emergency response capacity and has trained more than 1902 people in the internationally recognized Incident Command System to ensure interoperability, role clarity and overall emergency response effectiveness with partners such as the Canadian Coast Guard and Environment and Climate Change Canada.
In 2018, close to $1 million in funding was announced for four Arctic Indigenous communities to buy search and rescue capable boats and/or equipment to strengthen their participation in marine emergency responses in local waters as members of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary.
In November 2018, six new RADAR installations for monitoring marine traffic on the West Coast were announced. These installations will increase our coverage range, enhancing our ability to monitor vessel traffic which contributes to ensuring safer movement of vessels in the waters off southern British Columbia.
The Coastal Restoration Fund helps rehabilitate some of Canada's most vulnerable coastlines and protect marine life and ecosystems and is providing $75 million over five years to support coastal habitat restoration projects at the local and community level along Canada’s coasts. Since its launch, there have been 163 expressions of interest requesting over $310 million in funding submissions during its initial call for proposals. At present the program has allocated funding to 39 projects on all three coasts worth over $55 million. The next public call for proposals for the program’s remaining $13.6 million was launched on November 1, 2018.
In August 2018, a contract was awarded for a three year lease of two emergency offshore towing vessels to assist in towing vessels in distress off the Pacific coast. The first vessel arrived in Victoria on November 5, 2018, and the second vessel is scheduled to arrive early December. Additionally, a contract was awarded to buy emergency tow kits for Coast Guard vessels and equipment caches across Canada.
To enhance the ability to mount an effective science-based federal response that minimizes environmental damage, Environment and Climate Change Canada has, since January 2018, placed three Environmental Emergency Officers on each coast (Pacific and Atlantic) as well as Wildlife Emergency Response Coordinators in four regions in Canada (i.e., Pacific, Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic).
In 2017, following discussions and consultation with various stakeholders to determine marine weather information needs/gaps, in addition to considering relevant monitoring rationalization data, Environment and Climate Change Canada identified specific High Risk Marine Areas, which informed the decision to moor up to five new weather buoys in two locations on the West Coast (Southern Georgia Strait and approaching the Port of Metro Vancouver) and two locations on the East Coast (Strait of Canso and Bay of Fundy). These new buoys will help provide mariners with enhanced forecast information."
11/30/2018,435,18-Aug,Environment and Climate Change,"Develop a strategy to protect Pacific salmon in cooperation with the Government of British Columbia, with concrete deliverables for the 2019 International Year of the Salmon.","Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard","Actions taken, progress made","An integrated Pacific salmon strategy is developed in collaboration with the Government of BC, including new initiatives launched and implemented for International Year of the Salmon.","The Government of Canada is working with the government of BC on identifying opportunities to collaborate to protect wild salmon. A cornerstone of this strategy is the implementation of a new Wild Salmon Policy 2018-2022 Implementation Plan, announced on October 11, 2018.
On November 30, 2018, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, and the B.C. Minister of Agriculture, announced plans to establish a British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund (BCSRIF). The fund will focus on salmon protection and habitat restoration, as well as ensuring the fish and seafood sector in BC is positioned for long-term environmental and economic sustainability. Canada will contribute over $100 million in federal funding over six years, and provincial funding will be announced in the coming months. The federal government is also proposing to make a one-time contribution of $5 million to the Pacific Salmon Endowment Fund.
Government of Canada funding for the BCSRIF was announced in the Fall Economic Statement 2018. Also announced in the Fall Economic Statement 2018 was $107.4 million in new resources to support stock assessment and rebuilding efforts for priority Pacific salmon stocks, and $17.6 million per year ongoing, to support the implementation of stock assessment and rebuilding provisions in a renewed *Fisheries Act*.
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11/30/2018,436,18-Aug,Exports and Investment,Develop and implement the trade diversification strategy for the benefit of the middle class and small businesses seeking export opportunities.,Minister of International Trade Diversification;Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion,"Actions taken, progress made","Grow and diversify the base of Canadian exporters in a broader range of international markets, including through enhancement of their export readiness.","With the goal of increasing Canada’s overseas exports by 50 per cent by 2025, in November 2018 the government announced the launch of an Export Diversification Strategy that will invest $1.1 billion ($810 million in infrastructure; $290 million in programs and services) over the next six years, starting in 2018-19, in helping Canadian exporters businesses accelerate their presence in new markets made more accessible by Canada's free trade agreements. The Export Diversification Strategy will align with the Innovation and Skills Plan by supporting SMEs, including high-growth, high-potential companies, particularly in emerging technology, digital, and services sectors. To date, the government's trade diversification initiatives include Budget 2018's announced investment of $75 million over five years for diplomatic and trade support in China and Asia, as well as $50 million over five years to help Canadian companies affected by the US tariffs diversify their exports. The Trade Commissioner Service will continue to play an instrumental role in the implementation of the government's trade diversification agenda, and will be working closely with other business and trade development partners to help Canadian exporters succeed abroad."
11/30/2018,437,18-Aug,Environment and Climate Change,Build on the work of Generation Energy and work with provinces and territories to accelerate clean growth strategies.,Minister of Natural Resources,"Actions taken, progress made","Enhance competitiveness, improve in environmental performance and move Canada towards a clean energy future. ","Through Generation Energy, Canadians outlined a vision for a prosperous and inclusive low-carbon energy future built on affordable, clean, secure, and resilient energy production, distribution, and consumption systems. The government will build on the Generation Energy Council report, engage provinces and territories to accelerate clean growth strategies and enhance the energy sector’s competitiveness.
Federal, provincial, and territorial governments are working together to advance priorities towards a low-carbon future, as demonstrated in the report outlining collaborative actions on energy, which was publicly released at the annual Energy and Mines Ministers’ Conference in August 2018. These collaborative actions support the implementation of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate, including through key programs related to electric vehicles, alternative fuels, smart grids, energy efficiency, renewable power, and clean energy for rural and remote communities. "
11/30/2018,101_1,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Implement the Auditor General's recommendations on enhancing mental health service delivery to Veterans.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,Veterans have increased awareness of available mental health services so that they know when they can expect care and get it quickly; there is improved performance management in the delivery of mental health services; and all recommendations of the Auditor General's 2014 report have been implemented.,"With the opening of a satellite operational stress injury clinic in Montreal on January 8, 2018, the Government of Canada has fully implemented the recommendations from the Auditor General's 2014 report on mental health services for Veterans.
In addition, a new information system has been implemented to better track operational stress injuries and mental health needs among Veterans. This system is intended to address the quality and impact of service, help identify those at risk and provide recommendations for Veterans and their mental health service providers.
These and other changes, reinforced by a new performance management framework, will improve the quality and effectiveness of how mental health services and outreach activities are delivered to Veterans. Lastly, Veterans Affairs Canada is continuously communicating about mental health services amongst the Veteran community to ensure those requiring assistance can access it."
11/30/2018,14_1,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and all other parts of the Public Safety portfolio are workplaces free from harassment and sexual violence.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,"Actions taken, progress made","Reduced incidents of harassment and sexual violence across Public Safety portfolio workplaces. Better training for staff at all levels, and implementation of all recommendations related to workplace safety and wellness at the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).","The government is taking all necessary steps to ensure the RCMP is a workplace free from harassment and sexual violence. These steps include implementing all recommendations from the July 2016 Report on Allegations of Harassment and Sexual Misconduct at the RCMP's Canadian Police College Explosives Training Unit, providing $100 million for a settlement between the RCMP and female members and public service employees regarding gender and sexual orientation based harassment and discrimination, and establishing a senior executive responsible for Workforce Culture and Employee Engagement. The government is also reviewing the report by Special Advisor Sheila Fraser on four cases of civil litigation against the RCMP regarding workplace harassment and the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission's comprehensive review of workplace harassment. In May 2018, the government mandated the new RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki, in a letter from the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, to protect the health and safety of RCMP employees and members, including from harassment and violence in the workplace.
Agencies in the Public Safety portfolio, including the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC), Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), have also put initiatives in place to address harassment and sexual violence in the workplace. In June 2018, the Federal Court approved a landmark Final Settlement Agreement (FSA) to the LGBT Purge Class Action that will compensate current and former federal public servants, members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who were directly impacted by anti-LGBTQ2 policies and practices. The FSA also includes $15 million for Reconciliation and Memorialization Measures to prevent future discrimination and for reconciliation with LGBTQ2 communities."
11/30/2018,175_1,15-Nov,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Make sure the Infrastructure Bank supports the construction of new, affordable rental housing.","Minister of Families, Children and Social Development","Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Where relevant, the Canada Infrastructure Bank undertakes complementary projects that support the goals of the National Housing Strategy.","The Canada Infrastructure Bank was legally established in June 2017 as an arm’s length Crown corporation focused on making and attracting investments in revenue-generating infrastructure projects in the public interest. The Bank is responsible for investments of at least $35 billion over 11 years, focused on public transit, green infrastructure, and trade and transportation projects.
In parallel, the government launched the National Housing Strategy which includes a new National Housing Co-investment Fund which will support initiatives designed to build, renew and repair Canada’s stock of affordable housing and ensure Canadians have greater access to affordable housing that meets their needs.
The Bank may undertake projects in the future related to housing, and if so these will complement the National Housing Strategy. But, to avoid duplication, the construction of affordable rental housing is not likely to be part of the Bank's primary mandate."
11/30/2018,227_1,18-Aug,Indigenous peoples,"Provide new funding to preserve, promote and revitalize Indigenous languages and cultures.",Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism,Completed - fully met,Community-based projects contribute to the revitalization and preservation of Indigenous languages.,"Budget 2017 invested $89.9 million to support Indigenous languages and cultures. These investments are supporting community-based projects that facilitate communication in, and revitalization of, Indigenous languages and are also helping to digitize Indigenous languages and oral histories. "
11/30/2018,240_1,15-Nov,Indigenous peoples,Co-develop an Indigenous Early Learning and Childcare Framework with Indigenous partners.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Indigenous Services;Minister of Status of Women",Completed - fully met,"Strengthened early learning and child care that reflects the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit and Métis children and families.","In September 2018, the Government of Canada, the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Métis National Council jointly announced the first Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care (IELCC) Framework.
In addition to investments to support early learning and child care under the Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care Framework with provinces and territories, the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the Métis National Council and the Government of Canada have co-developed an IELCC Framework that reflects the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children and families across Canada. The Framework will inform additional investments of up to $1.7 billion over 10 years to strengthen early learning and childcare programs and services for Indigenous children and families starting in 2018-19. This is part of the commitment of $7.5 billion over 11 years the government has made to support and create more high-quality, affordable child care across the country in Budget 2016.
Budget 2016 announced $29.4 million in 2016-17 to support repairs and renovations of the facilities used by the First Nations and Inuit Child Care Initiative (FNICCI) and the Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve (AHSOR) program. Repairs and renovations were undertaken in 210 FNICCI child care centers and in 70 AHSOR facilities.
Budget 2016 also proposed investments of $100 million in 2017-18 to build capacity in existing Indigenous early learning and child care programs while the IELCC Framework was being co-developed. With these investments, repairs and renovations have been undertaken in 340 FNICCI child care centers, in 97 AHSOR facilities and in 90 Aboriginal Head Start in Urban and Northern Communities facilities.
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11/30/2018,257_1,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Encourage an increase in the number of women in senior positions and on boards in Canada.,"Minister of Status of Women;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made",More women occupy senior leadership positions in Canada.,"The first gender-balanced federal Cabinet was appointed in 2015. The government has also adopted an open, transparent and merit-based approach to select candidates for federal appointments. Since late 2015, the representation of women serving as GIC appointees has increased by 13 percentage points and is now at 47 per cent. In addition, the government has announced a process to address the underrepresentation of women as Canada Research Chairs, and the newly amended legislation, which received Royal Assent on May 1, 2018, will require publicly-traded, federally-incorporated companies to disclose annually information on the diversity makeup of their boards and senior management, as well as their diversity policies (or explain why they do not have one). Budget 2018 announced that the government will create an annual award for Canadian corporations showing leadership in promoting women, including minority women, to senior management positions and boards of directors."
11/30/2018,257_2,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Increase women representation where they have been traditionally under-represented, such as in the skilled trades.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made","Increase representation of women in professions and sectors traditionally dominated by men, including the skilled trades.","Budget 2017 investments in the PromoScience Program and FuturPreneur Canada are aimed at increasing the participation of underrepresented groups, including women, in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields as well as in entrepreneurship. Budget 2018 proposed to allocate approximately $20 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, to pilot an Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women. Under the Grant, women in male-dominated Red Seal trades would receive $3,000 for each of their first two years of training (up to $6,000). Working in partnership with provinces, territories, post-secondary institutions, training providers, unions and employers, the government will provide $46 million over five years, starting in 2018-19, and $10 million per year thereafter, for the Pre-Apprenticeship Program. The new program will help Canadians explore the trades, gain work experience, make informed career choices and develop the skills needed to find and keep good, well-paying jobs in the trades. To help increase the number of women in the skilled trades, the Women in Construction Fund will be launched in 2018-19 with an investment of $10 million over three years. The Program will build on existing models that have proven to be effective in attracting women to the trades. These models provide supports such as mentoring, coaching and tailored supports that help women to progress through their training, and find and retain jobs in the trades."
11/30/2018,39_1,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,"Implement the Pan-Canadian framework, including targeted federal funding and a flexible national carbon pollution pricing policy.",Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Finance;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations;Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,"Actions taken, progress made","Reduction in Canada's greenhouse gas emissions and progress to Canada's 2030 emission reduction targets as committed to in the Paris Agreement, ensuring that a cleaner, more sustainable world is left for our children and generations to come.","In December 2016, most First Ministers adopted the Pan-Canadian Framework (PCF) on Clean Growth and Climate Change, with Manitoba announcing its intention to join on February 23, 2018. The Government of Canada is working closely with the provinces and territories, Indigenous Peoples, and Canadians to implement over 50 measures outlined in the PCF. These actions, supported by significant federal investments announced in Budget 2016 and Budget 2017, will decrease emissions, air pollution, advance technology innovation and increase resilience across the broad range of impacts of climate change. In addition, the Government of Canada – working in partnership with the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and the Métis National Council – has launched three separate senior-level tables to engage with First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation in the implementation of the PCF.
In December 2017, the first annual report on progress made in implementing the PCF was released. This report highlights significant federal, provincial and territorial accomplishments of the past year under all four pillars of the Framework.
Under the pan-Canadian approach to pricing carbon pollution, provinces and territories have the flexibility to implement their own carbon pollution pricing systems to meet the federal benchmark. The Budget Implementation Act, 2018, No. 1, which enacts the *Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act* (GGPPA), received Royal Assent on June 21, 2018. The GGPPA establishes the framework for the federal carbon pollution pricing system that will apply in jurisdictions that request it or that do not have a carbon pollution pricing system in place in 2018 that meets the federal benchmark stringency requirements (announced in October 2016). Provinces and territories had until September 1, 2018 to outline their plans, which were assessed against the federal benchmark.
On October 23, 2018 the Government of Canada announced the results of that assessment. This included information on where the federal carbon pollution pricing system will apply and how direct proceeds will be returned to the province or territory of origin.
In February 2018, Canada published two proposed regulations to limit carbon dioxide emissions: one amendment to accelerate the phase-out of coal-fired power by 2030, and the other to set emission performance standards for new natural gas-fired electricity generation and coal boilers converted to run on natural gas.
Canada is also working on a full suite of adaptation programs; codes and standards for climate resilience; investments of $21.9 billion in green infrastructure funding (including $9.2 billion for bilateral agreements with provinces and territories); and $2 billion for a Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund. The Canadian Centre for Climate Services was launched in October 2018.
The Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund is providing up to $1.4 billion to provinces and territories to leverage investments in projects and programs that will generate clean growth and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to support the Pan-Canadian Framework.
In July 2018, the timelines and approach to developing the Clean Fuel Standard were revised to enable continued consultations and analysis to ensure that the Clean Fuel Standard achieves its goal while maintaining Canadian competitiveness. The revised approach starts with the development of the standards for liquid fuels, followed by gaseous and solid fuels together.
In March 2018, the $500 million Low Carbon Economy Challenge was launched. In April 2018, the final Regulations Respecting Reductions in the Release of Methane and Certain Volatile Organic Compounds (upstream oil and gas sector) were published. In May 2018, the final Regulations Amending the Heavy-duty Vehicle and Engine Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations were published. In August 2018, a discussion paper was released on the mid-term evaluation of Canada’s GHG emission standards for light-duty vehicles of the 2022 to 2025 model years. This evaluation aims to determine whether the established greenhouse gas emission standards for the 2022 to 2025 model years remain appropriate for Canada. Also in August 2018, the Government of Canada launched the Climate Action Fund, providing up to $3 million in grants and contributions for projects that increase action and awareness on climate change and climate change initiatives, with results expected to be announced in late fall 2018.
To highlight how the Government of Canada is addressing climate change through investments in communities across the country, a Climate Action Map was released in October 2018. "
11/30/2018,393_1,18-Aug,Sustainable Infrastructure,Launch a new Canadian Green Bond that can enable additional investments to support green projects when a lack of capital represents a barrier to green projects.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Finance,"Actions taken, progress made",Increase the impact of green initiatives by introducing a new financing mechanism to promote increased investment when a lack of capital represents a barrier.,"Budget 2016 included investments of $5 billion over five years towards infrastructure projects that protect communities and support Canada's ongoing transition to a clean growth economy. Budget 2017 announced the government's plan to invest $21.9 billion in green infrastructure, including initiatives, which will support the implementation of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change. Of this, $9.2 billion will be provided to provinces and territories over the next decade through bilateral agreements. A further $5 billion will be available for green infrastructure projects through the Canada Infrastructure Bank and $2.8 billion through a series of national programs.
In addition, the Government of Canada announced the creation of the Expert Panel on Sustainable Finance that will explore the opportunities and challenges relating to the financing of sustainable investments in Canada including infrastructure. The panel members released an Interim Report reviewing findings from their consultations to date in October 2018, and will provide a final report and recommendations to the government by the spring of 2019."
11/30/2018,413_1,18-Aug,Safety and Security,"Lead the government’s plan on irregular migration, and ensure close collaboration with provinces, territories and municipalities.","Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship;Minister of Foreign Affairs","Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",Ensure Canada's borders are managed in a way that protects the safety and security of all Canadians while upholding Canada’s international obligations regarding asylum seekers. ,"The government has made investments to help secure the Canada-U.S. border while ensuring asylum claims are processed in a timely manner. Investments are also supporting decision-making capacity for the Immigration and Refugee Board, which in turn will lead to more timely removals of those who are found to be without a valid claim. The government has also launched outreach efforts to provide accurate information on Canadian immigration laws, risks of crossing the border between ports of entry, and to deter the abuse of U.S. travel documents. To better share information with various levels of government involved in managing irregular migration, the Intergovernmental Task Force on Irregular Migration was established in the Summer of 2017. The Task Force brings together the key federal ministers responsible for managing the influx of irregular migrants with the provincial and municipal governments that have been most heavily affected. Meeting on a frequent basis, it allows members of different government levels to address challenges and explore strategies."
11/30/2018,7_1,15-Nov,Safety and Security,Ensure the Royal Canadian Navy is able to operate as a true maritime force.,"Minister of National Defence;Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development","Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges",Improved equipment for the men and women in uniform.,"Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), the government has started renewing Canada's maritime fleet so that needed vessels are delivered to the Royal Canadian Navy in a timely and affordable manner.
Significant milestones have been achieved on the following projects:
• Canadian Surface Combatant - A preferred bidder was identified in October 2018 and the due diligence negotiation/verification process started.
• Halifax-class frigates - In November 2018, Public Services and Procurement Canada issued three Advance Contract Award Notices announcing Canada’s intention to direct contracts to three Canadian shipyards to maintain the vessels for the Royal Canadian Navy until the Canadian Surface Combatant ships are delivered.
• Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS) - The launch of the first AOPS, HMCS Harry DeWolf, took place in September 2018; in November 2018, the Minister of National Defence announced that the Royal Canadian Navy will receive a sixth patrol ship, which will help sustain hundreds of highly-skilled middle class jobs at Irving shipyards.
• Joint Support Ships (JSS) – Construction began on large segments of the Royal Canadian Navy’s JSS at Vancouver Shipyards in June 2018. JSS 1 is expected to be delivered in 2022-2023 and JSS 2 is expected in 2023-2024.
The NSS also continues to generate significant economic benefits across the country. The government has issued $8.8 billion in NSS contracts during the period of 2012 to the end of August 2018. These contracts are estimated to contribute over $10 billion ($928 million annually) to gross domestic product, and create or maintain more than 9,600 jobs in the Canadian economy annually during the period of 2012-2022. NSS shipyards also continue to engage with small and medium Canadian enterprises by awarding contracts for NSS related projects.
Given the scope and complexity of the construction of vessels, delivering on time and on budget presents implementation challenges that must be closely monitored and managed.
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11/30/2018,77_1,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,New Health Accord supports the delivery of more and better home care services.,Minister of Health;Minister of Seniors,"Actions taken, progress made",Improved access to home and community care services.,"The Government of Canada has reached agreement with all provinces and territories on collective priorities and 10-year funding to strengthen health care and will invest $6 billion over 10 years for provinces and territories to expand access to home and community care options, and better support the millions of Canadians who provide informal care to loved ones. Based on the collective priorities, bilateral funding agreements detailing how federal funding will be used are now being negotiated. Agreements have been signed with nine provinces and territories: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Nova Scotia, British Columbia, and Quebec. Bilateral agreements for the remaining jurisdictions (ON, AB, MB, NU) have been approved-in-principle by officials and/or signed but have not yet been announced. The federal government has agreed to an asymmetrical arrangement with Quebec, distinct from the Common Statement of Principles.
The government has also introduced a 15-week Employment Insurance benefit for those caring for critically ill or injured adult family members and created the new Canada Caregiving Credit to simplify and expand tax credits for caregivers
In June 2018, federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) health ministers endorsed a set of indicators for measuring access to mental health and addictions services and to home and community care that was recommended by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), on behalf of the CIHI-FPT work groups. Annual reporting is expected to begin in 2019."
11/30/2018,77_2,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,New Health Accord advances pan-Canadian collaboration on health innovation.,Minister of Health,Completed - fully met,"More innovation within the health care system, including new digital and mobile technologies to improve results.","To support health innovation, Budget 2017 confirmed $300 million over five years for Canada Health Infoway to expand e-prescribing and virtual care initiatives. Canada Health Infoway has signed agreements with nine provinces and territories (AB, MB, NB, NS, NL, ON, PE, SK, YK) to collaborate on the implementation of a national e-prescribing service, which will help reduce the use of paper prescriptions, enhance patient safety, reduce fraud, improve continuity of care, optimize jurisdictional drug information system investments, and facilitate better health outcomes for Canadians. In addition, Budget 2017 committed $53 million over five years, with $15.0 million per year ongoing, to the Canadian Institute for Health Information to address health data gaps, support improved decision-making and strengthen health system performance reporting. Budget 2017 also committed $51 million over three years, starting in 2019-20, with $17 million ongoing, to the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement to continue to accelerate innovations in all provinces and territories."
11/30/2018,77_3,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,New Health Accord improves access to necessary prescription medications.,Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made",Canadians have access to lower cost prescription medications.,"The government is working on enhancing the affordability, accessibility and appropriate use of prescription drugs in collaboration with provinces, territories and other partners. The government has joined the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance, which leverages combined federal-provincial-territorial purchasing power to make patented prescription drugs cheaper for public plans and lower prescription generic drug prices for all payers. Following an initial consultation in Spring 2017, proposed amendments to the Patented Medicines Regulations were published in Canada Gazette I on December 2, 2017, launching a 75-day period during which stakeholders and interested Canadians were invited to provide feedback. Budget 2017 invested $140.3 million over five years and $18.2 million per year ongoing for Health Canada, the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board and the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health.
As part of Budget 2018, the government announced it is creating an Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare. The Advisory Council will conduct an economic and social assessment of domestic and international models, and will recommend options on how to move forward. The full Council was launched on June 20, 2018, and has begun engaging with provincial, territorial and Indigenous leaders as well as experts, stakeholders, patients and other Canadians."
11/30/2018,77_4,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,New Health Accord makes high quality mental health services available.,Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made","Improved access to mental health and addictions services, particularly for vulnerable populations and youth.","The Government of Canada has reached agreement with all provinces and territories on collective priorities and 10-year funding to strengthen health care. It is investing $5 billion over 10 years to increase access to mental health and addictions services, including for young Canadians where early interventions can significantly improve outcomes.
The federal government is now in the process of developing bilateral agreements with each province and territory that will set out details of how each jurisdiction will use federal funding in future years, based on the priority areas of action outlined in the Common Statement. Agreements have been signed and announced for nine provinces and territories: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Nova Scotia, British Columbia, and Quebec. As these agreements are completed, they are posted publicly. Bilateral agreements for the remaining jurisdictions (ON, AB, MB, NU) have been approved-in-principle by officials and/or signed but have not yet been announced publicly.
The federal government has agreed to an asymmetrical arrangement with Quebec, distinct from the Common Statement of Principles. "
11/30/2018,90_1,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Continue to reduce the federal debt-to-Gross Domestic Product ratio.,Minister of Finance,"Actions taken, progress made",A federal debt-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio that continues to go down.,"Budget 2018 shows that the fiscal framework does not forecast a balanced budget in 2019/20. Before the government delivered the 2016 Budget, the baseline fiscal track weakened as a result of low oil prices and slow global economic growth. Important fiscal investments were made to kick-start the economy, support the middle class and address the long-term challenges that were limiting Canada's potential. Canada continues to have the strongest economic growth in the G7 and increased consumer and business confidence. As a result, the current fiscal track shows steady improvements in the government's budgetary position along with a continued decline in the federal debt-to-GDP ratio. In fact, the Budget 2018 fiscal track continues to show steady improvements in the government’s annual budgetary balance, which is nearly $7 billion lower annually, on average, than projected in Budget 2017. The budgetary deficit is on track to fall from 0.9% of GDP in 2016-17 to 0.5% of GDP by 2022-23. The government will maintain this downward deficit and debt ratio track and preserve Canada's low-debt advantage for current and future generations."
11/30/2018,95_1,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Increase the value of the Disability Award.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"Increased the maximum Disability Award to $360,000 and indexed it to inflation so ill or injured Veterans receive better financial support.","The maximum Disability Award has been increased to a maximum of $360,000 for ill and injured Veterans in recognition of pain and suffering, commensurate with industry benchmarks and indexed to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This provides support to Veterans and their families for an injury or illness resulting from military service. All Veterans who received a Disability Award since 2006 have already or will receive an additional lump-sum payment as a result of these changes."
1/31/2019,1,12-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency is a client-focused agency.,Minister of National Revenue,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Improved client satisfaction levels, reduced wait times for inquiries, and simplified and easy to use processes.","The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is adopting a client-centric approach to program and service delivery.
Over the last year, the CRA:
• appointed a Chief Service Officer who is leading the CRA’s service transformation
• created an external advisory panel on service to provide advice in service design and delivery from industry experts
• improved telephone service by migrating the business, benefits, and income tax enquiries call centres to the new Hosted Contact Centre Service (HCCS) platform
• applied resources to better support the participating organizations in the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) and implemented an enhanced outreach program, increasing the number of individuals helped through the CVITP
• introduced the ""tell us once"" approach in November 2017, making it easier for Canada Pension Plan recipients to update their banking information by enabling sharing of Direct Deposit information between ESDC and CRA
• allowed individuals to pay their taxes at any Canada Post retail outlet
• began informing businesses when mail is undeliverable and asking them to update their information
• expanded the Liaison Officer service, helping small unincorporated businesses understand their tax obligations
• launched CRA BizApp, a mobile web app for small businesses and sole proprietors
• redesigned My Account, allowing users to quickly view their tax and benefit information and easily update their personal information
• completed the 2018 Serving You Better consultations, which encouraged small and medium businesses and accountants to share valuable insights to improve the CRA
• established plans to open three new Northern Service Centres in Whitehorse, Yellowknife, and Iqaluit before the 2019 tax filing season
• conducted public opinion research with Indigenous communities to identify challenges related to tax filing and benefit application
• launched File My Return, a service that lets eligible Canadians file their income tax and benefit return through an automated phone service.
• following Budget 2018’s announcement, the Agency, alongside central agencies, undertook a comprehensive review of the CRA’s service model.
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1/31/2019,2,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Crack down on tax evaders.,Minister of National Revenue,"Actions taken, progress made","A fairer tax system, and billions of dollars recovered from those who are evading taxes.","The CRA continues to crack down on tax evasion and avoidance through several means, including:
• Targeting non-compliance in the highest-risk areas, such as wealthy individuals with offshore accounts. This has led to the doubling of the number of offshore audits since 2014.
• Reviewing large money transfers between Canada and eight countries of concern—transactions worth over $177 billion that merited closer scrutiny were identified as of March 31, 2018.
• Focusing on non-compliance in the underground economy by implementing the 2018-2021 Underground Economy Strategy
• Aggressively pursuing those who promote tax avoidance schemes, and in 2017-2018, imposing approximately $48 million in penalties on these third parties.
CRA’s audit programs identified a total of $13.6 billion in fiscal impact during 2017-2018, an increase of more than $1 billion from the previous year. This included $7.9 billion that was identified through the CRA's international, large business and offshore audit teams.
Canada is one of more than 75 countries taking part in the OECD/G20 Country-by-Country Reporting Initiative, a collaborative approach that allows countries to share revenue and profit information on large multinational enterprises.
The CRA published a series of studies on Canada's tax gap to inform the public on non-compliance and to deliver on the government’s commitment to transparency. The CRA is now one of the leaders in tax gap estimation amongst OECD countries. "
1/31/2019,3,12-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Develop a Canadian energy strategy with provinces and territories.,Minister of Natural Resources,Completed - modified,"Greater energy conservation, greater inclusion of clean energy and innovative technologies in Canada's energy future, reduced diesel use in remote and off-grid communities, and effective market access for Canadian energy exports.","Federal, provincial and territorial Energy Ministers are taking joint action under the provincial/territorial led Canadian Energy Strategy on shared goals to promote energy efficiency, develop new energy technology and innovations, and identify priority energy infrastructure and advance international energy collaboration. These initiatives complement the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, which is meant to help Canada meet its emissions reduction target and grow the economy.
In June 2018, the Generation Energy Council Report was released, outlining a vision, pathways and advice on a prosperous and low-carbon future. The government will build on the work of Generation Energy, to engage provinces and territories to accelerate clean growth strategies, and enhance the energy sector’s competitiveness.
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1/31/2019,4,12-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Modernize the National Energy Board.,Minister of Natural Resources,"Actions taken, progress made","Canada has a modern energy regulator that is more representative of Canada's regions and diversity and has greater expertise to undertake its responsibilities in considering environmental science, the knowledge and perspective of Indigenous peoples, and community development. The new regulator will facilitate more timely project decisions.","As announced in February 2018, the government is proposing to create the Canadian Energy Regulator (CER), a new and modern federal energy regulator with the required independence and the proper accountability to oversee a strong, safe and sustainable Canadian energy sector in the 21st century. This includes ensuring the new CER is built on modern effective governance, more inclusive engagement, greater Indigenous participation, stronger safety and environmental protection, and more timely project decisions that enhance certainty for industry. The legislation, regulations and policy measures to modernize the National Energy Board are being informed by an Expert Panel report, federal discussion papers, parliamentary studies, and over two years of consultations with Indigenous peoples, industry, provinces and territories, non-government organizations, academia and the public. The proposed legislation is currently before the Senate for review."
1/31/2019,5,12-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Develop a North American clean energy and environment agreement.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of Natural Resources,Completed - fully met,"Reduced greenhouse gas emissions, alignment of energy efficiency regulations and enhanced development of the clean technology sector in North America, setting the foundation for a stronger, more sustainable economy.","At the trilateral North American Leaders’ Summit in June 2016, an Action Plan for a North American Climate, Clean Energy, and Environment Partnership was publicly released. It announced ambitious targets to advance clean and secure energy, drive down short-lived climate pollutants, promote clean and efficient transportation, and show global leadership in addressing climate change. The February 13, 2017 Joint Statement from the President of the United States and the Prime Minister affirmed the importance of close collaboration on energy security, clean energy innovation and the environment, including clean air and water. Canada will continue to advance these priorities, including by working with Mexico and sub-national governments in the United States in the context of the North American Climate Leaders’ process. On September 13, 2018, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and the Mexican and United States Climate Alliance counterparts announced a North American Climate Leadership Dialogue joint statement committing to continued environment and climate change cooperation."
1/31/2019,6,12-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Undertake a review of Canada Post to make sure it provides high-quality service at a reasonable price.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility;Minister of Rural Economic Development,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges","Canadians receive the services they expect from Canada Post at a reasonable price. In addition, Canada Post is able to effectively adapt to changes in technology and consumer preferences.","The Canada Post Review has produced two public reports from an Independent Task Force and the House of Commons Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates.
On January 24, 2018, the government completed the Review and announced a service-focused vision for renewal, providing guidance for renewal to the Board of Directors. This vision and guidance included concrete measures to make delivery more accessible, and to stop converting door-to-door service into community mailboxes.
A new Chair of Canada Post's Board of Directors was appointed in December 2017, who received a letter of expectations from the Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility in January 2018. Subsequently, the government has announced eight appointments to the Board.
Canada Post has been reclassified under the *Financial Administration Act* with the strengthened expectation that it will reinvest all of its profits in service and innovation and steps are underway to address drivers of rural-urban pricing differences. The collective bargaining process has been challenging, and labour has recently taken rotating job action.
The collective bargaining process has been challenging. A mediator-arbitrator was appointed on December 10, 2018 to help Canada Post and the union come to an agreement."
1/31/2019,7,12-Nov,Safety and Security,Renew the Canadian Coast Guard fleet.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development","Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges",Enhanced protection and improved safety of Canadians along Canada's coasts.,"Through the Oceans Protection Plan and re-investments in the Canadian Coast Guard, the government has significantly enhanced support to the Coast Guard fleet. Specifically, the government is working to enhance the world-leading marine safety system that protects Canada’s coasts. It is also committed to ensuring that the Canadian Coast Guard has the equipment it needs to prevent potential marine pollution incidents. In August 2018, a contract was awarded for a three-year lease of two emergency offshore towing vessels to assist in towing vessels in distress off the Pacific coast. Both vessels entered into service in December 2018. Additionally, a contract was awarded to buy emergency tow kits for Coast Guard vessels and equipment caches across Canada.
Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), the government has started renewing Canada's federal fleet so that needed vessels are delivered to the Canadian Coast Guard in a timely and affordable manner.
Construction is underway on all three Offshore Fisheries Science Vessels (OFSVs), the first of which is expected to be delivered in Summer 2019. Construction engineering is also underway for the construction of the Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel, which will follow construction of the OFSV. In addition, two Channel Survey and Sounding Vessels were delivered in October 2018 to replace vessels operating in the St. Lawrence River, which were nearing the end of their lifespan. Moreover, four of 20 new Search and Rescue (SAR) lifeboats have been delivered to help keep Canadians and Canadian waterways safe. Delivery of the fifth and sixth SAR lifeboats is expected by Summer 2019.
On August 10, 2018, the Government of Canada issued a contract to Chantier Davie of Lévis, Quebec, for the acquisition and conversion of three medium commercial icebreakers. On August 27, 2018, the vessels arrived in Canada. The vessels will provide interim icebreaking capability for the Canadian Coast Guard while existing ships are removed from service for repairs and until replacement vessels are delivered under the NSS. The first medium icebreaker was accepted into service on December 14, 2018. The second and third icebreakers are currently undergoing conversion and will enter into service in 2019 and 2020 respectively.
The government is also investing to: repair and modernize many of the Coast Guard's vessels with new technology and towing equipment, enhance collaborations between the Coast Guard with Indigenous communities, and harness cutting edge science and technology to understand ocean currents, real-time shipping movements and threat monitoring.
To advance the development of National Repair, Refit and Maintenance and Small Vessel Construction program strategies, Public Services and Procurement Canada hosted a series of four regional workshops (November 2017 – April 2018). In November 2018, a Federal Marine Procurement Outlook session was held to provide industry with the status and proposed disposition of action items heard in the regional workshops. The results of these workshops will be used to identify opportunities to improve and streamline the procurement processes.
The NSS continues to generate significant economic benefits across the country. The government has issued $8.8 billion in NSS contracts between the period of 2012 to the end of August 2018. These contracts are estimated to contribute over $10 billion ($928 million annually) to gross domestic product, and create or maintain more than 9,600 jobs in the Canadian economy annually during the period of 2012-2022. NSS shipyards also continue to engage with small and medium Canadian enterprises to award contracts for NSS-related projects.
Given the scope and complexity of the construction of vessels, delivering on-time and on-budget presents implementation challenges that must be closely monitored and managed.
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1/31/2019,8,12-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Modernize procurement practices.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made","Government procurement is faster, simpler, more competitive, and more predictable in terms of cost. Businesses with innovative ideas are able to more easily sell to the Government, and procurement processes benefit Canadians and communities across Canada.","The government is improving its procurement processes so that businesses can engage with it in a simpler and faster way. The procurement platform was enhanced so that suppliers have easier access to bidding opportunities and are given a second opportunity to comply with the mandatory requirements of bid solicitations. Steps have also been taken to adopt an agile approach to procurement that provides a fair, transparent and inclusive process open to all businesses across Canada. The government announced the new Innovative Solutions Canada, which matches businesses offering early-stage prototypes with federal departments in need of innovative products or services. Budget 2018 announced $196.8 million over five years to establish a new electronic procurement platform, which will also help make government procurement simpler, faster, and more accessible.
The government is also making strides to increase bidder diversity. As of the second quarter of this fiscal year, PSPC participated in 838 outreach events across Canada reaching 20,140 individuals to promote how to do business with the Government of Canada. These events included individuals belonging to under-represented groups such as women, Indigenous and multicultural communities. PSPC also launched social procurement pilots to increase participation of small and diverse suppliers with a bigger focus on women-owned and Indigenous small and medium-sized businesses. These efforts also complement initiatives undertaken to support green and social procurement in order to deliver improved community and environmental benefits.
The government is also adopting innovative technologies, including the use of Artificial Intelligence and other technologies to determine how best to align government contracts to commercial best practices.
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1/31/2019,9,12-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Establish new performance standards for government services and measure and report on performance.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government;Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility;Minister of Democratic Institutions","Actions taken, progress made",Government services that better meet the needs of Canadians.,"The Government of Canada is assessing its service standards to ensure that they are comprehensive and meaningful. Among its initial achievements, the government has: implemented new and better service standards for new clients applying for Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPP-D) benefits; completed a Service Delivery Review for Veterans Affairs Canada to help drive wholesale change to delivering services and benefits to Veterans; re-opened nine Veterans Affairs Canada offices that were closed by the previous government, and opened a new tenth office; expanded auto-enrollment for Old Age Security benefits (OAS); and added new capacity for call centres handling inquiries related to Employment Insurance (EI) and Canada Revenue Agency. In 2017-18, the government consulted with Canadians as part of reviews of the EI, OAS and CPP service standards, the results of which are informing the consideration of potential changes to these standards. "
1/31/2019,10,12-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Strengthen oversight on government advertising.,President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government,"Actions taken, progress made",Increased oversight of government advertising so that public dollars aren't spent on partisan advertising.,"In May 2016, an interim process was established so that advertising campaigns with budgets greater than $500,000 undergo independent, mandatory reviews. These reviews ensure the campaigns are non-partisan. The results of these reviews are posted online. Following consultations with parliamentarians and other stakeholders, the government will entrench independent third-party oversight of federal advertising in law. The Office of the Auditor General of Canada has also committed to review the interim process."
1/31/2019,11,12-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Improve the use of evidence in program evaluation.,President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government,Completed - fully met,"Evidence-based reporting, measurement and evaluation of government activities are in place.","The government established a new Policy on Results in July 2016 that aims to improve how its institutions measure, evaluate, and report results. The policy also seeks to improve how departments and agencies gather and use evidence to inform decisions. As of December 2018, all departments have fully adopted the new policy.
Following the announcement in Budget 2018, a Central Performance Impact and Assessment Unit to undertake innovation performance evaluations on an ongoing basis has now been established.BM13"
1/31/2019,12,12-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Make government data available digitally.,"President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Completed - fully met,Digitized government data that are accessible to Canadians.,"The government has improved the Open government portal, Open.canada.ca, by adding content from across the Government of Canada and by simplifying the process for users to search. In addition, the Government of Canada added the Open by Default Pilot section to the portal, which gives Canadians early access to select draft and working documents from participating departments.
The government has increased the number of participating federal entities from 45 in 2014 to 67 as of October 2018. In the last year, over 30,000 new data sets have been published, which were accessed hundreds of thousands of times. New data sets continue to be made available on open.canada.ca. The government also continues to strengthen the quality, accessibility, and searchability of open data.
The Government of Canada was recognized for its leadership on open government, and in October 2018 assumed the role of lead government chair of the Open government Partnership, which is the global organization that coordinates open government. Budget 2018 also announced an investment of $1 million for the Treasury Board Secretariat in support of Canada’s co-chairmanship of the Open government Partnership and the organization of an international Summit taking place in Ottawa May 29-31, 2019. Finally, in September 2018 Canada ranked 1st globally (tied with the United Kingdom) on the World Wide Web Foundation’s Open Data Barometer Leaders Edition, which measures progress by 30 leading governments that have made concrete commitments to champion open data.
As the Government of Canada continues to maximize the release of open data and information, departments across government are increasingly focusing on opening up data that is relevant to Canadians and to stakeholders in civil society, private sector, media, and academia. For example, in July 2018 the government published on open.canada.ca an open dataset of the results of a private sector-led survey commissioned in 2016-17 to measure the adoption and use of various digital technologies by Canadian businesses. Additionally, the Government of Canada’s first departmental Service Inventory was recently published on open.canada.ca, and data collection is already underway to provide an update to this data.
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1/31/2019,13,12-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Bargain in good faith with Canada's public sector unions.,President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government,"Actions taken, progress made","Collective agreements with Canada's public sector unions are fair and reasonable for employees and Canadians, and are bargained in good faith.","The Government of Canada is committed to building a culture of respect for, and within, the federal public service. For the 2014 round of bargaining, through good-faith negotiations, the government has reached 26 agreements with bargaining agents, representing over 99% of unionized employees in the core public administration. For the 2018 round of bargaining, the Employer engaged with all bargaining agents who have served notice to bargain. The government will continue to bargain in good faith with public sector unions and remains committed to negotiating collective agreements that are fair for public servants, and that serve to attract, retain, motivate and renew the workforce required to deliver results to Canadians."
1/31/2019,14,12-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that Parliament and federal institutions are free from harassment and sexual violence.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government;Minister for Women and Gender Equality;Leader of the Government in the House of Commons","Actions taken, progress made","To ensure that Parliament and federal institutions are free from harassment and sexual violence, strategies are informed by expert and stakeholder consultations and are supported by new proposals and legislation introduced in fall 2017.","The government has taken key steps to address violence and sexual harassment and violence in workplaces under federal jurisdiction:
In June 2018, the Federal Court approved a landmark Final Settlement Agreement (FSA) to the LGBT Purge Class Action that will compensate current and former federal public servants, members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who were directly impacted by anti-LGBTQ2 policies and practices. The FSA also includes $15 million for Reconciliation and Memorialization Measures to prevent future discrimination and for reconciliation with LGBTQ2 communities.
Also in June 2018, the Code of Conduct for Members of the House of Commons: Sexual Harassment Between Members was updated to change the definition of sexual harassment and improve the complaint and investigation processes.
In September 2018, the Clerk of the Privy Council released a report: “Safe Workspaces: Starting a Dialogue and Taking Action on Harassment in the Public Service” which offers recommendations aimed at preventing harassment, responding to allegations and supporting victims.
In October 2018, new legislation that replaces the current patchwork of laws and policies on violence and harassment in workplaces across the federal jurisdiction and enhances prevention, protection and support when harassment and violence occurs, received Royal Assent. Regulations will be introduced in the near future, and, subject to approval of the regulations, coming into force is anticipated as early as June 2019.
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1/31/2019,15,12-Nov,Safety and Security,Reinforce railway safety.,Minister of Transport,"Actions taken, progress made","Stronger railway safety regulations, improved communication with Canadians and rail infrastructure that is safer and in better condition, leading to fewer accidents and injuries and reduced loss of life.","The government tabled the final Report of the *Railway Safety Act* Review in Parliament on May 31, 2018. The statutory review was launched on April 27, 2017, one year earlier than required, to ensure this main piece of legislation governing rail safety in Canada continues to uphold the best interests of Canadians. On July 5, 2018, the Minister of Transport chaired a roundtable with representative stakeholder groups to get early perspectives on the Report and its findings. Transport Canada officials have further engaged stakeholders on the Report, including through a series of four roundtables, which took place in Moncton, Winnipeg, Vancouver, and Toronto throughout November 2018. Transport Canada is carefully considering the Report’s findings and recommendations, taking appropriate action to further strengthen the safety of Canada’s rail transportation system. The government is investing in infrastructure improvements to existing rail lines and crossings, safety-related research and innovative development, public education and awareness initiatives, as well as providing grants to encourage the closure of unsafe crossings. The government has supported 660 projects across Canada to reduce injuries and fatalities. In addition, collaboration is underway with local communities to improve the sharing of information for emergency responses and to educate the public about railway crossings and infrastructure in their communities. The government has also revised the rules governing the transportation of dangerous goods by rail, introduced a mandatory minimum level of insurance for federal railways and accelerated the timeline to phase out the DOT-111 tank cars (jacketed and unjacketed) in crude oil service by November 1, 2016. There are no longer any legacy DOT 111 tank cars in crude oil service. On November 1, 2018, the department further accelerated the removal of unjacketed CPC 1232 tank cars in crude oil service as well as both jacketed and unjacketed DOT 111 and unjacketed CPC 1232 tank cars that are used to transport a type of dangerous good which requires the use of condensates (a hydrocarbon mixture) for the purpose of transport. To assist municipalities with emergency planning, risk assessment and to help train first responders, the government issued Protective Direction 36 on April 28, 2016 to provide jurisdictions with access to comprehensive dangerous goods information from railways, including information that they can make publicly available. Now that the *Transportation Modernization Act* has received Royal Assent, the government will move to develop regulations to implement its amendments to the *Railway Safety Act*, which will improve rail safety by requiring the mandatory installation of recording instruments on locomotives.
The government has also developed a strategy for addressing fatigue in the rail industry that includes the publication of a Notice of Intent in the *Canada Gazette*, Part I on November 11, 2017, communicating to Canadians and interested stakeholders its most current policy direction on the management of fatigue in the rail industry. Transport Canada held a Fatigue in Transportation Forum in Montreal on June 27-28, 2018. The forum brought together participants from all modes of transport, stakeholders in the Canadian transportation industry and academic experts on fatigue science to discuss risks and best practices relating to the management of fatigue. On December 20, 2018, Transport Canada instructed railway companies through a Ministerial Order to revise the *Work/Rest Rules for Railway Operating Employees*, to ensure that they reflect the latest fatigue science and fatigue management practices. The railway companies must submit them by May 19, 2019 for the Minister to approve them by the end of June 2019. The Ministerial Order, specifies that railway companies shall revise the Rules to address such elements as length of a duty period, split shifts, minimum rest period, advance notice of work schedules and fatigue management plans. "
1/31/2019,16,12-Nov,Exports and Investment,Undertake a full review of the Canadian grain transportation system to help farmers get their product to market.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food;Minister of Transport,Completed - fully met,"A more transparent and fair grain transportation system is in place so Canadian farmers can get their products to market, both in Canada and internationally.","The government has held consultations with grain sector stakeholders on rail transportation issues and the *Canada Transportation Act* Review, leading to the introduction of the *Transportation Modernization Act* to advance a long-term agenda for a more transparent, balanced, efficient and reliable rail system to move Canadian goods, including grain, to global markets. The *Transportation Modernization Act* received Royal Assent on May 23, 2018. Key measures include: new data reporting requirements for railways; a new Long-Haul Interswitching mechanism to provide captive shippers across multiple sectors and regions of Canada with access to a competing railway; a clear definition of “adequate and suitable” rail service; the ability for shippers to seek reciprocal financial penalties in their service agreements with railways; and more accessible and timely remedies for shippers. The *Transportation Modernization Act* also modernizes the Maximum Revenue Entitlement for Western grain, to better incent investments in hopper cars, and adds soybeans to the list of eligible crops. Furthermore, the government has renewed the western Grain Monitoring Program for three years."
1/31/2019,17,12-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Formalize a moratorium on crude oil tanker traffic on British Columbia's North Coast.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Transport","Actions taken, progress made","A moratorium is in place on crude oil tanker traffic on British Columbia's North Coast, protecting habitats and communities.","In May 2017, the Government of Canada introduced legislation to prohibit oil tankers carrying crude and persistent oils as cargo from stopping, loading or unloading at ports or marine installations in northern British Columbia. Vessels carrying less than 12,500 metric tonnes of crude or persistent oil as cargo will continue to be permitted in the moratorium area to ensure northern communities can receive critical shipments of heating oils and other products. The legislation proposes strong penalty provisions for contravention that could reach up to $5 million. The proposed *Oil Tanker Moratorium Act* complements the Oceans Protection Plan. The Bill passed Second Reading in the Senate on December 11, 2018, and it is anticipated that it will be referred to Committee in Winter 2019. "
1/31/2019,18,12-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Restore the long-form census.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Completed - fully met,"Restored the long-form census so communities, governments, businesses and other organizations have the data they need to do their jobs.","Canada and its economy depend on knowing about ourselves, and on having the data necessary to make informed decisions. That is why the Government of Canada reinstated the long-form census. The 2016 long-form census saw an unprecedented response rate of 97.8%. The first set of data from the 2016 Census was released in February, 2017. The release of all Census-related data was completed in November 2017, 10 months earlier than for the 2011 Census."
1/31/2019,19,12-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Reinforce Statistics Canada's independence.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Completed - fully met,Statistics Canada meets international standards for the independence of a national statistics office.,"Data collected by Statistics Canada helps the private sector, government, not-for-profit groups, and researchers make better decisions. In December 2016, the government introduced legislation that will reinforce Statistics Canada's independence. The legislation aligns with international standards for national statistical agencies and makes the Chief Statistician responsible for all operational decisions, statistical methodology and the communication of statistical products produced by Statistics Canada. The amended legislation is consistent with the United Nations Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics and the OECD Recommendations on Good Statistical Practice. The amended *Statistics Act* received Royal Assent on December 12, 2017."
1/31/2019,20,12-Nov,Jobs and Innovation,Develop and implement an Innovation Agenda.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development","Actions taken, progress made","Improved programs support more skills training and life-long learning for Canadians, increased investment in high growth industries, and more high growth, innovative and trade-oriented companies.","Through the Innovation and Skills Plan, the government will:
• more than double the number of Canadians potentially eligible for employment support and skills training programs to as many as 1.4 million per year;
• expand programs to support up to 10,000 work integrated learning placements each year;
• provide more affordable and accessible broadband services for low-income Canadians and Canadians in remote communities through investments in broadband infrastructure and low-income support programs;
• encourage the development of assistive technologies that make it easier for persons with disabilities to participate in the digital economy;
• expand access to venture capital financing; and
• support a series of superclusters that will promote innovation opportunities in high-growth industries.
Total funding for innovation programming will increase by $2.6 billion over five years, and the reforms will result in a reduction in the total number of business innovation programs by roughly two-thirds (92 to 35+).
To support a streamlined approach to business innovation programming, programs are being delivered under the Innovation Canada umbrella. This single window platform has seen more than 500,000 visits to the website since its launch in January 2018. Through the Accelerated Growth Service (AGS), more than 470 firms have been supported to scale up. The Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) has announced 33 projects worth $871 million, leveraging a total investment of $8.4 billion in Canada. Five successful Innovation Superclusters have been announced. Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC) has completed 15 challenges, and has launched 27 new challenges, 7 of which are on plastics-related themes. Since its launch in January 2018, the Clean Growth Hub has served over 830 clients to advance clean technology projects in Canada. The Hub's team of experts from across government helps companies and researchers pursuing clean technology projects identify the federal programs and supports most relevant to their needs."
1/31/2019,21,12-Nov,Exports and Investment,Implement a new Trade and Investment Strategy,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion;Minister of International Trade Diversification","Actions taken, progress made","Double the number of high-growth firms in Canada by 2025; increase Canada's goods and services exports—from natural resources, advanced manufacturing, agri-food and others—by 50% by 2025; increase global investment in Canada; more good-paying, middle class jobs for Canadians.","The government is encouraging global investment and promoting Canada's economic brand through the Invest in Canada Agency. On November 30, 2018, Canada, the United States, and Mexico signed the new Canada-US-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Global Affairs Canada is now seeking pre-drafting authority to develop the implementing legislation and is preparing a Memorandum to Cabinet with a view to ensure that Canada can ratify as soon as the U.S. and Mexico are ready.
The government has successfully completed the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). Provisional application of the trade agreement took effect in September 2017 and will give consumers more choice, boost Canadian businesses' access to new customers, create good, middle-class jobs, and help grow the economy. On March 8, 2018, the government signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) with 10 countries in the Pacific region. The fourth round of negotiations toward a comprehensive free trade agreement between the Mercosur member states and Canada took place in December 2018. Round 7 of negotiations towards a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Pacific Alliance (Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru) also took place in October.
Since January 2016, CanExport has provided financial support to 1,410 Small and Medium Enterprise-led projects aimed at diversifying export markets, in a variety of sectors, and reaching over 90 different markets around the world. To date, for every hundred supported projects, participating firms have reported on average some 92 export successes at the time of project completion, for a collective impact of almost over $375 million in exports to new markets.
Budget 2017 announced $950 million to superclusters in highly innovative industries, and, in February 2018, in cooperation with the private sector and academic partners, the government announced the creation of five superclusters (Digital Technology; Protein Industries; Advanced Manufacturing; Artificial Intelligence; and Ocean) that will create great new opportunities for Canadian companies to innovate, scale up and grow into globally successful firms. To support Canadian firms and increase exports to new markets, Budget 2018 provides up to $75 million to build a stronger diplomatic presence and Trade Commissioner Service salesforce in China and Asia, as well as other initiatives to open market opportunities in the region. In June 2018, the government announced it will invest $50 million over five years to help Canadian companies diversify their exports to take advantage of new trade agreements, such as CETA and CPTPP.
On November 21, 2018, the government, through the Fall Economic Statement, proposed to launch an Export Diversification Strategy with a target of increasing Canada's overseas exports by 50 per cent by 2025. In total, the Strategy will invest $1.1 billion over the next six years, starting in 2018-19, to help Canadian businesses access new markets. The Strategy will focus on three key components: investing in infrastructure to support trade, providing Canadian businesses with resources to execute their export plans and enhancing trade services for Canadian exporters."
1/31/2019,22,12-Nov,Exports and Investment,Prepare the auto sector for the potential participation of Canada in the Trans-Pacific Partnership.,"Minister of Finance;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development","Actions taken, progress made",Greater access to growing markets under conditions that are fair to Canadian workers.,"The Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership was signed on March 8, 2018, and came into force on December 30, 2018. Budget 2018 committed the government to work with key sectors, including the auto sector, to evaluate the potential economic impacts of trade agreements, and ensure these key sectors remain strong and competitive.
Actions, including the creation of the Strategic Innovation Fund, the establishment of the Invest in Canada agency, and the launch of the Global Skills Strategy are seeking to enhance the competitiveness of the Canadian automotive industry. These changes have helped to secure investments of $1.4 billion by Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, $500 million by Honda of Canada Manufacturing, more than $1 billion by Ford Motor Company of Canada, and $750 million from Linamar Corp., among other recent automotive investments. These investments have created and secured thousands of long-term jobs in manufacturing and research and development, while fostering innovation to position Canada as a leader in the development of the ""car of the future"".
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1/31/2019,23,12-Nov,Jobs and Innovation,"Increase high-speed broadband coverage, including in rural communities, and keep Canada at the leading edge of the digital economy.","Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Rural Economic Development","Actions taken, progress made",More Canadians have access to high-speed and ultra-high-speed broadband services.,"Greater availability and affordability for high-speed internet in rural and remote areas of Canada gives Canadians more opportunity to participate in the economy, democracy and connected way of life.
The Connect to Innovate program will bring high-speed internet to rural and remote communities in Canada by supporting new ""backbone"" infrastructure to connect institutions like schools and hospitals, and ""last-mile"" infrastructure to connect households and businesses. Applications closed at the end of April 2017, and the government is now announcing project decisions. Under the $500 million Connect to Innovate program, 180 projects have been announced representing an investment to date of $466 million and targeting more than 900 communities (more than tripling the initial target of 300) that will receive new or enhanced backbone connectivity.
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is expanding competition on new fibre networks and the CRTC's new fund will expand much faster internet speeds to rural and remote communities.
Budget 2017 investments are also supporting affordable access to the internet for low-income families, digital literacy programming and better access to assistive devices. The Connecting Families initiative will provide thousands of Canadians with low cost internet and computers. The Digital Literacy Exchange Program will teach fundamental digital literacy skills to help Canadians use digital technology and the internet safely, securely and effectively. Negotiations on contribution agreements are underway. CanCode will provide K-12 students and their teachers with coding and digital skills training. By December 2018, CanCode had met its goal of reaching 1 million students, with three more months to go in the program. The Accessible Technology Program will co-fund the development of new assistive and adaptive digital devices and technologies to make it easier for Canadians with disabilities to more fully participate in the digital economy. Five projects are started and negotiations on contribution agreements are underway for other projects. Budget 2018 proposes funding of $100 million over five years for the Strategic Innovation Fund, with a particular focus on supporting projects that relate to Low-Earth Orbit satellites and next generation rural broadband.
The 2018 Fall Economic Statement announced an Accelerated Investment Incentive to promote capital investment, including rural broadband.
On October 26, 2018, federal, provincial and territorial ministers for innovation and economic development agreed to making broadband a priority and to develop a long-term strategy to improve access to high-speed internet services for all Canadians, based on the principles of access, collaboration and effective investments.
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1/31/2019,24,12-Nov,Jobs and Innovation,Create a Chief Science Officer.,Minister of Science and Sport,Completed - fully met,"Following an open, transparent and merit-based process, the Chief Science Advisor, Dr. Mona Nemer, was appointed by the Government on September 26, 2017.","As the Chief Science Advisor, Dr. Nemer will help to improve dissemination and use of independent scientific information and strengthened evidence-based policy making within government. Dr. Nemer will also advise the government on how to ensure that government science is fully available to the public, that scientists are able to speak freely about their work, and that scientific analyses are considered when the government makes decisions. Dr. Nemer will report to the Prime Minister and Minister of Science."
1/31/2019,25,12-Nov,Jobs and Innovation,Re-insert scientific considerations into the heart of decision-making and investment choices.,Minister of Science and Sport,Completed - fully met,"Government scientists are able to speak freely about their work, and the role of scientific information and empirical evidence is strengthened in government decision making.","The government has updated the Communications Policy to ensure scientists are free to speak in an official capacity on subjects for which they have expertise, and have enshrined this provision into collective agreements covering 15,000 government scientists.
The government also reinstated the mandatory long-form census as well as the University and College Academic Staff System survey, which will provide accurate information about Canada's research community. To promote better use of science and evidence in government decision-making, the government updated the guidance on preparing Memoranda to Cabinet.
The government is examining additional opportunities to improve the use of evidence and scientific information. The new Chief Science Advisor (CSA) will advise the government on how to ensure scientific evidence is considered when making decisions. In July 2018, the government announced the creation of a model science integrity policy, the development of which was led by the CSA. The model policy was created to assist departments and agencies in implementing guidelines in response to the commitments made under the 2016 memorandum of agreement between Treasury Board and Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada.
Science departments and agencies continue to adapt the policy to meet their unique needs.
In addition, to ensure the government continues to have access to world-class, independent scientific assessments to inform policy development in priority areas, Budget 2018 proposed $9 million for the Council of Canadian Academies, a not-for-profit research organization. At the end of September 2018, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada will each establish a Departmental Science Advisor position. These new positions will further grow the network of science advisors across the federal government, which Canada's Chief Science Advisor identified as an important step in strengthening science advice within government.
The government will continue to ensure decisions are evidence-based, and investment choices are informed by analysis of effectiveness."
1/31/2019,26,12-Nov,Jobs and Innovation,Establish new Canada Research Chairs in sustainable technologies.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Science and Sport","Actions taken, progress made",Up to three new Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC) will be appointed to further research in clean and sustainable technology.,"Budget 2016 identified $20 million over eight years starting in 2018-19 for the creation of two new Canada Excellence Research Chairs in fields related to clean and sustainable technology.
On October 12, 2016, the Minister of Science announced the launch of a competition for these Chairs, in addition to nine others, which will be selected in 2019. In December 2017 the Phase 1 results of the competition were announced. Three institutions were invited to submit nominees in fields related to clean and sustainable technology: Concordia University (Smart, Sustainable and Resilient Communities and Cities), The University of British Columbia (Forest Bioproducts) and University of Manitoba (Arctic Sea Ice, Freshwater-Marine Coupling, and Climate Change).
To address the CERC gender imbalance, this competition will require institutions to include detailed equity plans and recruitment strategies that promote the participation of women and other underrepresented groups in the CERC program."
1/31/2019,27,12-Nov,Jobs and Innovation,Strengthen support for fundamental research to support new discoveries.,Minister of Science and Sport,"Actions taken, progress made","Modernized research infrastructure at post-secondary institutions, new research Chairs appointed in areas of strategic priority, and enhanced capacity for granting councils to support fundamental research.","Since 2016, the government has approved and funded 300 projects through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund to modernize research and training facilities on campuses across Canada. These investments will support key discovery research and facilitate the expansion of ongoing research efforts.
The government has also set aside $20 million to fund new Canada Excellence Research Chairs in the areas of clean and sustainable technologies (competition ongoing).
In 2017, the government announced the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy, which will develop centres of expertise in Toronto, Montreal and Edmonton related to AI to train and attract key research talent in this emerging area of fundamental research.
The report of the expert review panel that led Canada's Fundamental Science Review, an independent review of federal funding for fundamental research at post-secondary institutions, was published in April 2017. A number of actions have already been taken in response to this report, including for example, placing a limit on Tier 1 Canada Research Chair renewals to enhance opportunities for broad pools of qualified candidates and to strengthen equity, diversity and inclusion in research, and by launching the Canada Research Coordinating Committee (CRCC) to achieve greater harmonization and coordination of the granting councils and the Canada Foundation for Innovation.
Budget 2018 proposed a historic investment of $1.7 billion over five years starting in 2018-19 with ongoing funding, to support researchers through Canada's granting councils and research institutes. This includes $925 million for fundamental research through Canada's three granting councils; $231.3 million to increase the Research Support Fund to cover the indirect costs of research; $210 million for the Canada Research Chairs program to attract and retain early-career researchers at post-secondary institutions across the country while increasing diversity; and $275 million to create a new tri-council fund to support international, interdisciplinary, fast-breaking and higher risk research. Budget 2018 further proposed $3.8 million to develop a strategic research plan that identifies new ways of doing research with Indigenous communities; $15 million for the granting councils to develop new plans, strategies and targets to ensure improved equity and diversity outcomes for underrepresented groups, including women; and $6 million to support surveys to collect better data on researchers to further advance equity and diversity in Canada's post-secondary research community. Budget 2018 also proposed over $1.3 billion for investments in the laboratories, equipment and infrastructure researchers rely on every day including: $763 million to the Canada Foundation for Innovation, including $160 million for increased support to Canada's nationally important research facilities through the Major Science Initiatives fund; and $572.5 million to implement a Digital Research Infrastructure Strategy that will deliver more open and equitable access to advanced computing and big data resources to researchers across Canada.
The additional $925 million for fundamental research announced in Budget 2018 has allowed the granting councils to enhance their grant programs. For example, with the new funding, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) has been able to increase the average value of awards under their Discovery Grants program by 20%.
Throughout summer 2018, the CRCC undertook consultations with Canada’s post-secondary research community, which resulted in valuable input about how to improve federal support for fundamental research in Canada, focusing on three areas: the design of the New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF); enhancing equity, diversity, and inclusion outcomes; and, improving support for early-career researchers. The NFRF was launched in December 2018, with the inaugural round focusing on proof-of-concept Exploration awards to be made exclusively to early-career researchers."
1/31/2019,28,12-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Align business support programs across governments.,Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion,"Actions taken, progress made",It is easier and simpler for Canadian innovators and entrepreneurs to access and benefit from government programs that help Canadian businesses grow.,"Since 2016, the Accelerated Growth Service (AGS) has provided over 470 growth oriented firms access to a dedicated advisor, a customized plan of potential government programs and services to help support their growth, and connections to government programs and services relevant to their needs. To date, AGS clients have accessed over $400 million in funding, over 4,500 programs and services, and have been provided with 360 referrals to external programs and services. The AGS is being consolidated with the Industrial Research Assistance Program’s Concierge Service, and the new consolidated program will include 15 new Innovation Advisors to support AGS firms.
In January 2018, the government established the Innovation Canada digital platform as a one-stop-shop, which quickly matches businesses with the best fitting programs and services from across federal, provincial and territorial governments. Since its launch on January 23rd, 2018, there have been over 500,000 visits and 1,200 average daily visits."
1/31/2019,29,12-Nov,Exports and Investment,Increase tourism and strengthen the Canadian brand abroad by developing a new federal Tourism Strategy.,"Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie","Actions taken, progress made","Completion of a new federal Tourism Strategy. 30 per cent overall increase in tourism by 2021, increased tourism from the United States (U.S.) and China, and improved international ranking of Canada as a top tourist destination.","The government is working to increase the number of international tourists to Canada by 30% by 2021. This goal includes doubling the number of Chinese visitors by the same year and positioning Canada as a top-10 destination ranking by 2025.
Spending by international visitors to Canada reached $21.3 billion in 2017, representing an increase of 6.4% over 2016. Canada set a new record high number of tourist arrivals in 2017 of 20.8 million. The New York Times, Lonely Planet and Condé Nast have all recognized Canada as a top international destination to visit in 2017.
The Canada-China Year of Tourism in 2018 will be an opportunity to increase visitation from China, which is being supported by the opening of new Visa Application Centres in China. Budget 2018 proposed approximately $11 million in funding to support activities such as hosting the closing ceremony for the Canada?China Year of Tourism and working closely with Canadian businesses as they prepare to welcome an increased number of tourists from China."
1/31/2019,30,12-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Reduce the administrative burden on small business.,Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion,"Actions taken, progress made","Reduced administrative burden and simpler, clearer, and faster online services to help small businesses.","The new Innovation Canada platform launched in January 2018 is a one-stop-shop for Canada’s innovators and entrepreneurs so they no longer need to spend time figuring out which department to go to or which program best meets their needs. The website is able to quickly match users with the federal and provincial/territorial programs and services to help them innovate, create jobs and grow Canada's economy.
Federally, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) continues to drive the use of the Business Number (BN) by all departments as the standard identifier for business clients across the Government of Canada. Nineteen of ISED’s own services already use the Business Number, including Innovation Canada, and 17 other departments are also connected through the real time BN web validation services. The BN is a key component of digital identity for business, and its adoption across the Government of Canada will enable more seamless service delivery, including sign-on once, tell-us-once service integration across governments and personalized digital experience.
ISED is updating its Service Strategy to reflect the important work being done to improve service to Canadian businesses through digital transformation. New technologies will enable the department to create a seamless service experience in order to significantly reduce burden.
The 2018 Fall Economic Statement announced measures to reduce administrative burden for businesses by modernizing federal regulations and encouraging regulators to consider economic competitiveness when designing and implementing regulations. Specifically, this includes proposals to review existing legislation, introduce an Annual Modernization Bill, create an External Advisory Committee on Regulatory Competitiveness, launch a Centre for Regulatory Innovation, and enact policy changes and regulatory measures that respond to recommendations from the business community.
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1/31/2019,31,12-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Respond to the Supreme Court of Canada decision regarding physician-assisted death.,Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Completed - fully met,Adult Canadians suffering from grievous and irremediable medical conditions and whose death is reasonably foreseeable are able to easily and effectively access medical assistance in dying if they so choose.,"On June 17, 2016, medical assistance in dying (MAID) became a reality in Canada following Royal Assent of the federal legal framework, which protects vulnerable persons while providing options to eligible Canadians to make an informed decision about the end of life. In December 2016, as required by the new law, the government initiated independent study reports to consider in more detail three particularly complex types of requests for MAID. These include requests by mature minors, advance requests, and requests where mental illness is the sole underlying medical condition. Independent expert panels, organized by the Council of Canadian Academies, conducted these reviews and produced three reports, which were tabled in Parliament in December 2018. The government is carefully reviewing these reports, which will help inform debate on the issue of medical assistance in dying among Canadians and decision-makers. As of April 2017, Health Canada has been providing interim public reporting on the use of MAID across Canada, and the final interim report will be completed in spring 2019. Health Canada has also finalized the regulations that will establish a permanent monitoring regime, which came into force on November 1, 2018."
1/31/2019,32,12-Nov,Fair and Open Government,"Review the government litigation strategy and end appeals or positions that are not consistent with our commitments, the Charter or our values.",Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Completed - fully met,"Legal positions taken by the Government are consistent with Government commitments, the Charter and our values.","The legal positions taken by the government are consistent with its commitments, the Charter and Canadian values. Work on the litigation strategy mandate commitment was started early in the government’s mandate. It initially began with reviewing all appeals involving the government and ending those that were not consistent with the government’s commitments, the Charter and Canadian values. It continued through the creation of the Cabinet Committee on Litigation Management and the Deputy Minister Committee on Litigation Management, which reviewed and provided strategic advice on how to advance and resolve litigation involving the government. It also included taking a government-wide inventory of all high profile and significant litigation and implementing best practices so that senior executives in departments and agencies take responsibility for their litigation and ensure that the litigation involving their department or agency is managed strategically. The best practices implemented government-wide at the senior executive level and the ongoing work of the Deputy Minister Committee on Litigation Management ensures that there is a continuing review of the government’s litigation strategy and positions to ensure they are in line with the government’s commitments, the Charter and Canadian values.
It is worth highlighting a few of the important cases where the government took positions consistent with its commitments, the Charter and Canadian values.
Counsel for the Attorney General – working in partnership with officials from the former Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, an agreement in principle was negociated for many of those affected by the Sixties Scoop to resolve multiple class actions. The settlement is an acknowledgment of the trauma and harm caused by past government actions, and is the first step in resolving the Sixties Scoop litigation.
Counsel for the Attorney General also resolved the Ross, Roy and Satalic class action, which sought compensation for the historic federal policies and practices that targeted, investigated and discharged LGBTQ2 members of the federal public service. The agreement reached includes measures to support individual compensation reconciliation, and recognition, as well as initiatives to promote collective reconciliation and remembrance. The Prime Minister delivered a formal apology and reiterated the government’s commitment to address systemic discrimination against LGBTQ2 people.
Counsel for the Attorney General also settled the Merlo and Davidson versus Canada class action. The class action concerned allegations of gender and sexual orientation based harassment and discrimination within the RCMP. As part of the settlement, the government has agreed to provide for change initiatives to address workplace harassment in the RCMP and compensation for the victims who experienced gender or sexual orientation based harassment and/or discrimination while working in the RCMP.
Moreover, in recognition of the importance of transparency and openness in the legislative process, the government passed Bill C-51, which amends the *Department of Justice Act*. Pursuant to these amendments, the Minister of Justice has a statutory duty for every government bill to table in Parliament a statement that sets out the Bill's potential effects on the rights and freedoms guaranteed in the Charter. In December 2019, Charter statements will be required to be tabled. These amendments would provide greater openness and transparency about the effects of government legislation on Charter rights.
Additionally, the Attorney General has published the principles that govern the government’s litigation strategy in Charter cases. These Charter principles confirm the government’s view that the rule of law ensures that no one, including the elected government of the day, is above the law and that as a guardian of the rule of law, the Attorney General is tasked with upholding the public interest.
The Principles guiding the Attorney General in Charter litigation provide insight into why the government will sometimes continue to litigate cases that are seemingly at odds with its policy positions.
More recently, the publication of the Attorney General of Canada’s Directive on Civil Litigation Involving Indigenous Peoples holds the government accountable in all litigation involving Indigenous peoples to ensure that the government’s commitment to reconciliation remains a primary focus even where litigation is ongoing.
Lastly, the yearly publication of the Litigation Year in Review since 2016 has promoted openness and transparency with respect to litigation positions taken by the Attorney General of Canada.
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1/31/2019,35,12-Nov,Fair and Open Government,"Ensure that the appointment of Supreme Court Justices is transparent, inclusive and accountable to Canadians.",Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Completed - fully met,"Greater transparency, accountability and diversity in the appointment of Supreme Court Justices.","In August 2016, the Government of Canada announced a new, open and transparent process for filling vacancies on the Supreme Court of Canada. This new process includes: an open application process; the establishment of an Independent Advisory Board to assess all applications and prepare a shortlist; requiring functional bilingualism as an essential qualification for all shortlisted candidates; and ensuring there are consultations regarding the shortlist with key stakeholders, including members of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice. Justice Malcolm Rowe was the first Supreme Court Justice appointed under this new process in October 2016. Justice Sheilah L. Martin, appointed in December 2017, is the second appointment made under the Government of Canada’s new Supreme Court selection process, which promotes greater openness, transparency, and accountability."
1/31/2019,36,12-Nov,Safety and Security,"Toughen criminal laws in cases of domestic assault, with the goal of keeping survivors and children safe.",Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,"Actions taken, progress made",Greater protections for complainants and survivors of sexual assault and domestic assault.,"On March 29, 2018, the government tabled legislation to improve efficiencies in the criminal justice system and reduce court delays. This legislation includes reforms to strengthen responses to intimate partner violence (IPV). These reforms would:
• impose a reverse onus at bail for accused charged with an IPV offence if they have a prior conviction for violence against an intimate partner;
• require courts to consider whether an accused is charged with an IPV offence when determining whether to release on bail or detain the accused;
• clarify that strangulation, choking and suffocation is an elevated form of assault;
• define “intimate partner” for all *Criminal Code* purposes and clarify that it includes current or former spouse, common-law partner and dating partner;
• clarify that the current sentencing provisions, which treat abuse against a spouse or common law partner as an aggravating factor, apply to both current and former spouses/common law partners and dating partners; and,
• allow for the possibility of seeking a higher maximum penalty in cases involving a repeat IPV offender.
On December 13, 2018, government legislation clarified and strengthened the sexual assault provisions in the *Criminal Code*. The legislation clarifies that an unconscious person, or a person who is otherwise incapacitated, is incapable of consenting; clarifies the defence of mistaken belief to indicate that it cannot be relied upon if there is no evidence upon which the belief was founded; clarifies rape shield provisions to explicitly include communications of a sexual nature or communications for a sexual purpose, so these types of communications cannot be used to suggest that the complainant was more likely to have consented or is less worthy of belief; provides that a complainant has a right to legal representation in rape shield proceedings; and creates a regime to determine whether an accused can introduce a complainant's private records at trial that are in their possession. "
1/31/2019,37,12-Nov,Jobs and Innovation,"Ensure tax measures are efficient and encourage innovation, trade and the growth of Canadian businesses.","Minister of Finance;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development","Actions taken, progress made","Tax measures encourage innovation, trade, and the growth of Canadian businesses.","The government completed a whole-of-government review of business innovation programs to ensure that they are simple and effective and best meet the needs of Canada’s innovators. The review launched in Budget 2017 and results were announced in Budget 2018. The government also introduced a reduction of the small business tax rate from 10.5% to 10% as of January 1, 2018 and to 9% as of January 1, 2019. In the 2018 Fall Economic Statement, the government proposed three immediate changes to Canada’s tax system, in order to enhance business confidence in Canada: 1) allowing businesses to immediately write off the full cost of machinery and equipment used for the manufacturing or processing of goods; 2) allowing businesses to immediately write off the full cost of specified clean energy equipment to spur new investments and the adoption of advanced clean technologies in the Canadian economy; and 3) introducing the Accelerated Investment Incentive, an accelerated capital cost allowance for businesses of all sizes, across all sectors of the economy, that are making capital investments. "
1/31/2019,38,12-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Add gender identity as a prohibited ground for discrimination under the *Canadian Human Rights Act* and add it to the list of characteristics of identifiable groups protected by the hate speech provisions of the *Criminal Code*.,Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Completed - fully met,Discrimination on the basis of gender identity and gender expression is now illegal.,"In June 2017, amendments to the *Canadian Human Rights Act* and the *Criminal Code* received Royal Assent, ensuring the full protection of transgender people across Canada. These amendments formally add gender identity and gender expression to the *Canadian Human Rights Act* as prohibited grounds of discrimination, as well as amend the *Criminal Code* to deal with hate crimes related to gender identity and gender expression."
1/31/2019,39,12-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Ratify the Paris agreement and develop a Pan-Canadian framework for combating climate change.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Completed - fully met,Canada ratified the Paris Agreement and created the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change.,"The Government of Canada ratified the Paris Agreement on October 5, 2016, following a vote in Parliament. The Paris Agreement entered into force on November 4, 2016 and Canada continues to work with all countries on its implementation. In December 2018, at the 24th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), countries adopted the “Paris Rulebook,” a set of detailed guidance on how to fulfill Paris Agreement obligations, including submitting clear commitments to reduce greenhouse gases and reporting transparently on progress.
In December 2016, First Ministers adopted the Pan-Canadian Framework (PCF) on Clean Growth and Climate Change, which is Canada’s comprehensive plan to reduce emissions across all sectors of the economy, accelerate clean economic growth and build resilience to the impacts of climate change. The PCF was developed with provinces and territories, in collaboration with Indigenous peoples, and was informed by input from Canadians across the country. The second annual synthesis report on the status of implementation was published in December 2018. To support and complement its commitments to advancing climate action, Canada co-hosted, along with the European Union and China, two ministerial meetings on climate action that brought together key countries to discuss outstanding climate negotiating issues. Canada also ratified the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on November 3, 2017, which will phase down hydrofluorocarbons (powerful greenhouse gases), and was instrumental in achieving the required number of ratifications at the Montreal Protocol meeting in Montreal in November 2017 which allowed the Kigali Amendment to come into force in January 2019. On November 16, 2017, Canada launched the Powering Past Coal Alliance with the United Kingdom to accelerate the global phase-out of traditionally coal-fired electricity."
1/31/2019,41,12-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Improve protection and stewardship of our freshwater resources.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,"Actions taken, progress made","The protection of freshwater resources is improved, and water and wastewater infrastructure is in better repair.","Through research, assessment and regulation, the Government of Canada is working to ensure sustainable water management. The government has taken action to protect the Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg Basin and the St. Lawrence River by improving water quality, increasing conservation activities, addressing threats posed by invasive species, and improving collaboration with Indigenous peoples. As announced in Budget 2017, the government is investing $44.84 million to protect Great Lakes water quality, and $25.7 million for the Lake Winnipeg Basin Program. As part of its efforts to protect freshwater, Canada has announced funding to support partner-led on-the-ground projects that contribute to the restoration and protection of major freshwater basins across the country such as the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River Basin and the Lake Winnipeg Basin.
The government is collaborating with the United States to protect shared waters through the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, and has also established a Clean Water and Wastewater Fund to help provinces, territories and municipalities make immediate repairs to water and wastewater infrastructure. The government has also published updated Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations, and has initiated consultations to modernize the Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations and to develop regulations for effluents from coal mines and from oil sands. Work is also underway to enhance the Environmental Assessment process as it relates to freshwater areas."
1/31/2019,42,12-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Enhance protection of Canada's endangered species.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,"Actions taken, progress made",Species at risk are protected.,"The Government of Canada has developed a three-year plan to address the backlog of 149 terrestrial species eligible for listing under the *Species at Risk Act*. Since February 2017, final listing decisions were made for 89 of these species and proposed listing decisions were published for another 37 species. The Government of Canada has posted three-year plans (2014-15 to 2016-17) to address the backlog of overdue recovery documents for terrestrial species on the Species at Risk Public Registry. As of January 2019, 179 of the 192 overdue proposed recovery documents were completed and posted on the Species at Risk Public Registry. Parks Canada has completed and posted 21 multi-species action plans, addressing 174 species at risk occurring across 42 Parks Canada places in total, on the Species at Risk Public Registry. Measures identified in these action plans will support species at risk recovery in Parks Canada places.
As announced in Budget 2018, to support Canada's biodiversity and protect species at risk, the government is making an historic investment totaling $1.3 billion over five years, one of the most significant investments in nature conservation in Canadian history.
This investment will contribute $500 million from the federal government to create a new $1 billion Nature Fund in partnership with corporate, not?for-profit, provincial, territorial and other partners. In collaboration with partners, the Nature Fund will make it possible to secure private land, support provincial and territorial species protection efforts, and help build Indigenous capacity to conserve land and species, for the benefit of current and future generations."
1/31/2019,43,12-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Work with provinces and territories to set stronger air quality standards.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,"Actions taken, progress made","New national standards are put in place to improve air quality and reduce air pollutants from key sources, with progress demonstrated in recurring State of the Air reports.","The Government of Canada is implementing a national Air Quality Management System (AQMS) with provinces and territories to improve air quality and protect the health of Canadians and the environment. As part of this system, new ambient air quality standards for sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide were published in the Canada Gazette on October 28 and December 9, 2017 respectively. A review of the existing ambient air quality standards for ozone has been completed. Updated ozone standards are expected to be approved by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) in summer 2019. A new State of the Air Report was launched at the CCME in November 2017 to inform Canadians about air quality and air pollution. The government has also established national emissions standards to reduce air pollutants from industrial sources, including in the following sectors: iron and steel; aluminum; potash; pulp and paper; iron ore pellets; base metals smelting; cement; and the following equipment: stationary spark-ignition engines; non-utility boilers and heaters; stationary combustion turbines.
In December 2018, Canada published two regulations to limit carbon dioxide emissions: one amendment to accelerate the phase-out of coal-fired power by 2030, and the other to set emission performance standards for new natural gas-fired electricity generation and coal boilers converted to run on natural gas. This will significantly improve air quality and the health of Canadians and will reduce Canada's greenhouse gas emissions by more than five megatonnes in 2030—equivalent to taking 1.3 million cars off the road."
1/31/2019,44,12-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Review Canada's environmental assessment processes.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Natural Resources;Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Science and Sport;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations;Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade","Actions taken, progress made","Environmental assessment processes that are fair to all parties, rely on scientific evidence, respect the rights of Indigenous Peoples and protect the environment for generations to come.","Following an extensive review of Canada's environmental assessment processes, the government tabled proposed legislation in February 2018 that will build a new impact assessment and regulatory system for Canada, including the proposed *Impact Assessment Act*. This new system is fair, based on science, respects the rights of Indigenous peoples, provides certainty to businesses and protects the environment and human health for generations to come. Its development was informed by expert panels and Parliamentary committee reports, a federal discussion paper, parliamentary studies, and almost two years of consultations with Indigenous peoples, industry, provinces and territories, non-government organizations, academia and the public. These reforms are based on the guiding principles of predictable processes that build on what works, partnership with Indigenous peoples at every stage of the process, early and inclusive public engagement; timely, evidence-based decisions reflecting the best available science and Indigenous knowledge; and one assessment for one project, with the scale of assessment aligned with the scale of the potential impacts of the project.
The government also announced that it will invest about $1 billion over five years to support the proposed new impact assessment system and Canadian Energy Regulator, increase federal scientific capacity, implement the changes required to protect water, fish and navigation, and increase Indigenous and public participation.
During the review of the proposed *Impact Assessment Act*, the House of Commons amended the proposed legislation to provide greater clarity and certainty with respect to impact assessment, strengthen public participation and consideration of science and Indigenous knowledge in assessments, and reflect the government’s commitment to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The proposed legislation is currently before the Senate for review. "
1/31/2019,45,12-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,"Develop Canada's National Parks system, as well as manage and expand National Wildlife Areas and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries.",Minister of Environment and Climate Change,"Actions taken, progress made",Terrestrial areas and inland water are conserved through networks of protected areas.,"The Government of Canada continues to work to conserve and connect terrestrial areas. A comprehensive plan is being developed to conserve at least 17% of terrestrial areas and inland water through networks of protected and conserved areas by 2020.
As announced in Budget 2018, to support Canada’s biodiversity and protect species at risk, the Government of Canada is making historic investments totaling $1.3 billion over five years, one of the most significant investments in nature conservation in Canadian history.
This investment will contribute $500 million from the federal government to create a new $1 billion Nature Fund in partnership with corporate, not?for-profit, provincial, territorial and other partners. In collaboration with partners, the Nature Fund will make it possible to secure private land, support provincial and territorial species protection efforts, and help build Indigenous capacity to conserve land and species, for the benefit of current and future generations.
In March 2018, a National Advisory Panel and an Indigenous Circle of Experts provided their recommendations to inform the development of the federal, provincial, and territorial plan. Work on expanding the system of National Parks includes the proposed Thaidene Nëné National Park Reserve. Negotiations with the government of the Northwest Territories, Lutsël K’e Dene First Nation and Northwest Territory Métis Nation are close to completion. Negotiations between the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia and the Syilx/Okanagan Nation are actively underway on a proposed national park reserve in the South Okanagan, and Parks Canada has opened a public and stakeholder consultation on this proposal. Parks Canada has contacted the Manitoba government to re-engage on a proposed national park in the Manitoba Lowlands. As part of the expansion of National Wildlife Areas (NWA) and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries, the government is working closely with Indigenous peoples, Provinces, Territories, and stakeholders to secure new protected areas by the end of 2020.
The Scott Islands Marine National Wildlife Area which was formally designated a NWA in June 2018 will conserve 1.2 million hectares for the benefit of sea birds in the Pacific Ocean. Important Prairie Habitat in South West Saskatchewan will be conserved with the transfer of the Govenlock Community Pasture to Environment and Climate Change Canada in 2019.
In October 2018, the Government of Canada jointly announced, with the Dehcho First Nation and the Tlicho government, the signing of an establishment agreement for the Edéhzhíe National Wildlife Area in the Northwest Territories, which will protect over 1.4 million hectares of habitat for boreal caribou. Environment and Climate Change Canada is now working to develop federal regulations to enact establishment. It has also announced $5.2 million over 5 years in contribution funding to support establishment and management of the area.
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1/31/2019,46,12-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Develop Parks Canada services so that more Canadians can experience our National Parks.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,"Actions taken, progress made",More Canadians visit and experience Parks Canada administered sites and the Trans Canada Trail is completed.,"The government has taken steps to make sites more accessible and to improve overall visitor experiences by investing approximately $3.6 billion over five years, including an additional $364 million announced in Budget 2017 to renew infrastructure assets. In September 2018 the government announced a $30 million contribution over four years to enhance and maintain the Great Trail (formerly known as the Trans Canada Trail). This funding will improve trail safety, accessibility, and sustainability. Since completion in 2017, the Trail provides 24,000 km of recreational trails within 30 minutes of about 29 million Canadians. The government is working with Indigenous peoples and stakeholders to improve interpretation and heritage programming and make sites more accessible. In February 2018 Parks Canada entered into a four-year contribution agreement with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) with the goal of enhancing and growing authentic Indigenous experiences in regions across the country. In 2017-18 there were more than 16.8 million visitors to Canada’s National Parks – up 9% from the year before."
1/31/2019,47,12-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,"Make admission to National Parks free for all in 2017 and, afterwards, free for children under 18 and new citizens.",Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Completed - fully met,Free admission to National Parks in 2017; free admission for children under 18 and new citizens in future years.,"To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation, the Government of Canada offered free admission to all national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas, as well as free passage through lock systems on all national historic canals. More than 8.5 million Discovery Passes were ordered and distributed to Canadians and people in 160 countries. Parks Canada welcomed over 27.2 million visitors in 2017, an 11% increase from 2016. Canada 150 programs offered by Parks Canada included the expanded National Indigenous Peoples Day and Canada Day celebrations, the first annual Canada Historic Places Day with more than 60 sites participating, as well as hosting numerous Canada 150 Signature Projects. Starting in 2018, admission for children under 18 is free for national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas. Parks Canada is also continuing to offer free admission for one year to new Canadian citizens through the Institute for Canadian Citizenship’s Cultural Access Pass Program."
1/31/2019,48,12-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Expand Learn to Camp programs.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Completed - fully met,More low to middle-income families participate in Learn to Camp and have greater opportunity to experience Canada's outdoors.,"In 2017, Parks Canada expanded the popular Learn-to Camp Program so that more low- to middle-income families could experience Canada’s outdoors. Throughout the year, Parks Canada hosted 30 overnight Learn-to Camp events as well as over 500 other Learn-to events and activities across Canada, reaching more than 70,000 Canadians."
1/31/2019,49,12-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Protect our National Parks by limiting development within them and help local eco-tourism industries.,"Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie","Actions taken, progress made",Development is limited within Canada's National Parks so future generations can experience their natural beauty.,"The government is maintaining and restoring ecological integrity within Canada's national parks while continuing to provide meaningful services and experiences to visitors. The government has established strict development limits to ensure ecological integrity in Canada's national parks. Parks Canada has a rigorous environmental assessment process, which applies to development proposals to ensure compliance with park-wide ecological objectives and maintenance of ecological integrity. One pillar of Canada's Vision for Tourism is to distinguish Canada as a premier tourism destination through Canada's national parks. A number of initiatives have been developed to enhance visitation of Parks Canada places and Parks Canada is in the process of developing strategies to help grow local eco-tourism industries and create jobs."
1/31/2019,50,12-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Work with Ontario to enhance the country's first urban National Park: Rouge National Urban Park.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Completed - fully met,"Created Canada's first urban National Park, Rouge National Urban Park.","In June 2017, legislation was passed to expand the size of the Rouge National Urban Park and guide how the park will be managed. This legislation strengthens ecological protections and will ensure that ecological integrity is the first priority in the management of Canada's first national urban park, while recognizing its important cultural heritage and providing greater certainty for the continuation of park agriculture. In October 2017, the government of Ontario transferred 6.5 square km of land to Parks Canada for inclusion in the Park."
1/31/2019,51,12-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,"Protect the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River Basin and the Lake Winnipeg Basin.","Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard","Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Increased protection for the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River Basin and the Lake Winnipeg Basin so they can continue to be enjoyed by future generations.","Through Budget 2017, the government is providing funding to protect Canada’s freshwater resources, including the Great Lakes and Lake Winnipeg basins. The government is expanding efforts to address toxic and nuisance algae, as well as aquatic invasive species programming, which will further help address the threats posed by such species as Asian Carps and Sea Lamprey. As announced in Budget 2017, the government is investing $44.84 million to protect Great Lakes water quality, and $25.7 million for the Lake Winnipeg Basin Program. In addition, the government invested $43.8 million to protect against aquatic invasive species in Canadian waters. The Asian Carp Program received funding as part of this investment, which has allowed the government to improve early detection capabilities and increase the number of sites being monitored for Asian carp in the Great Lakes. The funding has also increased the capacity of Canada’s Sea Lamprey Control Program to reduce the numbers of this destructive, invasive species by assessing larval populations, treating them with lampricides and maintaining and improving physical barriers and dams that prevent sea lamprey from accessing spawning habitat in tributaries to the Great Lakes.
A program on freshwater aquatic invasive species is being deployed in Quebec in 2018-2019, which will complement marine species monitoring already underway in the Saint Lawrence and fund work with the government of Quebec to detect and prevent the invasion of Asian carps in Quebec.
The government is also increasing outreach to assist Canadians with identifying, responding and properly reporting any invasive species they catch. In June 2017, the governments of Canada and Quebec announced continued investment in the conservation and enhancement of the St. Lawrence River Basin to enhance water quality, protect biodiversity and ensure its sustainable use. The government has also begun two research projects to assess the contribution of organic matter and nutrient inputs and oxygen depletion in the deep waters of the Laurentian Channel. In November 2018, the government launched a new mobile app which will be a valuable tool for Ontario's recreational fishers to help keep invasive species out of Ontario waters and protect aquatic species at risk in the Great Lakes."
1/31/2019,52,12-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Examine the implications of climate change on Arctic marine ecosystems.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Science and Sport","Actions taken, progress made",Greater knowledge and understanding of the changes occurring in Canada's Arctic and a better understanding of how Canada might adapt to ensure the continued welfare of Canada's Arctic communities.,"The official opening of the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) will significantly enhance Arctic research, including on the impacts of climate change. The Government of Canada is also investing in the Aquatic Climate Change Adaptation Services Program to conduct the research and monitoring necessary to identify climate change impacts and vulnerabilities, develop adaptation tools, and improve ocean forecasting in vulnerable coastal regions to inform management decisions. This Program has supported ocean chemistry monitoring, fisheries vulnerability assessments and predictive modelling activities in the Arctic. As part of the Oceans Protection Plan, the government will be working with Indigenous and coastal communities to collect baseline environmental information at six sites across Canada, including one in the Arctic.
The government has also concluded new international agreements to strengthen Arctic scientific cooperation, including signing the Agreement to Prevent Unregulated High Seas Fisheries in the Central Arctic Ocean in October 2018 which, after ratification by all parties, will include a joint program of research and monitoring to improve understanding of the ecosystems. The Government of Canada participated in the Arctic Science Ministerial in September 2016 and October 2018, helping to advance several joint international research projects. The Canadian Space Agency is collaborating on a US-France mission—Surface Water & Ocean Topography—that will provide the first global survey of earth surface water, ocean surface topography, ocean currents, and measure change over time. In addition, the Government of Canada has committed to work together in collaboration with northern partners to better understand the “Last Ice Area.” This region in the high Arctic is the only region that is expected to retain summer sea ice until 2050.
Research and monitoring activities in coastal and offshore marine ecosystems are increasing understanding of the changes occurring in Canada’s Arctic as well as understanding of Arctic ecosystems and the impact of climate change on species and habitats.
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1/31/2019,53,12-Nov,Canada in the World,Refocus Canada's development assistance on helping the most vulnerable and supporting fragile states.,Minister of International Development,Completed - fully met,Global poverty is reduced by investing in gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls and by focusing on the poorest and most vulnerable.,"In June 2017, the government launched Canada's new Feminist International Assistance Policy to eradicate poverty and build a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous world. Canada is investing in women's empowerment and gender equality as the best ways to achieve its objectives, grounded in the Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Canada is focusing its assistance on closing gaps and barriers faced by women and girls in areas such as health and nutrition including sexual and reproductive health and rights, education, humanitarian action, inclusive governance, environment and climate action, peace and security, and growth that works for everyone. These commitments are reflected in the Women’s Voice and Leadership Program, which supports local women’s organizations in 30 countries and regions, and the Small and Medium Organizations for Impact and Innovation Initiative. The Feminist International Assistance Policy commits to directing 50% of Canada's annual bilateral international development assistance to sub-Saharan African countries by 2021-2022 and ensuring that 95% of bilateral international development assistance integrates or targets gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. To support the implementation of the Feminist International Assistance Policy, Budget 2018 announced up to $2 billion in new resources and $1.5 billion for innovative finance approaches to enhance development impact. This is the largest increase to Canadian International Assistance since 2002. In May 2018, Canada announced the launch of a new partnership to catalyze new investments in support of gender equality and women’s rights in developing countries with philanthropic community, private sector and civil society for which it will contribute up to $300 million. In June 2018, G7 Development Ministers, G7 Finance Ministers and the G7 Leaders agreed to a variety of ambitious declarations on Financing for Development and on gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, including the announcement of $3.8 billion to support the education of women and girls in crisis and conflict situations in connection with the Charlevoix Declaration on Quality Education for Girls, Adolescent Girls and Women in Developing Countries, of which Canada will invest $400 million."
1/31/2019,54,12-Nov,Canada in the World,"Create a new policy and funding framework to ensure that Canada's aid empowers people and supports broad-based, sustainable growth in the developing world.",Minister of International Development,Completed - fully met,"A comprehensive, feminist international assistance policy is in place that will reduce global poverty by investing in gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls and by focusing on the poorest and most vulnerable.","After a year of consultations with over 15,000 people in 65 countries, Canada released its Feminist International Assistance Policy in June 2017. The government engaged with people online and in person on how Canada's international assistance should be invested and focused. The consultation summary report was released in December 2016 and formed the basis of the new policy."
1/31/2019,55,12-Nov,Canada in the World,"Support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by the United Nations in September 2015.","Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of International Development","Actions taken, progress made","Canada's international assistance helps countries make progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and helps to build a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous world.","Canada's Feminist International Assistance Policy is explicitly aligned with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure that investments are coordinated with the rest of the international community. Sustainable Development Goal 5—achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls—is at the heart of Canada's approach to implement the SDGs because it will help to drive progress on all other SDGs and to eradicate poverty. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is central to the government's partnership with all civil society organizations to maximize the impact of Canada’s international assistance. Budget 2018 highlighted the government's commitment to the SDGs at home and abroad. In April, the government announced the development of a national strategy that will catalyze action on the SDGs across the country, and launched the Voluntary National Review Web portal to invite Canadians to share their stories of how they are helping to advance the SDGs. In July, Canada delivered its first Voluntary National Review (VNR) to the United Nations. The VNR report highlights Canada’s efforts and success over the past three years, underlining challenges that remain, and outlines Canada’s way forward on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs.
At the G7 Summit, leaders made progress against SDG 4 - Quality Education by endorsing the Charlevoix Declaration on Quality Education for Girls, Adolescent Girls and Women in Developing Countries to increase opportunities for at least 12 years of safe and quality education for all and to dismantle the barriers to girls’ and women’s quality education. Canada announced funding of $400 million and was joined by the European Union, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the World Bank, to announce an investment of close to $3.8 billion in education for women and girls in crisis and conflict situations. On September 26, 2018 at the United General Assembly in New York, Canada welcomed an additional contribution of more than $527 million from Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and Qatar to help developing countries give every child access to quality education and modern skills training.
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1/31/2019,56,12-Nov,Canada in the World,"Support the full range of reproductive health services and close the gap in the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Initiative.",Minister of International Development,"Actions taken, progress made","More women and girls are able to make informed reproductive health choices and assert control over their own bodies, saving the lives of women and children.","From 2017-2020, the government will focus on closing key gaps in sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls (e.g. contraceptives and safe, legal abortion), and on preventing and responding to sexual and gender-based violence including child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation and cutting. This will help reduce the number of women and girls around the world who have unmet needs for modern contraception, currently estimated to be 214 million. Consistent with Canada's new Feminist International Assistance Policy, the government also now strongly encourages partners funded by the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health programs to integrate the full range of sexual and reproductive health services into their programming. Canada also joined key global partnerships, such as Family Planning 2020, which will help enable up to 120 million more women and girls to access family planning by 2020, as well as the Ouagadougou Partnership, which will accelerate the use of these services in nine countries in West Africa. Canada will continue to promote sexual and reproductive health rights through its participation in movements such as SheDecides and will host the 2019 Women Deliver 5th Global Conference in Vancouver on June 3-6, 2019."
1/31/2019,57,12-Nov,Canada in the World,"Support innovative, evidence-based approaches to development assistance.",Minister of International Development ,"Actions taken, progress made",More effective international assistance and more rigorous use of evidence-based practice and innovative solutions within decision-making processes.,"Guided by the Feminist International Assistance Policy, Canada is providing more integrated and responsive assistance, supporting innovation and research, providing better reporting on results, developing more effective partnerships, and concentrating on those regions of the world where Canada can make the greatest difference in reducing poverty and inequality, particularly for women and girls. The government and its partners are measuring and reporting progress and results, conducting gender-based and human rights-based analyses of programs, and implementing new programming to support innovative partnerships.
In 2017, the government collaborated with the Canadian Council for International Co-operation, the Canadian Association for the Study of International Development and the International Development Research Centre to enhance innovative multi-stakeholder approaches to global development research. This initiative included the launch of an online searchable tool of more than 500 Canadian international development researchers from universities, colleges, institutes, think-tanks, and civil society organizations. The government also launched its International Policy Ideas Challenge (IPIC), an annual program in which early career and graduate researchers in Canada are selected to conduct and present innovative research on foreign policy, international trade and international development issues.
In the fall of 2017, the government launched the Small and Medium Organizations for Impact and Innovation initiative (SMO initiative), which aims to attract new and diverse partners and encourage innovation in international development. In February and March 2018, more than 250 stakeholders submitted comments as part of the virtual engagement process on the development of action area policies under the Feminist International Assistance Policy. Feedback is being carefully considered as the policies are finalized and prepared for public release.
In May, 2018, the Partnership for Gender Equality was launched. It is an innovative $300 million initiative to catalyze new investments to support the advancement of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in developing countries by the philanthropic community, the investing community, the private sector and civil society.
The government is collecting data on a set of performance indicators that will be used to report to Canadians on progress achieved in each of the Feminist International Assistance Policy’s action areas. The government continues to engage with the International Development Innovation Alliance, the OECD Development Assistance Committee and Canadian civil society partners to learn about and share good practices on innovative evidence-based approaches in development assistance.
To increase the transparency of Canada's international assistance, the government began publicly reporting the planned annual level of the International Assistance Envelope starting in 2018. To support innovation in Canada’s international assistance, the government will provide up to $1.5 billion over five years to the International Assistance Innovation Program and the Sovereign Loans Program. In April 2018, the government co-hosted a meeting in Washington D.C. with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the World Economic Forum and the UN on blended finance. At the 2018 G7 Summit, Leaders committed to the Charlevoix Commitment on Innovative Financing for Development to promote economic growth in developing economies and foster greater equality of opportunity within and between countries. G7 Development Ministers also agreed on the Whistler Principles to Accelerate Innovation for Development Impact.
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1/31/2019,58,12-Nov,Canada in the World,Provide assistance to countries that are vulnerable to the destabilizing effects of climate change.,Minister of International Development,"Actions taken, progress made",Countries receiving Canadian international assistance are better equipped to deal with the destabilizing effects of climate change.,"Canada is providing assistance to developing countries that are vulnerable to the destabilizing effects of climate change. The majority of this support is included in the government’s commitment to provide $2.65 billion over five years to help developing countries, in particular the poorest and most vulnerable transition to low carbon and climate resilient economies. To date, the government has announced more than $1.2 billion in funding contributions. This includes $300 million to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to support the poorest and most vulnerable countries in fighting the adverse effects of climate change, $250 million to establish the Blended Climate Finance Program at the International Finance Corporation, which will reduce barriers to private investment in climate change initiatives globally; $200 million to the Asian Development Bank to catalyze private investments for climate action in Asia and the Pacific, $150 million in support of renewable energy in Africa, $40 million for the African Risk Capacity agency to help developing countries protect themselves against the economic consequences of natural catastrophes (such as droughts caused by climate change), $39 million to help build the resilience of farming households in Senegal, with a particular emphasis on women and young people, and $17.2 million to support sustainable energy and economic growth in Burkina Faso. In February 2018, Canada announced that it would provide $20 million to support women's health and economic opportunities in Haiti through the adoption of clean cookstoves in 150,000 households and another $15 million to reinforce national systems in Haiti to better manage and respond to natural disasters. Canada also recently pledged $100 million to support reconstruction and climate resilience initiatives across the Caribbean over the next five years, $50 million of which will be part of Canada's $2.65 billion climate finance commitment. Canada is providing $16.2 million to support a $36 million Climate Resilience and Green Infrastructure project that puts specific emphasis on the role of women in managing water resources in Peru, and $6 million to the Food and Agriculture Organization for forest management and increased sustainable economic growth for rural indigenous women and youth in Honduras, two of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. Canada's new Development Finance Institute, capitalized with $300 million over five years, will mobilize its resources to promote green economic growth, which in turn will provide access to clean technology and climate-resilient infrastructure to those people most affected by climate change.
At the G7 Summit, Leaders agreed to the Charlevoix Blueprint for Healthy Oceans, Seas and Resilient Coastal Communities. The leaders committed to support resilient coasts and communities globally via better adaptation planning, emergency preparedness and recovery, and innovative financing for coastal resilience, and launched a G7 initiative to deploy Earth observation technologies and related applications to scale up capacities for the integrated management of coastal zones in the poorest and most vulnerable regions of the world. Canada announced $162 million to preserve the health and resilience of its oceans and coasts. As part of its G7 Presidency, Canada also announced $60 million in funding for Small-Island Developing States (SIDS) to expand energy systems and infrastructure, improve energy access for women and girls and provide training and employment for women in non-traditional, sustainable technology sectors.
In November 2018, at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting hosted by Papua New Guinea, the Prime Minister announced $10 million to the Pacific Initiative for Biodiversity, Climate Change and Resilience that will assist the Pacific region to adapt to climate change, protect biodiversity, and improve ocean and fisheries health.
The Prime Minister also announced in November 2018 that Canada will join the InsuResilience Global Partnership for Climate and Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance Solutions, launched at the 2017 UN Climate Change Conference in Bonn, Germany, to strengthen disaster preparedness, response, and recovery in developing countries."
1/31/2019,59,12-Nov,Canada in the World,Ensure Canada's strong and sustained engagement in the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie.,"Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie","Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",Promotion of Canadian values of diversity and inclusion through La Francophonie and promotion of French Canadian culture globally.,"Canada has maintained strong and sustained commitment to the International Organisation of La Francophonie and continues to use it as an important platform to engage the international community on priority areas. On gender equality, Canada continues to play an active role in the development of La Francophonie's gender equality Strategy in the promotion of women and youth empowerment and in the development of La Francophonie’s Action Plan on Women's Economic Empowerment. In May 2018, Canada supported the organisation of an international conference on conflict prevention and human security in Ottawa. The conference, which was organised by the University of Ottawa and the OIF, aimed to develop a roadmap to update existing Francophonie tools and instruments to address conflict prevention and human security in Francophonie member countries. Canada continues to advocate in support of enhanced governance and transparency measures to further strengthen the Organisation's administrative and financial governance practices, with examples of best practices regarding governance, transparency, and the communication of results being shared. "
1/31/2019,60,12-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Resettle 25,000 refugees from Syria.","Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship;Minister of International Development",Completed - modified,"The Government welcomed 26,172 Syrian refugees (government-assisted and privately sponsored) between November 4, 2015, and February 29, 2016.","As of January 29, 2017, Canada had welcomed 40,081 refugees from Syria: 21,876 government-assisted refugees, 3,931 blended visa office-referred refugees, and 14,274 privately sponsored refugees. Although the government hit and surpassed its targets, it did so two months later than the initial timeline to ensure proper security and medical examinations and resettlement preparations."
1/31/2019,61,12-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Double the number of entry applications for parents and grandparents of immigrants to 10,000 a year.","Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,"The Government made reuniting families a top priority and doubled the number of parents and grandparents sponsorship applications accepted to 10,000 in 2016. The new cap will be further doubled to 20,000 for 2019.","Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has formally increased the number of applications it will take in through its Parent and Grandparent (PGP) Program. In 2018, the cap was increased to 17,000 applications and it has been announced that the cap will be 20,000 in 2019."
1/31/2019,62,12-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Give additional points under the Express Entry system to applicants who have Canadian siblings.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,"Changes to Canada's Express Entry program, including additional points for candidates with Canadian siblings and candidates who have strong French and/or English languages skills were implemented on June 6, 2017. This is increasing the number of eligible economic immigrants who have the support they need to more easily integrate into the labour market and contribute to the economic success of all Canadians.","Changes to Canada's Express Entry program were implemented on June 6, 2017."
1/31/2019,63,12-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Increase the maximum age for dependents from 19 to 22 to allow more families to stay together and bring their children to Canada.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,More family reunification.,"The government has made reuniting families a top priority. Regulatory amendments to increase the maximum age of dependent children from 19 to 22 years of age came into force October 24, 2017."
1/31/2019,64,12-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Bring forward a proposal regarding permanent residency for new spouses entering Canada.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Sponsored spouses and partners no longer have to remain in abusive relationships for fear of losing their immigration status.,"To address concerns that some vulnerable sponsored spouses or partners were staying in abusive relationships out of fear of losing their permanent resident status, the government repealed the requirement of conditional residency. This means sponsored spouses and partners are no longer required to live with their sponsor for two years in order to maintain their permanent resident status, thereby reducing vulnerability and dependence."
1/31/2019,65,12-Nov,Government Services and Operations,"Improve client service delivery and immigration, refugees and citizenship application processing times.","Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship","Actions taken, progress made","Enhanced client service and timely processing of immigration, refugee and citizenship applications.","The government is developing initiatives to reduce processing times in several programs and a client service strategy to enhance the client experience. In December 2016, spousal sponsorship was reformed to speed up processing and simplify the sponsorship process. In 2017, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) met its commitment to process 80% of spousal applications received before December 2016. In July 2018, IRCC rolled out projected processing times for five permanent resident lines of business to improve the client experience. The Dedicated Service Channel helps guide companies making significant, job-creating investments in Canada. For 2019, IRCC continues to monitor progress against the commitment. The government also announced an intake management strategy for privately sponsored refugees and the goal of reducing wait times for new applications to 12 months. Service standards in other programs are being maintained: 80% of citizenship grant applications received since April 2015 are processed within a 12-month timeframe, and Express Entry permanent residence applications are processed within a six-month timeframe. Since June 2017, the Global Skills Strategy continues to assist companies in getting workers to Canada faster, including through two-week processing time for 80% of eligible work permit applications. Enhancements to the asylum system will be informed by the recent findings of the independent review of the Immigration and Refugee Board."
1/31/2019,66,12-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Restore the Interim Federal Health Program that provides health benefits to refugees.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Improved access to necessary health care for refugees.,"In April 2016, the government restored the Interim Federal Health Program for all eligible refugee beneficiaries. In addition, the government eliminated the coverage expiry date to ensure refugee claimants remain covered until they are eligible for provincial/territorial health insurance. "
1/31/2019,67,12-Nov,Canada in the World,Establish an expert human rights panel to help determine designated countries of origin and provide a right to appeal refugee decisions for citizens from these countries.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship","Actions taken, progress made","Canada upholds its commitment to welcoming those seeking refuge from conflict and war, while leveraging expertise and systems to strengthen program integrity and efficiency.","As of July 2015, claimants from Designated Countries of Origin - countries that do not normally produce refugees and do respect human rights and offer state protection - have had access to an appeal at the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. An independent review of the Immigration and Refugee Board and the asylum system has been completed, and findings are informing how the government will reform the asylum system to achieve both efficiency and fairness for all claimants."
1/31/2019,68,12-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Work with stakeholders to better co-manage our three oceans.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard","Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Better planning, management and protection of oceans, marine mammals, and coastal communities.","Through the Oceans Protection Plan (OPP) and other ocean initiatives, Canada has been engaging Indigenous and coastal communities, stakeholders and other levels of government, including activities, such as improved marine safety, protection of the marine environment, restoration of Canada’s coastlines, waterways management, and new opportunities for Indigenous and coastal communities in emergency response.
The OPP includes new research on the effects of oil spills, measures to protect marine mammals, and increased emergency response capacity in which coastal communities will play a greater role. The OPP is a key part of the government's commitment to redefine its relationship with Indigenous peoples and engage in a meaningful and productive partnership with Indigenous communities. In addition to the OPP, the government has officially endorsed the Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area Plan with the Province of British Columbia and Pacific North Coast First Nations; explored partnerships with land claims organizations in the North to advance Canada’s marine conservation agenda; and signed a statement of intent between Canada and the Nunatsiavut government to work together on oceans management in northern Labrador.
The Reconciliation Framework Agreement for Bioregional Oceans Management and Protection was announced by the Prime Minister on National Indigenous Peoples Day, June 21. This significant agreement demonstrates a commitment between Canada and First Nations along the North and Central Coast of British Columbia to partner on marine initiatives within the Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area. Key areas of work will include marine spatial planning, marine protected area network development and initiatives to support marine safety.
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1/31/2019,69,12-Nov,Canada in the World,Facilitate the temporary entry of low risk travellers and lift the visa requirement for Mexico.,"Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,"Canada is a more open country that does not impose unnecessary barriers to business travellers, tourists and other visitors.","On December 1, 2016, Canada lifted the requirement for Mexican travellers to have a visa. To facilitate the temporary entry of low-risk travellers, the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) was put in place on November 10, 2016 for visa-exempt foreign nationals (other than U.S. citizens) boarding their flight to Canada. On May 1, 2017, Canada expanded eTA to Brazil, Bulgaria and Romania to facilitate air travel for low-risk travellers. The visa requirement for Bulgaria and Romania was fully lifted on December 1, 2017. Additionally, on June 5, 2018, Canada lifted the visa requirement for the United Arab Emirates. "
1/31/2019,70,12-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Repeal provisions in the *Citizenship Act* that give the government the right to strip citizenship from dual nationals.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Repealed provisions in the *Citizenship Act* that gave the Government the right to strip citizenship from dual nationals.,"In June 2017, legislation was passed that repealed the unfair elements of the *Citizenship Act* that applied only to Canadians with dual or multiple citizenships and allowed the government to strip them of their Canadian citizenship. This legislation also makes it easier for applicants to meet the requirements for citizenship, and helps immigrants obtain citizenship earlier and faster."
1/31/2019,72,12-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Make it easier for international students to stay in Canada after their studies.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Better outcomes for immigrants to Canada because those who become permanent residents and citizens have Canadian educational experience.,"It is now easier for international students to become permanent residents or Canadian citizens after completing their studies. The government made changes to the Express Entry system that award more points to those who have studied in Canada, making it easier for international students to become permanent residents. As well, in October 2017, regulatory changes introduced by the government came into force, providing greater flexibility for international students who want to become Canadian citizens."
1/31/2019,73,12-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Restore funding to support federal ocean science and monitoring programs.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Completed - fully met,"Restored funding to support the hiring of new scientific staff, the acquisition of new lab equipment, and added capacity for ocean science and monitoring.","The Government of Canada restored funding for federal ocean science and monitoring programs. In April 2016, $197 million was committed to fund ocean and freshwater science activities, which will help better understand aquatic ecosystems and support evidence-based management decisions. The government is recruiting 135 new scientific staff and creating a new Partnership Fund to build capacity in the Canadian ocean and freshwater science community. The government is also investing in high-performance lab equipment to mitigate life-cycle management concerns, procuring new state-of-the-art acoustic and remote sensing technology, and enhancing monitoring activities for various species of marine mammals, fish and invertebrates."
1/31/2019,74,12-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Use good scientific evidence and traditional Indigenous knowledge when making decisions affecting fish stocks and ecosystem management.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard","Actions taken, progress made","A new, strong process that integrates scientific information in all major fish stock and ecosystem management decisions.",The Government of Canada has changed its internal processes to ensure that scientific information and advice are presented as part of decision making. The government is currently developing a plan to implement the precautionary approach policy for all major fish stocks. The new Chief Science Advisor will provide guidance on this.
1/31/2019,75,12-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Act on recommendations of the Cohen Commission on restoring sockeye salmon stocks in the Fraser River.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Completed - fully met,"The new Wild Salmon Policy implementation plan includes measures to restore and maintain salmon stocks, and will be implemented in collaboration with experts, stakeholders and Indigenous peoples.","In August 2016 and September 2018, the government released its first and second formal response to the final report of the Cohen Commission. On October 11, 2018, the government provided a third and final status update showing that all 75 recommendations from the Cohen Commission have been acted on. Many of the recommendations are ongoing, and the government continues to engage with scientific experts and stakeholders to further action on many of the Commission's recommendations. After extensive engagement with Indigenous peoples, stakeholders and the general public, the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard released the Wild Salmon Policy 2018-2022 Implementation Plan (WSP IP) on October 11, 2018, alongside the 2018 Cohen Response Status Update. The WSP IP sets out how the government is working to restore and maintain salmon stock and highlights measures for sustainable aquaculture.
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1/31/2019,76,12-Nov,Safety and Security,"Re-open the Maritime Rescue Sub-centre in St. John's, Newfoundland, and the Kitsilano Coast Guard Base in Vancouver.","Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Completed - fully met,Kitsilano Coast Guard Base and St. John's Maritime Rescue Sub-centre are re-opened to restore search and rescue services and save lives.,"In May 2016, the Kitsilano Coast Guard Base in Vancouver was re-opened to provide 24/7 search and rescue and environmental response services. The base received a new search and rescue vessel in December 2017.
The Maritime Rescue Sub-centre in St. John's officially re-opened on May 18, 2018, and is supporting the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) Halifax in coordinating maritime search and rescue operations in waters surrounding Newfoundland and Labrador.
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1/31/2019,77,12-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Sign new Health Accord with the provinces and territories.,Minister of Health,Completed - fully met,"A new, multi-year agreement to strengthen health care has been reached between the Government of Canada and provinces and territories.","The Government of Canada has reached agreements with all provinces and territories on collective priorities and 10-year funding to strengthen health care. Budget 2017 confirmed a targeted investment of $11 billion over 10 years to support home and community care and mental health and addictions services. In addition, the federal government also committed to federal investments of $544 million, which will help to increase the accessibility and affordability of prescription drugs and enhance innovation in the delivery of health services. In August 2017, federal, provincial and territorial governments reached agreement on a Common Statement of Principles on Shared Health Priorities, which outlines key priorities for federal investments to improve access to mental health and addictions services, as well as home and community care and a joint commitment to advance health innovation and the affordability, accessibility and appropriate use of prescription drugs. Governments also committed to develop and report on a set of common indicators for mental health and addictions, and home and community care to ensure that these investments bring Canadians improved health outcomes.
In June 2018, federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) health ministers endorsed indicators for home and community care and mental health and addictions services. Annual reporting by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) begins in 2019.
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1/31/2019,78,12-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Increase rates of vaccination.,Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made","By 2025, 95% of children under the age of two have received all recommended vaccinations.","The Government of Canada, working together with the provinces and territories, updated the national vaccination coverage goals and vaccine preventable disease reduction targets. The new goals and targets were endorsed by all jurisdictions in fall 2017. The Government of Canada also enhanced its Childhood National Immunization Coverage Survey to better estimate vaccination coverage and measure vaccine hesitancy. The Survey was launched in fall 2017 and initial reporting is expected in 2019. Since the launch of the Immunization Partnership Fund in 2016, 13 projects have been funded to support innovative projects aimed at increasing vaccination acceptance and uptake in Canada. Six additional projects are expected to be funded in 2018-19.
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1/31/2019,79,12-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Introduce plain packaging requirements for tobacco products.,Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made",New plain packaging requirements for tobacco products will contribute to continued decrease in use.,"Public consultation on the proposed Tobacco Products Regulations (Plain and Standardized Appearance) was published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on June 23, 2018. Feedback on the proposed regulations was accepted until September 6, 2018. All views and evidence submitted will be considered by Health Canada as final regulations are prepared for publication in the Canada Gazette, Part II.
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1/31/2019,80,12-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Promote the celebration of Canada 150.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism;Minister of Science and Sport,Completed - fully met,"Canadians came together to celebrate the best of Canada and to experience Canada’s rich cultural, linguistic, and geographical diversity.","Canada 150 celebrations came to a close. The Canada 150 Fund supported over six hundred community projects and thirty-eight pan-Canadian Signature projects through non-governmental organizations. Canada 150 enabled the promotion of active living, sport, and athleticism to students and communities across Canada, and it highlighted diversity and inclusion, reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, the environment, and youth. More than 31 million people participated in Canada 150 events. Programming included an investment of more than $1 million into the 2017 Canada Summer Games and an accompanying cultural festival. The closing of Canada 150 in December 2017 included Skating Day, one of a suite of community events supported by micro-grants that brought Canadians together, emphasized the connection all Canadians share as a northern people, and underscored Canada 150’s four major themes."
1/31/2019,81,12-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Restore and increase funding for CBC/Radio-Canada.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism,Completed - fully met,"Increased funding for CBC/Radio-Canada, leading to the creation of new, high-quality content across all platforms.","In Budget 2016, the government increased CBC/Radio-Canada funding by $675 million over five years. In 2017/18, this funding was directed toward CBC/Radio-Canada’s key programming and initiatives; the creation of new, high-quality content, including local content, across all platforms; digital transformation, and continued development of both its existing services and the next generation of digital talent."
1/31/2019,82,12-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that the appointment process to the CBC/Radio-Canada Board of Directors is merit-based and independent.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism,Completed - fully met,A new independent and merit-based appointment process has been established for selecting the CBC/Radio-Canada Board of Directors.,"The government has appointed an independent and non-partisan Advisory Committee that will provide the Minister of Canadian Heritage with recommendations of qualified candidates for appointments to CBC/Radio-Canada. Published, merit-based criteria will guide the Advisory Committee as they identify Canadians who would make significant contributions to the work of the Board of Directors of CBC/Radio-Canada. On December 18, 2017, the Minister of Canadian Heritage announced the appointment of five directors to the CBC/RC Board of Directors. On April 3, 2018, the Minister of Canadian Heritage announced the appointment of the new Chair, President and CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada, and three additional members of the Board. "
1/31/2019,83,12-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Double investment in the Canada Council for the Arts.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism,Completed - fully met,The Government invested $550 million in the Canada Council for the Arts to foster the development of the arts in Canada.,"New investments are being made in the form of grants, services and awards to professional Canadian artists and arts organizations, as well as through scholarly awards. The Government of Canada's annual investment in the Council is doubling over the next five years, growing local economies and creating good middle-class jobs."
1/31/2019,84,12-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Increase funding for Telefilm Canada and the National Film Board.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism,Completed - fully met,"Increased funding for Canada's film industry, creating growth and jobs in the creative industries.","In Budget 2016, the government invested $22 million in Telefilm Canada, over five years, to fund and promote programs dedicated to the cultural, commercial and industrial success of Canada’s audiovisual industry and provided the National Film Board of Canada with $13.5 million, also over five years, to produce distinctive, relevant and innovative feature films, audiovisual and digital content, and to promote these in Canada and internationally."
1/31/2019,85,12-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Restore PromArt and Trade Routes international cultural promotion programs.,Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism;Minister of International Trade Diversification,Completed - fully met,"Greater awareness of Canadian excellence in arts and culture, greater international demand for Canadian creators and more jobs in the creative industries.","In fall 2017, the government announced an investment of $125 million over five years towards the implementation of a new Creative Export Strategy. This initiative will help Canada's creative industries seize business opportunities abroad and increase Canada’s interactions with the world through culture, supporting cultural diplomacy efforts. Building on the $35 million committed in Budget 2016, the Strategy provides improved measures and redesigned cultural programs. Based on former PromArt and Trade Routes, it will help artists and creative industries kick-start or promote their creative offerings abroad. This will include more support from Canadian missions abroad to coordinate events showcasing Canadian artists on the world stage, as well as direct on-the-ground support from Canadian Trade Commissioners in key markets including London, Paris, Los Angeles, New York and China. With this support, Canadian creative industries will be able to better navigate export markets, meet key foreign contacts, and conclude business deals abroad. The government also expanded access to cultural trade data through Statistics Canada to provide more accurate and up-to-date information to help guide and focus Canadian creative exporters abroad. The Creative Export Strategy was announced on June 26, 2018."
1/31/2019,86,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,"Increase funding to ""Young Canada Works"" to help prepare the next generation working in the heritage sector.",Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism,Completed - fully met,More jobs for young Canadians in the heritage sector.,"Through Budget 2016, the government invested $1.5 million in new funding for Young Canada Works at Building Careers in Heritage programming to create 150 additional internships for young graduates in 2016-2017, multiplying by five the number of Young Canada Works internships for youth in heritage organizations in Canada. Through Budget 2017, the government further invested $14.05 million over three years in funding in Young Canada Works-Heritage programming. These new funds enabled the creation of 1,508 more jobs for Canadian youth in Canadian museums and related heritage organizations: 1,038 summer/short-term jobs through YCW in Heritage Organizations and 470 graduate internships through YCW at Building Careers in Heritage. The combined 2016 and 2017 budget investments in Young Canada Works-Heritage programming are enabling the creation of over 1,600 new employment opportunities for youth in the heritage sector over four years (2016-2017 to 2019-2020)."
1/31/2019,87,12-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Develop a multi-year Official Languages plan to support English and French linguistic minorities.,"Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism;Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie",Completed - fully met,A new Official Languages plan was developed and will be implemented to support English and French linguistic minorities across Canada.,"On March 28, the 2018-2023 Action Plan for Official Languages: Investing in our Future was announced. The Action Plan includes a new investment of almost $500 million to support official-language minority communities across the country and promote bilingualism of Canadians. The new plan took effect on April 1, 2018. New initiatives will be gradually implemented over 2018-19."
1/31/2019,88,12-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Establish a free, online service for learning and retaining English and French as second languages.","Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie;President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government","Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges","A cross-platform, web-based application will enable adult Canadians to learn and retain – in a way that is flexible, accessible and free – their second official language (English or French).","Canadian Heritage has conducted consultations with industry to identify possible approaches for providing an e-learning tool for Canadians. Budget 2018 and the announcement on March 28, 2018 of the 2018-2023 Action Plan for Official Languages confirmed the funding for the web-based application. The solution’s architecture and the information technology requirements have been developed. The Government of Canada is currently reviewing all implementation options to ensure that the proposed solution is responsive to identified needs and objectives."
1/31/2019,89,12-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Restore a modern Court Challenges Program.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Completed - fully met,Increased protection for human rights and official language rights through a modernized Court Challenges Program.,"The government has reinstated a modernized Court Challenges Program to provide financial support to individuals or groups in Canada to access the courts for the litigation of test cases of national significance, to help clarify and assert certain constitutional and quasi-constitutional official language rights and human rights in Canada. On September 1, 2017, the government announced that the University of Ottawa had been selected to manage the modernized program. The Government of Canada announced the nomination of fourteen part time Expert Panel Members on November 20, 2018. The two panels, responsible for official language rights and human rights, will assess funding applications to the Court Challenges Program for court cases of national significance and will allocate resources accordingly. This will help people and groups in Canada access the justice system to assert their language rights and human rights. The Government of Canada is committed to strengthening and promoting Canada’s two official languages and human rights. It is important that people and groups are able to assert and defend their official language rights and their equality rights.
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1/31/2019,90,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Balance the budget in 2019/20.,Minister of Finance,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges",Balance the budget over the long-term and continue to reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio.,"Fall Economic Statement 2018 shows that the fiscal framework does not forecast a balanced budget in 2019/20. Before the government delivered the 2016 Budget, the baseline fiscal track weakened as a result of low oil prices and slow global economic growth. Important fiscal investments were made to kick-start the economy, support the middle class and address the long-term challenges that were limiting Canada's potential. Canada remains among the leaders for economic growth in the G7, and consumer confidence remains elevated. As a result, the current fiscal track shows steady improvements in the government's budgetary position along with a continued decline in the federal debt-to-GDP ratio. The budgetary deficit is on track to fall from 0.9% of GDP in 2017-18 to 0.4% of GDP by 2023-24. The government will maintain this downward debt ratio track and preserve Canada's low-debt advantage for current and future generations."
1/31/2019,91,12-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Lead preparations for the 2016 Rio Olympics and Paralympics.,Minister of Science and Sport,Completed - fully met,Canadian athletes and national sport organizations were well prepared for and supported at a successful showing at the 2016 Rio Olympics and Paralympics.,"Canadian athletes excelled during the 2016 Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games. Nearly 15% more Canadian athletes were able to attend the Games compared to 2012. Canadian athletes placed 10th in total Olympic medals, up from 14th in 2012 and Paralympians also had a very strong showing, bringing home 29 medals."
1/31/2019,92,12-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Create greater links between our elite athletes and young Canadians to promote health and achievement among youth.,Minister of Science and Sport,Completed - fully met,Increased number of events organized to connect young Canadians and Canada's elite athletes.,"The government has supported and continues to support greater links between our elite athletes and young Canadians. Following the 2016 Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games, the government organized a number of events both online and in person at schools across the country, to connect young Canadians with Canada's elite athletes. Approximately 250 Olympic and Paralympic athletes and coaches from the 2016 Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games participated in these events, reaching tens of thousands of students across Canada. In May 2018, over 300 Canadian athletes, guides, and coaches attended events at Rideau Hall and Parliament Hill to celebrate their achievements at the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games of PyeongChang 2018. The celebrations included a Facebook Live “Team Canada Classroom Champion Chat,” providing youth across Canada with the opportunity to engage with Olympians and Paralympians from Rideau Hall. Athletes, students and the general public at Rideau Hall were also able to try out sports such as Para ice hockey and snowboarding. "
1/31/2019,93,12-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Raise the quality of the Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) applied to Cabinet proposals.,Minister for Women and Gender Equality,"Actions taken, progress made",Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) is effectively integrated into policy-making across government.,"Since 2016, proposals to Cabinet now require a full GBA+ analysis, which includes an analysis of the proposal's impact on diverse groups of people. Budget submissions also require a full GBA+ analysis. The government will continue to improve the quality of the analysis through new training tools and videos. In addition, to ensure that gender remains a key consideration for future governments, as announced in Budget 2018, the government has introduced new GBA+ legislation to make gender budgeting a permanent part of the federal budget-making process."
1/31/2019,94,12-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that the Government's senior appointments are merit-based and demonstrate gender parity.,Minister for Women and Gender Equality,Completed - fully met,Greater representation of Canada's gender diversity in senior appointments.,"In 2016, the government put in place a new open, transparent and merit-based approach to selecting candidates for some 1500 federal Governor in Council (GIC) appointments. This will help over time to close gaps in the representation of women in GIC positions. Since late 2015, more than half of appointments made under this new process were attributed to women, and the overall representation of women serving as GIC appointees has increased by 14 percentage points and is now at 48 per cent.
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1/31/2019,95,12-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Help injured Veterans by re-establishing lifelong pensions and insuring that they all have access to financial advice and support.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made","Injured Veterans have the option of taking a monthly, tax free payment for life and are provided financial advice and support to assist them in determining the form of compensation that works best for them and their families.","The recently introduced Pension for Life initiative is a combination of benefits that provide recognition, income support and better overall stability to Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and Veterans who are living with a disability due to a service-related injury and/or illness.
As of April 1, 2019, Pension for Life will provide a holistic package that reintroduces lifelong monthly pain and suffering payments, implement a new recognition benefit, and consolidate six existing income-related financial benefits.
The resulting Pension for Life benefits package includes: the Pain and Suffering Compensation, Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation, and the Income Replacement Benefit.
1) For injured Veterans, the Pain and Suffering Compensation (PSC) recognizes pain and suffering caused by a disability resulting from a service-related injury and/or illness. The PSC replaces the lump sum Disability Award announced in 2006. It delivers a maximum of $1,150 per month for the life of the serving member or Veteran, or if a Veteran chooses, they can elect to have the monthly PSC cashed out for a lump sum payment that will be equal to the lump sum offered less any monthly payments already paid. The maximum lump sum cash out for the PSC will be equivalent to a maximum lump sum payment available under the Disability Award on March 31, 2019, which is being replaced by PSC. The amount provided by the PSC will be adjusted annually by the percent increase in the Consumer Price Index.
2) Some injured Veterans will also benefit from Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation (APSC). This benefit provides additional support to Veterans who are experiencing barriers to re-establishment in post-service life due to a service related severe and permanent impairment. Depending on the extent of the Veteran’s impairment, the monthly payment would be $500, $1,000 or $1,500 adjusted annually by the percent increase in the Consumer Price Index. This benefit is not intended to replace lost earnings and so is tax-free.
3) In addition to the PSC and APSC recognition benefits, PFL will introduce the Income Replacement Benefit (IRB). The Income Replacement Benefit is a monthly benefit designed to provide income support to Veterans who are experiencing barriers to re-establishment due to a health problem resulting primarily from service. As the IRB is designed to replace income, it is an economic benefit and as such is taxable. The benefit is available to Veterans and survivors, for life, and orphans, should they need it. For Veterans who have not yet served a full career in the military and have been determined to have a diminished earnings capacity, the monthly salary will be increased by 1% every year until the Veteran reaches what would have been 20 years of service or age 60. The IRB replaces six pre-existing benefits (i.e. Earnings Loss, Benefit, Extended Earnings Loss Benefit, Career Impact Allowance, Career Impact Allowance Supplement, Supplementary Retirement Benefit and Retirement Income Security Benefit) with one, simpler benefit. Veterans who wish to join the workforce may also earn up to $20,000 from employment before any reduction will be made to their IRB payment."
1/31/2019,96,12-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Expand access to the Permanent Impairment Allowance to better support Veterans.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,More Veterans qualify for higher benefit amounts if they have had their career options limited by service-related illness or injury.,"As of April 2017, the Government of Canada has replaced the outdated Permanent Impairment Allowance with the new Career Impact Allowance. This new measure provides broader eligibility to more generous benefit amounts for the most seriously ill and injured Veterans whose careers are impacted by service-related illness or injury. The benefit amount that a Veteran receives will depend on the unique circumstances of each case.
Effective, April 1, 2019, the Career Impact Allowance will be consolidated as part of the new Income Replacement Benefit announced under Pension for Life."
1/31/2019,97,12-Nov,Government Services and Operations,"Provide injured veterans with 90% of their pre-release salary, and index this benefit to inflation.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"Veterans now receive 90 per cent of their pre-release salary under the Earnings Loss Benefit (ELB), and benefits are indexed to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).","Canada's women and men in uniform put their lives at risk to protect the values that Canadians cherish most. In Budget 2016, the Government of Canada made significant investments to give more money to Veterans with disabilities primarily resulting from military service. In particular, in October 2016 ELB eligibility was increased from 75% to 90% of a Veteran's monthly pre-release military salary. This benefit provides financial support to injured Veterans while they are undergoing rehabilitation or up to age 65 if they are determined to have a diminished earning capacity. As of June 30, 2017, a total of 12,461 Veterans have received an increase or are newly in receipt of benefits since changes to the ELB were made.
Effective, April 1, 2019, the Earnings Loss Benefit will be consolidated as part of the new Income Replacement Benefit announced under Pension for Life. All eligible Veterans will continue to receive 90% of their pre-release salary, indexed to CPI during rehabilitation and for life if they are found to have a diminished earning capacity."
1/31/2019,98,12-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Create a Veterans Education Benefit that supports the education costs of Canadian Forces Veterans after completion of service.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,More Veterans receive education and training upon release and are given the means to achieve their education and post-service employment goals.,"As of April 1, 2018, the Government of Canada has implemented the new Education and Training Benefit which provides Veterans who have a total of at least six years of service in the Regular or Reserve Force and who were honourably released on or after April 1, 2006 with up to $40,000 for college, university or technical education. Veterans with at least 12 years of service can receive up to $80,000. This will help Veterans cover the cost of getting a new degree or certificate, which is often critical in making a successful transition to post-service life. "
1/31/2019,99,12-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Improve career and vocational assistance for Veterans.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made",Improve career and vocational assistance for Veterans and ensure jobs for Veterans are included in federally-funded infrastructure projects.,"The government has introduced new initiatives to support Veterans’ transition to the labour market.
• The government is working with provinces and territories as part of infrastructure negotiations to ensure Community Benefits Agreements integrate jobs for Veterans into infrastructure projects.
• Through the *Veterans Hiring Act* (VHA), which came into effect July 1, 2015, current and former members of the Canadian Armed Forces are given priority within public service hiring processes. As of October 31, 2018, 769 medically-released Veterans have been hired as permanent employees into the federal public service through this process.
• As of April 1, 2018, eligible Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans, their spouses/common-law partners and survivors can now apply for a new, modernized set of Career Transition Services delivered by career support professionals familiar with the military culture, whenever and wherever needed. These services also ensure that Veterans have the knowledge, skills and abilities required to search for employment in the civilian work force so that they are more likely to gain employment and feel satisfaction in their employment.
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1/31/2019,100,12-Nov,Government Services and Operations,"Deliver a higher standard of service and care, and ensure that a ""one veteran, one standard"" approach is upheld.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made","Veterans and their families have seamless support as they transition out of the military, with simplified application processes, improved client services and reduced wait times to receive benefits.","The government has invested $42.8 million to increase service delivery capacity and reduce the backlog in key programs at Veterans Affairs Canada.
The government is lowering its case-management ratios so that Veterans who require more in-depth, one-on-one personal based support can access services in a timely manner.
The government's recently completed a Service Delivery Review, which will shape efforts to reduce complexity and strengthen partnerships between Veterans Affairs and National Defence.
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1/31/2019,101,12-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Re-open the nine Veterans Affairs service offices recently closed.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"To improve services for Veterans, all Veterans Affairs Canada offices closed by the previous government have been re-opened and resources have been added in new areas not previously served.","All nine offices previously closed have been reopened and a new tenth office has been opened to serve the needs of veterans in Surrey, BC, and the Lower Mainland. In addition, the Government of Canada has expanded outreach to the territories and other northern communities to provide an enhanced level of service and outreach to Veterans and their families. As of April 2018, the government has hired more than 470 new employees, including 190 new case managers, to improve services for veterans."
1/31/2019,102,12-Nov,Government Services and Operations,"Create two centres of excellence in Veterans' care, including one specialized in mental health and post-traumatic stress disorder.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made",Veterans and their caregivers and providers have better access to better knowledge and expertise to address the unique care needs of someone who previously served.,"Budget 2017 invested in the creation of the first centre of excellence that will focus on the creation and dissemination of knowledge on prevention, assessment and treatment of PTSD and related mental health conditions for Veterans and Canadian Armed Forces members. Plans for the second centre of excellence are at an early stage of development and consultation."
1/31/2019,103,12-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Support families who are providing care and support to Veterans living with physical and/or mental health issues.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,Increased support for families who are providing care and support to Veterans living with physical and/or mental health issues.,"As of April 1, 2018, military members who leave the service for medical reasons, as well as their families, have access to a full range of support services at all of Canada's 32 Military Family Resource Centres as well as through services delivered over the phone and online. Further support is offered to families by the new Caregiver Recognition Benefit, which provides a more generous non-taxable monthly benefit payable directly to caregivers of Veterans to better recognize and honour the vital role they play."
1/31/2019,104,12-Nov,Government Services and Operations,End the time limit for surviving spouses applying for vocational rehabilitation and assistance services.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,Surviving spouses are able to receive vocational rehabilitation and assistance services whenever they need them.,"As of April 1, 2018, the Government of Canada has enhanced support for survivors and common-law/spouses by eliminating the current one-year time limit on applications for Rehabilitation Services and Vocational Assistance. This change allows survivors to apply for assistance whenever they are prepared to return to work."
1/31/2019,105,12-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Increase the Veteran survivor's pension amount from 50% to 70%.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made","Surviving spouses receive better support, and benefits are delivered in a more client-centred, streamlined fashion.","Announced on December 20, 2017 as part of the Pension for Life initiative, support for eligible spouses will increase from 50% to 70% of the Veteran’s post age 65 Income Replacement Benefit, providing them with enhanced financial security when they need it most. This measure, effective April 1, 2019, will improve the delivery of benefits so that surviving spouses and their families have a simpler system to navigate."
1/31/2019,106,12-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that surviving spouses of Veterans receive appropriate benefits by eliminating the marriage after 60 clawback.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made",Surviving spouses receive the same pension amounts as all other survivors regardless of the age at which they were married.,The Government of Canada is working to eliminate the pension clawback for spouses married to Veterans over the age of 60 at the time of marriage that currently exists in the *Canadian Armed Forces Superannuation Act*. Progress on this commitment has taken longer than anticipated.
1/31/2019,107,12-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Double funding to the Last Post Fund to ensure that all veterans receive a dignified burial.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"Funding is doubled to the Last Post Fund, and more families qualify for a burial or marking benefit when a Veteran dies.","As of October 2016, the Government of Canada enhanced the Funeral and Burial Program, which is delivered by the Last Post Fund Corporation so that more families can qualify for financial support for the funeral and burial of a recently deceased Veteran. The government nearly tripled the survivor estate exemption from approximately $12,000 to $35,200 so that more people can access this support in their time of need. Going forward, this amount will be indexed annually."
1/31/2019,108,12-Nov,Safety and Security,Create an Office of Community Outreach and Counter-radicalization Coordinator.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,"Actions taken, progress made",Reduced radicalization and greater understanding of how to prevent radicalization.,"On June 26, 2017, the government established the Canada Centre for Community Engagement and Prevention of Violence to help provide leadership on Canada's response to radicalization to violence, coordinate domestic and international initiatives, and support community outreach. The government is in the process of appointing a Special Advisor and Advisory Committee. The Community Resilience Fund was also launched to provide financial assistance to organizations undertaking programming and research to address radicalization to violence in Canada. In September 2018, the government released an independent report that provides an overview of what the government heard during its public consultation on countering radicalization to violence. In December 2018, the government launched Canada’s National Strategy on Countering Radicalization to Violence, which outlines the Government of Canada’s approach to countering radicalization to violence by preventing and disengaging individuals from violent ideologies."
1/31/2019,109,12-Nov,Safety and Security,Protect Canadians and our critical infrastructure from cyber threats.,"Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of National Defence;Minister of Democratic Institutions","Actions taken, progress made","Increased cyber security for Canada's critical infrastructure, economy, and democratic institutions, resulting in better protection for Canadian businesses and individuals from cyber threats.","On January 30th, 2019, the Ministers of Democratic Institutions, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, and National Defence announced a set of measures to protect Canada's 2019 General Election from cyber and non-cyber threats. This whole-of-government response to threats is centred on four areas of action: enhancing citizen preparedness; improving organizational readiness; combatting foreign interference; and, expecting social media platforms to act.
In addition, to strengthen Canada’s cyber security and prosperity in the Digital Age, Budget 2018 announced funding of $507.7 million over the next five years to deliver on a new National Cyber Security Strategy that was launched in June 2017. Also announced in the Budget were important initiatives to deliver on this new vision for Canadians, including the creation of a new Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, which became operational on October 1, 2018, and the creation of a National Cybercrime Coordination Unit to be launched by the RCMP. In December 2018, the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security released a National Cyber Threat Assessment, which details the current cyber threat environment facing Canada and Canadians. An updated report on Cyber Threats to Canada’s Democratic Process is forthcoming in early 2019.
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1/31/2019,110,12-Nov,Safety and Security,"Strengthen controls on handguns and assault weapons, and examine a full ban of both.",Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,"Actions taken, progress made","Reduced gun violence through balanced, effective firearms measures.","The government is developing effective firearms measures that prioritize public safety while ensuring law-abiding Canadians are not unduly impacted. To support this objective, the government established a more representative Firearms Advisory Committee that includes representation from law enforcement, civilian firearms users, public health advocates, women’s groups, farmers, conservation organizations, and the legal community. The government also reversed a ministerial directive that could have allowed gun manufacturers to determine the classification of their own products under certain conditions.
On November 17, 2017, the government announced up to $327.6 million over five years, and $100 million annually thereafter, in new funding for initiatives to reduce gun crime and criminal gang activities. As announced in November 2018, the government’s Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence includes investments of $51.5 million for the Canada Border Services Agency and $34.5 million for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police that will help interrupt the flow of smuggled and trafficked firearms at the border while also providing additional resources for law enforcement to address gang activity and the criminal use of firearms.
A Summit on Gun and Gang Violence was held in March 2018 to bring together stakeholders to share information on the realities, issues and best practices to combat criminal gun and gang violence. Also in March 2018, the government introduced legislation that prioritizes public safety and effective police work, while respecting law-abiding firearms owners. It will not recreate a federal long-gun registry. Throughout October 2018 and November 2018, the government will lead an engagement process, including in-person roundtable discussions across Canada, and online engagement on the topic of handguns and assault weapons.
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1/31/2019,111,12-Nov,Safety and Security,Enhance compensation for public safety officers who are permanently disabled or killed in the line of duty.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,"Actions taken, progress made","Public safety officers who are permanently disabled or killed in the line of duty, and their families, are appropriately compensated.","In March 2017, the government announced the creation of a tax-free community heroes benefit that will support the families of firefighters, police officers and paramedics who died in the line of duty. Through the Memorial Grant Program for First Responders, families of first responders that lose a loved one as a direct result of their duties, will receive a one-time lump sum, tax-free payment of $300,000. The Program took effect on April 1, 2018. On September 7, 2018, Public Safety Canada announced that a third-party service provider had been contracted to administer this initiative. Grants will be awarded to eligible families in this calendar year.
The third-party service provider’s website became fully operational on December 20, 2018. Grant payments to eligible families have already begun.
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1/31/2019,112,12-Nov,Safety and Security,Restore funding to provinces and territories to support Heavy Urban Search and Rescue teams.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Completed - fully met,"Search and rescue capacity across Canada is strengthened, helping save lives.","Last year, the government restored funding of $15.5 million previously cut from the Heavy Urban Search and Rescue taskforces in Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, and across Manitoba. The government is also providing support to build new heavy urban search and rescue capacity in Montreal and Halifax."
1/31/2019,113,12-Nov,Safety and Security,"Develop a plan to better predict, prepare for, and respond to weather-related emergencies and natural disasters.",Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,"Actions taken, progress made","Canadians are quickly and effectively supported when natural disasters occur, and communities are better prepared for weather-related emergencies.","All Canadians, regardless of age, gender, location or on-reserve and off-reserve Indigenous status, deserve equal access to tools and resources to build resilience and enhance the readiness of their communities in a climate-impacted future. In recognition of the growing severity and frequency of natural disasters in Canada, like the recent wildfire seasons in British Columbia, the government is working in collaboration with provinces and territories, and Indigenous peoples to develop a whole-of-society Emergency Management Strategy that will support Canadians and communities impacted by weather-related events and natural disasters.
On January 25th 2019, Federal, Provincial and Territorial (FPT) Ministers responsible for emergency management released the Emergency Management (EM) Strategy for Canada: Toward a Resilient 2030. The first-ever shared FPT vision for emergency management supports a whole-of-society approach and outlines key priority areas that will strengthen Canada's ability to better prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.
The government continues to respond quickly and effectively to support Canadians and communities impacted by weather-related events and natural disasters. This has included partnerships with the Red Cross, payments to assist provincial governments, and the creation of ad hoc Cabinet committees to coordinate a response across government. Additionally, Canada is playing a leading role globally on the issues of disaster risk reduction, having hosted the United Nations Fifth Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in March 2017.
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1/31/2019,114,12-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure strong and effective gender and culturally sensitive training policies for federal front-line law enforcement officers.,Minister for Women and Gender Equality,"Actions taken, progress made",Increased cultural competency and trauma-informed gender-based violence training across the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).,"In 2018-19, the RCMP is designing and developing two training courses that will be delivered to RCMP employees over a three-year period, starting in 2019-20. The courses: “Developing Cultural Awareness and Humility” and “Using a Trauma-Informed Approach”, will improve capacity across the RCMP to effectively respond to gender-based violence (GBV), in a gender and culturally sensitive manner. This includes violence against Indigenous women and girls. All training material will be examined using the Gender Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) tool."
1/31/2019,115,12-Nov,Sustainable Infrastructure,Move forward on a toll-free replacement for the Champlain Bridge.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities,"Actions taken, progress made",Toll-free Samuel De Champlain Bridge opened by December 2018.,"The Champlain Bridge is vital to its daily users and plays an important role in the Canadian economy. The Government of Canada's priority is to deliver a quality, toll-free Samuel De Champlain Bridge as soon as possible without compromising the safety of workers and the public, and ensuring sound management of taxpayers' money. The opening will take place no later than June 2019. The current bridge is safe and continuously monitored in real time."
1/31/2019,116,12-Nov,Fair and Open Government,"Work with Parliamentarians to reform Question Period so that all ministers, including the Prime Minister, are held to greater account.",Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,"Increased accountability of all ministers, including the Prime Minister, during Question Period.","Since April 2017, the Prime Minister has adopted the practice of taking all questions during Wednesday sittings, as his schedule permits. In addition, when invited, ministers have participated in Senate Question Period."
1/31/2019,117,12-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Promote free votes and limit the circumstances in which Liberal Members of Parliament will be required to vote with the Government.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,Members of Parliament are strong voices for their communities and there is greater accountability within Parliament.,"Since fall 2015, all House of Commons votes have been free votes for Liberal Members of Parliament with the exception of those relating to: platform commitments, matters of confidence, and protections guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms."
1/31/2019,118,12-Nov,Fair and Open Government,End the improper use of omnibus bills and prorogation.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,Measures are in place to end the improper use of omnibus bills and prorogation.,"In June 2017, the House of Commons adopted a government motion that changed the Standing Orders to prevent the improper use of omnibus bills and prorogation. The motion gives the Speaker power to split omnibus bills for the purposes of voting except for budget implementation bills that contain only provisions that were announced in a budget presentation or in the budget documents. The motion also forces the government to justify, in writing, the reasons for a prorogation and the House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs has the power to study the government's justification."
1/31/2019,119,12-Nov,Fair and Open Government,"Make government accounting and financial reporting more consistent, transparent and understandable to Canadians.",President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government;Minister of Finance;Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,"Government reporting is easier for Canadians to find, understand and use to hold the Government accountable.","The government has introduced significant changes to improve accountability and make financial reporting more transparent and easier to understand. These changes include: making the Parliamentary Budget Officer an independent officer of Parliament with new powers and resources to more rigorously examine the country's finances; publishing fiscal decisions between budgets; publishing accrual versus cash reconciliation for the Estimates and the Budget; and changing the Standing Orders of the House of Commons to allow Main Estimates to be published later in the calendar year, resulting in the 2018-19 Main Estimates being tabled after the 2018 Budget and including 100% of announced Budget measures in a new centrally-managed Budget Implementation vote. As Budget items receive Treasury Board approval of program authorities, the allocations will be reported and updated regularly in an online annex."
1/31/2019,120,12-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Improve reporting to Parliament.,President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government,Completed - fully met,Increased transparency so that parliamentarians and all Canadians can more easily hold the Government to account.,"Part III of the Estimates (i.e., Departmental Plans and Departmental Results Reports) have been simplified and new features and data have been added to the online GC InfoBase. In addition, the government introduced and adopted changes to the Standing Orders to better ensure consistency across the Budget, Estimates and Public Accounts, and provide greater clarity in voting on appropriations. These changes will help parliamentarians and Canadians better examine government spending and allow for the timely flow of funding outlined in budget plans.
In the last year, the GC InfoBase has been updated to provide broader availability of data, graphics, and analytics, including:
• Actual and Planned Spending and Results information in support of the Policy on Results;
• An aggregation of program performance to provide data-driven results narratives at the department and government-wide level;
• A Budget Tracker tool that makes it possible to follow where public funds are going and how they will be spent all the way down to the programs delivering the services;
• A Government at a Glance flow chart to see how government resources flow across different tagging schemes;
• More granular expenditure data at the program level with spending on specific components such as salaries, capital, transfer payments, etc.;
• Open and accessible datasets organised by the source report (e.g., Public Accounts, Main Estimates, Departmental Plans, etc.)."
1/31/2019,121,12-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Ensure that Agents of Parliament are properly funded and accountable only to Parliament.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,"Actions taken, progress made",Agents of Parliament are independent and are properly funded.,"In June 2017, legislation was passed that established the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) as an independent agent of Parliament, reporting directly to Parliament. This legislation provides the PBO with the ability to request the funds from the Speakers of the House and Senate needed to fulfill their mandate. The government will continue to work with Agents of Parliament to support their important work."
1/31/2019,122,12-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Ensure that the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) is properly funded and independent of the Government.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,The Parliamentary Budget Officer is independent and properly funded to conduct analyses on behalf of Parliament.,"In June 2017, legislation was passed that established the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) as an independent agent of Parliament, reporting directly to Parliament. This legislation provides the PBO with the ability to request the funds from the Speakers of the House and Senate needed to fulfill their mandate. This is consistent with the practice for all other independent agents of Parliament. The PBO will also have greater access to relevant information within departments, agencies and Crown Corporations; will be appointed for a term of seven years and can only be removed with cause, subject to the approval of parliamentarians; and will be able to cost election platform proposals at the request of political parties."
1/31/2019,123,12-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Strengthen Parliamentary committees so that they can better scrutinize legislation.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,Parliamentary committees are freer and better equipped to study legislation.,"The Government of Canada has strengthened parliamentary committees by giving them more funding through the Board of Internal Economy so they can undertake the appropriate research and engage with Canadians. The government has also ensured that the practice of electing committee chairs by secret ballot has continued. In addition, the House of Commons adopted a motion that enables Parliamentary Secretaries to be non-voting members of committees, ensuring that they can no longer vote on committees that fall within their minister's mandate, helping assure the freedom and independence of House of Commons standing committees."
1/31/2019,124,12-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Disclose the expenses of all Parliamentarians in detail each quarter.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,"Actions taken, progress made","Increased transparency through the quarterly, detailed disclosure of parliamentarians' expenses.",The Government of Canada has introduced legislation to codify in law that the expenses of all parliamentarians continue to be disclosed on a quarterly basis. Details are disclosed on the Parliament of Canada website in an accessible and easy-to-read format.
1/31/2019,125,12-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Examine ways to make the House of Commons more family-friendly for Members of Parliament.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,"Actions taken, progress made","A House of Commons that is truly a modern, professional, family-friendly workplace for Members of Parliament and their staff.","The House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs released a report in June 2016 outlining ways to make the House of Commons more family-friendly for Members of Parliament and their staff. The government is currently implementing the principal recommendations of this report, which include scheduling votes immediately following Question Period rather than later in the evening, and tabling the House sitting calendar prior to the summer adjournment so that Members and staff are able to better plan their schedules. The Board of Internal Economy has also taken steps to implement more family-friendly administrative practices, such as providing more flexible childcare services and making high chairs available in Parliamentary cafeterias. The Board of Internal Economy made changes to travel policies for Members to promote a family friendly environment and facilitate family reunification. Parliament recently legislation to make it possible for Parliamentarians to take maternity and parental leave. The House of Commons and the Senate can now develop and implement policies. More needs to be done to ensure Parliament, as a workplace, fully recognizes the challenges and pressures of raising a family. The government is fully committed to working with all parties to make this happen. In November 2018, the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons participated in the Women MPs of the World conference in London, during which the Minister met with women MPs and world leading scholars on how to advance gender equality and inclusiveness in Parliaments including through implementation of family-friendly policies. "
1/31/2019,126,12-Nov,Exports and Investment,"Invest in an Agri-Food Investment Fund to attract investment and create good, well-paying jobs in food processing.",Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,"Actions taken, progress made",The agri-food sector is a leading area for economic growth over the next 10 years.,"The government is increasing investment in the agri-food sector to increase and diversify exports to create good middle-class jobs. Budget 2017 identified agri-food as one of the six key sectors for future economic growth and set an ambitious objective of increasing annual agri-food exports to $75 billion by 2025. The government announced a $1.26 billion five-year Strategic Innovation Fund to attract and support new high-quality business investments, including for agri-food value added processors. The Canadian Agricultural Partnership, launched on April 1, 2018, includes a commitment to facilitate the maintenance and expansion of both domestic and international agricultural and agri-food markets, as well as to enhance the ability of the agriculture and agri-food sector to diversify market opportunities.
The final report of the Economic Strategy Tables was released on September 24, 2018, outlining sector-specific plans for economic growth, including for the agri-food sector, along with signature initiatives endorsed by all six Tables. The Fall Economic Statement, announced on November 21, 2018, reflects many of the Economic Strategy Tables' recommendations and proposes an additional $800 million over five years to the Strategic Innovation Fund, which will continue to be available to support innovative investments across the country in all economic sectors. On December 14, 2018, a new stream was initiated under SIF for national scale initiatives in digital technology applications in the agriculture and agri-food sector."
1/31/2019,127,12-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Develop a food policy that promotes healthy living and safe food.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,"Actions taken, progress made",A whole of government food policy that promotes Canadians' health and quality of life.,"In 2017, the government formally consulted with Canadians and stakeholders to support the development of *A Food Policy for Canada*. This policy is intended to identify a vision and plan to address challenges such as increasing access to safe and nutritious food; improving health and food safety; conserving the soil, water and air; and growing more high-quality food. A national Food Policy Summit was held in June 2017 and six regional roundtables were held in August and September 2017. An online survey was conducted, receiving 45,000 responses, and other grassroots engagements with Canadians were led by Members of Parliament, and stakeholder groups. The government issued a “What We Heard” report on the consultations on September 5, 2018. The consultations provided valuable insights into what matters to Canadians and stakeholders, including support for the development of a food policy that addresses food security, health, environmental protection, and growth of the agriculture and food industry. The feedback received from Canadians and stakeholders is informing the development of *A Food Policy for Canada*."
1/31/2019,128,12-Nov,Jobs and Innovation,Invest in agricultural research to support discovery science and innovation.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,"Actions taken, progress made","Advance research in agricultural genomics, digitize nearly six million specimens by 2022 and invest in discovery research in priority areas.","Starting in 2016, the government has been working to accelerate the DNA analysis, data capture and imaging of specimens from its biological collections, completing the digitization of nearly six million specimens. In addition, Budget 2017 announced $70 million to further support agricultural discovery science and innovation, with a focus on addressing emerging priorities such as climate change and soil and water conservation. Of this $70 million investment, $44 million is dedicated to hiring the next generation of federal research scientists and science professionals and equipping them with the state-of-the-art tools they need to advance agricultural research, including environmental sampling equipment and analytical instruments.
The government also launched a new Living Laboratories Initiative, which includes $10 million to support collaborative research projects with external partners. It is an integrated approach that brings farmers, scientists and other stakeholders together to co-develop, test and monitor new practices and technologies on farms. The result will be more practical technologies and sustainable farming practices that are adopted more quickly by Canadian farmers.
In the same spirit of collaboration, the remaining $16 million of the $70 million is earmarked to fund collaborative federal research projects focused on priority areas affecting the agriculture sector, such as environmental issues."
1/31/2019,129,12-Nov,Exports and Investment,Promote Canadian agricultural interests during trade negotiations.,Minister of International Trade Diversification;Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Achieve the target of $75 billion annually in agri-food exports, and create more middle class jobs and higher incomes for the many rural and urban Canadians employed in the agri-food sector.","The government has made agriculture and agri-food trade a priority in the trade expansion strategy. The Prime Minister and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, International Trade Diversification and Agriculture and Agri-Food have completed trade missions to Mexico, China, Japan, India, South Korea, the European Union and the United States promoting agri-food. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) entered into force on December 30, 2018 which will improve market access for Canadian agriculture exports to key markets in the Asia-Pacific. The government also introduced the bill to modernize the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement (CIFTA) in Parliament on October 23, 2018, and signed the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) on November 30, 2018. The government has taken every effort to minimize the impact on the supply-managed sectors, but recognizes that the CUSMA may result in production declines in the short term for some producers. The government is committed to full and fair compensation for losses incurred as a result of the agreement. The government is implementing the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement that expands opportunities for Canadian agri-food products with 94% of EU agricultural tariff lines now duty free. Canada has also signed a memorandum of understanding with China on canola and negotiated new market access in China for Canadian beef and pork exporters. Canada will continue to work to resolve regulatory, quota and tariff issues with India to ensure long-term access to the Indian market for Canadian pulse exports (e.g., peas, chickpeas, beans and lentils).
The government will continue to strongly defend the interests of its agricultural industries, including supply management, with all trading partners, for example, with Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru in the negotiation of a Free Trade Agreement between Canada and the Pacific Alliance, as well as with Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay in the negotiation of a Free Trade Agreement between Canada and MERCOSUR and with India in the negotiation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Canadian exports of agriculture, agri-food, fish and seafood to all countries in 2017 rose to $64.6 billion, a $2-billion increase from 2016 exports.
To better engage with international standard-setting bodies and support efforts to meet the government's goal of growing Canada's agri-food exports to $75 billion per year by 2025, the government proposes to invest an additional $25 million over the next five years to enhance federal capacity to address situations where Canadian agricultural producers may be restricted from selling goods in international markets."
1/31/2019,130,12-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Assess whether current farm income safety nets meet the needs of Canadian farmers.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,Completed - fully met,"Implement a new agricultural policy framework, with updated business risk management programs, to support an agricultural and agri-food sector that is strong, innovative and resilient.","The Government of Canada launched the Canadian Agricultural Partnership on April 1, 2018.
On November 24, 2017, the government announced the initiatives and priorities of the $1 billion federal investment under the $3 billion Canadian Agricultural Partnership, including the six federal programs: AgriMarketing, AgriCompetitiveness, AgriScience, AgriInnovate, AgriDiversity and AgriAssurance. Federal program details were announced on February 13, 2018 and application forms are now available.
The government has finalized bilateral negotiations with provinces and territories on the $2 billion in federal, provincial and territorial cost-shared initiatives, which will be announced as they become available. The Business Risk Management (BRM) Programs Review has been completed and the Review’s Expert Panel delivered its recommendations on the future direction of BRM to federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Agriculture at their annual conference in Vancouver in July 2018. FPT governments will work collaboratively on a path forward that addresses the Review’s recommendations to ensure BRM programs work as intended, including industry engagement throughout the process. Changes to BRM programs agreed upon under the CAP are in place for the 2018 Program Year."
1/31/2019,131,12-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Help the agriculture sector adjust to climate change and better address water and soil conservation issues.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,Completed - fully met,An agricultural food sector that succeeds in the face of a changing climate.,"In April 2018 the Government of Canada launched the Canadian Agricultural Partnership to support an agriculture and agri-food sector that is strong, innovative and resilient. The government finalized bilateral agreements with provinces and territories on the Partnership, including on environment and climate change programming. The government also supports innovation and on-farm action on soil, water and climate change through: the Agricultural Clean Technology Program; A Food Policy for Canada; Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Program; the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change; the Lake Erie Domestic Action Plan; and internationally through the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and the Global Soil Partnership of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Budget 2017 announced $70 million to support agricultural discovery science and innovation with a focus on addressing emerging priorities, including climate change and soil and water conservation. This investment will be used to hire and equip around 75 science professionals, support collaborative research, and launch a new Living Laboratories Initiative. The Living Laboratories Initiative brings together farmers, scientists and other stakeholders to co-develop, test and monitor new practices and technologies on farms."
1/31/2019,132,12-Nov,Safety and Security,Ensure that the Canadian Armed Forces have the equipment they need.,Minister of National Defence;Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","The Canadian Armed Forces receive the ships, fighter jets and other equipment that it needs over the next 20 years as planned for and funded in the new defence policy.","Canada's defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—invests in the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces and delivers the standard of service and care that current and former members deserve. The government is investing to expand the Regular and Reserve Forces, build 15 new surface combatant ships, replace the current fighter jet fleet with 88 advanced fighter aircraft, and develop new space capabilities and global communications in the Arctic, among other key projects.
The department is currently working on 56 major equipment projects to help support or upgrade capabilities, with a number of minor projects also underway.
In accordance with Strong, Secure, Engaged, measures being pursued to improve defence and marine procurements include: enhancing governance and strategic oversight; streamlining processes and undertaking process transformation; leveraging defence and marine procurements to advance national economic priorities; improving communications; and growing and professionalizing the workforce. A number of new improvements have already been implemented and the government continues to find and implement further efficiencies.
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1/31/2019,133,12-Nov,Safety and Security,"Maintain current National Defence spending levels, including current planned increases.",Minister of National Defence,Completed - fully met,The Government will exceed previous funding levels.,"Under Strong, Secure, Engaged, the annual budget will grow, on a cash-basis, from $18.9 billion in 2017-18 to $32.7 billion in 2026-27. Funding is allocated to ensure that it is made available whenever the Department needs it. The Department of National Defence will access the funds through the usual parliamentary approval process. With this fiscal framework in place, the government will continue to assess and monitor the needs of the Canadian Armed Forces to ensure that they are well-equipped, well supported and have the resources required to succeed."
1/31/2019,134,12-Nov,Safety and Security,Maintain Canada's strong commitment to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).,Minister of National Defence,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",North America is safe and secure and Canada remains a strong and responsible partner in NORAD.,"Canada is meeting its commitment to NORAD on an ongoing basis, focusing on four key areas: personnel, capabilities, infrastructure, and participation in key decision-making fora on the future of NORAD. The government is also expanding the Royal Canadian Air Force fighter jet fleet in order to properly fulfill its NORAD and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) commitments."
1/31/2019,135,12-Nov,Safety and Security,Conduct an open and transparent defence strategy review.,Minister of National Defence,Completed - fully met,Canada now has a new defence policy that was built on extensive input from Canadians and delivers the standard of service and care that current and former Canadian Armed Forces members deserve.,"On June 7, 2017, the Minister of National Defence launched Canada's new defence policy: Strong, Secure, Engaged. This followed extensive external consultations, including engagement with the Canadian public, Parliamentarians, defence experts, and allies and partners. The new policy will allocate realistic funding to projects that will keep the military running efficiently and effectively for years to come, and ensure Canada remains a trusted and capable ally. Through this plan, the government will build an even stronger military and, most importantly, deliver the standard of service and care that Canada's women and men in uniform deserve."
1/31/2019,136,12-Nov,Safety and Security,"Renew the focus on surveillance and control of Canadian territory, and approaches, particularly for our Arctic regions.",Minister of National Defence,"Actions taken, progress made","The Canadian Armed Forces has developed the necessary capabilities to expand its presence in Canada's air, maritime, land, space, and cyber domains to protect our sovereignty and keep Canadians safe.","As outlined in Strong, Secure, Engaged, the government will invest in new space capabilities; prioritize Arctic Joint Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance in defence research and innovation; and collaborate with select Arctic partners in order to increase surveillance and monitoring of the broader Arctic region.
The Department of National Defence is investing in surveillance solutions that will support Canada's ability to exercise sovereignty in the North (RADARSAT Constellation Mission and Polar Epsilon 2, Defence Enhanced Surveillance of Space Program, Enhanced Satellite Communications Project – Polar, and Tactical Narrow Band Satellite Communications).
In line with the SSE commitment to collaborate with the US on the development of new technologies to improve Arctic surveillance and control, including the renewal of the North Warning System, Canada will collaborate with the US on the Binational Northern Approaches Surveillance Analysis of Alternatives for an innovative technological solution to early warning.
The first of six Arctic and Offshore Patrol vessels will be at initial operating capacity in summer 2020 and the Canadian Army has begun the process to acquire tracked semi-amphibious vehicles optimized for use in the Arctic environment.
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1/31/2019,137,12-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that the Canadian Armed Forces are a workplace free from harassment and discrimination.,Minister of National Defence,"Actions taken, progress made","The Chief of Defence Staff and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) senior leaders continue to lead the full implementation of recommendations made by the Deschamps report and in Operation HONOUR, the Canadian Armed Forces mission to eliminate harmful and inappropriate sexual behaviour in the military. CAF members have access to a full range of victim and survivor services, and harassment complaints are dealt with in a timely manner.","The defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged— affirms that the Government of Canada will not tolerate gender-based violence or workplace harassment. The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) will continue to work on gender, diversity and inclusion initiatives to eliminate harmful behaviours and ensure a work environment free from harassment and discrimination. On January 31, 2018, DND and the CAF launched the Positive Space initiative to promote a safe and inclusive work environment for all employees regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
Defence is developing enhanced procedures and training packages to address harassment incidents. A new integrated conflict and complaint management program now provides the Defence Team accessible, responsive, and personalized services. This initiative fosters a trusted and healthy workplace, which attracts talent, enhances operational effectiveness, and supports retention. In June 2018, the Federal Court approved a landmark Final Settlement Agreement (FSA) to the LGBT Purge Class Action that will compensate current and former members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and federal public servants who were directly impacted by anti-LGBTQ2 policies and practices. The FSA also includes $15 million for Reconciliation and Memorialization Measures to prevent future discrimination and for reconciliation with LGBTQ2 communities. The CAF has established a Litigation Implementation Team to implement the DND/CAF requirements under the LGBT Purge Final Settlement Agreement for eligible former and current CAF members.
In order to eliminate sexual misconduct, the CAF is committed to working with external stakeholders and experts in the development of the Operation HONOUR strategic campaign plan and program development to drive sustained cultural change. In accordance with the November 2018 Auditor General’s report and recommendations on the CAF response to inappropriate sexual behaviour, the CAF will focus on enhanced victim support as well as improved training and education programs.
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1/31/2019,139,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Repeal the recent changes made to the Employment Insurance (EI) system that have been punitive to unemployed workers.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Repealed the 2012 changes to Employment Insurance (EI) so that unemployed Canadians have better benefits and more opportunities for good quality jobs.,"In 2016, the Government of Canada reversed EI restrictions related to commute times and work type. Now, workers are no longer forced to accept lower-paying work that is far away from their homes. This change simplifies job search responsibilities, while maintaining the long-standing requirement to search for and accept available work."
1/31/2019,140,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Reduce Employment Insurance (EI) premiums.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,"Employment Insurance (EI) premium rates have been reduced and a new, transparent EI premium rate setting process has been established so that revenues and costs remain in line over the long-term.","The EI premium rate was lowered from $1.88 in 2016 to $1.63 in 2017. The premium rate has been announced and set at $1.66 for 2018, which reflects important new supports for Canadian families and changing economic conditions. For the first time, beginning with the 2017 premium rate, the Canada Employment Insurance Commission (EI Commission) assumed responsibility for setting the annual EI premium rate.
On September 13, 2018, the EI Commission announced that the 2019 EI premium rate will decrease to $1.62 per $100 of insurable earnings, reflecting strong economic conditions and projections, as well as additional new supports for Canadian families. This will be the lowest EI premium rate since 1980, and for most Canadian workers, the lowest they have paid since entering the workforce."
1/31/2019,141,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Improve the Employment Insurance (EI) system that currently leaves too many unemployed workers with no safety net.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development","Actions taken, progress made",Employment Insurance (EI) remains responsive over the long-term to the needs of workers and employers and reflects the diversity of needs across the country.,"In 2016, the government reduced the waiting period for EI and made benefits more flexible, easier to access and more generous for workers who need it. For example, the New Entrants and Re-Entrants provision has been eliminated—which set higher eligibility requirements for youth, newcomers and other workers new to the labour market—enabling over 50,000 more Canadians annually to qualify in the event of job loss. In addition, extra weeks of benefits were provided to regions most affected by the commodities downturn and job search responsibilities were simplified.
Over the last year, the government has heard from Parliamentarians, stakeholders and experts as to how to further modernize EI. In Budget 2018, the government introduced a permanent successor strategy to the current EI Working While on Claim pilot that expires in August 2018. In addition, Budget 2018 announced that Working While on Claim provisions will be extended to EI maternity and sickness benefits, so that workers can maintain their connection to the labour force during periods of temporary unemployment. In addition, Budget 2018 proposed to better assist workers in seasonal industries that experience a gap in income support before the start of the next season.
The government will continue to look for ways to better serve Canadians as they deal with important life events. "
1/31/2019,142,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,"Eliminate Employment Insurance (EI) discrimination against immigrants, younger workers and parents re-entering the workforce.","Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Canadian workers in the same economic region are now treated equally in the Employment Insurance (EI) system.,"In July 2016, the Government of Canada eliminated rules that limited access to EI for those new to the labour market or re-entering the labour market. Under the previous rules, workers who were entering the workforce or re-entering after being away for two years were required to have 910 hours of insurable employment, regardless of their actual work history prior to unemployment. Now, these workers are treated the same as other Canadians. This will help approximately 50,000 Canadians every year qualify for EI in the event of job loss, particularly immigrants, young workers and parents returning to the workforce."
1/31/2019,143,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Reduce the wait time for new Employment Insurance (EI) recipients from two weeks to one week.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Canadians are able to access Employment Insurance (EI) benefits more quickly.,"On January 1, 2017, the EI waiting period was reduced from two weeks to one week. With this measure, claimants are now eligible to receive benefits starting one week earlier. This helps approximately 1.8 million EI claimants each year pay their bills during a time of unemployment and provides higher benefits at the beginning of the claim period."
1/31/2019,144,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Improve Canadians' access to good quality job training.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made","Canada will have one of the most skilled, talented, creative and diverse workforces in the world, with more opportunities for all Canadians to get the education, skills, and work experience they need to participate fully in the workforce of today, as they—and their children—prepare for the jobs of tomorrow.","In Budget 2017, as part of the government's Innovation and Skills Plan, the Government of Canada announced several measures to help more Canadians get the education, skills and work experience they need to succeed today and prepare for the jobs of tomorrow.
In support of this, the Skills Boost initiative has introduced several measures for 2018-2019, including: increased eligibility for Canada Student Grants and Loans for part-time students as well as Canada Student Grants for students with dependents; and a three-year pilot project targeted to adult learners that will provide an additional $1,600 in grant support and allow flexibility to base Canada Student Grant eligibility on current year's income. The Skills Boost also provides greater flexibility for Canadians on Employment Insurance (EI) to get new certificates or training without fear of losing their benefits.
The government has also expanded workers' access to skills training and job supports, and is improving access to opportunities for lifelong learning, and increasing work experience opportunities for young Canadians. Starting in 2017-2018, the government has significantly expanded federal investments being provided to provinces and territories over the next six years through the labour market transfer agreements, which include Labour Market Development Agreements and new Workforce Development Agreements. Agreements have been signed with most jurisdictions. Remaining negotiations are expected to be completed later this fiscal year.
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1/31/2019,145,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Rationalize and expand the intergovernmental agreements that support skills training.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development","Actions taken, progress made",Agreements with provinces and territories that expand and support skills training for Canadians.,"To help more Canadians get the skills they need, the Government of Canada provided funding to temporarily boost existing labour market transfer agreements (Labour Market Development Agreements and Canada Job Fund Agreements) in 2016. Starting in 2017-2018, the government has significantly expanded federal investments that will be provided to provinces and territories over the next six years through the labour market transfer agreements, which include Labour Market Development Agreements and new Workforce Development Agreements. The government also amended the *Employment Insurance Act* to broaden eligibility for job training under the Labour Market Development Agreements. This change came into effect on April 1, 2018. Agreements have been signed with most jurisdictions. Remaining negotiations are expected to be completed later this fiscal year. Work continues with provinces and territories to develop more effective training programs and share best practices.
In addition, in Budget 2018 the government announced that it will launch Future Skills this spring. Future Skills will bring together expertise from all sectors and leverage experience from partners across the country. It will also include an independent Council to advise on emerging skills and workforce trends, and a research lab focused on developing, testing and rigorously measuring new approaches to skills assessment and development."
1/31/2019,146,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Develop a framework to fund training facilities delivered in partnership with labour unions.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,Establish a program to support union-based training centres that provide Canadians with the skills that are needed by employers.,"The Government of Canada has consulted with labour, industry and other stakeholders. The new Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) was launched in July 2017. Projects have started and most are aimed specifically at increasing the participation and success of women in the trades and/or Indigenous Peoples."
1/31/2019,148,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,"Change the Repayment Assistance Plan so that graduates are required to repay only once they earn at least $25,000 per year.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,"Recent graduates earning less than $25,000 are able to delay repayment of their Canada Student Loans until they are more financially secure.","Effective November 2016, thresholds for the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) have been increased so that no borrower will have to repay their Canada Student Loan until they are earning at least $25,000 per year. Thanks to this change and efforts to increase awareness, an additional 29,000 Canadians will be able to delay payment (an increase of approximately 11%), and many more will have lower payments until they can afford to pay back their debts. "
1/31/2019,149,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Increase take up rates of Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) and the Canada Learning Bonds by making registration easier.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made",Increased number of low and middle income families using Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) and receiving Canada Learning Bonds so that more Canadians get access to post-secondary education.,"In 2017, 142,778 children received the Canada Learning Bond (CLB) for the first time, bringing the total number of children who have ever received the CLB to over 1 million. In addition, 290,410 children received the Canada Education Savings Grants (CESG) for the first time, bringing the total number of children aged 0-17 who have ever received the CESG to 3.69 million.
The Government of Canada is exploring new and innovative approaches to increase awareness and take-up of the CLB.
Of note, a Call for Concepts was launched in November 2017. Proposals are being considered for funding under three themes:
• Support for Indigenous Peoples;
• Facilitated Access; and,
• Research and Innovation.
Successful applicants will be advised in the new calendar year. The findings from these projects will help inform additional efforts that the government could undertake to increase take-up of the CLB.
Budget 2017 announced amendments to the *Canada Education Savings Act* to make it easier to access the CLB and the additional amount of the CESG by allowing the cohabitating spouse or common-law partner of the primary caregiver to request the CLB and/or the additional amount of the CESG on behalf of an eligible child.
The Government of Canada collaborated with the Province of Ontario to integrate an “Education Savings Referral Service” into ServiceOntario’s online Newborn Registration Service, as announced in Budget 2018. As of March 2018, parents of newborns are able to request to be contacted by a participating RESP promoter of their choice to learn more about and start the process to open an RESP, and request the education savings incentives for an eligible child.
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1/31/2019,150,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,"Collaborate with provinces and territories on the Canada Student Loans Program, and compensate provinces and territories that do not participate in it.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,"Changes to the Canada Student Loans Program increase participation of low and middle income students, with accommodations for any province or territory that does not wish to participate.",Canada Student Loans Program (CSLP) funding is delivered in partnership with participating provinces and territories with costs being covered by the federal government. CSLP worked closely with provinces and territories to implement changes to the Program announced in Budgets 2016 and 2017. The Government of Canada is committed to respecting existing arrangements for compensation with the provinces or territories that do not participate.
1/31/2019,151,12-Nov,Indigenous peoples,Increase annual support to the Post-Secondary Student Support Program.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Indigenous Services","Actions taken, progress made","Indigenous students have greater access to financial support, boosting their post-secondary education participation and completion rates.","The Government of Canada has enhanced support for the Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP) for 2017-2018 and 2018-2019, which will help meet the financial needs of an additional 4,600 Indigenous students attending post-secondary education. This funding was an interim step while the government undertook a review of federal support for Indigenous post-secondary student. The review of post-secondary education programming was completed in the fall of 2018, and based on the results of this review; Indigenous Services Canada is working with its partners to advance distinctions-based post-secondary education strategies that respond to the different post-secondary education priorities of First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners.
Changes have been made to the PSSSP, and University and College Entrance Preparation Program that reflect early engagement with the Assembly of First Nations and are consistent with Budget 2016 and Budget 2017 commitments. These changes improve program flexibility by:
• Increasing maximum amounts payable to individual students, to better respond to rising tuition costs;
• Expanding eligible expenditures to include transcript and application fees;
• Allowing students more time to complete their programs of study, by removing or adjusting limitations on duration of financial assistance; and
• Providing greater flexibility for students who wish to pursue more than one certificate or degree program.
To support Indigenous students in having greater access to financial support to boost their post-secondary education participation and completion rates, additional efforts have been undertaken. Starting in the 2017-2018 academic year, Indigenous students are more eligible for support under the Canada Student Loans Program (CSLP) since funds they receive through PSSSP are no longer considered assets during their assessment. Learners who self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, including status and non-status Indians, Métis, or Inuit) are exempt from making a fixed student contribution. This exemption means that Indigenous students will be eligible for more grant and loan funding and will have access to the full suite of CSLP supports to help with the costs of post secondary education. Finally, Budget 2017 proposed amendments to the *Canada Student Financial Assistance Act* which came into force on August 1, 2018 so that, starting in the 2018-2019 school year, students who are registered under the *Indian Act* but do not have Canadian citizenship can access the CSLP.
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1/31/2019,152,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,"Increase the number of good quality, permanent jobs for younger workers.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Reduced youth unemployment, greater opportunities for work experience, and improved access to job supports for youth.","The government recognizes the importance of good quality jobs for younger workers. In Budgets 2016 and 2017, the government made significant incremental investments in the Youth Employment Strategy (YES). Thanks to these investments, the government will help more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop skills to find work or go back to school, create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians, and over 1,600 new youth job opportunities in the heritage sector. For instance, the number of jobs supported under Canada Summer Jobs increased from approximately 34,500 in 2015 to approximately 68,900 in 2017. Changes have also been made to Employment Insurance (EI) to remove the discriminatory New Entrants and Re-Entrants requirement, ensuring that young workers are treated fairly when they need to access job support through EI.
In Budget 2018, the government proposes to provide an additional $448.5 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, to the YES. This funding will support the continued doubling of the number of job placements funded under the Canada Summer Jobs program in 2019-20 and provide additional resources for a modernized YES in the following years.
The government is creating more opportunities for co-op and work integrated learning for students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and business programs through a new Student Work Placement (SWP) initiative. The SWP will create up to 10,000 new work placements for STEM and business students by 2021 in key sectors. To support Canada's National Cyber Security Strategy, Budget 2018 proposed additional funding of $8.3 million for the Student Work Placement initiative to support the creation of up to 1,000 new student work placements specifically in the cyber security sector. In April 2018, in the context of the G7, the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour also announced additional investments of $3 million over three years, to support the creation of up to 500 new student work placements in the artificial intelligence field, including targeted support for students in underrepresented groups, including women in STEM.
The Expert Panel on Youth Employment delivered a report in June 2017 outlining ways the Government of Canada can improve labour market outcomes for youth. These recommendations are currently being reviewed to determine possible areas for future action. A renewed YES will be announced over the course of the next year.
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1/31/2019,153,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Increase our investment in the Youth Employment Strategy and improve the strategy's impact.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made",Increased investment in the Youth Employment Strategy helps more youth succeed in the labour market.,"The government recognizes the importance of good quality jobs for younger workers. Thanks to incremental investments made in the Youth Employment Strategy (YES) in Budgets 2016 and 2017, the government will help more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop skills to find work or go back to school, create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians, and over 1,600 new youth job opportunities in the heritage sector. In Budget 2018, the government proposes to provide an additional $448.5 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, to the YES. This funding will support the continued doubling of the number of job placements funded under the Canada Summer Jobs program in 2019-20 and provide additional resources for a modernized YES in the following years.
The government is creating more opportunities for co-op and work integrated learning for students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and business programs through a new Student Work Placement SWP) initiative. The SWP will create up to 10,000 new work placements for STEM and business students by 2021 in key sectors. To support Canada's National Cyber Security Strategy, Budget 2018 proposed additional funding of $8.3 million for the Student Work Placement initiative to support the creation of up to 1,000 new student work placements specifically in the cyber security sector. In the context of the G7, the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour also recently announced additional investments of $3 million over three years, to support the creation of up to 500 new student work placements in the artificial intelligence field, including targeted support for students in underrepresented groups, including women in STEM.
The Expert Panel on Youth Employment was created to assess the barriers faced by vulnerable youth in finding and keeping jobs, and to examine innovative practices used by governments, nongovernmental organizations and employers both at home and abroad to improve job opportunities for vulnerable youth. The government is reviewing the Panel's 2017 report, outlining ways the Government of Canada can improve labour market outcomes for youth. These recommendations are currently being reviewed to determine possible areas for future action. A renewed YES will be announced over the course of the next year."
1/31/2019,154,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Develop or expand Pre-Apprenticeship Training Programs.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made",Increased pre-apprenticeship training and improved literacy and essential skills among incoming apprentices.,"Announced in Budget 2018, the new pre-apprenticeship program was launched with $6 million in 2018-19 and $10 million per year thereafter. The purpose is to encourage Canadians - particularly groups facing barriers such as women, Indigenous Peoples, newcomers, youth, and persons with disabilities - to explore the trades, gain work experience, make informed career choices and develop the skills needed to find and keep good, well-paying jobs in the trades.
Organizations, including colleges, Indigenous organizations, trade organizations, and industry, were asked to submit applications for the new pre-apprenticeship program and projects are starting."
1/31/2019,155,01-Feb,Strong Middle Class,Respond to the recommendations of the Expert Panel on Youth Employment.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made",The recommendations of the Expert Panel on Youth Employment will help inform future decisions on how best to help young Canadians succeed in the labour market.,"The government created an Expert Panel on Youth Employment to examine the key barriers faced by youth in obtaining employment, and the main challenges faced by employers in hiring youth. The Panel delivered its final report in June 2017, which included recommendations on how to best help young Canadians succeed in the labour market. The Panel's report will inform ongoing work on the renewal of the Youth Employment Strategy.
Through Budget 2017, the government is investing an additional $395.5 million over three years, starting in 2017–18, for the Youth Employment Strategy. Combined with Budget 2016 measures, these investments will help more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop the skills they need to find work or go back to school; create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians; and provide over 1,600 new employment opportunities for youth in the heritage sector.
Through Budget 2018, the government proposes to provide an additional $448.5 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, to the Youth Employment Strategy. This funding will support the continued doubling of the number of job placements funded under the Canada Summer Jobs program in 2019-20 and provide additional resources for a modernized Youth Employment Strategy in the following years, building on the input of the Expert Panel on Youth Employment.
A renewed Youth Employment Strategy will be announced over the course of the next year. "
1/31/2019,156,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Implement a modern Fair Wages Policy.,"Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made",Firms with contracts with the federal government pay their employees a fair wage.,The government has completed its policy research and analysis on fair wages policies and consultations with external stakeholders are underway. The government is now considering options for a modernized fair wages policy to be in place within the current mandate.
1/31/2019,157,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Amend the *Canada Labour Code* to allow workers to formally request flexible work arrangements.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,Federally regulated workers are now able to request flexible work arrangements.,"Budget 2017 aims to give federally regulated workers the right to request flexible work arrangements from their employer, such as flexible start and finish times and the ability to work from home. Changes will also provide federally regulated workers with new unpaid leave for family responsibilities, to participate in traditional Indigenous practices, and to seek care if they are victims of family violence. Changes will also make bereavement leave more flexible.
Legislation to implement these changes was tabled in Parliament on October 27, 2017, as part of the *Budget Implementation Act, 2017, No. 2,* and received Royal Assent on December 14, 2017. "
1/31/2019,158,12-Nov,Sustainable Infrastructure,Determine an appropriate apprenticeship target for federal infrastructure projects.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made",An appropriate apprenticeship target for federal infrastructure projects that leads to greater apprenticeship opportunities for Canadians.,"Significant engagement has been undertaken with Infrastructure Canada (INFC) and Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) to determine an appropriate target for apprentices to be employed as part of federal infrastructure projects. In the Integrated Bilateral Agreements (IBAs) with Provinces and Territories (P/Ts), INFC will be collecting data on the project hours worked by apprentices through the Community Employment Benefit (CEB) initiative. The CEB initiative requires P/Ts to report annually on progress against project-level targets, which includes an option for reporting on employment of apprentices for all major infrastructure projects (projects with total eligible costs over a threshold of $10M or $25M depending on the results of negotiations). The CEB is included in integrated Bilateral Agreements signed with all P/Ts.
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1/31/2019,159,12-Nov,Jobs and Innovation,"Create more co-op placements for students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and business programs.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Science and Sport","Actions taken, progress made","More co-op and work-integrated learning placements for students enrolled in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and business programs, to help students gain the necessary experience for the jobs of today and tomorrow.","The government is creating more opportunities for co-op and work integrated learning for students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and business programs through multiple initiatives. The $73 million Student Work Placement initiative will create up to 10,000 placements by 2021. Expanded federal support of $221 million for Mitacs, a not-for-profit organization that builds partnerships between industry and educational institutions, will fund over 44,000 placements by 2021-22.
To support Canada's National Cyber Security Strategy, Budget 2018 included $8.3 million in additional funding for the Student Work Placement initiative to support the creation of up to 1,000 student work placements in the cyber security sector. In the context of the G7, the government also recently announced an additional investment of $3 million over three years to support the creation of up to 500 new student work placements in the artificial intelligence field, including targeted support for students in underrepresented groups, including women in STEM. Together, these initiatives will create close to 60,000 placements over five years. In addition, the government is investing in the PromoScience program, which will support STEM learning activities for youth."
1/31/2019,160,12-Nov,Exports and Investment,Maintain constructive relations and deepen trade and commerce with the United States.,Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Strong economic growth and well-paying, middle-class jobs on both sides of the border.","The government, in coordination with provinces and territories, continues to work with the United States (U.S.) administration, the U.S. Congress and officials at the state and local levels to grow Canada's economy, create well-paying middle class jobs, and address global challenges. Since January 2017, the Prime Minister, Cabinet ministers, parliamentary secretaries, premiers and provincial and territorial ministers have cumulatively undertaken over 510 visits to the U.S. and engagements in Canada and abroad with senior U.S. officials. In February 2017, Canada and the U.S. announced the creation of the Canada-United States Council for Advancement of Women Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders to promote the growth of women-owned enterprises and to further contribute to Canada's overall economic growth and competitiveness. The Council has released its fifth, and final, report on October 29, 2018, recommending actions to reduce barriers that limit women's participation in business. On September 30, 2018, the government completed negotiations toward a Canada-US-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), which was signed on November 30, 2018. Canada continues to advocate against protectionist policies and for maintaining an open market. In cases where the U.S. has imposed unfair duties, Canada is forcefully challenging such duties under international disputes settlement processes (e.g. steel and aluminum, softwood lumber, paper products), and has responded to U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum with dollar for dollar tariffs on certain U.S. goods. The government also regularly engages with the U.S. to respond to global security issues, such as by co-hosting the Foreign Ministers' Meeting on Security and Stability in the Korean Peninsula and participating alongside the U.S. in a multinational operation to enforce UN Security Council sanctions against North Korea. Canada and the U.S. are also responding to crises in Venezuela and Myanmar, including by coordinating sanctions against key officials in those countries responsible for human rights abuses, the deterioration of democracy, or acts of significant corruption."
1/31/2019,161,12-Nov,Exports and Investment,"Ensure border security and facilitate the movement of people, goods and services.",Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of Transport;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","The Canada-United States border is secure and facilitates the safe and efficient movement of people, goods and services.","In February 2017, Canada and the United States confirmed their commitment to working together on border security and efficiency. This joint effort includes preclearance and integrated cross-border law enforcement operations, full implementation of the Entry/Exit initiative, increased regulatory cooperation, and the expeditious construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge. In addition, both countries committed to establishing preclearance operations for cargo, accelerating the completion of preclearance for additional cities, and continuing to expand this program under the Land, Rail, Marine and Air Preclearance Agreement, once it is ratified. In December 2016, the United States preclearance legislation became law, a step forward for the new agreement with Canada. Canada's preclearance implementing legislation received Royal Assent in December 2017 and the Entry/Exit implementing legislation received Royal Assent in December 2018. These two pieces of legislation are crucial to ensure security and facilitate movement at the border. Construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge is ongoing and it is expected to open by the end of 2024. This critical border connection will speed the flow of secure and legitimate trade between the two countries"
1/31/2019,162,12-Nov,Canada in the World,Prepare for the North American Leaders Summit in Canada.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Completed - fully met,"Canada hosted the North American Leaders’ Summit on June 29, 2016.","The leaders from the three countries discussed key priorities of creating jobs, strengthening communities and building a clean growth economy for North America. The leaders also took important steps to create a more integrated, sustainable and globally competitive North American economy."
1/31/2019,163,12-Nov,Canada in the World,"Ensure a close link between foreign, defence, development and trade policy.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,Completed - fully met,Canadian interests and values are effectively pursued through an integrated and comprehensive international approach.,"The Ministers of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, International Development, and National Defence have been working closely together on the Defence Policy, the Feminist Foreign Policy and its Feminist International Assistance Policy, as well as on advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, and Canada's multinational North Atlantic Treaty Organization battlegroup in Latvia. The government has put in place a whole-of-government approach to address the crisis in Iraq and Syria. In addition, the government has established the Peace and Stabilization Operations Program to provide a whole-of-government platform for preventing, mitigating and resolving violent conflict, and crises abroad."
1/31/2019,164,12-Nov,Canada in the World,Expand Canadian diplomacy and leadership on global issues and in international institutions.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",Canadian diplomatic activities advance Canadian interests and values abroad.,"Canada is active in multilateral fora and international institutions to pursue Canadian foreign policy interests and values. Canadian-led initiatives—such as supporting humanitarian access and monitoring in Syria, addressing the violation of human rights in Iran, supporting women's political participation and leadership, combatting violence against women and girls, supporting compliance with international law, and promoting respect for diversity and inclusion—secured widespread support in UN fora.
Canada is active in coordinating a hemispheric response to the crisis in Venezuela and hosted the third Ministerial meeting of the Lima Group in Toronto on October 26, 2017. In May 2018, Canada imposed a third round of targeted sanctions against top ranking Venezuelan government officials, bringing the total to 70.
Between February and August of 2018, Canada played a leading role at the Human Rights Council in an expert-led investigation to monitor the human rights situation in Yemen.
Canada hosted the UN Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial in Vancouver in November 2017, which resulted in a significant number of new funding pledges and advanced the global peacekeeping reform agenda. The government also played a major role in the NATO Warsaw Summit by making Canada the leading country supporting NATO's enhanced Forward Presence in Latvia.
Canada has used its G7 presidency to advance a common agenda based on respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms, democracy and the rule of law. In April 2018, Canada hosted the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, where ministers agreed to coordinate actions with the goal of building a more peaceful and secure world and to concrete shared commitments on the implementation of international humanitarian law and the advancement of the women, peace and security. G7 security and foreign ministers also committed to addressing international cyber threats, defending democracy against foreign threats and managing foreign terrorist fighters and associated travellers. In June 2018, G7 Leaders issued the Joint Communiqué and the Charlevoix Commitments, which include, among others, a commitment to establish a Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) to strengthen coordination to identify and respond to emerging threats. In November 2018, Canada hosted the first meeting of G7 RRM focal points. All G7 members were represented, and the meeting successfully negotiated the Terms of Reference and information/response protocols for the mechanism.
Canada, in partnership with the EU, co-hosted a meeting of women foreign ministers in Montréal on September 21 and 22, 2018, to enhance dialogue and cooperation in support of democracy, human rights and global peace and security. The meeting also advanced discussions on gender equality and women’s empowerment, including women’s equitable inclusion at all levels of decision making.
On October 7, 2018, the member States and Governments of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) adopted the Organisation’s first policy on transparency consolidation, which aims to increase the OIFs effectiveness in pursuing its objectives and to ensure that it accounts for the use of public funds. Canada was the first member State to request such a policy and actively contributed to its drafting. Canada will now monitor the OIF’s implementation of this policy."
1/31/2019,166,12-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Make Canada a leader of international efforts to combat climate change.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",Canada meaningfully advances international solutions to climate change.,"Canada is leading efforts under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to implement a platform for the engagement of Indigenous peoples and to advance gender-responsive policy development and women's participation. Canada is also delivering on its five-year, $2.65 billion commitment to help developing countries achieve sustained emissions reductions and build resilience against the adverse effects of climate change. This includes providing support to Caribbean countries for disaster reconstruction and resilience and pursuing a focus on climate change adaptation. Climate change was regularly addressed in the themes of Canada’s G7 presidency. The G7 discussed the importance of the Paris Agreement and the goal of the transition to a low-carbon economy. At the G7 Summit in June 2018, leaders agreed to the Charlevoix Blueprint for Healthy Oceans, Seas and Resilient Coastal Communities, which promotes sustainable oceans and fisheries, commits to increase the availability and sharing of science and data and supports resilient coasts and coastal communities. Canada announced that it will invest $162 million to support these goals. Canada also announced: $100 million for the expansion of Climate Risk Insurance coverage in climate-vulnerable countries; $60 million in funding for Small Island Developing States for the expansion of and access to clean energy systems and infrastructure, to improve energy access for women and girls and provide training and employment for women in non-traditional, sustainable technology sectors; and, $2 million to support efforts by developing countries to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
In addition to advocating for the effective implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement, Canada is engaged in key initiatives aimed at enhancing global ambition on climate change and clean growth, such as Mission Innovation, the World Bank’s Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition, the Global Methane Initiative, and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition. Canada and the United States also issued a joint statement in February 2017 confirming both countries' commitment to collaborate on energy innovation. In September 2017, Canada co-hosted a Ministerial Meeting on Climate Action with China and the European Union to advance the global climate dialogue, and will continue to play a leadership role in this new forum in 2018. Canada also played a leadership role at the second Ministerial Meeting on Climate Action hosted in June 2018.
In November 2017, Canada hosted the 29th the Montreal Protocol Conference, where Parties agreed to adopt the Kigali Amendment to reduce hydrofluorocarbons, a powerful greenhouse gas. Canada's early ratification of the Amendment on November 3, 2017 helped it reach the number of ratifications required to come into force. In addition, Canada and the United Kingdom jointly announced the creation of the Powering Past Coal Alliance, which aims to accelerate the global phase-out of unabated coal-fired electricity. Canada was also an active participant in the Bonn Climate Conference in November hosted by Fiji and the One Planet Summit hosted by France in December. In December 2017, Canada and China released a Joint Leaders' Statement on Climate Change and Clean Growth and held the first Ministerial Dialogue on the Environment in Beijing. Canada continues to highlight the serious impacts of climate change on the North through its participation in the Arctic Council.
In order to meet these commitments and drive action in Canada, the government is implementing the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change that was developed with the provinces and territories. This plan includes pricing carbon pollution and measures to reduce emissions across all sectors, as well as investments to drive innovation and ensure Canadian businesses are competitive in the global low-carbon economy.
In November 2018, at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting hosted by Papua New Guinea, the Prime Minister hosted a roundtable with Pacific Islands Forum leaders where Canada’s commitment to fight climate change and help them adapt to the changing climate was reaffirmed. Canada also announced $10 million to the Pacific Initiative for Biodiversity, Climate Change and Resilience that will assist the Pacific region to adapt to climate change, protect biodiversity, and improve ocean and fisheries health."
1/31/2019,167,12-Nov,Canada in the World,Accede to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).,Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made",Canada implements the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).,"Legislation to accede to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) and further strengthen Canada’s export control regime, including by providing greater transparency and accountability in public reporting, received Royal Assent on December 13, 2018. Following approval of Bill C-47, the legislative changes to the *Export and Import Permits Act* and *Criminal Code* will be made as well as additional regulatory changes. Once all legislation and regulations are in place, the Minister of Foreign Affairs will have to obtain an Order in Council authorizing Canada to accede to the ATT."
1/31/2019,168,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Increase the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) by 10%.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,"Nearly 900,000 low income, single seniors have greater financial security.","Starting in July 2016, the Government of Canada increased the Guaranteed Income Supplement by up to $947 per year for the most vulnerable single seniors. This has improved financial security for nearly 900,000 seniors—approximately 70% of whom are women—and lifted an estimated 13,000 people out of poverty."
1/31/2019,169,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Develop and implement a Poverty Reduction Strategy.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made",Fewer Canadians living in poverty.,"The Government of Canada released Opportunity for All – Canada’s First Poverty Reduction Strategy on August 21, 2018. The Strategy offers a bold vision for Canada as a world leader in the eradication of poverty, and is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of ending poverty. It establishes, for the first time in Canada’s history, an official measure of poverty: Canada's Official Poverty Line, based on the cost of a basket of goods and services that individuals and families require to meet their basic needs and achieve a modest standard of living in communities across the country.
Opportunity for All sets ambitious and concrete poverty reduction targets based on Canada’s Official Poverty Line: a 20% reduction in poverty by 2020 and a 50% reduction in poverty by 2030, which, relative to 2015 levels, will lead to the lowest poverty rate in Canada's history.
The Strategy brings together new investments of $22 billion that the government has made since 2015 to support the social and economic well-being of all Canadians, including through the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), and the Canada Workers’ Benefit (CWB). These actions will help lift about 650,000 Canadians out of poverty by 2019, with more expected as the impacts of these and other investments are realized in the years to come.
Through Opportunity for All, a National Advisory Council on Poverty is being put in place to advise the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development on poverty reduction and to publicly report annually on the progress being made on poverty reduction in Canada.
On November 6, 2018, Bill C-87, *An Act respecting the reduction of poverty* was introduced and went through its first reading in the House of Commons. "
1/31/2019,170,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Create a housing strategy.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Infrastructure and Communities","Actions taken, progress made",Hundreds of thousands more Canadians have access to affordable housing.,"On November 22, 2017 the government announced a 10-year, $40 billion National Housing Strategy that will help reduce homelessness and improve the availability and quality of housing for Canadians in need. This Strategy is part of a long-term vision to strengthen the middle class and provide affordable housing to Canadians, and lift more Canadians out of poverty. The strategy sets clear goals to remove 530,000 Canadians from housing need and reduce chronic homelessness. The Strategy – funded through new and existing programs – follows a human rights-based approach, and includes a National Housing Co-Investment Fund, community housing initiatives, and the Canada Housing Benefit.
On April 9, federal, provincial and territorial Ministers responsible for housing met to endorse a multilateral Housing Partnership Framework (except Québec), setting the foundation for federal, provincial and territorial governments to work together toward achieving a long-term shared vision for housing. As part of the Partnership, Ministers responsible for housing agreed that governments will achieve better housing outcomes by sharing data and information that will make program development and delivery more effective, collaborating with diverse stakeholders and aligning housing policies and planning with other sectors to create effective housing solutions and vibrant communities. Provinces and territories will be invited to participate in federal programs designed to increase affordable housing supply, such as the National Housing Co-Investment Fund, by supporting decision-making and co-investing."
1/31/2019,171,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Implement the middle class tax cut.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,The Government reduced the 22 percent federal personal income tax rate to 20.5 per cent to benefit millions of middle class Canadians.,"The middle class tax cut was announced on December 7, 2015, and came into effect as of January 1, 2016. Nearly nine million Canadians benefit from this tax cut. Single Canadians who benefit are saving an average of $330 each year and couples who benefit are saving an average of $540 each year."
1/31/2019,172,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Cut taxes for small businesses.,Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion,Completed - fully met,Lower tax rates for small businesses.,"The government is working to build a fairer and more efficient tax system that benefits all Canadians. As one of its first actions, the government raised taxes on the wealthiest one per cent in order to cut taxes for the middle class.
The government has reduced taxes for small businesses so they can invest in new equipment, grow and create jobs. The small business tax rate was reduced to 10% from 10.5%, effective January 1, 2018, and to 9%, effective January 1, 2019. For small businesses, compared to 2017, this will mean up to $7,500 in federal tax savings each year. "
1/31/2019,173,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,"Cancel income splitting, while retaining income splitting of pensions for seniors.",Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"Cancelled income splitting for couples with children under 18, allowing for an increase in child benefits.","As the Canada Child Benefit was introduced, Budget 2016 eliminated income splitting for couples with children under 18. Pension income splitting was not affected by this change."
1/31/2019,174,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Enhance the Canada Pension Plan to provide more income security to retired Canadians.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"When fully mature, maximum Canada Pension Plan (CPP) benefits will increase by as much as 50 per cent, helping more Canadians achieve their goal of a strong, stable and secure retirement.","Canada’s Ministers of Finance reached a historic agreement on June 20, 2016, to enhance the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). In March 2017, all necessary legislative requirements were met by Canada's nine CPP participating provinces to implement the agreed-upon enhancements. Canada's Finance Ministers also agreed to further improvements in December 2017 to increase benefits for parents of young children and persons with disabilities. These CPP enhancements, which began in January 2019, will help provide a secure and stable retirement for more Canadians."
1/31/2019,175,12-Nov,Sustainable Infrastructure,Create the Canada Infrastructure Bank.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"The Infrastructure Bank was created to produce large, transformative infrastructure projects that create good, well-paying middle-class jobs and support economic growth and prosperity for years to come.","In June 2017, the government passed legislation to create the Canada Infrastructure Bank, a Crown corporation at arm’s-length from government that leverages the expertise and capital of the private sector.
The Bank will support the transformational infrastructure that Canadian communities need now. It will make strategic investments with a focus on projects like green infrastructure, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and public transit, so Canadians can spend less time in traffic and more time with family and friends.
The Bank is now operational, with its headquarters in Toronto. A Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer has been appointed, effective June 1, 2018. Following an open, transparent, and merit-based selection process supported by the board of directors for the Canada Infrastructure Bank and an executive search firm, the search for a Chief Executive Officer has concluded. On May 24, 2018, Pierre Lavallée was appointed as the President and CEO of the Infrastructure Bank, effective June 18, 2018."
1/31/2019,177,12-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Develop proposals to limit Exploration Expenses tax deduction to unsuccessful projects.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,Successful exploration expenses incurred to develop discovery wells no longer benefit from favorable tax treatment.,"Budget 2017 announced changes that will ensure the costs of drilling discovery wells are deducted gradually over time as development expenses, rather than deducted immediately as exploration expenses. With these changes, Canadian exploration expense treatment will effectively be limited to unsuccessful exploration or cases where the linkage to success cannot reasonably be determined in the year the activity takes place."
1/31/2019,178,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Restore the tax credit for labour-sponsored funds.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"Canadian companies have greater access to venture capital, with the support of labour unions.","To help Canadian companies grow, the Government of Canada restored the Labour-Sponsored Venture Capital Corporations (LSVCC) Tax Credit to 15% for share purchases of provincially-registered LSVCCs for 2016 and subsequent tax years."
1/31/2019,179,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Introduce a tax benefit to help teachers and early childhood educators with the cost of school supplies.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,Teachers and Early Childhood Educators are able to buy necessary supplies to help kids learn.,"The Government of Canada introduced a new, refundable Teacher and Early Childhood Educator School Supply Tax Credit for the 2016 and subsequent tax years, which will provide a benefit to teachers and early education educators to help cover the cost of school supplies."
1/31/2019,180,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Enhance the Northern Residents Deduction to help with the high cost of living.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"Increased the Northern Residents Deduction to help approximately 225,000 Canadians with the high cost of living in northern and isolated communities.","Effective January 1, 2016, the Government of Canada increased the maximum daily residency deduction from $16.50 to $22 for residents in the Northern Zone and from $8.25 to $11 per day for residents in the Intermediate Zone. This measure is anticipated to put about $260 million back in the pockets of Canadians in northern and isolated communities over the 2015-16 to 2020-21 period and help these Canadians get the support they need."
1/31/2019,181,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Repeal the *Federal Balanced Budget Act*.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,The Act has been repealed.,"Parliament repealed this Act, effective June 22, 2016."
1/31/2019,182,12-Nov,Exports and Investment,Sign and ratify the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).,Minister of International Trade Diversification,Completed - fully met,"The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) has entered into force, creating jobs for Canadians across the country, giving consumers more choice, and increasing Canadian businesses' access to new customers.","Provisional application of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) took effect in September 2017 and all economically significant parts are now in force, e.g. tariff elimination on 98 per cent of European Union (EU) tariff lines for Canadian goods, increased quotas, services commitments, temporary entry commitments, and government procurement obligations. The government has announced programs to help dairy farmers and processors adjust to increased EU cheese access under CETA. The government is also working with the Atlantic provinces to support Canada's seafood sector in capitalizing on new opportunities in the European market. With CETA's provisional entry into force, Canadian exporters now enjoy improved access to more than 40 countries with nearly 1.2 billion of the world’s wealthiest consumers. The Parliamentary Budget Officer has estimated that CETA implementation could raise Canada's potential real gross domestic product by 0.4 percentage points. For the Agreement to come fully into force, all 28 EU Member States must ratify CETA in their national parliaments. To date, 12 Member States have ratified the Agreement. "
1/31/2019,183,12-Nov,Exports and Investment,Negotiate and sign modernized agreements with Israel and Chile.,Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made",Canada has negotiated and signed modernized free trade agreements in force with Israel and Chile.,"In May 2018, Canada and Israel signed the modernized Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement (CIFTA). Both countries are now undertaking their domestic ratification processes to bring the modernized Agreement info force. The bill to modernize CIFTA was introduced in Parliament on October 23, 2018. The modernized CIFTA includes new inclusive elements, such as a trade and gender chapter, a small and medium-sized enterprises chapter and a broader article on corporate social responsibility. It also includes further tariff reductions and eliminations for agricultural and agri-food products. In June 2017, Canada and Chile signed Amending Agreements to modernize the Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA). The modernized CCFTA includes a chapter dedicated to trade and gender—a first for Canada or any G20 nation. The updated agreement will also provide better mechanisms to address technical barriers to trade; add new progressive elements to the existing investment chapter, and amend the existing government procurement chapter. The Canadian Government notified Chile of ratification by Parliament on December 12, 2017. On November 28, 2018, the modernized CCFTA was passed unanimously by Chile’s Senate and will enter into force in early February 2019. "
1/31/2019,184,12-Nov,Exports and Investment,Establish the Invest in Canada Agency.,Minister of International Trade Diversification,Completed - fully met,"Canada is positioned to attract more global investment, creating well-paying, middle-class jobs by making it simpler and faster for businesses to invest in Canada.","Parliament passed legislation in the spring of 2017 to establish the Invest in Canada Agency, which will help bring together all levels of government to provide seamless service to help global investors navigate Canada’s investment landscape. Increased foreign investment in Canada connects Canadian industries to global value chains and facilitates the transfer of knowledge and technology, increasing competitiveness, stimulating innovation, and promoting the prosperity of Canadians. As part of this initiative, the government is also increasing the number of investment-focused trade commissioners across key global markets. The Invest in Canada Agency was officially launched on March 12, 2018 and will become increasingly operational over the coming months. The Chair of the Board of Directors along with 8 board members and CEO have been appointed. "
1/31/2019,186,12-Nov,Exports and Investment,"Promote trade and investment with emerging markets with a particular focus on the Asia-Pacific region, including China and India.",Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Two-way trade and investment with China, India and other emerging economies, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, is increased, creating good, middle class jobs, expanding opportunities for Canadian exports, and increasing access to goods for Canadian consumers.","The government continues to engage China on expanding bilateral trade and investment while working to implement the trade and investment commitments that were made by the Prime Minister and the Premier of China in 2016 and 2017. The government is engaged in exploratory discussions for a possible Free Trade Agreement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Canada will continue to work to resolve regulatory and tariff issues with India to ensure Canadian pulse exports (e.g., peas, chickpeas, beans and lentils) continue to enter India unimpeded. During a February 2018 visit to India, the Prime Minister announced foreign direct investment commitments that will lead to the creation of more than 5,800 jobs in Canada. In addition, Canadian and Indian companies signed 66 new commercial contracts and agreements worth more than $1 billion. Since October 2015, six Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements (FIPAs) with emerging markets in Sub-Saharan Africa have also come into force. In addition, the Canada-Hong Kong FIPA came into force in September 2016, and the Canada-Mongolia FIPA came into force in February 2017. Preliminary discussions are in the works regarding additional possible measures to enhance Canada-Hong Kong commercial relationship. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) entered into force on December 30, 2018. Canada is also engaged in negotiations for a free trade agreement between Canada and the Pacific Alliance, and between Canada and Mercosur. To support Canadian firms and increase exports to new markets, the government is implementing provisions from Budget 2018 that provide up to $75 million to build a stronger diplomatic presence and Trade Commissioner Service salesforce in China and Asia, as well as other initiatives to open market opportunities in the region."
1/31/2019,187,12-Nov,Exports and Investment,Improve support to companies looking to export and help communities looking to attract investments.,Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made","Double the number of high-growth firms in Canada by 2025; increase Canada's goods and services exports—from natural resources, advanced manufacturing, agri-food and others—by 30 per cent by 2025; increase global investment in Canada; and create more well-paying, middle-class jobs for Canadians.","The government is encouraging global investment and promoting Canada through the creation of the Invest in Canada Agency and through the addition of 20 new investment-focused trade commissioners to the Trade Commissioner Service, with an additional five in the next year. The government has successfully completed the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. The government also recently signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) with 10 countries in the Pacific region and launched negotiations toward a comprehensive free trade agreement between the Mercosur member states and Canada. Canada is currently negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Pacific Alliance, which will upgrade its association with this trading bloc made up of Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru. The latest round took place in May 2018. Since January 2016, CanExport has provided financial support to 1,410 Small and Medium Enterprise-led projects aimed at diversifying export markets, in a variety of sectors, and reaching over 90 different markets around the world. To date, for every hundred supported projects, participating firms have reported on average some 92 export successes at the time of project completion, for a collective impact of over $375 million in exports to new markets. In 2018, the Invest Canada-Community Initiatives (ICCI) program, which provides support to communities to improve their capacity to attract, retain and expand foreign direct investment, allocated $3.5 million to 240 projects from 88 communities to attract job-creating investment. The application process for 2019 ICCI projects closed on October 17, 2018. A total of 97 applicants submitted proposals for over $8.7 million, and 85 applicants were approved for a total of $5.3 million. These projects will be completed from January 1 to December 31, 2019. Budget 2017 announced $950 million to superclusters in highly innovative industries, and in February 2018, in cooperation with the private sector and academic partners, the government announced the creation of five superclusters (Digital Technology; Protein Industries; Advanced Manufacturing; Artificial Intelligence; and Ocean) that will create great new opportunities for Canadian companies to innovate, scale up and export. To support Canadian firms and increase exports to new markets, Budget 2018 provides up to $75 million to build a stronger diplomatic presence and Trade Commissioner Service salesforce in China and Asia, as well as other initiatives to open market opportunities in the region."
1/31/2019,188,12-Nov,Exports and Investment,Reduce administrative burden for investors and companies associated with international trade.,Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made","Canadian businesses export and trade with international partners more easily and with less of an administrative burden, and international investors benefit from faster, clearer and more efficient engagement with government programs.","The Invest in Canada Agency, launched on March 12, 2018, will increase cooperation between provinces, territories and municipalities to bolster trade promotion by providing companies with a one-stop-shop for investment in Canada thereby reducing complexity and administrative burden for investors. The new Global Skills Strategy, launched in June 2017, will make it easier for companies that are making large investments in Canada to bring in highly skilled global talent, while supporting well-paying, middle-class jobs for Canadians. Canadian companies will have access to an expedited review process lasting no more than a combined 20 business days from end to end, including reviews conducted by Employment and Social Development Canada and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Canada has worked closely with the United States, as part of the Canada-US Regulatory Cooperation Council to facilitate greater alignment of regulatory systems where appropriate. Furthermore, to help Canadian firms unlock growth opportunities through exports, the Trade Commissioner Service will undergo transformative enhancements in the coming year to simplify the client experience, modernize tools, and offer innovative services."
1/31/2019,189,12-Nov,Indigenous peoples,"Improve essential infrastructure for Indigenous communities, including improving housing.",Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Indigenous Services,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges","Infrastructure on reserves is improved, schools on reserve are newer and in better condition; language and cultural knowledge is strengthened; more First Nations children graduate from high school and go on to post-secondary education; elimination of long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve by 2021; enhanced access to affordable housing for First Nations on-reserve, and to Inuit and the Métis Nation.","In Budget 2016, the Government of Canada made an investment of $4.28 billion over five years to support infrastructure development in First Nations communities on reserves to improve their population's quality of life. Budget 2017 built on this momentum, with new, additional investments of $4 billion over ten years starting in 2018-2019 to build and improve housing, and other community infrastructure in First Nation and Inuit communities. As of September 30, 2018, and since the Budget 2016 announcement, close to $2.47 billion of targeted funds have been invested towards 3,565 on-reserve community infrastructure projects , 2,061,of which are complete. These investments are building and improving water treatment systems, housing, schools, health facilities and other essential community infrastructure, which includes cultural and recreational facilities, energy, sustainability and connectivity infrastructure, fundamental community infrastructure (including roads and bridges, structural mitigation against natural disasters, fire protection), as well as waste management on reserves. Some key results include:
**Education:** The government is improving primary and secondary education on reserve by building and renovating school facilities thereby supporting the enhancement of the quality of language and cultural programs; and empowering communities to establish First Nations' planned and led education systems. As of September 30, 2018, and since April 2016, more than $318 million of targeted funding has been invested to support 173 school-related projects. This includes 70 new schools (14 of which are completed), 87 renovations and upgrades (27 of which are completed), and 16 feasibility studies and supporting projects.
**Water and Wastewater:** In Budget 2016, the government announced significant new funding to end long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserves by 2021. As of September 30, 2018, and since the Budget 2016 announcement, more than $867 million of targeted funding has been invested to support 490 projects in 581 First Nations communities to strengthen on-reserve water infrastructure. On January 23, 2018, the government added close to 250 drinking water systems to the total number covered by the federal government’s commitment to ensure clean drinking water on public systems on reserves. Taking this expansion into account, as of February 22, 2019, there are currently only 61 long-term drinking water advisories in effect, a decrease from 105 in November 2015. Since November 2015, a total of 79 long-term drinking water advisories have been lifted, while 36 have been added.
Budget 2017 provided $49.1 million over three years, starting in 2018-2019, for clean and safe drinking water on reserve. Budget 2018 builds on prior investments and reaffirms the government's commitment by proposing to provide an additional $172.6 million over three years, beginning in 2018-2019, to improve access to clean and safe drinking water on reserve.
**Housing:** The Government of Canada is improving on-reserve housing conditions while engaging with First Nations and other partners to co-develop an effective long term strategy. As of September 30, 2018, and since the Budget 2016 announcement, Indigenous Services Canada has invested $504.3 million of targeted funds, resulting in 6,336 housing units and lots under construction, renovation/retrofit, or being serviced or acquired. As a result of the combined investments between the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and Indigenous Services Canada, the government is currently building and renovating/retrofitting 15,050 housing units and lots, of which 69% (10,391) have been completed. With respect to Budget 2016 investments in Inuit housing, 183 new housing units were built in 2016-2017 and 2017-2018. In addition, a co-developed Inuit Nunangat Housing Strategy was endorsed by Ministers and Inuit Leaders at the November 2018 meeting of the Inuit Crown Partnership Committee.
Indigenous leaders have told the government that when it comes to housing in First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation communities, the best approach is one that respects the distinct needs of each Indigenous group. Through investments made in Budget 2017 and Budget 2018, the government proposes dedicated funding to support the successful implementation of each of the distinctions-based housing strategies, including:
•$600 million over three years to support housing on reserve as part of a 10-year First Nations Housing Strategy that is being co-developed with First Nations.
•$400 million over 10 years to support an Inuit-led housing plan in the Inuit regions of Nunavik, Nunatsiavut and Inuvialuit Settlement Region. This is in addition to the $240 million over 10 years announced in Budget 2017 to support housing in Nunavut.
•$500 million over 10 years to support the Métis Nation’s housing strategy.
**Health:** As of December 2018, investments have been made in more than 215 First Nations infrastructure projects to design, replace, expand, or renovate health facilities; currently, 184 (85.5%) of these projects are complete.
**Other Essential Infrastructure:** Other essential infrastructure includes cultural and recreational facilities; energy, sustainability and connectivity infrastructure; fundamental community infrastructure (including roads and bridges, structural mitigation against natural disasters and fire protection); as well as solid waste management on reserves. To support other essential infrastructure on reserves, the Government of Canada is investing $1.32 billion until 2026-2027. Since Budget 2016, and as of September 30, 2018, $544.1 million of targeted funds has been invested to support 1,265 essential infrastructure projects, 722 of which have been completed. 642 out of the 1,265 projects, representing $112.5 million of targeted funds support solid waste management projects on reserves across Canada through the First Nations Solid Waste Management Initiative. So far, 362 of the 642 projects have been completed.
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1/31/2019,190,12-Nov,Indigenous peoples,Implement the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges",All Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action are implemented.,"The Truth and Reconciliation Commission identified 94 Calls to Action, 76 of which fall under federal or shared responsibility with other partners, implicating 25 federal departments or agencies. Five Calls to Action are fully implemented, 43 are well underway and 28 others are in early planning stages. Of the 76 Calls to Action under federal or federal-shared responsibility, the government expects 28 Calls to Action to be fully implemented by next year.
Important progress has already been made and will lead to greater and more equitable access to quality education, health care, clean water, housing and employment services for Indigenous peoples. This includes the announcement in May 2016 of Canada’s unequivocal support to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples, which directly relates to Calls to Action number 43 and 44. The Calls to Action are extensive and some require longer-term, transformative change. Many involve multiple parties and require significant consultation and coordination. Taking into account the scope of the task and the wide range of partners involved, it will take time to ensure it is done right, with careful consideration of how best to support ongoing healing. The Government of Canada is also working with other jurisdictions and partners to advance implementation of those 18 Calls to Action outside of the federal purview. The establishment of the National Council for Reconciliation (Calls to Action 53-56) will support ongoing efforts to advance and fully implement the Calls to Action. To this end, on December 14, 2017, the Government of Canada announced the creation of a six member interim board that will provide advice on the establishment of the Council, the scope and scale of its proposed mandate, and will undertake independent engagement. The Interim Board submitted its interim report on May 14, 2018 and their final report on June 12, 2018. The government is examining proposed next steps in response to the report."
1/31/2019,191,12-Nov,Indigenous peoples,Undertake a review of laws and policies to ensure the Crown is fulfilling its obligations and commitments to the recognition and implementation of Indigenous peoples' rights.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations;Minister of Indigenous Services,"Actions taken, progress made","Canada's laws and policies reflect the Government's commitment to advancing a nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown and government-to-government relationship with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation, respectively.","On August 28, 2018, the Prime Minister announced changes to the structure and mandate of Cabinet committees to make them more efficient and responsive to the needs of Canadians, and to reflect recent changes to the Department. Among these changes, a new Cabinet Committee on Reconciliation has been formed to strengthen the relationship with Indigenous peoples and advance the commitment to a renewed nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relationship with First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership. This committee will build on the work previously undertaken by the Working Group of Ministers on the Review of Laws and Policies Related to Indigenous Peoples.
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1/31/2019,192,12-Nov,Indigenous peoples,Invest in First Nations education to ensure that First Nations children on reserve receive a quality education.,Minister of Indigenous Services,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges",Literacy and numeracy rates are improved; language and cultural knowledge is strengthened; and more First Nations children graduate from high school and go on to post-secondary education.,"The Government of Canada committed a $2.6 billion increase for First Nations K-12 education and an additional $1.47 billion for education infrastructure. These investments will improve primary and secondary education on reserve by building and renovating school facilities; enhancing the quality of language and cultural programs; increasing special education support; and empowering communities to establish education systems planned and led by First Nations.
Based on the policy proposal for transforming the Government of Canada’s support for First Nations elementary and secondary education that was co-developed with First Nations, a new policy framework for First Nation elementary and secondary education has been established. Beginning in 2019-20, Indigenous Services Canada will begin implementing a series of new formula-based regional funding models for elementary and secondary education to ensure that students attending First Nations schools are supported by predictable base funding that is more directly comparable to what students enrolled in provincial education systems receive. After signing an agreement with the Government of Canada, the Manitoba First Nations School System officially began operating in July 2017. As of September 2017, students in this school system began receiving education programs that are designed, delivered and run by First Nations with funding that is comparable to provincial school boards with enhancements that meets their specific needs. As of April 1, 2018, 23 Anishinabek Nation First Nations are self-governing in the area of education. This education self-governing agreement is the first of its kind in Ontario and the largest in Canada. The government and the Maskwacîs Education Schools Commission signed an agreement in spring 2018 to establish the Maskwacîs Cree School System, which will begin operations on July 1, 2018. The government is engaged in discussions to establish similar initiatives in other regions of the country. Finally, as noted by the Parliamentary Budget Officer in November 2016, the government's investments in education will, over the next several years, help fill critical and long-standing gaps in how on-reserve schools are funded compared to those under provincial jurisdiction. These investments will ensure that First Nations children get the best possible start in life and see an improvement in educational outcomes.
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1/31/2019,193,12-Nov,Sustainable Infrastructure,Implement an Infrastructure Strategy that improves public transit.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Transport;Minister of Rural Economic Development,Completed - fully met,Canadians spend less time in traffic and have greater access to modern public transit.,"Through Budgets 2016 and 2017, the government has committed $28.7 billion to public transit projects over the next 10 years.
Over 1,191 public transit projects have been approved to date under the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund that will expand transit systems across the country and transform the way Canadians live, move, and work by spending less time in traffic. In order to provide Canadians with greater access to inclusive public transit, this fund has contributed to 3,617 new buses (including 425 paratransit vehicles) and rehabilitated or enhanced 3,810 others (including 72 paratransit vehicles).
Larger projects to improve access to public transit are expected to reduce congestion, improve mobility and safety, and provide economic benefits while reducing harmful emissions. These projects include:
• The Regional Express Rail project in the Greater Toronto Area which will save 1.8 billion hours of commuter travel time and $14.7 billion in automobile operating savings over the lifetime of the project;
• Calgary’s Green Line Light Rail Transit route, a project that will provide 400 long-term jobs and improve interconnectivity between hospitals, employment hubs, and community centres; and,
• Stage 2 (OLRT2) of the Ottawa Light Rail Transit project will contribute to increasing overall public transit modal share from 22% in 2011 to 25% by 2048 and produce environmental benefits that will ultimately reduce overall incremental greenhouse gas emissions by 115,000 tonnes in the same time period.
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1/31/2019,194,12-Nov,Sustainable Infrastructure,Implement an Infrastructure Strategy that improves social infrastructure.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism;Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility;Minister of Rural Economic Development,Completed - fully met,"More Canadians with access to affordable housing, child care, cultural and recreational infrastructure.","In Budgets 2016 and 2017, the government made significant and long-term investments in social infrastructure across Canada.
As of March 31, 2018, over 5,700 projects to retrofit or renovate social housing have been approved, helping improve energy and water efficiency in more than 109,000 existing social housing units off and on reserve.
The National Housing Strategy re-establishes the federal government as a leader in the area of affordable housing. Working in collaboration with provinces, territories and local communities, the Strategy leverages significant new capacity to build, repair and make housing more affordable across the country. As part of the Strategy, the new National Housing Co-investment Fund includes accessibility and energy efficiency requirements, and prioritize projects that have the greatest impact on communities and vulnerable populations, including women and children fleeing domestic violence, persons with disabilities, veterans, refugees, seniors, Indigenous peoples and persons with mental health and/or addictions issues. It is anticipated that the National Housing Strategy will reduce or eliminate housing need for 530,000 households.
The investment of incremental resources in the Enabling Accessibility Fund will support an estimated 1,970 additional projects to further improve the safety and accessibility of community spaces and workplaces, making it possible for Canadians with disabilities to participate more fully in their communities and in the labour market.
The government is also creating affordable, high-quality child care spaces for low- and modest-income families, with the goal of supporting up to 40,000 new subsidized child care spaces over the next three years. In addition, the government has co-developed a distinct Indigenous Framework on Early Learning and Child Care with Indigenous partners to reflect the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children across Canada.
As part of the government’s Investing in Canada Plan, Budget 2016 proposed an additional investment of $168.2 million dollars over two years in the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, including $164.8 million in grants and contributions. Out of this amount, $164.3 million has been spent over the last two fiscal years to support the improvement, renovation and construction of arts and heritage facilities, and the acquisition of specialized equipment under the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund. Budget 2017 announced further investments in cultural infrastructure in the amount of $300 million, which will be made over 10 years starting in 2018-19 through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund to further support cultural spaces and creative hubs.
The government will also invest $80 million over 10 years starting in 2018-19 to support the construction of community educational infrastructure in official language minority communities through the Development of Official Language Communities program at Canadian Heritage. The government will provide $1.3 billion in funding for cultural, recreational and community infrastructure to provinces and territories through bilateral agreements negotiated by Infrastructure Canada.
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1/31/2019,195,12-Nov,Sustainable Infrastructure,Implement an Infrastructure Strategy that improves green infrastructure.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Transport;Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Rural Economic Development,"Actions taken, progress made","More infrastructure in place to ensure access to clean water, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and increased resilience against the impacts of climate change.","Through Budget 2016 and 2017, the Government of Canada is investing $26.9 billion in Green infrastructure over 12 years, including projects to improve access to clean water, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase resilience against the impacts of climate change.
To ensure that investments are made towards more resilient, sustainable communities, Infrastructure Canada has adopted a Climate Lens as a requirement for funding under its new programs. The Climate Lens will help applicants to better understand how their projects will contribute to or reduce carbon pollution, and to consider climate change risks.
Significant investments towards clean water have been made across Canada. For example, the government has invested over $1 billion in 772 drinking water systems as well as $830 million in 655 wastewater systems. In Budget 2016, the government announced significant new funding to end long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserves by 2021. With the aim of ending long-term drinking water advisories on reserves by 2021, the government has invested $776 million to fund 468 projects that will significantly strengthen the infrastructure of on-reserve public drinking water systems. As of October 1, 2018 there were 69 advisories in effect.
Through the Canada Infrastructure Bank, at least $5 billion will be available for green infrastructure projects. As well, national “green” programs, totaling $2.8 billion, will be provided to address a number of priorities identified in the Pan-Canadian Framework. This includes investments of over $180 million in charging and alternative fuel infrastructure to support greater deployment of zero-emission vehicles.
On May 17, 2018, the Government of Canada launched the $2 billion Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF). The DMAF is designed to strengthen the resilience of Canadian communities through investments in large-scale infrastructure projects to better manage the risk associated with natural hazards such as floods, wildfires and droughts. The first project intake closed January 2019 with project proposals currently under review. In addition, $9.2 billion is being provided to provinces and territories through the Integrated Bilateral Agreements for green infrastructure. Natural infrastructure projects will be eligible under both the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund and the green stream of the Integrated Bilateral Agreements.
In addition to this, delivered through the Rural and Northern Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure program, the Arctic Energy Fund will provide $400 million to support energy security in the territories.
The Transportation Assets Risk Assessment initiative, announced in 2017, provides up to $16.35 million over a five year period (from 2017/18 to 2021/22) to help those responsible for federal transportation assets obtain information and data, and assess climate change-related factors that may present risks to their infrastructure. In addition, funding for the Northern Transportation Adaptation Initiative was renewed in fall 2017 providing $6.9 million over a three-year period (from 2018/19 to 2020/21) for research, development and collaborative activities to support the resilience of northern transportation systems to a changing climate."
1/31/2019,196,12-Nov,Sustainable Infrastructure,Invest in transportation infrastructure that helps get goods to market.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food;Minister of Transport;Minister of Rural Economic Development,"Actions taken, progress made","Get Canadian goods to markets more quickly and increase exports, including natural resources, manufactured goods and agri-food products, by 30 per cent by 2025.","The Government of Canada established the $2 billion National Trade Corridors Fund (NTCF) to address urgent capacity constraints and freight bottlenecks at major ports of entry, and to better connect the rail and highway infrastructure that delivers economic growth across Canada. Investments through this fund will target congestion and inefficiencies at marine ports, as well as along the busiest rail and highway corridors. The Canada Infrastructure Bank will make at least $5 billion in additional funding available to address trade and transportation projects. The government is tracking transportation flows and will report publicly on how long it takes to get goods to market.
The Government of Canada formally launched the first call for proposals under the NTCF on July 4, 2017. Eligible projects were invited to submit Comprehensive Project Proposals, and the government evaluated 177 complete project proposals, seeking a total of $7.5 billion in NTCF funding. More than $800 million in funding from the NTCF has been announced for 39 projects that will resolve bottlenecks across the country to support trade.
To build on the success of the first national NTCF call for proposals, the government launched a second call for proposals on November 19, 2018 specifically targeting projects in Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. This call, which closes on March 29, 2019, will allocate funding from the $400 million envelope dedicated to addressing the unique transportation priorities in the territorial North.
The new Export Diversification Strategy launched in the 2018 Fall Economic Statement announced the acceleration of the approximately $755 million in remaining NTCF funding over the next five years for projects that will strengthen ports and trade corridors to help diversify Canada’s trade with overseas markets. On January 15, 2019, Transport Canada launched a continuous NTCF call for proposals for trade diversification projects that will remain open until the remaining funding is committed. Eligible applicants are encouraged to submit expressions of interest for funding to support projects that will bolster export opportunities for Canadian businesses and help to diversify Canada’s overseas trade."
1/31/2019,197,12-Nov,Sustainable Infrastructure,Establish bilateral agreements with provinces and territories on infrastructure investments.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities,Completed - fully met,"Agreements with all provinces and territories that improve public transit; increase access to affordable housing and child care; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; improve access to clean water, and enhance resilience in the face of a changing climate.","Infrastructure plays a central role in building strong communities, creating jobs and growing the economy.
In Budget 2017, the Government of Canada established a plan to sign bilateral agreements with provinces and territories in order to provide infrastructure funding to key priority areas. As part of this plan, over $33 billion is being committed for integrated bilateral agreements for public transit, green infrastructure, rural and northern infrastructure, community, culture, and recreation infrastructure. Integrated bilateral agreements have now been signed with all provinces and territories. The Government of Canada has implemented a climate lens assessment and new Community Employment Benefit requirement into these agreements.
Through the National Housing Strategy, the government aims to reduce or eliminate housing need for 530,000 households by building, and repairing affordable housing across the country in addition to providing housing affordability support.
The government is also creating affordable, high-quality child care spaces for low- and modest-income families, with the goal of supporting up to 40,000 new subsidized child care spaces over the next three years. Bilateral agreements have now been signed with all jurisdictions. In addition, the government has co-developed a distinct Indigenous Framework on Early Learning and Child Care with Indigenous partners to reflect the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children across Canada."
1/31/2019,198,12-Nov,Indigenous peoples,"Incorporate Aboriginal and treaty rights, residential schools and Indigenous contributions into school curricula.",Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations,"Actions taken, progress made","School curricula that is inclusive of Indigenous history and knowledge, resulting in improved knowledge and understanding.","The government provides financial support to the Office of the Treaty Commissioner in Saskatchewan and Treaty Relations Commissions of Manitoba to, among other things, provide materials and training to teachers in support of the delivery of K-12 treaty education curricula to all provincial school students. The organizations are also working with universities in their respective provinces to develop treaty curricula and courses that will be mandatory for every university student.
The Government of Canada is working with the Council of Ministers of Education to enhance knowledge and awareness of First Nations, Inuit and Métis history and culture across Canada and to enhance the knowledge and awareness of teachers, students and school leaders on the history and culture of Indigenous peoples.
Further, Budget 2016 invested $275 million in First Nations language and culture over five years until 2020-2021. The Government of Canada is also working with First Nation partners to transform First Nations elementary and secondary education on reserve, which will include new funding formulas that are enhanced with language and culture investments to meet the specific needs of Indigenous students.
Starting in 2017-2018, the Government of Canada is contributing $3 million per year, for three years, to the First Nations University of Canada to develop a National Centre for Collaboration in Indigenous Education. The national centre will serve as an informational resource base for reconciliation, and will focus on the growing needs of students, educators and the various policy and other decision makers involved in Indigenous elementary and secondary education in Canada.
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1/31/2019,199,12-Nov,Indigenous peoples,Work with the Métis Nation to advance reconciliation and renew the relationship.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations,"Actions taken, progress made",A renewed relationship with the Métis Nation based on the principles of reconciliation.,"In April 2017, the Prime Minister and the Métis Nation signed the Canada-Métis Nation Accord in establishing a permanent bilateral mechanism to co-develop policy on shared priorities. The Canada Métis Nation Accord reflects Canada’s commitment to work with the Métis Nation to fulfill the vision of self-determination. In March 2018, the President of the Métis National Council (MNC) and its Governing Members’ Presidents met with federal Ministers to discuss progress under the first year. In June 2018, the Prime Minister met with the President of the Métis National Council and the Governing Members’ Presidents at the annual Crown-Métis Nation Summit. Together, they reviewed progress made during the first year of the Accord and confirmed priorities for the coming year. The priorities identified during the meeting included education, health, Métis Veterans, the new fiscal relationship, child and family services, economic development, environment, clean growth, and infrastructure. For example, a Memorandum of Understanding on the Development of a Canada-Métis Nation Child and Family Services Accord has been co-developed with the Métis National Council to guide the development of a ten-year Accord.
Progress in these priority areas was confirmed in Budget 2018, which proposes to invest $500 million over 10 years to support a Métis Nation housing strategy, $10 million in 2018–2019 to support Métis Nation post-secondary education, and $6 million over five years to support the Métis Nation in gathering health data and developing a health strategy. Furthermore, Budget 2018 also proposes to invest $325 million in the Métis Nation stream of the Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program, which supports employment services, skills development and job training.
Canada has engaged in Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions with each of the governing members of the Métis National Council as well as the Métis Settlements General Council (MSGC). Canada has signed Framework Agreements with the Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) (November 2016), Métis Nation of Alberta (November 2017), Métis Nation of Ontario (December 2017), the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan (July 2018), the MSGC (December 2017), the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan (February 2018) and the Métis Nation of British Columbia (July 2018). Additionally, Canada has received a negotiation mandate with the Manitoba Metis Federation (June 2018) to recognize the Manitoba Metis Federation’s legal status, role and jurisdiction as a Métis government and will support the Manitoba Metis Federation’s transition from its current corporate structure to a self-governing Métis government. Canada and the Manitoba Métis Federation have concluded an Interim Fiscal Financing Agreement to transfer $153.4 million dollars to support an Incremental Reconciliation Plan over five years between the parties (December 2018). Other agreements signed include a Consultation Agreement between Canada and the Métis Nation of Alberta (July 2018).
In 2018, the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations held seven distinct engagement sessions with Métis groups to listen to ideas in order to make the recognition and implementation of rights the basis for all relations between Indigenous peoples and the federal government. Métis representatives also attended the two technical engagement sessions held by senior officials.
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1/31/2019,200,12-Nov,Fair and Open Government,"Develop a non-partisan, merit-based process to advise the Prime Minister on Senate appointments.",Minister of Democratic Institutions,Completed - fully met,"An independent advisory board has been established to provide a non-partisan, merit-based process of advice for recommending Senators, resulting in the appointment of 45 independent Senators thus far.","The Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments was established in January 2016 to provide advice to the Prime Minister on candidates for the Senate. As of July 7, 2016, Canadians were permitted, for the first time ever, to apply to be considered for appointment to the Senate through an open online application process. Forty-five non-partisan appointments to the Senate have been made under the new process so far. Thanks to these actions, the majority of Senators are not affiliated with a political party. In February 2018, the Minister of Democratic Institutions announced additional improvements to the Senate appointments process, including: keeping applications open year-round, retaining submitted applications for two years, and adding the ability for organizations or individuals to nominate potential candidates."
1/31/2019,201,12-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Establish a special parliamentary committee to consult on electoral reform.,Minister of Democratic Institutions,Not being pursued,A special parliamentary committee was established.,"A Special Committee, which included all five parties represented in the House of Commons, was established in June 2016 and presented its final report in December 2016. In addition to the consultation undertaken by the Special Committee, the Minister also consulted Members of Parliament of all parties, and oversaw an engagement process with 360,000 Canadians through mydemocracy.ca. Following extensive consultation with Canadians, it was determined that no clear preference for a new electoral system had emerged. The government will not proceed with electoral reform."
1/31/2019,202,12-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Make the Commissioner of Canada Elections more independent.,Minister of Democratic Institutions,Completed - fully met,A truly independent Commissioner of Canada Elections who can pursue their work free from political or partisan direction.,"In December 2018, the *Elections Modernization Act* received Royal Assent. This legislation enhances the independence of the Commissioner of Canada Elections (CCE) by transferring the CCE from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to Elections Canada."
1/31/2019,203,12-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Bring forward options to create an independent commissioner to organize political party leaders' debates.,Minister of Democratic Institutions,Completed - fully met,Bring forward options to create an independent commissioner to organize political party leaders' debates.,"On October 30, 2018, the Minister of Democratic Institutions announced the creation of an independent Leaders' Debates Commission, which has a mandate to organize two leaders' debates - one in each official language - for the 2019 federal General Election. "
1/31/2019,204,12-Nov,Fair and Open Government,"Review limits that political and third parties can spend during elections, and propose measures to control spending between elections.",Minister of Democratic Institutions,Completed - fully met,Political and third party spending is limited and controlled to help strengthen Canadian democracy.,"In December 2018, the *Elections Modernization Act* received Royal Assent. This legislation establishes spending limits for political parties and third parties during a pre-election period that would start on June 30th the year of a fixed-date election and end when the election writ is issued. The legislation also modernizes the electoral system to make it more accessible, transparent and secure."
1/31/2019,205,12-Nov,Fair and Open Government,"Allow charities to do their work free from political harassment, and modernize the rules governing the charitable and not-for-profit sectors.",Minister of Finance;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister of National Revenue,"Actions taken, progress made",A transparent and rules-based legal framework for Canada's charities is in place and charities in Canada are free from political harassment.,"In September 2016, the government launched a consultation process with the charitable sector and the public to assist in clarifying the rules for political activities of charities. A consultation panel reviewed the submissions and presented the Minister of National Revenue with recommendations in late March 2017.
As a first step to respond to the Panel’s recommendations, the government suspended all action in relation to the remaining audits and objections that were part of the Political Activities Audit Program. Consistent with recommendation no. 3 of the consultation panel, the government introduced in Bill C-86 amendments to the *Income Tax Act* to remove the quantitative limits on political activities by charities. These amendments received Royal Assent on December 13, 2018. On January 21, 2019, the Canada Revenue Agency issued, for public consultation, draft guidance to explain how it expects to administer these new rules.
In addition, in the 2018 Fall Economic Statement, the government announced that it is establishing a permanent Advisory Committee on the Charitable Sector. Led by the Canada Revenue Agency, the Advisory Committee will be made up of stakeholders and will provide advice to the government on important issues facing charities."
1/31/2019,206,12-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Make strategic investments in the clean technology sector.,"Minister of Natural Resources;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food;Minister of International Trade Diversification","Actions taken, progress made","The clean technology sector's contribution to Canada's Gross Domestic Product grows, creating more good-paying, middle class jobs and increasing the number of high-growth companies in Canada.","Since 2016, the Government of Canada has committed more than 2.3 billion to several measures to grow clean technology in Canada as part of the Innovation and Skills Plan and the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change.
The government is supporting clean technology companies through several major programs including the $155 million Clean Growth Program, the $75 million Impact Canada Clean Tech Challenges, and the $25 million Agricultural Clean Technology Program. These programs are currently reviewing and/or approving applications.
To date, four of five planned innovative clean tech challenges have been launched under the Impact Canada initiative. The Women in Cleantech Challenge aims to help level the playing field for Canadian women entrepreneurs in the area of clean technology; the Sky’s the Limit Challenge is seeking a breakthrough on green aviation fuels; the Power Forward Challenge is a collaboration with the UK to design better power grids; and the Crush It! Challenge is seeking efficiencies in mining technologies for rock crushing.
The government also enhanced its financing support to the clean technology industry through the Business Development Bank of Canada and Sustainable Development Technology Canada. The 2018 Fall Economic Statement further increased the venture capital available to clean technology firms by $50 million under the Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative.
In addition, supports are being put in place to help companies access and grow in global markets. Export Development Canada has started the Cleantech Co-investment Program and the Canadian Trade Commissioner Services has launched a new International Business Development Strategy.
Finally, the new Clean Growth Hub is a whole-of-government focal point supporting clean technology producers and users which has provided services to over 700 clients in the first 10 months."
1/31/2019,207,12-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Enhance Canada's tax measures to generate and attract more clean technology investments.,Minister of Finance;Minister of Natural Resources,"Actions taken, progress made","The clean technology sector's contribution to Canada's Gross Domestic Product grows, creating more good-paying, middle class jobs and increasing the number of high-growth companies in Canada.","Budget 2016 changed Canadian tax rules to make certain electric vehicle charging stations and electrical energy storage equipment eligible for accelerated capital cost allowance treatment. Budget 2017 introduced further expansions of this tax treatment to geothermal projects and expenses. Budget 2018 extended the accelerated capital cost allowance for five years to property acquired before 2025. In the 2018 Fall Economic Statement, the government proposed that specified clean energy equipment be eligible for immediate expensing – i.e., that such equipment be eligible for a full tax write-off the year it is put in use in the business. The government will continue to work towards making Canada the world's most competitive tax jurisdiction for clean technology."
1/31/2019,208,12-Nov,Safety and Security,Launch an open and transparent competition to replace the CF-18 fighter aircraft.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility;Minister of National Defence,"Actions taken, progress made",A new fighter fleet that allows the Canadian Armed Forces to do their job with the equipment they need.,"A modern fighter jet fleet is essential to defending Canada and Canadian sovereignty - especially in the northern skies. It is a vital contribution to the partnership with Canada’s most important ally, the United States, and our responsibility to protect the continent that we share. It is also required to enable Canada to fulfill its international commitments as an engaged and active member of NATO.
On December 12, 2017, the government launched an open and transparent competition to acquire 88 advanced fighter jets to replace Canada’s current fighter aircraft. On January 22, 2018, the Government of Canada held a Future Fighter Industry Day to provide information on the planned procurement process and timelines, project scope, high-level operational objectives, the approach to maintenance and repair, and potential economic benefits. On February 22, 2018, the Government of Canada published a list of eligible suppliers that will be invited to submit proposals under the competition to replace Canada’s current fighter fleet.
Two rounds of supplier engagement were held: the first from March 26 to April 13, 2018, and the second from June 11 to July 5, 2018. The purpose of these events was to share and collect detailed information to support finalization of the procurement strategy and development of the solicitation documents.
On October 26, 2018, Canada released a Draft Request for Proposal to eligible suppliers for their review and feedback by December 21, 2018. Inputs have been received from all suppliers and a third round of industry engagement planned for February 4 to 15, 2019 to discuss feedback. The Formal Supplier Engagement Phase will continue until the final Request for Proposal is released, anticipated in the spring 2019.
In order to answer immediate needs, the Government of Canada signed a procurement agreement on November 9, 2018 with Australia for 18 F/A-18 fighter aircraft and up to seven additional non-flyable aircraft for use as spare parts and training aids. These additional aircraft will help to ensure a consistent number of flight hours until the arrival of a new fleet. The first two Australian aircraft are expected to arrive in Canada in the first quarter of 2019.
In November 2018, the Auditor General released a report on Canada’s fighter force which highlighted that an enduring solution to the CAF’s fighter capability and other issues highlighted by the Auditor General will only be achieved when Canada has both procured a future fighter and increased the number of skilled and experienced technicians and pilots. The Government of Canada is taking steps to address both of these requirements.
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1/31/2019,209,12-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that all federal services are delivered in compliance with the *Official Languages Act*.,"President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government;Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie","Actions taken, progress made",More Canadians receive federal services and communications in their official language of choice.,"The Government of Canada conducted the first review of the Official Languages Regulations in over twenty-five years. The government is committed to ensuring the public is served in their official language of choice. Currently, 86.5% of federal institutions report that oral and written communications in designated bilingual offices ""nearly always"" occur in the official language chosen by the public. The government has set a target to achieve at least 90% in 2020. On October 25, 2018, the Government of Canada introduced amendments to the Official Languages Regulations. The regulations implement key provisions of Part IV of the *Official Languages Act* regarding communications with, and services to, the public.
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1/31/2019,210,12-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Improve access to information to enhance the openness of government.,President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister of Democratic Institutions,"Actions taken, progress made",Greater government transparency and more information available for Canadians to hold their government to account.,"Following an Interim Directive in May 2016 that eliminated all fees except for the application fee and confirmed the principle of ""open by default"", the government introduced Phase I reforms to modernize and expand the scope of the *Access to Information Act*. Legislation introduced in June 2017 proposes new requirements for the proactive publication of a broad range of information and would apply to more than 240 federal institutions, as well as the Prime Minister's Office, ministers' offices and administrative bodies that support Parliament and the courts. The legislation would also provide the Information Commissioner with the power to make binding orders to government institutions, including for the release of records. A review of the Act would also be required every five years to ensure that it remains current and continues to improve transparency for Canadians. The first of these reviews would be initiated within one year of the legislation coming into force. The legislation is currently before the Senate."
1/31/2019,211,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Conduct a review of tax expenditures.,President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government;Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"A simpler, fairer tax system.","The Government of Canada has taken action to reduce poorly targeted, complex and inefficient tax measures, including tax credits that were not available to families with the lowest incomes. Budget 2016 introduced a new Canada Child Benefit (CCB) that is simpler, tax-free, more generous and better targeted than the previous system of federal child benefits. The CCB replaced five tax credits and benefits, provides nine out of ten families with more generous benefits, and lifts hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty. Budget 2016 also replaced poorly targeted transit tax credits with significant new long-term investments directly in public transit, and replaced tax deductions for textbooks with measures to significantly improve the affordability of post-secondary education for low- and middle-income families.
Budget 2017 took further action to implement changes resulting from the government’s review of tax expenditures. The review identified opportunities to eliminate inefficient tax measures and make other existing tax measures more effective, equitable and accessible to Canadians. In this context, Budget 2017 included measures to improve tax relief for caregivers, students, and persons with disabilities. While the formal component of the tax expenditures review has concluded, the results of the review will continue to inform the government’s ongoing work to make the tax system simpler, fairer and more efficient."
1/31/2019,212,12-Nov,Safety and Security,Improve marine safety.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Transport","Actions taken, progress made",Canadians are kept safe and our coasts are protected through evidence-based emergency preparedness and response.,"The government has announced initiatives worth over $800 million, including $130 million in new science funding for partnerships, improved knowledge, and development of new technologies to help mitigate and prevent marine incidents such as oil spills. Partnerships with Indigenous groups is a pillar of the Oceans Protection Plan, and to date, 235 workshops have been held with multiple Indigenous groups.
On June 21, 2018, 14 Central and North Coast First Nations in British Columbia and the Government of Canada signed an Agreement to support the collaborative planning and implementation of marine initiatives and promote a more coordinated and efficient approach to the governance, management, and protection of oceans in the Pacific North Coast.
Following the release of the *Pilotage Act* Review’s final report on May 22, 2018, key stakeholders were engaged both at working level and through a Ministerial roundtable held on July 4, 2018. Transport Canada intends to introduce legislation at the earliest opportunity to enable improvements in the effectiveness, efficiency and accountability of Canada’s pilotage system.
On December 13, 2018, amendments to the *Canada Shipping Act, 2001* and the *Marine Liability Act* received Royal Assent, as part of Bill C-86 (*Budget Implementation Act 2018, No. 2*). These amendments will enhance marine environmental protection and marine safety, including:
• Strengthening the protection of marine environments, including at-risk whale populations, from the impacts of routine shipping and navigation activities;
• Clarifying and strengthening the Canadian Coast Guard’s authorities to support a more proactive, rapid, and effective response to spills from ships;
• Modernizing the Ship-source Oil Pollution Fund, including enabling unlimited compensation to be provided to responders and victims of oil spills from ships.
As part of the national strategy to address abandoned and wrecked vessels, the government introduced the *Wrecked, Abandoned, or Hazardous Vessels Act* (Bill C-64) in October 2017 to strengthen owner responsibility and liability with respect to vessel management. The Bill has passed Third Reading in the Senate and is before the House of Commons for consideration of Senate amendments. In addition, the government has provided financial support for the assessment or removal of over 165 smaller abandoned or wrecked vessels and over $1 million in funding for boat recycling research and boat owner education and awareness initiatives vessels through Transport Canada’s Abandoned Boats Program and Fisheries and Oceans’ Small Craft Harbours Abandoned and Wrecked Vessels Removal Program.
The Government of Canada continues its work under the $167.4 million Whales Initiative to protect and support the recovery of endangered whale populations across Canada by addressing key threats to the Southern Resident Killer Whale (SRKW), the North Atlantic Right Whale (NARW) and the St. Lawrence Estuary Beluga. In partnership with the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority’s Enhancing Cetacean Habitat and Observation (ECHO) Program, a voluntary vessel slowdown and a lateral displacement trial were implemented in the Salish Sea this summer to reduce acoustic disturbance in key SRKW foraging areas. Additionally, measures were taken to reduce the risk of strikes and entanglements of NARW in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, with no known NARW deaths in Canadian waters during the 2018 season. On October 31, 2018, the government announced additional measures to protect SRKW, including exploring the expansion of vessel slowdowns, investments aimed at protecting and recovering chinook salmon stocks, and advancing feasibility work on SRKW sanctuaries.
Recognizing that chemical contaminants are one of the key threats facing Canada’s endangered whale populations, the Government of Canada continues its actions to reduce the presence of chemical contaminants. On October 13, 2018, the government published a Notice of Intent to amend the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012. The amendments will strengthen controls for two flame retardants and three oil and water repellents, and will prohibit two additional flame retardants should the final scientific risk assessments confirm they are toxic.
The government is modernizing the Coast Guard’s current suite of emergency response assets. Contracts have been awarded for the procurement of environmental response training software, curtain booms, fence booms, a medium-size portable multi-cassette-skimmer package, and a small high-speed sweep system. Transport Canada is also modernizing its emergency response capacity and has trained more than 2,020 people in the internationally recognized Incident Command System to ensure interoperability, role clarity and overall emergency response effectiveness.
In 2018, close to $1 million in funding was announced for four Arctic Indigenous communities to buy search and rescue capable boats and/or equipment to strengthen their participation in marine emergency responses in local waters as members of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary.
In November 2018, six new RADAR installations for monitoring marine traffic on the West Coast were announced. These installations will increase our coverage range, enhancing our ability to monitor vessel traffic, which contributes to ensuring safer movement of vessels in the waters off southern British Columbia.
The Coastal Restoration Fund helps rehabilitate some of Canada's most vulnerable coastlines and protect marine life and ecosystems and is providing $75 million over five years to support coastal habitat restoration projects at the local and community level along Canada’s coasts. During its initial call for proposals, the program received 163 expressions of interest requesting over $310 million in funding. At present the program has allocated funding to 39 projects on all three coasts worth over $55 million. The next public call for proposals for the remaining $13.6 million closed December 27, 2018.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada is currently assessing and prioritizing projects. It is anticipated that the project review will be completed by early winter 2019.
Two offshore towing vessels were delivered on the Pacific Coast. The Atlantic Eagle arrived in Victoria on November 5, 2018, and the second vessel, the Atlantic Raven, arrived on December 6th. A contract was also awarded to buy emergency tow kits for Coast Guard vessels and equipment caches across Canada.
To enhance the ability to mount an effective science-based federal response that minimizes environmental damage, Environment and Climate Change Canada has, since January 2018, placed three Environmental Emergency Officers on each coast (Pacific and Atlantic) as well as Wildlife Emergency Response Coordinators in Pacific, Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic regions.
The Department has also put in place two new Enforcement Officers in the Atlantic region and two in the Pacific and Yukon region to ensure compliance with Canada’s Wildlife and environmental protection laws.
In 2017, following discussions and consultation with various stakeholders to determine marine weather information needs/gaps, in addition to considering relevant monitoring rationalization data, Environment and Climate Change Canada identified specific High Risk Marine Areas, which informed the decision to moor up to five new weather buoys in two locations on the West Coast (Southern Georgia Strait and approaching the Port of Metro Vancouver) and two locations on the East Coast (Strait of Canso and Bay of Fundy). These new buoys will help provide mariners with enhanced forecast information."
1/31/2019,213,12-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Review the previous government's changes to the *Fisheries Act* and *Navigable Waters Protection Act*.,"Minister of Transport;Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard","Actions taken, progress made","Restore lost protections and incorporate modern safeguards into the revised *Fisheries Act* and *Navigation Protection Act* to better protect Canada's environment for future generations, advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, and get resources to market.","In February 2018, the government introduced legislation to restore lost protections and incorporate modern safeguards into the *Fisheries Act* and the *Navigation Protection Act*. The proposed legislative, regulatory and policy measures were informed by a federal discussion paper, parliamentary studies, and almost two years of consultations with Indigenous peoples, industry, provinces and territories, non-governmental organizations, academia and the public.
The government will invest up to $284.2 million over five years to support restoring lost protections to fish and fish habitat and incorporating modern safeguards under the *Fisheries Act* and up to $76.5 million over five years to support restoring lost protections for the public right of navigation and incorporating modern safeguards under the proposed *Canadian Navigable Waters Act*.
In June 2018, the House of Commons referred both pieces of proposed legislation to the Senate for review. The two Bills (C-68 and C-69) passed the Second Reading in the Senate in December 2018, and have been referred to their respective Senate Standing Committees."
1/31/2019,214,12-Nov,Indigenous peoples,Promote economic development and create jobs for Indigenous peoples.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Indigenous Services;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development","Actions taken, progress made",Higher employment rates for Indigenous peoples and stronger economic growth in Indigenous communities.,"The government is coordinating federal efforts in its response to this mandate commitment for Indigenous peoples and has identified potential areas of collaboration at both the regional and national levels. This includes ensuring program alignment among federal departments and agencies, including planning to review and respond to community opportunities; fostering economic reconciliation with the private sector; more closely aligning skills training to investment opportunities and organizational readiness; and increasing access to capital. Departments have explored potential policy and expenditure linkages to facilitate success, e.g. Atlantic Growth Strategy and Economic Pathways Partnership. In addition, the government is engaging with national Indigenous organizations to discuss approaches to economic development and collaborating on opportunities to ensure better service delivery models at the community level.
The Government of Canada supports a suite of economic development and land management programs that are increasing the participation of Indigenous communities in the Canadian economy and enabling Indigenous people to pursue opportunities for employment, income, and wealth creation. To help close the employment and earning gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, Budget 2018 proposes to invest $2 billion over five years, and $408.2 million per year ongoing, to support the creation of a new Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program. This includes incremental investments of $447 million over five years, and $99.4 million per year ongoing, and a stronger focus on training for higher quality, better paying jobs rather than rapid re-employment. This additional funding will assist approximately 15,000 more clients gain greater skills and find jobs that will support their long-term career success. The government has consulted with, and heard from, Indigenous partners on the importance of a distinctions-based approach that recognizes the unique needs of First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation.
Investments in commercial infrastructure, capacity development and partnerships within the federal government, provinces and the private sector are leading to major developments on and off reserve including commercial initiatives. For example, these investments will: help First Nations access long-term financing to undertake economic development projects in their communities ($20M), strengthen the First Nations and Inuit Summer Work Experience Program and the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program ($100M), grow Canada's Indigenous tourism industry ($8.6M), and improve Indigenous labour market programs through the new Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program ($2B over five years and $408.2M per year ongoing) which is the successor to the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy. In addition, the Government of Canada has increased funding for the Post-Secondary Student Support Program, which will help 4,600 First Nation students over a two-year period ($90M).
The Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business was created to help Indigenous business access procurement opportunities within the federal government. The Government of Canada is one of the largest public buyers of goods and services in Canada, purchasing approximately $16 billion worth of goods and services every year on behalf of federal departments and agencies. The government is currently modernizing the federal approach to Indigenous procurement in order to grow Indigenous businesses and contribute to positive socio-economic outcomes in communities.
To enhance Indigenous participation in the public and private sector, the government provides project-based funding to increase business and economic development strategies. For example, support has been provided for women’s participation in business and economic development opportunities; and, for the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, to develop Canada’s unique and
authentic Indigenous tourism industry in implementing the National Aboriginal Tourism Strategy.
The government provides annual funding to the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association for distribution to the national network of Aboriginal Financial Institutions (AFI). The government is currently working closely with partners on the development of options to recapitalize the AFI network to enhance access to capital for Indigenous entrepreneurs to start or expand their businesses."
1/31/2019,215,12-Nov,Indigenous peoples,Undertake an inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in Canada.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister for Women and Gender Equality,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges","Concrete solutions to address systemic causes of violence, resulting in increased safety of Indigenous women and girls in Canada.","The Government of Canada, with the governments of all provinces and territories, launched an independent National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The Commissioners have been asked to examine and report on the systemic and historical social, economic, institutional and cultural factors—as well as practices, policies and institutions—that contribute to the violence that Indigenous women and girls face. The Commission was mandated to complete its work by December 31, 2018. The Commission released their interim report on November 1, 2017. Following a thorough review of the interim report, the Government of Canada is taking action to address the interim recommendations by increasing health supports and victim services for families and survivors, establishing a commemoration fund, funding organizations with expertise in law enforcement and policing to lead a review of police policies and practices concerning their relations with the Indigenous peoples, as well as supporting a new Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) National Investigative Standards and Practices Unit with additional funding.
On March 6, 2018, the Commission submitted a request to the Government of Canada seeking an extension until December 31, 2020 as many legitimate concerns from families and stakeholders have been raised about the Inquiry's progress. The Government of Canada has granted the Inquiry an extension until April 30, 2019 to submit its final report. This enables the inquiry to use the time to hear from more families and survivors, further examine institutional practices and policies, and undertake the research necessary to inform their recommendations on the systemic causes of all forms of violence against Indigenous women and girls in Canada. On August 21, 2018, the Inquiry announced the final four public hearings which took place in September and October 2018.
The National Inquiry has now concluded its Truth Gathering Process, following nine days of final submissions from parties with standing. In November and December 2018, the National Inquiry heard final submissions from individuals and groups with official standing. In all, Commissioners have received recommendations from nearly 60 parties with official standing on a range of critical issues, from poverty to racism. The Commissioners are expected to submit their final report to the Government of Canada by end of April 2019.
As part of the National Inquiry’s Truth Gathering Process, the Commission also received final written evidence from all parties. Justice Canada has submitted on behalf of relevant federal departments and agencies an overview of what each institution is currently doing to address the underlying causes of violence and increase safety for Indigenous women, girls, and LGBTQ2S and gender non-binary individuals.
An additional $5.4 million was also made available through Justice Canada to extend the Family Information Liaison Units and to support community-based services for families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls for 2019-2020. The government is also establishing a commemoration fund by providing $10 million to honour the lives and legacies of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls and LGBTQ2S and gender non-binary individuals, and is engaging with Indigenous organizations to put forward a range of actions to help address violence against Indigenous women and girls.
The Government of Canada is also proposing to invest $38 million in additional funding to support the Inquiry during its extension. The Commission would use these funds to assist with operational needs and provide short term aftercare to families and survivors who testify. If approved, the total funding for the Inquiry would be $92 million.
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1/31/2019,216,12-Nov,Indigenous peoples,Improve services to Indigenous people and those with mental illness throughout the criminal justice system.,Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,"Actions taken, progress made","Improved services and increased support to make it easier for Indigenous peoples and those with mental illness to navigate the criminal justice system, and reverse the trend of Indigenous overrepresentation in the justice system.","The Government of Canada has made investments to help ensure that Indigenous peoples and those with mental illness have increased access to justice and to reduce the over-representation of Indigenous peoples in the criminal justice system, both as victims and offenders. In addition to increasing access to legal aid, the government has also provided long-term and stable funding to the Indigenous Justice Program which provides funding for community-based programs that use culturally relevant restorative justice approaches, in appropriate circumstances, to help address the over-representation of Indigenous peoples as accused, victims and offenders. In addition, the government has made significant investments in the First Nation Policing Program to ensure the safety of First Nations and Inuit communities through culturally relevant policing and investments to ensure that police officers serving these communities work in safe facilities.
It is also investing in the Indigenous Courtwork Program to ensure Indigenous people have the representation and services they need to navigate the criminal justice system. The government is also supporting community-based specialized services for Indigenous victims of crime and Family Information Liaison Units for families of murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls. The government is working to further identify strategies that will build on these investments. The government has proposed reform of the *Criminal Code* jury selection process to make it more inclusive and fair (Bill C-75).
The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) Commissioner has received a public mandate with direction to address the over-representation of Indigenous Peoples, including to re-examine CSC’s governance structure to better integrate Indigenous needs and perspectives, further ensure that Indigenous offenders have timely access to effective, culturally-appropriate interventions developed in collaboration with Indigenous partners, and continue to address the particular needs of Indigenous women within the corrections system.
Budget 2018 proposed to further support the mental health needs of federal inmates, with a focus on women in federal correctional facilities. The government is also supporting greater emphasis on offender mental health information during the sentencing decision-making process (Bill C-375). On October 16, 2018, the Government of Canada introduced legislation (C-83) which proposes to strengthen the federal correctional system, aligning it with the latest evidence and best practices, by implementing a new correctional interventions model; strengthening health care governance; better supporting victims; and addressing the specific situation of Indigenous offenders."
1/31/2019,217,12-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Legalize and strictly regulate cannabis.,Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction;Minister of Health;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Completed - fully met,"The government established a strict framework for controlling the legal production, distribution, sale, and possession of Cannabis in Canada.","The *Cannabis Act* received Royal Assent on June 21, 2018, and came into force on October 17, 2018. The Act legalizes and regulates cannabis, with the objective of better protecting Canadian youth and keeping profits out of the hands of criminals and organized crime. It also makes it a specific criminal offence to sell cannabis to a minor and creates significant penalties for those who use young persons to commit cannabis-related offences.
The legislation was based on the advice from the Task Force on Cannabis Legalization and Regulation, following extensive engagement with Canadians, representatives of provincial, territorial and municipal governments, experts on public health, law enforcement and justice officials, patients, young people, advocates, Indigenous governments and representative organizations, employers and industry.
Regulations to support the *Cannabis Act* came into force at the same time as the Act, on October 17, 2018. A regulatory framework for the legal sale of edibles and concentrates is in development and is expected to be in force by October 2019.
Companion legislation to strengthen impaired driving laws (Bill C-46) also received Royal Assent on June 21, 2018, and includes three new offences for having a prohibited concentration of drugs (including THC) in the blood within two hours of driving.
A national Cannabis Tracking System to track high-level movements of cannabis through the supply chain is now operational. The Cannabis Tracking System will help prevent legal cannabis from being diverted to the illegal market and illegal cannabis from being introduced into the legal market. Federal license holders, and Provinces and Territories are required to report monthly inventory and sales data to Health Canada.
The government has made significant investments and continues to accept proposals from community-based and Indigenous organizations for projects that respond to specific public education and awareness needs related to cannabis. More than $100 million is budgeted over six years for investments in cannabis public education, awareness and surveillance.
Regulation of cannabis is a process that includes the ongoing objectives of keeping cannabis out of the hands of youth, keeping profits out of the hands of criminals, responsible usage and protecting public health and safety.
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1/31/2019,218,12-Nov,Safety and Security,Repeal problematic elements of Bill C-51 to balance security with rights and freedoms.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,"Actions taken, progress made",Canadians' safety and security are strongly protected in a manner consistent with the rights and freedoms Canadians cherish.,"The Government of Canada consulted Canadians on key elements of Canada's national security laws and policies to ensure they are effective at keeping Canadians safe, and equally reflect the rights, values and freedoms of Canadians. In June 2017, the government introduced legislation covering a wide range of measures to enhance Canada’s national security framework, increase accountability through a National Security and Intelligence Review Agency and a new Intelligence Commissioner, and address problematic elements of former Bill C-51 (including revisions to threat reduction measures, amendments to the *Criminal Code* and the *Youth Criminal Justice Act*, and revisions to the *Security of Canada Information Sharing Act*), while re-affirming compliance with the Charter. Bill C-59 (*An Act respecting national security matters*) was passed by the House of Commons on June 19, 2018 and introduced in the Senate on June 20, 2018.
The government also proposes to enhance the Passenger Protect Program, including the development of a rigorous centralized screening model and a redress mechanism for legitimate air travelers who are affected by the program. The enhanced program would help ensure that privacy and fairness concerns are addressed, while keeping Canadians safe."
1/31/2019,219,12-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Phase out inefficient fossil fuel industry subsidies over the medium-term.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Finance,"Actions taken, progress made","Phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, consistent with Canada’s commitment with the G20 countries, building a strong, clean economy and preserving our planet for generations to come.","Budget 2016 announced that the accelerated capital cost allowance for facilities used to liquefy natural gas will be allowed to expire at the end of 2024. Budget 2017 proposed changes to rationalize the treatment of exploration expenses for oil and gas producers and phase out their ability to reclassify certain development expenses as more favourably treated exploration expenses. The government will continue to review, report on, and phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, as appropriate."
1/31/2019,220,12-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,"Increase the proportion of Canada's marine and coastal areas that are protected to five percent by 2017, and ten percent by 2020.","Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Environment and Climate Change","Actions taken, progress made","Five per cent of Canada's marine and coastal areas are protected by 2017, and 10 per cent by 2020, protecting important habitats, maintaining and promoting tourism, and helping with climate change adaptation.","In October 2017, the government achieved its commitment to protect 5% of Canada's marine and coastal areas by 2017. In December 2017, seven new marine refuges were established off the coasts of Nunavut and Newfoundland and Labrador, which contributed an additional 145,598 square km of protected ocean area to Canada’s coasts. The government is on track to achieve the 10% target by 2020, with 7.9% of Canada’s ocean conserved as of June 27, 2018.
In November 2016, the Government of Canada announced the designation of the Anguniaqvia niqiqyuam Marine Protected Area (MPA). In February 2017, the government announced the designation of the Hecate Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound Glass Sponge Reefs MPA. In May 2017, a Large Offshore Pacific Area of Interest off the coast of British Columbia was announced, with the intention of making it one of Canada's largest MPAs by 2020. In June 2017, the government announced the designation of St. Anns Bank MPA. In August 2017, the federal government, Nunavut and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association together announced an agreement on the final boundary and interim protection of the new Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area in Lancaster Sound -- the largest protected area ever established in Canada. An agreement in principle, signed in October 2018 by the Government of Canada and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, covers agreed-upon elements of the required Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement for Tallurutiup Imanga and states that both parties intend to work with the Government of Nunavut to initiate feasibility assessments for new protected areas in the High Arctic Basin, part of the “Last Ice Area.”
In June 2018, the Scott Islands Protected Marine Area Regulations were published and, in September 2018, the government announced the establishment of the Scott Islands marine National Wildlife Area, Canada’s first marine area under the *Canada Wildlife Act*. To further support Canada’s marine conservation efforts, Shell Canada also announced, on September 13, 2018, its intent to voluntarily release nearly 50,000 square km of exploratory oil and gas permits off the coast of British Columbia.
Additional areas are also being pursued for protection. On March 22, 2018, the government announced the establishment of two new Areas of Interest (Fundian Channel-Browns Bank and Eastern Shore Islands) and a proposed conservation area (Eastern Canyons) in the Scotian Shelf Bioregion. And on June 30, 2018, the proposed Banc-des-Américains Marine Protected Area Regulations were published in *Canada Gazette* Part I.
In addition, the government allocated funding towards exploring with Indigenous and Northern partners the protection of the High Arctic. In September 2017, Canada signed a statement of intent with the Nunatsiavut government, committing to work together on marine planning in Labrador's offshore area.
Canada has developed science-based criteria for other effective area-based conservation measures that contribute to marine conservation targets. Fisheries area closures that meet these criteria, known as marine refuges, have been established throughout Canada's oceans to protect important species and ecosystem features. The government will continue working with its partners to enhance the protection of Canada’s oceans.
The Government of Canada has proposed amendments to the *Oceans Act* to create a new authority to designate an interim MPA through ministerial order and to update existing enforcement officer powers and fines provisions. Amendments are also proposed to the *Canada Petroleum Resources Act* to allow for orders prohibiting oil and gas activities in designated *Oceans Act* MPAs. The proposed amendments would also allow for negotiations for the relinquishment of oil and gas rights that overlap *Oceans Act* MPAs. These amendments were informed by engagement with Indigenous peoples, provinces and territories, and stakeholders.
A National Advisory Panel was established to gather perspectives and offer recommendations to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard on categories and associated protection standards for federal MPAs, using International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) guidance as a baseline. The Panel also considered Indigenous approaches and governance with respect to marine conservation, including the evolving concept of Indigenous Protected Areas. The Panel presented its recommendations in a final report to the Minister in September was publicly released on October 16, 2018."
1/31/2019,221,12-Nov,Canada in the World,"Advance human rights, gender equality, peaceful pluralism and respect for diversity internationally.",Minister of International Development;Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Inclusive governance, human rights, gender equality, peaceful pluralism and respect for diversity are enhanced around the world.","The Government of Canada seeks to protect and enable inclusive governance, human rights, gender equality, democracy, and respect for diversity around the world, under the rubric of its Feminist Foreign Policy, which is a suite of complimentary and reinforcing actions and policies including the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, the Feminist International Assistance Policy, and Canada’s Inclusive Approach to Trade. Canada recognizes that supporting these fundamental principles is the most effective pathway to building a more peaceful, more inclusive and more prosperous world. Canada’s leadership in this domain has been exemplified by, though not limited to, the following:
• Establishing gender equality as a priority and theme of Canada’s G7 Presidency, where it leveraged its partnerships to establish the Gender Equality Advisory Council. The Council’s work ensured that considerations to gender equality and women’s empowerment were integrated across all activities and initiatives of Canada’s G7 Presidency. Canada also leveraged its G7 presidency to co-host, with the EU, the first formal meeting of women foreign ministers, which provided an opportunity to harness the perspectives of women foreign ministers in addressing the challenges facing global relations today.
• Adopting the *Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act* (JVCFOA) and amendments to the *Special Economic Measures Act* (SEMA) to take direct action to respond to cases of human rights violations and acts of corruption globally. To that end, Canada has imposed targeted sanctions on 70 individuals under the JVCFOA from Russia, Venezuela, South Sudan, Myanmar and Saudi Arabia.
• As co-chair of the Equal Rights Coalition, Canada co-hosted a global conference on LGBTI Human Rights and Inclusive Development in Vancouver in August 2018, committing alongside 40 member states to advocate for equal respect, protection, and promotion of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of LGBTI persons, including in cases where they are at acute risk. Canada also committed to address the particular barriers LGBTI persons and their representative organizations face when contributing to or benefiting from Canadian international assistance efforts.
• Canada’s international advocacy at the UN General Assembly, Human Rights Council, and Organization of American States, as well as in other multilateral fora, has led to broad endorsement of joint statements and resolutions related to inclusion and respect for human rights. One recent example, a Canadian-led resolution on the elimination of violence against women and girls, was co-sponsored by 77 countries, and adopted by the UN Human Rights Council on July 5 2018.
• Under the theme of Defending Democracies from Foreign Threats, G7 leaders announced the creation of the G7 Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) at the Charlevoix Summit in June 2018. The mandate of the RRM is to strengthen coordination, as well as to identify and respond to foreign threats to democracy, including through sharing information and analysis.
• In May 2018, the Partnership for Gender Equality was launched. It is an innovative $300 million initiative to catalyze new investments to support the advancement of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in developing countries from the philanthropic community, the investing community, the private sector and civil society. In Dec 2018, the call for Expression of interest to design and manage the Partnership for Gender Equality was launched.
• At the July 2018 Global Disability Summit, the Minister of International Development made concrete commitments to ensure the meaningful inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities in Canada's international development efforts, and committed to host the next Global Action on Disability (GLAD) Network meeting in Ottawa in 2019.
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1/31/2019,222,12-Nov,Canada in the World,Work on development financing issues.,Minister of Finance;Minister of International Development;Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made","Increased international investment, reduced poverty and improved economic development in developing countries.","The Development Finance Institute Canada opened for business in early 2018 under the brand name “FinDev Canada.” FinDev Canada supports women's economic empowerment and gender equality, poverty reduction, and climate change mitigation and adaptation in developing countries.
FinDev’s first transaction, a $10 million (USD) investment with M-KOPA, a Kenya-based solar energy provider, was announced in March 2018. A second one was announced in December 2018, a $20 million (USD) commitment made to Climate Investor One’s (CIO) Construction Equity Fund to support the transition to renewable energy in emerging markets.
At the G7 meeting in June 2018, FinDev Canada joined with other G7 development finance institutions to support the 2X Challenge, a commitment to collectively mobilize $3 billion dollars by 2020 for investment in business activities that will benefit women in developing countries.
Budget 2018 provided $1.5 billion to establish an International Assistance Innovation Program and a pilot Sovereign Loans Program.
In May 2018, the Minister of International Development launched a series of targeted engagements seeking expert advice on the creation of a new partnership between the Government of Canada, the philanthropic community and the private sector to catalyze new investments to advance gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in developing countries. The Minister of International Development also announced that Canada is willing to contribute up to $300 million to such a partnership. In Dec 2018, the call for Expression of interest to design and manage the Partnership for Gender Equality was launched.
The Minister of International Development and the Minister of Finance co-hosted the first ever G7 meeting of Development and Finance Ministers, to draw on the individual expertise of both ministries to seek out innovative approaches to financing international development. This meeting laid the groundwork for the Charlevoix Commitment on Innovative Financing for Development, which promotes economic growth in developing economies and fosters greater equality of opportunity within and between countries.
Canada is also fostering intellectual leadership and broadening the growth in development financing literacy and collaboration by co-leading (with Jamaica) the Group of Friends of SDG Financing at the UN. The Group is a platform to promote solution-oriented ideas for unlocking capital for development.
On September 24, 2018, at the Secretary-General’s High Level Meeting on Financing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Prime Minister of Canada announced that Canada will contribute $20 million to the Global Infrastructure Hub (GI Hub) to establish Toronto as the centre of its North American operations. The GI Hub will use $5 million of the funding to establish the Global Centre for Infrastructure Excellence, underscoring Canada’s commitment to foster new partnerships for development.
Canada’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, has been named one of the co-facilitators of the 7th High Level Dialogue on Financing for Development. The event will take place on Thursday, September 26th, during UNGA high-level week in New York."
1/31/2019,223,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Develop and implement a Youth Service Program.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of International Development","Actions taken, progress made","More young Canadians engaged in high quality public and community service, and through this service, gaining valuable skills that will benefit them in life and work.","On January 16, 2018, the government launched the design phase of the Canada Service Corps, Canada’s new national youth service initiative.
Canada Service Corps will encourage young Canadians to get involved in service to their communities and gain valuable skills and experience that will benefit them in every aspect of life. This initiative will grow over time, creating more opportunities for youth who wish to serve.
During the design phase, the Government of Canada will engage youth directly to find out more about their motivations and interests, and to explore what service means to them. Their input will directly shape the initiative, ensuring that it meets the needs and priorities of young people once it is fully implemented in early 2019."
1/31/2019,224,12-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Raise awareness on concussion treatment.,Minister of Science and Sport;Minister of Health,Completed - fully met,"Consistent, coordinated Canadian guidelines on concussion in sport and return-to-learn and return-to-play protocols.","The government is working in partnership with provinces, territories and other key stakeholders on a coordinated pan-Canadian concussion strategy. In June 2016, a framework for the strategy was endorsed by federal, provincial, and territorial ministers. Budget 2016 made investments to harmonize concussion management guidelines on prevention, early detection and treatment, with a focus on return-to-play and return-to-learn protocols for athletes and students. In July 2017, federal, provincial and territorial Ministers responsible for sport, physical activity and recreation agreed to a Framework for Action focusing on the areas of awareness, prevention, detection, management, and surveillance of concussions, which will further harmonize the collective approach across jurisdictions. At the same time, Parachute Canada, with the financial support of the Government of Canada, released its “Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport”.
The government directed funds to the Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC) for a national awareness campaign. SIRC worked collaboratively with National Sport Organizations on an awareness and implementation campaign regarding the sport specific protocols for return-to-play after a concussion. As of June 2018, 42 of Canada's National Sport Organizations have in place sport concussion protocols harmonized with the Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport. Other National Sport Organizations are working toward adopting or updating their protocols. Parachute also developed concussion resources for schools, including a detailed Return-to-School Strategy and an accredited online concussion course for medical professionals.
The government has also partnered with the private sector to launch two new projects in June 2018. The SCHOOLFirst project, led by Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, provides access to up-to-date information for teachers and school boards on concussion practices to support youth who are returning to school after experiencing a concussion. The Progress Activation and Concussion Education (PACE) mobile app helps people recognize, prevent and manage a concussion.
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1/31/2019,225,12-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Update and expand the Nutrition North program.,Minister of Health;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations;Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,"Actions taken, progress made",More affordable nutritious food for Canadians in the North.,"In Budget 2016, the government increased funding to expand Nutrition North Canada to isolated northern communities. Nutrition North Canada helps alleviate the high cost of food in 121 isolated northern communities by providing a subsidy on perishable nutritious food. To date, the full benefits of Nutrition North Canada, including nutrition education funding, have been expanded to 37 additional isolated northern communities.
Under the oversight of the Nutrition North Canada Advisory Board, throughout 2016 the government engaged with Northerners to collect feedback on how to best update the program. In response to the findings from the public engagement, the Nutrition North Canada Advisory Board published the Reflections on the What We Heard Report and hosted a stakeholder meeting with Indigenous organizations, northern retailers and airlines, provincial and territorial governments and other federal government departments in early May 2017. The purpose was to discuss the feedback received during the public engagement and the key areas where many different views as identified by the Advisory Board. Through facilitated group discussions, participants collaborated on ways the program can be more responsive to the needs of Northerners. An Indigenous Working Group was launched at this meeting, including national and regional Indigenous organizations, which was tasked with co-developing options to help Nutrition North Canada work better for Northerners. Co-development work is ongoing, under the oversight of the Advisory Board to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs.
As of July 2018, Nutrition North Canada falls under the portfolio of the Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade. The department will continue to work to update and expand the Nutrition North program, in consultation with northern communities.
In the November 2018 Fall Economic Statement the government proposed an investment of $62.6 million over five years, and $10.4 million ongoing for the Nutrition North Canada program “to ensure that northern families have access to affordable, healthy food, including local food.”
On December 10, 2018, the government announced significant improvements to the Nutrition North Canada program. As of January 1, 2019, these improvements include: a fully revised subsidized foods list, which includes a focus on northern staples and family-friendly items; a new highest-level subsidy rate specifically for milk, frozen fruit, frozen vegetables, infant formula, and infant food; and, an increase to the two current subsidy rates to help further lower the cost of perishable, nutritious food. The announcement included the creation of an Inuit-Crown Food Security working group to focus on food security and work towards a sustainable food system in Inuit Nunangat. The current Indigenous working group will continue its work ensuring that the unique interests, priorities and circumstances of First Nations and Métis are acknowledged, affirmed, and implemented.
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1/31/2019,226,12-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Develop a coordinated national action plan on post-traumatic stress disorder.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,"Actions taken, progress made",Canada's public safety officers have better access to support for post-traumatic stress.,"The government is developing a national action plan on post-traumatic stress injuries, which will be evidence-based and will align substantively with the findings of the Fifth Report of the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security, including an emphasis on coordinated research, early intervention, and support and treatment for public safety officers.
Budget 2018 proposed funding to support a new national research consortium between the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT) to address the incidence of post-traumatic stress injuries among public safety officers. The government also proposed funding to increase support for the mental health needs of RCMP officers, and for Public Safety Canada to work with CIPSRT to develop an internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy pilot as a means of providing greater access to care and treatment for public safety officers.
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1/31/2019,227,12-Nov,Indigenous peoples,Co-develop an Indigenous Languages Act.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism,"Actions taken, progress made","An Indigenous Languages Act co-developed with the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Métis National Council (on behalf of the Métis Nation) that preserves, promotes, and revitalizes Indigenous languages in Canada, resulting in more people speaking Indigenous languages.","On December 6, 2016 the Prime Minister announced that the Government of Canada will enact an Indigenous Languages Act, co-developed with Indigenous peoples, with the goal of ensuring the preservation, promotion, and revitalization of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit languages in Canada. On June 15, 2017, Canadian Heritage, the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Métis Nation Council (on behalf of the Métis Nation) launched the co-development of Indigenous languages legislation and agreed on a collaborative engagement process. Early engagement concluded in February 2018, and intensive engagement was undertaken by Canadian Heritage with the support of the three National Indigenous Organizations throughout summer 2018."
1/31/2019,228,12-Nov,Sustainable Infrastructure,Expand the network of shelters and transition houses for those fleeing domestic violence.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Indigenous Services;Minister for Women and Gender Equality,"Actions taken, progress made",More shelters available for those fleeing domestic violence.,"In Budget 2016, the government made significant investments to repair and expand the number of shelters and transition houses for victims of family violence and ensure that no one fleeing domestic violence is left without a place to go. As of March 31, 2018, this funding has supported over 3,200 projects, to assist more than 5,800 households. In Budget 2016, the government also provided greater funding to renovate, construct and better support shelters serving victims of family violence in First Nation communities. Five communities (in Ontario, Manitoba, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Quebec) have been identified for the construction of new shelters, and planning and construction activities have begun. The new Manitoba shelter held their grand opening on November 6, 2018, with a statement from the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. The remaining four are scheduled to become operational by March 2019. According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s construction schedules, the remaining four are anticipated to become operational by March 31, 2019. However, factors such as weather, remoteness and logistical issues that are beyond the Government of Canada’s control may result in delays of the opening dates.
The National Housing Strategy will fund projects that support vulnerable Canadians, including homeless women and those fleeing domestic violence. Along with Budget 2016, this funding will support the construction and renewal of at least 7,000 shelter spaces as well as aim for 33% of all investments to support projects that specifically target women and girls."
1/31/2019,229,12-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Reduce complexity and strengthen partnerships between National Defence and Veterans Affairs.,Minister of Veterans Affairs;Minister of National Defence,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","A simpler and easier to navigate process for delivering benefits and services to ensure members of Canada's Armed Forces (CAF), Veterans, and their families are well supported and properly prepared for civilian life.","The government is developing a roadmap with key milestones outlining the delivery of a simpler and more streamlined transition process focused on clients. This new approach is intended to ease access to benefits and services for those who need them. Desired outcomes include increased awareness and easier navigation of benefits and services, timely provision of benefits and services, recognition of service and a lifelong sense of belonging, continuity of health care and career development support.
A number of new initiatives to improve the transition process for releasing CAF members, Veterans, and their families are underway. For example, on 10 December 2018, the government announced the new Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group (CAF TG) mandated to support all members with professional services as they transition from active duty to post-military life. Once fully established, the CAF TG will provide fully professional, personalized and standardized transition services to all CAF members, Veterans and their families. The CAF TG will ensure special care and attention to those who are ill or injured.
These efforts are aimed at providing all CAF members and their families with the confidence that the Government of Canada is focussed on their well-being, and that they are informed, prepared, and empowered as they navigate toward their life after service.
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1/31/2019,230,12-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Develop a suicide prevention strategy for Canadian Armed Forces personnel and Veterans.,Minister of National Defence;Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,More Veterans and men and women in the Canadian Armed Forces receive the mental health care they need and suicides are reduced.,"Canada's new defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—invests in the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces and delivers the standard of service and care that current and former members deserve. The new policy expands the number of Canada's military personnel and significantly invest in the health and welfare of those serving in uniform. As part of the policy, the government is expanding the Department of National Defence Medical Service Branch by 200 personnel to ensure serving members have better access to efficient and effective care anywhere they serve, in Canada or abroad. In October 2017, the government announced the implementation of a joint Canadian Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Suicide Prevention Strategy composed of 160 different initiatives, programs and services, including the hiring of additional mental health professionals focused on preventing suicide across the entire military and Veteran community. The effectiveness of clinical interventions, training, education and other supports and services will be studied to assess progress in preventing suicide."
1/31/2019,231,12-Nov,Safety and Security,Create a committee of Parliamentarians to review national security.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Completed - fully met,Parliamentarians have the information they need to ensure Canada's national security framework and activities are effective and protect rights and freedoms and Canadian values.,"The law establishing the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) has been brought into force, funding has been allocated, members have been appointed, a chair designated, and an Executive Director has been appointed. The new NSICOP is an important step towards increased accountability and transparency. The Committee's broad government-wide mandate to scrutinize any national security matter will help ensure the protection of the public and that the rights and freedoms of individual Canadians are upheld. The NSICOP can perform reviews of national security and intelligence activities, including ongoing operations, and strategic and systemic reviews of the legislative, regulatory, policy, expenditure and administrative frameworks under which these activities are conducted."
1/31/2019,232,12-Nov,Canada in the World,End Canada's combat mission in Iraq and Syria and refocus Canada's efforts on training and humanitarian support.,Minister of National Defence,Completed - fully met,"Canada ceased conducting fighter jet strikes in Iraq and Syria and adopted a more comprehensive approach with increased resources for stabilization, humanitarian assistance, and training.","Effective February 15, 2016, Canada ceased conducting strikes by CF-18 fighter jets on Daesh targets. On February 8, 2016, Canada announced an increased contribution to the training of Iraq Security Forces, as well as humanitarian and stabilization support. The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are contributing many capabilities to the multinational efforts to degrade and defeat Daesh. Up to 830 CAF personnel are assigned to Operation IMPACT, which has been extended until March 31, 2019."
1/31/2019,233,12-Nov,Canada in the World,Renew Canada's commitment to United Nations peace operations.,Minister of National Defence;Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made","Canadian efforts enhance peace and security, protect human rights, promote stability, and help those most in need around the world.","Canada has a long and proud history of contributing to peacekeeping operations. Modern conflicts have, nevertheless, called for a rethinking of how we can most effectively promote international peace and security. At the UN peacekeeping conference in Vancouver in November 2017, the Prime Minister unveiled the main elements of Canada’s new approach to peace support operations. Canada is taking a leadership role supporting, among other initiatives, the following:
? The Vancouver Principles – focused on ending the recruitment and use of child soldiers in the context of UN peacekeeping operations. As of November 2018, 71 countries have already endorsed the principles.
? The Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations – a pilot project that aims to test approaches to increase the meaningful participation of uniformed women in UN peace operations. As of November 2018, a baseline study which describes the barriers faced by uniformed women in UN peace operations has been completed, bilateral technical assistance and training partnerships have been established with Ghana and Zambia, and $3 million has been provided to the UN's Department of Peacekeeping Operations and select UN missions to support the creation of receptive environments for women peacekeepers.
? A range of Smart Pledges and military capabilities – aimed at leveraging Canadian expertise, contributing high-end capabilities to UN peace support operations, and supporting broader UN reform efforts.
In keeping with this approach, on March 19, 2018, the Government of Canada announced the deployment of an Air Task Force to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) for a period of 12 months. The Air Task Force became fully operational on August 15, 2018, as part of Canada’s efforts to help set the conditions for durable peace, development, and prosperity in Mali. The Task Force provides urgently needed aeromedical evacuation, transport, and logistics capacity, as well as armed escort and protection."
1/31/2019,234,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Ensure that Employment Insurance (EI) contributions are only used to fund EI programs.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Finance",Completed - fully met,Improved sustainability of the Employment Insurance (EI) program to ensure the program is available to Canadians when they need it.,"The Government of Canada continues to make sure that EI contributions are only used to fund EI programs. In April 2016, the seven-year break-even rate setting mechanism came into force, ensuring that the EI Operating Account will be balanced over a seven-year horizon. The EI premium rate declined from $1.88 per $100 of insurable earnings in 2016 to $1.66 per $100 of insurable earnings in 2018, a period over which the government has made significant enhancements to EI benefits and programs funded by the EI Operating Account.
On September 13, 2018, the Canada Employment Commission announced that the 2019 EI premium rate will decrease to $1.62 per $100 of insurable earnings, reflecting strong economic conditions and projections, as well as additional new supports for Canadian families. This will be the lowest EI premium rate since 1980, and for most Canadian workers, the lowest they have paid since entering the workforce."
1/31/2019,235,12-Nov,Indigenous peoples,Renew and improve the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made","Improved employment outcomes for participants accessing programs through the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS), and reduced employment gaps with non-Indigenous Canadians who use similar employment services.","Budget 2018 announced an investment of $2 billion over five years, and $408.2 million per year ongoing, to support the creation of the new Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISET) Program, which will replace the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS). This new program is based on extensive engagement held in 2016 and 2017 with ASETS holders, Indigenous communities and leadership, and other stakeholders to seek feedback on how the ASETS structure and policy could be redesigned and improved. The ISET Program also builds upon previous increased federal investment, whereby approximately 1,700 additional Indigenous Peoples were supported through the ASETS in 2016 compared to 2015. The government also made investments to increase capacity of service providers to meet the growing demand from Indigenous Peoples for skills development and job training and provided an additional $50 million to ASETS in 2017. The government is currently engaging with Indigenous partners on the co-development of the implementation of the ISET Program."
1/31/2019,236,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Provide a 12-month break on Employment Insurance (EI) premiums for firms that hire younger workers into permanent positions.,"Minister of Finance;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Not being pursued,See below,"Based on research conducted by the Department of Finance, it was determined that this was not the most effective or efficient way of spending public resources to create jobs for young people.
Budgets 2016 and 2017 invested significantly in the Youth Employment Strategy, nearly doubling the Canada Summer Jobs program, which will help more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop the skills they need to find work, create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians and provide over 1,600 new employment opportunities for youth in the heritage sector. In addition, Budget 2016 announced the creation of an Expert Panel on Youth Employment to assess the barriers faced by vulnerable youth in finding and keeping jobs, and to examine innovative practices used by governments, non-governmental organizations and employers to improve job opportunities for vulnerable youth.
Through Budget 2018, the government is providing an additional $448.5 million over five years starting in 2018–19, for the Youth Employment Strategy. This funding extends commitments made in 2016 to nearly double the number of Canada Summer Jobs for summer 2019 with up to 70,000 opportunities for youth. In addition, this funding will provide resources to implement a modernized Youth Employment Strategy, building on the input of the Expert Panel on Youth Employment."
1/31/2019,237,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Provide more generous and flexible leave for caregivers.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Caregivers of critically ill or injured Canadians receive greater support.,"Effective December 3, 2017, the new Family Caregiver benefit for adults is available to help families care for a critically ill adult. This benefit allows eligible caregivers to take up to 15 weeks off work to care for or support an adult family member who is critically ill or injured. Eligible caregivers are family members or individuals that the critically ill or injured adult considers to be like family."
1/31/2019,238,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Develop a Social Innovation and Social Finance strategy.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development","Actions taken, progress made",A government-wide strategy is established that facilitates new and innovative ways of addressing Canada's biggest social challenges.,"The Government of Canada recognizes that new and innovative approaches are needed to tackle persistent and complex social issues. In June 2017, the government launched the Social Innovation and Social Finance Steering Group. Through consultations and engagement activities, the Steering Group will seek perspectives of industry, sector and community leaders to co-create a Social Innovation and Social Finance Strategy. Previous findings from government consultations and engagement activities related to social innovation and social finance will help the Steering Group identify policy solutions for the Strategy. As part of the Fall Economic Statement 2018, released on November 21, 2018, the government announced the Social Finance Fund."
1/31/2019,239,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Introduce the Canada Child Benefit (CCB).,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Finance",Completed - fully met,"A generous, better-targeted, tax-free monthly Canada Child Benefit (CCB) that gives nine out of ten Canadian families more money to help with the high cost of raising their children.","In Budget 2016, the government introduced the new, tax-free, income-tested Canada Child Benefit (CCB). In its first year of implementation, over 3.3 million families received more than $23 billion in CCB payments. The CCB has helped lift an estimated 300,000 children out of poverty in Canada. In the October 2017 Fall Economic Statement, the government announced that the CCB will be increased annually to keep pace with the rising cost of living as of July 2018, two years ahead of schedule. For the 2018-19 benefit year, the CCB provides a maximum annual benefit of $6,496 per child under age 6 and $5,481 per child age 6 through 17. In Budget 2018, the government expanded outreach efforts to help Indigenous Peoples access the full range of federal social benefits, including the CCB."
1/31/2019,240,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Develop a National Early Learning and Child Care Framework with the provinces and territories.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister for Women and Gender Equality",Completed - fully met,"More high-quality, affordable child care spaces.","The Government of Canada is supporting the creation of affordable, high-quality child care spaces for low and modest income families, with the goal of supporting up to 40,000 new subsidized child care spaces over the next three years. The Federal, Provincial and Territorial governments reached a historic agreement on a Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care Framework on June 12, 2017. The government has worked with each province and territory to enter into three-year bilateral agreements that will outline their unique early learning and child care needs to be addressed and the funding allocation for each jurisdiction. Bilateral agreements have now been signed with all jurisdictions.
In addition to bilateral agreements with other levels of government, the government will also dedicate funding towards specific initiatives to support better outcomes for early learning and child care in Canada. Over the next 11 years, this includes:
• $100 million for early learning and child care innovation, which will support new and innovative practices across the country and help to develop more effective services to improve life outcomes for children and their families.
• $95 million to close data gaps in order to better understand what child care looks like in Canada, supporting strong reporting on progress made in implementing the Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care Framework and the Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework."
1/31/2019,241,12-Nov,Indigenous peoples,Establish a new fiscal relationship with First Nations communities and lift the 2% cap.,Minister of Finance;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations,"Actions taken, progress made",Increased support for Indigenous communities consistent with needs and population growth rather than a fixed 2% cap; co-developed approaches to reforming funding policies and accountability.,"By 2021-2022, total federal government spending on Indigenous programs will increase from over $11 billion in 2015-2016 to over $15 billion in 2021-2022—an increase of 34% over six years. The Government of Canada has also committed to a new fiscal relationship that is sufficient, sustainable and predictable. The government is advancing a renewed fiscal relationship through two parallel initiatives. The first is with the Assembly of First Nations, through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in July 2016. The first phase of this collaboration with the Assembly of First Nations produced a report, ""A New Approach: Co-development of a New Fiscal Relationship between Canada and First Nation,"" that was submitted to the National Chief and the Minister of Indigenous Services in December 2017. In response to the report, the Minister committed to work with First Nation partners to move ahead on a number of proposals, including: providing more funding flexibility and predictability to support self-determination with the creation of ten-year-grants for qualified First Nations, with the goal of providing them to 100 First Nations by April 1, 2019; replace the Default Prevention and Management Policy; and establish an advisory committee to support ongoing co-development. To better support First Nations communities, to support strong Indigenous institutions and to advance the new fiscal relationship with First Nations, Budget 2018 proposes to invest $188.6 million over five years, starting in 2018–2019. In total, 252 expressions of interest were received from First Nations interested in the ten-year-grant; work is well underway to assess eligibility. In addition, the AFN-ISC Joint Advisory Committee on Fiscal Relations was created in October 2018 and has met three times since then. The Joint Advisory Committee is focused on preparing recommendations to the Minister of Indigenous Services and the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations on key areas of the new fiscal relationship.
The second collaborative process on fiscal policy is focused on Self-Governing Indigenous groups. Since May 2016, the government and Self-Governing Indigenous governments have been engaged in the Collaborative Self-Government Fiscal Policy Development Process, to develop a new policy framework for the provision of federal financial support to self-government. A co-developed draft policy proposal was completed in December 2017 and was endorsed by the Government of Canada. Through Budget 2018, the government committed $189.2 million in 2018–2019 to begin the implementation of fiscal policy reforms that have been co-developed with self-governing Indigenous Peoples. This funding will support key priorities, including the closing of socio-economic gaps, infrastructure, data collection and governance.
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1/31/2019,242,12-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Develop a National Disabilities Act.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility","Actions taken, progress made",Federal accessibility legislation that promotes equality of opportunity and increases inclusion and participation of Canadians who have disabilities or functional limitations.,"Building on the extensive nine-month, in-person and online consultation with Canadians, the Government of Canada tabled the *Accessible Canada Act* on June 20th, 2018. The *Accessible Canada Act* represents the most significant Government of Canada disability rights legislation in over 30 years and is a cornerstone of the Government of Canada’s plan to build a more inclusive Canada. The legislation will address, in a systematic way, the barriers that exist in areas of federal jurisdiction. It proposes to cover sectors such as banking, transportation, telecommunications, and Government of Canada departments and agencies. The Government of Canada is providing funding of approximately $290 million over six years that will further the objectives of the new legislation. "
1/31/2019,244,12-Nov,Sustainable Infrastructure,Ensure any unspent infrastructure funds are transferred to municipalities.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Finance,"Actions taken, progress made",Ensure infrastructure funding approved by Parliament does not lapse and is invested in municipal infrastructure projects.,"In March 2017, the Government of Canada transferred $30.2 million in potentially lapsing funding from a number of previously established funding programs to municipalities through the federal Gas Tax Fund (GTF).
The government has also committed to transfer unused legacy funding to the GTF. For example, any funding under the Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component of the 2014 New Building Canada Fund not approved for projects by March 31, 2019 will be transferred to the GTF."
1/31/2019,245,12-Nov,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Develop a 10-year infrastructure plan, improve governance and promote better data collection and asset management.",Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Transport,Completed - fully met,"Agreements with all provinces and territories that improve public transit, roads and bridges; increase access to affordable housing and child care; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; improve access to clean water, and enhance resilience in the face of a changing climate.","Infrastructure plays a central role in building strong communities, creating jobs and growing the economy. Taking into account the investments made in Budgets 2016 and 2017, the government has developed a 12-year plan that will invest over $180 billion across Canada in public transit, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, rural and northern communities' infrastructure, and trade and transportation infrastructure.
Infrastructure bilateral agreements have now been signed with all provinces and territories, including agreements to report on benefits to communities. As part of the Plan, the government has also signed an agreement with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) to deliver an asset management program to support municipalities in making informed infrastructure investment decisions.
The government partnered with Statistics Canada and other stakeholders to launch an ambitious data collection initiative on Canadian infrastructure – Canada’s Core Public Infrastructure Survey (CCPI), which officially launched in mid-2017. Through the survey, the government will better track, collect, use and share data on Canadian infrastructure, including tracking comparable data on infrastructure usage and demand across jurisdictions and tracking the state and performance of public infrastructure across asset classes.
The Infrastructure Economic Accounts launched in September 2018. These measures will help governments maximize taxpayer dollars and report back to Canadians on outcomes achieved. In addition, the Minister of Transport announced the new Canadian Centre on Transportation Data and the new Transportation Data and Information Hub on April 13, 2018. Better information supports better governance and asset management, and data will also be collected that will be complementary to the CCPI."
1/31/2019,246,12-Nov,Government Services and Operations,"Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency proactively contacts those who are entitled to, but are not receiving, tax benefits.",Minister of National Revenue,"Actions taken, progress made","More Canadians receive the tax benefits and credits to which they are entitled, including vulnerable Canadians and Indigenous people on-reserve.","In October 2017 the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) proactively contacted 300,000 Canadians who were potentially eligible for tax benefits but were not receiving them. As a result, a total of 37,934 returns were filed and over $6.98 million in tax refund payments and $32.4 million in credits and benefits were paid to Canadians. The 2018-2019 letter campaign was launched on October 26, 2018 with 205,425 letters sent. Results will be compiled in February 2019 and reported by March 2019.
The CRA has also undertaken other initiatives to ensure that all Canadians are receiving the benefits they are entitled to, including:
• Proactively promoting the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) in Indigenous communities. Between September 2016 and March 2018, in-person visits were conducted in 637 First Nations communities in order to promote the CCB and other benefits.
• Making it easier for Canadians to file their income tax and benefit returns.
• Increasing the size of the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) following investments in Budget 2018. This expansion will include funding to support additional year-round free tax preparation clinics and more outreach activities to vulnerable population segments.
• Planning to open three new Northern Service Centres in Whitehorse, Yellowknife, and Iqaluit before the 2019 tax filing season.
• Expanding the activities of the Outreach Program and the Liaison Officer service."
1/31/2019,247,12-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) offers to complete returns for lower-income Canadians whose financial situation is unchanged year-to-year.,Minister of National Revenue,"Actions taken, progress made",Simpler process for low-income Canadians to file their taxes when their financial situation hasn't changed much.,"The government has made significant investments in the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) and Outreach Programs through Budget 2016 and Budget 2018. Budget 2018 provided additional funding to increase awareness among Canadians of the benefits and credits to which they are entitled; increase the number of individuals helped by CVITP-participating organizations and their volunteers; provide additional support to organizations to hold free tax clinics year-round; and conduct more outreach activities to vulnerable population segments. For the 2018 tax season, the number of organizations and volunteers increased by 9% and 6.5%, respectively.
• Last year, more than 17,700 CVITP volunteers and 3,100 organizations prepared over 785,000 income tax and benefit returns, helping over 703,000 people
• The program helped Canadians access over $1.7 billion in refunds, credits and benefits.
The Canada Revenue Agency also provides the File my Return service for Canadians with a low or a fixed income whose situations remain unchanged year-to-year. Eligible Canadians are able to file their income tax and benefit return by providing some personal information and answering a series of short questions through an automated phone service. Since the start of the 2018 tax filing season, File my Return was used over 47,000 times.
Three new Northern Service Centres in Whitehorse, Yellowknife, and Iqaluit will open before the 2019 tax filing season. The Agency will also expand the activities of the Outreach Program, the CVITP, and the Liaison Officer service in the territories via these new service centres."
1/31/2019,248,12-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency supports more Canadians who wish to file taxes using no paper forms.,Minister of National Revenue,Completed - fully met,"More Canadians file their taxes online; and filing online is simple, easy and convenient for all CRA administered programs.","For the 2018 tax filing season, 87.6% of the income tax filings occurred online, an increase of nearly 750,000 Canadians over the previous tax year.
Since the start of the 2018 tax filing season:
• Auto-fill my return service was used over 9.9 million times,
• Express Notice of Assessment service was used over 415,000 times,
• File my Return was used over 47,000 times, and
• ReFILE was used over 123,000 times.
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has introduced other initiatives to encourage digital filing, such as:
• Corporation Income Tax Return T2 Auto-fill service, which has seen 174,145 logins since its introduction in October 2017 until December 2018. With the T2 Attach-a-doc service, corporations can also attach certain supporting documentation digitally to their return, with 20,449 documents having been attached during this time period.
• Allowing Business owners and authorized representatives to create their own filing and balance confirmation letters online, with 47,506 automated requests for this letter processed already.
In September 2018, the Minister of National Revenue announced the signing of a joint digital services collaboration plan between the CRA and Tax-Filer Empowerment Canada. The primary goal of this collaboration is to produce and promote innovative, secure, and convenient electronic tax filing services.
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1/31/2019,249,12-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency delivers correspondence and other communications that are straightforward and easy to read.,Minister of National Revenue,Completed - fully met,"Correspondence is simplified so that Canadians can better understand information they receive from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), leading to increased client satisfaction and fewer inquiries for routine information.","The Government of Canada has simplified the correspondence the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) sends Canadians, making it easier to read and understand, by streamlining and simplifying the look of notices, statements and letters. Examples include the Notice of Assessment, Benefits Notices, and GST/HST credit notices. The External Administrative Correspondence project began in 2015 and as of October 2018, 93% of the correspondence the CRA sends to Canadians has been transformed to the new easy-to-read format."
1/31/2019,250,01-Feb,Fair and Open Government,"Enhance transparency in the political fundraising system for Cabinet members, party leaders and leadership candidates.",Minister of Democratic Institutions,Completed - fully met,A more transparent political fundraising system is in place that strengthens trust and confidence in our democratic institutions.,"Bill C-50, An *Act to amend the Canada Elections Act* (political financing), came into force on December 21, 2018. This bill introduced notice and reporting requirements for certain regulated fundraising events. It also harmonizes the rules for contest expenses of nomination/leadership contestants with those already in place for candidates."
1/31/2019,251,01-Feb,Strong Middle Class,Update the *Canada Labour Code* to address emerging issues such as unpaid internships and ensure modern federal employment standards.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made",Stronger protections and employment standards that better protect workers and reflect the changing nature of the labour market.,"Budget 2017 announced the government's intention to eliminate unpaid internships in federally regulated sectors where internships are not part of a formal educational program. In the case of unpaid internships that are part of an educational program, the government will ensure standard labour protections apply, such as maximum hours of work, weekly days of rest and general holidays. Legislation to implement these changes was tabled in Parliament on October 27, 2017, as part of the *Budget Implementation Act, 2017, No. 2* which received Royal Assent December 14, 2017.
Legislation on modern labour standards was tabled in Parliament on October 29, 2018 as part of the *Budget Implementation Act, 2018, No. 2*.
In the 2018 Fall Economic Statement, the government announced $196 million in funding over six years, starting in 2018-2019, and $25.38 million per year ongoing to support implementation of amendments to modern labour standards. This funding will provide support for the modernization of federal labour standards and enhance the Wage Earner Protection Program (WEPP) to increase the financial security for workers who are owed wages when their employer files for bankruptcy or enters receivership. "
1/31/2019,252,01-Feb,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Increase the labour force participation of women and underrepresented groups.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made","Improved labour market participation and employment outcomes for groups traditionally under-represented in the labour market (women, youth, immigrants, persons with disabilities, racialized communities, and Indigenous peoples).","The government has introduced several initiatives to help Canadians with the challenges they face when making decisions about pursuing work or going back to school. These initiatives will increase the number of high-quality, affordable child care spaces (up to 40,000 over the next three years), introduce flexible work arrangements, make parental leave more flexible, and expand opportunities for lifelong learning. These initiatives are expected to increase labour force participation among several under-represented groups, particularly mothers in low- and modest-income families. In addition, the government has increased the number of work experience opportunities for young Canadians through the Youth Employment Strategy, and has also expanded access to job supports and skills training for all Canadians, with a particular focus on the needs of Indigenous Peoples and other under-represented groups. Budget 2018 proposed a new Employment Insurance Parental Sharing Benefit which will support greater gender equality in the home and in the workplace. The Benefit will provide additional weeks of “use it or lose it” EI parental benefits, when both parents agree to share parental leave. The creation of the new Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program, the introduction of a loans program and employment supports for newcomers and the introduction of a federal accessibility act will further support the unique needs of Indigenous Peoples, newcomers and persons with disabilities. To support women to enter and succeed in the trades, Budget 2018 proposed to pilot an Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women and implement a Women in Construction Fund."
1/31/2019,253,01-Feb,Strong Middle Class,"Develop further initiatives to equip Canadians with the skills needed for the jobs of today and tomorrow, and to better assist workers getting help before becoming unemployed.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made",Canadian workers have the skills they need to find and keep good quality jobs.,"The Government of Canada is working with employers, unions, provinces, territories and educational institutions to ensure that Canadians are equipped to adapt to rapidly changing skills requirements and make successful job transitions. There is a particular focus throughout the suite of government investments in training, education and work experiences on addressing the skills needs of those at risk of being left furthest behind, such as Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, newcomers and vulnerable youth.
To ensure Canadian workers have the skills they need to find and keep good quality jobs, the government is significantly increasing investment in labour market transfer agreements with provinces and territories and expanding their inclusiveness and scope to improve workers' access to skills training and job supports. The Federal government is also making post-secondary education more affordable for low- and modest income families, increasing opportunities for graduates to gain work-ready skills for smoother school-to-work transitions and improving access to opportunities for adult upskilling and lifelong learning. The government is also enhancing supports for skilled trades and apprenticeships, with an increasing focus on women and groups that have traditionally been underrepresented in the labour market.
To ensure skills training is relevant to the jobs of today and tomorrow, in Budget 2018 the government announced that it will launch Future Skills. Future Skills will bring together expertise from all sectors and leverage experience from partners across the country. It will also include an independent Council to advise on emerging skills and workforce trends, and a research lab focused on developing, testing and rigorously measuring new approaches to skills assessment and development.
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1/31/2019,254,01-Feb,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Introduce proactive pay equity legislation for federally-regulated workers.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister for Women and Gender Equality","Actions taken, progress made","Equal pay for work of equal value in federally regulated sectors. Proactive pay equity is expected to contribute to:
• reducing the gender wage gap by addressing the undervaluation of work traditionally performed by women; and
• fairness in the workplace.","On October 29, 2018, the government delivered on its commitment to replace the current complaint-based approach to pay equity in the federal jurisdiction with a proactive system with the tabling of new proactive pay equity legislation as part of *Budget Implementation Act, 2018, No. 2*. The new legislation – *An Act to Establish a Proactive Pay Equity Regime within the Federal Public and Private Sectors* (Pay Equity Act) and amendments to related legislation will bring about a dramatic shift in how the right to pay equity is protected in federally regulated workplaces. It will direct employers to take proactive steps to ensure that they are providing equal pay for work of equal value. The legislation received Royal Assent on December 13, 2018.
The proposed Act will apply to federally regulated public and private sector employers with 10 or more employees as well as the Prime Minister’s and Ministers’ offices. The new legislation will:
• Require employers to establish a pay equity plan within three years of becoming subject to the Act;
• Require unionized employers, as well as those non-unionized employers with 100 or more employees, to establish a pay equity committee to develop, renew and update their pay equity plans. Employer, union and non-unionized employee representatives would all be members of the committee;
• Provide employees with the opportunity to comment on a proposed pay equity plan (or update) before it is finalized and require that any comments be taken into consideration before finalizing the plan; and
• Provide for the appointment of a Pay Equity Commissioner within the Canadian Human Rights Commission who will play both education and enforcement roles with regards to the legislation.
Pay equity requirements would also be extended, as a non-legislative measure, to participants of the Federal Contractors Program with contracts to supply the government with $1 million or more worth of goods or services.
In developing a proactive approach to pay equity, the government considered the recommendations of the 2004 Bilson Task Force Report on Pay Equity and the 2016 ESPE Report and drew on lessons from models in Ontario and Quebec. In addition, feedback received from employer, employee and advocacy stakeholders during the 2017 Labour Program roundtables on design elements of a proactive pay equity system was considered.
On October 25, 2018, the Government of Canada released its Proactive Pay Equity What We Heard report, which summarizes stakeholder feedback received during the 2017 Labour Program roundtables.
In the 2018 Fall Economic Statement, the government announced that it would provide a total of $26.6 million over six years, starting in 2018–19, and $5.8 million per year ongoing to support the new Pay Equity Commissioner and the new Pay Equity Unit within the Canadian Human Rights Commission to implement and administer the proactive pay equity legislation for the federally regulated public and private sectors once it comes into force.
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1/31/2019,255,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Restore a fair and balanced approach to organized labour.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility",Completed - fully met,A fair and balanced labour policy.,"In June 2017, Parliament repealed measures enacted by two pieces of legislation which would have undermined the ability of workers to collectively bargain. This action was supported by both employers and unions, in recognition of the need by all parties for a policy framework that is governed by the principles of fairness and balance."
1/31/2019,256,01-Feb,Healthy Canadians,Implement Canada's ban on asbestos.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,Canada comprehensively bans asbestos.,"In December 2016, the government announced a set of comprehensive measures to ban asbestos and products containing asbestos by 2018. In July 2017, the government brought into force changes to the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations to lower the exposure limit to as close to zero as possible for airborne chrysotile asbestos. These changes will protect federally regulated employees at risk."
1/31/2019,257,01-Feb,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Reduce the wage gap between men and women.,"Minister for Women and Gender Equality;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made",Fair compensation systems in organizations under federal jurisdiction and a more flexible work environment to reduce the pay gap between women and men.,"Proactive pay equity is expected to contribute to fairness in the workplace by reducing the gender wage gap in federally regulated workplaces by addressing the undervaluation of work traditionally performed by women.
In its response to the Special Committee on Pay Equity report titled It’s Time to Act, the Government of Canada made a commitment to table new, proactive pay equity legislation in federally regulated sectors before the end of 2018, and did so on October 29, 2018. The Pay Equity Act was introduced through Bill C-86, Budget Implementation Act, 2018, No.2, which received Royal Assent on December 13, 2018. The new proactive pay equity regime will contribute to enhancing fairness in the workplace by ensuring men and women in federally regulated sectors receive the same pay for work of equal value. It will also contribute to reducing the portion of the gender wage gap in federally regulated workplaces that is due to the undervaluation of work traditionally performed by women. In addition, new pay transparency requirements in the federally-regulated sector will provide more information on the pay practices of employers, with specific attention paid to making existing wage gaps more evident.
Other measures underway to reduce the gender wage gap and encourage greater workforce participation among women include investments in early learning and child care, a new Employment Insurance caregiving benefit, the introduction of pay transparency measures for federally regulated employers, a major symposium on women and the workplace, the right to request flexible work arrangements for federally regulated employees and the piloting of a new Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women and a new Parental Sharing EI Benefit. As part of the Investing in Canada Plan, a new Women in Construction Fund was announced in Budget 2018 to provide $10 million in funding to support women in construction trades.
In addition, a number of measures support the creation of more work-integrated learning opportunities, and seek to attract more women to Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) and business programs as well as entrepreneurship. These include expanded eligibility for Canada Student Grants for part-time students and students with dependent children, co-ops for post-secondary students, a new Student Work-Integrated Learning Program, and the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy.
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1/31/2019,259,01-Feb,Canada in the World,"Continue joint efforts to address global security threats, combat terrorism and defend our continent.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Canada is protected from global threats and contributes to achieving a safer, more peaceful and prosperous world.","Canada is committed to addressing global security threats, international peace and security concerns and to defending our continent further to contribute towards achieving a more peaceful and prosperous world. Canada’s leadership is exemplified by, among other initiatives, the following:
• Canada's new defence policy – Strong, Secure, Engaged – supports the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces and provides them with the necessary equipment and capabilities to defend Canada, protect North America and contribute to international peace and security.
• Under its G7 Presidency in 2018, Canada led the development and implementation of the Toronto Commitments to address risks associated with foreign terrorist fighters and to protect democracies from foreign actors seeking to undermine democratic institutions and processes.
• Canada has taken a leadership role to reinforce the collective defence of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) by serving as a Framework Nation for the enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) in Latvia. In July 2018, Canada’s contribution to NATO’s eFP was extended until March 2023.
• Under its G7 Presidency in 2018, Canada chaired the 31-country Global Partnership (GP) Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction (WMD). In this role, Canada spearheaded a comprehensive review of the GP’s programmatic efforts to address threats posed by chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear weapons, with a view to ensuring that the Partnership (launched at the G7 Kananaskis Summit in 2002) remains well-placed to combat WMD-related terrorism and proliferation around the world. Canada also prioritized international collaboration and matchmaking amongst GP partner governments, international organizations and NGOs in order to promote greater coherence and impact.
• Participation of a Canadian maritime patrol aircraft and HMCS Calgary in a multinational initiative, from September to October 2018, to counter North Korea's maritime sanctions evasion, with a particular focus on ship-to-ship transfers contrary to UNSC resolutions. In parallel, $8.6 million has been committed since April 2018 towards programs designed to counter North Korea's illicit networks and sanctions evasion tactics.
Canada is also committed to confronting international peace and security concerns through the use of autonomous sanctions. To that end, Canada has imposed targeted sanctions under the *Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act* (JVCFOA) and the *Special Economic Measures Act* (SEMA) against countries such as Russia, Iran, Venezuela, North Korea, and Myanmar.
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1/31/2019,260,01-Feb,Environment and Climate Change,Cooperate with the United States on energy security and energy infrastructure.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",Canada and the United States benefit from a secure and effective cross-border energy infrastructure.,"Collaboration on energy security and infrastructure was included in the February 13, 2017 Joint Statement from the President of the United States and the Prime Minister. Canada continues to support several major cross-border energy infrastructure projects, including: Keystone XL, Line 67, Northern Pass, New England Clean Power Link, and Great Northern Transmission Line. All projects are at different stages of review, investment, or approval. The U.S. State Department has issued presidential permits for the construction of these projects. A North American Energy Ministerial meeting took place in November 2017, and identified further areas for North American collaboration, including the security, resiliency and reliability of shared energy systems; promoting energy trade and economic development; and developing and diversifying energy resources in a responsible manner. "
1/31/2019,261,01-Feb,Environment and Climate Change,Advance shared action with the United States on environmental issues and climate change.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made",Canada-U.S. collaboration leads to a cleaner shared environment and clean energy innovation.,"Canada and the United States issued a joint statement in February 2017 confirming both countries' commitment to collaborate closely in energy innovation, especially in the clean energy sphere; in environmental cooperation, particularly along our border and at the Great Lakes; and to enhance the quality of our air and water. The status of the North American Climate, Clean Energy and Environment Partnership signed in June 2016 with the previous U.S. Administration is uncertain; however, Canada remains committed to implementing its commitments. Currently, Canada's focus has shifted from federal to state level in the U.S. In November 2017, Canada, Mexico and the state-driven U.S. Climate Alliance (a bipartisan coalition of 17 U.S. Governors launched the North American Climate Leadership Dialogue to address clean technology, clean power and carbon pricing initiatives. Canada continues to advance these priorities, in the context of the Global Climate Action Summit hosted by California in September 2018. Progress continues on the implementation of the Canada-U.S. Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, with the next meeting of the Executive Committee taking place in December, 2018."
1/31/2019,262,01-Feb,Exports and Investment,Strengthen trilateral cooperation with the United States and Mexico to enhance North America's global competitiveness.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",North America is strong and competitive in global markets.,"The government continues to actively engage Mexico and the United States in order to advance issues in our common interest. On November 30, 2018, the government signed the Canada-US-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) which includes a new chapter that will establish a committee on competitiveness dedicated to undertaking trilateral cooperative activities to advance North American competitiveness. In addition to trade, North American cooperation continues in key areas such as energy, security, and defence. On February 2, 2018, a North American Foreign Ministers Meeting took place in Mexico City, where the three foreign ministers discussed a range of topics including North American regional competitiveness that touched on the original NAFTA, energy cooperation, and women’s entrepreneurship."
1/31/2019,263,01-Feb,Canada in the World,"Strengthen relationships with key bilateral, regional and multilateral partners.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made",Canadian interests and values are promoted through enhanced cooperation with key international partners.,"Canada continues to constructively contribute to multilateral fora to advance its foreign policy priorities, including at the United Nations; the African Union; the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe; the Commonwealth; the International Organization of La Francophonie; the Arctic Council; the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation; the Association of Southeast Asian Nations; the Pacific Alliance; the International Syria Support Group; the Lima Group on Venezuela; the Organization of American States; the World Economic Forum, the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the World Trade Organization, and the World Health Organisation. The government signed and provisionally applied the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and the Strategic Partnership Agreement with the European Union (CETA), signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Trade Partnership (CPTPP) and the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), and is negotiating a free trade agreement with MERCOSUR (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay), and the Pacific Alliance. The government has also strengthened relationships with key bilateral, regional and multilateral partners in the Asia Pacific, Europe, Eastern Europe and Eurasia, Latin America and the Caribbean, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and the Maghreb through high-level engagements, including 320 visits by the Prime Minister and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Development, as well as the Governor General, who undertook a state visit to three West African countries. Canada and France signed the Canada-France Statement on Artificial Intelligence, which calls for the creation of an international study group on artificial intelligence made up of experts from government, industry, and civil society, and which will be mandated to become the global reference on issues related to artificial intelligence.
At the G7 Summit in Charlevoix, Québec, leaders resolved to work together in creating a healthy, prosperous, sustainable and fair future for all. Leaders agreed to a joint communiqué which included the seven Charlevoix Commitments. Canada, along with France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, further endorsed a charter on oceans plastics. Canada welcomed several world leaders and heads of international organizations to the G7 Summit to take part in a special outreach session, which focused on healthy oceans and resilient coastal communities. At the Foreign Ministers' meeting in April 2018, G7 Foreign and Security Ministers agreed to strengthen cooperation and share information, including on defending democracy and on managing risks associated with foreign terrorist fighters and associated travellers. Canada has expanded its networks and relationships with international coalitions and forums such as the Freedom Online Coalition; the Internet Governance Forum; the Inter Parliamentary Union, Women Political Leaders Global Forum, and the Community of Democracies. Canada and the EU also co-chaired a meeting of women foreign ministers in Montreal, Canada on September 21-22, 2018, which provided an opportunity to harness the perspectives of women foreign ministers in addressing the challenges facing global relations today, particularly with respect to advancing gender equality. Canada is working with France, who holds the G7 Presidency in 2019, to ensure continuity between presidencies.
Following the Kerch Strait incident, the Minister of Foreign Affairs took a leadership role in the defence of Ukraine, notably within international fora (the OSCE and NATO), thus strengthening relationships with key partners (Ukraine, Baltic States, EU).
On November 6, 2018, the Minister of Foreign Affairs hosted the 2nd annual meeting of the Joint Ministerial Committee (JMC) under the Canada-EU Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA). Concrete deliverables were agreed in the areas of: Canadian participation in EU Election Observer Missions; follow up to the Women Foreign Ministers Meeting in September 2018 in Montreal; Inuit mobility between Canada and Greenland; efforts to reduce black carbon in the Arctic; and an Ocean Partnership.
Canada and the United Kingdom continue discussions to ensure a seamless transition of Canada-UK relations post-Brexit.
In November 2018, the third Canada-China Annual Leaders Dialogue was held between the Prime Minister of Canada and the Premier of China. "
1/31/2019,264,01-Feb,Canada in the World,Seek leadership opportunities for Canada and Canadians in multilateral institutions.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made",Canada and Canadians play a leading role in international organizations.,"Canada has sought to take a leadership role in multilateral institutions by reaffirming its commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and leading NATO's multinational battlegroup in Latvia.
In 2018, Canada held the G7 presidency and hosted G7 partners in Canada for a series of ministerial meetings throughout the year, in addition to the Leaders' Summit in Charlevoix, Quebec, on June 8-9, 2018.
In March 2018, Canada announced that it was deploying an Air Task Force to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali for a period of 12 months to help build durable peace, development and prosperity in that country. The Task Force became operational in August 2018.
Canada is currently seeking a non-permanent seat on the United Nations (UN) Security Council for 2020-2021
Several Canadians have recently been appointed to senior positons in the UN. For example, Canadian Kim Prost was elected to a nine-year term as a judge on the International Criminal Court in December 2017. An Action Plan for international staffing will ensure that more Canadians secure positions of influence in multilateral institutions.
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1/31/2019,265,01-Feb,Canada in the World,"Ensure that the deployment of the Armed Forces aligns with Canada's interests, our commitments and the government's policy.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made",The deployment of the Canadian Armed Forces contributes to the achievement of Canada's broader international priorities.,"The Department of National Defence and Global Affairs Canada established a bi-weekly coordination mechanism to ensure greater policy coherence. The government has also introduced new planning and policy development arrangements to ensure that analysis of military deployments include foreign policy considerations and reflect broader government objectives. Approximately 1,800 Canadian Armed Forces personnel are currently deployed on 18 missions supporting Canada's international priorities.
Canada currently leads NATO's multinational Latvia battlegroup, strengthening transatlantic security and reaffirming Canada's commitment to the Transatlantic Alliance. In August 2018, Canada has also deployed an Air Task Force to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali to help build durable peace, development and prosperity in the country.
In November 2019, Canada will assume command of the NATO Mission in Iraq for one year and will deploy 250 troops in support of that effort."
1/31/2019,270,12-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Introduce restrictions on the commercial marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children.,Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made",Commercial marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children is significantly reduced leading to better health outcomes for Canadian children.,"Bill S-228 passed third reading in the House of Commons on September 19, 2018. Debate on concurrence with the House amendments to the Bill took place in the Senate on October 18 and November 22, 2018, but has not yet concluded. The Bill aims to protect children's health by prohibiting the marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children. Health Canada is developing regulations to implement the proposed restrictions under Bill S-228. "
1/31/2019,271,12-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Bring in tougher regulations to eliminate trans fats and reduce salt in processed foods.,Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made","Industrially produced trans fats are eliminated from food products; the food and restaurant industries systematically reduce sodium levels in the food supply; and consumers are better able to identify foods high in sodium, sugar and saturated fat, resulting in improved public health.","The government launched the Healthy Eating Strategy in October 2016. As part of this Strategy, a ban on partially hydrogenated oils, the main source of industrial trans-fat, was published in September 2017 and took effect in September 2018. In addition, following the publication in January 2018 of a report evaluating industry's efforts to reduce sodium levels in foods, Health Canada published a report in July 2018 showing that most Canadians, particularly children, teens and males, are still consuming too much sodium.
On February 10, 2018, Health Canada pre-published proposed regulations that would require a symbol on the front of packaged foods that are high in sodium, sugars, and/or saturated fat in Canada Gazette, Part I. This initiative would support sodium reduction by providing consumers with quick and easy guidance to identify foods high in sodium and encouraging manufacturers to lower the sodium content of their foods. In addition, Health Canada completed an online consumer questionnaire and consumer research to help inform the design of the final symbol. The government will continue to work with stakeholders to identify additional ways to further reduce sodium in foods."
1/31/2019,272,12-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Improve food labels to give more information on added sugars and artificial dyes.,Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made","Canadians have the information, tools and resources to make healthy food choices, improving health outcomes.","The government launched the Healthy Eating Strategy in October 2016, with the goal of making ""the healthy choice the easy choice."" As part of this Strategy, regulatory amendments were published in December 2016 updating the requirements for nutrition information on food labels, making them easier to understand. This includes making serving sizes more consistent, new information on how to use the Percentage Daily Value, and more information on sugars and food colors in the Nutrition Facts table and list of ingredients. "
1/31/2019,273,01-Feb,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Implement Canada's new immigration levels plans.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,"310,000 permanent residents are admitted to Canada in 2018, contributing to economic growth, family reunification and the Government's humanitarian commitments. Canada enjoys increased economic competitiveness through the attraction of global talent.","Preliminary admissions data indicates that in 2018 Canada welcomed 321,121 permanent residents, exceeding the target of 310,000 identified in the levels plan for 2018, but remaining within the approved range. This increase in immigration contributed to economic growth, as well as family reunification and the government’s humanitarian commitments. The 2019-2021 multi-year immigration levels plan maintains the three-year timeframe introduced in fall 2017, validates the target for 2019 (330,800), and sets admissions targets of 341,000 and 350,000 in 2020 and 2021 respectively. The plan will increase the number of permanent residents selected in economic programs, while maintaining a commitment to family reunification and resettlement of refugees. The government is reducing application backlogs, improving the speed at which applications are processed and putting a greater focus on the attraction of highly skilled global talent. The government will report publicly on 2019 admissions in early 2020. "
1/31/2019,274,01-Feb,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Ensure the delivery of high-quality settlement services for newcomers, informed by rigorous outcomes data.","Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship","Actions taken, progress made","Improved, high-quality settlement services for newcomers to Canada, leading to improved outcomes for immigrants and their children.","The government is helping immigrants better prepare for a new life in Canada. By the end of the government’s current mandate, several enhancements will be in place including a finalized shared national vision with provinces and stakeholders; co-planning with the provinces and territories to better support client needs; and the completion of Federal-Provincial-Territorial Memorandums of Understanding to strengthen collaboration. Investments will be focused on outcomes and informed by evaluation findings and pilot projects results. Given demonstrated results, programming that combines workplace experience with language training will be increased. Increased data and analytical capacity will ensure that the Settlement Program is responsive and effective at meeting the needs of clients and the communities that welcome them."
1/31/2019,275,01-Feb,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Continue to welcome refugees from Syria and elsewhere.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,The Government continues to welcome refugees from countries around the world and offer persons fleeing conflict and/or persecution a safe haven.,"Preliminary admissions data from 2018 indicates that Canada welcomed 45,764 refugees and protected persons, exceeding the target of 43,000. Canada has a proud history of providing protection to the world's most vulnerable groups. We are committed to helping refugees settle, integrate, and succeed in Canada. Over the course of its mandate, the government has welcomed refugees from countries around the world and offered persons fleeing conflict and/or persecution a safe haven. From January 2015 to 2018, there were 61,957 Syrian refugees and an overall total of 121,784 resettled refugees admitted to Canada. The commitment to resettle 1,200 survivors of Daesh has been surpassed as Canada has welcomed more than 1,400 survivors. Canada is also working to resettle up to 100 White Helmet volunteers and their families. The 2019 immigration levels plan increases the target of welcoming refugees and protected persons to Canada from 43,000 to 46,450. This figure remains among the highest in Canadian history, and double the number of refugees that were welcomed in 2015 and preceding years. Budget 2018 also committed to resettling an additional 1,000 vulnerable women and girls from various conflict zones around the world, further strengthening the growth in annual refugee resettlement. Canada will continue to welcome refugees in need of our protection and the government will report publicly on 2019 admissions in early 2020. "
1/31/2019,276,01-Feb,Canada in the World,Conduct a review of the visa policy framework.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship","Actions taken, progress made","An evidence-based visa policy framework that promotes Canada’s economic, foreign policy and cultural interests at the same time as protecting the safety and security of all Canadians.","The government has initiated a review of Canada's visa policy framework to ensure it uses a robust, evidence-based approach when making visa decisions. The government is also reviewing policies for managing foreign nationals transiting through Canadian airports to increase Canada's air connections with the rest of the world while prioritizing the security of Canadians. "
1/31/2019,277,01-Feb,Indigenous peoples,Make changes to the Oath of Canadian Citizenship to reflect the Truth and Reconciliation's Calls to Action.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship","Actions taken, progress made","Updated Oath of Canadian Citizenship, Citizenship Study Guide and Knowledge Test that reflect Canadian and Indigenous history.","The Government of Canada is currently working with national Indigenous organizations to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's recommendations to incorporate recognition of treaties with Indigenous peoples into the Oath of Canadian Citizenship, the citizenship study guide and knowledge test to reflect a more inclusive history of Indigenous peoples, and their rights. The government will bring forward legislation to modify the Oath. Changes to the citizenship guide are currently being drafted, and these changes will be reflected in a revised citizenship knowledge test."
1/31/2019,278,01-Feb,Exports and Investment,Advance Canada's progressive trade agenda.,Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Canadian workers are protected from unfair trade practices, trade agreements maintain or improve Canadian levels of protection in key areas like employment and the environment, and Canada advances the rules-based international order and trading system.","As part of Canada's inclusive approach to trade the government continues to consult broadly and advocate for stronger provisions on the Environment and Labour, as well as on Trade and Gender, Indigenous peoples, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and the right to regulate in public interest. Canada's inclusive approach to trade seeks to ensure that the benefits of trade and investment are more widely shared. This approach also seeks to ensure that levels of environmental and labour protection are upheld and that a country’s environmental and labour laws and obligations are enforced in the context of trade and investment liberalization. The modernized Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA) includes a Trade and Gender Chapter, a first for Canada and any G20 country, as does the recently modernized Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement (CIFTA), demonstrating Canada’s continued commitment to furthering gender equality and women’s participation in international trade. The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) includes provisions on protecting the environment, health and safety, and employment standards. The CETA joint committee recently issued three joint recommendations on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, Trade and Gender, and SMEs. The Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (CPTPP) includes robust labour and environment chapters that are subject to the Agreement's enforceable dispute settlement. Furthermore, in parallel to the signing of the CPTPP, Canada, Chile and New Zealand issued a Joint Declaration confirming their commitment to work together to ensure that international trade policy is more inclusive and that the benefits of international trade are more widely shared.
The government will continue to develop and advance inclusive approaches to trade through bilateral and multilateral engagement and play a leadership role in international fora. Canada's implementation of International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 98 which entered into force on in June 14 2018 and which affirms the fundamental right to collectively bargaining is one example of this approach. Canada has now ratified all eight of the ILO Core conventions. Also, in December, 2017, Canada played a leadership role in advancing the WTO Buenos Aires Declaration on Women and Trade, endorsed by over 120 WTO members and observers. Declarations on Progressive and Inclusive Trade and Investment were also signed in the context of the Foreign Investment Protection Agreements (FIPAs) with Kosovo in March 2018 and Moldova in June 2018.
In support of Canada's commitment to the rules-based order, in October 2018, Canada hosted 12 WTO member countries at the Ottawa Ministerial on WTO Reform, with the view to identifying possible concrete actions to enhance and improve the WTO over the short, medium and long term. In this regard, Ministers will review progress at a meeting on the margins of the World Economic Forum in Davos (January 2019)."
1/31/2019,279,01-Feb,Exports and Investment,Promote trade and investment with established markets such as Japan.,Minister of International Trade Diversification,Completed - fully met,"Increased two-way trade and investment with Japan, supporting well-paying, middle-class jobs.","The government is promoting Canada-Japan trade through multilateral engagement with provinces, territories and municipalities. Visits by the Prime Minister, key ministers, and provincial premiers have showcased trade and investment potential in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, agriculture, life sciences and clean tech. Between April 2016 and March 2017, the Trade Commissioner Service in Japan facilitated more than $850 million in Japanese investment stock in Canada, creating more than 450 jobs. Canada and Japan, along with four other countries, brought the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) into force on December 30, 2018."
1/31/2019,280,01-Feb,Exports and Investment,Position Canada as a top destination for global investment and promote its economic brand.,Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made","Canada ranks among the top developed economies in global rankings of investment competitiveness, attractiveness and brand.","The government is encouraging global investment and promoting Canada through the creation of the Invest in Canada Agency; the expansion of the Trade Commissioner Service, to increase Canadian presence in strategic markets abroad; and the acceleration of changes to the *Investment Canada Act*. The changes to the Act will lead to greater transparency of the guidelines used for national security reviews, and increase the threshold for review under the Act to transactions of $1 billion or greater as of 2017. The government is also developing a comprehensive Progressive Trade Strategy which will bring forward additional measures to enhance business opportunities for Canadian businesses consistent with innovation, investment and job growth goals. Recent global surveys continue to rank Canada as a top place to do business. For example, the Economist Intelligence Unit has ranked Canada first in the G20 for doing business over 2017-2021; KPMG has ranked Canada as the most tax competitive country in the G7 with the lowest overall business costs; the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) shows that Canada leads the G20 in research and development (R&D) spending, in higher education as share of GDP with the best tax incentives in the G7 and the most educated talent pool among member nations. Canada moved up three places to second in the 2018 A.T. Kearney Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Index to its highest ranking in the history of the Index. Thomson Reuters' investment in a new technology hub, General Motors' new automotive software development centre in Markham Ontario focused on autonomous vehicle and connected vehicle technology, NOVA Chemicals' (Mubadala) expansion of a new world-scale polyethylene plant in Sarnia, ON, Erwin Hymer’s new manufacturing facility in Cambridge, ON, Tech Mahindra's new centre of excellence in Toronto, ON, Amazon’s 3,000 job expansion in Vancouver, Coca-Cola's new dairy production facility in Peterborough, ON, Groupe Bel's new cheese factory in Sorel-Tracy, QC, Samsung and IBM's new AI centres in Montréal, and LG's new AI centre in Toronto are just a few examples of Canada's successes to date in attracting foreign investment.
Overall, the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) facilitated 101 investment projects to Canada with an estimated value of $2.25 billion and 2,979 jobs created between April 2016 and March 2017. In addition, the TCS facilitated 159 investor visits to Canada to pursue specific investment projects. Between April 2017 and March 2018, TCS reported 72 wins representing a minimum of $41.5 billion and over 7,550 new jobs and facilitated 116 site selection visits. In October 2018, LNG Canada announced its decision to build a major liquefied gas (LNG) project in Kitimat, BC. This $40 billion project represents the largest ever single foreign direct investment in Canada. "
1/31/2019,281,01-Feb,Exports and Investment,Ensure alignment between Canada's export and innovation strategies.,Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made","More Canadian businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, export their products and services.","The government launched a new Innovation and Skills Plan to: retrain Canadians for the jobs of today and tomorrow; drive investments in six high-growth sectors of the Canadian economy; and to make it easier for businesses and innovators to access the support they need. The government will ensure that the upcoming Export Diversification Strategy and the Innovation and Skills Plan will be aligned to: focus on free trade agreement promotion, support exporters and grow global firms by Canadian innovators and entrepreneurs, strengthen investment attraction, and support a progressive trade policy agenda."
1/31/2019,282,12-Nov,Exports and Investment,Implement and expand Canada's Free Trade Agreements globally.,Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Free Trade Agreements increase trade and investment, creating good middle-class jobs.","The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) entered into provisional application in September 2017 and has thus far been ratified at the national level by twelve EU Member States. The Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement entered into force in August 2017. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) entered into force on December 30, 2018. On September 30, 2018, the government completed negotiations toward a Canada-US-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), which was signed on November 30, 2018. Canada is also negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Pacific Alliance (Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru), with the latest round having taken place in October 2018. In addition, Canada continues to engage China and India on expanding bilateral trade and investment and is working with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on exploratory discussions for a possible Canada-ASEAN free trade agreement. Canada and Israel signed the modernized Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement (CIFTA) agreement on May 28, 2018 and the bill to implement the modernized CIFTA was introduced in Parliament on October 23, 2018. The amended Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA), including a chapter on trade and gender, was ratified by Parliament on December 7, 2017. On November 28, 2018, the modernized Canada-Chile FTA (CCFTA) was passed unanimously by Chile’s Senate and will enter into force in early February 2019. Canada and MERCOSUR launched FTA negotiations on March 9, 2018. The fourth round was held December 3-12, in Brasilia."
1/31/2019,283,01-Feb,Strong Middle Class,"Improve Canadian competitiveness, create jobs and generate economic growth.",Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",Trade and investment boosts Canadian economic growth.,"Canadian goods and services exports reached $180.6 billion in Q3 of 2018, up 13.4% compared to the same period a year earlier. The unemployment rate was 5.6% as of December 2018, down from 5.8% the same month a year earlier. There were 18.8 million Canadians employed as of December 2018, up nearly 163 thousand from the same month a year earlier. GDP in Q3, 2018 is up by 2.0%.
The government launched a new Innovation and Skills Plan, an ambitious agenda to make Canada a centre of innovation, create well-paying, middle class jobs, and help more Canadians adapt to the changing economy. This plan will expand opportunities for skills training, drive investments in six high-growth sectors of the Canadian economy, and make it easier for businesses and innovators to access the support they need. Budget 2018 provides funding to for programs such as the Canadian Technology Accelerator (CTA) program and the Business Women in Trade; creates the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise; and allocates resources to develop bilateral relations with China and promote trade between Canada, China and Asia. With the $50 million of investment over five years announced in June 2018, the government will help Canadian companies to be more competitive by diversifying their markets, and working in partnership with business associations. This will include new ""export readiness"" grants through programs such as CanExport and Global Opportunities for Associations among others.
The government continues to take concrete steps to improve Canadian competitiveness and generate long-term economic growth. In the 2018 Fall Economic Statement, the government announced $17 million in new funding over the next five years to expand the successful Canadian Technology Accelerator in global technology hubs, such as Delhi, Hong Kong, and Tokyo. This funding will provide Canadian technology firms with support, connections, and guidance in-market."
1/31/2019,285,12-Nov,Canada in the World,Maintain Canada's strong commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).,Minister of National Defence,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) remains strong and Canada is a trusted partner in the alliance.,"Canada has increased its contributions to NATO as a testament of its steadfast commitment to the Alliance.
Canada has extended its contribution to NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) through Operation REASSURANCE until March 2023. It will also continue to lead NATO’s eFP Battlegroup Latvia as the Framework Nation, and will increase the number of Canadian Armed Forces personnel deployed to Latvia from 455 to 540. Canada’s contribution to NATO under Op REASSURANCE will continue to include air surveillance, air policing, training, and maritime operations.
Further, Canada has assumed command of the new NATO Mission in Iraq, which will advise Iraqi officials in the Ministry of Defence and the Office of the National Security Advisor, and will train instructors at Iraqi military schools and academies. To support the mission, Canada will deploy approximately 250 Canadian Armed Forces personnel for the first year of the mission. This includes advisors and trainers, headquarters staff, a force protection company, and a helicopter detachment.
Canada also rejoined the NATO Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) program in 2018, committing between $17 and $20 million per year and up to 25 personnel.
Canada also takes a leadership role in NATO activities, programs, and decision-making, including at the 2018 Brussels Heads of State and government Summit. Outside the NATO context, but in close coordination with NATO Allies, Canada has continued its support to Ukraine, including renewal of the mandate for Operation UNIFIER (a military training and capacity building mission), until March 31, 2019, as well as filling senior positions in the NATO Liaison Office in Ukraine.
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1/31/2019,286,12-Nov,Safety and Security,Increase the size of the Canadian Rangers.,Minister of National Defence,"Actions taken, progress made","The Canadian Rangers have the numbers, equipment and training needed to do their job properly.","The Canadian Rangers are critical to effective military surveillance and contribute to providing a Government of Canada presence in sparsely populated northern, coastal, and isolated areas of Canada. Members come from diverse backgrounds and are recruited for their unique survival skills and extensive knowledge of the land. In April 2015, the Canadian Armed Forces launched a comprehensive review of the Canadian Rangers organization and structure. The first four new patrols were established in 2018. Concurrently, 30 additional positions were allocated to Canadian Ranger Patrol Group Headquarters units to better support the Canadian Rangers and Junior Canadian Ranger administration and training. The government is in the final stages of consultation with select communities to increase the number of Canadian Rangers patrols by the year 2022.
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1/31/2019,287,04-Oct,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Review collection of gender statistics to evaluate programs and policies.,Minister for Women and Gender Equality,Completed - fully met,"More data available from Statistics Canada, disaggregated by gender, allowing more informed decision-making.","In 2018 the government introduced a new Gender Results Framework (GRF) —a whole-of-government tool that articulates Canada’s gender equality goals and outlines relevant indicators to measure progress towards gender equality. The GRF will guide future decision-making to maximize the impact of federal policies, programs and initiatives, and to allow progress to be monitored and measured. In parallel, the government has improved the availability and use of gender disaggregated data. Investments in research and data collection initiatives to will ensure access to a broad set of indicators to track progress on achieving gender equality objectives. In September 2018 Statistics Canada launched a new Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Statistics Hub, the principal component of the Centre for Gender, Diversity and Inclusion, which brings together data from a number of Statistics Canada sources. "
1/31/2019,288,04-Oct,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Integrate gender-based questions and content into government consultations.,Minister for Women and Gender Equality,"Actions taken, progress made",All government consultations include gender-based questions and content.,"The government is developing guidelines for departments to ensure all consultations incorporate gender-based questions. Collecting diverse perspectives through these consultations will allow for the assessment of how diverse groups of women, men and non-binary individuals may experience policies, programs and initiatives."
1/31/2019,289,04-Oct,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Host a national Gender-Based Analysis roundtable in 2018.,Minister for Women and Gender Equality,Completed - fully met,"Strengthened awareness of Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+), its potential use by governments, and opportunities for improvement.","The GBA+ Forum took place on November 21-22, 2018 in Ottawa. The Forum facilitated a national dialogue on the importance of integrating GBA+ in the development of public policies, programs and initiatives, and provided an opportunity for leaders in GBA+ to discuss strategies to strengthen analytical capacity across Canada, and also share results and best practices. The event hosted over 800 participants, in-person and online, from across Canada and around the world, from federal, provincial/territorial and municipal governments, leaders from the private sector, civil society, think tanks, academia and research institutions, and international stakeholders."
1/31/2019,290,04-Oct,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Build on the first Gender-based Analysis of Budget 2017 to improve future budgets.,Minister for Women and Gender Equality,"Actions taken, progress made",Comprehensive Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) is incorporated into all future budgets improving public policy.,"The government is continuing to improve the quality and scope of Gender Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) in federal budgets. This has included consultation with experts and key stakeholders during the pre-budget consultations process and meetings with experts and leaders globally. In Budget 2018, no budget decision was taken without being informed by GBA+. In December 2018, the government passed the *Canadian Gender Budgeting Act*, legislation which will help to ensure that the federal government’s budgetary and financial management decisions are informed by and take into consideration gender equality and diversity, including ensuring that GBA+ is incorporated into all future budgets.
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1/31/2019,291,04-Oct,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) is incorporated into key government reports.,Minister for Women and Gender Equality,Completed - fully met,"All major government reports include Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) considerations, improving their policy recommendations.","Budget 2017 included the government’s first-ever Gender Statement—a high-level review of the ways in which the policies put forward affect women and men in different ways. Budget 2018 went further, integrating considerations of gender impacts at each step of the budgeting process, and introducing a new Gender Results Framework (GRF). The Framework includes goals and indicators that guide the government’s decisions and measure Canada’s progress in achieving greater gender equality. In Budget 2018, no budget decision was taken without being informed by Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+). To help achieve the government's goal of greater equality, in the 2018 Fall Economic Statement, all measures and investments that were included were informed by GBA+ and the government's GRF.
The government has provided guidance to departments and agencies as to where and how GBA+ should be incorporated into their Departmental Results Frameworks and Departmental Plans and continues to examine how best to extend GBA+ to other key reports."
1/31/2019,292,12-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Modernize the Communications Policy of the Government to reflect the modern digital environment.,President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government,Completed - fully met,Government communications that reflect the digital environment.,"The Government of Canada has transformed the communications policy to foster more coordinated communications within and across government departments through the use of innovative methods. This policy will help ensure the government engages in activities that are timely, clear, cost-effective, in both official languages, accessible and non-partisan. In addition, the policy will help to ensure government communications are clearly branded, both in Canada and abroad."
1/31/2019,293,12-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Take a more modern approach to comptrollership.,President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government,Completed - fully met,Modernized cost analysis for all Government programs and legislation.,The government has launched a renewed financial management policy in April 2017. The Treasury Board Secretariat engaged key stakeholders through information sessions and developed guidelines to help federal organizations ensure that financial resources are well managed.
1/31/2019,294,12-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that a fixed percentage of funds is devoted to experimenting with new approaches to challenges and measure the impact of programs.,President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government,"Actions taken, progress made","Innovation and experimentation are part of routine business of government, and new models are identified that improve outcomes for Canadians.","Ethical and rigorous experimentation is central to the government’s focus on evidence-based policy-making. By testing program options, departments can generate evidence to learn what works and inform decision-making.
The government has directed federal agencies and departments to allocate a percentage of program funding towards experimenting with new approaches, measuring impact and delivering better results to Canadians. In December 2016, federal Deputy Ministers were given guidance on experimentation and the use of new and innovative approaches, including user-centered design and outcomes-based funding. In April 2017, the government provided federal departments with new structures that allow departments to distribute grants and contributions more flexibly under the Treasury Board Policy on Transfer Payments.
More recently, the Impact Canada Initiative was launched to use outcomes-based funding experiments, innovative financing approaches and new partnership models to achieve better results for Canadians. The Clerk of the Privy Council also recently endorsed the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Declaration on Public Sector innovation, which calls for more experimentation within programs. The government launched a new procurement initiative, Innovative Solutions Canada, to match businesses offering early stage prototypes with departments in need of new products or services."
1/31/2019,295,12-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Exercise due diligence regarding costing analysis prepared by departments for all proposed legislation and programs.,President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government,"Actions taken, progress made",Modernized costing informs all proposed legislation and programs.,"The government issued new best practices for calculating program costs and commissioned a study to identify gaps in the existing costing approach, which will help inform future decisions. The government is also undertaking a pilot project to better estimate future costing requirements for major procurement projects. This pilot project played a critical role in the development of the new defence policy: Strong, Secure, Engaged. These measures will help make sure solid costing information informs decision-making."
1/31/2019,296,12-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Restore annual federal funding for freshwater research and make new investments in Canada’s Experimental Lakes Area.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Completed - fully met,Restored annual federal funding for freshwater research and monitoring activities to keep our water safe.,"In April 2016, $197 million was committed to enhance ocean and freshwater science activities. In June 2016, the government signed a contribution agreement with the International Institute of Sustainable Development (IISD), to support freshwater research at the Experimental Lakes Area. The government is also conducting scientific research and monitoring activities in lakes and rivers, such as Lake Winnipeg and the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence watersheds. These measures will improve Canada's understanding of freshwater ecosystems and protect the environment shared."
1/31/2019,297,12-Nov,Safety and Security,Implement a strategy against gender violence.,Minister for Women and Gender Equality,"Actions taken, progress made","Reduced gender-based violence, greater awareness of gender-based violence and better support and services for survivors.","In June 2017, the government launched It's Time: Canada's Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence, which takes a whole-of-government approach to preventing gender-based violence (GBV), supporting survivors and their families, and promoting responsive justice and legal systems. As part of the Strategy, on December 10, 2018, the Gender Based Violence Knowledge Centre Online platform was launched to align federal resources, fill gaps in evidence and data, support federal coordination and accountability for the Strategy, and connect service providers with researchers and policy makers.
To date, Canada has invested over $200 million in new programs to implement, test and potentially scale up promising approaches to prevent GBV, including child maltreatment, teen dating violence, bullying and cyberbullying; to test promising practices to address gaps in support for diverse and underserved groups of survivors in Canada, to enhance capacity to combat online child sexual exploitation, to increase access to sexual assault services for military personnel and their families.
Budget 2018 also supported efforts to engage men and boys in promoting gender equality and to establish a National Human Trafficking Hotline.
On April 5, 2018 Statistics Canada launched a new national survey to collect data on GBV, the first such survey in Canada. Data collection on this survey was completed on December 31, 2018. Results are anticipated for Fall 2019.
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1/31/2019,298,12-Nov,Jobs and Innovation,"Help small- and medium-sized enterprises grow, become more innovative and export oriented.","Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion","Actions taken, progress made","Double the number of high-growth firms in Canada by 2025 to create good, middle class jobs, strengthen communities, and grow the economy.","Small business owners work hard to provide Canadians with quality goods and services while also creating job opportunities that strengthen communities across the country and grow the middle class.
The government is focused on helping small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) export and grow. The government’s Innovation and Skills Plan, introduced in Budget 2017, introduced a suite of initiatives to help Canadian innovators and entrepreneurs grow their companies.
• The Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF), launched in July 2017, is designed to attract and support new high-quality business investments in all industries and sectors across Canada. Through SIF, the Government of Canada is continuing to make investments in projects to help SMEs grow.
• Innovative Solutions Canada, launched in December 2017, is a new program with over $100 million dedicated to supporting the scale up and growth of Canada’s innovators and entrepreneurs by having the federal government act as a first customer.
• The Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative (VCCI) will make $450 million available through the Business Development Bank of Canada to increase late-stage venture capital funding for Canadian firms looking to grow, expand and compete globally. The first stream of funding to five funds-of-funds recipients was announced on June 26, 2018. The second stream recipients were announced on November 5, 2018. The call for proposals for the third stream was launched Jan 28, 2019.
• The Innovation Canada digital platform was launched in January 2018 and provides simplified and customized access to the business innovation support programs that are most appropriate for companies depending on their sector, stage of growth and innovation support needs.
These new initiatives complement existing programs such as the Industrial Research Assistance Program and the CanExport Program.
The 2018 Fall Economic Statement proposed $1.1 billion in investments over the next six years through an Export Diversification Strategy, to ensure programs support SMEs to export and take advantage of new market opportunities opened up through free trade agreements. The Strategy will focus on investing in infrastructure, providing businesses with resources to execute their export plans and enhancing trade services. $10 million over 3 years (starting in 2019-20) under ISED will support SMEs' awareness raising of export supports available to them and export capacity building.
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1/31/2019,299,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Support regional economic growth strategies.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Rural Economic Development","Actions taken, progress made",Inclusive growth and economic diversification in all regions through improved programs and strategies.,"The Atlantic Growth Strategy was launched in 2016 and has set an ambitious vision to grow Atlantic Canada's economy. The strategy targets joint areas of priority including: innovation, trade & investment, skills/immigration, clean growth and infrastructure. The Atlantic Growth Strategy Year 2 Report was released in July 2018.
In Budget 2018, the government identified regional development agencies as one of four key platforms which will help to grow Canadian businesses and advance the Innovation and Skills Plan across all regions of Canada (with the other three key platforms being: the Industrial Research Assistance Program, the Strategic Innovation Fund, and the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service).
Starting in 2018–19, the government is providing more than $500 million over five years to regional development agencies to foster economic growth, including regionally tailored funding for women entrepreneurs as part of the new Women Entrepreneurship Strategy.
The government is also extending core funding of the regional development agencies that is currently time-limited:
• $20 million per year, starting in 2018–19 and ongoing, to the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency;
• $920 million over six years, starting in 2018–19, to renew the funding for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
On April 9 2018, the government unveiled a regional economic development strategy for Northern Ontario that is centered on supporting innovation, growing companies, building stronger communities and ensuring communities have the necessary skills for the middle-class jobs of tomorrow. Public engagement towards a growth strategy for Western Canada was completed in November 2018. A What We Heard report will be released in February with the growth strategy itself to be announced later in 2019. On November 9 2018, the government launched its Federal Strategy on Innovation and Growth for the Quebec Regions, focused on innovation and clean tech, growth and exports, entrepreneurial talent, and growth in all regions of Quebec. On January 25, 2019, the government launched consultations with territorial and Indigenous governments, industry, Indigenous communities and organizations, and academia towards the development of a Pan-Territorial Growth Strategy."
1/31/2019,300,12-Nov,Safety and Security,"Review the criminal justice system, including sentencing reforms, to ensure it keeps us safe and it is fair.",Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,"Actions taken, progress made","Crime rates are reduced, the justice system has the resources it needs, and all Canadians have access to justice through a fairer system.","The government continues to review the criminal justice system, including sentencing reforms, to ensure that it keeps Canadians safe, while also addressing the overrepresentation of vulnerable groups in prisons, including Indigenous people and those with mental illness. Using various platforms, such as in-person meetings and online discussion fora, Canadians had an opportunity to share their views on what can be done to improve the Criminal Justice System. The online public consultation closed on January 31, 2018. A report on the findings of the online consultation will be released in the fall 2018. This follows a program of broad engagement with justice system partners, stakeholders from diverse perspectives and various sectors, for which the report was released on March 22, 2018. Complimentary work was also done in partnership with the Institute for Research on Public Policy (IRPP) to explore how the criminal justice system could work in a more integrated manner with other social systems such as housing, education, and mental health. Four roundtables were held with stakeholders, and 18 articles were published in the digital magazine, Policy Options. A full report on the findings of this engagement was recently published.
A final report of the findings and next steps of the criminal justice system review will be available in 2019.
The government has introduced bills that demonstrate respect for the courts and the Charter. On December 13, 2018, government legislation aimed at modernizing the *Criminal Code* by removing outdated provisions as well as clarifying and strengthening sexual assault laws received Royal Assent. Additionally, in March 2018, the government tabled legislation to improve the efficiency of the criminal justice system and address court delays in six key areas: (1) modernize and streamline the bail regime; (2) enhance the approach to administration of justice offences, including for youth; (3) restrict the availability of preliminary inquiries to offences carrying life imprisonment; (4) reclassify some offences to provide greater flexibility and court efficiencies; (5) improve the jury composition and selection process; and, (6) strengthen case management measures and processes for making rules of court. Further, a number of these reforms will assist in reducing the overrepresentation of Indigenous people and vulnerable populations in the criminal justice system, including those with addictions and mental illness.
Budget 2016 and 2017 committed funding for more judges in Superior Courts, greater support programming on judicial education, ethics and conduct, further funding for court translation in both of Canada's official languages, long-term mandate in the Indigenous Justice Program which will provide a foundation for increasing restorative justice practices and more legal aid services provided in the provinces and territories, including specialized services to Indigenous people, and those with mental illness. Additional representation and services will also be offered through the Indigenous Justice Programs that will provide community-based justice programs and the Indigenous Courtwork Program for Indigenous people to help them navigate the criminal justice system.
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1/31/2019,305,01-Feb,Strong Middle Class,"Eliminate the $1,000 Labour Market Impact Assessment fee to hire caregivers.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Elimination of the Labour Market Impact Assessment fee to hire caregivers so those in need of assistance can meet their family caregiving responsibilities.,"Effective December 8, 2017, the government eliminated the Labour Market Impact Assessment processing fee for families seeking to hire foreign caregivers to provide care for persons with high medical needs, and for families with an income of less than $150,000 in annual income seeking to hire foreign caregivers to provide child care. These changes will ensure that support is targeted at those most in need of assistance to meet their family caregiving responsibilities."
1/31/2019,307,01-Feb,Strong Middle Class,Promote good quality jobs by developing the Global Skills Strategy.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,"Shorter processing times and a dedicated service channel for employers seeking to attract highly skilled, in-demand global talent, leading to more investment and job creation in Canada.","In June 2017, as part of the Global Skills Strategy, the Government of Canada launched the new Global Talent Stream under the Temporary Foreign Worker program for a period of two years. This new Stream helps eligible companies attract highly-skilled global talent to scale up and remain globally competitive while creating good, middle class jobs in Canada. High-growth Canadian companies and global businesses making large investments in Canada can apply. Companies that apply have to demonstrate that the talent they wish to bring to Canada will provide labour market benefits for Canadians and that the position is in high-demand. They have access to an expedited review process lasting no more than a combined 20 business days from end to end, including reviews conducted by Employment and Social Development Canada and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada."
1/31/2019,308,12-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Develop a strategy that aims to create a single online window for all government services.,President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government;Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility;Minister of Democratic Institutions,"Actions taken, progress made",Government of Canada services and programs are simpler and Canadians can access them more easily.,"In 2016-17, the Government of Canada finalized the Service Strategy. This Strategy includes a commitment to create a single online window for all government services as well as targeted investments to modernize online services for Canadians, including: simplified online tax filing options; expanding the online management of border taxes and duties; new online tools to manage student loans; new online services available to veterans through their MY VAC Account; and a faster, more streamlined process for businesses to submit records like payroll and employment information. The government also established the Canadian Digital Service (CDS) to make it faster, simpler and easier for Canadians to access benefits and services online.
Since 2017-18, the government has been working towards an “omni-channel” approach to service delivery, going beyond a single window to offer GC services to Canadians anywhere, anytime and on any device. To date, significant progress has been made on the foundational elements of this approach. With the support of provincial, territorial, municipal and private sectors partners, a pilot where a digital identity from another jurisdiction will be used to verify identity and grant access to federal services is being launched and could serve as a model for citizen services moving forward. Additionally, in order to make it easy for government departments to share their data with each other and the outside world in a modern, secure, and unified way, the federal government is developing a Canadian Digital Exchange Platform (CDXP) that will form the foundation for real-time information sharing.
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1/31/2019,309,12-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Set transparent service standards for the delivery of Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development","Actions taken, progress made","Canadians making inquiries about Employment Insurance (EI) will receive answers more quickly, consistent with new, higher service standards.","As a result of Budget 2016 investments ($73 million), the EI Call Centre network significantly increased its capacity and improved its service accessibility. Building on these investments, Budget 2018 will provide an additional $127.7 million over three years to further improve accessibility and ensure Canadians receive timely and accurate information and assistance with Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.
In May 2016, the government launched the EI Service Quality Review (SQR). The SQR sought input from stakeholders and Canadians on ways Service Canada could improve the quality of EI services on the phone, online and in person. The final report provided ten recommendations on how to make EI service delivery more responsive to the needs of Canadians. Service Canada used this input to review EI service standards, completed in March 2018, and is considering next steps.
In 2017-18, the government consulted with Canadians as part of reviews of the EI, Old Age Security (OAS) and Canada Pension Plan (CPP) service standards, the results of which are informing the consideration of potential changes to these standards.
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1/31/2019,311,01-Feb,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Improve the Temporary Foreign Worker Program so it meets the needs of Canadian workers and employers.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made","The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) contributes to sustained economic growth without displacing qualified Canadians, meets the needs of workers and employers and protects the vulnerable.","The government has taken action in a number of areas to improve the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) guided, in part, by the 2016 recommendations of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons' with Disabilities study of the TFWP. Budget 2017 confirmed permanent funding for the risk-based, TFWP employer compliance inspection regime, an increase in on-site inspections in sectors with high volumes of vulnerable workers such as Primary Agriculture, and to support work with industry sectors that rely on Temporary Foreign Workers to develop comprehensive workforce development strategies in partnership with employers, organized labour and other stakeholders. The government introduced a number of changes to improve the TFWP: ending the four year cumulative duration rule; introducing the new Global Talent Stream to help high-growth Canadian companies attract specialized global talent that will create new jobs for Canadians; increasing the requirement of employers to recruit Canadians typically under-represented in the workforce; extending the low-wage cap for seasonal employment; increasing on-site inspections of workplaces that employ temporary foreign workers; committing to further develop pathways to permanent residency so that eligible newcomers are able to more fully contribute to Canadian society; and working with heavy users of the TFWP to create Canadian workforce development strategies in partnership with employers, organized labour and other stakeholders.
The government proposed to provide $194.1 million over five years, beginning in 2018–19, and $33.19 million per year ongoing, to ensure the rights of temporary foreign workers in Canada are protected and enforced through a robust compliance regime. Funding will support unannounced inspections under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, the continued implementation of the International Mobility Program compliance regime, and the ongoing collection of labour market information related to open work permits.
The government is collaborating with stakeholders across the country to improve migrant workers’ experience. Recently, the government announced funding for the Migrant Workers’ Dignity Association to help migrant workers become better informed about their rights as workers in Canada through the development of workshops, information tools and other materials aimed at informing TFWs on topics such as housing, health care, access to special benefits, and other rights. Budget 2018 proposed $3.4 million over two years, beginning 2018-19, to establish, on a pilot basis, a network of support organizations for temporary foreign workers dealing with potential abuse by their employers. This network would support these workers in reporting wrongdoing and provide information on their rights to temporarily remain and work in Canada free from harassment and abuse.
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1/31/2019,312,12-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Make meetings of the Board of Internal Economy open by default.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,Improved transparency in the administration of Parliament.,"The House of Commons has adopted changes to ensure that meetings of the Board of Internal Economy are open by default, meaning they will be public unless it is necessary to deal with particular items in-camera, as outlined in the *Parliament of Canada Act*, or the by-laws of the Board. Unanimous consent of all members present at the meeting would be required should the Board wish to hold a closed meeting on any other issue. These changes will increase parliamentary transparency for Canadians."
1/31/2019,313,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Make post-secondary education more affordable for low and middle income families.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,Hundreds of thousands of students receive increased grant-based aid through Canada Student Grants and students are better able to manage student loan repayments upon graduation. The Government expects more low and middle income students to attend post-secondary education.,"In Budget 2016, the government increased Canada Student Grants (CSGs) by 50 per cent and eligibility was expanded. Because of these changes, over 400,000 students from low- and middle-income families are now receiving more financial assistance that they do not have to pay back.
The government also increased thresholds for the Repayment Assistance Plan so that no graduate will have to repay their Canada Student Loan until they earn at least $25,000 per year. Thanks to this change and efforts to increase awareness, the number of borrowers using RAP increased from 276,000 to over 305,000 borrowers, an increase of approximately 11 per cent.
Under the Skills Boost initiative, additional measures announced in Budget 2017 were introduced in 2018-19. These include: increased eligibility thresholds for CSGs for students with dependent children, helping an additional 13,000 students; increasing eligibility thresholds for part-time students, helping an additional 10,000 students; and launched a three-year pilot project targeted to adult learners providing an estimated 43,000 students an additional $1,600 in grant support and allowing for flexibility to base CSG eligibility on current year’s income. The Skills Boost also provides greater flexibility for Canadians on Employment Insurance (EI) to get new certificates or training without fear of losing their benefits.
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1/31/2019,315,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Index Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) payments to a new Seniors' Price Index.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Seniors","Actions taken, progress made",The cost of living for seniors is better reflected in their Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) benefits through a Seniors' Price Index.,The Government of Canada is exploring options to make sure that the indexation of Old Age Security benefits reflects the increases in the cost of living faced by seniors.
1/31/2019,316,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Cancel the increase in age of eligibility for Old Age Security (OAS) from 65 to 67.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,The age of eligibility for Old Age Security (OAS) has been returned to 65 and provides greater financial security for our most vulnerable seniors.,"The Government of Canada cancelled the planned increase in age of eligibility for Old Age Security, so that eligibility is maintained at age 65. This will help ensure they benefit from a secure and dignified retirement."
1/31/2019,317,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Coordinate programs to support low income seniors with provinces and territories.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Seniors","Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Federal, provincial and territorial governments collaborate so seniors get the full benefits to which they are entitled.",The Government of Canada implemented the increase to the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and engaged with provinces and territories (PT) to ensure that low-income seniors who receive PT income supplements fully benefit from the increase. The government will continue to seek new opportunities to work together to support our most vulnerable seniors.
1/31/2019,318,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Prioritize affordable housing and seniors' housing as part of the National Housing Strategy.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Seniors","Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Reduced housing need for seniors through rental support to reduce the cost of housing and enable seniors to age in place, and increased supply of affordable housing units specifically targeted towards seniors.","On November 22, 2017 the government announced a 10-year, $40 billion National Housing Strategy that will help reduce homelessness and improve the availability and quality of housing for Canadians in need. This Strategy is part of a long-term vision to strengthen the middle class and provide affordable housing to Canadians, and lift more Canadians out of poverty. The strategy sets clear goals to remove 530,000 Canadians from housing need and reduce chronic homelessness, prioritizing the most vulnerable Canadians including seniors.
Budget 2016 provided investments of $200.7 million over two years to increase affordable housing for seniors and improve their housing conditions, to be delivered by provinces and territories through the Investment in Affordable Housing. The National Housing Strategy re-establishes the federal government as a leader in the area of affordable housing. Working in collaboration with provinces, territories and local communities, the Strategy will leverage significant new capacity to build, repair and renew affordable housing across the country. As part of the Strategy, the new National Housing Co-Investment Fund will prioritize projects that have the greatest impact on communities and vulnerable populations, including seniors. As a result of these investments, at least 12,000 new affordable units will be created for seniors."
1/31/2019,319,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Provide support to maintain rent-geared-to-income subsidies in existing social housing.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development","Actions taken, progress made",Affordable housing remains accessible to Canadians who need it during the transition through the expiry of current operating agreements.,"Community housing has been the backbone of Canada’s response to housing challenges for more than 60 years and provides an affordable place to live for thousands of Canadians. Federal investments have supported the creation of community housing for low- and modest-income families and individuals. About 80 per cent of all community housing is administered by the provinces and territories. As long-term social housing operating agreements expire, the government will renew its investments in provinces and territories to protect low-income households and stabilize the operations of housing providers. The government is deeply committed to ensuring that Canada’s existing community housing stock remains affordable and in good repair well into the future.
On November 22, 2017 the government announced a 10-year, $40 billion National Housing Strategy that will help reduce homelessness and improve the availability and quality of housing for Canadians in need. This Strategy is part of a long-term vision to strengthen the middle class and provide affordable housing to Canadians, and lift more Canadians out of poverty. The strategy sets clear goals to remove 530,000 Canadians from housing need and reduce chronic homelessness, prioritizing the most vulnerable Canadians including seniors.
As part of the National Housing Strategy, the government will support the provinces and territories as they protect and build a sustainable community-based housing sector, through a $4.3-billion Canada Community Housing Initiative. Additionally, to protect tenants living in federally administered community housing as operating agreements expire and to stabilize the operations of housing providers, the federal government will implement a new 10-year, $500-million Federal Community Housing Initiative. This initiative will put in place new operating agreements as old social housing operating agreements expire. As a result of these investments, 385,000 households will be protected from losing an affordable home."
1/31/2019,320,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Invest in Housing First to reduce homelessness.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development","Actions taken, progress made",Chronic homelessness is reduced by 50% by 2027-28 compared to 2016 levels.,"On November 22, 2017 the government announced a 10-year, $40 billion National Housing Strategy that will help reduce homelessness and improve the availability and quality of housing for Canadians in need. This Strategy is part of a long-term vision to strengthen the middle class and provide affordable housing to Canadians, and lift more Canadians out of poverty. The strategy sets clear goals to remove 530,000 Canadians from housing need and reduce chronic homelessness, and to reduce chronic homelessness by half.
As part of the National Housing Strategy, the government announced a total investment of $2.2 billion for homelessness over 10 years, building on Budget 2016 incremental funding of $111.8 million over two years (2016-2017 and 2017-2018) for the Homelessness Partnering Strategy. By 2021-22, this will nearly double the investments made in 2015-16. These increased investment levels are expected to reduce the number of Canadians who are chronically homeless by as much as 50% compared to 2016 levels.
Over the past year, the Government of Canada consulted with stakeholders, provinces, territories and Indigenous partners on how to improve the Homelessness Partnering Strategy to better prevent and reduce homelessness across Canada. These consultations were guided by the work of an Advisory Committee comprised of experts, stakeholders and people with lived experience of homelessness, chaired by the Parliamentary Secretary (Housing and Urban Affairs) Adam Vaughan. The Advisory Committee on Homelessness Final Report and the Homelessness Partnering Strategy Engagement – What We Heard Report 2018, which contains highlights from the feedback received throughout all engagement activities, were released on May 18, 2018.
On June 11, 2018, the Minister of Families, Children, and Social Development announced Reaching Home, a redesigned federal homelessness program, which will replace the Homelessness Partnering Strategy on April 1, 2019.
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1/31/2019,321,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Remove all GST on new capital investments in affordable rental housing.,"Minister of Finance;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Not being pursued,See below.,"All Canadians should have a safe and affordable place to call home. The government concluded, based on research and evidence, that there were more effective ways of encouraging the construction of affordable rental housing.
Budget 2016 introduced a targeted approach to stimulate the construction of affordable rental housing by providing funding to establish the Affordable Rental Housing Innovation Fund and Rental Construction Financing Initiative. Budget 2017 announced the investment of more than $11.2 billion over 11 years in various initiatives that will help build, renew and repair Canada’s affordable housing and make sure Canadians have affordable housing that meets their needs. The National Housing Strategy, launched on November 22, 2017, includes additional measures to stimulate the construction of affordable rental housing. The Rental Construction Financing Initiative offers $2.5 billion in low-cost loans to support the construction of new rental housing. Budget 2018 proposed expanding this initiative with an additional $1.25B in low-cost loan over the next three years.
Through the National Housing Strategy, the federal government is re-engaging in affordable housing by investing in the growth of livable communities and the resilience of the community housing sector. To ensure existing rental housing is not lost to disrepair and to develop new, high-performing affordable housing integrated with supports and services, the federal government is creating a $15.9-billion federally managed National Housing Co-Investment Fund. The National Housing Co-Investment Fund alone is expected to create up to 60,000 new units of housing and repair up to 240,000 units of existing affordable and community housing. The Fund will consist of nearly $4.7 billion in financial contributions and $11.2 billion in low interest loans. The government’s recently announced Rental Construction Financing Initiative will be integrated into the National Housing Co-Investment Fund, as will the government’s recently created Affordable Rental Innovation Fund. Applications for the National Housing Co-Investment Fund will be accepted starting April 2018.
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1/31/2019,322,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Modernize the Home Buyers' Plan.,"Minister of Finance;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development","Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges",Canadians impacted by a sudden and significant life change are better able to manage the costs of finding a home or relocating.,"In considering this proposal, the government is examining how best to balance support for Canadians who have had a change of circumstance, such as a divorce or a change in employment, with the need to preserve and maintain retirement savings (e.g. Registered Retirement Savings Plans).
To date, the government has made other changes to provide greater legal support for families facing divorce and training programs to help Canadians transitioning between jobs. The government has also taken a number of steps to ensure Canada has a regulated and stable housing market, including: improving mortgage financing rules, creating the Affordable Housing Innovation Fund and Rental Construction Financing Initiative, and investing $11.2 billion over the next 11 years to help build, repair and maintain affordable housing across Canada. These measures will help address the challenges of housing affordability faced by Canadians in many large urban centres, encourage the creation of new rental housing construction and re-establish a long-term federal role in housing."
1/31/2019,324,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Identify available federal lands that could be repurposed for affordable housing.,"Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development","Actions taken, progress made",Increased available land to build new affordable housing and increased housing supply where it is needed.,"As part of the National Housing Strategy, the government is launching in the fall of 2018 a new Federal Lands initiative to make surplus federal lands and buildings available at a discounted cost (up to no cost) for new affordable housing. Over the next 10 years, up to $200 million in federal lands will be transferred to eligible participants to encourage the development of sustainable, accessible, mixed-income, mixed-use developments and communities. As part of this initiative, starting in 2018-19, funding for renovations and remediation may be available to make transactions viable."
1/31/2019,325,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Review prices in high-priced housing markets and consider all policy tools that could keep home ownership within reach for more Canadians.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development","Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",Federal policy tools are employed to help keep home ownership within reach for more Canadians.,"The government has completed analysis of factors impacting house prices, including identifying important data gaps and strategies to reduce these gaps, informed by consultations with a number of industry, academic, provincial and municipal government stakeholders. A final report, ""Examining Escalating House Prices in Large Canadian Cities"", providing an analysis of the underlying drivers of house price increases and a set of policy tools to help keep home ownership within reach for more Canadians, was publicly released on February 7, 2018. The release of this final report sets the stage for additional policy discussion and coordination across various levels of government."
1/31/2019,326,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Bring forward a proposal to prevent mortgage fraud.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Mortgage fraud is reduced.,"Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has developed an Action Plan with measures to mitigate and prevent mortgage fraud, and is engaging industry stakeholders to implement the plan.
As of January 1, 2018, CMHC has joined the Citadel fraud management consortium operated by Equifax. CMHC will participate in the Competition Bureau’s Fraud Prevention Month program with announcements on fraud prevention activities and efforts to raise public awareness of issues related to mortgage fraud. CMHC is also co-sponsoring a fraud prevention conference in Quebec City, hosted by École nationale d’administration publique (ENAC), in September 2018."
1/31/2019,327,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Use the best data available to make decisions on housing.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development","Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",Better data and understanding of the housing market to inform policy decisions so that the Government can help Canadians secure good housing.,"The government is developing a new Housing Statistics Framework that will be administered by Statistics Canada, and is investing to improve data collection and analytics through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). These investments will help track progress on the National Housing Strategy, better support informed policy decisions, and build on the reintroduction of the mandatory long-form census for 2016, which provides for more accurate collection of data on key things like housing."
1/31/2019,328,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Raise taxes on the top 1% of earners.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,A fairer tax system where the richest pay their share.,"On December 7, 2015, the Government of Canada announced it would create a new top personal income tax rate of 33 per cent for individual taxable incomes above $200,000, effective January 1, 2016 (increased from 29 per cent). The government continues to explore other measures to ensure tax fairness."
1/31/2019,329,12-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Repeal elements of the *Fair Elections Act* which make it harder for Canadians to vote.,Minister of Democratic Institutions,Completed - fully met,Barriers are reduced to electoral participation for all Canadians and there is greater integrity in the electoral process.,"In December 2018, the *Elections Modernization Act* received Royal Assent. Among other changes, the legislation improves the integrity of the electoral system by repealing provisions in the previous *Fair Elections Act* that made it harder for Canadians to vote. The legislation includes the measures that were previously introduced through Bill C-33. Notably, the changes reinstate the Voter Information Card as authorized identification (ID), restore vouching for those without proper ID, expand voting rights to more than one million Canadians living abroad, expand the Chief Electoral Officer’s ability to educate Canadians to improve civic literacy and knowledge and help future young voters participate in the electoral process by pre-registering youth aged 14-17 so they can more easily vote when they turn 18."
1/31/2019,330,12-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Conduct a review of government spending to reduce poorly targeted and inefficient programs.,President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government;Minister of Finance,"Actions taken, progress made",Programs are effective and deliver measurable results for Canadians.,"Launched in Budget 2017, the horizontal review on innovation and clean technology is now complete, with results announced in Budget 2018. The second launched horizontal review on fixed assets is ongoing, which is being conducted in phases and is expected to be completed in 2019-20. The three departmental reviews also announced in Budget 2017, the Canada Border Services Agency, the Canada School of Public Service, and Health Canada, are underway and details will be announced when available. As part of Budget 2018, the government launched a review on the Canada Revenue Agency’s service model to ensure that Canadians interacting with the Agency feel like valued clients, not just taxpayers. Budget 2018 also proposes to undertake a horizontal review of skills programming over the next year to maximize the effectiveness of programs that provide support to Canada’s labour force to ensure workers and students have the information and training needed to meet future challenges and opportunities head on. In addition, Budget 2018 announced a set of targeted reviews over the next three years of regulatory requirements and practices that are bottlenecks to innovation and growth with an initial focus on agri-food and aquaculture, health/bio-sciences, and transportation and infrastructure. Further details about these reviews will be available in the coming months."
1/31/2019,331,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Provide more flexible parental leave.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Parents who want to spend more time at home with their children have the option of doing so with protected Employment Insurance parental benefits.,"With Budget 2017, the Government of Canada created more flexible maternity and parental leave benefits. The changes allow parents to spread their parental benefit over a longer period of time (18 months), and give mothers the option to begin receiving Employment Insurance maternity benefits up to 12 weeks before their due date – up from eight weeks. The changes took effect December 3rd and give parents more support to spend time with their kids.
Further, to support greater gender equality in the home and in the workplace, Budget 2018 proposes to introduce a new EI Parental Sharing Benefit which will provide additional weeks of “use it or lose it” EI parental benefits, when both parents agree to share parental leave. "
1/31/2019,332,01-Feb,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure the successful integration of refugees into Canadian society.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship","Actions taken, progress made",Improved social and economic outcomes for refugees.,"The government is currently studying how to deliver language training and employment services in a better, more collaborative way, as well as test innovative approaches, to improve the participation of newcomers in social, cultural, civic, and economic life in Canada."
1/31/2019,334,04-Oct,Healthy Canadians,Ensure safety and non-discrimination in blood donation policies.,Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made","An evidence-based, safe and non-discriminatory approach to ensuring an adequate blood supply.","A safe and effective blood system is a cornerstone of health care delivery. Health Canada is working towards reducing barriers to blood and plasma donation for men who have sex with men (MSM) by funding research that will help inform relevant policy changes. In June 2016, Health Canada approved a request from Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec to reduce the blood donation ineligibility period for men who have sex with men from five years to one year. This change was based on scientific evidence brought forward by the blood operators and brought Canada in line with other global regulators, such as the United States, France, Australia and the Netherlands. At the same time, the Government of Canada provided $3 million to Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec to conduct behavioural research and organize an international seminar.
In 2017, the first round of competitions resulted in funding for eleven research projects. The second and final competition resulted in four new research projects which were announced in fall 2018. Results of these research projects are expected to be available between summer 2019 and winter 2020 which will inform further changes that could be undertaken to implement an evidence-based, safe and non-discriminatory approach to donations from men who have sex with men.
In December 2018, Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec filed authorization amendment submissions to Health Canada to change their blood donation deferral policies for MSM from 12 months to 3 months. The review is expected to be completed and a decision returned to the blood operators in April 2019. "
1/31/2019,335,04-Oct,Healthy Canadians,Facilitate collaboration on an organ and tissue donation and transplantation system that gives Canadians timely and effective access to care.,Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made",An increase in the supply of organs and tissue available so that Canadians get timely and effective access to care.,"Since April 2008, the government has worked collaboratively with provinces and territories to improve the Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplant system in Canada. This includes better collaboration, public education and use of best practices to increase donations and ultimately an increase in the supply of organs and tissue so that Canadians are able to access them when needed. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, a total of 2,835 lifesaving transplants were performed in Canada (including Quebec) in 2016, a 32 per cent increase since 2007. Over the last 10 years, the rate of deceased donation has increased 42 per cent but the rate of living donation has decreased 11%. There were 4,500 patients on organ waitlists at the end of 2016, and 260 patients died in 2016 while waiting for a transplant. Health Canada is facilitating a process with Canadian Blood Services (CBS) and the provincial/territorial members of the PT Blood Liaison Committee (PTBLC), led by Saskatchewan, to identify and explore how to make greater progress on governance and oversight, integration, coordination and system performance. Consultations have concluded and the summary findings were shared at a stakeholder meeting in November 2018 at which time priority actions were identified. Eight multi-stakeholder working groups are now developing action plans and will reconvene in February 2019."
1/31/2019,336,04-Oct,Healthy Canadians,"Ensure Canada's response to the current opioid crisis is robust, well-coordinated and effective.",Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges","Federal opioid response is evidence-based, collaborative and comprehensive, and the harm caused by opioid use—including overdoses and accidental deaths—is reduced.","Problematic opioid use and overdose is an ongoing crisis in Canada, devastating individuals, families and communities. The federal government has been coordinating a whole of government response and working with provincial and territorial counterparts, engaging non-government partners and making significant investments to build the evidence base and take collaborative and comprehensive action across four strategic pillars: prevention, harm reduction, treatment and law enforcement.
Budget 2017 committed $100 million over five years to support the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy including the opioid response. Budget 2018 committed an additional $231.4 million over five years to improve access to treatment, reduce stigma associated with drug use and continue to build the evidence base. The impact of some of these efforts will take time, and it remains troubling that recent data indicate the opioid crisis is ongoing.
The Government of Canada is regularly engaging Canadians most impacted by the crisis to inform the response, including people who use or have used drugs, people with chronic pain and their families. In September 2018 the Minister of Health hosted a two-day Opioid Symposium bringing together over 225 policy makers, researchers, clinicians, Indigenous groups, people with lived and living experience, drug policy advocates and law enforcement representatives to discuss challenges and identify additional opportunities to address the crisis. The Minister of Health highlighted federal priorities, such as: to increase access to evidence-based treatments including injectable opioid therapy; to expand access to safer alternatives to the contaminated drug supply; to consult Canadians on the Canada Drugs and Substances Strategy; to engage innovators through an Impact Canada Challenge to improve opioid detection and testing technologies; to establish a task force on chronic pain; and, to reduce stigma associated with drug use.
On October 2, 2018, the Government of Canada launched the Impact Canada Drug Checking Technology Challenge to create a rapid, accurate, easy to use, and low-cost testing device or instrument that can be used with minimal training and preparation work. The goal is to serve people who use drugs and those who support them, to allow them to make decisions that may reduce their risk of overdose and death."
1/31/2019,337,04-Oct,Healthy Canadians,Ensure Canada has a solid surveillance system for monitoring and reporting overdoses and deaths related to opioids.,Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made",Effective monitoring and reporting of overdoses and deaths related to opioids.,"The government is committed to releasing updated data on a quarterly basis, in collaboration with provinces and territories. The government is also working with provinces and territories to collect additional data on opioid use and harms. On September 18, 2018, the government released data for the first quarter of 2018 on apparent opioid-related deaths in Canada and suspected opioid-related overdoses in seven jurisdictions across Canada based on emergency medical service data.
On December 12, 2018, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) released three publications related to the national opioid crisis including:
• the seventh National report on apparent opioid-related deaths with new national data for the first half of 2018 and updated data from January 2016 to March 2018;
• the third report on suspected opioid-related overdoses reported by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) from nine provinces and territories, and;
• key findings from a special analysis looking at the impact of the opioid overdose epidemic on life expectancy at birth in Canada.
In addition, the Canadian Institute for Health Information, in collaboration with PHAC, released updates to 2016 and 2017 data on hospitalizations and emergency department visits due to opioid poisoning."
1/31/2019,338,04-Oct,Healthy Canadians,Review Canada's framework for dealing with public health emergencies.,Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made","Public health emergencies and events are prevented, detected, and responded to effectively.","The Public Health Agency of Canada is working with Health Portfolio partners and Public Safety Canada to review its processes, mechanisms and tools to ensure a timely and effective response to public health emergencies. It is anticipated that this review will be completed in Spring 2019. "
1/31/2019,339,04-Oct,Healthy Canadians,"Curb opioid misuse by introducing prescribing guidelines, tracking prescriptions at the patient level, and increasing transparency in marketing and promotion of therapies.",Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges","A reduction in inappropriate prescription of opioids, improved tracking of prescriptions, and better management of transitions where opioids are no longer required so as to reduce opioid dependency.","The government is working with provinces, territories, and partners to address prescribing practices and prescription monitoring in Canada. The government funded the Michael G. DeGroote National Pain Centre at McMaster University to update the Canadian Guideline for safe and effective use of Opioids for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain. The updated Guideline was published on May 8, 2017. The government is collaborating with provinces and territories through the Problematic Substance Use and Harms Committee to share lessons learned and best practices in prescription monitoring.
In January 2018, Health Canada hosted a working session with provinces and territories to develop national standards for prescription monitoring programs.
The government is also exploring options to restrict the marketing of opioids to healthcare professionals. On June 19, 2018, the Minister of Health announced a series of measures to address industry's opioid marketing and advertising practices, including the publication of a notice of intent to restrict marketing and advertising of opioids, and launching consultations with provinces, territories and stakeholders.
Health Canada further consulted stakeholders during the Opioid Symposium in Toronto on September 5, 2018.
In December 2018, Health Canada published a summary of the feedback received on the June 2018 Notice of Intent to restrict the marketing and advertising of opioids. Health Canada will continue to engage with provinces, territories and stakeholders in the coming months.
Canada's Food and Drug Regulations were recently amended to require that a warning sticker and patient information handout be provided to patients, at the time of sale, with all prescription opioids that appear in Part A of the “List of Opioids.” These requirements came into force on October 23, 2018.
Health Canada continues to work with manufacturers to update the labelling of all prescription opioid products to include enhanced information about their risks for prescribers and patients.
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1/31/2019,340,04-Oct,Healthy Canadians,Ensure communities can introduce effective opioid treatments and programs.,Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made",Canadians have access to community-based opioid treatments and programs that are effective in reducing harm.,"Treatment is the key to moving people from using drugs to recovery. Budget 2018 includes measures to provide one-time emergency funding of $150 million for provinces and territories for multi-year projects that improve access to evidence-based treatments. Bilateral agreements for the emergency funding have been signed with British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan, and the Yukon.
In addition, the federal government has used its regulatory powers to make naloxone more widely available and to expedite approval of the nasal spray version. Further, the government published regulations allowing the import of drugs for opioid use disorder treatments not yet approved in Canada. On March 26, 2018, the Minister of Health announced the removal of barriers to accessing diacetylmorphine (prescription-grade heroin) and methadone for the treatment of opioid use disorder. The regulatory amendments were published in the Canada Gazette, Part II, on March 21, 2018. Health Canada also authorized, in April and November, two new drug products for the treatment of opioid use disorder.
On September 5, 2018, Health Canada issued two section 56 exemptions to authorize nurses with the authority to possess, sell, provide, administer, transport, send and deliver controlled substances while providing primary health care services at community health facilities under certain conditions. These exemptions removed the barriers to establishing nurse-led community-based treatment models. "
1/31/2019,341,04-Oct,Healthy Canadians,Promote the *Canada Health Act* to make absolutely clear that extra-billings and user fees are illegal and reporting is improved.,Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made","Canadians have access to publicly funded health care, without financial barriers at point of service.","The Government of Canada is moving forward with three new initiatives: The Diagnostic Services Policy is aimed at eliminating patient charges for medically necessary diagnostic services, such as MRI and CT scans. This policy will come into effect in April 2020, to allow time for provinces to align their health care systems with its requirements.
The Reimbursement Policy will provide an incentive for provinces and territories to eliminate patient charges, which result in mandatory deductions under the *Canada Health Act*. Under this policy, those provinces and territories facing deductions will be eligible to have them reimbursed if they eliminate patient charges in a timely manner. The first deductions eligible for reimbursement will be those that were taken in March 2018.
Strengthened reporting requirements will be phased in to help provide Canadians with a clearer picture of how the public health care insurance plans across all the provinces and territories are operating.
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1/31/2019,342,04-Oct,Healthy Canadians,Develop a new self-governed approach to delivering health services to Indigenous peoples and reduce health inequities between Indigenous peoples and non-Indigenous Canadians.,Minister of Health;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations;Minister of Indigenous Services,"Actions taken, progress made","New co-developed approaches to Indigenous health services that will be client-centred, culturally relevant and sustainable, resulting in healthier children, families and improved community wellness.","Since the creation of the Department of Indigenous Services, the government continues, in partnership with Indigenous groups, to transform the way to deliver services to Indigenous peoples and transfer the design, planning and management and delivery of these services to Indigenous organisations.
The government's goal is to support increased flexibility and capacity building in Indigenous communities so that they are able to direct and design their own health services and partner more effectively with provincial healthcare systems. This gap in health outcomes can be narrowed, and providing access to quality health care close to home is an essential part of that change. To support the delivery of health services, Budget 2017 announced an investment of $828 million over 5 years to improve a range of health outcomes for First Nations and Inuit. The government is currently working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis to co-develop distinctions-based, self-determined and nation-to-nation approaches for health transformation. For example, as an interim measure in committing to and finalizing the Canada-Métis Nation Accord to Achieve Reconciliation, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed on August 21, 2018 between Canada and the Métis Nation, committing to the development of a 10-Year Métis Nation Health Accord.
Renewing the relationship with the Métis Nation based on recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership, Canada and the Métis National Council signed the Canada-Métis Nation Accord to Achieve Reconciliation, on August 21, 2018, committing to the development of a 10-Year Métis Nation Health Accord. Budget 2018 proposed investment of $6 million over five years to support the Métis Nation in gathering health data and developing a health strategy.
Additional investments were announced in Budget 2018, with $1.5 billion over five years, for Indigenous health, starting in 2018–2019, and $149 million per year ongoing thereafter. This amount included $498 million, with $97.6 million per year ongoing, to sustain access to critical medical care and services. Budget 2018 identified $235 million to support work with First Nations partners to transform First Nations health systems by expanding successful models of self-determination so that health programs and services are developed, delivered and controlled by and for First Nations. This investment will also support access to quality and First Nations-controlled health care in remote and isolated James Bay communities as part of the Weeneebayko Area Health Integration Framework Agreement. First Nations are leading processes (in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec) to develop models for self-determination in health service-delivery. Memoranda of Understanding/agreements to advance these processes have been, and are being, signed to confirm shared priorities. Other regional engagement efforts are underway across the country to identify strategies for transforming service delivery, including opportunities for increasing Indigenous control over services. In addition to the ongoing implementation of the historic British Columbia Tripartite Framework Agreement, which transferred operational control of health programs and services to the British Columbia First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), the Government of Canada has also invested $10 million to support a Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Mental Health and Wellness that was signed in July 2018 with the Province of British Columbia and British Columbia First Nations with matching resources invested by the province and First Nations; these efforts will contribute to innovative and more flexible funding approaches to address the broader social determinants of health.
In the North, Budget 2018 identified investments of $27.5 million over five years to support enhanced prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment of Tuberculosis (TB) and latent TB infection in Inuit Nunangat. Each of the four regions in Inuit Nunangat is developing an action plan to eliminate TB among Inuit by 2030, with a reduction of at least 50% of active TB cases by 2025. The Government of Canada provided $500,000 to the government of Nunatsiavut to be used in TB elimination activities. In addition, the government is providing ongoing surge capacity including nurses and epidemiologists, as well as administrative and coordination support for the TB outbreak. Nunavik has recently launched a communication campaign to reach out to youth in particular. The Government of Canada also works closely with the government of Nunavut in their response to a TB outbreak by investing in the purchase of rapid TB diagnostic technology and facilitating timely access to rifapentine, an antibiotic used in the treatment of latent TB. To help streamline the TB elimination work, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami will continue to lead the implementation of the Inuit TB Elimination Framework, in collaboration with the Government of Canada, through the Inuit Public Health Task Group, a subcommittee of the National Inuit Committee on Health.
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1/31/2019,343,04-Oct,Government Services and Operations,Help Veterans gain skills to successfully transition to the civilian workforce.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"More Veterans, Canadian Armed Forces members, and their spouses/common-law partners successfully transition to the civilian labour market. The Government hires more veterans into meaningful work.","As of April 1, 2018, eligible Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans, their spouses/common-law partners and survivors are now able to apply for a new, modernized set of career transition services, delivered consistently across Canada. Services are delivered by qualified career support professionals who understand military life and culture. For Veterans and survivors, these career transition services will be available throughout a person's post service working life, meaning they can get help when and where needed.
The Government of Canada also continues to provide access to hiring opportunities in the public service for certain serving and former members of the Canadian Armed Forces who are released for medical reasons. Priority for public service jobs is given to these members and Veterans over all other individuals."
1/31/2019,344,04-Oct,Government Services and Operations,"Implement the Caregiver Recognition Benefit, paid directly to Veterans' caregivers.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,Increased recognition and support for caregivers of ill and injured Veterans so that Veterans get better care.,"As of April 1, 2018, the Government of Canada has introduced the new Caregiver Recognition Benefit, replacing the Family Caregiver Relief Benefit. This new benefit provides a generous non-taxable $1,000 monthly benefit payable directly to informal caregivers of Veterans to better recognize and honour the vital role they play in supporting CAF members and Veterans. "
1/31/2019,345,04-Oct,Government Services and Operations,Implement the new Veteran Emergency Fund and Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,Improve the quality of life of Veterans and their families.,"As of April 1, 2018, the Veterans Emergency Fund (VEF) provides emergency financial support to Veterans, their families and survivors whose well-being is at risk due to an urgent and unexpected situation ($1 million per year over the next four years). The new fund gives the government the flexibility to financially assist Veterans and their families quickly and efficiently in times when they most need it, without complicated eligibility requirements and approval processes. The VEF provides short-term relief while the government works with Veterans and their families to identify any long-term needs and possible solutions.
In addition, the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund is one of the many new and enhanced programs and services brought forth in Budget 2017, focused on supporting innovative solutions to better support Veterans and their families. This new fund supports research and fosters innovation across the public, private and academic fields to make a real difference in the lives of Veterans and families. The fund supports a wide range of projects, such as suicide prevention research, an initiative that helps homeless Veterans find housing, or any innovative projects that contribute to the well-being of Veterans and their families.
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1/31/2019,346,04-Oct,Government Services and Operations,"Streamline the suite of benefits, improve transparency and communications, and improve the experience of Veterans as their needs change throughout their lives.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made","A streamlined, client-centric process that is easier to navigate, provides timely service and helps Veterans transition to civilian life.","Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) is streamlining its suite of benefits with the goal of reducing overlap and administrative burden to ensure a positive client experience for Veterans both as they transition to civilian life and as their needs change throughout their lives. A three-year communications and outreach strategy was launched to ensure that Veterans and their families are well-informed of the range of supports and services available to them.
On December 20, 2017, the government announced its Pension for Life plan which will reintroduce lifelong monthly pain and suffering payments with the Pain and Suffering Compensation, implement a new recognition benefit through the Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation, and the Income Replacement Benefit (IRB) that simplifies VAC’s financial support programs through replacing six existing financial benefits with the new IRB. Specifically, the new IRB will replace the Earnings Loss Benefit; Extended Earnings Loss Benefit, Retirement Income Security Benefit, Supplementary Retirement Benefit, the Career Impact Allowance and Career Impact Allowance Supplement. This will reduce the burden on the Veteran and their Caregivers as there will be one application form where there used to be six. The streamlining will come into force April 1, 2019 ."
1/31/2019,347,04-Oct,Government Services and Operations,Ensure public servants are paid accurately and promptly.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges",Public servants are paid in a timely manner and without errors.,"The government is committed to stabilizing pay, and ensuring that public servants are paid accurately and on time, understanding there are no quick fixes. The Clerk of the Privy Council Office instructed Deputy Ministers to focus on supporting employees.
Budget 2018 announced an investment of $431.4 million over six years, starting in 2017-18, to increase the number of compensation employees at the Pay Centre and regional offices to more than 1,500 and hire more HR advisors within departments to assist employees. In addition, over the next two years, the government will work with experts, unions and technology providers on a way forward for a new HR-to-Pay system.
The government is implementing a suite of measures as part of an integrated plan, informed by recommendations from the Office of Auditor General of Canada, as well as the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, to stabilize the pay system so that transactions are processed quickly and accurately. As part of this approach, Pay Pods, which group together compensation employees assigned to specific departments or agencies, are being rolled out to help ensure that pay issues are resolved and employees receive better service. Pay Pods work with departments and agencies to process new transactions first, then work on the outstanding transactions in an employee’s pay file, in contrast to the current approach of addressing pay issues by transaction type. This new approach results in a more comprehensive resolution of an employee’s pay file, leading to a reduction in backlogged cases.
As of December 2018, PODs have been implemented for 24 departments and agencies, representing approximately 103,000 employees. The government also announced enhancements to the Client Contact Centre, where staff now have access to a variety of tools so that they can provide more real-time, accurate information to public servants. Progress towards reducing the number of outstanding pay transactions continues.
Progress is reported regularly through the monthly public Dashboard, the Pay Bulletin and other online content to ensure transparency and accountability.
Since January 2018, the queue has decreased by over 140,000 transactions or 25%. At the same time, a historic number of collective agreements have been processed, providing more than $1.5 billion in retroactive payments to employees.
In support of the stabilization efforts, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) is using a variety of procurement vehicles to access private sector expertise. The sourcing strategy aims to engage with the broader private sector community in order to leverage innovative strategies to help stabilize the pay system.
Over the course of the fall, PSPC launched six Requests for Information (RFIs) in the areas of: automation of pay centre processes (request automation), HR processes, lowering the queue, enhanced user access management, Improving User Experience and training. PSPC also launched an Invitation to Qualify (ITQ), for all 6 of the RFIs. The qualified ITQ suppliers will be invited to participate in the Request for Proposals (RFPs) starting in January 2019.
In addition, a key pillar of stabilization is the ongoing work with IBM under the Application Managed Service model to increase capacity and leverage expertise while ensuring value for money. This model provides PSPC with a service provider that focuses on repetitive, operational, transactional work that enables PSPC experts to focus on the analysis and strategic improvements to Phoenix and its processes, such as simplifying system usability, thereby reducing the high number of errors generated by either the system or the user.
To foster a culture more agile and open to change management, an HR-to-Pay Change Leadership Committee has been implemented with key stakeholders from Pay Centre and non-Pay Centre organizations to support the implementation of a Change Management Framework that will aim to achieve increased timeliness and reduced data errors, in support of accurate and timely pay for employees. Among its first activities is the January 2019 launch of the HR-to-Pay Playbook, an instruction manual detailing departmental best practices for more efficient HR processes and operational and strategic decision guides based on data.
In August 2018, the Treasury Board Secretariat announced steps to move away from Phoenix and develop a pay system that will meet the needs of employees and function with the complexity of the federal government’s human resources and pay structure.
The government recently launched its innovative agile procurement process to seek potential vendors for the next generation human resources and pay system."
1/31/2019,348,04-Oct,Fair and Open Government,Increase the diversity of bidders on government contracts.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made","The diversity of bidders and contractors will increase, including participation by businesses owned by women and Indigenous peoples.","As of the second quarter of fiscal year 2018-19, the government participated in 351 outreach events with 4,741 participants including Indigenous peoples and belonging to under-represented groups such as women, Indigenous Peoples and persons with disabilities to increase their awareness of business opportunities with the federal government and help government understand the barriers to their participation in procurement.
Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has launched social procurement pilots to increase the participation of small and diverse suppliers. As part of this, there is an increased focus on providing women-owned and Indigenous small and medium-sized businesses with the tools and guidance to compete for government opportunities. One particular example includes a catering pilot in the Atlantic Region launched in the Fall 2018, whereby 63 women-owned or led businesses have registered from rural and urban areas in all four Atlantic provinces.
In addition, PSPC developed a common set of definitions for social procurement, and, where feasible, industry consultations now include a focus on supplier diversity.
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1/31/2019,349,04-Oct,Fair and Open Government,"Develop better tools to hold contractors accountable, particularly in large scale procurements.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made","Suppliers will be accountable for their contractual performance, which is expected to improve procurement results.","Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has finalized a draft Vendor Performance Management (VPM) Policy, in consultation with other government departments and agencies as well as with select members of the VPM Supplier Advisory Sub-Committee. Consultations are expected to be launched in late March 2019. PSPC and Shared Services Canada have initiated discussions within the Government of Canada and with industry on pilots of the VPM, which are expected to begin in summer 2019."
1/31/2019,350,04-Oct,Fair and Open Government,"Publish clear metrics on the competitiveness, cost and timeliness of procurement.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made",The Government of Canada will make more informed contract decisions based on feedback obtained from comprehensive data and sampling of procurement activities and surveys.,"Metrics on competitiveness, cost and timeliness are published in the annual Departmental Plans and Departmental Results Reports, as well as in Our Services, Standards and Results.
Public Services and Procurement Canada established strong Key Performance Indicators for the 2018-19 Departmental Results Framework. A Data Analytics Strategy is being developed to optimize the effective access and use of data, methodologies, and analytics capacity/skills to support the development of the metrics. The launch of the electronic procurement solution will also enable the development of better data capture, which will allow for better metrics.
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1/31/2019,351,04-Oct,Fair and Open Government,Make more government data available to vendors participating in procurement bidding to encourage better bids.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made",Vendors and government decision makers have access to modern analytics to better understand Government of Canada procurement. This will help vendors decide when and how to compete in order to encourage more and better bids.,"Information on contracts over $10,000 is available on the Government of Canada Open Government Portal. Public Services and Procurement Canada is working towards publishing procurement data with additional detail, which will allow Canadians to more fully understand what is being purchased and how the expenditure is moving through the procurement cycle. The department is also developing a Data Analytics Strategy to improve the contract data provided to suppliers and decision makers. It is expected that the Government of Canada will begin the implementation of the Strategy in 2019. The government's goal of making procurement simpler, faster and accessible will also serve to encourage better bids, as well as provide for increased visibility and transparency into the complete life cycle of procurement processes."
1/31/2019,352,04-Oct,Fair and Open Government,Ensure prompt payment of contractors and sub-contractors.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made",Barriers to accessing government contracts are reduced and small and medium enterprises require less working capital (cash flow) to do business with the Government of Canada because they get paid more quickly for work they've done.,"The government is looking at different approaches to ensure expedited payment to its suppliers. Public Services and Procurement Canada launched a pilot in one of its branches to pay certain types of invoices within a shorter timeframe than the current 30 days. Pilot results will confirm if this measure is effective in removing barriers related to cash flow for small and medium enterprises in doing business with the government.
Independent experts have concluded a national engagement process seeking input from the construction industry to identify the elements required to develop a robust federal prompt payment regime. The federal government will use the proposed recommendations to inform the development of an effective legislative solution that will direct terms of payment and provide for an adjudication process for federal construction contracts.
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1/31/2019,353,04-Oct,Government Services and Operations,"Improve the delivery of information technology within the Government, including the renewal of Shared Services Canada.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made","An agile, reliable and secure information technology platform to support the delivery of digital services to Canadians.","Shared Services Canada (SSC) has benefitted from many sources of advice on how to improve the delivery of information technology within the government and renew itself. For example, in 2016 and 2017, SSC completed broad-based consultations with industry, Canadians and federal departments on the best approaches for managing the Government of Canada's information technology assets and services. The Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat also released the independent review of SSC commissioned from Gartner Canada Co., which included numerous recommendations for improvements, but which also confirmed that a shared services model for information technology is the right one for the Government of Canada.
To improve the management and provision of the IT infrastructure and services within government, through Budget 2018 it was proposed that SSC receive $2.2 billion in funding over six years, with $349.8 million ongoing, starting in 2018-2019. The Budget 2018 funding signals the start of a “reset” in how SSC is positioned to enable the Government of Canada’s digital vision, and will be used to advance every component of the government’s plan to build a modern, reliable and secure digital platform. This work will include building the capacity required to enable government priorities while continuing to improve service delivery for customer departments.
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1/31/2019,354,04-Oct,Government Services and Operations,Ensure the timely and orderly transition of Parliamentary operations during the renewal of the Parliamentary precinct.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,Completed - fully met,"The Government of Canada is restoring and modernizing the Parliamentary Precinct for current and future generations of Canadians, and to provide Parliament with the accommodations it needs to operate effectively and safely in a modern, connected and sustainable world. ","The restored and modernized West Block and the new Visitor Welcome Centre were officially transferred to the House of Commons on November 8, 2018. This follows a 7-year rehabilitation, and a June 2018 decision by the House of Commons to proceed with a phased move. The move of parliamentary operations will be completed in time for the 2019 winter parliamentary sitting. Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) is working collaboratively with Parliament to ensure a seamless transition of parliamentary operations.
The phased move of operations from the Centre Block began in the summer of 2018 to support a timely and orderly transition to the new facilities, and enable the restoration of the Centre Block to begin.
This transition of parliamentary operations from the Centre Block and the start of its major restoration is a major milestone in this effort. At this time, many Members of Parliament, Ministers and Senators have begun moving out of Centre Block and into their newly rehabilitated accommodations. In addition, the Investigations Program examining the Centre Block’s condition is advancing well with more intrusive work (phase 2) underway.
A Deputy Minister level committee has been established to provide direction and oversight on a coordinated, timely and orderly transition of operations from the Centre Block to the West Block and the government Conference Centre in 2018. The committee is chaired by Public Services and Procurement Canada, and comprises representatives from the House of Commons, the Senate, the Library of Parliament, Parliamentary Protective Service, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the Privy Council Office.
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1/31/2019,355,04-Oct,Indigenous peoples,Develop a vision for a national space for Indigenous peoples at 100 Wellington.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations;Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made","Creating a space for Indigenous peoples directly across from Parliament Hill will symbolize a turning point in Canada's relationship with Indigenous peoples. This location will provide a concrete marker of the importance of Indigenous peoples to this country's past, present, and future.","On June 21, 2017, the government announced that a new space for Indigenous peoples will be established at 100 Wellington Street in the National Capital Region that reflects the vision of Indigenous peoples and the spirit of reconciliation. To advance this project, an interim working group has been established with representatives from the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the Métis National Council and the Government of Canada to recommend next steps to ensure 100 Wellington becomes an inclusive space. The working group continues to meet regularly to advance the project to support both early use (by Summer 2019) and longer-term occupancy of the 100 Wellington building. Next steps include the development of a governance approach and a common vision for the space. This multi-year, large-scale project will involve broad consultations with Indigenous peoples on a national scale"
1/31/2019,356,04-Oct,Government Services and Operations,"Enhance the quality and capacity of services provided by the Translation Bureau, and promote the economic vitality of Canada's translation and interpretation community.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made",The Government of Canada has access to high quality linguistic services that enable it to operate and to serve Canadians in both official languages.,"In order to reposition the Translation Bureau as a centre of excellence, the government is implementing a new vision that seeks to improve quality of services, strengthen relationships with professional associations, universities and clients, ensure effective resource management and planning and guarantee that linguistic tools meet the needs of employees.
The Translation Bureau’s Chief Quality Officer has been actively working on a quality evaluation framework and an action plan identifying a series of measures to improve quality. For example, the Translation Bureau’s new Supply Arrangement for Translation Services, which has been in effect since August 1, 2018, places greater emphasis on quality over price.
The Bureau is also working in collaboration with the interpretation industry to implement a new procurement tool for conference interpretation. In addition, the Bureau is working closely with clients, universities, associations and the language industry to ensure quality services and the vitality of language professions. It remains committed to hiring over 50 students per year over the next 5 years to train the next generation of language specialists. In 2017-2018, more than 150 students were hired. The Bureau has also taken steps to ensure that it is ready to embrace innovation, artificial intelligence and adopt leading-edge practices."
1/31/2019,357,04-Oct,Jobs and Innovation,Develop the vision for the new federal science infrastructure.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made",A modern science infrastructure that fosters collaboration to achieve policy goals and protects the safety and security and health of Canadians.,"In Budget 2018, the government announced $2.8 billion over five years as part of an ambitious plan to renew federal laboratories. The government is launching the first phase of the plan, which will begin the process for the construction of multipurpose, collaborative federal science and technology facilities. This plan will ensure that federal scientists have access to world-class infrastructure, equipment, and computer networks to produce the best results for Canadians.
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1/31/2019,358,04-Oct,Jobs and Innovation,Use work on accessibility as a catalyst for new ideas and business strategies through technology and design.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made",Canadians with disabilities are participating more in the digital economy with the help of assistive and adaptive digital devices and technologies.,"The Accessible Technology Program will help fill the gap in support for the development of assistive and adaptive digital devices and technologies that enable persons with disabilities to fully participate in society. It will help remove barriers to Internet access and other digital services for Canadians with disabilities, will help them gain the digital skills they need for good jobs, and enable them to fully participate in the digital economy."
1/31/2019,359,04-Oct,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Monitor federal allocations to improve public transit accessibility, and create reporting obligations on these expenditures.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made","Improved reliability, efficiency, safety and accessibility of public transit systems in Canada.","Canadian cities have been growing at a rapid rate, but investment in public transit has not kept pace and investments have not always considered accessibility issues.
To improve public transit systems across Canada and make them more accessible, Budget 2016 announced immediate federal investments of up to $3.4 billion in public transit, starting in 2016–17 to be provided through a new Public Transit Infrastructure Fund. These investments are helping to improve commutes, cut air pollution, strengthen communities and grow Canada's economy. Public Transit Infrastructure funding is being provided to support the rehabilitation of public transit systems, the planning of future system improvements and expansions, enhanced asset management, and system optimization and modernization."
1/31/2019,360,04-Oct,Indigenous peoples,Promote culturally relevant sport for Indigenous youth.,Minister of Science and Sport;Minister of Indigenous Services,"Actions taken, progress made","Increased and sustained participation of Indigenous children and youth in culturally relevant sport programming. In addition, sport programming is used to reduce the gap between Indigenous communities and the rest of Canada in areas of social development.","Budget 2017 invested $18.9 million over five years starting in 2017-2018, and ongoing funding of $5.5 million every four years thereafter to support Indigenous youth and sport. This included funding to the Aboriginal Sport Circle in the amount of $800,000 in 2017-2018 to enable the organization to assume a leadership role on Indigenous sport development, as well as funding to the provinces and territories to promote culturally relevant sport programming in Indigenous communities. The government also provided $3.5 million for the hosting of the North American Indigenous Games in Toronto from July 16 to 23, 2017. In addition, in 2017-2018, approximately $4.85 million was provided to eleven national organizations to pilot physical activity and sport projects in 61 First Nation communities across the country. A total of 6,145 First Nation students, 595 parents/community members, 364 on reserve teachers, and 212 Elders participated in the pilot projects. All pilots have been completed. Each final project report is now being reviewed, and the most successful programs will be identified with the goal of increasing Indigenous participation in culturally relevant sports and recreation, and to improve the health and well-being of Indigenous communities through sport participation. Through Budget 2018, the government invested $47.5 million over five years, and $9.5 million per year ongoing, to expand the use of sports for social development in more than 300 Indigenous communities. The government is working closely with the Aboriginal Sport Circle to design the program to deliver these funds."
1/31/2019,361,04-Oct,Healthy Canadians,Better support Canadian athletes through the Athlete Assistance Program.,Minister of Science and Sport,Completed - fully met,High-performance Canadian athletes are better able to focus on training for world class performances due to greater financial support.,"The government is investing an additional $25 million over 5 years through Budget 2017, with $5 million per year ongoing, to the Athlete Assistance Program. This investment represents an 18% increase over existing funding levels. New investments are being distributed in the following way: $4.25 million for the living and training allowance, $250,000 for tuition support and $500,000 for supplementary support. This new investment will directly assist approximately 1,900 athletes across Canada and enable them to continue to combine their sport and academic or working careers while training intensively in pursuit of world-class performance."
1/31/2019,362,04-Oct,Indigenous peoples,"Dissolve Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, and create a new Department of Indigenous Services and a new Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs to better serve Indigenous peoples.",Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations;Minister of Indigenous Services;Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,"Actions taken, progress made","Improved delivery and quality of day-to-day services for First Nations, Inuit and Métis. An improved nation-to-nation relationship and greater self-determination for Indigenous peoples who rightfully want and need to control service delivery for their own people.","The Government of Canada announced the creation of the Department of Indigenous Services Canada in early December 2017. The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations has been mandated to lead consultations on the structure of two new departments.
An Order-in-Council was adopted to designate Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) as a department. A Memorandum of Understanding between Health Canada and ISC was signed to ensure the seamless continuity of internal services to First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB), which was previously under Health Canada. As of April 1, 2018, employees who worked in Internal Services at Health Canada supporting the FNIHB are officially employees of ISC. This is an important step in the transformation towards a stronger service culture within ISC’s service to, and empowerment of, Indigenous peoples."
1/31/2019,363,04-Oct,Indigenous peoples,"Lead a whole-of-government approach to renew the nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relationship with Indigenous people.",Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations,"Actions taken, progress made","A renewed relationship with Indigenous peoples based on co-developed policies that support strong and effective nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relationships that consider and respond to the unique realities of Indigenous peoples in Canada.","Three permanent bilateral mechanisms have been created, with the Prime Minister, the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and the Métis National Council, to jointly set priorities and oversee outcomes. On February 9, 2017, the Prime Minister and Inuit leaders signed a declaration to create the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee, demonstrating the shared commitment to a renewed Inuit-Crown relationship between Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Government of Canada. The first Métis Nation-Crown Summit took place on April 13, 2017, where the Prime Minister and the President of the Métis National Council and its Governing Members signed the Canada-Métis Nation Accord. On June 12, 2017, the Prime Minister and the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations signed a Memorandum of Understanding during the first Assembly of First Nations-Crown meeting. Since the creation of the Permanent Bilateral Mechanisms, regular meetings at the Ministerial and senior officials level have helped guide the substantive work underway in the co-developed joint priorities. Both the Inuit-Crown and Metis-Crown mechanisms have now had their second annual meeting with the Prime Minister, and preparations are underway for the second Prime Minister meeting with Assembly of First Nations to identify Year Two priorities. Results from the Permanent Bilateral Mechanisms process were reflected in distinctions based investments in Budget 2018 in areas such as Health, Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care, Indigenous skills and Employment Training Strategy, and First Nations' policing.
A second successful Canada – Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations Forum, chaired by the Prime Minister and attended by 24 Indigenous Leaders, was held on January 8, 2019. Progress made since the November 1, 2017 Forum was discussed, with particular focus on the advancement of the Collaborative Fiscal Process.
In 2018, the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and senior officials held over 100 engagement sessions with close to 1700 participants to listen to ideas about how to make the recognition and implementation of rights the basis for all relations between Indigenous peoples and the federal government. Canada has heard that there is a broad consensus among partners that some policies – namely the Comprehensive Land Claims Policy and the Inherent Right Policy – are in urgent need of reform. In 2019, Canada will continue to engage with Indigenous peoples to overhaul these outdated policies.
Through Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions, the government is working with Indigenous groups to co-develop mandates that better address their needs and priorities. These discussions also provide a forum for the government to support the reconstitution of Indigenous nations, as well as self-determination and self-government. There are over 75 discussions underway representing over 400 communities and a population of approximately 850,000 people.
Budget 2018 invested $74.9 million over five years, with $15.5 million per year ongoing, to provide ongoing support to these policy co-development forums.
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1/31/2019,364,04-Oct,Indigenous peoples,Include Indigenous representatives in a meaningful way in Canada's federal-provincial-territorial dialogues.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations;Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges",A consensus based approach to meaningful and collaborative engagement with Indigenous representatives in federal-provincial-territorial dialogues.,"Indigenous organizations have been active participants in ongoing federal-provincial-territorial (FPT) dialogues in policy areas that matter most to Indigenous peoples. This continued dialogue plays a key role in identifying priorities and shaping the path forward in a number of areas, including justice and public safety, health, culture and heritage, sport and recreation, and early learning and childcare. Indigenous representatives continue to be involved in federal-provincial-territorial dialogues on a bilateral and multi-lateral basis. In October 2017, national Indigenous organizations met with First Ministers to discuss measures to promote the inclusion of Indigenous peoples in an economic growth agenda and the connection to the broader reconciliation agenda. In January 2018, Indigenous leaders met with FPT Ministers responsible for Child and Family Services to discuss a plan for addressing the critical challenges being faced regarding Indigenous children in care.
In December 2018, leaders of national Indigenous Organizations again met with First Ministers to discuss continued economic growth and prosperity for Indigenous peoples.
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1/31/2019,365,04-Oct,Canada in the World,Develop a new Arctic Policy and a shared Arctic Leadership model for the government's work in the North.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations;Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,"Actions taken, progress made","Strong, self-reliant people and communities working together for a vibrant, prosperous and sustainable Arctic region at home and abroad, while expressing Canada’s enduring Arctic sovereignty.","In November 2017, the government launched public engagement to support the development of an Arctic Policy Framework for Canada to replace Canada's Northern Strategy and the Statement on Canada's Arctic Foreign Arctic Policy. This Framework is intended to identify a vision and plan to guide federal activities in the region. Public engagement is completed and included roundtables with northern residents and Indigenous organizations, and stakeholder sessions with business, youth, non-governmental organizations and researchers. Federal, Provincial, Territorial and Indigenous partners continue to collaborate on the co-development of domestic and international elements of the framework. In March 2018, work on a new Arctic and Northern Policy Framework proceeded from public engagement to co-development with Territorial, Indigenous, and Provincial partners. As of December 2018, a broad consensus has been achieved on a draft Framework, that has been sent for final validation by co-development partners with the aim of completing and launching the policy statement phase of the Framework by spring 2019."
1/31/2019,366,04-Oct,Indigenous peoples,Advance devolution in Nunavut in collaboration with the government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations;Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,"Actions taken, progress made","Greater control for Nunavut over their lands and resources, leading to increased investment and economic growth, more job opportunities and lower unemployment, and increased revenues for the Government of Nunavut. Devolution will also contribute to the broader goal of reconciliation and will be a key result under a new Arctic Policy Framework.","On July 9, 2016, the government appointed a new Chief Federal Negotiator for Nunavut devolution. The Chief Federal Negotiator is meeting on specific issues to build common ground and facilitate the achievement of an Agreement-in-Principle. The Agreement-in-Principle will lead to a devolution agreement which would provide for the transfer of responsibilities for land and resource management to the government of Nunavut. Main Table meetings with the government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated began in December 2016. Negotiations are ongoing."
1/31/2019,367,04-Oct,Indigenous peoples,Increase the number of comprehensive modern treaties and new self-government agreements for Indigenous communities.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations;Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges","An increased number of modern treaties (comprehensive land claim agreements, self-government agreements) that supports Indigenous peoples' self-determination, self-government and nation rebuilding.","On February 14, 2018, the Prime Minister announced that Canada would replace the Comprehensive Land Claims Policy and Inherent Right Policy with a new policy that fully embraces section 35 of the *Constitution Act, 1982*. By focusing on the recognition and implementation of rights, the new policy will support and advance Indigenous peoples’ self-determination. Canada also engages in Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions to co-develop policies and approaches that lead to greater self-determination.
In British Columbia, the government is working in partnership with the province of British Columbia and the First Nations Summit to implement the proposals in the report on the ""Multilateral Engagement Process to Improve and Expedite Treaty Negotiations in British Columbia"" that was endorsed by the Principals to the British Columbia treaty process in May 2016. To demonstrate their commitment to transformative change beyond the Multilateral Engagement process, on December 1, 2018, the Principals signed the *Principals’ Accord on Transforming Treaty Negotiations in British Columbia*. The accord signals that the Crown and First Nations are committed to removing impediments to treaty negotiations in British Columbia and affirms an approach based on recognition and implementation of Indigenous rights, rather than extinguishment.
Budget 2018 outlines new steps the government will take to increase the number of modern treaties and self-government agreements with Indigenous communities in a manner that reflects a recognition of rights approach. As part of this new approach, Canada will be moving away from the use of loans to fund Indigenous participation in the negotiation of modern treaties. Starting in 2018–2019, Indigenous participation in modern treaty negotiations will be funded through non-repayable contributions. The government will engage with affected Indigenous groups on how best to address past and present negotiation loans, including forgiveness of loans. This engagement has taken place, resulting in a number of productive discussions. Results of these discussions will prove useful as Canada continues to work on the development of options with regards to treatment of past and present negotiation loan debt. Through Budget 2018, also allows for the Collaborative Fiscal Policy for Self-Government Arrangements, which focuses on governance costs and Indigenous government own source revenues in preparation for the renewal of 16+ fiscal financial agreements to take place in 2019-2020. Additionally, in Budget 2018, the government also proposes to invest $51.4 million over the next two years to continue the Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussion tables.
As a result, on March 29th, 2018 Bill C-70 received Royal Assent giving effect to the Agreement on Cree Nation Governance between the Crees of Eeyou Istchee and the Government of Canada thereby advancing Self-Determination for approximately 18,000 Indigenous people in nine Cree communities in North-West Quebec.
On December 14, 2017, Bill C-61, the *Anishinabek Nation Education Act* received Royal Assent, marking the first self-government agreement in Ontario with 23 Anishinabek First Nations. The Agreement, which came into effect on April 1 2018, recognizes Anishinabek law-making powers and authority over K-12 education on reserve and a new education system grounded in Anishinabek culture and language. The Ontario Ministry of Education fully supports this Agreement and has a complementary arrangement in place to ensure that all Ontario students can benefit from this transformative education model.
On January 16, 2019, the Government of Canada, the Government of Northwest Territories and the Norman Wells Land Corporation signed the Self-Government Agreement-in-Principle for the Sahtu Dene and Metis of Norman Wells. The Agreement-in-Principle will provide the foundation for the negotiation of a final agreement, thereby renewing the relationship and aligning with the Principles respecting the Government of Canada’s relationship with Indigenous Peoples, Reconciliation and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Further, the government continues to take concrete steps to advance reconciliation efforts in Eastern Canada. On November 12, 2018, a bilateral *Framework Agreement on Reconciliation and the Fishery* was signed with the Listuguj First Nation of Québec, which positions parties to advance Listuguj’s fishing rights and interests. On January 15, 2019, a tripartite Framework Agreement was signed with the Mi’kmaq of Prince Edward Island and the Government of Prince Edward Island, which sets the foundation to begin discussing the Mi’kmaq’s Aboriginal and treaty rights in detail. In addition to being acts of reconciliation, these types of agreements are intended to help Canada strengthen its cooperative nation-to-nation partnerships in the region and work towards implementing Indigenous rights and self-determination.
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1/31/2019,368,04-Oct,Indigenous peoples,Support Indigenous peoples in their work to advance self-determination.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges","Indigenous peoples will have sufficient capacity and resources to work towards rebuilding and reconstituting their nations, advancing self-determination, and, for First Nations, facilitating transitions away from the *Indian Act* and toward self-government.","The government continues to support Indigenous peoples as they reconstitute their nations and advance self-determination and self-government. This is being accomplished through nation-level dialogues and community-level processes that are exploring the rights and priorities of Indigenous groups and working towards their implementation in ways that make sense for Indigenous communities. The Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions allow for the co-development of flexible negotiation mandates so that key issues can be appropriately prioritized and addressed. Over 75 of these discussions are underway with Indigenous communities and 29 preliminary agreements have been signed. The government is continuing to update policies and operational practices to better support Indigenous self-determination across the country. On February 14, 2018, the Prime Minister announced that Canada would replace the Comprehensive Land Claims Policy and Inherent Right Policy with a new policy that fully embraces section 35 of the *Constitution Act, 1982*. To date, the Minister of Crown Indigenous Relations and senior officials have held over 100 engagement sessions with close to 1700 participants. Canada will continue to engage with Indigenous peoples to overhaul these outdated policies.
Through Budget 2018, the government also proposes to invest $51.4 million over the next two years to continue its support for federal and Indigenous participation in the Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussion tables. Additionally, Budget 2018, provides $101.5 million over five years, starting in 2018–2019, to support the nation rebuilding efforts of Indigenous Peoples. The program was launched in July 2018. The strong response by Indigenous groups demonstrates their desire to engage in the rebuilding of their nations. Funding would be made available to Indigenous groups to support activities that would facilitate their own path to reconstituting their nations. To support the expansion of the *First Nations Land Management Act* and the successful participation of First Nations under the Act, Budget 2018 proposes to invest $143.5 million over five years, beginning in 2018–2019, and $19 million per year ongoing. This funding will allow an additional 50 First Nations to enter into the Land Management Regime, while providing pre-readiness support and capacity development to ensure their successful participation. Additionally, this will support over 200 First Nations to opt-out, or begin the process of opting-out, of the 33 lands related sections of the Indian Act and assume jurisdiction over their lands, environment, and natural resources under their own First Nations Land Codes. Budget 2018 also invested $50 million over 5 years and $11 million on-going to strengthen the First Nations Financial Management Board, the First Nations Finance Authority and the First Nations Tax Commission. In December 2018, the amendments to the *First Nations Fiscal Management Act* received Royal Assent through Bill C-86. These amendments enable better delivery of the Act, simplified and clearer provisions, and will extend access to organizations and additional First Nations that will benefit from new socio-economic opportunities. The Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management and the *First Nations Land Management Act* were amended in 2018 to enhance governance capacity by increasing options for First Nations to gain greater control over their lands, ratification processes and law-making, while also simplifying the entry process for future members.
Through Budget 2018, the government proposes to provide $5.5 million over two years to continue the activities of the Matrimonial Real Property Implementation Support Program. In addition, this funding will support new and more targeted training and awareness activities, such as the development of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, to respond to gaps in the administration of justice. This funding will provide for the continuation of a First Nation Centre of Excellence providing training to enhance knowledge and awareness of rights and protections available under related federal legislation; and support for First Nation law-making in this area.
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1/31/2019,369,04-Oct,Indigenous peoples,Advance positions in co-operative dispute resolution processes that are consistent with the resolution of past wrongs toward Indigenous peoples.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges","Resolution of past grievances through collaborative, trusted, mutually respectful processes consistent with the Government's commitment to a renewed nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown and government-to-government relationship.","Recent settlement agreements between the Government of Canada and Indigenous peoples signify progress on this commitment. This has been demonstrated by the government's new approach to Indigenous Childhood Claims Litigation, and specifically through the *Anderson* (Newfoundland and Labrador Residential Schools) settlement agreement (September 2016), the Prime Minister’s historic apology to former students of the Newfoundland and Labrador Residential Schools (November 2017), and the Sixties Scoop settlement (May 2018), the joint development of the parameters of the Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation, the ongoing negotiations to resolve Gottfriedson and the recent announcement of the *McLean* Agreement-in-Principle (December 2018).
In addition, Canada entered into a settlement agreement (federal investment of $666 million) with Ontario and the seven Williams Treaties First Nations, resolving a 95 year old land claim. As part of this agreement, Canada and Ontario acknowledged and recognized the rights of the Williams Treaties First Nations to hunt, trap, fish and gather in various pre-Confederation treaty areas in central Ontario, and further, both governments provided an oral and written apology to the First Nations (November 17,2018).
In October 2018, the government, in partnership with the Lubicon Lake Band and the Government of Alberta, concluded the Lubicon Lake Band No. 453 Treaty 8 Lands and Benefits Claim Settlement Agreement (federal investment of $95 million) and ancillary agreements following overwhelming community ratification. This settlement resolves the original omission of the Lubicon from Treaty 8 and addresses the grievances over this past wrong through the provision of reserve lands, compensation for the decades of loss of use of those lands and other treaty benefits and commits to the construction of significant community infrastructure. The settlement is a major step forward towards reconciliation with the Lubicon.
Also, in September 2018, Canada reached a final settlement to resolve the Ahiarmiut litigation concerning the relocation of the community on multiple occasions throughout Nunavut in the 1950s. In addition to the monetary settlement, on January 22, 2019, the Government of Canada delivered an apology to advance reconciliation with the Ahiarmiut.
The government is also advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples through symbolic Ministerial statements of posthumous exoneration and/or pardon that address historical incidents of cultural conflict and misunderstanding. A posthumous exoneration stands as an important symbol of the Government of Canada's commitment to reconciliation. For example, on March 26, 2018, the Prime Minister delivered a statement of exoneration on behalf of the Government of Canada to the Tsilhqot’in Nation and the descendants of six Tsilhqot’in Chiefs who led the Tsilhqot’in war effort in 1864 in response to a colonial road crew attempting to build a road through Tsilhqot'in territory without the agreement of the Tsilhqot'in Nation, and were executed in 1864 and 1865.
In addition, the government is working with the Poundmaker Cree Nation to exonerate Chief Poundmaker who was wrongly convicted for treason against the Crown as one of the leaders of a community that had been involved in armed conflict against the Canadian Expeditionary Force following the looting of Battleford in 1855 (present day Saskatchewan).
Sixty-seven (67) specific claims have been settled with First Nations since November 2015. These settlements address longstanding historic grievances. Resolving them advances reconciliation and is consistent with Canada’s commitment to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
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1/31/2019,370,04-Oct,Indigenous peoples,"Ensure the implementation of pre-Confederation, historic, and modern treaties and agreements.",Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Strengthened Crown-Indigenous relationships, greater autonomy, and improved social and economic outcomes for Indigenous peoples.","Collaborative work with Indigenous partners is ongoing, such as through the Inuit Crown Partnership Committee Permanent Bilateral Mechanism and the annual Canada-Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations Forum (the first forum was chaired by the Prime Minister in November 2017). Issue areas addressed through these fora include: collaborative participation in the formal Implementation Committees that each modern agreement entails; renewing the fiscal relationship with self-governing Indigenous governments, structures of governments, and furthering shared priorities through participation and engagement, and improving treaty implementation.
The historic treaty relationship is maintained through various policies, mechanisms and processes including treaty discussions and treaty commissions. A number of historic treaty groups are engaged with Canada in discussions toward reinvigorating the treaty relationship and exploring reconciliation-focused approaches to address treaty-related interests, including with respect to treaty implementation. The government is also supporting the implementation of the Additions to Reserve Policy Directive to ensure Canada meets its historic treaty obligations and to improve access to community lands and resources. In December of 2018, the *Addition of Lands to Reserves and Reserve Creation Act* received Royal Assent which will result in a more efficient, and transparent process; improve community access to land and resources; and increase community and economic opportunities for First Nations.
Upholding the commitment made at the November 1, 2017 Forum, a second successful Canada – Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations Forum, chaired by the Prime Minister and attended by 24 Indigenous Leaders, was held on January 8, 2019. Progress made since was discussed, with particular focus on the advancement of the Collaborative Fiscal Process. Discussion also included recommendations to amend the federal *Interpretation Act* to include a universal non-derogation clause, creation of a Modern Treaties Implementation Review Commission, forgiveness of negotiation loans that have already been repaid, creation of an Implementation Policy, and views on the distinctions-based approach.
Other ongoing engagement, including with respect to departmental transformation, and with modern treaty and self-governing groups will be essential to positively advancing implementation of treaties and agreements.
Canada entered into a settlement (federal investment of $666 million) agreement with Ontario and the seven Williams Treaties First Nations, resolving a 95 year old land claim. As part of this agreement, Canada and Ontario acknowledged and recognized the rights of the Williams Treaties First Nations to hunt, trap, fish and gather in various pre-Confederation treaty areas in central Ontario.
In October 2018, the government, in partnership with the Lubicon Lake Band and the Government of Alberta, concluded the Lubicon Lake Band No. 453 Treaty 8 Lands and Benefits Claim Settlement Agreement (federal investment of $95 million) and ancillary agreements following overwhelming community ratification. This settlement resolves the original omission of the Lubicon from Treaty 8 and addresses the grievances over this past wrong through the provision of reserve lands, compensation for the decades of loss of use of those lands and other treaty benefits and commits to the construction of significant community infrastructure. The settlement is a major step forward towards reconciliation with the Lubicon.
Canada and Indigenous governments continue to engage in respectful and collaborative government-to-government discussions at regular meetings dedicated to the effective implementation of modern treaties and self-government agreements, with 50 having taken place to date in 2017-18.
In Québec, the Cree Nation Governance Agreement (signed on July 18, 2017) will modernize existing governance regimes on Cree lands. The implementing Bill on Cree Nation Governance Agreement received Royal Assent on March 29, 2018. This represents another step in implementing Cree self-governance in compliance with the 1975 James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement. It will provide the Cree First Nations and the Cree Nation Government with important tools to assume greater autonomy and responsibility in the governance of Cree community lands subject to federal jurisdiction. The Agreement on Cree Nation Governance and the Cree Constitution demonstrate that the Cree Nation Government and the Cree First Nations are mature governments. They are a step towards reconciliation and a respectful nation-to-nation relationship between the Cree and Canada in the spirit of the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement.
Additions to Reserves enable Canada to fulfill legal obligations established by Treaty Lands Entitlement, Specific Claims, and other legal agreements. Expanding the reserve land base is also an important mechanism by which First Nations can foster community and economic development. A National Additions to Reserve Advisory Committee made up of Indigenous organizations and stakeholders was created in 2017 to identify and implement process improvements that will streamline and accelerate the Additions to Reserve process. There were 113 Additions to Reserve approved in 2017-2018, of which 99 represent the fulfillment of legal obligations on the part of the Crown. To date in 2018-2019, 51 Additions to Reserve have been completed, of which 38 represent the fulfillment of legal obligations. Five percent of outstanding Additions to Reserve-related legal obligations are forecasted to be addressed in 2019-2020.
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1/31/2019,371,04-Oct,Indigenous peoples,"Collaboratively, identify the best models for delivering improved services to Indigenous peoples, and improve accountability.",Minister of Indigenous Services,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges","Co-creation of new and meaningful partnership models that strengthen service delivery for Indigenous peoples, resulting in improved outcomes in key areas including health, education, child welfare and community infrastructure.","The government will continue to work in partnership with Indigenous peoples to identify the best models for improving the delivery of services and improving accountability to Indigenous peoples for the quality of those services. This will be achieved by strengthening engagement practices, supporting the transfer of services to be Indigenous-led where possible, recognizing the inherent knowledge of communities and ensuring that services are culturally appropriate. The government will also work with Indigenous peoples to measure and monitor progress and improve service delivery on an ongoing basis.
The government continues to work collaboratively with the *First Nations Fiscal Management Act* institutions, the First Nations Finance Authority, the First Nations Financial Management Board and the First Nations Tax Commission, who provide direct services to First Nations and a legislative and institutional framework to exercise jurisdiction over core fiscal and governance matters, including the financing of infrastructure and economic development projects through the issuance of bonds on capital markets. For an example of some of the results achieved, the First Nations Finance Authority’s September 2018 debenture issuance on the financial markets added an additional $138 million to the existing debentures and bringing the total to $518 million. Investments in infrastructure and socio-economic development projects include water treatment, roads, housing, schools, health, security and emergency services, renewable energy and aquaculture. In addition to the high quality services that they provide, these institutions are working collaboratively with the government and other First Nation partners to lead the way on innovative initiatives that support a renewed nation-to-nation relationship, such as a proposed First Nation infrastructure institution, under the umbrella of a New Fiscal Relationship and 10 year grants, and exploring the potential to monetize federal capital transfers.
The government also continues to work in close collaboration with other key partner Indigenous organizations such as the National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association, the First Nations Lands Management Resource Centre and the Tulo Centre of Indigenous Economics. These technical organizations play a crucial role in developing capacity, certifying First Nations through accredited programs and providing ongoing professional development and technical support in areas of relevance to First Nations - land use planning and surveys, matrimonial real property, resource development, environmental management, etc. The government will continue to look for opportunities to further devolve responsibilities to its partners as they have proven to be effective and efficient in providing culturally appropriate services and capacity development opportunities.
Budget 2018 invested $50 million over five years, and $11 million per year ongoing, to strengthen the First Nations Financial Management Board, the First Nations Finance Authority and the First Nations Tax Commission. In December, the amendments to the *First Nations Fiscal Management Act* received Royal Assent through Bill C-86. These amendments enable better delivery of the Act, simplified and clearer provisions, and will extend access to organizations and additional First Nations that will benefit from new socio-economic opportunities.
The government is in discussions with the Métis National Council on increasing access to capital for the Métis Capital Corporations as well as the possibility of holding a MEDS 4 (Métis Economic Development Symposium). The government will continue to work with First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation, as well as other partners, to advance the reforms to child and family services that are needed and develop Indigenous-led solutions that put the well-being of children first. For example, supporting community-led initiatives, working with First Nations communities, Inuit governments and organizations, and the Métis Nation to draw down jurisdiction in child and family services, and collaborating with partners to create federal legislation in child and family services.
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1/31/2019,372,04-Oct,Indigenous peoples,"Continue to provide services to Indigenous peoples, including community infrastructure, emergency management, water, education, moneys and trusts, and registration.",Minister of Indigenous Services,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges","Indigenous communities will have access to and benefit from quality community infrastructure including housing, water, schools and other forms of community infrastructure, and services (moneys and trusts, and registration).","**Water:** In January 2018, the scope of the commitment to resolve additional long-term drinking water advisories (LT-DWAs) was expanded. Between November 2015 and February 22, 2019, the total number of LT-DWAs on public systems on reserve declined from 105 to 61. Over this period, 79 LT-DWAs were lifted and 36 new LT-DWAs were added.
The Government of Canada has committed $2.05 billion until 2020-2021 to strengthen water infrastructure on reserves. This includes $1.83 billion (plus $151.7 million for monitoring, not included in infrastructure funding) from Budget 2016, as well as $49.1 million to address long-term drinking water advisories on systems included as part of the expanded scope from Budget 2017. Budget 2018 builds on prior investments and reaffirms the government’s commitment by providing an additional $172.6 million over three years, beginning in 2018–2019, to improve access to clean and safe drinking water on reserve.
As part of the Government of Canada commitment to ending all long-term drinking water advisories affecting public systems on reserve by 2021, the government is monitoring and ready to provide support on more than 1,000 public drinking water systems on reserve, if any additional drinking water advisories become long-term, or are at risk of becoming long-term. Since November 2015, progress has been made and long-term drinking water advisories have been lifted on public water systems on reserve through the work done in partnership with First Nations communities and partners.
Work is ongoing in partnership with First Nations communities and an action plan is in place to address all LT-DWAs currently in effect.
As of September 30, 2018, $867 million of the available targeted funding has been invested to support 490 water and wastewater projects in 581 First Nations communities serving approximately 458,000 people. A total of 185 of those projects are completed. The Government of Canada is also working with First Nations communities to ensure effective management and maintenance of existing water systems on reserve, as well as helping to ensure that new water infrastructure better meets the needs of communities.
**Housing:** Investments in Indigenous housing from Budget 2016 and Budget 2017 are supporting the construction/renovation and servicing/acquisition of 15,050 units and lots (6,336 from Indigenous Services Canada and 8.714 from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation) in First Nations communities. As of September 30, 2018, 10,391 (69%) of the 15,050 housing units and lots have been completed. With respect to Budget 2016 investments in Inuit housing, 183 new housing units were built in 2016-2017 and 2017-2018. In addition, a co-developed Inuit Nunangat Housing Strategy was endorsed by Ministers and Inuit Leaders at the November 2018 meeting of the Inuit Crown Partnership Committee. Through investments made in Budget 2017 and Budget 2018, the government proposes dedicated funding to support the successful implementation of each of the distinctions-based housing strategies, including:
•$600 million over three years to support housing on reserve as part of a 10-year First Nations Housing Strategy that is being co-developed with First Nations.
•$400 million over 10 years to support an Inuit-led housing plan in the Inuit regions of Nunavik, Nunatsiavut and Inuvialuit Settlement Region;
•$240 million over 10 years announced in Budget 2017 to support housing in Nunavut;
•The Inuit Nunangat Housing Strategy, co-developed with Inuit partners, and endorsed by the Inuit Crown-Partnership Committee in November 2018, will provide long-term vision and redirection for these investments; and,
•$500 million over 10 years to support the Métis Nation’s housing strategy.
**Schools:** The government is improving primary and secondary education on reserve by building and renovating school facilities thereby supporting the enhancement of the quality of language and cultural programs; and empowering communities to establish First Nations' planned and led education systems. As of September 30, 2018, and since April 2016, more than $318 million of targeted funding has been invested to support 173 school-related projects. This includes 70 new schools, 14 of which are completed, 87 renovations and upgrades, 27 of which are complete, and 16 feasibility studies and supporting projects.
**Health facilities:**As of December 31, 2018, $238.8 million of targeted investments have been made to support 215 First Nations infrastructure projects to build and renovate health facilities such as nursing stations, health centres, acute care facilities, drug and alcohol treatment centres, as well as facilities hosting Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve (AHSOR) programming. As of December 31, 2018, 184 (85.5%) of these projects are complete.
**Emergency Management:** In 2016-2017, the Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP) invested $115.69 million to support First Nations in their efforts to prepare for, mitigate against, respond to and recover from emergency disasters. There were 117 emergency events affecting First Nation communities of which 37 caused evacuations involving approximately 6,668 evacuees (99.6% of whom have returned to their communities).
For 2017-2018, forecasted expenditures for EMAP are approximately $137 million, with approximately $102.6 million of this for emergency response and recovery. There were 153 EMAP-eligible emergency events affecting First Nation communities, of which 55 caused evacuations involving approximately 14,888 evacuees (99.4 % of whom have returned to their communities to date).
For 2018-2019, forecasted expenditures for EMAP are approximately $166.04 million, with approximately $129.15 million of this for emergency response and recovery.
In the 2018-2019 fiscal year (as of January 16, 2019), there have been 180 EMAP-eligible emergency events affecting First Nation communities, of which 57 resulted in evacuations involving approximately 10,014 evacuees. Presently, five communities, or approximately 106 individuals, who were evacuated in 2018-2019, remain evacuated. As of January 16, 2019, the EMAP has supported the repatriation of 290 long-term evacuees from emergencies in 2018-2019. Presently, there remain 2,636 long term evacuees, of which 908 are receiving support through the Emergency Management Assistance Program, and 2,047 are receiving support through Public Safety Canada's Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements.
Expenditures for EMAP in 2017-2018 totalled approximately $137 million, with approximately $102.6 million of this for emergency response and recovery. During the 2017-2018 fiscal year, there were 153 emergency events affecting First Nation communities, of which 54 resulted in evacuations involving approximately 14,888 evacuees, of which 89 remain evacuated (99.4% have returned to their communities to date).
**Land Use Planning:** Since 2016, over $18 million has been invested in Land Use Planning and related activities to support over 60 First Nation communities, which will support healthy and environmentally sustainable community development by ensuring infrastructure investments are planned and implemented in a manner that serves the short and long term needs and priorities of communities.
**Moneys and Trusts:** In 2017-2018, the government processed 1,044 band moneys payment transactions totaling $180.9 million, 6,059 individual moneys payment transactions totaling $9.3 million, and 1,051 suspense account payment transactions totaling $5.6 million. To date, in 2018-2019, the government processed 461, band moneys payment transactions totaling $106.5 million, 4,594 individual moneys payment transactions totaling $7.5 million, and 909 suspense account payment transactions totaling $2.7 million. From January to December 2017, the government distributed $1,968,805.00 in treaty payments to 144,016 individuals at 342 Treaty payment events across Canada.
**Registrations:** On December 22, 2017, the *Indian Act* was amended in response to the Superior Court of Quebec decision in Descheneaux v. Canada (Procureur général). Amendments to address the sex-based inequities in Indian registration going back to 1951 are currently being implemented to all applications, regardless of their submission date. Broader amendments that will remove sex-based inequities going back to 1869 will come into force at a later date after Canada has consulted with First Nations and other parties on how to implement the changes.
**Estates:** Since April 2017, the government provided service to complete the administration for 7,782 decedent estates and opened the administration of 4,215 new decedent estates. Services were provided in the administration of 158 new Living estates.
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1/31/2019,373,04-Oct,Healthy Canadians,Eliminate all long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve by March 2021.,Minister of Indigenous Services,"Actions taken, progress made","Continued progress in eliminating long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve, leading to the elimination of all long-term advisories by March 2021.","In January 2018, the scope of the commitment to resolve additional long-term drinking water advisories (LT-DWAs) was expanded. Between November 2015 and February 22, 2019, the number of LT-DWAs on public systems in First Nations communities has declined from 105 to 61. Over this period, 79 LT-DWAs were lifted, and 36 new LT-DWAs were added. Work is ongoing in partnership with First Nation communities and an action plan is in place to address all 62 LT-DWAs currently in effect, as well as prevent new advisories from becoming long-term. At 62, the number of LT-DWAs drinking water advisories affecting public drinking water systems on reserve is at its lowest level since the Government of Canada started tracking them. The Government of Canada is on track to lift these by March 2021.
To support this commitment, the Government of Canada is investing in First Nation water infrastructure projects and works directly with First Nations to assist communities in monitoring drinking water quality in all water systems, which includes providing advice and guidance about drinking water safety and wastewater disposal, and reviewing infrastructure project proposals from a public health perspective.
Budget 2017 provided $49.1 million over 3 years to address advisories as part of the expanded scope. Budget 2018 builds on prior investments and reaffirms the government’s commitment providing an additional $172.6 million over three years, beginning in 2018–2019, to improve access to clean and safe drinking water on reserve. Budget 2018 also proposed support for repairs to high risk water systems, recruitment, training and retention initiatives, and the establishment of innovative First Nation-led service delivery models.
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1/31/2019,374,04-Oct,Healthy Canadians,Improve the delivery of child welfare and health care under Jordan's Principle to focus on the best interests of the child.,Minister of Indigenous Services,"Actions taken, progress made","First Nations children have access to the health and social supports they need when they need them, no matter where they live.","Significant progress has been made in recent months in the provision of health, educational and social supports. From July 2016 to October 2018, Canada has approved 209,073 products, supports and services totaling $418 million for First Nations children and youth under Jordan's Principle. Actions to support Jordan's Principle, include:
• In October, 2018, an additional $297.4 million (over three years) was approved in Grants and Contributions funding to fund the approved services, support, and products thus increasing the Service Access Resolution Fund from $324.2 million to $621.6 million over three years;
• Jordan’s Principle advertising for the remainder of FY 2018-2019 will focus on increasing awareness of Jordan's Principle among: First Nations families and health, social and educational professionals living and working on-reserve; foster parents (particularly non-Indigenous) of First Nation children living off reserve; and professionals working in urban settings. This will be accomplished through a proactive and multi-faceted communications and marketing approach with a focus on Indigenous mediums (e.g. social media, radio advertisements);
• Co-developing the long-term policy options for the implementation of Jordan's Principle through the Jordan’s Principle Action Table (a sub-committee of the National Advisory Committee) which will inform long term directions. The Table is chaired by the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), includes other First Nations stakeholders, and has undertaken engagement and regional focus groups since July 2017 to inform and then validate the proposed approach. In fall 2018, the Action Table produced a document outlining its co-developed, proposed policy approach for the long-term implementation of Jordan’s Principle, which was shared with stakeholders and partners, and discussed at the Assembly of First Nations’ Summit on Jordan’s Principle, held in Winnipeg in September 2018;
• Launching of the Jordan’s Principle National Call Centre to help First Nations children access the products, services and supports they need. 1-855-JP-CHILD (1-855-572-4453). As of January 13, 2019, a total of 3,551 calls were received, 1,130 of which generated a request for services;
• Continued participation of all interested Canadian Human Rights Tribunal parties at the monthly Jordan’s Principle Operations Committee, a committee established to increase dialogue and timely advice on Jordan’s Principle implementation and planning activities;
• Results were received from Phase one of the Client Satisfaction Survey created in consultation with the parties to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal decision to help assess the impact of Jordan's Principle. Most respondents reported: an improvement in their child’s well-being (82%); that they were satisfied with all Jordan’s Principle products/services/supports (91%), and that they received all Jordan’s Principle products/services/supports (81%). Almost all respondents (99%) stated that they were treated with respect and dignity. A second wave of surveys was distributed this summer, with a final report expected by February 2019; and
• A series of case studies have been completed on service delivery models in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario.
Efforts are being undertaken to reform the delivery of Indigenous Child and Family Services, including:
• To address the funding pressures facing child and family service agencies, while also increasing prevention resources for communities so that children are safe and families can stay together, Budget 2018 provides more than $1.4 billion in new funding over six years, starting in 2017–18, for First Nations Child and Family Services program. The government will continue to work with First Nations, Inuit and the Metis Nation, as well as other partners, to advance the reforms to child and family services that are needed and develop Indigenous-led solutions that put the well-being of children first.
• The federal government’s commitment to continue to fully implement the orders of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, in consultation with the parties, including funding on actuals for retroactive and ongoing agency expenses in areas such as prevention/least disruptive measures, intake and investigation, building repairs, and legal fees.
• Canada signed a Consultation Protocol on March 2, 2018 with the Assembly of First Nations, the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, Nishnawbe-Aski Nation, Chiefs of Ontario and the Canadian Human Rights Commission to fulfill the Canadian Human Rights Tribunals (CHRT) orders and to promote transparency, mutual understanding and cooperation amongst the parties and to ensure that immediate, mid and long term relief measures are developed and implemented in an effective and cooperative manner to eliminate the discrimination outlined in the CHRT decision. Since its inception following the signing of the Consultation Protocol, the Consultation Committee on Child Welfare has held seven meetings and continues productive discussions on the program and implementation of the Tribunal's orders.
• Canada has continued to implement the six point plan on Indigenous child welfare and remains committed to introduce a federal Child and Family Services Bill in early 2019.
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1/31/2019,375,04-Oct,Indigenous peoples,Implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in full partnership with Indigenous peoples.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges","Strengthened relationships between the Government and Indigenous peoples, and alignment of federal laws and policies related to Indigenous peoples with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).","The government has created a Working Group of Ministers, chaired by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, on the Review of Laws and Policies Related to Indigenous peoples to identify opportunities to amend federal laws and policies to align with the spirit and intent of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). As of November 2018, Canada is engaged in over 75 Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions, which are an opportunity for the government to work collaboratively with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities to advance their rights, needs and interests through the co-development of negotiation mandates. These discussions are guided by the spirit and intent of the UNDRIP and by the Principles Respecting the Government of Canada's Relationship with Indigenous peoples. What is heard through these discussions will help inform forthcoming updates to policy that addresses section-35 related policies to align with a recognition of rights approach and Indigenous self-determination as expressed in the UNDRIP.
The Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions are one of the mechanisms Canada is using to advance implementation of Articles 3, 4, 5 and 9 of the UNDRIP. This reflects Article 18 of the Declaration affirming that Indigenous peoples have the right to participate in decision-making about matters affecting their rights through their own representatives.
The Government of Canada is also fulfilling its commitment to implement the UNDRIP by:
• Supporting Private Member’s Bill C-262: The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, as a strong first step in the process of implementation;
• Co-developing Indigenous Languages legislation with national First Nation, Inuit, and Métis leaders;
• Establishing the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls;
• Adopting a set of Principles respecting the Government of Canada's relationship with Indigenous peoples;
• Undertaking major changes to the machinery of government through the creation of the new Department of Indigenous Services and Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, to be better partners in new, recognition-based, nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relations;
• Working with Indigenous self-governments to review financing policies as a first step to support Indigenous governance, self-sufficiency and economic development;
• Creating new pathways to self-determination in health and education, including concluding significant education agreements, like the Anishnabek Nation Education Agreement, that recognizes Anishnabek control over education for 23 participating First Nations, and the opening of the Manitoba First Nations School System;
• Co-developing amendments to the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management and the *First Nations Land Management Act* with the Lands Advisory Board;
• Acknowledging UNDRIP within the *First Nations Land Management Act* aligns with the Government of Canada’s commitment to a renewed, nation-to-nation relationship with Indigenous Peoples based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership. It is a symbolic statement and furthers Canada’s reconciliation efforts.
• Working with Indigenous peoples to replace the Comprehensive Land Claims Policy and the Inherent Rights Policy with a rights-based policy, while also continuing to listen to ideas about what could be in legislation to make the recognition and implementation of rights the basis for all relations between Indigenous peoples and the federal government; and
• Co-developed a consultation protocol agreement between the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nations and the Government of Canada to demonstrate Canada’s commitment to work in a spirit of partnership and collaboration with the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation to advance reconciliation and self-determination, and make real progress on the issues most important to them.
• In January 2019, Canada entered into a protocol for consultation and accommodation with the Huron Wendat Nation that facilitates consultation and engagement, promotes relationship building and clarifies roles and responsibilities between Canada and the Huron-Wendat Nation.
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1/31/2019,376,12-Nov,Safety and Security,Undertake modernization efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the criminal justice system.,Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,"Actions taken, progress made","Canadians are kept safer and offenders are held to account, the system shows greater compassion for victims, the needs of vulnerable populations are addressed and the criminal justice system is more efficient.","On March 29, 2018, the government tabled legislation to improve efficiencies in the criminal justice system and reduce court delays in six key areas:
• modernize and streamline the bail regime;
• enhance the approach to administration of justice offences, including for youth;
• restrict the availability of preliminary inquiries to offences carrying life imprisonment;
• reclassify some offences to provide greater flexibility and court efficiencies;
• improve the jury composition and selection process; and,
• strengthen case management measures and processes for making rules of court.
A number of these reforms will respond to victims and the needs of vulnerable populations, for instance, by providing better protection for victims of intimate partner violence; preventing victims from having to testify twice; and, by providing that circumstances of the accused, in particular Indigenous accused and accused persons from vulnerable populations, are considered at bail, and in determining how to address a breach of condition.
On December 13, 2018, a second piece of government legislation aimed at modernizing the criminal justice system received Royal Assent. This legislation repealed a number of outdated or obsolete *Criminal Code* provisions, and expanded protections for victims of sexual assault. In particular, the legislation clarifies the law of consent, expands the *Criminal Code’*s “rape shield” provisions, and provides complainants with a right to counsel during rape shield proceedings.
To enhance access to justice and improve outcomes for a significant number of Canadian families, Budget 2018 proposed to provide $77.2 million over four years, starting in 2019-2020, and $20.8 million per year ongoing to support the creation and expansion of Unified Family Courts in Alberta, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Further to this funding announcement, the necessary amendments to the *Judges Act* to create the new judicial positions were included in the Budget Implementation Act, 2018, No.1. Implementation planning for the new Unified Family Courts sites is underway in anticipation of these amendments coming into force on April 1, 2019. As a further significant family law initiative, on May 22, 2018, the Government of Canada introduced new legislation (Bill C-78) to make federal family laws more responsive to Canadian families’ needs. The proposed legislation is designed to meet four key objectives:
• promote the best interests of the child;
• address family violence;
• help to reduce child poverty; and
• make Canada’s family justice system more accessible and efficient.
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1/31/2019,377,04-Oct,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Lead preparations for future international sporting events.,Minister of Science and Sport,"Actions taken, progress made",Canadian athletes and national sport organizations are better prepared and supported for domestic and international events.,"Canada recorded its best ever Winter Olympics performance medal-wise at the PyeongChang Olympics with 29 medals (11 gold, eight silver, ten bronze). Canada also recorded its best ever Winter Paralympic performance at the PyeongChang Paralympics with 28 medals (eight gold, four silver and 16 bronze). The government will continue to support Canadian athletes and national sport organizations in preparation for international events. Each year, Canada hosts more than 70 international single sport events that are supported through the government's Hosting Program.
Canada’s female athletes make Canadians proud at high-performance sport events. They regularly achieve podium success at Senior World Championships, and Olympic and Paralympic Games, but fewer Canadian women and girls participate in sport and physical activity than men and boys. However of note, 58% of Team Canada at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games were women, an increase of 9% from the 2014 Games in Glasgow. Through Budget 2018, the government proposed an initial $30 million in funding over three years to support data, research and innovative practices to promote women and girls’ participation in sport, and encourage greater inclusion of women and girls in all facets of sport. As such, in April 2018, a Working Group on gender Equity in Sport was created in order to examine issues that may affect participation and propose ideas, approaches, and strategies for eliminating barriers and to increase participation of women and girls in all facets of sport.
Budget 2018 also proposed to provide $16 million over five years with $2 million in ongoing funding for Special Olympics Canada to sustain its empowering movement. This includes support to the National Team Program which ensures optimal performance preparation for Special Olympics Team Canada to represent Canada on the world stage.
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1/31/2019,378,28-Aug,Exports and Investment,"Assess how the Government of Canada’s trade resources are currently applied compared to where Canadians’ economic opportunities are.
",Minister of International Trade Diversification,Completed - fully met,Develop an effective process to reallocate resources worldwide.,"The Department developed an effective process to reallocate resources across the globe in response to the changing needs of Canadian business. The Trade Resources Allocation Determination (TRAD) model was developed to ensure that resources are located in areas of opportunity for Canadian companies. TRAD incorporates macroeconomics indicators, client demand and operational constraints. Regions that generate positive TRAD results have become priorities for additional resources. "
1/31/2019,379,28-Aug,Exports and Investment,Ensure that our global engagements are maximizing relationship and partnership opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers.,Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made","Targeted global engagements by the Minister of International Trade Diversification, and increased commercial and partnership opportunities for Canadian businesses through the work of the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service.","The Minister of International Trade Diversification continues to nurture strong international relationships with foreign leaders and business people in order to develop global opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers. In November 2018, the Minister accompanied the Prime Minister to the Asia-Pacific Economic Conference (APEC) in Papua New Guinea to meet with partners in the Asia-Pacific region and to continue to expand and diversify Canada’s trade, attract global investment, and create new economic opportunities for Canada. Through participation at the International Economic Forum of the Americas’ Toronto Global Forum in December, the Minister promoted Canada's trade diversification agenda and engaged with business leaders from the Americas. Also in December, with the Minister of Finance, the Minister of International Trade Diversification co-chaired the Canada-China Economic and Financial Strategic Dialogue (EFSD). At that meeting, the two countries agreed to work together to double agricultural trade by 2025, focus on priority sectors like agriculture and energy, and committed to strengthening economic and commercial cooperation. While in Beijing, the Minister also attended the Canada-China Business Council’s annual general meeting and had significant interactions with Canadian and Chinese business leaders. In addition to this high-level engagement, Global Affairs Canada has Trade Commissioners deployed in over 160 locations around the world who are connecting Canadian exporters with commercial opportunities and encouraging new investments into Canada. The Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) provides assistance to nearly 15,000 clients. For each client, this means drawing on established relationships and forging new partnerships to meet their unique needs and goals. Firms that work with the Trade Commissioner Service export 19.8 percent more on average and are also more diversified, accessing 24.8 percent more foreign markets.
In the Fall Economic Statement, of November 2018, the government announced additional funding for the Trade Commissioner Service, as follows:
• $60 million in new funding over the next five years that will provide the TCS with a refreshed digital presence, including new online tools for exporters, enhanced market intelligence, and tools to facilitate seamless client referrals between other federal and provincial partners.
• $44.1 million over the next five years for expanded TCS services abroad, including the increase of the number of trade commissioners available to serve Canadian businesses in key overseas markets such as China and India, and major markets involved in the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreements."
1/31/2019,380,28-Aug,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Work with all cultural and creative sectors on the successful delivery of initiatives and $3.2 billion of new funding announced in previous budgets. ,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism,"Actions taken, progress made",Canada’s cultural and creative sectors contribute to strengthening Canadian identity and Canada’s economy.,"Promotion of Canadian artists through investments in national institutions and creative industries, both at home and abroad, supports the creation of Canadian content and contributes to Canada’s economy. Investments in languages enhance the vitality of official languages, and help preserve, promote and revitalize Indigenous languages and cultures with the objective of strengthening Canada as a cohesive society."
1/31/2019,381,28-Aug,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Continue to modernize the *Broadcasting Act* and *Telecommunications Act*, and examine how to best support Canadian content in English and French and ensure quality affordable Internet, mobile and media access.","Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development","Actions taken, progress made","The *Broadcasting Act* and Telecommunications Act* are modernized so Canadian citizens, businesses, artists and creators, communications industry, and economy as a whole better enjoy the benefits of the digital age.","In June 2018, the government announced the Broadcasting and Telecommunications Legislative Review Panel, an expert panel to study these issues and make recommendations. Upon conclusion of the Panel's consultation phase, which closed on January 11, 2019, 2,085 submissions were received. The Panel is expected to publish an interim report in Spring 2019 and a final report by January 31, 2020."
1/31/2019,382,28-Aug,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Review the *Copyright Act* to ensure Canadian creators are valued for their work, users benefit from choice, and businesses grow and succeed.","Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development","Actions taken, progress made","Canada has a healthy copyright marketplace, one in which Canadian creators get fairly compensated for their work, users benefit from great choices and business can thrive.","The Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology (INDU) leads the statutory review of the *Copyright Act* which began on April 17, 2018. To support the work of INDU, the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage launched a study on remuneration models for artists and creative industries.
Parliamentary review of the *Copyright Act* is ongoing and expected to conclude early 2019. The government will then have 120 calendar days to provide a response.
Legislative amendments to the *Copyright Act* to reform the Copyright Board of Canada received Royal Assent in December 2018 and will come into force on April 1, 2019. Together with a $1.2 million increase in the Board’s annual funding and new appointments, these measures will better position Canada's creators and cultural entrepreneurs to make, produce and reinvest in high quality Canadian content, and will support strong, vibrant and healthy creative industries for the benefit of all Canadians.
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1/31/2019,383,28-Aug,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Deliver the Creative Export Strategy.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism;Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion,"Actions taken, progress made","Expanded reach of international markets, growth in exports, and increased international recognition for Canada’s creative sector.","The Creative Export Strategy was launched on June 26, 2018, with an investment of $125 million over five years to assist Canadian creative entrepreneurs to expand into foreign markets and seize new trade opportunities. The Strategy is being implemented across three pillars of activities:
1. Increased funding available through existing Canadian Heritage programs;
2. The offering of direct service to Canadian companies ready to do business abroad through the Trade Commissioner Service of Canada; and
3. The delivery of funding through the new Creative Export Canada program; the coordination of trade missions, international events and partnerships needed to make business deals; and ensuring a strong presence for Canada as Guest of Honour Country at the Frankfurt Book Fair in 2020.
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1/31/2019,384,28-Aug,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Strengthen Canada's multicultural advantage by implementing a revitalized Multiculturalism Program and developing new initiatives to celebrate diversity and foster greater inclusion.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism,"Actions taken, progress made","A re-developed and revitalized Multiculturalism Program is in place to help strengthen Canada’s multicultural advantage, celebrate diversity and foster greater inclusion.","Work is currently underway to scope the depth and breadth of changes and additions to be proposed as part of the Multiculturalism Program’s revitalization.
Budget 2018 earmarked $23 million over two years to strengthen multiculturalism, with $2 million of that supporting a cross-country engagement. A new Community Support, Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Initiatives Program to support events, projects and capacity building with a priority focus on Indigenous Peoples and racialized women and girls has been introduced, and is currently accepting applications."
1/31/2019,385,28-Aug,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Assess barriers faced by minority groups in Canada through cross-country engagement and develop a new federal anti-racism strategy to combat discrimination and racism.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism,"Actions taken, progress made",A new results-focused Federal approach is developed to address discrimination and racism.,Cross-country engagement sessions to better understand the barriers faced by minority groups in Canada are to be completed by February 2019. Collaboration with other government departments is ongoing to ensure the robustness of a future federal anti-racism approach.
1/31/2019,386,28-Aug,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Enhance local community support for young Black Canadians at risk and advance research on more culturally appropriate mental health support programs for the Black community.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism;Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made",Enhanced support for at-risk Black Canadian youth and more culturally appropriate mental health programs supported by research.,"Enhancements will be made to the Multiculturalism Program within the Department of Canadian Heritage to provide Black Canadian youth with greater community supports, education and training, and opportunities to engage on issues of racism and discrimination.
An initiative that builds on the efforts of the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) regarding mental health and wellness and the elimination of health inequalities will be undertaken to strengthen knowledge of effective, culturally focused interventions to promote positive mental health for Black Canadians. In collaboration with PHAC, Canadian Heritage will develop a research initiative aimed at enhancing the body of knowledge on inequities and barriers faced by Black Canadian youth in an effort to improve future programming.""
Budget 2018 earmarked $19 million ($10 million over five years for PHAC and $9 million over three years for the Department of Canadian Heritage) that will be targeted to promote mental health for youth at risk and to develop research in support of more culturally focused mental health programs in the Black Canadian community.
In summer 2018, PHAC representatives met with a number of Black community organizations, researchers, and leaders to discuss promising approaches for improving the mental health and its determinants for Black Canadians. On September 25, 2018, PHAC launched Promoting Health Equity: Mental Health of Black Canadians, a new funding initiative that aims to strengthen culturally informed approaches to improving mental health for Black youth and their families and communities."
1/31/2019,387,28-Aug,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Support local journalism and develop business models that facilitate private giving and philanthropic support for professional non-profit journalism and local news.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism;Minister of Finance,"Actions taken, progress made",Canadians have access to local journalism that reflects public interest.,"In Budget 2018, the government committed to exploring, over the next year, new models that enable private giving and philanthropic support for trusted, professional, non-profit journalism and local news. This could include new ways for Canadian newspapers to innovate and be recognized to receive charitable status for not-for-profit provision of journalism, reflecting the public interest that they serve. In the 2018 Fall Economic Statement, the government announced its intention to propose three new initiatives to support Canadian journalism: 1) allowing non-profit news organizations to receive charitable donations and issue official donation receipts; 2) introducing a new refundable tax credit to support original news content creation, including local news; and 3) introducing a new temporary non-refundable tax credit to support subscriptions to Canadian digital news media. Additional details on these measures will be provided in Budget 2019."
1/31/2019,388,28-Aug,Jobs and Innovation,Work with media organizations to consider how the government can further support the transition to digital media.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism,"Actions taken, progress made",Media organizations more easily transition to digital platforms.,"Consultations with key stakeholders, media organizations and experts have been ongoing in order to ease the transition to digital media. Policy options including government support for transition to digital in the newspaper and magazine industry are being prepared.
Meetings and discussions have occurred between government officials, including the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism, and media organizations to discuss how the government can further support the transition to digital media."
1/31/2019,389,28-Aug,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the government’s advertising budget better supports Canadian content providers and platforms.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism;President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government;Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made",Better support for Canadian content providers and platforms.,The Government of Canada is developing options that will consider both paid advertising as well as existing programs and initiatives aimed at supporting Canadian content providers and platforms.
1/31/2019,390,28-Aug,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Ensure that Canadians have access to accurate and timely information about community infrastructure investments, and improve financial reporting.",Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Rural Economic Development,"Actions taken, progress made",Accurate and timely information about infrastructure investments is available for Canadians.,"In December 2017, the government launched an online interactive project map to highlight the development of a broad cross-section of projects that have been approved under the Investing in Canada plan.
In November 2018, the government released an implementation progress and funding update table for the Investing in Canada Plan. "
1/31/2019,391,28-Aug,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Engage with provinces and territories to identify infrastructure priorities that achieve a fair balance of provincial, territorial, and municipal projects to benefit communities of all sizes.",Minister of Infrastructure and Communities,"Actions taken, progress made","Infrastructure projects are prioritized in a way that benefits communities of all sizes, and proponents while implementing the climate lens and community employment benefits framework.","Working in collaboration with its provincial-territorial partners, the Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that investments in infrastructure are made to benefit communities of all sizes. Infrastructure bilateral agreements have been signed with all provinces and territories, including agreement to report on benefits to communities."
1/31/2019,392,28-Aug,Sustainable Infrastructure,Ensure that infrastructure investments are accounted for and flow as construction work takes place. Honour bilateral agreements and report transparently to Canadians on changes.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government,"Actions taken, progress made","The Government transparently tracks and reports on infrastructure investments, and flows funding according to the pace of construction.","The Government of Canada is working diligently with its provincial-territorial partners to approve projects as quickly as possible, and address the timeliness of the flow of funds to help transform Canadian communities. "
1/31/2019,393,28-Aug,Sustainable Infrastructure,Ensure the Bank has the support it needs for its core purpose – attracting private sector and institutional investment to expand the scope of public infrastructure investment in Canada.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Finance,"Actions taken, progress made","The Canada Infrastructure Bank is increasing private and institutional investment to revenue-generating projects and transforming the way infrastructure is planned, funded and delivered in Canada.",The Canada Infrastructure Bank is now fully operational and is working to advance an innovative financing model that brings investors together to structure appropriate financial support to make projects commercially viable. The model will crowd-in and mobilize private and institutional capital and will relate financial returns to the project usage and revenue risk.
1/31/2019,394,28-Aug,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Leverage ideas from the Smart Cities Challenge to select winners from communities of all sizes, and test new, Indigenous-led projects through the Indigenous Homes Innovation Initiative.",Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Indigenous Services,"Actions taken, progress made","Winners from communities of all sizes are selected in the Smart Cities Challenge in Spring 2019. Funding is provided through the Indigenous Homes Innovation Initiative for new approaches in the design and construction of Indigenous-led home and community innovation projects for First Nations (on and off reserve), Inuit and Métis peoples living in rural and urban communities.","On November 23, 2017, the government launched the Smart Cities Challenge. On June 1, 2018, the finalists were announced at the 2018 Federation of Canadian Municipalities meeting in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The Challenge is on track to announce the winners in Spring 2019. The Indigenous Homes Innovation Initiative, a partnership between Indigenous Services Canada and Infrastructure Canada, will also be launched in Spring 2019. The Initiative will provide funding to creative projects led by Indigenous peoples to design and build more effective, sustainable, and culturally appropriate living spaces for Indigenous peoples. From start to finish, this innovation initiative will be overseen by an Indigenous Steering Committee. The Steering Committee is currently finalizing the design of the Initiative in advance of the Spring 2019 launch."
1/31/2019,395,28-Aug,Jobs and Innovation,Develop new and innovative approaches to modernize fisheries and aquaculture and responsible economic development on all three coasts.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard","Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",Innovative approaches to modernize fisheries and aquaculture are developed that expand the economy and ensure the responsible growth of the sector.,"In August 2017, the Government of Canada launched the $400 million, seven-year Atlantic Fisheries Fund, to drive innovation and to enable the fisheries and aquaculture sector to better meet market demands for sustainably sourced, high quality fish and seafood products, in the Atlantic provinces. Projects across the Fish and Seafood sectors have been announced in all four Atlantic provinces.
On December 5, 2018, the Government of Canada launched the Canadian Fish and Seafood Opportunities Fund, a new $42.85 million cost-shared fund (70% federal and 30% provincial territorial) to promote market access and development for the fish and seafood industry. The fund will enable provinces and territories to support their industries' priority projects and help Canadians working in the fish and seafood sector by creating jobs and developing more opportunities for Canadian products.
The 2018 Fall Economic Statement (FES) announced $100 million over six years, starting in 2018–19, to create a British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund, as well as $30 million over five years, starting in 2019–20 for a Quebec Fisheries Fund. The B.C. and Quebec funds will support projects focused on innovation, clean technology adoption, infrastructure investments that improve productivity, sustainability and safety, and science partnerships. The FES also included a one-time payment of $5 million to the Pacific Salmon Endowment Fund society, which will support hundreds of non-profit organizations that work in communities across B.C. to conserve wild salmon.
On December 18, 2017, the Government of Canada announced the Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technology Adoption Program (FACTAP), a four-year $20 million program that will help Canada’s fisheries and aquaculture industries incorporate clean technologies into their day-to-day operations. To date, the Program and its Provincial and private sector partners have allocated close to $7 million towards the adoption of innovative new clean technologies and processes.
The Government of Canada is also helping to foster innovation in fishing technologies and methods that would maintain an active fishing industry while also reducing the risk of marine mammal entanglements, e.g. sustainable harvesting technologies, weak links in buoy lines, etc. Industry-driven testing of new gear technologies and pilot projects will bring new technologies that could aid in the coexistence of marine mammals and fishing in the future.
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1/31/2019,396,28-Aug,Environment and Climate Change,"Implement the G7 Charlevoix Blueprint for Healthy Oceans, Seas and Resilient Coastal Communities and the G7 Ocean Plastics Charter.","Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Environment and Climate Change","Actions taken, progress made","Canada will work to implement the G7 Charlevoix Blueprint for Healthy Oceans, Seas and Resilient Coastal Communities and the Ocean Plastics Charter. Canada will broaden the support for the Ocean Plastics Charter and its implementation to new partners, which could include countries, industry and NGOs. Canada also agreed to further work with its G7 partners to launch the G7 Initiative on Earth Observation and Integral Coastal Zone Management, which will play an important role in supporting vulnerable coastal communities build resilience to extreme weather events. ","The Oceans Plastics Charter was adopted at the 2018 G7 Summit in Charlevoix bringing together governments, businesses, and civil society organizations to help eradicate plastic pollution, committing them to take actions to move toward a more resource efficient and sustainable approach to the management of plastics. As of January 2019, 15 countries plus the EU and 20 business and non-governmental organizations support the Charter.
To support the implementation of the Charter objectives Canada will help developing countries prevent plastic waste from entering the oceans, address plastic waste on shorelines, and better manage existing plastic resources. Canada will also support an international innovation challenge focused on developing countries, to promote social and technological innovation by the private sector and innovators to address plastic waste in the oceans.
At the Charlevoix G7 Leaders’ Summit, Canada announced a $100 million investment to advance the objectives and commitments of the Ocean Plastics Charter. This includes $20 million to spark innovation to beat plastic pollution in developing countries in support of the implementation of the G7 Innovation Challenge to Address Marine Plastic Litter, agreed to by all G7 members, $6 million through the World Economic Forum Global Plastic Action Partnership to strengthen public-private partnerships to support global action in plastic pollution hot spots, and $65 million to support a World Bank fund to address plastic waste in developing countries.
In addition to this $100 million investment, Canada announced an additional $12 million to invest in made-in-Canada innovative approaches and technologies to help stop the flow of plastics to the oceans. Canada also committed to take action to reform government practices and procurement, with the goal of diverting at least 75 percent of plastic waste from government operations by 2030.
During the meeting of G7 Environment, Oceans and Energy Ministers on September 18-21, 2018, Ministers agreed on the need for collaborative partnerships to improve the health of oceans and seas and ways to advance the priorities identified by G7 Leaders in the Charlevoix Blueprint for Healthy Oceans, Seas and Resilient Coastal Communities.
In support of these commitments, Canada announced an unprecedented number of funding commitments which includes $2 million to the International Institute for Sustainable Development for the National Adaptation Plan Global Network to help developing vulnerable countries adapt to the effects of climate change and $60 million to help Small Island Developing States accelerate their transition to cleaner energy systems.
Canada also announced a $100 million commitment to support expansion of climate risk insurance coverage in Caribbean countries, and $2 million to establish a new initiative that will empower women entrepreneurs working on climate solutions in the developing world.
The Government of Canada will invest a total of up to $11.6 million to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing throughout the world, signed on to the Global Ghost Gear Initiative (GGGI), and announced its support for Global Fishing Watch.
The federal government is working with provinces and territories through the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) and recently released a national zero plastic waste strategy that will build on Canadian and international efforts to reduce plastic waste and marine litter, including those outlined in the Ocean Plastics Charter.
At the Sustainable Blue Economy Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, in November 2018, Canada announced an additional investment of up to $9.5 million in funding to advance activities of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
Canada also announced an investment of up to $1 million to the World Economic Forum’s Friends of Ocean Action and for the Government of Canada’s support to the United Nations Special Envoy for the Ocean.
Canada's actions support implementation of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 14 to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources."
1/31/2019,397,28-Aug,Jobs and Innovation,Double the number of women-owned businesses in Canada by 2025. ,Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion,"Actions taken, progress made","The number of women-owned businesses in Canada doubles to 340,000 by 2025. ","The Women Entrepreneurship Strategy provides a nearly $2 billion investment across government to help reach the goal of doubling the number of women-owned businesses by 2025 by increasing their access to financing, talent, networks and expertise. Under the ISED portfolio, this includes a $20 million investment over two years to support women entrepreneurs under the Women Entrepreneurship Fund and a five-year investment of $85 million under the WES Ecosystem Fund to help non-profit, third-party organizations deliver support for women entrepreneurs and address gaps in the ecosystem. The demand for funding greatly exceeded available funds. Over 300 applications were received for the WES Ecosystem Fund, and over 3,000 applications were received for the Women Entrepreneurship Fund. All applications are currently being assessed on a competitive basis to ensure that they are complete, meet the eligibility criteria and deliver on program objectives.
In addition, across the government, the Strategy includes: providing $10 million over five years to connect women with expanded export services and opportunities through the Business Women in International Trade Program; providing $1.4 billion (up from $700 million) in financing to women-owned businesses through the Business Development Bank of Canada; and making available $250 million over three years, through Export Development Canada, to provide financing and insurance solutions, on commercial terms, for women-owned businesses that are exporting or looking to begin exporting.
These collective investments are intended to support the goal of doubling the number of women entrepreneurs by 2025 (as committed to in the Innovation and Skills Plan).
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1/31/2019,398,28-Aug,Jobs and Innovation,"Identify opportunities to support workers and businesses in the natural resource sectors to export their goods to global markets, including twinning the Trans Mountain Pipeline.",Minister of Natural Resources,"Actions taken, progress made","Increased access to global markets to support investment in Canada’s natural resource sectors and higher exports creating more good-paying, middle class jobs for Canadians.","The Government of Canada’s support for exports contributes to the growth of companies and the economy, and creates well-paying jobs for Canadians. Budget 2017 included the goal to grow the country’s goods and services exports 30% by 2025. The export of natural resources represents almost half of Canada’s exports and the natural resource sectors will be key contributors in meeting this goal.
The Government of Canada supports market access for Canada’s natural resource sectors through negotiations on free trade agreements, and bilateral dialogues and partnerships with counterparts. The government also works with provincial governments and industry to foster innovation and to expand markets. This includes through initiatives such as Mission Innovation, the Clean Growth Hub (launched in January 2018) and market development offices in key global markets, as well as through federal-provincial-territorial collaboration under the Energy and Mines Ministers' Energy Working Group. Canada’s hosting of the Clean Energy Ministerial and Mission Innovation meetings in Vancouver in May 2019 is an opportunity to showcase Canadian leadership and strengthen international trade and investment opportunities through cooperation among governments, the private sector, and international organizations to enhance access to affordable, secure and sustainable energy.
On December 18, 2018, the Government of Canada announced $1.6 billion in investments to support jobs and workers in Canada’s oil and gas sector, foster competitiveness, and improve the long-term environmental performance of the sector.
The Government of Canada facilitates access to new markets for mining services and suppliers – including those specializing in electrification, renewable energy, and clean tech – through mining trade shows and missions abroad, including in China (China Mining), Africa (Mining Indaba), and the Americas (Expomin). Developing additional export opportunities for this sector is an objective of the Canadian Minerals and Metals Plan (CMMP), for which action items are currently in development.
Through the Softwood Lumber Action Plan, the Government of Canada invested $45 million over three years in the Expanding Market Opportunities Program, which supports market development offices in China, Japan, South Korea, the UK and India, to promote Canadian expertise in low-carbon construction with wood, using Canadian wood products. This program includes investment in the Sino-Canadian low carbon ecodistrict, whose first phase showcases 100 townhomes built with Canadian lumber and energy efficient technologies.
The Government of Canada also supports private industry in developing key infrastructure in Canada to get natural resources to market, such as federal support for the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project in Kitimat, British Columbia, which is expected to create 10,000 jobs at the height of construction.
The Government of Canada supports good projects that contribute to our goal of making Canada a global leader in the transition to a low-carbon economy. The Trans Mountain Expansion (TMX) project is part of that plan. It holds the potential to open important new markets for Canadian resources, delivering fairer prices that will keep Canadians working, productive and innovating as we build our cleaner future together. The TMX project alone has the potential to create thousands of good, middle-class jobs for Canadians. All of these benefits informed the government’s decision to purchase the existing Trans Mountain Pipeline and the terminal assets.
The Government of Canada has taken steps to respond to the Federal Court of Appeals decision that quashed the GiC’s project approval on August 30th, 2018. On September 21st, 2018, the government instructed the National Energy Board (NEB) to reconsider its recommendations taking into account the effects of project-related marine shipping. On October 3, 2018, the government announced it was moving forward with Phase III consultations by engaging in a specific and focussed dialogue with all Indigenous groups impacted by the TMX project. The government also announced the appointment of former Supreme Court of Canada Justice, the Honourable Frank Iacobucci, as a Federal Representative for the consultation and accommodation process.
The government has presented information on recent actions for improving marine safety and protecting the marine environment through its participation in the NEB reconsideration process. The NEB provided its final report, including final conditions and recommendations, on February 22, 2019.
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1/31/2019,399,28-Aug,Environment and Climate Change,"Put more low-emission vehicles, including electric vehicles, on the roads in Canada.",Minister of Natural Resources;Minister of Transport,"Actions taken, progress made","New charging and refueling infrastructure supports more low-emission vehicles on the roads in Canada, and the federal government adopts low-carbon mobility solutions to modernize its fleet.","The Government of Canada continues to collaborate with provincial and territorial partners to increase the number of zero-emission vehicles on Canadian roads. To this effect, the Government of Canada has adopted ambitious targets: zero-emission vehicles will constitute 10 per cent of new light-duty vehicles sold in Canada by 2025, 30 per cent by 2030, and 100 per cent by 2040. An external Advisory Group and Expert Groups were established to provide advice on barriers to opportunities for increased ZEV deployment in Canada. Their advice is being considered in the development of additional measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from light-duty vehicles. The government is delivering a suite of programming which will enable the deployment of ZEVs.
The first phase of the Electric Vehicle and Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Deployment program surpassed its targets by establishing 102 electric vehicle fast-chargers, seven natural gas stations and three hydrogen refueling stations. Phase II of the program (launched in Jan 2018) will see an additional 900 new charging stations, 15 new natural gas and 12 new hydrogen refuelling stations built by 2024. With regards to EV infrastructure demonstration, the government initiated ten projects, including projects to introduce infrastructure in multi-unit residential buildings in urban centres and at workplaces.
In an effort to align North American codes and standards, Canada held two workshops related to hydrogen, with its US counterparts (March 2017 and August 2018), and continues to collaborate on codes and standards for alternative fueled vehicles and infrastructure through the Regulatory Cooperation Council.
As described in the Greening government Strategy released in December 2017, the government is working to reduce emissions from its own operations by 40% by 2030, and 80% by 2050. Starting in the 2019 to 2020 fiscal year, 75% of new light-duty administrative fleet vehicle purchases will be zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) or hybrid, with the objective that the government’s administrative fleet comprises at least 80% ZEVs by 2030. In support of these goals, to date, 1500 government fleet vehicles have been assessed to analyze vehicle usage, and identify lower emitting options. The first full fleet assessment of 270 vehicles in one department has been delivered. The report recommends actions that can be taken to reduce emissions by 40% and save more than $1.5M in fuel costs over 7 years."
1/31/2019,400,28-Aug,Exports and Investment,"Defend Canadian workers potentially affected by trade disputes, including in the forestry, energy and mining sectors.",Minister of Natural Resources;Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made","The interests of Canadian industries and its workers in Natural Resource sectors are defended bilaterally and multilaterally to ensure fair, consistent rule-based trade practices.","The Government of Canada has a responsibility to Canadians to maintain fair, consistent rule-based trade. The government works proactively to mitigate potential disputes and supports sectors impacted by trade actions of other countries in order to ensure that Canadian industries remain globally competitive and prosper in a healthy, integrated economy.
The government works collaboratively with its trade partners to respond proactively to emerging trade issues. In the forest sector, the government has challenged trade actions on softwood lumber, uncoated groundwood paper, supercalendered paper and dissolving pulp under NAFTA Chapter 19 and at the World Trade Organization; duties have been removed from uncoated groundwood paper and supercalendered paper and litigation continues on softwood lumber and dissolving pulp. The government also responded to US steel and aluminum tariffs with reciprocal, proportionate countermeasures, and consulted broadly and transparently to efficiently implement retaliatory measures on targeted products. Canada continues to develop and implement mitigation policies, such as the Softwood Lumber Action Plan, in order to support industries, communities, and workers affected by trade disputes until those barriers can be removed.
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1/31/2019,401,28-Aug,Exports and Investment,"Continue collaboration with the United States and Mexico in areas of mutual benefit, including energy security and cross-border infrastructure.",Minister of Natural Resources,"Actions taken, progress made","Greater integration of the Canadian, Mexican and American energy markets, reduced risk of energy supply interruptions and strengthened relations between the three North American partners.","Canada, the United States and Mexico share the most integrated and well-functioning continental energy markets in the world. With the risk of cyber attacks against North America’s energy systems on the rise, defending against these threats is a shared priority. Greater trilateral collaboration on energy security and cross-border infrastructure will help advance this priority.
At the November 2017, North American Energy Ministerial in Houston, energy ministers reiterated the importance of trilateral cooperation and committed to further collaboration in three priority areas:
1) security, reliability and resiliency;
2) trade and economic development; and,
3) diversifying resources.
Provisions in the new Canada-US-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) will ensure the continued free flow of energy products in North America and strengthen the bilateral and trilateral energy trade relationship with the U.S. and Mexico. The inclusion of a binding energy side letter with the U.S. will increase transparency and access to Canada's closest energy trading partner.
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1/31/2019,402,28-Aug,Strong Middle Class,Support seniors programming and work on initiatives that impact seniors.,Minister of Seniors,"Actions taken, progress made",Improved quality of life and well-being for seniors.,"The New Horizons for Seniors Program supports projects led or inspired by seniors who make a difference in the lives of others and in their communities. With an annual budget of $50 million, the New Horizons for Seniors Program works to improve the lives of seniors by supporting two types of projects: community-based and pan-Canadian. Community-based projects enable seniors to make valuable contributions to their communities by sharing their knowledge, skills and experience and increasing the capacity to address local issues. Pan-Canadian projects use collaborative and innovative approaches to help reduce social isolation among seniors.
Established by Order-in- Council in 2007, the National Seniors Council (NSC) provides advice to the government through the Minister of Seniors and the Minister of Health on matters related to the health, well-being and quality of life of seniors, as well as the challenges and opportunities arising from a growing and diverse aging population. The NSC develops evidence-informed advice based on consultations with Canadians, including seniors and other stakeholders, and commissioning research. The Council submitted a three-year work plan for Ministerial approval in November 2018, which includes deliverables for each of the work priorities identified by the Ministers, including reports to be submitted to Ministers.
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1/31/2019,403,28-Aug,Strong Middle Class,"Design and implement initiatives to better protect consumers, particularly seniors, from potential harms in dealing with financial institutions and telecommunications companies.","Minister of Seniors;Minister of Finance;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development","Actions taken, progress made","Consumers are better empowered and protected in their dealings with financial institutions and telecommunications companies, including more vulnerable Canadians such as seniors.","Consumers deserve a competitive marketplace where they are treated fairly.
In June 2018, the government directed the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to launch a public inquiry to investigate the sales practices of large telecommunications companies. Particular consideration will be given to vulnerable groups, including seniors. The Competition Bureau is assisting the CRTC in light of their expertise and responsibilities regarding deceptive advertising.
In July 2018, the CRTC launched the inquiry with detail on the different phases and consultations processes. The CRTC is to report on the results of its inquiry including possible solutions by February 28, 2019. In parallel, on November 9, 2018, the CRTC began a regulatory proceeding with a call for comments on the creation of consumer code of conduct for Internet services.
Budget 2018 announced the government’s intention to introduce legislation that could strengthen the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada's (FCAC) tools and mandate and continue to advance consumers’ rights and interests when dealing with their banks. The government introduced legislation to fulfill this commitment in the *Budget Implementation Act, No. 2*, which received Royal Assent on December 13, 2018. Amendments focused on three key areas: requiring new internal bank practices to further strengthen outcomes for consumers, providing the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada with additional tools to implement supervisory best practices, and further empowering consumers.
In addition, to respond to the unique needs of Canada's aging population, FCAC will engage with banks and seniors' groups to create a code of conduct to guide banks in their delivery of services to Canada's seniors. The new Minister of Seniors will support this engagement."
1/31/2019,404,28-Aug,Strong Middle Class,Strengthen the protection of workplace pensions.,"Minister of Seniors;Minister of Finance;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made",Canadians with privately sponsored pension plans experience enhanced retirement security.,"The government committed in Budget 2018 to seek feedback from Canadians, including pensioners, employees, companies, and lenders on how to take a whole-of-government, evidenced-based approach towards addressing retirement security issues associated with privately sponsored pension plans.
As such, the government ran targeted stakeholder consultations, as well as an online portal through which the general public could share their views, from November 22 to December 21, 2018. During this time, officials met with stakeholder groups, and accept written submissions. As part of the consultations, a Consultation Document was distributed to stakeholders and shared with the public.
Following consultations, stakeholder feedback and submissions are being assessed and weighted against potential policy options to enhance retirement security for Canadians.
The government is currently in the process of assessing appropriate policy responses to these important issues."
1/31/2019,405,28-Aug,Healthy Canadians,Build on federally supported programs that support the needs of seniors and their families to promote healthy aging. ,"Minister of Seniors;Minister of Health;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development","Actions taken, progress made",Enhanced support for seniors and their families. ,"Canada's senior population is growing. This makes it more important than ever to support the health and well-being of older Canadians. The Government of Canada is working with stakeholders on various initiatives to ensure support for the seniors and their families.
Budget 2018 provided one-time funding of $75 million for a three-year project through the Public Health Agency of Canada to support the Healthy Seniors Pilot Project in New Brunswick. The Healthy Seniors Pilot Project will: improve understanding of the impacts of aging, including different challenges faced by women and men; focus on testing innovative solutions that support healthy aging and improve the quality of life of older adults; and, provide useful information for governments and stakeholders across the country on how to better support seniors in their homes, communities and care facilities. On June 25, 2018, the Minister of Health and the Premier of New Brunswick announced the launch of the Pilot Project. New Brunswick opened its call for submissions on August 1, 2018.
The Government of Canada is also supporting additional initiatives to foster the healthy aging of seniors, including age-friendly communities, investing in data and research such as the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging, and in consultation with partners, raising awareness and developing resources on other issues related to healthy aging (e.g., falls prevention). "
1/31/2019,406,28-Aug,Healthy Canadians,Engage with stakeholders and parliamentarians on ways to address dementia.,Minister of Seniors;Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made",Improved quality of life for people living with dementia and those who care for them.,"In June 2017, the *National Strategy for Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias Act* came into force and requires the development of a national dementia strategy in cooperation with the provinces and territories (PTs). Federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) governance has been established to support the development and implementation of the strategy. The FPT Committee includes all jurisdictions except for Quebec, which opted for bilateral discussions.
The Ministerial Advisory Board on Dementia was established in May 2018. The national dementia conference, hosted by the Minister of Health, was held on May 14-15, 2018. Participants represented the six groups identified in the Act: people living with dementia; caregivers; health care professionals; advocacy groups; researchers; and PT governments.
Budget 2018 also committed $20 million over 5 years and $4 million per year ongoing to support community-based projects that enhance the wellbeing of people living with dementia and those who care for them. On October 22, 2018, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) launched the Dementia Community Investment directed solicitations to Alzheimer Society of Canada, the University of Alberta and the University of British Columbia. On November 19, 2018, PHAC launched the Dementia Community Investment open solicitation (up to $12.3 million over 4 years) for initiatives that support optimizing the well-being of people living with dementia and their caregivers, and/or promoting awareness of dementia and its risk factors to tackle stigma and promote compassion/support.
Government of Canada investments focus on research, surveillance, innovation, international collaboration, care for federal populations, and community-based supports. The Public Health Agency of Canada works with PTs through the Canadian Chronic Disease Surveillance System to collect data on Canadians living and newly diagnosed with dementia. The Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation, established with federal funding, is developing products and services to support brain health and aging, with a focus on dementia.
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1/31/2019,407,28-Aug,Safety and Security,Address crimes that target seniors including elder abuse and online financial scams.,Minister of Seniors;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Finance,"Actions taken, progress made","Better protection of seniors from elder abuse, including financial abuse, and enhanced responses to crimes that target seniors.","Many forms of elder abuse and online financial scams are already targeted by existing offences under the *Criminal Code*.
The Justice Canada Victims Fund is available to provincial and territorial governments and non-governmental organizations to support projects that address the needs of victims and survivors of crime in the criminal justice system. In 2016 Justice Canada issued a call for proposals under the Victims Fund to non-governmental organizations for projects that help to address gaps in support and services, awareness raising, or research to benefit victims and survivors of crime with disabilities, including older adults with disabilities. Seven projects are currently being funded. In addition, to commemorate the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, on December 3, 2018, Justice Canada hosted a webinar that explored various approaches in Supporting and Empowering Women Victims and Survivors with Disabilities, including senior women with disabilities who are victims of domestic violence.
As well, the Government of Canada’s Family Violence Initiative (FVI) addresses elder abuse, including financial abuse, by providing information and resources for professionals and the public, including Elder Abuse is Wrong, a booklet for older adults who may be suffering from abuse by someone they trust. In addition, on National Senior’s Day, October 1, 2018, Justice Canada hosted a web-ex to raise awareness about elder abuse and the supports available to older adult victims.
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), which is jointly managed by the RCMP, the Competition Bureau and the Ontario Provincial Police, provides support to senior fraud victims and works to prevent further victimization. The CAFC and the RCMPs Federal Policing Prevention and Engagement program produce a variety of resources to educate law enforcement and the public on fraud and various scams, some of which have closer linkages to seniors.
The Government of Canada is implementing the Strategy, Strengthening Financial Literacy of Seniors which includes a goal to increase the number of tools to combat fraud and financial abuse of seniors. The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada offers resources to seniors through its Canadian Financial Literacy Database. Currently, the database offers over 150 resources targeted at seniors including material related to the prevention of fraud and financial abuse.
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1/31/2019,408,28-Aug,Healthy Canadians,Represent the Government of Canada at the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum.,Minister of Seniors,"Actions taken, progress made","Federal, provincial and territorial governments collaborate for the advancement of common priorities to improve seniors’ well-being.","The Forum of FPT Ministers Responsible for Senior brings key Federal, Provincial, and Territorial Ministers together, providing an important vehicle for discussing issues of importance to seniors, for sharing information on seniors’ well-being, and undertaking initiatives to advance issues of common concern. The Forum is implementing a multi-year work plan (2018-2021) whose current priorities are aging in community, labour force participation of older workers, and addressing ageism.
The FPT Seniors Forum recently released the Promoting the Labour Force Participation of Older Canadians Report (June 2018). Other key deliverables include supplements to a toolkit on the social isolation of seniors which were released in November 2018.
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1/31/2019,409,28-Aug,Healthy Canadians,Consider options for how best to move forward with the implementation of national pharmacare.,Minister of Seniors;Minister of Finance;Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made",Develop options and recommendations for an affordable national pharmacare.,"The creation of the Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare (the Council) was announced in Budget 2018. The Council is leading a national dialogue on how to implement affordable national pharmacare for Canadians and their families, employers and governments. To develop its advice on national pharmacare implementation, the Council is tasked with:
• conducting an economic and social assessment of domestic and international models;
• working closely with provincial, territorial and Indigenous leaders; and,
• consulting with Canadians, as well as experts and stakeholders from relevant fields.
The Council's final report will be delivered in the spring of 2019 and will include options and recommendations as to what measures the federal government should take.
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1/31/2019,410,28-Aug,Exports and Investment,Identify and address structural barriers to Canada’s tourism sector to help unlock investment and diversify Canada’s source of tourists and attractions. ,"Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie","Actions taken, progress made",Canada has a new tourism strategy that identifies measures to eliminate structural barriers and improve the competitiveness of the tourism sector.,"Earlier in 2018, Destination Canada, in collaboration with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), commissioned independent research to examine the international competitiveness of Canada as a tourism destination, and highlight opportunities and constraints for the tourism sector. The resulting report will inform the development of a new federal tourism strategy. "
1/31/2019,411,28-Aug,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Prepare celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the *Official Languages Act*.,"Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie","Actions taken, progress made",Highlight the importance of the *Official Languages Act* in building Canadian identity.,"Celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the *Official Languages Act* will be held in 2019 to help Canadians understand and highlight the importance of this legislation in building Canadian identity.
Options for the conduct and activities of the 50th anniversary of the *Official Languages Act* are being developed.
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1/31/2019,412,28-Aug,Canada in the World,"Defend, strengthen and promote the use of French around the world, including in the digital sphere and within international organizations.","Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie","Actions taken, progress made","Greater visibility of French around the world and increased presence of French language content in the digital sphere.
","In Fall 2018, during the Francophonie Summit, the Government of Canada expressed its intentions to work with TV5 partners towards the creation of a Francophone digital platform in order to promote the vitality of the French language and culture and protect its presence in the digital sphere. This desire was confirmed by an investment of $14.6 million dollars over 5 years beginning in 2019-20 to support the creation, development and launch of a Francophone digital platform with TV5MONDE public broadcasters."
1/31/2019,415,28-Aug,Safety and Security,Lead conversations with the United States on the Safe Third Country Agreement.,"Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction;Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship","Actions taken, progress made",Review the existing Safe Third Country Agreement with the U.S. to ensure that it continues to serve the interests of both countries. ,"In order to address the issue of irregular migration across the Canada-U.S. border, the Government of Canada has proposed to enter into negotiations with the U.S. to improve the Safe Third Country Agreement. More details on the progress for this commitment is expected in the coming months."
1/31/2019,416,28-Aug,Safety and Security,"Reduce the smuggling of opioids across Canadian borders in partnership with provinces, territories, and municipalities, and the United States.",Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction,"Actions taken, progress made","Safely and effectively detect, identify and reduce the flow of opioids at all Canadian ports of entry. ","The Government of Canada is committed to work in partnership with all levels of government across Canada and with international partners to protect our citizens from the adverse effects of opioids. The government continues to advance bilateral cooperation with the US and others and, more officially, are part of the trilateral discussions with the US and Mexico through the North American Dialogue on Drug Policy.
Canada is also working closely with China and other international partners to disrupt the export of illegally produced fentanyl and combat the flow of illegal fentanyl and other opioids into Canada. In its efforts to combat the importation of illicit drugs, Canada Border Services Agency made over 16,000 drug seizures in 2017-18, which included 438 opioid seizures and a 16% increase in fentanyl seizures. Budget 2018 announced $33 million over five years to help stem the flow of opioids into Canada by equipping border agents with detection and identification tools to intercept fentanyl and other illicit or diverted substances at ports of entry.
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1/31/2019,417,28-Aug,Safety and Security,"Develop new policies and legislation to reduce organized crime and gang activity in Canada, including money laundering. ",Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction,"Actions taken, progress made",Reduced organized crime and gang activity in Canada through the development and implementation of effective policies and legislation.,"The Government of Canada is advancing efforts to reduce organized crime and gang activity in Canada, including a focus on reducing gun and gang violence and countering money laundering. We are advancing our commitment to flow up to $327.6 million over five years, and $100 million annually thereafter, to help support a variety of initiatives to reduce gun and gang violence. A Summit on Gun and Gang Violence was held in March 2018 to discuss the realities, issues and best practices to tackle gun and gang violence.
As announced in November 2018, the government’s Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence includes investments of $34.5 million for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police that will provide additional resources for law enforcement to address gang activity and the criminal use of firearms. These resources will enhance the RCMP's new Integrated Criminal Firearms Initiative (ICFI), by helping to build capacity to meet the anticipated increase in requests for service for investigative support, training, firearms inspections, technological enhancements, while also addressing intelligence gaps. We will continue to explore options to address organized crime and money laundering in the coming months, including a response to the Report of the Standing Committee on Finance (Confronting Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing: Moving Canada Forward), which was presented to the House of Commons in November 2018.
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1/31/2019,418,28-Aug,Safety and Security,Seek additional opportunities to expand pre-clearance operations for travelers to the United States.,Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction;Minister of Transport;Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,"Actions taken, progress made","Facilitate the adoption of preclearance in Canada and the U.S and explore options for expansion.
","Canada is committed to expand the preclearance program in all modes of transportation under the Land, Rail, Marine and Air Preclearance Agreement (LRMA), once it is ratified. *Canada's Preclearance Act* received Royal Assent in December 2017 and will come into force with the ratification of the LRMA. Regulations flowing from the *Preclearance Act, 2016* are in development. "
1/31/2019,419,28-Aug,Fair and Open Government,"Maintain open and collaborative relationships with provinces and territories, with the goal of working together to serve and improve the lives of all Canadians.",Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",Federal ministers collaborate effectively with their provincial and territorial counterparts to improve the lives of Canadians.,"The Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade has met with his counterparts in all provincial and territorial jurisdictions and has worked with his federal colleagues to advance collaboration with the provinces and territories in areas including pollution pricing, irregular migration, Indigenous rights, northern development, and trade between the provinces and territories. "
1/31/2019,420,28-Aug,Jobs and Innovation,"Collaborate with provinces and territories to eliminate barriers to trade between each other, and work toward a stronger, more integrated Canadian economy.",Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,"Actions taken, progress made",Barriers to trade between provinces and territories are reduced to improve the competitiveness of the Canadian economy and benefit the everyday lives of Canadians.,"The Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade has initiated discussions with his provincial and territorial counterparts to improve trade within Canada.
At their annual meeting in July 2018, premiers agreed to increase personal exemption limits on the movement of alcoholic beverages and to accelerate work at the FPT regulatory reconciliation and cooperation table. Provinces and territories further agreed to develop reconciliation agreements by December 2018 in four regulatory areas: waiving extra-provincial fees for business registration; mutual recognition of Canadian registration numbers for pressure equipment; mutual recognition in specific areas of occupational health and safety; and aligning weight parity for wide-base tires on trucks.
An ad hoc meeting of federal, provincial, and territorial trade ministers took place in Vancouver for October 25, 2018 to discuss measures to enhance interprovincial trade. The Prime Minister has also announced that improving trade between provinces and territories will be a focus of the First Ministers' Meeting in fall 2018.
On November 28, 2018, the Government of Canada announced specific federal action to reduce barriers to trade within Canada. This included measures to make the national building code available for free and to align provincial and territorial codes with the federal codes; aligning meat inspection standards through equivalency frameworks; amend the Energy Efficiency Regulations to ensure alignment across Canada and with the United States; amending the definition of vodka, and reviewing the guidelines for products to be labelled as a ""Product of Canada.""
At the December 7, 2018, First Ministers' Meeting, First Ministers agreed to accelerate work to address domestic barriers to trade that increase business costs and impose needless burden on Canadian firms. Specifically, First Ministers agreed to:
• Develop harmonized standards in the trucking sector, building on federal investments in the National Trade and Transportation Corridors initiative. Federal, provincial and territorial governments will work together on an accelerated basis to harmonize standards for wide base tires, electronic logging devices, and size and weight restrictions.
• Take action to strengthen Canada’s agri-food sector, including clearer rules for organic products, and eliminating the duplication of food oversight and safety. The Government of Canada will also continue to work collaboratively with the territories to support their food industries and build food security.
• Consult industry and consumers to develop ways to facilitate the sale of alcoholic beverages, taking into consideration social responsibility obligations. As a first step, Canada will consider amendments to the *Importation of Intoxicating Liquors Act* to remove the federal requirement that alcohol moving from one province to another be sold or consigned to a provincial liquor authority.
• Accelerate work to strengthen the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, including a plan to reduce the number of exceptions and strengthen the dispute resolution provisions."
1/31/2019,421,28-Aug,Jobs and Innovation,Eliminate barriers to trade between provinces and territories to positively impact the competitiveness of Canadian businesses and the lives of Canadians through greater harmonization of rules and regulatory requirements where appropriate. ,Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",Lower barriers to trade between provinces and territories and greater harmonization of rules and regulations.,"The Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade has initiated discussions with his provincial and territorial counterparts to improve trade within Canada.
At their annual meeting in July 2018, premiers agreed to increase personal exemption limits on the movement of alcoholic beverages and to accelerate work at the FPT regulatory reconciliation and cooperation table. Provinces and territories further agreed to develop reconciliation agreements by December 2018 in four regulatory areas: waiving extra-provincial fees for business registration; mutual recognition of Canadian registration numbers for pressure equipment; mutual recognition in specific areas of occupational health and safety; and aligning weight parity for wide-base tires on trucks.
An ad hoc meeting of federal, provincial, and territorial trade ministers took place in Vancouver for October 25, 2018 to discuss measures to enhance interprovincial trade. The Prime Minister also announced that improving trade between provinces and territories will be a focus of the First Ministers' Meeting in fall 2018.
On November 28, 2018, the Government of Canada announced specific federal action to reduce barriers to trade within Canada. This included measures to make the national building code available for free and to align provincial and territorial codes with the federal codes; aligning meat inspection standards through equivalency frameworks; amend the Energy Efficiency Regulations to ensure alignment across Canada and with the United States; amending the definition of vodka, and reviewing the guidelines for products to be labelled as a ""Product of Canada.""
At the December 7, 2018, First Ministers' Meeting, First Ministers agreed to accelerate work to address domestic barriers to trade that increase business costs and impose needless burden on Canadian firms. Specifically, First Ministers agreed to:
• Develop harmonized standards in the trucking sector, building on federal investments in the National Trade and Transportation Corridors initiative. Federal, provincial and territorial governments will work together on an accelerated basis to harmonize standards for wide base tires, electronic logging devices, and size and weight restrictions.
• Take action to strengthen Canada’s agri-food sector, including clearer rules for organic products, and eliminating the duplication of food oversight and safety. The Government of Canada will also continue to work collaboratively with the territories to support their food industries and build food security.
• Consult industry and consumers to develop ways to facilitate the sale of alcoholic beverages, taking into consideration social responsibility obligations. As a first step, Canada will consider amendments to the *Importation of Intoxicating Liquors Act* to remove the federal requirement that alcohol moving from one province to another be sold or consigned to a provincial liquor authority.
• Accelerate work to strengthen the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, including a plan to reduce the number of exceptions and strengthen the dispute resolution provisions."
1/31/2019,422,28-Aug,Jobs and Innovation,"Support the Prime Minister in hosting a First Ministers’ Meeting in Fall 2018, focusing on ways to build on Canada’s economic growth.",Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,Completed - fully met,Intergovernmental collaboration to take measures to improve Canadian competitiveness and foster economic growth.,"On July 19, 2018, the Prime Minister announced that a First Ministers’ Meeting (FMM) will be hosted in the fall. At the FMM, First Ministers will discuss ways to build on Canada’s economic growth through diversifying international trade and improving trade within the borders.
Discussions will be held on how to eliminate barriers to trade between provinces and territories, and work toward a stronger, more interconnected Canadian economy that is free from unnecessary barriers and restrictions imposed by provinces and territories.
On December 7, 2018, First Ministers met to discuss ways to strengthen economic growth and create jobs for the middle class by diversifying Canada’s international trade, promoting clean growth, and strengthening trade between provinces and territories. A joint communique was released outlining consensus to move forward on measures to create a framework for a clean electric future, to invest in measures to support energy sectors impacted by the oil price differential, to collaborate on the implementation of environmental assessment legislation, and to take specific measures to enhance internal trade.
The FMM is an important opportunity for federal, provincial, and territorial leaders to discuss shared priorities, strengthen collaboration, and work together to make life better for all Canadians."
1/31/2019,423,28-Aug,Jobs and Innovation,"Partner with the Atlantic provinces on the Atlantic Growth Strategy, and seek opportunities to develop new partnerships with other provinces and territories that contribute to economic prosperity.","Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development","Actions taken, progress made",Regional growth and prosperity. ,"Since the launch of the Atlantic Growth Strategy in 2016, the governments of Canada and the Atlantic provinces have worked collaboratively to foster economic and population growth in Atlantic Canada by focusing on five strategic priorities: skilled workforce and immigration, innovation, clean growth and climate change, trade and investment, and infrastructure.
Between July 2017 and April 2018, the Atlantic economy created more than 16,000 jobs and employment grew 1.5 per cent, better than the national average of 0.9 per cent. The region has also welcomed over 9,000 permanent residents and their families in 2017 under economic immigration programs. With new dedicated support for businesses offered by the Atlantic Immigration Pilot, regional employers made nearly 1,800 job offers since 2017 to fill job vacancies using the Pilot Program, compared to over 250 job offers last year. A new Ocean Supercluster will support growth of the ocean economy in Atlantic Canada and is projected to create more than 3,000 jobs and add more than $14 billion to Canada’s economy over 10 years. Through the Accelerated Growth Service, 62 Atlantic Canadian high-growth companies are receiving customized support to grow their markets potential.
Under the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change initiatives, $185 million has been allocated to Atlantic Canadian provinces through the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund. A new Clean Growth Hub, launched in January 2018, has already helped 30 Atlantic Canadian companies to access federal clean technology programs, funding and services. There were nearly 70 more in exporters Atlantic Canada in 2017 compared to 2016. Exports from Atlantic Canada were valued at $25 billion in 2017, an increase of nearly 20 per cent between 2016 and 2017. Since the launch of the Atlantic Trade and Investment Growth Strategy in July 2017, partners have been organizing pan-Atlantic initiatives dedicated to international market engagement. A new pan-Atlantic tourism approach, also announced in July 2017, provides new tools for hundreds of exporters in the tourism industry and promotes the region as a world-class tourism destination. This approach includes the region’s largest ever media campaign in China, which builds on the 2018 Canada-China Year of Tourism. In November 2018, Atlantic premiers and federal ministers will be undertaking a trade mission to China focused on the themes of food, tourism, education, and clean growth.
In keeping with the focus on innovation, at the last Atlantic Growth Strategy meeting of ministers and premiers in July 2018, the Minister of Health announced that Canada Health Infoway will invest $70 million in an ACCESS Atlantic Initiative for Health, which will create a new digital health ecosystem across the Atlantic provinces and include the implementation of an electronic prescription service.
The federal and Atlantic governments are also supporting the region’s infrastructure in an effort to foster long-term economic growth and make communities more inclusive. Following the negotiation of Integrated Bilateral Agreements, over $2.4 billion will be provided to Atlantic governments through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program over the next decade for infrastructure projects, a record level of investment.
Beyond the Atlantic Growth Strategy, the Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario was launched in April 2018, and public engagement towards a growth strategy for Western Canada, completed in November 2018, with a “What We Heard” report to be released in February. On November 9 2018, the government launched its Federal Strategy on Innovation and Growth for the Quebec Regions. On January 25, 2019, the government launched consultations towards the development of a Pan-Territorial Growth Strategy."
1/31/2019,424,28-Aug,Safety and Security,Chair the Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Irregular Migration.,Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,"Actions taken, progress made",Effective intergovernmental collaboration in response to irregular migration.,"The Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade became chair of the Task Force on August 13, 2018.
Announced on August 17, 2017, the Task Force also includes: Canada's Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction: Quebec's Minister of Immigration, Diversity and Inclusion; Ontario's Minister of Children, Community and Social Services; the Mayor of Toronto; and the Member of Parliament for Bourassa.
The Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Irregular Migration facilitates collaborative work undertaken at the federal and provincial levels to ensure a coordinated approach across governments in response to irregular migration."
1/31/2019,425,28-Aug,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Work with the Canadian National Railway Company, and the Government of Québec on a contribution towards repainting the Pont de Québec. ",Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Transport,"Actions taken, progress made",Collaboration with public and private sector partners ensures the Pont de Quebec gets repainted. ,"The Government of Canada is committed to working with the government of Quebec, the municipalities, and the CN to explore options that would ensure the Bridge gets repainted."
1/31/2019,426,28-Aug,Sustainable Infrastructure,Support the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority as it advances the construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities,"Actions taken, progress made",Effective oversight of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority and stewardship of the Canadian Lands advances the timely delivery of the Gordie Howe International Bridge.,"On September 28, 2018, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority announced the signing of a P3 contract with Bridging North America to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the Gordie Howe International Bridge project. The contract is valued at $5.7 billion (nominal value), which includes the design-build (DB) phase and the 30-year operation, maintenance, rehabilitation (OMR) phase. Bridging North America has presented a 74 month construction schedule to complete the four components of the project with the bridge expected to be in service by the end of 2024.
On October 5, 2018, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority and the Government of Canada announced the full construction start of the Gordie Howe International Bridge. Expected to open by the end of 2024, the Gordie Howe International Bridge will provide direct connections between Ontario's Highway 401 and Michigan's Interstate 75. Enhanced border infrastructure at the crossing will also protect the safety and security of Canadians while making it easier, safer, and faster for people to travel and goods to flow between the two countries."
1/31/2019,427,28-Aug,Exports and Investment,Support the export mobilization of Canadian small- and medium-sized enterprises and ensure maximization of Canada's comparative advantage with its vibrant diversity and diaspora communities.,Minister of International Trade Diversification;Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion,"Actions taken, progress made","Canadians SMEs, from high growth firms trying to achieve export readiness, to under-represented businesses, to more established ones seeking to diversify export markets, are supported through access to information, direct financial assistance (for export ready companies), and government-led trade missions.","The 2018 Fall Economic Statement announced the government’s intention to launch an Export Diversification Strategy, with a target of increasing Canada’s overseas exports by 50% by 2025.
In total, the Export Diversification Strategy will invest $1.1 billion over six years, starting in 2018-19, to help Canadian businesses access new markets
The Strategy will focus on three key components:
1) Investing in infrastructure to support trade by accelerating infrastructure spending and improving transportation data ($787.5 million);
2) Providing Canadian businesses with resources to execute their export plans ($198 million); and
3) Enhancing trade services, including the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) and other federal capacity at home and around the world ($184 million).
With new funding having been earmarked by Budget 2018, through the Women’s Entrepreneurship Strategy, to enlarging the Business Women in International Trade missions program and to expanding dedicated resources, there will be enhanced Trade Commissioner Service capacity to promote opportunities for under-represented client groups in international trade and to respond to the unique barriers faced by this business segment.
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1/31/2019,428,28-Aug,Exports and Investment,Maximize Invest in Canada.,Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made","Canada attracts increased global investment, creating well-paying, middle-class jobs and makes it simpler and faster for businesses investing in Canada.","Since its launch in March 2018, Invest in Canada continues to grow as it puts in place the infrastructure, programs, services, tools and talent needed to become fully operational. The organization’s logo, web and social media channels were revealed as part of the launch and momentum has been building among partners and international investors through direct outreach and signature events. In promoting Canada’s value proposition, Invest in Canada currently highlights existing programs/incentives such as the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF), Global Skills Strategy, and the Scientific Research and Experimental Development Tax Incentive (SRED). The Invest in Canada board had its first meeting on September 25, 2018. Invest in Canada continues to work closely with Global Affairs Canada to ensure foreign investors receive coordinated federal support when looking to invest or expand their operations in Canada. From September 19-21, 2018 Global Affairs Canada and Invest in Canada met together with provincial/territorial governments as well as members of the Consider Canada City Alliance to share plans, priorities and best practices to ensure a continued coordinated approach to attracting prospective investors to Canada. Global Affairs Canada continues to increase its capacity to attract foreign direct investment and has added 20 dedicated investment officers in key global markets with an additional five to be added by 2019-20. This increased capacity improves Canada’s ability to identify investment leads by promoting Canada as a prime investment location through direct interaction with senior executives of highly innovative, internationally experienced companies."
1/31/2019,429,28-Aug,Exports and Investment,Implement CETA and ratify CPTPP.,Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made",Implementation of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) will increase economic opportunities for Canadian businesses. Ratification of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) expeditiously to help diversify Canada’s trade towards the Asia-Pacific region.,"September 21, 2017 marked the start of provisional application of CETA, with all economically significant parts of the agreement coming into force, e.g. tariff elimination on 98 per cent of European Union (EU) tariff lines for Canadian goods, increased quotas, services commitments, temporary entry commitments, and government procurement obligations. CETA is strengthening economic relations, promoting new economic opportunities for Canada, businesses, and increasing jobs. For the Agreement to come fully into force, all 28 EU Member States must ratify CETA in their national parliaments. To date, 12 Member States have ratified the Agreement. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) entered into force on December 30, 2018."
1/31/2019,430,28-Aug,Environment and Climate Change,Support northern communities confronting immediate climate adaptation challenges.,Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",Northern communities strengthen their capacity to adapt to changing environments.,"Under the Pan-Canadian Framework for Clean Growth and Climate Change, the Government of Canada has been working with Territorial governments, communities, academia and Indigenous partners to implement climate change adaptation projects in Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik and Nunatsiavut.
The Climate Change Preparedness in North program, announced in Budget 2016 and expanded in Budget 2017, provides support to northern communities and organizations to help them adapt to climate change impacts by funding projects such as assessment of vulnerability and risk assessments of climate change impacts, development of hazard maps and adaptation plans, development of adaptation options, and implementation of non-structural and structural adaptation measures. To date, the program has funded 111 climate change adaptation projects in the North representing $15.1 million in total investments.
The Indigenous Community-Based Climate Monitoring Program, announced in Budget 2017, supports the collection of local data on climate and climate change impacts that can be used to support adaptation planning and decision making. To date, the program has funded 50 community-based climate monitoring projects in the North, representing $3.3 million in total investments.
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1/31/2019,431,28-Aug,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Implement the Action Plan for Official Languages, and examine the modernization of the *Official Languages Act*.","Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie","Actions taken, progress made",Strong and vibrant English and French linguistic minority communities across Canada and a culture of bilingualism that encourages exchange and recognizes Canada's English and French linguistic heritage. ,"On March 28, 2018, the 2018-2023 Action Plan for Official Languages: Investing in our Future was unveiled. The Action Plan includes a new investment of almost $500 million to support official-language minority communities across the country and promote bilingualism of Canadians. The new plan took effect on April 1, 2018. 28 new initiatives are being gradually implemented by the seven federal partners over 2018-19, including: artistic and cultural activities at official languages minority schools, thanks to an investment of up to $7.5 million starting in 2019–20; a fund in support of official-language minority media that will support the creation of more than 100 year-long youth internships between 2018 and 2020, in official-language minority radio stations and community newspapers; and, the implementation of the Community Media Strategic Support Fund, with a funding envelope of $10 million over five years, to provide financial assistance for projects that contribute to the maintenance of official-language minority radio and newspapers; and, an increase of core funding for official-language minority community organizations starting in 2018-19."
1/31/2019,432,28-Aug,Exports and Investment,Make it easier for SMEs to take advantage of trade agreements including CETA and CPTPP.,Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion,"Actions taken, progress made",SMEs are aware of existing opportunities for export markets and government services to support export related activities.,"Part of the Export Diversification Strategy, as proposed under the 2018 Fall Economic Statement, includes $10 million over 3 years (starting in 2019-20) to increase small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs') awareness of export supports available to them and to increase the capacity of export-oriented SMEs to enter new markets abroad through export training. "
1/31/2019,433,28-Aug,Environment and Climate Change,"Ensure effective use of restored funding to freshwater, oceans, fish stocks and aquaculture research programs.","Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard","Actions taken, progress made",Enhanced ocean and freshwater research and monitoring for improved decision making.,"The Government of Canada has made effective use of the restored research funding for oceans and freshwater research by adding fisheries monitoring and ecosystem-level surveys in Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic waters. An ecosystem-level survey has taken place in the Arctic. These activities will generate the basis for improved evidence-based advice to inform decision-making.
The first Pacific Region International Sighting Survey of Marine Megafauna took place in Summer 2018, simultaneously with a similar U.S. survey. This survey collected important information about the status of whale populations in the Pacific ocean and will inform conservation and management decisions related to these species.
Near real-time scientific data is being continuously collected and shared from more than 25 new ocean observing instruments deployed in Canadian waters. These instruments gather important information about the oceans (e.g. temperature, currents, etc.) that informs the government’s work on weather prediction, climate change, fish and marine mammal status and distribution, and the selection of marine protected areas.
The government has also used this funding to strengthen lab capacity for aquatic animal health diagnostic testing, which has improved diagnostic throughput by over 40%, allowing for more timely disease detection. Furthermore, aquaculture sites on both Pacific and Atlantic coasts have been selected for additional monitoring to better understand the effects of aquaculture inputs, such as drugs and pesticides and inputs of organic matter from feeds and fish feces. The data from these sites will inform advice into new regulations and standards for the aquaculture sector.
Enhanced ecosystem-based research activities also help provide insight on environmental changes and form a basis for resource managers and communities to adapt to the new environmental conditions. For example, research is being undertaken on predator-prey relations and linkages between benthic habitat and fisheries."
1/31/2019,434,28-Aug,Environment and Climate Change,Implement and further develop the Oceans Protection Plan.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Transport;Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Natural Resources","Actions taken, progress made",A world-leading marine safety system for Canada’s three coasts that protects marine environments.,"The government has announced initiatives worth over $800 million, including $130 million in new science funding for partnerships, improved knowledge, and development of new technologies to help mitigate and prevent marine incidents such as oil spills. Partnerships with Indigenous groups is a pillar of the Oceans Protection Plan, and to date, 235 workshops have been held with multiple Indigenous groups.
On June 21, 2018, 14 Central and North Coast First Nations in British Columbia and the Government of Canada signed an Agreement to support the collaborative planning and implementation of marine initiatives and promote a more coordinated and efficient approach to the governance, management, and protection of oceans in the Pacific North Coast.
Following the release of the *Pilotage Act* Review’s final report on May 22, 2018, key stakeholders were engaged both at working level and through a Ministerial roundtable held on July 4, 2018. Transport Canada intends to introduce legislation at the earliest opportunity to enable improvements in the effectiveness, efficiency and accountability of Canada’s pilotage system.
On December 13, 2018, amendments to the *Canada Shipping Act, 2001* and the *Marine Liability Act* received Royal Assent, as part of Bill C-86 (*Budget Implementation Act 2018, No. 2*). These amendments will enhance marine environmental protection and marine safety, including:
• Strengthening the protection of marine environments, including at-risk whale populations, from the impacts of routine shipping and navigation activities;
• Clarifying and strengthening the Canadian Coast Guard’s authorities to support a more proactive, rapid, and effective response to spills from ships;
• Modernizing the Ship-source Oil Pollution Fund, including enabling unlimited compensation to be provided to responders and victims of oil spills from ships.
As part of the national strategy to address abandoned and wrecked vessels, the government introduced the *Wrecked, Abandoned, or Hazardous Vessels Act* (Bill C-64) in October 2017 to strengthen owner responsibility and liability with respect to vessel management. The Bill has passed Third Reading in the Senate and is before the House of Commons for consideration of Senate amendments. In addition, the government has provided financial support for the assessment or removal of over 165 smaller abandoned or wrecked vessels and over $1 million in funding for boat recycling research and boat owner education and awareness initiatives vessels through Transport Canada’s Abandoned Boats Program and Fisheries and Oceans’ Small Craft Harbours Abandoned and Wrecked Vessels Removal Program.
The Government of Canada continues its work under the $167.4 million Whales Initiative to protect and support the recovery of endangered whale populations across Canada by addressing key threats to the Southern Resident Killer Whale (SRKW), the North Atlantic Right Whale (NARW) and the St. Lawrence Estuary Beluga. In partnership with the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority’s Enhancing Cetacean Habitat and Observation (ECHO) Program, a voluntary vessel slowdown and a lateral displacement trial were implemented in the Salish Sea this summer to reduce acoustic disturbance in key SRKW foraging areas. Additionally, measures were taken to reduce the risk of strikes and entanglements of NARW in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, with no known NARW deaths in Canadian waters during the 2018 season. On October 31, 2018, the government announced additional measures to protect SRKW, including exploring the expansion of vessel slowdowns, investments aimed at protecting and recovering chinook salmon stocks, and advancing feasibility work on SRKW sanctuaries.
Recognizing that chemical contaminants are one of the key threats facing Canada’s endangered whale populations, the Government of Canada continues its actions to reduce the presence of chemical contaminants. On October 13, 2018, the government published a Notice of Intent to amend the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012. The amendments will strengthen controls for two flame retardants and three oil and water repellents, and will prohibit two additional flame retardants should the final scientific risk assessments confirm they are toxic.
The government is modernizing the Coast Guard’s current suite of emergency response assets. Contracts have been awarded for the procurement of environmental response training software, curtain booms, fence booms, a medium-size portable multi-cassette-skimmer package, and a small high-speed sweep system. Transport Canada is also modernizing its emergency response capacity and has trained more than 2,020 people in the internationally recognized Incident Command System to ensure interoperability, role clarity and overall emergency response effectiveness.
In 2018, close to $1 million in funding was announced for four Arctic Indigenous communities to buy search and rescue capable boats and/or equipment to strengthen their participation in marine emergency responses in local waters as members of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary.
In November 2018, six new RADAR installations for monitoring marine traffic on the West Coast were announced. These installations will increase our coverage range, enhancing our ability to monitor vessel traffic which contributes to ensuring safer movement of vessels in the waters off southern British Columbia.
The Coastal Restoration Fund helps rehabilitate some of Canada's most vulnerable coastlines and protect marine life and ecosystems and is providing $75 million over five years to support coastal habitat restoration projects at the local and community level along Canada’s coasts. During its initial call for proposals, the program received 163 expressions of interest requesting over $310 million in funding. At present the program has allocated funding to 39 projects on all three coasts worth over $55 million. The next public call for proposals for the remaining $13.6 million closed December 27, 2018. Fisheries and Oceans Canada is currently assessing and prioritizing projects. It is anticipated that the project review will be completed by early winter 2019.
Two offshore towing vessels were delivered on the Pacific Coast. The Atlantic Eagle arrived in Victoria on November 5, 2018, and the second vessel, the Atlantic Raven, arrived on December 6th. A contract was also awarded to buy emergency tow kits for Coast Guard vessels and equipment caches across Canada.
To enhance the ability to mount an effective science-based federal response that minimizes environmental damage, Environment and Climate Change Canada has, since January 2018, placed three Environmental Emergency Officers on each coast (Pacific and Atlantic) as well as Wildlife Emergency Response Coordinators in four regions in Canada (i.e., Pacific, Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic). The Department has also put in place two new Enforcement Officers in the Atlantic region and two in the Pacific and Yukon region. These Enforcement Officers will work to ensure compliance with Canada’s Wildlife and environmental protection laws.
In 2017, following discussions and consultation with various stakeholders to determine marine weather information needs/gaps, in addition to considering relevant monitoring rationalization data, Environment and Climate Change Canada identified specific High Risk Marine Areas, which informed the decision to moor up to five new weather buoys in two locations on the West Coast (Southern Georgia Strait and approaching the Port of Metro Vancouver) and two locations on the East Coast (Strait of Canso and Bay of Fundy). These new buoys will help provide mariners with enhanced forecast information."
1/31/2019,435,28-Aug,Environment and Climate Change,"Develop a strategy to protect Pacific salmon in cooperation with the Government of British Columbia, with concrete deliverables for the 2019 International Year of the Salmon.","Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard","Actions taken, progress made","An integrated Pacific salmon strategy is developed in collaboration with the Government of BC, including new initiatives launched and implemented for International Year of the Salmon.","The Government of Canada is working with the government of BC on identifying opportunities to collaborate to protect wild salmon. A cornerstone of this strategy is the implementation of a new Wild Salmon Policy 2018-2022 Implementation Plan, announced on October 11, 2018.
On November 30, 2018, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, and the B.C. Minister of Agriculture, announced plans to establish a British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund (BCSRIF). The fund will focus on salmon protection and habitat restoration, as well as ensuring the fish and seafood sector in BC is positioned for long-term environmental and economic sustainability. Canada will contribute over $100 million in federal funding over six years, and provincial funding will be announced in the coming months. The federal government is also proposing to make a one-time contribution of $5 million to the Pacific Salmon Endowment Fund.
Government of Canada funding for the BCSRIF was announced in the Fall Economic Statement 2018. Also announced in the Fall Economic Statement 2018 was $107.4 million in new resources to support stock assessment and rebuilding efforts for priority Pacific salmon stocks, and $17.6 million per year ongoing, to support the implementation of stock assessment and rebuilding provisions in a renewed *Fisheries Act*.
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1/31/2019,436,28-Aug,Exports and Investment,Develop and implement the trade diversification strategy for the benefit of the middle class and small businesses seeking export opportunities.,Minister of International Trade Diversification;Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion,"Actions taken, progress made","Grow and diversify the base of Canadian exporters in a broader range of international markets, including through enhancement of their export readiness.","With the goal of increasing Canada’s overseas exports by 50 per cent by 2025, in November 2018 the government announced the launch of an Export Diversification Strategy that will invest $1.1 billion ($810 million in infrastructure; $290 million in programs and services) over the next six years, starting in 2018-19, in helping Canadian exporters and businesses accelerate their presence in new markets made more accessible by Canada's free trade agreements. The Export Diversification Strategy will align with the Innovation and Skills Plan by supporting SMEs, including high-growth, high-potential companies, particularly in emerging technology, digital, and services sectors. To date, the government's trade diversification initiatives include an announced investment of $75 million over five years for diplomatic and trade support in China and Asia, as well as $50 million over five years to help Canadian companies affected by the US tariffs diversify their exports. The Trade Commissioner Service will continue to play an instrumental role in the implementation of the government's trade diversification agenda, and will be working closely with other business and trade development partners to help Canadian exporters succeed abroad."
1/31/2019,437,28-Aug,Environment and Climate Change,Build on the work of Generation Energy and work with provinces and territories to accelerate clean growth strategies.,Minister of Natural Resources,"Actions taken, progress made","Enhance competitiveness, improve in environmental performance and move Canada towards a clean energy future. ","Through Generation Energy, Canadians outlined a vision for a prosperous and inclusive low-carbon energy future built on affordable, clean, secure, and resilient energy production, distribution, and consumption systems. The government will build on the Generation Energy Council report, engage provinces and territories to accelerate clean growth strategies and enhance the energy sector’s competitiveness.
At the First Ministers’ Meeting on December 7, 2018, First Ministers agreed to lead a discussion on the development of a Framework for Clean Electricity. This provides an opportunity to collaborate further on shared electricity priorities.
Federal, provincial, and territorial governments are working together to advance priorities towards a low-carbon future, as demonstrated in the report outlining collaborative actions on energy, which was publicly released at the annual Energy and Mines Ministers’ Conference in August 2018. These collaborative actions support the implementation of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate, including through key programs related to electric vehicles, alternative fuels, smart grids, energy efficiency, renewable power, and clean energy for rural and remote communities."
1/31/2019,438,29-Jan,Government Services and Operations,Support the delivery of Service Canada programming in rural communities.,"Minister of Rural Economic Development;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Additional commitment,,This commitment was identified in the latest mandate letter that was published in January 2019. Progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
1/31/2019,439,29-Jan,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Roll out and implement rural infrastructure investments, including by working directly with rural communities to address barriers.",Minister of Rural Economic Development,Additional commitment,,This commitment was identified in the latest mandate letter that was published in January 2019. Progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
1/31/2019,440,29-Jan,Jobs and Innovation,Develop a Canadian Rural Economic Development Strategy.,"Minister of Rural Economic Development;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade;Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food;Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Natural Resources;Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and la Francophonie;Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion",Additional commitment,,This commitment was identified in the latest mandate letter that was published in January 2019. Progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
1/31/2019,441,29-Jan,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Identify pilot programming to encourage more new Canadians to settle in rural Canada.,"Minister of Rural Economic Development;Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Additional commitment,,This commitment was identified in the latest mandate letter that was published in January 2019. Progress on this commitment will be provided in the next update of the Mandate letter tracker.
1/31/2019,101_1,12-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Implement the Auditor General's recommendations on enhancing mental health service delivery to Veterans.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,Veterans have increased awareness of available mental health services so that they know when they can expect care and get it quickly; there is improved performance management in the delivery of mental health services; and all recommendations of the Auditor General's 2014 report have been implemented.,"With the opening of a satellite operational stress injury clinic in Montreal on January 8, 2018, the Government of Canada has fully implemented the recommendations from the Auditor General's 2014 report on mental health services for Veterans.
In addition, a new information system has been implemented to better track operational stress injuries and mental health needs among Veterans. This system is intended to address the quality and impact of service, help identify those at risk and provide recommendations for Veterans and their mental health service providers.
These and other changes, reinforced by a new performance management framework, will improve the quality and effectiveness of how mental health services and outreach activities are delivered to Veterans. Lastly, Veterans Affairs Canada is continuously communicating about mental health services amongst the Veteran community to ensure those requiring assistance can access it."
1/31/2019,14_1,12-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and all other parts of the Public Safety portfolio are workplaces free from harassment and sexual violence.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,"Actions taken, progress made","Reduced incidents of harassment and sexual violence across Public Safety portfolio workplaces. Better training for staff at all levels, and implementation of all recommendations related to workplace safety and wellness at the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).","The government is taking all necessary steps to ensure the RCMP is a workplace free from harassment and sexual violence. These steps include implementing all recommendations from the July 2016 Report on Allegations of Harassment and Sexual Misconduct at the RCMP's Canadian Police College Explosives Training Unit, providing $100 million for a settlement between the RCMP and female members and public service employees regarding gender and sexual orientation based harassment and discrimination, and establishing a senior executive responsible for Workforce Culture and Employee Engagement. In May 2018, the government mandated the new RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki, in a letter from the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, to protect the health and safety of RCMP employees and members, including from harassment and violence in the workplace.
In January 2019, the Government accepted all of the recommendations made by the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP (CRCC) and Special Advisor, Sheila Fraser, in their respective reports related to harassment in the RCMP workplace. The government is establishing an Interim Management Advisory Board to provide the RCMP Commissioner with expert external advice on the management and administration of the RCMP, and to guide the foundational changes required to address the recommendations. The Government is launching a process to appoint initial Board members by April 1, 2019 and will introduce legislative changes to the RCMP Act to make the Board permanent.
Agencies in the Public Safety portfolio, including the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC), Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), have also put initiatives in place to address harassment and sexual violence in the workplace. In June 2018, the Federal Court approved a landmark Final Settlement Agreement (FSA) to the LGBT Purge Class Action that will compensate current and former federal public servants, members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who were directly impacted by anti-LGBTQ2 policies and practices. The FSA also includes $15 million for Reconciliation and Memorialization Measures to prevent future discrimination and for reconciliation with LGBTQ2 communities."
1/31/2019,175_1,12-Nov,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Make sure the Infrastructure Bank supports the construction of new, affordable rental housing.","Minister of Families, Children and Social Development","Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Where relevant, the Canada Infrastructure Bank undertakes complementary projects that support the goals of the National Housing Strategy.","The Canada Infrastructure Bank was legally established in June 2017 as an arm’s length Crown corporation focused on making and attracting investments in revenue-generating infrastructure projects in the public interest. The Bank is responsible for investments of at least $35 billion over 11 years, focused on public transit, green infrastructure, and trade and transportation projects.
In parallel, the government launched the National Housing Strategy which includes a new National Housing Co-investment Fund which will support initiatives designed to build, renew and repair Canada’s stock of affordable housing and ensure Canadians have greater access to affordable housing that meets their needs.
The Bank may undertake projects in the future related to housing, and if so these will complement the National Housing Strategy. But, to avoid duplication, the construction of affordable rental housing is not likely to be part of the Bank's primary mandate."
1/31/2019,227_1,28-Aug,Indigenous peoples,"Provide new funding to preserve, promote and revitalize Indigenous languages and cultures.",Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism,Completed - fully met,Community-based projects contribute to the revitalization and preservation of Indigenous languages.,"Budget 2017 invested $89.9 million to support Indigenous languages and cultures. These investments are supporting community-based projects that facilitate communication in, and revitalization of, Indigenous languages and are also helping to digitize Indigenous languages and oral histories. "
1/31/2019,240_1,12-Nov,Indigenous peoples,Co-develop an Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework with Indigenous partners.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Indigenous Services;Minister for Women and Gender Equality",Completed - fully met,"Strengthened early learning and child care that reflects the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit and Métis children and families.","In September 2018, the Government of Canada, the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Métis National Council jointly announced the first Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care (IELCC) Framework.
In addition to investments to support early learning and child care under the Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care Framework with provinces and territories, the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the Métis National Council and the Government of Canada have co-developed an IELCC Framework that reflects the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children and families across Canada. The Framework will inform additional investments of up to $1.7 billion over 10 years to strengthen early learning and childcare programs and services for Indigenous children and families starting in 2018-19. This is part of the commitment of $7.5 billion over 11 years the government has made to support and create more high-quality, affordable child care across the country in Budget 2016.
Budget 2016 announced $29.4 million in 2016-17 to support repairs and renovations of the facilities used by the First Nations and Inuit Child Care Initiative (FNICCI) and the Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve (AHSOR) program. Repairs and renovations were undertaken in 210 FNICCI child care centers and in 70 AHSOR facilities.
Budget 2016 also proposed investments of $100 million in 2017-18 to build capacity in existing Indigenous early learning and child care programs while the IELCC Framework was being co-developed. With these investments, repairs and renovations have been undertaken in 340 FNICCI child care centers, in 97 AHSOR facilities and in 90 Aboriginal Head Start in Urban and Northern Communities facilities.
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1/31/2019,257_1,12-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Encourage an increase in the number of women in senior positions and on boards in Canada.,"Minister for Women and Gender Equality;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made",More women occupy senior leadership positions in Canada.,"The first gender-balanced federal Cabinet was appointed in 2015. The government has also adopted an open, transparent and merit-based approach to select candidates for federal appointments. Since late 2015, the representation of women serving as GIC appointees has increased by 14 percentage points and is now at 48 per cent. In addition, the government has announced a process to address the underrepresentation of women as Canada Research Chairs, and the newly amended legislation, which received Royal Assent on May 1, 2018, will require publicly-traded, federally-incorporated companies to disclose annually information on the diversity makeup of their boards and senior management, as well as their diversity policies (or explain why they do not have one). Budget 2018 announced that the government will create an annual award for Canadian corporations showing leadership in promoting women, including minority women, to senior management positions and boards of directors."
1/31/2019,257_2,12-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Increase women representation where they have been traditionally under-represented, such as in the skilled trades.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made","Increase representation of women in professions and sectors traditionally dominated by men, including the skilled trades.","Budget 2017 investments in the PromoScience Program and FuturPreneur Canada are aimed at increasing the participation of underrepresented groups, including women, in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields as well as in entrepreneurship. Budget 2018 proposed to allocate approximately $20 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, to pilot an Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women. Under the Grant, women in male-dominated Red Seal trades would receive $3,000 for each of their first two years of training (up to $6,000). Working in partnership with provinces, territories, post-secondary institutions, training providers, unions and employers, the government will provide $46 million over five years, starting in 2018-19, and $10 million per year thereafter, for the Pre-Apprenticeship Program. The new program will help Canadians explore the trades, gain work experience, make informed career choices and develop the skills needed to find and keep good, well-paying jobs in the trades. To help increase the number of women in the skilled trades, the Women in Construction Fund will be launched in 2018-19 with an investment of $10 million over three years. The Program will build on existing models that have proven to be effective in attracting women to the trades. These models provide supports such as mentoring, coaching and tailored supports that help women to progress through their training, and find and retain jobs in the trades."
1/31/2019,39_1,12-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,"Implement the Pan-Canadian framework, including targeted federal funding and a flexible national carbon pollution pricing policy.",Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Finance;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations;Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,"Actions taken, progress made","Reduction in Canada's greenhouse gas emissions and progress to Canada's 2030 emission reduction targets as committed to in the Paris Agreement, ensuring that a cleaner, more sustainable world is left for our children and generations to come.","In December 2016, most First Ministers adopted the Pan-Canadian Framework (PCF) on Clean Growth and Climate Change, with Manitoba announcing its intention to join on February 23, 2018. The Government of Canada is working closely with the provinces and territories, Indigenous Peoples, and Canadians to implement over 50 measures outlined in the PCF. These actions, supported by significant federal investments announced in Budget 2016 and Budget 2017, will decrease emissions, air pollution, advance technology innovation and increase resilience across the broad range of impacts of climate change. In addition, the Government of Canada – working in partnership with the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and the Métis National Council – has launched three separate senior-level tables to engage with First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation in the implementation of the PCF.
The Second Annual Synthesis Report on the Status of Implementation of the PCF was released in December of 2018 and highlights significant federal, provincial and territorial accomplishments over the second year of PCF implementation.
Under the pan-Canadian approach to pricing carbon pollution, provinces and territories have the flexibility to implement their own carbon pollution pricing systems to meet the federal benchmark. The *Budget Implementation Act, 2018, No. 1*, which enacts the *Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act* (GGPPA), received Royal Assent on June 21, 2018. The GGPPA establishes the framework for the federal carbon pollution pricing system that will apply in jurisdictions that request it or that do not have a carbon pollution pricing system in place in 2018 that meets the federal benchmark stringency requirements (announced in October 2016). Provinces and territories had until September 1, 2018 to outline their plans, which were assessed against the federal benchmark.
On October 23, 2018 the Government of Canada announced the results of that assessment. This included information on where the federal carbon pollution pricing system will apply and how direct proceeds will be returned to the province or territory of origin. On December 20, 2018 the Government of Canada published draft regulations for the federal output-based pricing system and a proposed cost-benefit analysis framework for the purpose of receiving comments from the public and interested stakeholders. On January 1, 2019, the federal output-based pricing system took effect in Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and partially in Saskatchewan. The federal output-based pricing system will also take effect in Yukon and Nunavut in July 2019.
In December 2018, Canada published two regulations to limit carbon dioxide emissions: one amendment to accelerate the phase-out of coal-fired power by 2030, and the other to set emission performance standards for new natural gas-fired electricity generation and coal boilers converted to run on natural gas.
Canada is also working on a full suite of adaptation programs; codes and standards for climate resilience; investments of $21.9 billion in green infrastructure funding (including $9.2 billion for bilateral agreements with provinces and territories); and $2 billion for a Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund. The Canadian Centre for Climate Services was launched in October 2018. In the same month, Canada joined the Global Commission on Adaptation, an international initiative to raise the profile of climate change adaptation and advance action by mobilizing global expertise and political leadership.
The Low Carbon Economy Fund, made up of the Leadership Fund and the Challenge, is providing funding to programs and projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while supporting clean growth. The $1.4 billion Leadership Fund supports the leadership commitments from provinces and territories outlined in the PCF. The $500 million Challenge is composed of two streams, the Champions stream and the Partnerships stream. The Champions stream closed on September 28, 2018, and will provide $450 million to eligible projects from province and territories, municipalities, Indigenous communities and organizations, business and not-for profit organizations. The Partnerships stream, launched on December 20, 2018 and will provide $50 million to support smaller communities, small and medium sized businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and Indigenous communities and organizations.
In July 2018, the timelines and approach to developing the Clean Fuel Standard were revised to enable continued consultations and analysis to ensure that the Clean Fuel Standard achieves its goal while maintaining Canadian competitiveness. The revised approach starts with the development of the standards for liquid fuels, followed by gaseous and solid fuels together. In December of 2018, ECCC released the Clean Fuel Standard Regulatory Design Paper, featuring key elements of the design of the Clean Fuel Standard regulations, building on the features in the Clean Fuel Standard regulatory framework of December, 2017.
In April 2018, the final Regulations Respecting Reductions in the Release of Methane and Certain Volatile Organic Compounds (upstream oil and gas sector) were published. In May 2018, the final Regulations Amending the Heavy-duty Vehicle and Engine Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations were published. In August 2018, a discussion paper was released on the mid-term evaluation of Canada’s GHG emission standards for light-duty vehicles of the 2022 to 2025 model years. This evaluation aims to determine whether the established greenhouse gas emission standards for the 2022 to 2025 model years remain appropriate for Canada. Also in August 2018, the Government of Canada launched the Climate Action Fund, providing up to $3 million in grants and contributions for projects that increase action and awareness on climate change and climate change initiatives, with results expected to be announced in late fall 2018.
To highlight how the Government of Canada is addressing climate change through investments in communities across the country, a Climate Action Map was released in October 2018."
1/31/2019,393_1,28-Aug,Sustainable Infrastructure,Launch a new Canadian Green Bond that can enable additional investments to support green projects when a lack of capital represents a barrier to green projects.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Finance,"Actions taken, progress made",Increase the impact of green initiatives by introducing a new financing mechanism to promote increased investment when a lack of capital represents a barrier.,"Budget 2016 included investments of $5 billion over five years towards infrastructure projects that protect communities and support Canada's ongoing transition to a clean growth economy. Budget 2017 announced the government's plan to invest $21.9 billion in green infrastructure, including initiatives, which will support the implementation of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change. Of this, $9.2 billion will be provided to provinces and territories over the next decade through bilateral agreements. A further $5 billion will be available for green infrastructure projects through the Canada Infrastructure Bank and $2.8 billion through a series of national programs.
In addition, the Government of Canada announced the creation of the Expert Panel on Sustainable Finance that will explore the opportunities and challenges relating to the financing of sustainable investments in Canada including infrastructure. The panel members released an Interim Report reviewing findings from their consultations to date in October 2018, and will provide a final report and recommendations to the government by the spring of 2019."
1/31/2019,413_1,28-Aug,Safety and Security,"Lead the government’s plan on irregular migration, and ensure close collaboration with provinces, territories and municipalities.","Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship;Minister of Foreign Affairs","Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",Ensure Canada's borders are managed in a way that protects the safety and security of all Canadians while upholding Canada’s international obligations regarding asylum seekers. ,"The government has made investments to help secure the Canada-U.S. border while ensuring asylum claims are processed in a timely manner. Investments are also supporting decision-making capacity for the Immigration and Refugee Board, which in turn will lead to more timely removals of those who are found to be without a valid claim. The government has also launched outreach efforts to provide accurate information on Canadian immigration laws, risks of crossing the border between ports of entry, and to deter the abuse of U.S. travel documents. To better share information with various levels of government involved in managing irregular migration, the Intergovernmental Task Force on Irregular Migration was established in the Summer of 2017. The Task Force brings together the key federal ministers responsible for managing the influx of irregular migrants with the provincial and municipal governments that have been most heavily affected. Meeting on a frequent basis, it allows members of different government levels to address challenges and explore strategies."
1/31/2019,7_1,12-Nov,Safety and Security,Ensure the Royal Canadian Navy is able to operate as a true maritime force.,"Minister of National Defence;Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development","Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges",Improved equipment for the men and women in uniform.,"Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), the government has started renewing Canada's maritime fleet so that much needed vessels are delivered to the Royal Canadian Navy in a timely and affordable manner, all while rebuilding Canada’s shipbuilding industry.
Significant milestones have been achieved on the following projects:
• Canadian Surface Combatant-– A preferred bidder was identified in October 2018 and the due diligence negotiation/verification process has started. A contract is expected to be awarded in winter 2019 should due diligence be successful.
• Halifax-class frigates – In November 2018, Public Services and Procurement Canada issued three Advance Contract Award Notices (ACAN) announcing Canada’s intention to contract three Canadian shipyards to maintain the Halifax-class frigates until the Canadian Surface Combatants (CSC) are delivered. As no additional eligible statements of capabilities were received within the ACAN timeframe, negotiations have begun for these contracts. Additional upgrades have also been contracted to help ensure the Halifax-class frigates remain operationally relevant until delivery of the CSC.
• Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS) – The launch of the first AOPS, HMCS Harry DeWolf, took place in September 2018 and the Navy expects to accept the vessel in 2019. In November 2018, the Minister of National Defence announced that the Royal Canadian Navy will receive a sixth patrol ship, which will help to ensure continued capabilities for the Navy and to sustain hundreds of highly-skilled middle class jobs at Irving shipyards.
• Joint Support Ships (JSS) – Construction began on large segments of the Royal Canadian Navy’s JSS at Vancouver Shipyards in June 2018. JSS 1 is expected to be delivered in 2022-2023 and JSS 2 is expected in 2023-2024.
The NSS continues to generate significant economic benefits across the country. The government has issued $8.8 billion in NSS contracts between 2012 and the end of August 2018. These contracts are estimated to contribute over $10 billion ($928 million annually) to gross domestic product, and create or maintain more than 9,600 jobs in the Canadian economy annually during the period of 2012-2022. NSS shipyards also continue to engage with small and medium Canadian enterprises by awarding contracts for NSS related projects where applicable."
1/31/2019,77_1,12-Nov,Healthy Canadians,New Health Accord supports the delivery of more and better home care services.,Minister of Health;Minister of Seniors,"Actions taken, progress made",Improved access to home and community care services.,"The Government of Canada is investing $6 billion over 10 years to expand access to home and community care options, and better support the millions of Canadians who provide informal care to loved ones. Bilateral funding agreements detailing how federal funding will be used are now being negotiated. Agreements have been signed with 10 provinces and territories: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Nova Scotia, British Columbia, Québec, and Ontario. Once these agreements are signed and announced , they are posted publicly. Bilateral agreements for the remaining jurisdictions (AB, MB, NU) have been approved-in-principle by officials and/or signed but have not yet been announced.
The federal government has agreed to an asymmetrical arrangement with Québec, distinct from the Common Statement of Principles.
The government has also introduced a 15-week Employment Insurance benefit for those caring for critically ill or injured adult family members and created the new Canada Caregiving Credit to simplify and expand tax credits for caregivers"
1/31/2019,77_2,12-Nov,Healthy Canadians,New Health Accord advances pan-Canadian collaboration on health innovation.,Minister of Health,Completed - fully met,"More innovation within the health care system, including new digital and mobile technologies to improve results.","To support health innovation, Budget 2017 confirmed $300 million over five years for Canada Health Infoway to expand e-prescribing and virtual care initiatives. Canada Health Infoway has signed agreements with nine provinces and territories (AB, MB, NB, NS, NL, ON, PE, SK, YK) to collaborate on the implementation of a national e-prescribing service, which will help reduce the use of paper prescriptions, enhance patient safety, reduce fraud, improve continuity of care, optimize jurisdictional drug information system investments, and facilitate better health outcomes for Canadians. In addition, Budget 2017 committed $53 million over five years, with $15.0 million per year ongoing, to the Canadian Institute for Health Information to address health data gaps, support improved decision-making and strengthen health system performance reporting. Budget 2017 also committed $51 million over three years, starting in 2019-20, with $17 million ongoing, to the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement to continue to accelerate innovations in all provinces and territories."
1/31/2019,77_3,12-Nov,Healthy Canadians,New Health Accord improves access to necessary prescription medications.,Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made",Canadians have access to lower cost prescription medications.,"The government is working on enhancing the affordability, accessibility and appropriate use of prescription drugs in collaboration with provinces, territories and other partners. The government has joined the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance, which leverages combined federal-provincial-territorial purchasing power to make patented prescription drugs cheaper for public plans and lower prescription generic drug prices for all payers. Following an initial consultation in Spring 2017, proposed amendments to the Patented Medicines Regulations were published in Canada Gazette I on December 2, 2017, launching a 75-day period during which stakeholders and interested Canadians were invited to provide feedback. Budget 2017 invested $140.3 million over five years and $18.2 million per year ongoing for Health Canada, the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board and the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health.
As part of Budget 2018, the government announced it is creating an Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare. The Advisory Council will conduct an economic and social assessment of domestic and international models, and will recommend options on how to move forward. The full Council was launched on June 20, 2018, and has begun engaging with provincial, territorial and Indigenous leaders as well as experts, stakeholders, patients and other Canadians."
1/31/2019,77_4,12-Nov,Healthy Canadians,New Health Accord makes high quality mental health services available.,Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made","Improved access to mental health and addictions services, particularly for vulnerable populations and youth.","The Government of Canada is investing $5 billion over 10 years to expand access to mental health and addictions services, including for young Canadians where early interventions can significantly improve outcomes. Bilateral funding agreements detailing how federal funding will be used are now being negotiated. Agreements have been signed with 10 provinces and territories: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Nova Scotia, British Columbia, Québec, and Ontario. Once these agreements are signed and announced, they are posted publicly. Bilateral agreements for the remaining jurisdictions (AB, MB, NU) have been approved-in-principle by officials and/or signed but have not yet been announced.
The federal government has agreed to an asymmetrical arrangement with Québec, distinct from the Common Statement of Principles."
1/31/2019,90_1,12-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Continue to reduce the federal debt-to-Gross Domestic Product ratio.,Minister of Finance,"Actions taken, progress made",A federal debt-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio that continues to go down.,"The government is committed to building a strong middle class, making investments that lead to economic growth and reducing Canada’s already low debt-to-GDP ratio. The federal debt-to-GDP ratio fell by 0.8 percentage points in 2017-18 and is expected to continue to fall over the forecast horizon. The government will maintain this downward debt ratio track, preserving Canada's low-debt advantage for current and future generations. Canada is among the leaders for economic growth in the G7 since late 2015, the share of working-aged Canadians who are employed is the highest ever and Canada is maintaining its low-debt advantage. The government's approach has received praise from organizations including the International Monetary Fund."
1/31/2019,95_1,12-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Increase the value of the Disability Award.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"Increased the maximum Disability Award to $360,000 and indexed it to inflation so ill or injured Veterans receive better financial support.","The maximum Disability Award has been increased to a maximum of $360,000 for ill and injured Veterans in recognition of pain and suffering, commensurate with industry benchmarks and indexed to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This provides support to Veterans and their families for an injury or illness resulting from military service. All Veterans who received a Disability Award since 2006 have already or will receive an additional lump-sum payment as a result of these changes."
3/22/2019,1,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency is a client-focused agency.,Minister of National Revenue,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Improved client satisfaction levels, reduced wait times for inquiries, and simplified and easy to use processes.","The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is adopting a client-centric approach to program and service delivery.
Over the last year, the CRA:
• appointed a Chief Service Officer who is leading the CRA’s service transformation
• created an external advisory panel on service to provide advice in service design and delivery from industry experts
• improved telephone service by migrating the business, benefits, and income tax enquiries call centres to the new Hosted Contact Centre Service (HCCS) platform
• has extended the hours of operation of its Individual Enquiries Telephone Service for the duration of the tax filing season. From February 18 to April 30, 2019, telephone agents will be available Monday to Friday (except holidays) from 9 am to 9 pm (local time) weekdays, and from 9 am to 5 pm (local time) on Saturdays (except Easter weekend).
• applied resources to better support the participating organizations in the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) and implemented an enhanced outreach program, increasing the number of individuals helped through the CVITP
• introduced the ""tell us once"" approach in November 2017, making it easier for Canada Pension Plan recipients to update their banking information by enabling sharing of Direct Deposit information between ESDC and CRA
• allowed individuals to pay their taxes at any Canada Post retail outlet
• began informing businesses when mail is undeliverable and asking them to update their information
• expanded the Liaison Officer service, helping small unincorporated businesses understand their tax obligations
• launched CRA BizApp, a mobile web app for small businesses and sole proprietors
• redesigned My Account, allowing users to quickly view their tax and benefit information and easily update their personal information
• merged online mail and account alerts for individuals into a single service simply referred to as email notifications.
• conducted the 2018 Serving You Better consultations, which encouraged small and medium businesses and accountants to share their feedback on how the CRA could improve its services.
• opened three new Northern Service Centres in Whitehorse, Yellowknife, and Iqaluit before the 2019 tax filing season on February 11, 2019
• conducted public opinion research with Indigenous communities to identify challenges related to tax filing and benefit application
• Invested $34 million over five years to hire additional staff to process adjustments to T1 returns post-filing more quickly, reducing frustration for taxpayers and ensuring that vulnerable Canadians do not encounter unnecessary delays in calculating the credits and benefits to which they are entitled.
• launched File My Return, a service that lets eligible Canadians file their income tax and benefit return through an automated phone service.
• following Budget 2018’s announcement, the Agency, alongside central agencies, undertook a comprehensive review of the CRA’s service model.
As a result of this review, Budget 2019 announced that resources will be reallocated internally to improve service delivery for Canadians.
• published assignment and processing timeframes for objections, and new service standards for objections and taxpayer relief requests.
• following Budget 2019’s announcement, the CRA will pursue its established plans and apply resources to resolve objections in a more timely manner.
• enabled the online submission of the Disability Tax Credit Certificate, and supporting documents, as of February 2019, in My Account or Represent a Client.
• The Dedicated Telephone Service (DTS) was established with funding from Budget 2016, which provided $12.7M for the three-year pilot project until December 31, 2019. The goal of the pilot project was to provide smaller income tax providers with better access to the resources they need to help solve their complex tax problems.
• The DTS pilot project was expanded effective January 2, 2019. Formerly limited to service providers with three partners or less, in select provinces, the DTS is now available to all small and medium-sized income tax service providers across Canada (those in firms with 50 partners or less). In Budget 2019, the government announced on-going funding ($3.8 million per year) to make this well received program permanent, improving service for the millions of Canadians who work with tax service providers each year.
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3/22/2019,2,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Crack down on tax evaders.,Minister of National Revenue,"Actions taken, progress made","A fairer tax system, and billions of dollars recovered from those who are evading taxes.","The CRA continues to crack down on tax evasion and avoidance through several means, including:
• Targeting non-compliance in the highest-risk areas, such as wealthy individuals with offshore accounts. This has led to the doubling of the number of offshore audits since 2014.
• Reviewing large money transfers between Canada and eight countries of concern—transactions worth over $177 billion that merited closer scrutiny were identified as of March 31, 2018.
• Focusing on non-compliance in the underground economy by implementing the 2018-2021 Underground Economy Strategy
• Aggressively pursuing those who promote tax avoidance schemes, and in 2017-2018, imposing approximately $48 million in penalties on these third parties.
CRA’s audit programs identified a total of $13.6 billion in fiscal impact during 2017-2018, an increase of more than $1 billion from the previous year. This included $7.9 billion that was identified through the CRA's international, large business and offshore audit teams.
The CRA also continues combatting tax evasion and money laundering through criminal investigations, and collaboration with domestic partners such as the RCMP and the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada as well as international partners. For example, in February 2019, the CRA executed search warrants in the greater Montréal and Toronto areas, proceeded with restraint orders of proceeds of crime and laid tax evasion charges as part of a joint criminal investigation with the RCMP targeting a money laundering and tax evasion scheme. To date, the estimated value of assets seized and restrained totals more than $32.8 million.
Canada is one of more than 75 countries taking part in the OECD/G20 Country-by-Country Reporting Initiative, a collaborative approach that allows countries to share revenue and profit information on large multinational enterprises.
The CRA published a series of studies on Canada's tax gap to inform the public on non-compliance and to deliver on the government’s commitment to transparency. The CRA is now one of the leaders in tax gap estimation amongst OECD countries.
Budget 2019 further strengthens the CRA’s ability to combat tax evasion and aggressive tax avoidance by investing more than $150 million in additional funding over five years, allowing the CRA to fund new initiatives and extend existing programs, including:
• Hiring additional auditors, conducting outreach and building technical expertise to target non-compliance associated with cryptocurrency transactions and the digital economy;
• Creating a new data quality examination team to ensure proper withholding, remitting and reporting of income earned by non-residents;
• Extending programs aimed at combatting offshore non-compliance; and
• Establishing real estate audit teams.
To help the CRA stay ahead of non-compliance schemes driven by the use of new, advanced technologies, Budget 2019 proposes to invest more than $65 million over five years to improve the CRA’s information technology systems, including replacing legacy systems, so that the infrastructure used to fight tax evasion and aggressive tax avoidance continues to evolve.
In addition, Budget 2019 announced plans for incremental legislative change that would tighten some tax loopholes to combat tax evasion and aggressive tax avoidance.
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3/22/2019,3,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Develop a Canadian energy strategy with provinces and territories.,Minister of Natural Resources,Completed - modified,"Greater energy conservation, greater inclusion of clean energy and innovative technologies in Canada's energy future, reduced diesel use in remote and off-grid communities, and effective market access for Canadian energy exports.","Federal, provincial and territorial energy ministers are taking joint action under the provincial/territorial-led Canadian Energy Strategy. The strategy promotes energy efficiency, develops new energy technology and innovations, identifies priority energy infrastructure, and advances international energy collaboration. These initiatives complement the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, helping Canada meet its emissions reduction target and grow the economy.
In June 2018, the Generation Energy Council Report was released, outlining a vision, pathways and advice on a prosperous and low-carbon future. The government will build on the work of Generation Energy, to engage provinces and territories in accelerating clean growth strategies, and enhancing the energy sector’s competitiveness.
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3/22/2019,4,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Modernize the National Energy Board.,Minister of Natural Resources,"Actions taken, progress made","Canada has a modern energy regulator that is more representative of Canada's regions and diversity and has greater expertise to undertake its responsibilities in considering environmental science, the knowledge and perspective of Indigenous peoples, and community development. The new regulator will facilitate more timely project decisions.","As announced in February 2018, the government is proposing to create the Canadian Energy Regulator (CER), a new and modern federal energy regulator with the required independence and the proper accountability to oversee a strong, safe and sustainable Canadian energy sector in the 21st century. This includes ensuring the new CER is built on modern effective governance, more inclusive engagement, greater Indigenous participation, stronger safety and environmental protection, and more timely project decisions that enhance certainty for industry. The legislation, regulations and policy measures to modernize the National Energy Board are being informed by an Expert Panel report, federal discussion papers, parliamentary studies, and over two years of consultations with Indigenous peoples, industry, provinces and territories, non-government organizations, academia and the public. The proposed legislation is currently before the Senate for review."
3/22/2019,5,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Develop a North American clean energy and environment agreement.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of Natural Resources,Completed - fully met,"Reduced greenhouse gas emissions, alignment of energy efficiency regulations and enhanced development of the clean technology sector in North America, setting the foundation for a stronger, more sustainable economy.","The North American Leaders' Summit in June 2016 released an Action Plan for a North American Climate, Clean Energy, and Environment Partnership. It announced ambitious targets to advance clean and secure energy, reduce short-lived climate pollutants, promote clean and efficient transportation, and show global leadership in addressing climate change. The February 13, 2017 Joint Statement from the President of the United States and the Prime Minister confirmed the importance of close collaboration on energy security, clean energy innovation and the environment, including clean air and water. Canada continues to advance these priorities, including work with Mexico and sub-national governments in the United States in the context of the North American Climate Leaders’ process. On September 13, 2018, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and her Mexican and United States Climate Alliance counterparts announced a North American Climate Leadership Dialogue joint statement committing to continued environment and climate change cooperation."
3/22/2019,6,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Undertake a review of Canada Post to make sure it provides high-quality service at a reasonable price.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility;Minister of Rural Economic Development,Completed - fully met,"Canadians receive the services they expect from Canada Post at a reasonable price. In addition, Canada Post is able to effectively adapt to changes in technology and consumer preferences.","The Canada Post Review has produced two public reports from an Independent Task Force and the House of Commons Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates.
On January 24, 2018, the government completed the Review and announced a service-focused vision for renewal, providing guidance for renewal to the Board of Directors. This vision and guidance included concrete measures to make delivery more accessible, and to stop converting door-to-door service into community mailboxes.
A new Chair of Canada Post's Board of Directors was appointed in December 2017, who received a letter of expectations from the Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility in January 2018. Subsequently, the government has announced eight appointments to the Board and on March 1st, 2019, the government appointed a new President and CEO of Canada Post.
Canada Post has been reclassified under the *Financial Administration Act* with the strengthened expectation that it will reinvest all of its profits in service and innovation and steps are underway to address drivers of rural-urban pricing differences.
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3/22/2019,7,15-Nov,Safety and Security,Renew the Canadian Coast Guard fleet.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development","Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges",Enhanced protection and improved safety of Canadians along Canada's coasts.,"Through the Oceans Protection Plan and re-investments in the Canadian Coast Guard, the government has significantly enhanced support to the Coast Guard fleet. Specifically, the government is working to enhance the world-leading marine safety system that protects Canada’s coasts. It is also committed to ensuring that the Canadian Coast Guard has the equipment it needs to prevent potential marine pollution incidents. In August 2018, a contract was awarded for a three-year lease of two emergency offshore towing vessels to assist in towing vessels in distress off the Pacific coast. Both vessels entered into service in December 2018. Additionally, a contract was awarded to buy emergency tow kits for Coast Guard vessels and equipment caches across Canada.
Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), the government has started renewing Canada's federal fleet so that needed vessels are delivered to the Canadian Coast Guard in a timely and affordable manner.
Construction is underway on all three Offshore Fisheries Science Vessels (OFSVs), the first of which is expected to be delivered in summer 2019. Four of 20 new Search and Rescue (SAR) lifeboats have been delivered to help keep Canadians and Canadian waterways safe. Delivery of the fifth and sixth SAR lifeboats is expected by summer 2019.
The Government of Canada has decided to re-sequence the construction of the Coast Guard’s Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel (OOSV). Seaspan will complete the construction on the first of two Navy Joint Support Ships (JSS) prior to commencing construction on the Coast Guard’s OOSV. This change in sequence decision will build on the progress that is currently underway on JSS1 and allow time between construction of the first and second JSS to incorporate time for “lessons learned”. Construction of the OOSV is expected to commence in late 2020 and is expected to be delivered in 2024.
On August 10, 2018, the Government of Canada issued a contract to Chantier Davie of Lévis, Quebec, for the acquisition and conversion of three medium commercial icebreakers. On August 27, 2018, the vessels arrived in Canada. The vessels will provide interim icebreaking capability for the Canadian Coast Guard while existing ships are removed from service for repairs and until replacement vessels are delivered under the NSS. The first medium icebreaker was accepted into service on December 14, 2018. The second and third icebreakers are currently undergoing conversion at Davie, and will enter into service in 2019 and 2020 respectively. Additionally, in February 2019, Canada released a Request for Information to inform a future Request for Proposal process for the acquisition of one light icebreaker to support interim operational requirements.
The government is also investing to: repair and modernize many of the Coast Guard's vessels with new technology and towing equipment, enhance collaborations between the Coast Guard with Indigenous communities, and harness cutting edge science and technology to understand ocean currents, real-time shipping movements and threat monitoring.
To advance the development of National Repair, Refit and Maintenance and Small Vessel Construction program strategies, Public Services and Procurement Canada hosted a series of four regional workshops (November 2017 – April 2018). In November 2018, a Federal Marine Procurement Outlook session was held to provide industry with the status and proposed disposition of action items heard in the regional workshops. The results of these workshops will be used to identify opportunities to improve and streamline the procurement processes.
The NSS continues to generate significant economic benefits across the country. As of December 31, 2018, the Government of Canada has awarded more than $9.75-billion of National Shipbuilding Strategy-related contracts across the country. Contracts awarded to date through the NSS will contribute an estimated $10.9 billion of gross domestic product, and create or maintain more than 10,000 jobs annually in the Canadian economy during the period of 2012-2022. NSS shipyards also continue to engage with small and medium Canadian enterprises to award contracts for NSS-related projects.
Given the scope and complexity of the construction of vessels, delivering on-time and on-budget presents implementation challenges that must be closely monitored and managed.
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3/22/2019,8,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Modernize procurement practices.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made","Government procurement is faster, simpler, more competitive, and more predictable in terms of cost. Businesses with innovative ideas are able to more easily sell to the government, and procurement processes benefit Canadians and communities across Canada.","The government is improving its procurement processes so that businesses can engage with government in a simpler and faster way. The procurement platform was enhanced so that suppliers have easier access to bidding opportunities and are given a second opportunity to comply with the mandatory requirements of bid solicitations. Steps have also been taken to adopt an agile approach to procurement that provides a fair, transparent and inclusive process open to all businesses across Canada. Budget 2018 announced $196.8 million over five years to establish a new electronic procurement platform, which will also help make government procurement simpler, faster, and more accessible.
The government is also making strides to increase bidder diversity. As of the third quarter of this fiscal year, PSPC participated in a total of 1,165 outreach events across Canada reaching over 30,000 individuals to promote how to do business with the Government of Canada.
PSPC launched a number of pilots to increase participation of small and diverse suppliers with a focus on small and medium-sized businesses owned or led by women, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, and indigenous people. These efforts complement initiatives undertaken to better leverage public procurement to support socio-economic goals including improved community and environmental benefits.
Better Buying, PSPC’s plan to make procurement processes easier, faster and more accessible for suppliers and buyers, was launched in early March. The plan also outlines how PSPC is using procurement to support under-represented groups and to help address important issues like climate change.
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3/22/2019,9,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Establish new performance standards for government services and measure and report on performance.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government;Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility;Minister of Democratic Institutions","Actions taken, progress made",Government services that better meet the needs of Canadians.,"The Government of Canada is assessing its service standards to ensure that they are comprehensive and meaningful. Among its achievements, the government has:
• implemented new and better service standards for new clients applying for Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Disability benefits;
• completed a Service Delivery Review for Veterans Affairs Canada to help drive wholesale change to delivering services and benefits to Veterans;
• re-opened nine Veterans Affairs Canada offices and opened a new tenth office;
• expanded auto-enrollment for Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) benefits;
• implemented an integrated OAS/GIS application, allowing Canadians to apply to both OAS and GIS at the same time;
• added new capacity for call centres handling inquiries related to Employment Insurance (EI) and Canada Revenue Agency; and
• ensured more Canadians could file their taxes online for all Canada Revenue Agency administered programs.
In 2017-18, the government consulted with Canadians as part of reviews of the EI, OAS and CPP service standards.
The reviews found that current service standards meet Canadian’s expectations, but that information should be easier to find and read. These findings are informing future work on service standards.
In addition to departmental web sites that inform clients of their service standards, the government also created a service inventory data-set on the Open.Canada.ca to provide a more consolidated view of services, their standards and related performance results."
3/22/2019,10,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Strengthen oversight on government advertising.,President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government,"Actions taken, progress made",Increased oversight of government advertising so that public dollars aren't spent on partisan advertising.,"In May 2016, an interim process was established so that advertising campaigns with budgets greater than $500,000 undergo independent, mandatory reviews. These reviews ensure the campaigns are non-partisan. The results of these reviews are posted online. Following consultations with parliamentarians and other stakeholders, the government will entrench independent third-party oversight of federal advertising in law. The Office of the Auditor General of Canada has undertaken an audit of the non-partisan advertising oversight mechanism. The report is expected to will be tabled in May 2019."
3/22/2019,11,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Improve the use of evidence in program evaluation.,President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government,Completed - fully met,"Evidence-based reporting, measurement and evaluation of government activities are in place.","The government established a new Policy on Results in July 2016 that aims to improve how its institutions measure, evaluate, and report results. The policy also seeks to improve how departments and agencies gather and use evidence to inform decisions. As of December 2018, all departments have fully adopted the new policy.
Following the announcement in Budget 2018, a Central Performance Impact and Assessment Unit to undertake innovation performance evaluations on an ongoing basis has now been established."
3/22/2019,12,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Make government data available digitally.,"President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Completed - fully met,Digitized government data that are accessible to Canadians.,"The government improved the Open government portal, Open.canada.ca, by adding content from across the Government of Canada and by simplifying the search process for users. The Government of Canada also added the Open by Default Pilot section to the portal, giving Canadians early access to draft and working documents from participating departments. The number of participating federal entities increased from 45 in 2014 to 67 as of October 2018. In the last year, more than 30,000 new data sets were published, and accessed hundreds of thousands of times. The government continues to make new data sets available on open.canada.ca while strengthening the quality, accessibility, and searchability of open data that are relevant to Canadians and to stakeholders in civil society, private sector, media, and academia. The government has repeatedly been recognized internationally as leaders on open government by the Open Government Partnership, which is a multinational organization that brings together government reformers and civil society leaders in order to secure concrete commitments from national and subnational governments to promote open government. Canada was elected to the steering committee of the Open Government Partnership in 2017 for a 3 year term, and in October 2018, it assumed the role of lead government chair. Budget 2018 also announced an investment of $1 million for Treasury Board Secretariat to support Canada’s co-chairmanship of the Open government Partnership and the organization of an international Summit to take place in Ottawa May 29-31, 2019. Finally, in September 2018 Canada ranked 1st globally (tied with the United Kingdom) on the World Wide Web Foundation’s Open Data Barometer Leaders Edition, which measures progress by 30 leading governments that have made concrete commitments to champion open data."
3/22/2019,13,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Bargain in good faith with Canada's public sector unions.,President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government,"Actions taken, progress made","Collective agreements with Canada's public sector unions are fair and reasonable for employees and Canadians, and are bargained in good faith.","The Government of Canada is committed to building a culture of respect for, and within, the federal public service. For the 2014 round of bargaining, through good-faith negotiations, the government has reached 26 agreements with bargaining agents, representing over 99% of unionized employees in the core public administration. For the 2018 round of bargaining, the Employer engaged with all bargaining agents who have served notice to bargain. The government will continue to bargain in good faith with public sector unions and remains committed to negotiating collective agreements that are fair for public servants, and that serve to attract, retain, motivate and renew the workforce required to deliver results to Canadians."
3/22/2019,14,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that Parliament and federal institutions are free from harassment and sexual violence.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government;Minister for Women and Gender Equality;Leader of the Government in the House of Commons","Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","To ensure that Parliament and federal institutions are free from harassment and sexual violence, strategies are informed by expert and stakeholder consultations and are supported by new proposals and legislation introduced in fall 2017.","The work of ensuring Parliament and federal workplaces are free from sexual harassment and violence is never complete until it stops. In October 2018, new legislation was passed that replaces the current patchwork of laws and policies on harassment and violence with a comprehensive legislative and policy framework to prevent harassment and violence, respond to it when it occurs and support affected employees.
Led by the government’s efforts, additional changes in the House of Commons include:
• information on harassment is now provided to parliamentary employees, including interns and volunteers;
• the *Code of Conduct for Members of the House of Commons: Sexual Harassment Between Members* was updated to change the definition of sexual harassment and improve the complaint and investigation processes;
• the classroom training on harassment is now mandatory for Members of Parliament; and
• additionally, training sessions for senior and junior staff in ministerial offices were created and attended by staff in all ministers’ offices.
This means Parliament, the federal government, and federally regulated employers will be leaders in creating a safe and inclusive workplace for Canadians.
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3/22/2019,15,15-Nov,Safety and Security,Reinforce railway safety.,Minister of Transport,"Actions taken, progress made","Stronger railway safety regulations, improved communication with Canadians and rail infrastructure that is safer and in better condition, leading to fewer accidents and injuries and reduced loss of life.","The government tabled the final Report of the *Railway Safety Act* Review in Parliament on May 31, 2018. The statutory review was launched on April 27, 2017, one year earlier than required, to ensure this main piece of legislation governing rail safety in Canada continues to uphold the best interests of Canadians. On July 5, 2018, the Minister of Transport chaired a roundtable with representative stakeholder groups to get early perspectives on the Report and its findings. Transport Canada officials have further engaged stakeholders on the Report, including through a series of four roundtables, which took place in Moncton, Winnipeg, Vancouver, and Toronto throughout November 2018. Transport Canada is carefully considering the Report’s findings and recommendations, taking appropriate action to further strengthen the safety of Canada’s rail transportation system. The government is investing in infrastructure improvements to existing rail lines and crossings, safety-related research and innovative development, public education and awareness initiatives, as well as providing grants to encourage the closure of unsafe crossings. The government has supported 660 projects across Canada to reduce injuries and fatalities. In addition, collaboration is underway with local communities to improve the sharing of information for emergency responses and to educate the public about railway crossings and infrastructure in their communities. The government has also revised the rules governing the transportation of dangerous goods by rail, introduced a mandatory minimum level of insurance for federal railways and accelerated the timeline to phase out the DOT-111 tank cars (jacketed and unjacketed) in crude oil service by November 1, 2016. There are no longer any legacy DOT 111 tank cars in crude oil service. On November 1, 2018, the department further accelerated the removal of unjacketed CPC 1232 tank cars in crude oil service as well as both jacketed and unjacketed DOT 111 and unjacketed CPC 1232 tank cars that are used to transport a type of dangerous good which requires the use of condensates (a hydrocarbon mixture) to enable transport of heavy crude oil by pipeline or rail. To assist municipalities with emergency planning, risk assessment and to help train first responders, the government issued Protective Direction 36 on April 28, 2016 to provide jurisdictions with access to comprehensive dangerous goods information from railways, including information that they can make publicly available. Now that the *Transportation Modernization Act* has received Royal Assent, the government will move to develop regulations to implement its amendments to the *Railway Safety Act*, which will improve rail safety by requiring the mandatory installation of recording instruments on locomotives.
The government has also developed a strategy for addressing fatigue in the rail industry that includes the publication of a Notice of Intent in the *Canada Gazette*, Part I on November 11, 2017, communicating to Canadians and interested stakeholders its most current policy direction on the management of fatigue in the rail industry. Transport Canada held a Fatigue in Transportation Forum in Montreal on June 27-28, 2018. The forum brought together participants from all modes of transport, stakeholders in the Canadian transportation industry and academic experts on fatigue science to discuss risks and best practices relating to the management of fatigue. On December 20, 2018, Transport Canada instructed railway companies through a Ministerial Order to revise the *Work/Rest Rules for Railway Operating Employees*, to ensure that they reflect the latest fatigue science and fatigue management practices. The railway companies must submit them by May 19, 2019 for the Minister to approve them by the end of June 2019. The Ministerial Order, specifies that railway companies shall revise the Rules to address such elements as length of a duty period, split shifts, minimum rest period, advance notice of work schedules and fatigue management plans."
3/22/2019,16,15-Nov,Exports and Investment,Undertake a full review of the Canadian grain transportation system to help farmers get their product to market.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food;Minister of Transport,Completed - fully met,"A more transparent and fair grain transportation system is in place so Canadian farmers can get their products to market, both in Canada and internationally.","The *Transportation Modernization Act* received Royal Assent in May 2018, after government consultations with grain sector stakeholders on rail transportation and the *Canada Transportation Act* Review. The new Act advances a long-term agenda for a more transparent, balanced, efficient and reliable rail system to move Canadian goods, including grain, to global markets.
Key measures include: new data reporting requirements for railways; a new Long-Haul Interswitching mechanism to provide captive shippers across multiple sectors and regions of Canada with access to a competing railway; a clear definition of “adequate and suitable” rail service; the ability for shippers to seek reciprocal financial penalties in their service agreements with railways; and more accessible and timely remedies for shippers.
The *Transportation Modernization Act* also modernizes the Maximum Revenue Entitlement for Western grain to encourage more investments in hopper cars, and adds soybeans to the list of eligible crops. Furthermore, the government has renewed the western Grain Monitoring Program for three years.
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3/22/2019,17,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Formalize a moratorium on crude oil tanker traffic on British Columbia's North Coast.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Transport","Actions taken, progress made","A moratorium is in place on crude oil tanker traffic on British Columbia's North Coast, protecting habitats and communities.","In May 2017, the Government of Canada introduced legislation to prohibit oil tankers carrying crude and persistent oils as cargo from stopping, loading or unloading at ports or marine installations in northern British Columbia. Vessels carrying less than 12,500 metric tonnes of crude or persistent oil as cargo will continue to be permitted in the moratorium area to ensure northern communities can receive critical shipments of heating oils and other products. The legislation proposes strong penalty provisions for contravention that could reach up to $5 million. The proposed *Oil Tanker Moratorium Act* complements the Oceans Protection Plan. The Bill passed Second Reading in the Senate on December 11, 2018, and is currently being studied by the Senate Standing Committee on Transport and Communications. "
3/22/2019,18,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Restore the long-form census.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Completed - fully met,"Restored the long-form census so communities, governments, businesses and other organizations have the data they need to do their jobs.","Canada and its economy depend on knowing about itself, and on having the data necessary to make informed decisions. That is why the Government of Canada reinstated the long-form census. The 2016 long-form census saw an unprecedented response rate of 97.8%. The first set of data from the 2016 Census was released in February, 2017. The release of all Census-related data was completed in November 2017, 10 months earlier than for the 2011 Census."
3/22/2019,19,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Reinforce Statistics Canada's independence.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development",Completed - fully met,Statistics Canada meets international standards for the independence of a national statistics office.,"Data collected by Statistics Canada helps the private sector, government, not-for-profit groups, and researchers make better decisions. In December 2016, the government introduced legislation that will reinforce Statistics Canada's independence. The legislation aligns with international standards for national statistical agencies and makes the Chief Statistician responsible for all operational decisions, statistical methodology and the communication of statistical products produced by Statistics Canada. The amended legislation is consistent with the United Nations Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics and the OECD Recommendations on Good Statistical Practice. The amended *Statistics Act* received Royal Assent on December 12, 2017."
3/22/2019,20,15-Nov,Jobs and Innovation,Develop and implement an Innovation Agenda.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development","Actions taken, progress made","Improved programs support more skills training and life-long learning for Canadians, increased investment in high growth industries, and more high growth, innovative and trade-oriented companies.","Through the Innovation and Skills Plan, the government will:
• more than double the number of Canadians potentially eligible for employment support and skills training programs to as many as 1.4 million per year;
• expand programs to support up to 10,000 work integrated learning placements each year;
• provide more affordable and accessible broadband services for low-income Canadians and Canadians in remote communities through investments in broadband infrastructure and low-income support programs;
• encourage the development of assistive technologies that make it easier for persons with disabilities to participate in the digital economy;
• expand access to venture capital financing; and
• support five superclusters that will promote innovation opportunities in high-growth industries.
To support a streamlined approach to business innovation programming, programs are being delivered under the Innovation Canada umbrella. This single window platform has seen more than 600,000 visits to the website since its launch in January 2018. Through the Accelerated Growth Service (AGS), more than 470 500 firms have been supported to scale up. Since its launch in July 2017, the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) has announced funding of up to $1.12 billion for 39 projects, leveraging a total investment of $10.75 billion in Canada. Five successful Innovation Superclusters have been announced. Since its launch in December 2017, Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC) has launched 42 challenges identified by 14 departments for which proposed innovative solutions are required. These challenges generated nearly 715 proposals from innovative, Canadian small businesses. Departments and agencies have set aside approximately $55 M to fund the development of solutions that respond to these challenges. Since its launch in January 2018, the Clean Growth Hub has served over 930 clients to advance clean technology projects in Canada. The Hub's team of experts from across government helps companies and researchers pursuing clean technology projects identify the federal programs and supports most relevant to their needs.
Budget 2019 proposes to provide a further $100 million over four years, starting in 2019–20, to the Strategic Innovation Fund, leveraging private sector co-investments, in order to support the activities of the Clean Resource Innovation Network. By developing ground-breaking clean tech and emission-lowering solutions through collaboration, the Network will support economic growth, will create good, well-paying jobs, and will lead to cleaner energy production from source to end use. "
3/22/2019,21,15-Nov,Exports and Investment,Implement a new Trade and Investment Strategy,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion;Minister of International Trade Diversification","Actions taken, progress made","Double the number of high-growth firms in Canada by 2025; increase Canada's goods and services exports—from natural resources, advanced manufacturing, agri-food and others—by 50% by 2025; increase global investment in Canada; more good-paying, middle class jobs for Canadians.","The government is encouraging global investment and promoting Canada's economic brand through the Invest in Canada Agency. On November 30, 2018, Canada, the United States, and Mexico signed the new Canada-US-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Parties will now undertake their domestic process towards ratification and implementation of the CUSMA.
The government has successfully completed the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). Provisional application of the trade agreement took effect in September 2017 and will give consumers more choice, boost Canadian businesses' access to new customers, create good, middle-class jobs, and help grow the economy. On March 8, 2018, the Government of Canada signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) with 10 other countries in the Pacific region. The fifth round of negotiations toward a comprehensive free trade agreement between the Mercosur member states and Canada took place in March 2019. Round 7 of negotiations towards a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Pacific Alliance (Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru) also took place in October.
Since January 2016, CanExport has provided financial support to 1,829 Small and Medium Enterprise-led projects aimed at diversifying export markets, in a variety of sectors, and reaching over 90 different markets around the world. To date, for every hundred supported projects, participating firms have reported on average some 92 export successes at the time of project completion, for a collective impact of almost over $375 million in exports to new markets.
Budget 2017 announced $950 million to superclusters in highly innovative industries, and, in February 2018, in cooperation with the private sector and academic partners, the government announced the creation of five superclusters (Digital Technology; Protein Industries; Advanced Manufacturing; Artificial Intelligence; and Ocean) that will create great new opportunities for Canadian companies to innovate, scale up and grow into globally successful firms. To support Canadian firms and increase exports to new markets, Budget 2018 provides up to $75 million to build a stronger diplomatic presence and Trade Commissioner Service salesforce in China and Asia, as well as other initiatives to open market opportunities in the region. In June 2018, the government announced it will invest $50 million over five years to help Canadian companies diversify their exports to take advantage of new trade agreements, such as CETA and CPTPP.
On November 21, 2018, the government, through the Fall Economic Statement, proposed to launch an Export Diversification Strategy with a target of increasing Canada's overseas exports by 50 per cent by 2025. In total, the Strategy will invest $1.1 billion over the next six years, starting in 2018-19, to help Canadian businesses access new markets. The Strategy will focus on three key components: investing in infrastructure to support trade, providing Canadian businesses with resources to execute their export plans and enhancing trade services for Canadian exporters."
3/22/2019,22,15-Nov,Exports and Investment,Prepare the auto sector for the potential participation of Canada in the Trans-Pacific Partnership.,"Minister of Finance;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development","Actions taken, progress made",Greater access to growing markets under conditions that are fair to Canadian workers.,"The Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership was signed on March 8, 2018, and came into force on December 30, 2018. Budget 2018 committed the government to work with key sectors, including the auto sector, to evaluate the potential economic impacts of trade agreements, and ensure these key sectors remain strong and competitive.
Actions, including the creation of the Strategic Innovation Fund, the establishment of the Invest in Canada agency, and the launch of the Global Skills Strategy are seeking to enhance the competitiveness of the Canadian automotive industry. These changes have helped to secure investments of $1.4 billion by Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, $500 million by Honda of Canada Manufacturing, more than $1 billion by Ford Motor Company of Canada, and $750 million from Linamar Corp., among other recent automotive investments. These investments have created and secured thousands of long-term jobs in manufacturing and research and development, while fostering innovation to position Canada as a leader in the development of the ""car of the future"".
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3/22/2019,23,15-Nov,Jobs and Innovation,"Increase high-speed broadband coverage, including in rural communities, and keep Canada at the leading edge of the digital economy.","Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Rural Economic Development","Actions taken, progress made",More Canadians have access to high-speed and ultra-high-speed broadband services.,"Greater availability and affordability for high-speed internet in rural and remote areas of Canada gives Canadians more opportunity to participate in the economy, democracy and connected way of life.
In Budget 2019, the government announced targets for 95% of Canadian homes and businesses to access to speeds of at least 50/10 Megabits per second (Mbps) by 2026, and 100% by 2030, no matter where they are located in the country. Investments of $5 to $6 billion were announced including a new $1.7 billion Universal Broadband Fund and complementary investments from partners like the Canadian Infrastructure Bank and the private sector.
As the government moves forward it will build on existing collaboration with private sector partners, provinces and territories, municipalities, public institutions, Indigenous communities, and non-profit organizations to maximize benefits for Canadians. This approach will also include complementary actions such as spectrum policy measures to support the deployment of advanced wireless services, accelerated investment incentives that make it more attractive for service providers to invest in broadband, and leveraging investments from the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission’s (CRTC) $750 million Broadband Fund.
Budget 2019 builds on the ongoing success of the $500 million Connect to Innovate program. As of March 2019, 180 projects have been announced representing an investment of $466.4 million and targeting more than 900 communities - more than tripling the initial target of 300 - which includes 190 Indigenous communities. Further announcements of successful projects are expected to continue into 2019.
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3/22/2019,24,15-Nov,Jobs and Innovation,Create a Chief Science Officer.,Minister of Science and Sport,Completed - fully met,"Following an open, transparent and merit-based process, the Chief Science Advisor, Dr. Mona Nemer, was appointed by the government on September 26, 2017.","As the Chief Science Advisor, Dr. Nemer helps to improve dissemination and use of independent scientific information and strengthened evidence-based policy-making within government. Dr. Nemer also advises the government on ensuring that government science is fully available to the public, that scientists are able to speak freely about their work, and that scientific analyses are considered when the government makes decisions. Dr. Nemer reports to the Prime Minister and Minister of Science. The first annual report of the Chief Science Advisor was published on March 11, 2019."
3/22/2019,25,15-Nov,Jobs and Innovation,Re-insert scientific considerations into the heart of decision-making and investment choices.,Minister of Science and Sport,Completed - fully met,"Government scientists are able to speak freely about their work, and the role of scientific information and empirical evidence is strengthened in government decision making.","The government updated its Communications Policy to ensure scientists are free to speak in an official capacity on subjects on which they have expertise.
Collective agreements covering 15,000 government scientists now enshrine this provision. Canada’s Chief Science Advisor led the development of a model science integrity policy in response to the commitments made under the 2016 Memorandum of Agreement between Treasury Board and Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada.
The majority of science-based departments and agencies implemented their departmental integrity policies in December 2018.
The government reinstated the mandatory long-form census. The University and College Academic Staff System survey provides accurate information about Canada’s research community.
To promote the use of scientific information and evidence-based decision-making, the government updated the guide on preparing Memoranda to Cabinet. The Chief Science Advisor advises the government on ensuring scientific evidence is considered when making decisions.
To ensure the government continues to have access to world-class, independent scientific assessments to inform policy development in priority areas, Budget 2018 proposed $9 million for the Council of Canadian Academies, a not-for-profit research organization.
So far, four organizations have moved to create a departmental science advisor position, and the first incumbents at the Canadian Space Agency and National Research Council are now in place."
3/22/2019,26,15-Nov,Jobs and Innovation,Establish new Canada Research Chairs in sustainable technologies.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Science and Sport","Actions taken, progress made",Up to three new Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC) will be appointed to further research in clean and sustainable technology.,"Budget 2016 identified $20 million over eight years starting in 2018-19 for the creation of two new Canada Excellence Research Chairs in fields related to clean and sustainable technology.
On October 12, 2016, the Minister of Science announced the launch of a competition for these Chairs, in addition to nine others, which will be selected in 2019. In December 2017 the Phase 1 results of the competition were announced. Three institutions were invited to submit nominees in fields related to clean and sustainable technology: Concordia University (Smart, Sustainable and Resilient Communities and Cities), The University of British Columbia (Forest Bioproducts) and University of Manitoba (Arctic Sea Ice, Freshwater-Marine Coupling, and Climate Change).
To address the CERC gender imbalance, this competition will require institutions to include detailed equity plans and recruitment strategies that promote the participation of women and other underrepresented groups in the CERC program."
3/22/2019,27,15-Nov,Jobs and Innovation,Strengthen support for fundamental research to support new discoveries.,Minister of Science and Sport,"Actions taken, progress made","Modernized research infrastructure at post-secondary institutions, new research Chairs appointed in areas of strategic priority, and enhanced capacity for granting councils to support fundamental research.","Since 2016, the government has approved and funded 300 projects through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund to modernize research and training facilities on campuses across Canada. These investments will support key discovery research and facilitate the expansion of ongoing research efforts.
The government has also set aside $20 million to fund new Canada Excellence Research Chairs in the areas of clean and sustainable technologies (competition ongoing).
In 2017, the government announced the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy, which will develop centres of expertise in Toronto, Montreal and Edmonton related to AI to train and attract key research talent in this emerging area of fundamental research.
The report of the expert review panel that led Canada's Fundamental Science Review, an independent review of federal funding for fundamental research at post-secondary institutions, was published in April 2017. A number of actions were taken in 2017 in response to this report, including for example, placing a limit on Tier 1 Canada Research Chair renewals to enhance opportunities for broad pools of qualified candidates and to strengthen equity, diversity and inclusion in research, and by launching the Canada Research Coordinating Committee (CRCC) to achieve greater harmonization and coordination of the granting councils and the Canada Foundation for Innovation.
Budget 2018 proposed a historic investment of $1.7 billion over five years starting in 2018-19 with ongoing funding, to support researchers through Canada's granting councils and research institutes. This includes $925 million for fundamental research through Canada's three granting councils; $231.3 million to increase the Research Support Fund to cover the indirect costs of research; $210 million for the Canada Research Chairs program to attract and retain early-career researchers at post-secondary institutions across the country while increasing diversity; and $275 million to create a new tri-council fund to support international, interdisciplinary, fast-breaking and higher risk research. Budget 2018 further proposed $3.8 million to develop a strategic research plan that identifies new ways of doing research with Indigenous communities; $15 million for the granting councils to develop new plans, strategies and targets to ensure improved equity and diversity outcomes for underrepresented groups, including women; and $6 million to support surveys to collect better data on researchers to further advance equity and diversity in Canada's post-secondary research community. Budget 2018 also proposed over $1.3 billion for investments in the laboratories, equipment and infrastructure researchers rely on every day including: $763 million to the Canada Foundation for Innovation, including $160 million for increased support to Canada's nationally important research facilities through the Major Science Initiatives fund; and $572.5 million to implement a Digital Research Infrastructure Strategy that will deliver more open and equitable access to advanced computing and big data resources to researchers across Canada.
The additional $925 million for fundamental research announced in Budget 2018 has allowed the granting councils to enhance their grant programs. For example, with the new funding, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) has been able to increase the average value of awards under their Discovery Grants program by 20%.
Throughout summer 2018, the CRCC undertook consultations with Canada’s post-secondary research community, which resulted in valuable input about how to improve federal support for fundamental research in Canada, focusing on three areas: the design of the New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF - this is the re-named tri-council fund announced in Budget 2018); enhancing equity, diversity, and inclusion outcomes; and, improving support for early-career researchers. The NFRF was launched in December 2018, with the inaugural round focusing on proof-of-concept Exploration awards to be made exclusively to early-career researchers.
Delivering on the Budget 2018 commitment to better support the next generation of Canadian researchers, Budget 2019 proposed an investment of $114 million over five years, starting in 2019-20, with $26.5 million per year ongoing, to create 500 more annual master's level awards and 167 more three-year doctoral scholarship awards annually through the Canada Graduate Scholarship program (once the doctoral awards are fully ramped up by 2021-22, this funding will support up to 500 doctoral awards per year), and $37.4 million over five years, starting in 2019-20, and $8.6 million per year ongoing, to expand the parental leave coverage from six months to 12 months for students and postdoctoral fellows who receive federal granting agency funding."
3/22/2019,28,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Align business support programs across governments.,Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion,"Actions taken, progress made",It is easier and simpler for Canadian innovators and entrepreneurs to access and benefit from government programs that help Canadian businesses grow.,"Since 2016, the Accelerated Growth Service (AGS) has provided over 500 growth oriented firms access to a dedicated advisor, a customized plan of potential government programs and services to help support their growth, and connections to government programs and services relevant to their needs. To date, AGS clients have accessed over $400 million in funding, over 4,500 programs and services, and have been provided with 360 referrals to external programs and services. The AGS is being consolidated with the Industrial Research Assistance Program’s Concierge Service, and the new consolidated program will include 15 new Innovation Advisors to support AGS firms.
In January 2018, the government established the Innovation Canada digital platform as a one-stop-shop, which quickly matches businesses with the best fitting programs and services from across federal, provincial and territorial governments. Since its launch on January 23rd, 2018, there have been over 600,000 visits and 1,200 average daily visits."
3/22/2019,29,15-Nov,Exports and Investment,Increase tourism and strengthen the Canadian brand abroad by developing a new federal Tourism Strategy.,"Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie","Actions taken, progress made","Completion of a new federal Tourism Strategy. 30 per cent overall increase in tourism by 2021, increased tourism from the United States (U.S.) and China, and improved international ranking of Canada as a top tourist destination.","The government is working to increase the number of international tourists to Canada by 30% by 2021. This goal includes doubling the number of Chinese visitors by the same year and positioning Canada as a top-10 destination ranking by 2025.
Spending by international visitors to Canada reached $21.3 billion in 2017, representing an increase of 6.4% over 2016. Canada set a new record high number of tourist arrivals in 2017 of 20.8 million. The New York Times, Lonely Planet and Condé Nast have all recognized Canada as a top international destination to visit in 2017.
The Canada-China Year of Tourism in 2018 was an opportunity to increase visitation from China, which is supported by the opening of new Visa Application Centres in China. Budget 2018 allocated $3.6 million in funding to support activities such as hosting the closing ceremony for the Canada China Year of Tourism and working closely with Canadian businesses as they prepare to welcome an increased number of tourists from China."
3/22/2019,30,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Reduce the administrative burden on small business.,Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion,"Actions taken, progress made","Reduced administrative burden and simpler, clearer, and faster online services to help small businesses.","The new Innovation Canada platform launched in January 2018 is a one-stop-shop for Canada’s innovators and entrepreneurs so they no longer need to spend time figuring out which department to go to or which program best meets their needs. The website is able to quickly match users with the federal and provincial/territorial programs and services to help them innovate, create jobs and grow Canada's economy.
Federally, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) continues to drive the use of the Business Number (BN) by all departments as the standard identifier for business clients across the Government of Canada. Nineteen ISED business-facing services use the Business Number, and 18 other departments access business identity information through the real time BN web validation service. The BN is a key component of digital identity for business, and its adoption across the Government of Canada will enable more seamless service delivery, including sign-on once, tell-us-once service integration across governments and personalized digital experience.
ISED is updating its Service Strategy to reflect the important work being done to improve service to Canadian businesses through digital transformation. New technologies will enable the department to create a seamless service experience in order to significantly reduce burden.
The 2018 Fall Economic Statement announced measures to reduce administrative burden for businesses by modernizing federal regulations and encouraging regulators to consider economic competitiveness when designing and implementing regulations. Specifically, this includes proposals to review existing legislation, introduce an Annual Modernization Bill, create an External Advisory Committee on Regulatory Competitiveness, launch a Centre for Regulatory Innovation, and enact policy changes and regulatory measures that respond to recommendations from the business community.
Budget 2019 also proposed measures across the government to minimize regulatory burden. These include plans to begin work announced in the 2018 Fall Economic Statement to introduce the Annual Modernization Bill and to establish the External Advisory Committee on Regulatory Competitiveness. Budget 2019 also announced funding to implement regulatory road maps in three high-growth sectors, as well as funding for the Treasury Board Secretariat to support harmonization of interprovincial and international regulations. The regulatory roadmaps will be implemented in the agri-food and aquaculture, health and bio-sciences, and transportation and infrastructure sectors. "
3/22/2019,31,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Respond to the Supreme Court of Canada decision regarding physician-assisted death.,Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Completed - fully met,Adult Canadians suffering from grievous and irremediable medical conditions and whose death is reasonably foreseeable are able to easily and effectively access medical assistance in dying if they so choose.,"On June 17, 2016, medical assistance in dying (MAID) became a reality in Canada following Royal Assent of the federal legal framework, which protects vulnerable persons while providing options to eligible Canadians to make an informed decision about the end of life. In December 2016, as required by the new law, the government initiated independent study reports to consider in more detail three particularly complex types of requests for MAID. These include requests by mature minors, advance requests, and requests where mental illness is the sole underlying medical condition. Independent expert panels, organized by the Council of Canadian Academies, conducted these reviews and produced three reports, which were tabled in Parliament in December 2018. The government is carefully reviewing these reports, which will help inform debate on the issue of medical assistance in dying among Canadians and decision-makers. As of April 2017, Health Canada has been providing interim public reporting on the use of MAID across Canada, and the final interim report will be completed in spring 2019. Health Canada has also finalized the regulations that will establish a permanent monitoring regime, which came into force on November 1, 2018."
3/22/2019,32,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,"Review the government litigation strategy and end appeals or positions that are not consistent with our commitments, the Charter or our values.",Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Completed - fully met,"Legal positions taken by the government are consistent with government commitments, the Charter and Canadian values.","The government reviewed all appeals in which it was involved and ended those that were inconsistent with its commitments, the Charter and Canadian values. It established the Cabinet Committee on Litigation Management and the Deputy Minister Committee on Litigation Management to provide strategic advice on how to advance and resolve litigation involving the government. Best practices implemented government-wide at the senior executive level and the ongoing work of the Deputy Minister Committee on Litigation Management ensure a continuing review of the government’s litigation strategy and adherence to the government’s commitments, the Charter and Canadian values.
An agreement in principle was negotiated for many of those affected by the Sixties Scoop to resolve multiple class actions.
The Ross, Roy and Satalic class action, seeking compensation for the historic federal policies and practices that targeted, investigated and discharged LGBTQ2 members of the federal public service, was resolved. A settlement agreement was reached, which includes measures to support individual compensation reconciliation, and recognition, as well as initiatives to promote collective reconciliation and remembrance. The Prime Minister delivered a formal apology and reiterated the government’s commitment to address systemic discrimination against LGBTQ2 people.
The Merlo and Davidson class action, concerning allegations of gender and sexual-orientation- based harassment and discrimination within the RCMP was settled. As part of the settlement, the government has agreed to provide for change initiatives to address workplace harassment in the RCMP and compensation for the victims who experienced gender or sexual orientation based harassment and/or discrimination while working in the RCMP.
The government passed Bill C-51, to amend the *Department of Justice Act*. For every government bill, the Minister of Justice now has a statutory duty to table in Parliament a statement that sets out the Bill's potential effects on the rights and freedoms guaranteed in the Charter.
Additionally, the Attorney General has published the Principles guiding the Attorney General of Canada in Charter litigation. The six Principles are: constitutionalism and the rule of law; the principle of parliamentary democracy; adjudication; continuity; consistent application of the Charter; and access to justice. These principles in service of the public interest, guide the Attorney General’s conduct in litigation involving the Charter cases.
The Attorney General also published the Directive on Civil Litigation Involving Indigenous Peoples, which holds the government accountable in all litigation involving Indigenous peoples to ensure that the government’s commitment to reconciliation remains a primary focus even where litigation is ongoing.
The yearly publication of the Litigation Year in Review since 2016 has promoted openness and transparency with respect to litigation positions taken by the Attorney General of Canada.
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3/22/2019,35,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,"Ensure that the appointment of Supreme Court Justices is transparent, inclusive and accountable to Canadians.",Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Completed - fully met,"Greater transparency, accountability and diversity in the appointment of Supreme Court Justices.","In August 2016, the government announced a new, open and transparent process for making appointments to the Supreme Court of Canada. The process now involves: an open application process; the establishment of an Independent Advisory Board to assess all applications and prepare a shortlist of candidates; the requirement of functional bilingualism as an essential qualification for all shortlisted candidates; and consultations regarding the shortlist with key stakeholders, including members of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice. Justice Malcolm Rowe was the first Supreme Court Justice appointed under this new process in October 2016, followed by Justice Sheilah L. Martin in December 2017."
3/22/2019,36,15-Nov,Safety and Security,"Toughen criminal laws in cases of domestic assault, with the goal of keeping survivors and children safe.",Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,"Actions taken, progress made",Greater protections for complainants and survivors of sexual assault and domestic assault.,"On March 29, 2018, the government tabled legislation to improve efficiencies in the criminal justice system and reduce court delays. This legislation includes reforms to strengthen responses to intimate partner violence (IPV). These reforms, currently before the Senate, would:
• impose a reverse onus at bail for accused charged with an IPV offence if they have a prior conviction for violence against an intimate partner;
• require courts to consider whether an accused is charged with an IPV offence when determining whether to release on bail or detain the accused;
• clarify that strangulation, choking and suffocation is an elevated form of assault;
• define “intimate partner” for all *Criminal Code* purposes and clarify that it includes current or former spouse, common-law partner and dating partner;
• clarify that the current sentencing provisions, which treat abuse against a spouse or common law partner as an aggravating factor, apply to both current and former spouses/common law partners and dating partners; and,
• allow for the possibility of seeking a higher maximum penalty in cases involving a repeat IPV offender.
On December 13, 2018, government legislation came into force that clarified and strengthened the sexual assault provisions in the *Criminal Code*. The legislation clarifies that an unconscious person, or a person who is otherwise incapacitated, is incapable of consenting; clarifies the defence of mistaken belief to indicate that it cannot be relied upon if there is no evidence upon which the belief was founded; clarifies rape shield provisions to explicitly include communications of a sexual nature or communications for a sexual purpose, so these types of communications cannot be used to suggest that the complainant was more likely to have consented or is less worthy of belief; provides that a complainant has a right to legal representation in rape shield proceedings; and creates a regime to determine whether an accused can introduce a complainant's private records at trial that are in their possession."
3/22/2019,37,15-Nov,Jobs and Innovation,"Ensure tax measures are efficient and encourage innovation, trade and the growth of Canadian businesses.","Minister of Finance;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development","Actions taken, progress made","Tax measures encourage innovation, trade, and the growth of Canadian businesses.","The government completed a whole-of-government review of business innovation programs to ensure that they are simple and effective and best meet the needs of Canada’s innovators. The review launched in Budget 2017 and results were announced in Budget 2018. The government also introduced a reduction of the small business tax rate from 10.5% to 10% as of January 1, 2018 and to 9% as of January 1, 2019. In the 2018 Fall Economic Statement, the government proposed three immediate changes to Canada’s tax system, in order to enhance business confidence in Canada: 1) allowing businesses to immediately write off the full cost of machinery and equipment used for the manufacturing or processing of goods; 2) allowing businesses to immediately write off the full cost of specified clean energy equipment to spur new investments and the adoption of advanced clean technologies in the Canadian economy; and 3) introducing the Accelerated Investment Incentive, an accelerated capital cost allowance for businesses of all sizes, across all sectors of the economy, that are making capital investments.
Budget 2019 proposed to repeal the use of taxable income as a factor in determining a Canadian-controlled private corporation (CCPC)’s annual expenditure limit for the purpose of the enhanced SR&ED tax credit. As a result, small CCPCs with taxable capital of up to $10 million will benefit from unreduced access to the enhanced refundable SR&ED credit regardless of their taxable income. This change will provide a more predictable phase-out of the enhanced SR&ED credit rate, which will more effectively support growing small and medium-sized firms as they scale up."
3/22/2019,38,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Add gender identity as a prohibited ground for discrimination under the *Canadian Human Rights Act* and add it to the list of characteristics of identifiable groups protected by the hate speech provisions of the *Criminal Code*.,Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Completed - fully met,Discrimination on the basis of gender identity and gender expression is now illegal.,"In June 2017, amendments to the *Canadian Human Rights Act* and the *Criminal Code* received Royal Assent, ensuring the full protection of transgender people across Canada. These amendments formally add gender identity and gender expression to the *Canadian Human Rights Act* as prohibited grounds of discrimination, as well as amend the *Criminal Code* to deal with hate crimes related to gender identity and gender expression."
3/22/2019,39,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Ratify the Paris agreement and develop a Pan-Canadian framework for combating climate change.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Completed - fully met,Canada ratified the Paris Agreement and created the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change.,"The Paris Agreement entered into force in November 2016 and the government continues to work with all countries on its implementation. In December 2016, first ministers adopted the Pan-Canadian Framework (PCF) on Clean Growth and Climate Change. Developed with provinces and territories in collaboration with Indigenous peoples, and informed by input from Canadians across the country, the PCF is Canada’s comprehensive plan to reduce emissions across all sectors of the economy, accelerate clean economic growth, and build resilience to the impacts of climate change.
To support and complement its commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Canada co-hosted, along with the European Union and China, two ministerial meetings on climate action that brought together key countries to discuss outstanding climate negotiating issues.
Canada also ratified the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol in November 2017, which will phase down powerful greenhouse gases. Canada was instrumental in achieving the required number of ratifications at the Montreal Protocol meeting, allowing the Kigali Amendment to come into force in January 2019. In November 2017, Canada launched the Powering Past Coal Alliance with the United Kingdom to accelerate the global phase-out of traditionally coal-fired electricity.
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3/22/2019,41,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Improve protection and stewardship of our freshwater resources.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,"Actions taken, progress made","The protection of freshwater resources is improved, and water and wastewater infrastructure is in better repair.","Through research, assessment and regulation, the Government of Canada is working to ensure sustainable water management. The government has taken action to protect the Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg Basin and the St. Lawrence River by improving water quality, increasing conservation activities, addressing threats posed by invasive species, and improving collaboration with Indigenous peoples. As announced in Budget 2017, the government is investing $44.84 million to protect Great Lakes water quality, and $25.7 million for the Lake Winnipeg Basin Program. As part of its efforts to protect freshwater, Canada has announced funding to support partner-led on-the-ground projects that contribute to the restoration and protection of major freshwater basins across the country such as the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River Basin and the Lake Winnipeg Basin.
The government is collaborating with the United States to protect shared waters through the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, and has also established a Clean Water and Wastewater Fund to help provinces, territories and municipalities make immediate repairs to water and wastewater infrastructure. The government has also published updated Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations, and has initiated consultations to modernize the Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations and to develop regulations for effluents from coal mines and from oil sands. Work is also underway to enhance the Environmental Assessment process as it relates to freshwater areas."
3/22/2019,42,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Enhance protection of Canada's endangered species.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,"Actions taken, progress made",Species at risk are protected.,"The Government of Canada has developed a three-year plan to address the backlog of 149 terrestrial species eligible for listing under the *Species at Risk Act*. Since February 2017, final listing decisions were made for 120 of these species and proposed listing decisions were published for another 6 species. The Government of Canada has posted three-year plans (2014-15 to 2016-17) to address the backlog of overdue recovery documents for terrestrial species on the Species at Risk Public Registry. As of March 2019, 180 of the 192 overdue proposed recovery documents were completed and posted on the Species at Risk Public Registry. Parks Canada has completed and posted 21 multi-species action plans, addressing 174 species at risk occurring across 42 Parks Canada places in total, on the Species at Risk Public Registry. Measures identified in these action plans will support species at risk recovery in Parks Canada places.
As announced in Budget 2018, to support Canada's biodiversity and protect species at risk, the government is making an historic investment totaling $1.3 billion over five years, one of the most significant investments in nature conservation in Canadian history.
This investment will contribute $500 million from the federal government to create a new $1 billion Nature Fund in partnership with corporate, not?for-profit, provincial, territorial and other partners. In collaboration with partners, the Nature Fund will make it possible to secure private land, support provincial and territorial species protection efforts, and help build Indigenous capacity to conserve land and species, for the benefit of current and future generations."
3/22/2019,43,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Work with provinces and territories to set stronger air quality standards.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,"Actions taken, progress made","New national standards are put in place to improve air quality and reduce air pollutants from key sources, with progress demonstrated in recurring State of the Air reports.","The Government of Canada is implementing a national Air Quality Management System (AQMS) with provinces and territories to improve air quality and protect the health of Canadians and the environment. As part of this system, new ambient air quality standards for sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide were published in the Canada Gazette on October 28 and December 9, 2017 respectively. A review of the existing ambient air quality standards for ozone has been completed. Updated ozone standards are expected to be approved by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) in summer 2019. A new State of the Air Report was launched at the CCME in November 2017 to inform Canadians about air quality and air pollution. The government has also established national emissions standards to reduce air pollutants from industrial sources, including in the following sectors: iron and steel; aluminum; potash; pulp and paper; iron ore pellets; base metals smelting; cement; and the following equipment: stationary spark-ignition engines; non-utility boilers and heaters; stationary combustion turbines.
In December 2018, Canada published two regulations to limit carbon dioxide emissions: one amendment to accelerate the phase-out of coal-fired power by 2030, and the other to set emission performance standards for new natural gas-fired electricity generation and coal boilers converted to run on natural gas. This will significantly improve air quality and the health of Canadians and will reduce Canada's greenhouse gas emissions by more than 12.8 megatonnes in 2030.
In March 2019, the Government of Canada published proposed regulations to replace the current *Off-Road Compression-Ignition Engine Emission Regulations* and introduce new emission standards and requirements aligned with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's standards for large spark-ignition engines and stationary compression-ignition engines."
3/22/2019,44,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Review Canada's environmental assessment processes.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Natural Resources;Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Science and Sport;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations;Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade","Actions taken, progress made","Environmental assessment processes that are fair to all parties, rely on scientific evidence, respect the rights of Indigenous Peoples and protect the environment for generations to come.","Following an extensive review of Canada's environmental assessment processes, the government tabled proposed legislation in February 2018 that will build a new impact assessment and regulatory system for Canada, including the proposed *Impact Assessment Act*. This new system is fair, based on science, respects the rights of Indigenous peoples, provides certainty to businesses and protects the environment and human health for generations to come. Its development was informed by expert panels and Parliamentary committee reports, a federal discussion paper, parliamentary studies, and almost two years of consultations with Indigenous peoples, industry, provinces and territories, non-government organizations, academia and the public. These reforms are based on the guiding principles of predictable processes that build on what works, partnership with Indigenous peoples at every stage of the process, early and inclusive public engagement; timely, evidence-based decisions reflecting the best available science and Indigenous knowledge; and one assessment for one project, with the scale of assessment aligned with the scale of the potential impacts of the project.
The government also announced in 2018 that it will invest about $1 billion over five years to support the proposed new impact assessment system and Canadian Energy Regulator, increase federal scientific capacity, implement the changes required to protect water, fish and navigation, and increase Indigenous and public participation.
During the review of the proposed *Impact Assessment Act*, the House of Commons amended the proposed legislation to provide greater clarity and certainty with respect to impact assessment, strengthen public participation and consideration of science and Indigenous knowledge in assessments, and reflect the government’s commitment to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The proposed legislation is currently before the Senate for review. In December 2018 the Bill was referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources following second reading in the Senate. The Standing Committee began hearing from witnesses in February and will travel throughout April to continue to hear from witnesses. The Committee has confirmed that it will provide its report to the Senate by May 9, 2019."
3/22/2019,45,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,"Develop Canada's National Parks system, as well as manage and expand National Wildlife Areas and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries.",Minister of Environment and Climate Change,"Actions taken, progress made",Terrestrial areas and inland water are conserved through networks of protected areas.,"The Government of Canada continues to work to conserve and connect terrestrial areas. A comprehensive plan is being developed to conserve at least 17% of terrestrial areas and inland water through networks of protected and conserved areas by 2020.
As announced in Budget 2018, to support Canada’s biodiversity and protect species at risk, the Government of Canada is making historic investments totaling $1.3 billion over five years, one of the most significant investments in nature conservation in Canadian history.
This investment will contribute $500 million from the federal government to create a new $1 billion Nature Fund in partnership with corporate, not?for-profit, provincial, territorial and other partners. In collaboration with partners, the Nature Fund will make it possible to secure private land, support provincial and territorial species protection efforts, and help build Indigenous capacity to conserve land and species, for the benefit of current and future generations.
In February 2019, the Pathway to Canada Target 1 initiative, co-chaired by the Government of Canada, released One with Nature: A Renewed Approach to Land and Freshwater Conservation in Canada, which presents pan-Canadian opportunities jointly developed by federal, provincial and territorial governments to support progress towards achieving the terrestrial and inland water components of Canada Target 1 (the first of Canada’s 19 biodiversity goals and targets). The One with Nature report was informed by recommendations from a National Advisory Panel and an Indigenous Circle of Experts.
Work on expanding the system of National Parks includes the proposed Thaidene Nëné National Park Reserve. Negotiations with the government of the Northwest Territories, Lutsël K’e Dene First Nation and Northwest Territory Métis Nation are close to completion. Negotiations between the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia and the Syilx/Okanagan Nation are actively underway on a proposed national park reserve in the South Okanagan, and Parks Canada has opened a public and stakeholder consultation on this proposal. Parks Canada has contacted the Manitoba government to re-engage on a proposed national park in the Manitoba Lowlands. As part of the expansion of National Wildlife Areas (NWA) and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries, the government is working closely with Indigenous peoples, Provinces, Territories, and stakeholders to secure new protected areas by the end of 2020.
The Scott Islands Marine National Wildlife Area which was formally designated a NWA in June 2018 will conserve 1.2 million hectares for the benefit of sea birds in the Pacific Ocean. Important Prairie Habitat in South West Saskatchewan will be conserved with the transfer of the Govenlock Community Pasture to Environment and Climate Change Canada in 2019.
In October 2018, the Government of Canada jointly announced, with the Dehcho First Nation and the Tlicho government, the signing of an establishment agreement for the Edéhzhíe National Wildlife Area in the Northwest Territories, which will protect over 1.4 million hectares of habitat for boreal caribou. Environment and Climate Change Canada is now working to develop federal regulations to enact establishment. It has also announced $5.2 million over 5 years in contribution funding to support establishment and management of the area.
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3/22/2019,46,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Develop Parks Canada services so that more Canadians can experience our National Parks.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,"Actions taken, progress made",More Canadians visit and experience Parks Canada administered sites and the Trans Canada Trail is completed.,"In 2017-18 more than 27 million visitors were welcomed to Canada’s heritage places administered by Parks Canada, including more than 16.8 million visitors to national parks – a 9% increase from visitation to national parks in 2016-17. The government has taken steps to make sites more accessible and to improve overall visitor experiences by investing approximately $3.6 billion over five years, including an additional $364 million announced in Budget 2017 to renew infrastructure assets. Parks Canada is delivering almost 1,000 separate infrastructure projects across the country. To date, the Agency has spent $2.3 billion of the $3.6 billion allocated funding. The balance of remaining funds is fully allocated to the continued delivery of the program of work through additional priority projects being undertaken to improve existing built assets under Parks Canada’s care across the country. In Budget 2019, the government reiterated its continuing commitment to investing in national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas. Specifically, Budget 2019 announced funding of up to $143 million and $224 million in 2020-21 and 2021-22 respectively, for supporting capital assets in Canada's national parks, conservation areas and historic sites. This funding will allow Parks Canada to continue to restore or replace deteriorating assets to ensure that Canadians can continue to enjoy Canada's heritage places.
In September 2018 the government announced a $30 million contribution over four years to enhance and maintain the Great Trail (formerly known as the Trans Canada Trail). This funding will improve trail safety, accessibility, and sustainability. Since completion in 2017, the Trail provides 24,000 km of recreational trails within 30 minutes of about 29 million Canadians. The government is working with Indigenous peoples and stakeholders to improve interpretation and heritage programming and make sites more accessible. In January 2018 Parks Canada entered into a four-year contribution agreement with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) with the goal of enhancing and growing authentic Indigenous experiences in regions across the country."
3/22/2019,47,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,"Make admission to National Parks free for all in 2017 and, afterwards, free for children under 18 and new citizens.",Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Completed - fully met,Free admission to National Parks in 2017; free admission for children under 18 and new citizens in future years.,"To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation, the government offered free admission to all national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas in 2017, as well as free passage through lock systems on all national historic canals. More than 8.5 million Discovery Passes were distributed to Canadians and people from 160 countries. Parks Canada welcomed over 27.2 million visitors in 2017, an 11 per cent increase from 2016. Canada 150 programs offered by Parks Canada included the expanded National Indigenous Peoples Day and Canada Day celebrations, the first annual Canada Historic Places Day with more than 60 sites participating, and Parks Canada hosted numerous Canada 150 Signature Projects. Starting in 2018, admission for children under 18 is free at national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas. Parks Canada also continues to offer free admission for one year to new Canadian citizens through the Institute for Canadian Citizenship’s Cultural Access Pass Program. "
3/22/2019,48,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Expand Learn to Camp programs.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Completed - fully met,More low to middle-income families participate in Learn to Camp and have greater opportunity to experience Canada's outdoors.,"In 2017, Parks Canada expanded the popular Learn-to Camp Program so that more low- to middle-income families could experience Canada’s outdoors. Throughout the year, Parks Canada hosted 30 overnight Learn-to Camp events as well as over 500 other Learn-to Learn events and activities across Canada, reaching more than 70,000 Canadians."
3/22/2019,49,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Protect our National Parks by limiting development within them and help local eco-tourism industries.,"Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie","Actions taken, progress made",Development is limited within Canada's National Parks so future generations can experience their natural beauty.,"The government is maintaining and restoring ecological integrity within Canada's national parks while continuing to provide meaningful services and experiences to visitors. The government has established strict development limits to ensure ecological integrity in Canada's national parks. Parks Canada has a rigorous environmental assessment process, which applies to development proposals. Together, these ensure compliance with park-wide ecological objectives and the maintenance of ecological integrity, while limiting development. One pillar of Canada's Vision for Tourism is to distinguish Canada as a premier tourism destination through Canada's national parks. A number of initiatives have been developed to enhance visitation of Parks Canada places such as campaigns to help visitors plan their stay and how to be safe in natural areas and initiatives for visitors to use public transit and shuttles in the mountain parks. Successfully diverting traffic and the use of vehicles at Parks Canada places enhances visitor experience and also reduces the demands placed on existing infrastructure, thereby limiting future potential infrastructure development.
Parks Canada continues to work in collaboration with Innovation Science and Economic Development Canada, Destination Canada, and the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada to support tourism opportunities and promotion across the country, helping to grow local eco-tourism industries and create jobs."
3/22/2019,50,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Work with Ontario to enhance the country's first urban National Park: Rouge National Urban Park.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change,Completed - fully met,"Created Canada's first urban National Park, Rouge National Urban Park.","Legislation passed in June 2017 expands the size of the Rouge National Urban Park and guides how the park will be managed. This Act strengthens ecological protections and will ensure that ecological integrity is the top priority in the management of Canada's first national urban park, while recognizing its important cultural heritage and providing greater certainty for the continuation of park agriculture. In October 2017, the government of Ontario transferred 6.5 square km of land to Parks Canada for inclusion in the Park."
3/22/2019,51,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,"Protect the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River Basin and the Lake Winnipeg Basin.","Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard","Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Increased protection for the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River Basin and the Lake Winnipeg Basin so they can continue to be enjoyed by future generations.","Through Budget 2017, the government is providing funding to protect Canada’s freshwater resources, including the Great Lakes and Lake Winnipeg basins. The government is expanding efforts to address toxic and nuisance algae, as well as aquatic invasive species programming, which will further help address the threats posed by such species as Asian Carps and Sea Lamprey. As announced in Budget 2017, the government is investing $44.84 million to protect Great Lakes water quality, and $25.7 million for the Lake Winnipeg Basin Program. In addition, the government invested $43.8 million to protect against aquatic invasive species in Canadian waters. The Asian Carp Program received funding as part of this investment, which has allowed the government to improve early detection capabilities and increase the number of sites being monitored for Asian carp in the Great Lakes. The funding has also increased the capacity of Canada’s Sea Lamprey Control Program to reduce the numbers of this destructive, invasive species by assessing larval populations, treating them with lampricides and maintaining and improving physical barriers and dams that prevent sea lamprey from accessing spawning habitat in tributaries to the Great Lakes.
A program on freshwater aquatic invasive species is being deployed in Quebec in 2018-2019, which will complement marine species monitoring already underway in the Saint Lawrence and fund work with the government of Quebec to detect and prevent the invasion of Asian carps in Quebec.
The government is also increasing outreach to assist Canadians with identifying, responding and properly reporting any invasive species they catch. In June 2017, the governments of Canada and Quebec announced continued investment in the conservation and enhancement of the St. Lawrence River Basin to enhance water quality, protect biodiversity and ensure its sustainable use. The government has also begun two research projects to assess the contribution of organic matter and nutrient inputs and oxygen depletion in the deep waters of the Laurentian Channel. In November 2018, the government launched a new mobile app which will be a valuable tool for Ontario's recreational fishers to help keep invasive species out of Ontario waters and protect aquatic species at risk in the Great Lakes. In March 2019, Fisheries and Oceans Canada released the Socio-Economic Risk Assessment Of The Presence Of Grass Carp In The Great Lakes Basin to supplement the bi-National Ecological Risk Assessment that was released in 2017. This study will be used to inform management and policy decisions across the Great Lakes basin to prevent the spread and establishment of Grass Carp."
3/22/2019,52,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Examine the implications of climate change on Arctic marine ecosystems.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Science and Sport","Actions taken, progress made",Greater knowledge and understanding of the changes occurring in Canada's Arctic and a better understanding of how Canada might adapt to ensure the continued welfare of Canada's Arctic communities.,"The official opening of the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) will significantly enhance Arctic research, including on the impacts of climate change. The Government of Canada is also investing in the Aquatic Climate Change Adaptation Services Program to conduct the research and monitoring necessary to identify climate change impacts and vulnerabilities, develop adaptation tools, and improve ocean forecasting in vulnerable coastal regions to inform management decisions. This Program has supported ocean chemistry monitoring, fisheries vulnerability assessments and predictive modelling activities in the Arctic. As part of the Oceans Protection Plan, the government will be working with Indigenous and coastal communities to collect baseline environmental information at six sites across Canada, including one in the Arctic.
The government has also concluded new international agreements to strengthen Arctic scientific cooperation, including signing the Agreement to Prevent Unregulated High Seas Fisheries in the Central Arctic Ocean in October 2018 which, after ratification by all parties, will include a joint program of research and monitoring to improve understanding of the ecosystems. The Government of Canada participated in the Arctic Science Ministerial in September 2016 and October 2018, helping to advance several joint international research projects. The Canadian Space Agency is collaborating on a US-France mission—Surface Water & Ocean Topography—that will provide the first global survey of earth surface water, ocean surface topography, ocean currents, and measure change over time. In addition, the Government of Canada has committed to work together in collaboration with northern partners to better understand the “Last Ice Area.” This region in the high Arctic is the only region that is expected to retain summer sea ice until 2050.
Research and monitoring activities in coastal and offshore marine ecosystems are increasing understanding of the changes occurring in Canada’s Arctic as well as understanding of Arctic ecosystems and the impact of climate change on species and habitats.
To support ongoing scientific research in the High Arctic, Budget 2019 proposes up to $21.8 million over five years, starting in 2019–20, for the Eureka Weather Station on Ellesmere Island, Nunavut. This investment will support critical repairs and necessary upgrades to the station’s systems such as the aircraft runway, sewage, ventilation and plumbing and will help ensure continued safe operations of the site for weather and climate forecasting and as a key hub for Arctic research and government military operations.
In addition, the Polar Continental Shelf Program provides critical logistics support—such as coordinating air charters and supplying field equipment—to Canadian researchers seeking to advance our understanding of the North. Budget 2019 proposes up to $10 million, over two years, starting in 2019–20, to help the Program to respond to growing demand."
3/22/2019,53,15-Nov,Canada in the World,Refocus Canada's development assistance on helping the most vulnerable and supporting fragile states.,Minister of International Development,Completed - fully met,Global poverty is reduced by investing in gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls and by focusing on the poorest and most vulnerable.,"The Government of Canada is focusing its development assistance on closing gaps and barriers faced by women and girls around the world and achieving the sustainable development goals. This commitment is reflected in the Women’s Voice and Leadership Program, which supports local women’s organizations in 30 countries and regions, and the Her Voice, Her Choice to address sexual and reproductive health and rights. The Feminist International Assistance Policy announced in 2017 commits to directing 50 per cent of Canada's annual bilateral international development assistance to sub-Saharan African countries by 2021-2022 and ensuring that 95 per cent of bilateral international development assistance integrates or targets gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. Budget 2018 announced up to $2 billion in new resources and $1.5 billion for innovative finance approaches in support of the Feminist International Assistance Policy. In May 2018, Canada launched a call to action to the private sector and philanthropists to catalyze new investments in support of gender equality and women’s rights in developing countries and will contribute up to $300 million. In June 2018, G7 Development Ministers, G7 Finance Ministers and the G7 Leaders agreed to a variety of ambitious declarations on financing for development and on gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. G7 leaders announced $3.8 billion to support the Charlevoix Declaration on Quality Education for Girls, Adolescent Girls and Women in Developing Countries, of which Canada will invest $400 million.
Budget 2019 announced an additional $700 million for the International Assistance Envelope in 2023-24, in order to support the implementation of Canada's Feminist International Assistance Policy. The Budget also included a commitment to renew Canada's Middle East Strategy with the goal of reducing the vulnerability of conflict-affected populations and bolstering the participation of women in the peace process in Syria and the reconciliation processes in Iraq."
3/22/2019,54,15-Nov,Canada in the World,"Create a new policy and funding framework to ensure that Canada's aid empowers people and supports broad-based, sustainable growth in the developing world.",Minister of International Development,Completed - fully met,"A comprehensive, feminist international assistance policy is in place that will reduce global poverty by investing in gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls and by focusing on the poorest and most vulnerable.
","After a year of consultations with over 15,000 people in 65 countries, the government released its Feminist International Assistance Policy in June 2017. The government engaged with people online and in person on how Canada's international assistance should be invested and focused. "
3/22/2019,55,15-Nov,Canada in the World,"Support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by the United Nations in September 2015.","Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of International Development","Actions taken, progress made","Canada's international assistance helps countries make progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and helps to build a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous world.","Canada's Feminist International Assistance Policy is explicitly aligned with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure that investments are coordinated with the rest of the international community. Sustainable Development Goal 5—achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls—is at the heart of Canada's approach to implement the SDGs because it will help to drive progress on all other SDGs and to eradicate poverty. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is central to the government's partnership with all civil society organizations to maximize the impact of Canada’s international assistance. Budget 2018 highlighted the government's commitment to the SDGs at home and abroad. In April 2018, the government announced the development of a national strategy that will catalyze action on the SDGs across the country, and launched the Voluntary National Review Web portal to invite Canadians to share their stories of how they are helping to advance the SDGs. In July 2018, Canada delivered its first Voluntary National Review (VNR) to the United Nations. The VNR report highlights Canada’s efforts and success over the past three years, underlining challenges that remain, and outlines Canada’s way forward on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs.
At the G7 Summit, leaders made progress against SDG 4 - Quality Education by endorsing the Charlevoix Declaration on Quality Education for Girls, Adolescent Girls and Women in Developing Countries to increase opportunities for at least 12 years of safe and quality education for all and to dismantle the barriers to girls’ and women’s quality education. Canada announced funding of $400 million and was joined by the European Union, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the World Bank, to announce an investment of close to $3.8 billion in education for women and girls in crisis and conflict situations. On September 26, 2018 at the United General Assembly in New York, Canada welcomed an additional contribution of more than $527 million from Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and Qatar to help developing countries give every child access to quality education and modern skills training.
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3/22/2019,56,15-Nov,Canada in the World,"Support the full range of reproductive health services and close the gap in the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Initiative.",Minister of International Development,"Actions taken, progress made","More women and girls are able to make informed reproductive health choices and assert control over their own bodies, saving the lives of women and children.","Between 2017-2020, the government is focusing on closing key gaps in sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls, which includes the full range of sexual and reproductive health services (including contraceptives and safe, legal abortion), and on preventing and responding to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) including child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation and cutting.
In March 2017, Canada announced $650 million, over three years, to close gaps in sexual and reproductive health and rights, doubling Canada’s existing investments.
Full, free and voluntary access to modern contraceptives as part of a comprehensive package of sexual and reproductive health services is essential to supporting women to gain control over their bodies and lives. Canada’s funding of $42.6 million to family planning activities in 2017-2018 made it possible for:
• 1.4 million women and couples to receive contraceptive services and supplies.
• 387,000 unintended pregnancies to be averted including.
• 187,000 unplanned births.
• 147,000 induced abortions, averting 108,000 unsafe abortion.
• 1,100 maternal deaths to be averted.
Canada also joined key global partnerships, such as Family Planning 2020, which will help enable up to 120 million more women and girls to access family planning by 2020, as well as the Ouagadougou Partnership, which will accelerate the use of these services in nine countries in West Africa. Canada will continue to promote sexual and reproductive health rights through its participation in movements such as SheDecides and will host the 2019 Women Deliver 5th Global Conference in Vancouver on June 3-6, 2019."
3/22/2019,57,15-Nov,Canada in the World,"Support innovative, evidence-based approaches to development assistance.",Minister of International Development ,"Actions taken, progress made",More effective international assistance and more rigorous use of evidence-based practice and innovative solutions within decision-making processes.,"Guided by the Feminist International Assistance Policy, Canada is providing more integrated and responsive assistance, supporting innovation and research, providing better reporting on results, developing more effective partnerships, and concentrating on those regions of the world where Canada can make the greatest difference in reducing poverty and inequality, particularly for women and girls. The government and its partners are measuring and reporting progress and results, conducting gender-based and human rights-based analyses of programs, and implementing new programming to support innovative partnerships.
In 2017, the government collaborated with the Canadian Council for International Co-operation, the Canadian Association for the Study of International Development and the International Development Research Centre to enhance innovative multi-stakeholder approaches to global development research. This initiative included the launch of an online searchable tool of more than 500 Canadian international development researchers from universities, colleges, institutes, think-tanks, and civil society organizations. The government also launched its International Policy Ideas Challenge (IPIC), an annual program in which early career and graduate researchers in Canada are selected to conduct and present innovative research on foreign policy, international trade and international development issues.
In the fall of 2017, the government launched the Small and Medium Organizations for Impact and Innovation initiative (SMO initiative), which aims to attract new and diverse partners and encourage innovation in international development.
In May, 2018, the Partnership for Gender Equality was launched. It is an innovative $300 million initiative to catalyze new investments to support the advancement of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in developing countries by the philanthropic community, the investing community, the private sector and civil society.
The government is collecting data on a set of performance indicators that will be used to report to Canadians on progress achieved in each of the Feminist International Assistance Policy’s action areas. The government continues to engage with the International Development Innovation Alliance, the OECD Development Assistance Committee and Canadian civil society partners to learn about and share good practices on innovative evidence-based approaches in development assistance.
To increase the transparency of Canada's international assistance, the government began publicly reporting the planned annual level of the International Assistance Envelope starting in 2018. To support innovation in Canada’s international assistance, the government will provide up to $1.5 billion over five years to the International Assistance Innovation Program and the Sovereign Loans Program. In April 2018, the government co-hosted a meeting in Washington D.C. with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the World Economic Forum and the UN on blended finance. At the 2018 G7 Summit, Leaders committed to the Charlevoix Commitment on Innovative Financing for Development to promote economic growth in developing economies and foster greater equality of opportunity within and between countries. G7 Development Ministers also agreed on the Whistler Principles to Accelerate Innovation for Development Impact."
3/22/2019,58,15-Nov,Canada in the World,Provide assistance to countries that are vulnerable to the destabilizing effects of climate change.,Minister of International Development,"Actions taken, progress made",Countries receiving Canadian international assistance are better equipped to deal with the destabilizing effects of climate change.,"Canada is providing assistance to developing countries that are vulnerable to the destabilizing effects of climate change. The majority of this support is included in the government’s commitment to provide $2.65 billion over five years to help developing countries, in particular the poorest and most vulnerable, transition to low carbon and climate resilient economies. To date, the government has announced more than $1.2 billion in funding contributions. This includes $300 million to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to support the poorest and most vulnerable countries in fighting the adverse effects of climate change, $250 million to establish the Blended Climate Finance Program at the International Finance Corporation, which will reduce barriers to private investment in climate change initiatives globally; $200 million to the Asian Development Bank to catalyze private investments for climate action in Asia and the Pacific, $150 million in support of renewable energy in Africa, $40 million for the African Risk Capacity agency to help developing countries protect themselves against the economic consequences of natural catastrophes (such as droughts caused by climate change), $39 million to help build the resilience of farming households in Senegal, with a particular emphasis on women and young people, and $17.2 million to support sustainable energy and economic growth in Burkina Faso. In February 2018, Canada announced that it would provide $20 million to support women's health and economic opportunities in Haiti through the adoption of clean cookstoves in 150,000 households and another $15 million to reinforce national systems in Haiti to better manage and respond to natural disasters. Canada also recently pledged $100 million to support reconstruction and climate resilience initiatives across the Caribbean over the next five years, $50 million of which will be part of Canada's $2.65 billion climate finance commitment. Canada is providing $16.2 million to support Climate Resilience and Green Infrastructure project that puts specific emphasis on the role of women in managing water resources in Peru, and $6 million to the Food and Agriculture Organization for forest management and increased sustainable economic growth for rural indigenous women and youth in Honduras, two of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. Canada's new Development Finance Institute, capitalized with $300 million over five years, will mobilize its resources to promote green economic growth, which in turn will provide access to clean technology and climate-resilient infrastructure to those people most affected by climate change.
At the G7 Summit, Leaders agreed to the Charlevoix Blueprint for Healthy Oceans, Seas and Resilient Coastal Communities. The leaders committed to support resilient coasts and communities globally via better adaptation planning, emergency preparedness and recovery, and innovative financing for coastal resilience, and launched a G7 initiative to deploy Earth observation technologies and related applications to scale up capacities for the integrated management of coastal zones in the poorest and most vulnerable regions of the world. Canada announced $162 million to preserve the health and resilience of its oceans and coasts. As part of its G7 Presidency, Canada also announced $60 million in funding for Small-Island Developing States (SIDS) to expand energy systems and infrastructure, improve energy access for women and girls, and provide training and employment for women in non-traditional, sustainable technology sectors.
In November 2018, at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting hosted by Papua New Guinea, the Prime Minister announced $10 million to the Pacific Initiative for Biodiversity, Climate Change and Resilience that will assist the Pacific region to adapt to climate change, protect biodiversity, and improve ocean and fisheries health.
The Prime Minister also announced in November 2018 that Canada will join the InsuResilience Global Partnership for Climate and Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance Solutions, launched at the 2017 UN Climate Change Conference in Bonn, Germany, to strengthen disaster preparedness, response, and recovery in developing countries."
3/22/2019,59,15-Nov,Canada in the World,Ensure Canada's strong and sustained engagement in the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie.,"Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie","Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",Promotion of Canadian values of diversity and inclusion through La Francophonie and promotion of French Canadian culture globally.,"Canada maintains a strong and sustained commitment to the International Organisation of La Francophonie (IOF) and continues to use it as an important platform to engage the international community on priority areas. On gender equality, Canada continues to play an active role in the implementation of La Francophonie's Gender Equality Strategy for the Promotion of Equality Between Women and Men. Canada has also played an active role in the promotion of women and youth empowerment and in the development of La Francophonie’s Action Plan on Women's Economic Empowerment. In May 2018, Canada supported the organization of an international conference on conflict prevention and human security in Ottawa. The conference, which was organised by the University of Ottawa and the IOF, aimed to develop a roadmap to update existing Francophonie tools and instruments to address conflict prevention and human security in Francophonie member countries. ?Canada played a leading role in the development and adoption at the 2018 Yerevan Summit of the first IOF transparency consolidation policy. Canada continues to advocate in support of enhanced governance and transparency measures to further strengthen the Organisation's administrative and financial governance practices. On March 26, 2019, Canada's leadership was recognized by the Secretary General and IOF members following the appointment of Canadian Catherine Cano as a Director of the IOF. As the organization's second in command, Ms. Cano will manage the administrative and financial affairs as well as the implementation of the programming and decisions adopted by the Heads of State and government during Francophonie summits."
3/22/2019,60,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Resettle 25,000 refugees from Syria.","Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship;Minister of International Development",Completed - modified,"The government welcomed 26,172 Syrian refugees (government-assisted and privately sponsored) between November 4, 2015, and February 29, 2016.","The government surpassed its target while ensuring national security, medical, and resettlement requirements were met. As of January 29, 2017, Canada had welcomed 40,081 refugees from Syria: 21,876 government-assisted refugees, 3,931 blended visa office-referred refugees, and 14,274 privately sponsored refugees. "
3/22/2019,61,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Double the number of entry applications for parents and grandparents of immigrants to 10,000 a year.","Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,"The government made reuniting families a top priority and doubled the number of parents and grandparents sponsorship applications accepted to 10,000 in 2016. The new cap will be further doubled to 20,000 for 2019.","The government increased the number of entry applications it accepts through its Parent and Grandparent (PGP) Program. In 2018, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) increased the cap to 17,000 applications. The 2019 cap is 20,000.
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3/22/2019,62,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Give additional points under the Express Entry system to applicants who have Canadian siblings.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,"Changes to Canada's Express Entry program, including additional points for candidates with Canadian siblings and candidates who have strong French and/or English languages skills were implemented on June 6, 2017. This is increasing the number of eligible economic immigrants who have the support they need to more easily integrate into the labour market and contribute to the economic success of all Canadians.","Changes to Canada’s Express Entry Program were implemented in June 2017. Candidates with Canadian siblings, and those who have strong language skills in English or French are awarded additional points."
3/22/2019,63,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Increase the maximum age for dependents from 19 to 22 to allow more families to stay together and bring their children to Canada.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,More family reunification.,"The government has made reuniting families a top priority. Regulatory amendments to increase the maximum age of dependent children from 19 to 22 came into force October 24, 2017."
3/22/2019,64,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Bring forward a proposal regarding permanent residency for new spouses entering Canada.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Sponsored spouses and partners no longer have to remain in abusive relationships for fear of losing their immigration status.,"The government repealed the requirement of conditional residency so that sponsored spouses and partners are no longer required to live with their sponsor for two years in order to maintain their permanent resident status, thereby eliminating their fear of losing their immigration status and reducing their vulnerability and dependence."
3/22/2019,65,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,"Improve client service delivery and immigration, refugees and citizenship application processing times.","Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship","Actions taken, progress made","Enhanced client service and timely processing of immigration, refugee and citizenship applications.","The government has implemented several initiatives to reduce processing times in several programs and a client service strategy to enhance the client experience.
In addition, Budget 2019 proposes an additional investment of $42.9 million over two years to increase the number of IRCC call centre agents so that enquiries from visitors, new Canadians, and others can be responded to more quickly, with a focus on the business lines with the longest delays. Budget 2019 also proposes to invest $78.6 million over two years to ensure that resources are in place to process the high global demand for Canadian visitor visas, work and study permits.
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3/22/2019,66,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Restore the Interim Federal Health Program that provides health benefits to refugees.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Improved access to necessary health care for refugees.,"In April 2016, the government restored the Interim Federal Health Program for all eligible refugee beneficiaries. In addition, the government eliminated the coverage expiry date to ensure refugee claimants remain covered until they are eligible for provincial/territorial health insurance. "
3/22/2019,67,15-Nov,Canada in the World,Establish an expert human rights panel to help determine designated countries of origin and provide a right to appeal refugee decisions for citizens from these countries.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship","Actions taken, progress made","Canada upholds its commitment to welcoming those seeking refuge from conflict and war, while leveraging expertise and systems to strengthen program integrity and efficiency.","As of July 2015, claimants from Designated Countries of Origin - countries that do not normally produce refugees and do respect human rights and offer state protection - have had access to an appeal at the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. An independent review of the Immigration and Refugee Board and the asylum system has been completed, and findings are informing how the government will reform the asylum system to achieve both efficiency and fairness for all claimants."
3/22/2019,68,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Work with stakeholders to better co-manage our three oceans.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard","Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Better planning, management and protection of oceans, marine mammals, and coastal communities.","Through the Oceans Protection Plan (OPP) and other ocean initiatives, Canada has been engaging Indigenous and coastal communities, stakeholders and other levels of government, including activities, such as improved marine safety, protection of the marine environment, restoration of Canada’s coastlines, waterways management, and new opportunities for Indigenous and coastal communities in emergency response.
The OPP includes new research on the effects of oil spills, measures to protect marine mammals, and increased emergency response capacity in which coastal communities will play a greater role. The OPP is a key part of the government's commitment to redefine its relationship with Indigenous peoples and engage in a meaningful and productive partnership with Indigenous communities. In addition to the OPP, the government has officially endorsed the Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area Plan with the Province of British Columbia and Pacific North Coast First Nations; explored partnerships with land claims organizations in the North to advance Canada’s marine conservation agenda; and signed a statement of intent between Canada and the Nunatsiavut government to work together on oceans management in northern Labrador.
The Reconciliation Framework Agreement for Bioregional Oceans Management and Protection was announced by the Prime Minister on National Indigenous Peoples Day, June 21, 2018. This significant agreement demonstrates a commitment between Canada and First Nations along the North and Central Coast of British Columbia to partner on marine initiatives within the Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area. Key areas of work will include marine spatial planning, marine protected area network development and initiatives to support marine safety.
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3/22/2019,69,15-Nov,Canada in the World,Facilitate the temporary entry of low risk travellers and lift the visa requirement for Mexico.,"Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,"Canada is a more open country that does not impose unnecessary barriers to business travellers, tourists and other visitors.","In December 2016, Canada lifted the requirement for Mexican travellers to have a visa. To facilitate the temporary entry of low-risk travellers, the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) was put in place in November 2016 for visa-exempt foreign nationals (other than U.S. citizens) boarding their flight to Canada. In May 2017, Canada expanded eTA to Brazil, Bulgaria and Romania. The visa requirement for Bulgaria and Romania was fully lifted in December 2017. Additionally, in June 2018, Canada lifted the visa requirement for the United Arab Emirates. "
3/22/2019,70,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Repeal provisions in the *Citizenship Act* that give the government the right to strip citizenship from dual nationals.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Repealed provisions in the *Citizenship Act* that gave the government the right to strip citizenship from dual nationals.,"In June 2017, legislation repealed unfair elements of the *Citizenship Act* that had applied only to Canadians with dual or multiple citizenships and allowed the government to strip them of their Canadian citizenship. The new legislation makes it easier for applicants to meet the requirements for citizenship, and helps immigrants obtain citizenship earlier and faster."
3/22/2019,72,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Make it easier for international students to stay in Canada after their studies.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Better outcomes for immigrants to Canada because those who become permanent residents and citizens have Canadian educational experience.,"The government changed the Express Entry system to award more points to international students who have studied in Canada, making it easier for them to become permanent residents after completing their studies. As well, in October 2017, regulatory changes introduced by the government came into force, providing greater flexibility for international students who want to become Canadian citizens."
3/22/2019,73,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Restore funding to support federal ocean science and monitoring programs.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Completed - fully met,"Restored funding to support the hiring of new scientific staff, the acquisition of new lab equipment, and added capacity for ocean science and monitoring.","The government restored funding for federal ocean science and monitoring programs. In April 2016, $197 million was committed to fund ocean and freshwater science activities that help us better understand aquatic ecosystems and support evidence-based management decisions. The government is recruiting 135 new scientific staff and creating a new Partnership Fund to build capacity in the Canadian scientific community. The government is also investing in high-performance lab equipment, procuring new state-of-the-art acoustic and remote sensing technology, and enhancing monitoring activities for various species of marine mammals, fish and invertebrates. "
3/22/2019,74,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Use good scientific evidence and traditional Indigenous knowledge when making decisions affecting fish stocks and ecosystem management.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard","Actions taken, progress made","A new, strong process that integrates scientific information in all major fish stock and ecosystem management decisions.","The Government of Canada has changed its internal processes to ensure that scientific information and advice are presented as part of decision making. The government is currently developing a plan to implement the precautionary approach policy for all major fish stocks. The new Chief Science Advisor will provide guidance on this.
The Whales Initiative, which made available $167.4 million over five years to better protect, preserve and recover endangered whales species in Canada, included funding for research to help the government better understand the factors affecting the health of these whales. This research informed actions to help address threats arising from human activities. As an example of this, DFO announced Fisheries Management Mitigation Measures in February 2019 for the North Atlantic Right Whale."
3/22/2019,75,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Act on recommendations of the Cohen Commission on restoring sockeye salmon stocks in the Fraser River.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Completed - fully met,"The new Wild Salmon Policy implementation plan includes measures to restore and maintain salmon stocks, and will be implemented in collaboration with experts, stakeholders and Indigenous peoples.","In August 2016 and September 2018, the government released its first and second formal responses to the final report of the Cohen Commission. The government provided a third and final status update in October 2018 showing that all 75 recommendations from the Cohen Commission had been acted on.
The government continues to engage with scientific experts and stakeholders to further act on many of the Commission’s recommendations. After extensive engagement with Indigenous peoples, stakeholders and the general public, the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard released the Wild Salmon Policy 2018-2022 Implementation Plan (WSP IP) in October 2018, along with the 2018 Cohen Response Status Update. The WSP IP sets out how the government is working to restore and maintain salmon stock, and highlights measures for sustainable aquaculture. "
3/22/2019,76,15-Nov,Safety and Security,"Re-open the Maritime Rescue Sub-centre in St. John's, Newfoundland, and the Kitsilano Coast Guard Base in Vancouver.","Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Completed - fully met,Kitsilano Coast Guard Base and St. John's Maritime Rescue Sub-centre are re-opened to restore search and rescue services and save lives.,"In May 2016, the Kitsilano Coast Guard Base in Vancouver re-opened to provide 24/7 search and rescue and environmental response services. The base received a new search and rescue vessel in December 2017.
The Maritime Rescue Sub-centre in St. John’s officially re-opened in May 2018. It supports the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) Halifax, coordinating maritime search and rescue operations in waters surrounding Newfoundland and Labrador.
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3/22/2019,77,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Sign new Health Accord with the provinces and territories.,Minister of Health,Completed - fully met,"A new, multi-year agreement to strengthen health care has been reached between the Government of Canada and provinces and territories.","The government has reached agreements with all provinces and territories on collective priorities and 10-year funding to strengthen health care. Budget 2017 confirmed a targeted investment of $11 billion over 10 years to support home and community care, and mental health and addictions services. In addition, the government committed federal investments of $544 million to increase the accessibility and affordability of prescription drugs, and to enhance innovation in the delivery of health services.
In August 2017, federal, provincial and territorial governments agreed on a Common Statement of Principles on Shared Health Priorities. This statement identifies the key priorities for federal investments as set out in Budget 2017 and includes a joint commitment to advance health innovation and prescription drugs. Governments also committed to develop and report on a set of common metrics to ensure that these investments bring Canadians improved health outcomes.
In June 2018, federal, provincial and territorial health ministers endorsed a set of common indicators, developed under the leadership of the Canadian Institute for Health Information, to measure progress and to report to Canadians on overall improvements in access to home and community care as well as mental health and addiction services. Annual reporting is expected to begin in 2019.
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3/22/2019,78,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Increase rates of vaccination.,Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made","By 2025, 95% of children under the age of two have received all recommended vaccinations.","The Government of Canada, working together with the provinces and territories, updated the national vaccination coverage goals and vaccine preventable disease reduction targets. The new goals and targets were endorsed by all jurisdictions in fall 2017. The Government of Canada also enhanced its Childhood National Immunization Coverage Survey to better estimate vaccination coverage and measure vaccine hesitancy. The Survey was launched in fall 2017 and initial reporting is expected in 2019. Since the launch of the Immunization Partnership Fund in 2016, 13 projects have been funded to support innovative projects aimed at increasing vaccination acceptance and uptake in Canada. Six additional projects are expected to be funded in 2018-19.
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3/22/2019,79,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Introduce plain packaging requirements for tobacco products.,Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made",New plain packaging requirements for tobacco products will contribute to continued decrease in use.,"Public consultation on the proposed Tobacco Products Regulations (Plain and Standardized Appearance) was published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on June 23, 2018. Feedback on the proposed regulations was accepted until September 6, 2018. All views and evidence submitted will be considered by Health Canada as final regulations are prepared for publication in the Canada Gazette, Part II.
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3/22/2019,80,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Promote the celebration of Canada 150.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism;Minister of Science and Sport,Completed - fully met,"Canadians came together to celebrate the best of Canada and to experience Canada’s rich cultural, linguistic, and geographical diversity.","More than 31 million people participated in Canada 150 events that brought Canadians together, emphasized the connection all Canadians share as a northern people, and underscored Canada 150’s four major themes. The Canada 150 Fund supported over six hundred community projects and thirty-eight pan-Canadian Signature projects through non-governmental organizations. Canada 150 enabled the promotion of active living, sport, and athleticism to students and communities across Canada, and it highlighted diversity and inclusion, reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, the environment, and youth. "
3/22/2019,81,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Restore and increase funding for CBC/Radio-Canada.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism,Completed - fully met,"Increased funding for CBC/Radio-Canada, leading to the creation of new, high-quality content across all platforms.","In Budget 2016, the government increased CBC/Radio-Canada funding by $675 million over five years. In 2017/18, this funding was directed toward CBC/Radio-Canada’s key programming and initiatives; the creation of high-quality content, including local content, across all platforms; digital transformation, and continued development of both its existing services and the next generation of digital talent.
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3/22/2019,82,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that the appointment process to the CBC/Radio-Canada Board of Directors is merit-based and independent.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism,Completed - fully met,A new independent and merit-based appointment process has been established for selecting the CBC/Radio-Canada Board of Directors.,"The government has appointed an independent and non-partisan advisory committee to recommend to the Minister of Canadian Heritage qualified candidates for appointments to CBC/Radio-Canada. Published, merit-based criteria guide the advisory committee as it identifies Canadians who would make significant contributions to the work of the Board of Directors of CBC/Radio-Canada. "
3/22/2019,83,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Double investment in the Canada Council for the Arts.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism,Completed - fully met,The government invested $550 million in the Canada Council for the Arts to foster the development of the arts in Canada.,"New investments are being made in the form of grants, services and awards to professional Canadian artists and arts organizations, as well as through scholarly awards. The government’s annual investment in the Canada Council for the Arts is doubling over the next five years, growing local economies and creating good middle-class jobs."
3/22/2019,84,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Increase funding for Telefilm Canada and the National Film Board.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism,Completed - fully met,"Increased funding for Canada's film industry, creating growth and jobs in the creative industries.","The government invested $22 million in Telefilm Canada to fund and promote programs dedicated to the cultural, commercial and industrial success of Canada’s audiovisual industry. The National Film Board of Canada received $13.5 million to create social issue documentaries, animation, and digital content."
3/22/2019,85,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Restore PromArt and Trade Routes international cultural promotion programs.,Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism;Minister of International Trade Diversification,Completed - fully met,"Greater awareness of Canadian excellence in arts and culture, greater international demand for Canadian creators and more jobs in the creative industries.","The government announced the Creative Export Strategy in June 2018, following the Fall 2017 announcement of the investment of $125 million over five years in its implementation. This initiative will help Canada's creative industries seize business opportunities abroad and increase Canada’s interactions with the world through culture, supporting cultural diplomacy efforts. Building on the $35 million committed in Budget 2016, and based on former PromArt and Trade Routes, the strategy provides cultural programs to help artists and creative industries kickstart or promote their creative offerings abroad.
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3/22/2019,86,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,"Increase funding to ""Young Canada Works"" to help prepare the next generation working in the heritage sector.",Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism,Completed - fully met,More jobs for young Canadians in the heritage sector.,"Investments of $15.55 million in Budgets 2016 and 2017 are creating more than 1,600 new employment opportunities over four years (2016-2020) for youth in the heritage sector. Through Budget 2016, the government invested $1.5 million in new funding for Young Canada Works at Building Careers in Heritage programming to create 150 additional internships for young graduates in 2016-2017, multiplying by five the number of Young Canada Works internships for youth in heritage organizations in Canada. Through Budget 2017, the government is further investing $14.05 million over three years in Young Canada Works-Heritage programming. These new funds enabled the creation of 1,508 more jobs for Canadian youth in Canadian museums and related heritage organizations: 1,038 summer/short-term jobs through YCW in Heritage Organizations and 470 graduate internships through YCW at Building Careers in Heritage.
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3/22/2019,87,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Develop a multi-year Official Languages plan to support English and French linguistic minorities.,"Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism;Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie",Completed - fully met,A new Official Languages plan was developed and will be implemented to support English and French linguistic minorities across Canada.,"In March 2018, the government announced its 2018-2023 Action Plan for Official Languages: Investing in our Future. The Action Plan includes a new investment of almost $500 million to support official-language minority communities across the country and promote bilingualism of Canadians. The plan took effect on April 1, 2018 and is being gradually implemented over 2018-19. "
3/22/2019,88,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Establish a free, online service for learning and retaining English and French as second languages.","Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie;President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government","Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges","A cross-platform, web-based application will enable adult Canadians to learn and retain – in a way that is flexible, accessible and free – their second official language (English or French).","Canadian Heritage has conducted consultations with industry to identify possible approaches for providing an e-learning tool for Canadians. Budget 2018 and the announcement on March 28, 2018 of the 2018-2023 Action Plan for Official Languages confirmed the funding for the web-based application. The solution’s architecture and the information technology requirements have been developed. The Government of Canada is currently reviewing all implementation options to ensure that the proposed solution is responsive to identified needs and objectives."
3/22/2019,89,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Restore a modern Court Challenges Program.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Completed - fully met,Increased protection for human rights and official language rights through a modernized Court Challenges Program.,"Because of its commitment to strengthening and promoting Canada’s two official languages and human rights, the government reinstated a modernized Court Challenges Program. The program provides financial support to individuals or groups in Canada to access the courts for the litigation of test cases of national significance. This way, the courts can help clarify and assert certain constitutional and quasi-constitutional official language rights and human rights in Canada. The University of Ottawa has been selected to manage the modernized program. Two panels, responsible for official language rights and human rights, will assess funding applications to the Court Challenges Program for court cases of national significance and will allocate resources accordingly. "
3/22/2019,90,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Balance the budget in 2019/20.,Minister of Finance,Not being pursued,Balance the budget over the long-term and continue to reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio.,"In Budget 2019, the government reported to Canadians that it did not forecast a balanced budget in 2019/20, confirming that this commitment will not be pursued within this mandate. Instead, the Government has chosen to move forward with a plan that invests to grow Canada’s economy for the long term, in a fiscally responsible way. Over the last four years, the government has made important fiscal investments to kick-start the economy, support the middle class and address the long-term challenges that were limiting Canada's potential. Budget 2019 continues that approach with new investments to support workers gain skills, strengthen income security of seniors, bolster the health of Canadians and improve housing.
Under the government’s economic plan, Canadians have created over 900,000 new jobs – driving the unemployment rate to its lowest levels in more than 40 years. Today, Canada remains among the leaders for economic growth in the G7, and consumer confidence remains elevated. The current fiscal track shows steady improvements in the government's budgetary position along with a continued decline in the federal debt-to-GDP ratio. The budgetary deficit is on track to fall from 0.9% of GDP in 2017-18 to 0.4% of GDP by 2023-24. The government will maintain this downward debt ratio track and preserve Canada's low-debt advantage for current and future generations."
3/22/2019,91,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Lead preparations for the 2016 Rio Olympics and Paralympics.,Minister of Science and Sport,Completed - fully met,Canadian athletes and national sport organizations were well prepared for and supported at a successful showing at the 2016 Rio Olympics and Paralympics.,"Canadian athletes excelled during the 2016 Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games. Nearly 15% more Canadian athletes were able to attend the Games compared to 2012. Canadian athletes placed 10th in total Olympic medals, up from 14th in 2012 and Paralympians also had a very strong showing, bringing home 29 medals."
3/22/2019,92,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Create greater links between our elite athletes and young Canadians to promote health and achievement among youth.,Minister of Science and Sport,Completed - fully met,Increased number of events organized to connect young Canadians and Canada's elite athletes.,"The government has supported and continues to support greater links between our elite athletes and young Canadians. Following the 2016 Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games, the government organized a number of events both online and in person at schools across the country, to connect young Canadians with Canada's elite athletes. Approximately 250 Olympic and Paralympic athletes and coaches from the 2016 Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games participated in these events, reaching tens of thousands of students across Canada. In May 2018, over 300 Canadian athletes, guides, and coaches attended events at Rideau Hall and Parliament Hill to celebrate their achievements at the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games of PyeongChang 2018. The celebrations included a Facebook Live “Team Canada Classroom Champion Chat,” providing youth across Canada with the opportunity to engage with Olympians and Paralympians from Rideau Hall. Athletes, students and the general public at Rideau Hall were also able to try out sports such as Para ice hockey and snowboarding. "
3/22/2019,93,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Raise the quality of the Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) applied to Cabinet proposals.,Minister for Women and Gender Equality,"Actions taken, progress made",Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) is effectively integrated into policy-making across government.,"Since 2016, proposals to Cabinet now require a full GBA+ analysis, which includes an analysis of the proposal's impact on diverse groups of people. Budget submissions also require a full GBA+ analysis. The government will continue to improve the quality of the analysis through new training tools and videos. In addition, to ensure that gender remains a key consideration for future governments, as announced in Budget 2018, the government passed the *Canadian Gender Budgeting Act*, which makes gender budgeting a permanent part of the federal budget-making process.
In addition, Budget 2019 proposes to provide $1.5 million over 5 years, starting in 2019–20 to the Treasury Board Secretariat to work with departments to ensure robust administrative data collection and reporting practices with respect to gender-based analysis plus (GBA+) information. The Secretariat will draw on the expertise of Statistics Canada and the Department for Women and Gender Equality in developing standardized frameworks and tools for GBA+ disaggregated data collection and reporting. This will achieve greater consistency and comparability over time and across programs in the aim of improving the inclusiveness of Government of Canada programs.
The government’s efforts to enrich the quality of GBA+ have continued since the first Gender Statement in 2017, supported by investments in Statistics Canada and the Department for Women and Gender Equality. Enhanced GBA+ training was given to public servants developing and analyzing budget proposals. To strengthen the consistency and comparability of GBA+, a common set of information was collected for all budget proposals.
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3/22/2019,94,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that the government's senior appointments are merit-based and demonstrate gender parity.,Minister for Women and Gender Equality,Completed - fully met,Greater representation of Canada's gender diversity in senior appointments.,"In 2016, the government put in place an open, transparent and merit-based approach to selecting candidates for some 1500 federal Governor in Council (GIC) appointments. Over time, this will close gaps in the representation of women in GIC positions. Since late 2015, women represented more than half of appointments made under this new process and the overall representation of women serving as GIC appointees has increased by 13 percentage points and is now at 47 per cent."
3/22/2019,95,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Help injured Veterans by re-establishing lifelong pensions and insuring that they all have access to financial advice and support.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"Injured Veterans have the option of taking a monthly, tax free payment for life and are provided financial advice and support to assist them in determining the form of compensation that works best for them and their families.","The Pension for Life initiative is a combination of benefits that provide recognition, income support and better overall stability to Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and Veterans who are living with a disability due to a service-related injury and/or illness.
As of April 1, 2019, Pension for Life provides a holistic package that reintroduces lifelong monthly pain and suffering payments; implements a new recognition benefit (The Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation); and consolidates six existing income-related financial benefits.
The Pension for Life benefits package includes: The Pain and Suffering Compensation, Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation, and the Income Replacement Benefit.
1) For injured Veterans, the Pain and Suffering Compensation (PSC) recognizes pain and suffering caused by a disability resulting from a service-related injury and/or illness. The PSC replaces the lump sum Disability Award announced in 2006. It delivers a maximum of $1,150 per month for the life of the serving member or Veteran, or if a Veteran chooses, they can elect to have the monthly PSC cashed out for a lump sum payment that will be equal to the lump sum offered less any monthly payments already paid. The maximum lump sum cash out for the PSC will be equivalent to a maximum lump sum payment available under the Disability Award on March 31, 2019, which is being replaced by PSC. The amount provided by the PSC will be adjusted annually by the percent increase in the Consumer Price Index.
2) Some injured Veterans will also benefit from Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation (APSC). This benefit provides additional support to Veterans who are experiencing barriers to re-establishment in post-service life due to a service related severe and permanent impairment. Depending on the extent of the Veteran’s impairment, the monthly payment will be $500, $1,000 or $1,500 adjusted annually by the percent increase in the Consumer Price Index. This benefit is not intended to replace lost earnings and so it is tax-free.
3) In addition to the PSC and APSC recognition benefits, PFL will introduce the Income Replacement Benefit (IRB). The Income Replacement Benefit (IRB) is a monthly benefit designed to provide income support to Veterans who are experiencing barriers to re-establishment due to a health problem resulting primarily from service. As the IRB is designed to replace income, it is an economic benefit and as such is taxable. The benefit is available to Veterans and survivors, for life, and orphans, should they need it. For Veterans who have not yet served a full career in the military, the monthly salary will be increased by 1% every year until the Veteran reaches what would have been 20 years of service or age 60. The IRB replaces six pre-existing benefits (i.e. Earnings Loss, Benefit, Extended Earnings Loss Benefit, Career Impact Allowance, Career Impact Allowance Supplement, Supplementary Retirement Benefit and Retirement Income Security Benefit) with one, simpler benefit. Veterans who wish to join the workforce may also earn up to $20,000 from employment before any reduction will be made to their IRB payment. Additionally, financial support for eligible spouses will increase from 50% to 70% of the Veteran’s post age 65 Income Replacement Benefit, providing them with enhanced financial security when they need it most.
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3/22/2019,96,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Expand access to the Permanent Impairment Allowance to better support Veterans.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,More Veterans qualify for higher benefit amounts if they have had their career options limited by service-related illness or injury.,"The government replaced the outdated Permanent Impairment Allowance with the Career Impact Allowance, effective April 2017. This measure provides broader eligibility to more generous benefit amounts for Veterans whose careers are most seriously impacted by service-related illness or injury. The benefit amount that a Veteran receives depends on the unique circumstances of each case.
Effective April 2019, the Career Impact Allowance will be consolidated as part of the new Income Replacement Benefit announced under Pension for Life.
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3/22/2019,97,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,"Provide injured veterans with 90% of their pre-release salary, and index this benefit to inflation.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"Veterans now receive 90 per cent of their pre-release salary under the Earnings Loss Benefit (ELB), and benefits are indexed to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).","Canada's women and men in uniform put their lives at risk to protect the values that Canadians cherish most. In Budget 2016, the government made significant investments to supply more money to Veterans with disabilities primarily resulting from military service. For example, in October 2016 the Earnings Loss Benefit (ELB) eligibility was increased from 75 to 90 per cent of a Veteran's monthly pre-release military salary. This benefit provides financial support to injured Veterans while they are undergoing rehabilitation or up to age 65 if it is determined that they have a diminished earning capacity. As of June 30, 2017, a total of 12,461 Veterans have received an increase or are now receiving benefits since changes to the ELB were made.
In April 2019, the ELB will be consolidated as part of the new Income Replacement Benefit announced under Pension for Life. All eligible Veterans will continue to receive 90 per cent of their pre-release salary, indexed to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) during rehabilitation and for life if they are found to have a diminished earning capacity.
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3/22/2019,98,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Create a Veterans Education Benefit that supports the education costs of Canadian Forces Veterans after completion of service.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,More Veterans receive education and training upon release and are given the means to achieve their education and post-service employment goals.,"The government implemented the new Education and Training Benefit, effective April 2018. This benefit provides Veterans with up to $40,000 for college, university or technical education if they have a total of at least six years of service in the Regular or Reserve Force and were honourably released on or after April 1, 2006. Veterans with at least 12 years of service can receive up to $80,000. This will help Veterans cover the cost of getting a new degree or certificate, which is often critical in making a successful transition to post-service life. "
3/22/2019,99,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Improve career and vocational assistance for Veterans.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made",Improve career and vocational assistance for Veterans and ensure jobs for Veterans are included in federally-funded infrastructure projects.,"The government has introduced new initiatives to support Veterans’ transition to the labour market.
• The government is working with provinces and territories as part of infrastructure negotiations to ensure Community Benefits Agreements integrate jobs for Veterans into infrastructure projects.
• Through the *Veterans Hiring Act* (VHA), which came into effect July 1, 2015, current and former members of the Canadian Armed Forces are given priority within public service hiring processes. As of October 31, 2018, 769 medically-released Veterans have been hired as permanent employees into the federal public service through this process.
• As of April 1, 2018, eligible Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans, their spouses/common-law partners and survivors can now apply for a new, modernized set of Career Transition Services delivered by career support professionals familiar with the military culture, whenever and wherever needed. These services also ensure that Veterans have the knowledge, skills and abilities required to search for employment in the civilian work force so that they are more likely to gain employment and feel satisfaction in their employment.
• As of April 1, 2018, the Veterans' Education and Training Benefit supports Veterans successfully transition from military to civilian life, achieve their education and future post-military employment goals, and better positions them to be more competitive in the civilian workforce. Budget 2019 proposes to amend legislation to expand eligibility for the Education and Training Benefit, so that members of the Supplementary Reserve can access the Benefit.
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3/22/2019,100,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,"Deliver a higher standard of service and care, and ensure that a ""one veteran, one standard"" approach is upheld.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made","Veterans and their families have seamless support as they transition out of the military, with simplified application processes, improved client services and reduced wait times to receive benefits.","The government has invested $42.8 million to increase service delivery capacity and reduce the backlog in key programs at Veterans Affairs Canada.
The government is lowering its case-management ratios so that Veterans who require more in-depth, one-on-one support can access services in a timely manner.
The government recently completed a Service Delivery Review, which will shape efforts to reduce complexity and strengthen partnerships between Veterans Affairs and National Defence.
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3/22/2019,101,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Re-open the nine Veterans Affairs service offices recently closed.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"To improve services for Veterans, all Veterans Affairs Canada offices previously closed have been re-opened and resources have been added in new areas not previously served.","All nine offices previously closed reopened and a new tenth office opened to serve the needs of Veterans in Surrey, BC, and the Lower Mainland. In addition, the government expanded outreach to the territories and other northern communities to provide an enhanced level of service to Veterans and their families. As of April 2018, the government hired more than 470 new employees, including 190 new case managers, to improve services for Veterans."
3/22/2019,102,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,"Create two centres of excellence in Veterans' care, including one specialized in mental health and post-traumatic stress disorder.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made",Veterans and their caregivers and providers have better access to better knowledge and expertise to address the unique care needs of someone who previously served.,"Budget 2017 announced the creation of the first Centre of Excellence, which focuses on the creation and dissemination of knowledge on the prevention, the assessment and the treatment of PTSD and related mental health conditions for Veterans and Canadian Armed Forces members.
Budget 2019 announced the creation of a second Centre of Excellence on Chronic Pain Research. Working closely with veterans, partners and experts in the field, the Centre will help ensure that veterans’ chronic pain realities are reflected in research on chronic pain treatment as well as help pilot innovative therapies and enhance treatment options. To support the centre, Budget 2019 provides $20.1 million over five years, starting in 2019–20, with $5 million per year ongoing."
3/22/2019,103,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Support families who are providing care and support to Veterans living with physical and/or mental health issues.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,Increased support for families who are providing care and support to Veterans living with physical and/or mental health issues.,"Military members of Canada’s Armed Forces who leave the service for medical reasons, as well as their families, have had access to a full range of support services from all 32 Military Family Resource Centres since April 2018. All services are also available over the phone and online. Further support is offered to families by the new Caregiver Recognition Benefit, which provides a more generous non-taxable monthly benefit payable directly to caregivers of Veterans to better recognize and honour the vital role they play. "
3/22/2019,104,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,End the time limit for surviving spouses applying for vocational rehabilitation and assistance services.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,Surviving spouses are able to receive vocational rehabilitation and assistance services whenever they need them.,"In April 2018, the government enhanced support for survivors, spouses and common -law partners by eliminating the current one-year time limit on applying for Rehabilitation Services and Vocational Assistance. This change allows survivors to apply for assistance whenever they are prepared to return to work."
3/22/2019,105,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Increase the Veteran survivor's pension amount from 50% to 70%.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"Surviving spouses receive better support, and benefits are delivered in a more client-centred, streamlined fashion.","Eligible surviving spouses and orphans will receive enhanced financial security when they need it most, as part of the Pension for Life initiative announced in December 2017. From April 1, 2019, support for them will increase from 50 to 70 per cent of the Veteran’s post-age-65 Income Replacement Benefit (IRB) amount. This measure improves and simplifies the delivery of benefits.
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3/22/2019,106,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that surviving spouses of Veterans receive appropriate benefits by eliminating the marriage after 60 clawback.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made",Surviving spouses receive the same pension amounts as all other survivors regardless of the age at which they were married.,"Budget 2019 announced $150 million over 5 years starting in 2019–20 to create a new Veterans Survivors Fund. With these funds, the government will work with the community to identify impacted survivors, process their claims and ensure survivors have the financial support they need. The government will announce additional details on this measure in the coming months."
3/22/2019,107,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Double funding to the Last Post Fund to ensure that all veterans receive a dignified burial.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"Funding is doubled to the Last Post Fund, and more families qualify for a burial or marking benefit when a Veteran dies.","The government enhanced the Funeral and Burial Program in October 2016 so that more families can qualify for financial support for the funeral and burial of a recently deceased Veteran. The program is delivered by the Last Post Fund Corporation. The government nearly tripled the survivor estate exemption from approximately $12,000 to $35,200 so that more people can access this support in their time of need, and this amount is indexed annually. "
3/22/2019,108,15-Nov,Safety and Security,Create an Office of Community Outreach and Counter-radicalization Coordinator.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Completed - modified,Reduced radicalization and greater understanding of how to prevent radicalization.,"On June 26, 2017, the government established the Canada Centre for Community Engagement and Prevention of Violence to help provide leadership on Canada's response to radicalization to violence, coordinate domestic and international initiatives, and support community outreach. The Community Resilience Fund was also launched to provide financial assistance to organizations undertaking programming and research to address radicalization to violence in Canada. In September 2018, the government released an independent report that provides an overview of what the government heard during its public consultation on countering radicalization to violence. In December 2018, the government launched Canada’s National Strategy on Countering Radicalization to Violence, which outlines the Government of Canada’s approach to countering radicalization to violence by preventing and disengaging individuals from violent ideologies.
In February 2019, the Government of Canada launched the National Expert Committee on Countering Radicalization to Violence. By engaging with communities to prevent radicalization to violence before tragedies occur, the Expert Committee will contribute to the already robust measures the Government of Canada has in place to safeguard national security and keep Canadians safe from terrorism.
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3/22/2019,109,15-Nov,Safety and Security,Protect Canadians and our critical infrastructure from cyber threats.,"Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of National Defence;Minister of Democratic Institutions","Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Increased cyber security for Canada's critical infrastructure, economy, and democratic institutions, resulting in better protection for Canadian businesses and individuals from cyber threats.","On January 30th, 2019, the Ministers of Democratic Institutions, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, and National Defence announced a set of measures to protect Canada's 2019 General Election from cyber and non-cyber threats. This whole-of-government response to threats is centred on four areas of action: enhancing citizen preparedness; improving organizational readiness; combatting foreign interference; and expecting social media platforms to act.
To strengthen Canada’s cyber security and prosperity in the Digital Age, Budget 2018 announced funding of $507.7 million over the next five years to deliver on a new National Cyber Security Strategy that was launched in June 2017. Also announced were initiatives to deliver on this new vision for Canadians, including the creation of a new Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, which became operational on October 1, 2018, and the creation of a National Cybercrime Coordination Unit to be launched by the RCMP. In December 2018, the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security released a National Cyber Threat Assessment, which details the current cyber threat environment facing Canada and Canadians. An updated report on Cyber Threats to Canada’s Democratic Process is forthcoming in early 2019.
Budget 2019 builds on these investments and proposes an additional $144.9 million over five years to protect Canada’s critical cyber systems, and $30.2 million over five years to implement a number of new measures to further strengthen and safeguard Canada’s democratic institutions."
3/22/2019,110,15-Nov,Safety and Security,"Strengthen controls on handguns and assault weapons, and examine a full ban of both.",Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,"Actions taken, progress made","Reduced gun violence through balanced, effective firearms measures.","The government is developing effective firearms measures that prioritize public safety while ensuring law-abiding Canadians are not unduly impacted. To support this objective, the government established a more representative Firearms Advisory Committee that includes representation from law enforcement, civilian firearms users, public health advocates, women’s groups, farmers, conservation organizations, and the legal community. The government also reversed a ministerial directive that could have allowed gun manufacturers to determine the classification of their own products under certain conditions.
On November 17, 2017, the government announced up to $327.6 million over five years, and $100 million annually thereafter, in new funding for initiatives to reduce gun crime and criminal gang activities. As announced in November 2018, the government’s Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence includes investments of $51.5 million for the Canada Border Services Agency and $34.5 million for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police that will help interrupt the flow of smuggled and trafficked firearms at the border while also providing additional resources for law enforcement to address gang activity and the criminal use of firearms.
A Summit on Gun and Gang Violence was held in March 2018 to bring together stakeholders to share information on the realities, issues and best practices to combat criminal gun and gang violence. Also in March 2018, the government introduced legislation that prioritizes public safety and effective police work, while respecting law-abiding firearms owners. It will not recreate a federal long-gun registry. Throughout October 2018 and November 2018, the government led an engagement process, including in-person roundtable discussions across Canada, and online engagement on the topic of handguns and assault weapons.
A summary report of the engagement activities will be made public in spring 2019.
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3/22/2019,111,15-Nov,Safety and Security,Enhance compensation for public safety officers who are permanently disabled or killed in the line of duty.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Completed - modified,"Public safety officers who are permanently disabled or killed in the line of duty, and their families, are appropriately compensated.","In March 2017, the government announced the creation of a tax-free community heroes benefit that will support the families of firefighters, police officers and paramedics who died in the line of duty. Through the Memorial Grant Program for First Responders, families of first responders that lose a loved one as a direct result of their duties, will receive a one-time lump sum, tax-free payment of $300,000. The Program took effect on April 1, 2018. On September 7, 2018, Public Safety Canada announced that a third-party service provider had been contracted to administer this initiative. Grants will be awarded to eligible families in this calendar year.
The third-party service provider’s website became fully operational on December 20, 2018. Grant payments to eligible families have already begun.
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3/22/2019,112,15-Nov,Safety and Security,Restore funding to provinces and territories to support Heavy Urban Search and Rescue teams.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Completed - fully met,"Search and rescue capacity across Canada is strengthened, helping save lives.","In 2017, the government restored $15.5 million previously cut from the Heavy Urban Search and Rescue taskforces in Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, and across Manitoba. The government is also providing support to build new heavy urban search and rescue capacity in Montreal and Halifax."
3/22/2019,113,15-Nov,Safety and Security,"Develop a plan to better predict, prepare for, and respond to weather-related emergencies and natural disasters.",Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,"Actions taken, progress made","Canadians are quickly and effectively supported when natural disasters occur, and communities are better prepared for weather-related emergencies.","On January 25th 2019, Federal, Provincial and Territorial (FPT) Ministers responsible for emergency management released the Emergency Management (EM) Strategy for Canada: Toward a Resilient 2030. The first-ever shared FPT vision for emergency management supports a whole-of-society approach and outlines key priority areas that will strengthen Canada's ability to better prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.
Budget 2019 proposes to invest $151.2 million over five years to improve emergency management in Canada, including in Indigenous communities. This investment will improve Canada’s ability to predict and respond to threats and enhance understanding of the risks posed by natural disasters as well as help to assess the condition and resilience of Canada’s critical infrastructure.
Budget 2019 also proposes to provide $5.0 million over five years to Public Safety Canada to develop all-hazard awareness-raising activities that are targeted to at-risk audiences (e.g., seniors, recent immigrants, Indigenous peoples) in addition to $260 million over two years to support provincial and territorial disaster relief and recovery efforts through the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements Program.
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3/22/2019,114,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure strong and effective gender and culturally sensitive training policies for federal front-line law enforcement officers.,Minister for Women and Gender Equality,"Actions taken, progress made",Increased cultural competency and trauma-informed gender-based violence training across the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).,"The RCMP is designing and developing two training courses that will be delivered to RCMP employees over a three-year period, starting in 2019-20. The courses: “Developing Cultural Awareness and Humility” and “Using a Trauma-Informed Approach”, will improve capacity across the RCMP to effectively respond to GBV, in a gender and culturally sensitive manner. This includes violence against Indigenous women and girls. All training material will be examined using the GBA+ tool."
3/22/2019,115,15-Nov,Sustainable Infrastructure,Move forward on a toll-free replacement for the Champlain Bridge.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities,"Actions taken, progress made",Toll-free Samuel De Champlain Bridge opened by December 2018.,"The Champlain Bridge is vital to its daily users and plays an important role in the Canadian economy. The Government of Canada's priority is to deliver a quality, toll-free Samuel De Champlain Bridge as soon as possible without compromising the safety of workers and the public, and ensuring sound management of taxpayers' money. The opening will take place no later than June 2019. The current bridge is safe and continuously monitored in real time."
3/22/2019,116,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,"Work with Parliamentarians to reform Question Period so that all ministers, including the Prime Minister, are held to greater account.",Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,The Prime Minister and other Cabinet ministers are held to greater account.,"Since April 2017, there is a new Prime Minister’s Question Period (PMQP) on Wednesdays in which the Prime Minister has committed to respond to questions. This provides opposition members the opportunity to directly ask the Prime Minister questions. The Prime Minister has participated in more than 30 PMQPs, responding to over 1,300 questions in total as the Prime Minister also participates in Question Period on other days of the week. In addition, Ministers have participated in Senate Question Period 57 times in this Parliament.
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3/22/2019,117,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Promote free votes and limit the circumstances in which Liberal Members of Parliament will be required to vote with the government.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,Members of Parliament are strong voices for their communities and there is greater accountability within Parliament.,"Since forming government, all House of Commons votes have been free votes for Liberal Members of Parliament with the exception of platform commitments, matters of confidence, protections guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, or procedure. As members of the government caucus have stronger, more independent voices, they are better able to represent the voices of their constituents in Ottawa. "
3/22/2019,118,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,End the improper use of omnibus bills and prorogation.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,The Standing Orders have been amended to end the improper use of omnibus bills and prorogation.,"In June 2017, the House of Commons adopted a government motion that changed the Standing Orders to prevent the improper use of omnibus bills and prorogation. The Speaker now has the power to split bills for the purposes of voting (except for budget implementation bills that contain provisions announced in a Budget presentation or in the Budget documents), allowing Members of Parliament to vote for some parts of a bill and against other parts should they not reflect their local priorities. The government must now justify in writing to the House of Commons the reasons for having prorogued Parliament."
3/22/2019,119,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,"Make government accounting and financial reporting more consistent, transparent and understandable to Canadians.",President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government;Minister of Finance;Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,"Government reporting is easier for Canadians to find, understand and use to hold the government accountable.","Under changes to the Standing Orders of the House of Commons, the estimates are now published later in the year to ensure Canadians have more information about how their tax dollars are spent. The changes make the government more accountable and make financial reporting more relevant, transparent, and easier to understand. This means Canadians learn how the money announced in a budget is actually spent. The government’s spending is reported and updated regularly online. "
3/22/2019,120,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Improve reporting to Parliament.,President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government,Completed - fully met,Increased transparency so that parliamentarians and all Canadians can more easily hold the government to account.,"The government simplified Part III of the Estimates (i.e., Departmental Plans and Departmental Results Reports). The government also changed the Standing Orders to better ensure consistency across the Budget, Estimates and Public Accounts, and to provide greater clarity in voting on appropriations.
Recent GC InfoBase updates include:
• Actual and Planned Spending and Results information in support of the Policy on Results;
• An aggregation of program performance to provide data-driven results narratives at the department and government-wide level;
• A Budget Tracker tool that makes it possible to follow where public funds are going and how they will be spent all the way down to the programs delivering the services;
• A Government at a Glance flow chart to see how government resources flow across different tagging schemes;
• More granular expenditure data at the program level with spending on specific components such as salaries, capital, transfer payments, etc.;
• Open and accessible datasets organized by the source report (e.g., Public Accounts, Main Estimates, Departmental Plans, etc.)
These changes help parliamentarians and all Canadians better examine government spending and allow for the timely flow of funding outlined in Budget plans.
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3/22/2019,121,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Ensure that Agents of Parliament are properly funded and accountable only to Parliament.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,"Actions taken, progress made",Agents of Parliament are independent and properly funded.,"In December 2018, the government passed new legislation to expand the Chief Electoral Officer’s ability to conduct public education campaigns, which did not occur for previous elections. This means Canadians are better educated about the electoral process and are aware of their right to vote. In June 2017, the government introduced legislation to give the Information Commissioner the power to release documents following an investigation of a complaint. This would further enhance transparency for Canadians. In June 2017, the government passed new legislation to make the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) a truly independent agent of Parliament with its own office and budget. Previously, the PBO was not an independent Agent of Parliament."
3/22/2019,122,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Ensure that the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) is properly funded and independent of the government.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,The Parliamentary Budget Officer is independent and properly funded to conduct non-partisan analyses on behalf of Parliament.,"In June 2017, Parliament passed new legislation introduced by the government to make the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) a truly independent agent of Parliament. Previously, the PBO was not an independent Agent of Parliament. The legislation provides the PBO with the ability to request funds from the Speakers of the House and Senate in order to carry out its important work. The PBO now has greater access to information within federal government departments, agencies, and Crown Corporations. The appointment of the PBO is for a term of seven years and he or she can be removed only with cause, subject to the approval of all parliamentarians. Because the PBO reports to Parliament and not to the government, Canadians can be assured they have a credible, non-partisan, and objective source of information on how their taxpayer dollars are spent. The PBO also has the power to cost political parties’ electoral platforms in a non-partisan manner. Starting with this year’s federal election, this means Canadians will have more information when they vote about a political party’s promises.
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3/22/2019,123,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Strengthen Parliamentary committees so that they can better scrutinize legislation.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,Parliamentary committees are freer and better equipped to study legislation.,"The government has worked to ensure that committees have more funding, hold more meetings, hear from more witnesses, and complete more reports. This means Canadians can be sure their elected Members of Parliament are doing their jobs every day by examining and improving legislation and holding open hearings on important issues. The government has also ensured the practice of electing committee chairs by secret ballot continues, which means committee chairs maintain their independence from the government. The government also made parliamentary secretaries non-voting members of committees. This means a parliamentary secretary cannot vote on a committee which falls within their minister's mandate, thereby making committees freer and more independent.
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3/22/2019,124,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Disclose the expenses of all Parliamentarians in detail each quarter.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,"Actions taken, progress made","Increased transparency through the quarterly, detailed disclosure of parliamentarians' expenses.","In June 2017, the government introduced new legislation to codify in law that the expenses of all parliamentarians be disclosed on a quarterly basis because all Canadians deserve to know how their elected officials are spending taxpayers’ money. Canadians can access the information online at the Parliament of Canada’s website in an accessible, easy-to-read format. This means the House of Commons truly is more transparent to the voters who send MPs to Ottawa.
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3/22/2019,125,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Examine ways to make the House of Commons more family-friendly for Members of Parliament.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,"Actions taken, progress made","A House of Commons that is truly a modern, professional, family-friendly workplace for Members of Parliament and their staff.","The government now schedules votes immediately following Question Period rather than later in the evening when possible, and the House sitting calendar is tabled prior to the summer adjournment. This means Members of Parliament and parliamentary employees are able to better plan their family and childcare commitments. The House of Commons now also provides more flexible childcare services and makes high chairs available in parliamentary cafeterias. In the newly opened West Block of Parliament, there is now a family room which includes a nursing chair, a crib, and a diaper-changing table. This means better work-life balance for parents who run for office and serve as Members of Parliament. Changes were also made to travel policies so Members of Parliament can spend more time with their families. Parliament also passed new legislation to allow Parliamentarians to take maternity and parental leave. In November 2018, the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons participated in the Women MPs of the World conference in London, UK, to share best practices and showcase Canada’s leadership on how to advance gender equality and inclusiveness in parliaments across the world. "
3/22/2019,126,15-Nov,Exports and Investment,"Invest in an Agri-Food Investment Fund to attract investment and create good, well-paying jobs in food processing.",Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,Completed - fully met,The agri-food sector is a leading area for economic growth over the next 10 years.,"
The government announced a $1.26 billion five-year Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) to attract and support new high-quality business investments, including for agri-food value added processors in 2017. The Fall Economic Statement 2018 proposed an additional $800 million over five years to SIF. On December 14, 2018, a new stream was initiated under SIF for national scale initiatives in digital technology applications in the agriculture and agri-food sector. In addition, Budget 2019 proposes to allocate $100 million over five years, beginning in 2019–20, from the Strategic Innovation Fund, to support innovation in the food processing sector."
3/22/2019,127,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Develop a food policy that promotes healthy living and safe food.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,"Actions taken, progress made",A whole of government food policy that promotes Canadians' health and quality of life.,"In 2017, the government formally consulted with Canadians and stakeholders to support the development of *A Food Policy for Canada*. This policy is intended to identify a vision and plan to address challenges such as increasing access to safe and nutritious food; improving health and food safety; conserving the soil, water and air; and growing more high-quality food. A national Food Policy Summit was held in June 2017 and six regional roundtables were held in August and September 2017. An online survey was conducted, receiving 45,000 responses, and other grassroots engagements with Canadians were led by Members of Parliament, and stakeholder groups. The government issued a “What We Heard” report on the consultations on September 5, 2018. The consultations provided valuable insights into what matters to Canadians and stakeholders, including support for the development of a food policy that addresses food security, health, environmental protection, and growth of the agriculture and food industry. The feedback received from Canadians and stakeholders is informing the development of *A Food Policy for Canada*.
Budget 2019 proposes to invest $134.4 million over five years. The Food Policy for Canada will establish four areas for near-term action, including: 1) Help Canadian Communities Access Healthy Food; 2) Make Canadian Food the Top Choice at Home and Abroad; 3) Support Food Security in Northern and Indigenous Communities; and 4) Reduce Food Waste."
3/22/2019,128,15-Nov,Jobs and Innovation,Invest in agricultural research to support discovery science and innovation.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,"Actions taken, progress made","Advance research in agricultural genomics, digitize nearly six million specimens by 2022 and invest in discovery research in priority areas.","Starting in 2016, the government has been working to accelerate the DNA analysis, data capture and imaging of specimens from its biological collections, completing the digitization of nearly six million specimens. In addition, Budget 2017 announced $70 million to further support agricultural discovery science and innovation, with a focus on addressing emerging priorities such as climate change and soil and water conservation. Of this $70 million investment, $44 million is dedicated to hiring the next generation of federal research scientists and science professionals and equipping them with the state-of-the-art tools they need to advance agricultural research, including environmental sampling equipment and analytical instruments.
The government also launched a new Living Laboratories Initiative, which includes $10 million to support collaborative research projects with external partners. It is an integrated approach that brings farmers, scientists and other stakeholders together to co-develop, test and monitor new practices and technologies on farms. The result will be more practical technologies and sustainable farming practices that are adopted more quickly by Canadian farmers.
In the same spirit of collaboration, the remaining $16 million of the $70 million is earmarked to fund collaborative federal research projects focused on priority areas affecting the agriculture sector, such as environmental issues."
3/22/2019,129,15-Nov,Exports and Investment,Promote Canadian agricultural interests during trade negotiations.,Minister of International Trade Diversification;Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Achieve the target of $75 billion annually in agri-food exports, and create more middle class jobs and higher incomes for the many rural and urban Canadians employed in the agri-food sector.","The government has made agriculture and agri-food trade a priority in the trade expansion strategy. The Prime Minister and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, International Trade Diversification and Agriculture and Agri-Food have completed trade missions to Mexico, China, Japan, India, South Korea, the European Union and the United States promoting agri-food. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) entered into force on December 30, 2018 which will improve market access for Canadian agriculture exports to key markets in the Asia-Pacific. The government also introduced the bill to modernize the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement (CIFTA) in Parliament on October 23, 2018, and signed the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) on November 30, 2018. The government has taken every effort to minimize the impact on the supply-managed sectors, but recognizes that the CUSMA may result in production declines in the short term for some producers. The government is committed to full and fair compensation for losses incurred as a result of the agreement. Budget 2019 proposes up to $3.9 billion in support for supply-managed farmers to help address impacts of CETA and CPTPP. Support will be offered to sustain the incomes of eligible dairy, poultry, and egg farmers, by making available up to $2.4 billion. Of this amount, $250 million has already been provided to support dairy farmers as a result of CETA. Assistance will also be offered to protect the value of investments made by farmers in supply-managed sectors, through a Quota Value Guarantee Program that will protect against reduction in quota value when the quota is sold.
The government is implementing the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement that expands opportunities for Canadian agri-food products with 94% of EU agricultural tariff lines now duty free. Canada has also signed a memorandum of understanding with China on canola and negotiated new market access in China for Canadian beef and pork exporters. Canada will continue to work to resolve regulatory, quota and tariff issues with India to ensure long-term access to the Indian market for Canadian pulse exports (e.g., peas, chickpeas, beans and lentils).
The government will continue to strongly defend the interests of its agricultural industries, including supply management, with all trading partners, for example, with Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru in the negotiation of a Free Trade Agreement between Canada and the Pacific Alliance, as well as with Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay in the negotiation of a Free Trade Agreement between Canada and MERCOSUR and with India in the negotiation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Canadian exports of agriculture, agri-food, fish and seafood to all countries in 2017 rose to $64.6 billion, a $2-billion increase from 2016 exports.
To better engage with international standard-setting bodies and support efforts to meet the government's goal of growing Canada's agri-food exports to $75 billion per year by 2025, the government proposes to invest an additional $25 million over the next five years to enhance federal capacity to address situations where Canadian agricultural producers may be restricted from selling goods in international markets."
3/22/2019,130,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Assess whether current farm income safety nets meet the needs of Canadian farmers.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,Completed - fully met,"Implement a new agricultural policy framework, with updated business risk management programs, to support an agricultural and agri-food sector that is strong, innovative and resilient.","The government launched the Canadian Agricultural Partnership in April 2018. It’s a $3 billion partnership with $2 billion in federal, provincial and territorial cost-shared initiatives, and $1 billion in federal investments in six federal programs: AgriMarketing, AgriCompetitiveness, AgriScience, AgriInnovate, AgriDiversity and AgriAssurance
The government has finalized bilateral negotiations with provinces and territories on the $2 billion in cost-shared initiatives, which are announced as they become available.
The Business Risk Management (BRM) Programs Review was completed and the Review’s Expert Panel delivered its recommendations on the future direction of BRM to ministers of agriculture at their annual conference in Vancouver in July 2018. Federal, provincial, and territorial governments are collaboratively addressing the Review’s recommendations to ensure BRM programs work, and industry is engaged throughout the process. Changes to BRM programs agreed upon under the Partnership were in place for 2018.
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3/22/2019,131,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Help the agriculture sector adjust to climate change and better address water and soil conservation issues.,Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,Completed - fully met,An agricultural food sector that succeeds in the face of a changing climate.,"In April 2018 the government launched the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) to support an agriculture and agri-food sector that is strong, innovative and resilient. The government finalized bilateral agreements with provinces and territories on CAP that include programming on environment and climate change.
The government supports innovation and on-farm action on soil, water and climate change through: the Agricultural Clean Technology Program; Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Program; the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change; the Lake Erie Domestic Action Plan; and internationally through the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and the Global Soil Partnership of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Budget 2017 announced $70 million to support agricultural discovery, science, and innovation with a focus on addressing emerging priorities. This investment will be used to hire and equip more than 70 science professionals, support collaborative research, and launch a new Living Laboratories Initiative to develop, test and monitor new practices and technologies on farms with a focus on climate change and the environment.
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3/22/2019,132,15-Nov,Safety and Security,Ensure that the Canadian Armed Forces have the equipment they need.,Minister of National Defence;Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","The Canadian Armed Forces receive the ships, fighter jets and other equipment that it needs over the next 20 years as planned for and funded in the new defence policy.","Canada's defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—invests in the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces and delivers the standard of service and care that current and former members deserve. The government is investing to expand the Regular and Reserve Forces, build 15 new surface combatant ships, replace the current fighter jet fleet with 88 advanced fighter aircraft, and develop new space capabilities and global communications in the Arctic, among other key projects.
The department is currently working on 56 major equipment projects to help support or upgrade capabilities, with a number of minor projects also underway.
In accordance with Strong, Secure, Engaged, measures being pursued to improve defence and marine procurements include: enhancing governance and strategic oversight; streamlining processes and undertaking process transformation; leveraging defence and marine procurements to advance national economic priorities; improving communications; and growing and professionalizing the workforce. A number of new improvements have already been implemented and the government continues to find and implement further efficiencies.
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3/22/2019,133,15-Nov,Safety and Security,"Maintain current National Defence spending levels, including current planned increases.",Minister of National Defence,Completed - fully met,The government will exceed previous funding levels.,"Under Strong, Secure, Engaged, the annual budget for the Department of National Defence will grow, on a cash basis, from $18.9 billion in 2017-18 to $32.7 billion in 2026-27. Funding will be available whenever the department needs it through the usual parliamentary approval process. With this fiscal framework in place, the government will continue to assess and monitor the needs of the Canadian Armed Forces to ensure that they are well-equipped, well-supported and have the resources required to succeed."
3/22/2019,134,15-Nov,Safety and Security,Maintain Canada's strong commitment to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).,Minister of National Defence,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",North America is safe and secure and Canada remains a strong and responsible partner in NORAD.,"Canada is meeting its commitment to NORAD on an ongoing basis, focusing on four key areas: personnel, capabilities, infrastructure, and participation in key decision-making fora on the future of NORAD. The government is also expanding the Royal Canadian Air Force fighter jet fleet in order to properly fulfill its NORAD and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) commitments."
3/22/2019,135,15-Nov,Safety and Security,Conduct an open and transparent defence strategy review.,Minister of National Defence,Completed - fully met,Canada now has a new defence policy that was built on extensive input from Canadians and delivers the standard of service and care that current and former Canadian Armed Forces members deserve.,"In June 2017, the government launched Canada’s new defence policy: Strong, Secure, Engaged. This followed extensive external consultations with the Canadian public, Parliamentarians, defence experts, and allies and partners. The policy allocates realistic funding to projects that will keep the military running efficiently and effectively for years to come, and ensure Canada remains a trusted and capable ally. Through this policy, the government is building an even stronger military and, most importantly, is delivering the standard of service and care that Canada’s women and men in uniform deserve."
3/22/2019,136,15-Nov,Safety and Security,"Renew the focus on surveillance and control of Canadian territory, and approaches, particularly for our Arctic regions.",Minister of National Defence,"Actions taken, progress made","The Canadian Armed Forces has developed the necessary capabilities to expand its presence in Canada's air, maritime, land, space, and cyber domains to protect Canada's sovereignty and keep Canadians safe.","As outlined in Strong, Secure, Engaged, the government will invest in new space capabilities; prioritize Arctic Joint Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance in defence research and innovation; and collaborate with select Arctic partners in order to increase surveillance and monitoring of the broader Arctic region.
The Department of National Defence is investing in surveillance solutions that will support Canada's ability to exercise sovereignty in the North (RADARSAT Constellation Mission and Polar Epsilon 2, Defence Enhanced Surveillance of Space Program, Enhanced Satellite Communications Project – Polar, and Tactical Narrow Band Satellite Communications).
In line with the SSE commitment to collaborate with the US on the development of new technologies to improve Arctic surveillance and control, including the renewal of the North Warning System, Canada will collaborate with the US on the Binational Northern Approaches Surveillance Analysis of Alternatives for an innovative technological solution to early warning.
The first of six Arctic and Offshore Patrol vessels will be at initial operating capacity in summer 2020 and the Canadian Army has begun the process to acquire tracked semi-amphibious vehicles optimized for use in the Arctic environment.
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3/22/2019,137,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that the Canadian Armed Forces are a workplace free from harassment and discrimination.,Minister of National Defence,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","The Chief of Defence Staff and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) senior leaders continue to lead the full implementation of recommendations made by the Deschamps report and in Operation HONOUR, the Canadian Armed Forces mission to eliminate harmful and inappropriate sexual behaviour in the military. CAF members have access to a full range of victim and survivor services, and harassment complaints are dealt with in a timely manner.","The defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged— affirms that the Government of Canada will not tolerate gender-based violence or workplace harassment. It also reaffirms the Canadian Armed Forces' (CAF) commitment to complete the full implementation of the 10 recommendations of the Deschamps Report through Operation HONOUR, which is the CAF’s mission to eliminate sexual misconduct in the military. On February 26, 2019, the CAF released its fourth progress report on Operation HONOUR. The report outlines in detail the work the CAF has completed to date and indicates areas where the CAF will refine or intensify its efforts.
Since 2015, the CAF has completed significant foundational work to address sexual misconduct. It has enhanced victim support by establishing the independent Sexual Misconduct Response Centre (SMRC), which offers support 24/7. The CAF has also increased awareness and understanding of sexual misconduct; developed and delivered training at all levels of the organization; sought the opinions of personnel through internally and externally administered (Statistics Canada) surveys; and improved reporting mechanisms and investigation capacity and expertise.
The November 2018 Report of the Auditor General identified a number of areas for improvement. The Defence Team has responded and is working with external stakeholders and experts to ensure long-term cultural change including:
• Expanding the role and mandate of the SMRC, to make it the authoritative voice on victim support and advocacy;
• Developing an integrated, national victim support strategy to ensure victims have access to the most effective and appropriate support possible;
• Developing a case management service, paired with a performance management measurement framework to help us monitor and improve our support services; and
• Adjusting its approach to ensure that those affected by sexual misconduct have more control over the reporting process and decisions that will impact them.
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3/22/2019,139,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Repeal the recent changes made to the Employment Insurance (EI) system that have been punitive to unemployed workers.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Repealed the 2012 changes to Employment Insurance (EI) so that unemployed Canadians have better benefits and more opportunities for good quality jobs.,"In 2016, the government reversed Employment Insurance (EI) restrictions related to commute times and work type. Now, workers are no longer forced to accept lower-paying work that is far away from their homes. This change simplifies job search responsibilities, while maintaining the long-standing requirement to search for and accept available work. "
3/22/2019,140,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Reduce Employment Insurance (EI) premiums.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,"Employment Insurance (EI) premium rates have been reduced and a new, transparent EI premium rate setting process has been established so that revenues and costs remain in line over the long-term.","The Canada Employment Insurance Commission (EI Commission) assumed responsibility, for the first time, for setting the annual EI premium rate, beginning with the 2017 premium rate. The rate was lowered from $1.88 per $100 of insurable earnings in 2016 to $1.66 for 2018, reflecting important new supports for Canadian families and changing economic conditions.
The 2019 EI premium rate has decreased to $1.62 in view of strong economic conditions and projections. This will be the lowest EI premium rate since 1980, and for most Canadian workers, the lowest they have paid since entering the workforce.
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3/22/2019,141,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Improve the Employment Insurance (EI) system that currently leaves too many unemployed workers with no safety net.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development","Actions taken, progress made",Employment Insurance (EI) remains responsive over the long-term to the needs of workers and employers and reflects the diversity of needs across the country.,"In 2016, the government reduced the waiting period for EI and made benefits more flexible, easier to access and more generous for workers who need it. For example, the New Entrants and Re-Entrants provision has been eliminated—which set higher eligibility requirements for youth, newcomers and other workers new to the labour market—enabling over 50,000 more Canadians annually to qualify in the event of job loss. In addition, extra weeks of benefits were provided to regions most affected by the commodities downturn and job search responsibilities were simplified.
Over the last year, the government has heard from Parliamentarians, stakeholders and experts as to how to further modernize EI. In Budget 2018, the government introduced a permanent successor strategy to the current EI Working While on Claim pilot that expires in August 2018. In addition, Budget 2018 announced that Working While on Claim provisions will be extended to EI maternity and sickness benefits, so that workers can maintain their connection to the labour force during periods of temporary unemployment. In addition, Budget 2018 proposed to better assist workers in seasonal industries that experience a gap in income support before the start of the next season.
Budget 2019 proposes to introduce a new Canada Training Benefit to help Canadians get the skills they need to find and keep good jobs, including a new EI Training Support Benefit to provide income support during training.
The government will continue to look for ways to better serve Canadians as they deal with important life events. "
3/22/2019,142,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,"Eliminate Employment Insurance (EI) discrimination against immigrants, younger workers and parents re-entering the workforce.","Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Canadian workers in the same economic region are now treated equally in the Employment Insurance (EI) system.,"In July 2016, the government eliminated rules that limited access to Employment Insurance (EI) for those new to the labour market or re-entering the labour market. Under the previous rules, workers who had just entered or re-entered the workforce after being away for two years were required to have 910 hours of insurable employment before accessing EI, regardless of their actual work history prior to unemployment. Now, these workers are treated the same as other Canadians. Every year, this will help approximately 50,000 new or returning Canadian workers qualify for EI in the event of job loss, particularly immigrants, young workers and parents returning to the workforce.
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3/22/2019,143,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Reduce the wait time for new Employment Insurance (EI) recipients from two weeks to one week.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Canadians are able to access Employment Insurance (EI) benefits more quickly.,"In 2017, the government reduced the Employment Insurance (EI) waiting period from two weeks to one week. With this measure, claimants are now eligible to receive benefits one week sooner. This helps approximately 1.8 million EI claimants each year pay their bills during a time of unemployment and provides higher benefits at the beginning of the claim period. "
3/22/2019,144,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Improve Canadians' access to good quality job training.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made","Canada will have one of the most skilled, talented, creative and diverse workforces in the world, with more opportunities for all Canadians to get the education, skills, and work experience they need to participate fully in the workforce of today, as they—and their children—prepare for the jobs of tomorrow.","In Budget 2017, as part of the government's Innovation and Skills Plan, the Government of Canada announced several measures to help more Canadians get the education, skills and work experience they need to succeed today and prepare for the jobs of tomorrow.
In support of this, the Skills Boost initiative has introduced several measures for 2018-2019, including: increased eligibility for Canada Student Grants and Loans for part-time students as well as Canada Student Grants for students with dependents; and a three-year pilot project targeted to adult learners that will provide an additional $1,600 in grant support and allow flexibility to base Canada Student Grant eligibility on current year's income. The Skills Boost also provides greater flexibility for Canadians on Employment Insurance (EI) to get new certificates or training without fear of losing their benefits.
The government has also expanded workers' access to skills training and job supports, and is improving access to opportunities for lifelong learning, and increasing work experience opportunities for Canadians. This includes additional investments in the labour market transfer agreements with provinces and territories, which include Labour Market Development Agreements and new Workforce Development Agreements, over six years, which began in 2017-2018. The agreements have been signed with most jurisdictions. Remaining negotiations are expected to be completed later this fiscal year.
In Budget 2019, the government also proposes to establish a new Canada Training Benefit to help working Canadians get the skills they need to succeed in a changing world. The Canada Training Benefit includes a new Employment Insurance (EI) Training Support Benefit to provide income support when an individual requires time to take off work.
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3/22/2019,145,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Rationalize and expand the intergovernmental agreements that support skills training.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development","Actions taken, progress made",Agreements with provinces and territories that expand and support skills training for Canadians.,"To help more Canadians get the skills they need, the Government of Canada provided funding to temporarily boost labour market transfer agreements (Labour Market Development Agreements and Canada Job Fund Agreements) in 2016.
Through Budget 2017, the government announced $2.7 billion in additional federal investments that are being provided to provinces and territories over six years (which started in 2017-2018) through the Labour Market Transfer Agreements, which include Labour Market Development Agreements and new Workforce Development Agreements. The government also amended the *Employment Insurance Act* to broaden eligibility for programming under the Labour Market Development Agreements. This change came into effect on April 1, 2018. The Agreements have been signed with most jurisdictions. Remaining negotiations are expected to be completed later this fiscal year. Work continues with provinces and territories to improve and develop more effective training programs and share best practices.
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3/22/2019,146,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Develop a framework to fund training facilities delivered in partnership with labour unions.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,Establish a program to support union-based training centres that provide Canadians with the skills that are needed by employers.,"The Government of Canada has consulted with labour, industry and other stakeholders. The Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) was launched in July 2017. Projects have started and most are aimed specifically at increasing the participation and success of women in the trades and/or Indigenous Peoples."
3/22/2019,148,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,"Change the Repayment Assistance Plan so that graduates are required to repay only once they earn at least $25,000 per year.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,"Recent graduates earning less than $25,000 are able to delay repayment of their Canada Student Loans until they are more financially secure.","Effective November 2016, thresholds for the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) have been increased so that no borrower will have to repay their Canada Student Loan until they are earning at least $25,000 per year. Thanks to this change and efforts to increase awareness, an additional 29,000 Canadians will be able to delay payment (an increase of approximately 11 per cent), and many more will have lower payments until they can afford to pay back their debts.
Further, Budget 2019 proposes to lower interest rates on Canada Student Loans and Canada Apprentice loans, and to amend the *Canada Student Financial Assistance Act*, so that student loans will not accumulate any interest during the six-month non–repayment period (the ""grace period"") after a student loan borrower leaves school. "
3/22/2019,149,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Increase take up rates of Registered Education Savings Plans (RESP) and the Canada Learning Bond (CLB) by making registration easier.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made",Increased number of low and middle income families using Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) and receiving Canada Learning Bonds so that more Canadians get access to post-secondary education.,"In 2017, 142,778 children received the Canada Learning Bond (CLB) for the first time, bringing the total number of children who have ever received the CLB to over 1 million. In 2017, the CLB take-up rate was 36.5%, up from 34.7% in 2016. In addition, 290,410 children received the Canada Education Savings Grants (CESG) for the first time, bringing the total number of children aged 0-17 who have ever received the CESG to 3.69 million.
The Government of Canada is exploring new and innovative approaches to increase awareness and take-up of the CLB. Of note, a Call for Concepts was launched in November 2017. Proposals are being considered for funding under three themes: Support for Indigenous Peoples; Facilitated Access; and Research and Innovation.
Successful applicants have been advised. The findings from these projects will help inform additional efforts that the government could undertake to increase take-up of the CLB.
The Government of Canada is making it easier for parents to open a registered education savings plan (RESP). The *Canada Education Savings Act* was amended, allowing the cohabitating spouse or common-law partner of the primary caregiver to request the CLB and/or the additional amount of the CESG on behalf of an eligible child.
The Government of Canada collaborated with the Province of Ontario to integrate an “Education Savings Referral Service” into ServiceOntario’s online Newborn Registration Service, as announced in Budget 2018. As of March 2018, parents of newborns are able to request to be contacted by a participating RESP promoter of their choice to learn more about and start the process to open an RESP, and request the education savings incentives for an eligible child."
3/22/2019,150,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,"Collaborate with provinces and territories on the Canada Student Loans Program, and compensate provinces and territories that do not participate in it.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,"Changes to the Canada Student Loans Program increase participation of low and middle income students, with accommodations for any province or territory that does not wish to participate.",Canada Student Loans Program (CSLP) funding is delivered in partnership with participating provinces and territories with costs being covered by the federal government. CSLP worked closely with provinces and territories to implement program changes announced in Budgets 2016 and 2017. The government is committed to respecting existing arrangements for compensation with the provinces or territories that do not participate.
3/22/2019,151,15-Nov,Indigenous peoples,Increase annual support to the Post-Secondary Student Support Program.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Indigenous Services","Actions taken, progress made","Indigenous students have greater access to financial support, boosting their post-secondary education participation and completion rates.","The Government of Canada enhanced support for the Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP) for 2017-2018 and 2018-2019, which helped meet the financial needs of an additional 4,600 Indigenous students attending post-secondary education. This funding was an interim step while the government undertook a review of federal support for Indigenous post-secondary students, to develop student-centered solutions to improve access and attainment. The review of post-secondary education programming was completed in the fall of 2018, and based on the results of this review ISC is working with its partners to develop distinctions-based post-secondary education strategies that respond to the different post-secondary education priorities of First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners.
Changes have been made to the Post-Secondary Student Support Program, and University and College Entrance Preparation Program that reflect early engagement with the Assembly of First Nations and are consistent with Budget 2016 and Budget 2017 commitments. These changes improve program flexibility by:
• increasing maximum amounts payable to individual students, to better respond to rising tuition costs;
• expanding eligible expenditures to include transcript and application fees;
• allowing students more time to complete their programs of study, by removing or adjusting limitations on duration of financial assistance; and
• providing greater flexibility for students who wish to pursue more than one certificate or degree program.
To support Indigenous students in having greater access to financial support to boost their post-secondary education participation and completion rates, additional efforts have been undertaken. Starting in the 2017-2018 academic year, Indigenous students are more likely to be eligible for support under the Canada Student Loans Program (CSLP) since funds they receive through PSSSP are no longer considered assets during their assessment. Learners who self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, including status and non-status Indians, Métis, or Inuit) are exempt from making a fixed student contribution. This exemption means that Indigenous students will be eligible for more grant and loan funding and will have access to the full suite of CSLP supports to help with the costs of PSE. Budget 2017 proposed amendments to the *Canada Student Financial Assistance Act* which came into force on August 1, 2018 so that, starting in the 2018-2019 school year, students who are registered under the *Indian Act* but do not have Canadian citizenship can access the CSLP.
Budget 2019 proposes a number of investments, starting in 2019–2020, to ensure that Indigenous students have better access to post-secondary education, and more support to ensure that they can succeed during their studies. This includes support for:
• First Nations communities by investing $327.5 million over five years to renew and expand funding for the Post-Secondary Student Support Program while the government engages with First Nations on the development of long-term First Nations-led post-secondary education models.
• An Inuit-led post-secondary education strategy through an investment of $125.5 million over ten years, and $21.8 million per year ongoing.
• A Métis Nation-led post-secondary education strategy consisting of financial assistance for Métis Nations students through an investment of $362.0 million over ten years, and $40.0 million per year ongoing.
"
3/22/2019,152,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,"Increase the number of good quality, permanent jobs for younger workers.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Reduced youth unemployment, greater opportunities for work experience, and improved access to job supports for youth.","The government recognizes the importance of good quality jobs for younger workers. In Budgets 2016 and 2017, the government made significant incremental investments in the Youth Employment Strategy (YES). Thanks to these investments, the government will help more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop skills to find work or go back to school, create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians, and over 1,600 new youth job opportunities in the heritage sector. For instance, the number of jobs supported under Canada Summer Jobs increased from approximately 34,500 in 2015 to just over 70,000 in 2018. Changes have also been made to Employment Insurance (EI) to remove the discriminatory New Entrants and Re-Entrants requirement, ensuring that young workers are treated fairly when they need to access job support through EI.
In Budget 2018, the government provided an additional $448.5 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, to the YES. This funding will support the continued doubling of the number of job placements funded under the Canada Summer Jobs program in 2019-20 and provide additional resources for a modernized YES in the following years.
In Budget 2019, the government proposes to invest an additional $49.5 million over five years, starting in 2019–20, to launch a modernized Youth Employment Strategy informed by the recommendations of the Expert Panel on Youth Employment and extensive engagement with youth, service delivery organizations and other stakeholders. The modernized YES will embrace a “no wrong door” approach with the aim of ensuring that all young people have access to the supports they need, including enhanced supports for young people facing more serious barriers to joining and staying in the workforce. This investment will support work placements, build partnerships with stakeholders, test pilot programs for hiring youth and improve program evaluation. It will also support the ongoing development of the Youth Digital Gateway—an online, interactive, user-friendly platform to help youth access federal supports, that is focused on outcome-based results.
The government created more opportunities for co-op and work integrated learning for students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and business programs through multiple initiatives. The $73 million Student Work Placement (SWP) Program is creating up to 10,000 placements by 2021. Expanded federal support of $221 million for Mitacs, a not-for-profit organization that builds partnerships between industry and educational institutions, will fund over 44,000 placements by 2021-22.
To support Canada's National Cyber Security Strategy, Budget 2018 included $8.3 million in additional funding for the Student Work Placement Program to support the creation of up to 1,000 student work placements in the cyber security sector. In the context of the G7, the government also announced an additional investment of $3 million over three years to support the creation of up to 500 new student work placements in the artificial intelligence field, including targeted support for students in underrepresented groups, including women in STEM. Together, these initiatives is creating close to 60,000 placements over five years. In addition, the government invested in the PromoScience program, which will support STEM learning activities for youth.
Budget 2019 announced an expansion of the Student Work Placement program to give students outside of STEM – such as the arts, humanities and social sciences - access to work-integrated learning opportunities. Budget 2019 announced investments of $631.2 M over five years, starting in 2019-2020, to support up to 20,000 new work placements per year for post-secondary students across Canada, in all disciplines by 2021-22.This new funding will provide students with hands-on learning opportunities during their studies connecting them to potential employers and creating a talent pipeline for Canadian businesses.
In addition, Budget 2019 is committing another $150M over 4 years, starting in 2020-21 to support partnerships with innovative businesses to create up to a further 20,000 work-integrated opportunities per year.
To support the Business Higher Education Roundtable in creating an additional 44,000 work-integrated learning opportunities, Budget 2019 also provides the organization with $17 M over 3 years starting in 2019-20.
Together, these efforts will, over time, help create 84,000 new student work-integrated learning opportunities by 2023-24.
"
3/22/2019,153,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Increase our investment in the Youth Employment Strategy and improve the strategy's impact.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made",Increased investment in the Youth Employment Strategy helps more youth succeed in the labour market.,"The government recognizes the importance of good quality jobs for younger workers. Thanks to incremental investments made in the Youth Employment Strategy (YES) in Budgets 2016 and 2017, the government will help more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop skills to find work or go back to school, create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians, and over 1,600 new youth job opportunities in the heritage sector. In Budget 2018, the government proposes to provide an additional $448.5 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, to the YES. This funding will support the continued doubling of the number of job placements funded under the Canada Summer Jobs program in 2019-20 and provide additional resources for a modernized YES in the following years.
The government created more opportunities for co-op and work integrated learning for students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and business programs through multiple initiatives. The $73 million Student Work Placement (SWP) Program is creating up to 10,000 placements by 2021. Expanded federal support of $221 million for Mitacs, a not-for-profit organization that builds partnerships between industry and educational institutions, will fund over 44,000 placements by 2021-22.
To support Canada's National Cyber Security Strategy, Budget 2018 included $8.3 million in additional funding for the Student Work Placement Program to support the creation of up to 1,000 student work placements in the cyber security sector. In the context of the G7, the government also announced an additional investment of $3 million over three years to support the creation of up to 500 new student work placements in the artificial intelligence field, including targeted support for students in underrepresented groups, including women in STEM. Together, these initiatives are creating close to 60,000 placements over five years. In addition, the government invested in the PromoScience program, which will support STEM learning activities for youth.
Budget 2019 announced an expansion of the Student Work Placement program to give students outside of STEM – such as the arts, humanities and social sciences - access to work-integrated learning opportunities. Budget 2019 announced investments of $631.2 M over five years, starting in 2019-2020, to support up to 20,000 new work placements per year for post-secondary students across Canada, in all disciplines by 2021-22.This new funding will provide students with hands-on learning opportunities during their studies connecting them to potential employers and creating a talent pipeline for Canadian businesses.
In addition, Budget 2019 is committing another $150M over 4 years, starting in 2020-21 to support partnerships with innovative businesses to create up to a further 20,000 work-integrated opportunities per year.
To support the Business Higher Education Roundtable in creating an additional 44,000 work-integrated learning opportunities, Budget 2019 also provides the organization with $17M over 3 years starting in 2019-20.
Together, these efforts will, over time, help create 84,000 new student work-integrated learning opportunities by 2023-24.
"
3/22/2019,154,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Develop or expand Pre-Apprenticeship Training Programs.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made",Increased pre-apprenticeship training and improved literacy and essential skills among incoming apprentices.,"Announced in Budget 2018, the new pre-apprenticeship program was launched with $6 million in 2018-19 and $10 million per year thereafter. The purpose is to encourage Canadians - particularly groups facing barriers such as women, Indigenous Peoples, newcomers, youth, and persons with disabilities - to explore the trades, gain work experience, make informed career choices and develop the skills needed to find and keep good, well-paying jobs in the trades.
Organizations, including colleges, Indigenous organizations, trade organizations, and industry, were asked to submit applications for the new pre-apprenticeship program and projects are starting."
3/22/2019,155,17-Feb,Strong Middle Class,Respond to the recommendations of the Expert Panel on Youth Employment.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made",The recommendations of the Expert Panel on Youth Employment will help inform future decisions on how best to help young Canadians succeed in the labour market.,"The government created an Expert Panel on Youth Employment to examine the key barriers faced by youth in obtaining employment, and the main challenges faced by employers in hiring youth. The Panel delivered its final report in June 2017, which included recommendations on how to best help young Canadians succeed in the labour market. The Panel's report will inform ongoing work on the renewal of the Youth Employment Strategy (YES).
Through Budget 2017, the government is investing an additional $395.5 million over three years, starting in 2017–18, for the YES. Combined with Budget 2016 measures, these investments will help more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop the skills they need to find work or go back to school; create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians; and provide over 1,600 new employment opportunities for youth in the heritage sector.
Through Budget 2018, the government provided an additional $448.5 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, to the YES. This funding will support the continued doubling of the number of job placements funded under the Canada Summer Jobs program in 2019-20 and provide additional resources for a modernized YES in the following years, building on the input of the Expert Panel on Youth Employment.
In Budget 2019, the government proposes to invest an additional $49.5 million over five years, starting in 2019–20, to launch a modernized Youth Employment Strategy informed by the recommendations of the Expert Panel on Youth Employment and extensive engagement with youth, service delivery organizations and other stakeholders. The modernized YES will embrace a “no wrong door” approach with the aim of ensuring that all young people have access to the supports they need, including enhanced supports for young people facing more serious barriers to joining and staying in the workforce. This investment will support work placements, build partnerships with stakeholders, test pilot programs for hiring youth and improve program evaluation. It will also support the ongoing development of the Youth Digital Gateway—an online, interactive, user-friendly platform to help youth access federal supports, that is focused on outcome-based results.
A renewed Youth Employment Strategy is expected to be announced in Spring 2019.
"
3/22/2019,156,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Implement a modern Fair Wages Policy.,"Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made",Firms with contracts with the federal government pay their employees a fair wage.,"The government has completed its policy research analysis, and consultations with external stakeholders on fair wages policies. The government is now considering options for a modernized fair wages policy."
3/22/2019,157,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Amend the *Canada Labour Code* to allow workers to formally request flexible work arrangements.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,Federally regulated workers are now able to request flexible work arrangements.,"Budget 2017 aims to give federally regulated workers the right to request flexible work arrangements from their employer, such as flexible start and finish times and the ability to work from home. Changes will also provide federally regulated workers with new unpaid leave for family responsibilities, to participate in traditional Indigenous practices, and to seek care if they are victims of family violence. Changes will also make bereavement leave more flexible.
Legislation to implement these changes was tabled in Parliament on October 27, 2017, as part of the *Budget Implementation Act*, 2017, No. 2, and received Royal Assent on December 14, 2017. The legislation will come into force once enabling regulations are complete.
"
3/22/2019,158,15-Nov,Sustainable Infrastructure,Determine an appropriate apprenticeship target for federal infrastructure projects.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made",An appropriate apprenticeship target for federal infrastructure projects that leads to greater apprenticeship opportunities for Canadians.,"Significant engagement has been undertaken with Infrastructure Canada (INFC) and Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) to determine an appropriate target for apprentices to be employed as part of federal infrastructure projects. In the Integrated Bilateral Agreements (IBAs) with Provinces and Territories (P/Ts), INFC will be collecting data on the project hours worked by apprentices through the Community Employment Benefit (CEB) initiative. The CEB initiative requires P/Ts to report annually on progress against project-level targets, which includes an option for reporting on employment of apprentices for all major infrastructure projects (projects with total eligible costs over a threshold of $10M or $25M depending on the results of negotiations). The CEB is included in integrated Bilateral Agreements signed with all P/Ts.
"
3/22/2019,159,15-Nov,Jobs and Innovation,"Create more co-op placements for students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and business programs.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Science and Sport","Actions taken, progress made","More co-op and work-integrated learning placements for students enrolled in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and business programs, to help students gain the necessary experience for the jobs of today and tomorrow.","The government is creating more opportunities for co-op and work integrated learning for students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and business programs through multiple initiatives. The $73 million Student Work Placement initiative will create up to 10,000 placements by 2021. Expanded federal support of $221 million for Mitacs, a not-for-profit organization that builds partnerships between industry and educational institutions, will fund over 44,000 placements by 2021-22.
To support Canada's National Cyber Security Strategy, Budget 2018 included $8.3 million in additional funding for the Student Work Placement initiative to support the creation of up to 1,000 student work placements in the cyber security sector. In the context of the G7, the government also recently announced an additional investment of $3 million over three years to support the creation of up to 500 new student work placements in the artificial intelligence field, including targeted support for students in underrepresented groups, including women in STEM. Together, these initiatives will create close to 60,000 placements over five years. In addition, the government is investing in the PromoScience program, which will support STEM learning activities for youth."
3/22/2019,160,15-Nov,Exports and Investment,Maintain constructive relations and deepen trade and commerce with the United States.,Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Strong economic growth and well-paying, middle-class jobs on both sides of the border.","The government, in coordination with provinces and territories, continues to work with the United States (U.S.) administration, the U.S. Congress and officials at the state and local levels to grow Canada's economy, create well-paying middle class jobs, and address global challenges. Since January 2017, the Prime Minister, Cabinet ministers, parliamentary secretaries, premiers and provincial and territorial ministers have cumulatively undertaken over 530 visits to the U.S. and engagements in Canada and abroad with senior U.S. officials. In February 2017, Canada and the U.S. announced the creation of the Canada-United States Council for Advancement of Women Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders to promote the growth of women-owned enterprises and to further contribute to Canada's overall economic growth and competitiveness. The Council has released its fifth, and final, report on October 29, 2018, recommending actions to reduce barriers that limit women's participation in business. On September 30, 2018, the government completed negotiations toward a Canada-US-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), which was signed on November 30, 2018. Canada continues to advocate against protectionist policies and for maintaining an open market. In cases where the U.S. has imposed unfair duties, Canada is forcefully challenging such duties under international disputes settlement processes (e.g. steel and aluminum, softwood lumber, paper products), and has responded to U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum with dollar for dollar tariffs on certain U.S. goods. The government also regularly engages with the U.S. to respond to global security issues, such as by co-hosting the Foreign Ministers' Meeting on Security and Stability in the Korean Peninsula and participating alongside the U.S. in a multinational operation to enforce UN Security Council sanctions against North Korea. Canada and the U.S. are also responding to crises in Venezuela and Myanmar, including by coordinating sanctions against key officials in those countries responsible for human rights abuses, the deterioration of democracy, or acts of significant corruption."
3/22/2019,161,15-Nov,Exports and Investment,"Ensure border security and facilitate the movement of people, goods and services.",Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of Transport;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","The Canada-United States border is secure and facilitates the safe and efficient movement of people, goods and services.","In February 2017, Canada and the United States confirmed their commitment to working together on border security and efficiency. This joint effort includes preclearance and integrated cross-border law enforcement operations, full implementation of the Entry/Exit initiative, increased regulatory cooperation, and the expeditious construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge. In addition, both countries committed to establishing preclearance operations for cargo, accelerating the completion of preclearance for additional cities, and continuing to expand this program under the Land, Rail, Marine and Air Preclearance Agreement, once it is ratified. In December 2016, the United States preclearance legislation became law, a step forward for the new agreement with Canada. Canada's preclearance implementing legislation received Royal Assent in December 2017 and the Entry/Exit implementing legislation received Royal Assent in December 2018. These two pieces of legislation are crucial to ensure security and facilitate movement at the border. Construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge is ongoing and it is expected to open by the end of 2024. This critical border connection will speed the flow of secure and legitimate trade between the two countries.
Budget 2019 announced $332 million over five years to the Canada Border Services Agency to support effective border management and enforcement, and to modernize border operations. This funding will facilitate the safe and timely flow of people, goods and services at the border."
3/22/2019,162,15-Nov,Canada in the World,Prepare for the North American Leaders Summit in Canada.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,Completed - fully met,"Canada hosted the North American Leaders’ Summit on June 29, 2016.","The leaders of the three countries discussed key priorities of creating jobs, strengthening communities and building a clean growth economy for North America. The leaders also took important steps to create a more integrated, sustainable and globally competitive North American economy."
3/22/2019,163,15-Nov,Canada in the World,"Ensure a close link between foreign, defence, development and trade policy.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,Completed - fully met,Canadian interests and values are effectively pursued through an integrated and comprehensive international approach.,"On behalf of the government, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, International Development, and National Defence work together on an integrated and comprehensive international approach. Canada's Feminist Foreign Policy, its Defence Policy, and its Feminist International Assistance Policy, support the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. The government has put in place a whole-of-government approach to address the crisis in Iraq and Syria, and is contributing to the multinational North-Atlantic Treaty Organization's battlegroup in Latvia. In addition, the government has established the Peace and Stabilization Operations Program as Canada’s principal platform to provide policy leadership on peace and stabilization operations, and deliver conflict prevention, stabilization and peacebuilding initiatives in fragile and conflict-affected states."
3/22/2019,164,15-Nov,Canada in the World,Expand Canadian diplomacy and leadership on global issues and in international institutions.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",Canadian diplomatic activities advance Canadian interests and values abroad.,"Canada is active in multilateral fora and international institutions to pursue Canadian foreign policy interests and values. Canadian-led initiatives secured widespread support in UN fora—such as supporting humanitarian access and monitoring in Syria, addressing the violation of human rights in Iran, supporting women's political participation and leadership, combatting violence against women and girls, supporting compliance with international law, and promoting respect for diversity and inclusion.
Canada is active in coordinating a hemispheric response to the crisis in Venezuela and hosted the third Ministerial meeting of the Lima Group in Toronto on October 26, 2017. In May 2018, Canada imposed a third round of targeted sanctions against top ranking Venezuelan government officials, bringing the total to 70.
Between February and August of 2018, Canada played a leading role at the Human Rights Council in an expert-led investigation to monitor the human rights situation in Yemen and in March 2019 was part of two groups that advanced resolutions on the situations in Nicaragua and Sri Lanka.
Canada hosted the UN Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial in Vancouver in November 2017, which resulted in a significant number of new funding pledges and advanced the global peacekeeping reform agenda. The government also played a major role in the NATO Warsaw Summit by making Canada the leading country supporting NATO's enhanced Forward Presence in Latvia.
Canada has used its G7 presidency to advance a common agenda based on respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms, democracy and the rule of law. In April 2018, Canada hosted the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, where ministers agreed to coordinate actions with the goal of building a more peaceful and secure world and to concrete shared commitments on the implementation of international humanitarian law and the advancement of the women, peace and security. G7 security and foreign ministers also committed to addressing international cyber threats, defending democracy against foreign threats and managing foreign terrorist fighters and associated travellers. In June 2018, G7 Leaders issued the Joint Communiqué and the Charlevoix Commitments, which include, among others, a commitment to establish a Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) to strengthen coordination to identify and respond to emerging threats. In November 2018, Canada hosted the first meeting of G7 RRM focal points. All G7 members were represented, and the meeting successfully negotiated the Terms of Reference and information/response protocols for the mechanism. Budget 2019 provides Global Affairs Canada with $2.1 million over three years, starting in 2019–20, to support Canada's commitment to the RRM.
Canada, in partnership with the EU, co-hosted a meeting of women foreign ministers in Montréal on September 21 and 22, 2018, to enhance dialogue and cooperation in support of democracy, human rights and global peace and security. The meeting also advanced discussions on gender equality and women’s empowerment, including women’s equitable inclusion at all levels of decision making.
On October 7, 2018, the member States and Governments of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) adopted the Organisation’s first policy on transparency consolidation, which aims to increase the OIFs effectiveness in pursuing its objectives and to ensure that it accounts for the use of public funds. Canada was the first member State to request such a policy and actively contributed to its drafting. Canada will now monitor the OIF’s implementation of this policy."
3/22/2019,166,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Make Canada a leader of international efforts to combat climate change.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",Canada meaningfully advances international solutions to climate change.,"Canada is leading efforts under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to implement a platform for the engagement of Indigenous peoples and to advance gender-responsive policy development and women's participation. Canada is also delivering on its five-year, $2.65 billion commitment to help developing countries achieve sustained emissions reductions and build resilience against the adverse effects of climate change. This includes providing support to Caribbean countries for disaster reconstruction and resilience and pursuing a focus on climate change adaptation. Climate change was regularly addressed in the themes of Canada’s G7 presidency. The G7 discussed the importance of the Paris Agreement and the goal of the transition to a low-carbon economy. At the G7 Summit in June 2018, leaders agreed to the Charlevoix Blueprint for Healthy Oceans, Seas and Resilient Coastal Communities, which promotes sustainable oceans and fisheries, commits to increase the availability and sharing of science and data and supports resilient coasts and coastal communities. Canada announced that it will invest $162 million to support these goals. Canada also announced: $100 million for the expansion of Climate Risk Insurance coverage in climate-vulnerable countries; $60 million in funding for Small Island Developing States for the expansion of and access to clean energy systems and infrastructure, to improve energy access for women and girls and provide training and employment for women in non-traditional, sustainable technology sectors; and, $2 million to support efforts by developing countries to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
In addition to advocating for the effective implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement, Canada is engaged in key initiatives aimed at enhancing global ambition on climate change and clean growth, such as Mission Innovation, the World Bank’s Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition, the Global Methane Initiative, and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition. Canada and the United States also issued a joint statement in February 2017 confirming both countries' commitment to collaborate on energy innovation. In September 2017, Canada co-hosted a Ministerial Meeting on Climate Action with China and the European Union to advance the global climate dialogue, and will continue to play a leadership role in this new forum in 2018. Canada also played a leadership role at the second Ministerial Meeting on Climate Action hosted in June 2018.
In November 2017, Canada hosted the 29th the Montreal Protocol Conference, where Parties agreed to adopt the Kigali Amendment to reduce hydrofluorocarbons, a powerful greenhouse gas. Canada's early ratification of the Amendment on November 3, 2017 helped it reach the number of ratifications required to come into force. In addition, Canada and the United Kingdom jointly announced the creation of the Powering Past Coal Alliance, which aims to accelerate the global phase-out of unabated coal-fired electricity. Canada was also an active participant in the Bonn Climate Conference in November hosted by Fiji and the One Planet Summit hosted by France in December. In December 2017, Canada and China released a Joint Leaders' Statement on Climate Change and Clean Growth and held the first Ministerial Dialogue on the Environment in Beijing. Canada continues to highlight the serious impacts of climate change on the North through its participation in the Arctic Council.
In order to meet these commitments and drive action in Canada, the government is implementing the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change that was developed with the provinces and territories. This plan includes pricing carbon pollution and measures to reduce emissions across all sectors, as well as investments to drive innovation and ensure Canadian businesses are competitive in the global low-carbon economy.
In November 2018, at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting hosted by Papua New Guinea, the Prime Minister hosted a roundtable with Pacific Islands Forum leaders where Canada’s commitment to fight climate change and help them adapt to the changing climate was reaffirmed. Canada also announced $10 million to the Pacific Initiative for Biodiversity, Climate Change and Resilience that will assist the Pacific region to adapt to climate change, protect biodiversity, and improve ocean and fisheries health."
3/22/2019,167,15-Nov,Canada in the World,Accede to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).,Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made",Canada implements the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).,"Legislation to accede to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) and further strengthen Canada’s export control regime, including by providing greater transparency and accountability in public reporting, received Royal Assent on December 13, 2018. Following the coming into force of Bill C-47, the legislative changes to the *Export and Import Permits Act* along with the additional regulatory changes being proposed, will come into effect. Once all legislation and regulations are in place, the Minister of Foreign Affairs will have to obtain an Order in Council authorizing Canada to accede to the ATT."
3/22/2019,168,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Increase the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) by 10%.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,"Nearly 900,000 low income, single seniors have greater financial security.","In July 2016, the Government of Canada increased the Guaranteed Income Supplement by up to $947 per year for the most vulnerable single seniors. This has improved financial security for nearly 900,000 seniors—approximately 70% of whom are women—and lifted an estimated 57,000 people out of poverty.
Budget 2019 proposes to further improve the economic security of low-income seniors by enhancing the GIS earnings exemption to allow working seniors to keep more of what they earn. This exemption would also be extended to self-employed seniors."
3/22/2019,169,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Develop and implement a Poverty Reduction Strategy.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made",Fewer Canadians living in poverty.,"The Government of Canada released Opportunity for All – Canada’s First Poverty Reduction Strategy on August 21, 2018. The Strategy offers a bold vision for Canada as a world leader in the eradication of poverty, and is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of ending poverty. It establishes, for the first time in Canada’s history, an official measure of poverty: Canada's Official Poverty Line, based on the cost of a basket of goods and services that individuals and families require to meet their basic needs and achieve a modest standard of living in communities across the country.
Opportunity for All sets ambitious and concrete poverty reduction targets based on Canada’s Official Poverty Line: a 20% reduction in poverty by 2020 and a 50% reduction in poverty by 2030, which, relative to 2015 levels, will lead to the lowest poverty rate in Canada's history.
Thanks, in part, to a number of investments such as the income-boosting effects of the Canada Child Benefit and the increase to the top-up to the Guaranteed Income Supplement for single seniors, the government has achieved its targeted 20 per cent reduction of poverty three years ahead of time, lifting over 825,000 Canadians out of poverty in 2017, including 278,000 children, compared to 2015.
Through Opportunity for All, a National Advisory Council on Poverty is being put in place to advise the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development on poverty reduction and to publicly report annually on the progress being made on poverty reduction in Canada.
On November 6, 2018, Bill C-87, An Act respecting the reduction of poverty was introduced and Second Reading of the Bill occurred on November 30, 2018. The government reaffirms its commitment to move ahead with legislation to entrench Canada’s Official Poverty Line, poverty reduction targets, and the National Advisory Council on Poverty into law.
"
3/22/2019,170,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Create a housing strategy.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Infrastructure and Communities","Actions taken, progress made",Hundreds of thousands more Canadians have access to affordable housing.,"On November 22, 2017 the government announced a 10-year, $40 billion National Housing Strategy (NHS) that will help reduce homelessness and improve the availability and quality of housing for Canadians in need, giving more Canadians a place to call home.
The NHS sets clear and ambitious goals to reduce chronic homelessness by 50%; reduce or eliminate housing needs for 530,000 households; create 100,000 new housing units; repair and renew more than 300,000 housing units; and protect 385,000 households from losing an affordable place to live.
Through new initiatives like the National Housing Co-Investment Fund, the Federal Lands Initiative and the Canada Community Housing Initiative, the NHS will create a new generation of housing that is sustainable, accessible, mixed-income, and mixed-use. It will build housing that is fully integrated into the community—close to transit, close to work, and close to public services.
In Budget 2019, the government proposes to introduce new legislation which will require the federal government to maintain a National Housing Strategy that prioritizes the housing needs of the most vulnerable, and will require regular reporting to Parliament on progress toward the Strategy’s goals and outcomes.
Expanded and reformed federal homelessness programming, a new Canada Housing Benefit, and a human rights-based approach to housing will ensure that the National Housing Strategy prioritizes the most vulnerable Canadians, including women and children fleeing domestic violence, Indigenous peoples, seniors, people with disabilities, those dealing with mental health and addiction issues, racialized communities, veterans and young adults.
Since announcing the Strategy, many new initiatives have been launched, including the National Housing Co-Investment Fund that is expected to help build 60,000 new units and repair or renew 240,000 existing units of affordable and community housing through contributions and low- cost loans.
A new multilateral Housing Partnership Framework was endorsed in April 2018 by federal, provincial and territorial Ministers responsible for housing (except Québec), setting the foundation for federal, provincial and territorial governments to work together toward achieving a long-term shared vision for housing. Under the multilateral Housing Partnership Framework, more than $7.7 billion in new federal funding over the next decade will flow to provinces and territories through bilateral agreements to support the stock of community housing and address regional priorities. As at March 19, 2019, seven provinces and territories have signed bilateral agreements.
"
3/22/2019,171,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Implement the middle class tax cut.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,The government reduced the 22 percent federal personal income tax rate to 20.5 per cent to benefit millions of middle class Canadians.,"The middle-class tax cut came into effect on January 1, 2016. More than nine million Canadians are benefiting from this tax cut. Single Canadians who benefit are saving an average of $330 each year and couples who benefit are saving an average of $540 each year."
3/22/2019,172,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Cut taxes for small businesses.,Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion,Completed - fully met,Lower tax rates for small businesses.,"The government has reduced taxes for small businesses so they can invest in new equipment, grow and create jobs. The small business tax rate was reduced to 10 per cent from 10.5 per cent, effective January 1, 2018, and to 9 per cent, effective January 1, 2019. For small businesses, compared to 2017, this will mean up to $7,500 in federal tax savings each year. "
3/22/2019,173,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,"Cancel income splitting, while retaining income splitting of pensions for seniors.",Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"Cancelled income splitting for couples with children under 18, allowing for an increase in child benefits.","As the Canada Child Benefit was introduced, Budget 2016 eliminated income splitting for couples with children under 18. Pension income splitting was not affected by this change."
3/22/2019,174,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Enhance the Canada Pension Plan to provide more income security to retired Canadians.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"When fully mature, maximum Canada Pension Plan (CPP) benefits will increase by as much as 50 per cent, helping more Canadians achieve their goal of a strong, stable and secure retirement.","Canada’s ministers of finance reached a historic agreement on June 20, 2016, to enhance the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). In March 2017, all necessary legislative requirements were met by Canada’s nine CPP participating provinces to implement the agreed-upon enhancements. Canada’s finance ministers also agreed to further improvements in December 2017 to increase benefits for parents of young children and persons with disabilities. These CPP enhancements, which began in January 2019, will help provide a secure and stable retirement for more Canadians. "
3/22/2019,175,15-Nov,Sustainable Infrastructure,Create the Canada Infrastructure Bank.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"The Infrastructure Bank was created to produce large, transformative infrastructure projects that create good, well-paying middle-class jobs and support economic growth and prosperity for years to come.","In June 2017, the government passed legislation to create the Canada Infrastructure Bank, a Crown corporation at arm’s-length from government that leverages the expertise and capital of the private sector.
The Bank supports the transformational infrastructure that Canadian communities need now. It makes strategic investments that focus on projects like green infrastructure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and public transit so Canadians can spend less time in traffic and more time with family and friends."
3/22/2019,177,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Develop proposals to limit Exploration Expenses tax deduction to unsuccessful projects.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,Successful exploration expenses incurred to develop discovery wells no longer benefit from favorable tax treatment.,"Budget 2017 announced changes that allow the costs of drilling discovery wells to be deducted gradually over time as development expenses, rather than require them to be deducted immediately as exploration expenses. With these changes, Canadian exploration expense treatment will effectively be limited to unsuccessful exploration or cases where the linkage to success cannot reasonably be determined in the year the activity takes place. "
3/22/2019,178,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Restore the tax credit for labour-sponsored funds.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"Canadian companies have greater access to venture capital, with the support of labour unions.","To help Canadian companies grow, the government restored the Labour-Sponsored Venture Capital Corporations (LSVCC) Tax Credit to 15 per cent for share purchases of provincially-registered LSVCCs for 2016 and subsequent tax years.
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3/22/2019,179,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Introduce a tax benefit to help teachers and early childhood educators with the cost of school supplies.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,Teachers and Early Childhood Educators are able to buy necessary supplies to help kids learn.,"The government introduced the refundable Teacher and Early Childhood Educator School Supply Tax Credit for the 2016 and subsequent tax years, providing a benefit to teachers and early education educators to help cover the cost of school supplies. "
3/22/2019,180,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Enhance the Northern Residents Deduction to help with the high cost of living.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"Increased the Northern Residents Deduction to help approximately 225,000 Canadians with the high cost of living in northern and isolated communities.","Effective January 2016, the government increased the maximum daily residency deduction from $16.50 to $22 per day for residents in the Northern Zone and from $8.25 to $11 per day for residents in the Intermediate Zone. This measure will return about $260 million to the pockets of Canadians in northern and isolated communities over the 2015-16 to 2020-21 period."
3/22/2019,181,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Repeal the *Federal Balanced Budget Act*.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,The Act has been repealed.,"Parliament repealed this Act, effective June 2016.
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3/22/2019,182,15-Nov,Exports and Investment,Sign and ratify the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).,Minister of International Trade Diversification,Completed - fully met,"The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) has entered into force, creating jobs for Canadians across the country, giving consumers more choice, and increasing Canadian businesses' access to new customers.","All economically significant parts of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Trade Agreement (CETA) are now in force. These include tariff elimination on 98 per cent of European Union (EU) tariff lines for Canadian goods, increased quotas, services commitments, temporary entry commitments, and government procurement obligations. The government has announced programs to help dairy farmers and processors adjust to increased EU cheese access under CETA, and Budget 2019 offers up to $3.9 billion in support of these programs. The government is also working with the Atlantic provinces to support Canada's seafood sector in capitalizing on new opportunities in the European market. Under CETA, Canadian exporters now enjoy improved access to more than 40 countries with nearly 1.2 billion of the world’s wealthiest consumers. The Parliamentary Budget Officer has estimated that CETA implementation could raise Canada's potential real gross domestic product by 0.4 percentage points. For the Agreement to come fully into force, all 28 EU Member States must ratify CETA in their national parliaments. To date, 12 Member States have done so. "
3/22/2019,183,15-Nov,Exports and Investment,Negotiate and sign modernized agreements with Israel and Chile.,Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made",Canada has negotiated and signed modernized free trade agreements in force with Israel and Chile.,"In May 2018, Canada and Israel signed the modernized Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement (CIFTA). Both countries are now undertaking their domestic ratification processes to bring the modernized Agreement info force. The bill to modernize CIFTA was introduced in Parliament on October 23, 2018. The modernized CIFTA includes new inclusive elements, such as a trade and gender chapter, a small and medium-sized enterprises chapter and a broader article on corporate social responsibility. It also includes further tariff reductions and eliminations for agricultural and agri-food products. In June 2017, Canada and Chile signed Amending Agreements to modernize the Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA) and on February 5, 2019, the new agreement entered into force. The modernized CCFTA includes a chapter dedicated to trade and gender—a first for Canada or any G20 nation. The updated agreement will also provide better mechanisms to address technical barriers to trade, add new progressive elements to the existing investment chapter, and amend the existing government procurement chapter."
3/22/2019,184,15-Nov,Exports and Investment,Establish the Invest in Canada Agency.,Minister of International Trade Diversification,Completed - fully met,"Canada is positioned to attract more global investment, creating well-paying, middle-class jobs by making it simpler and faster for businesses to invest in Canada.","The government launched the Invest in Canada Agency in March 2018. This agency helps bring together all levels of government to provide seamless service to global investors navigating Canada’s investment landscape.
Increased foreign investment in Canada connects Canadian industries to global value chains and facilitates the transfer of knowledge and technology, increasing competitiveness, stimulating innovation, and promoting the prosperity of Canadians. To encourage foreign investment in Canada, the government is also increasing the number of investment-focused trade commissioners across key global markets.
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3/22/2019,186,15-Nov,Exports and Investment,"Promote trade and investment with emerging markets with a particular focus on the Asia-Pacific region, including China and India.",Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Two-way trade and investment with China, India and other emerging economies, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, is increased, creating good, middle class jobs, expanding opportunities for Canadian exports, and increasing access to goods for Canadian consumers.","The government continues to engage China on expanding bilateral trade and investment while working to implement the trade and investment commitments that were made by the Prime Minister and the Premier of China in 2016 and 2017. The government is engaged in exploratory discussions for a possible Free Trade Agreement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Canada will continue to work to resolve regulatory and tariff issues with India to ensure Canadian pulse exports (e.g., peas, chickpeas, beans and lentils) continue to enter India unimpeded. During a February 2018 visit to India, the Prime Minister announced foreign direct investment commitments that will lead to the creation of more than 5,800 jobs in Canada. In addition, Canadian and Indian companies signed 66 new commercial contracts and agreements worth more than $1 billion. Since October 2015, six Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements (FIPAs) with emerging markets in Sub-Saharan Africa have also come into force. In addition, the Canada-Hong Kong FIPA came into force in September 2016, and the Canada-Mongolia FIPA came into force in February 2017. Preliminary discussions are in the works regarding additional possible measures to enhance Canada-Hong Kong commercial relationship. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) entered into force on December 30, 2018. Canada is also engaged in negotiations for a free trade agreement between Canada and the Pacific Alliance, and between Canada and Mercosur. To support Canadian firms and increase exports to new markets, the government is implementing provisions from Budget 2018 that provide up to $75 million to build a stronger diplomatic presence and Trade Commissioner Service salesforce in China and Asia, as well as other initiatives to open market opportunities in the region."
3/22/2019,187,15-Nov,Exports and Investment,Improve support to companies looking to export and help communities looking to attract investments.,Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made","Double the number of high-growth firms in Canada by 2025; increase Canada's goods and services exports—from natural resources, advanced manufacturing, agri-food and others—by 30 per cent by 2025; increase global investment in Canada; and create more well-paying, middle-class jobs for Canadians.","The government is encouraging global investment and promoting Canada through the creation of the Invest in Canada Agency and through the addition of 20 new investment-focused trade commissioners to the Trade Commissioner Service, with an additional five in the next year. The government has successfully completed the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. The government also recently signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) with 10 countries in the Pacific region and launched negotiations toward a comprehensive free trade agreement between the Mercosur member states and Canada. Canada is currently negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Pacific Alliance, which will upgrade its association with this trading bloc made up of Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru. The latest round took place in May 2018. Since January 2016, CanExport has provided financial support to over 1400 Small and Medium Enterprise-led projects aimed at diversifying export markets, in a variety of sectors, and reaching over 90 different markets around the world. To date, for every hundred supported projects, participating firms have reported on average some 92 export successes at the time of project completion, for a collective impact of over $376 million in exports to new markets. In 2018, the Invest Canada-Community Initiatives (ICCI) program, which provides support to communities to improve their capacity to attract, retain and expand foreign direct investment, allocated $3.5 million to 240 projects from 88 communities to attract job-creating investment. The application process for 2019 ICCI projects closed on October 17, 2018. A total of 97 applicants submitted proposals for over $8.7 million, and 85 applicants were approved for a total of $5.3 million. These projects will be completed from January 1 to December 31, 2019. Budget 2017 announced $950 million to superclusters in highly innovative industries, and in February 2018, in cooperation with the private sector and academic partners, the government announced the creation of five superclusters (Digital Technology; Protein Industries; Advanced Manufacturing; Artificial Intelligence; and Ocean) that will create great new opportunities for Canadian companies to innovate, scale up and export. To support Canadian firms and increase exports to new markets, Budget 2018 provides up to $75 million to build a stronger diplomatic presence and Trade Commissioner Service salesforce in China and Asia, as well as other initiatives to open market opportunities in the region."
3/22/2019,188,15-Nov,Exports and Investment,Reduce administrative burden for investors and companies associated with international trade.,Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made","Canadian businesses export and trade with international partners more easily and with less of an administrative burden, and international investors benefit from faster, clearer and more efficient engagement with government programs.","The Invest in Canada Agency, launched on March 12, 2018, will increase cooperation between provinces, territories and municipalities to bolster trade promotion by providing companies with a one-stop-shop for investment in Canada thereby reducing complexity and administrative burden for investors. The new Global Skills Strategy, launched in June 2017, will make it easier for companies that are making large investments in Canada to bring in highly skilled global talent, while supporting well-paying, middle-class jobs for Canadians. Canadian companies will have access to an expedited review process lasting no more than a combined 20 business days from end to end, including reviews conducted by Employment and Social Development Canada and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Canada has worked closely with the United States, as part of the Canada-US Regulatory Cooperation Council to facilitate greater alignment of regulatory systems where appropriate. Furthermore, to help Canadian firms unlock growth opportunities through exports, the Trade Commissioner Service will undergo transformative enhancements in the coming year to simplify the client experience, modernize tools, and offer innovative services."
3/22/2019,189,15-Nov,Indigenous peoples,"Improve essential infrastructure for Indigenous communities, including improving housing.",Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Indigenous Services,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges","Infrastructure on reserves is improved, schools on reserve are newer and in better condition; language and cultural knowledge is strengthened; more First Nations children graduate from high school and go on to post-secondary education; elimination of long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve by 2021; enhanced access to affordable housing for First Nations on-reserve, and to Inuit and the Métis Nation.","In Budget 2016, the Government of Canada made an investment of $4.28 billion over five years to support infrastructure development in First Nations communities on reserves to improve their population's quality of life. Budget 2017 built on this momentum, with new, additional investments of $4 billion over ten years starting in 2018-2019 to build and improve housing, and other community infrastructure in First Nation and Inuit communities. As of December 31, 2018, and since the Budget 2016 announcement, close to $2.472 billion of targeted funds have been invested towards 3,797 on-reserve community infrastructure projects, 2,146, of which are complete. These investments are building and improving water treatment systems, housing, schools, health facilities and other essential community infrastructure, which includes cultural and recreational facilities, energy, sustainability and connectivity infrastructure, fundamental community infrastructure (including roads and bridges, structural mitigation against natural disasters, fire protection), as well as waste management on reserves and transformational change to support self-determination for First Nations communities. Some key results include:
**Education**: The government is improving primary and secondary education on reserve by building and renovating school facilities thereby supporting the enhancement of the quality of language and cultural programs and empowering communities to establish First Nations' planned and led education systems. As of December 31, 2018, and since April 2016, more than $364 million of targeted funding has been invested to support 174 school-related projects. This includes 73 new schools (15 of which are completed), 85 renovations and upgrades (31 of which are completed), and 16 feasibility studies and supporting projects.
**Water and Wastewater**: In Budget 2016, the government announced significant new funding to end long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserves by 2021. As of December 31, 2018, and since the Budget 2016 announcement, more than $980.5 million of targeted funding has been invested to support 505 projects in 582 First Nations communities to strengthen on-reserve water infrastructure. On January 23, 2018, the government added close to 250 drinking water systems to the total number covered by the federal government’s commitment to ensure clean drinking water on public systems on reserves. Taking this expansion into account, as of April 1, 2019, there are currently only 58 long-term drinking water advisories in effect, a decrease from 105 in November 2015. Since November 2015, a total of 82 long-term drinking water advisories have been lifted, while 36 have been added.
Budget 2017 provided $49.1 million over three years, starting in 2018-2019, for clean and safe drinking water on reserve. Budget 2018 builds on prior investments and reaffirms the government's commitment by providing an additional $172.6 million over three years, beginning in 2018-2019, to improve access to clean and safe drinking water on reserve. Budget 2019 further supports ongoing efforts to eliminate and prevent long-term drinking water advisories by providing an additional $739 million over five years, beginning in 2019-20, with $184.9 million per year ongoing, funding urgent repairs to vulnerable water systems, and providing water operator training and support programs.
**Housing**: The Government of Canada is improving on-reserve housing conditions while engaging with First Nations and other partners to co-develop an effective long term strategy. As of December 31, 2018, and since the Budget 2016 announcement, Indigenous Services Canada has invested $547.4 million of targeted funds, resulting in 6,842 housing units and lots under construction, renovation/retrofit, or being serviced or acquired. As a result of the combined investments between the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and Indigenous Services Canada, the government is currently building and renovating/retrofitting 16,122 housing units and lots, of which 69% (10,733) have been completed. With respect to Budget 2016 investments in Inuit housing, 183 new housing units were built in 2016-2017 and 2017-2018. In addition, a co-developed Inuit Nunangat Housing Strategy was endorsed by Ministers and Inuit Leaders at the November 2018 meeting of the Inuit Crown Partnership Committee.
Indigenous leaders have told the government that when it comes to housing in First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation communities, the best approach is one that respects the distinct needs of each Indigenous group. Through investments made in Budget 2017 and Budget 2018, the government proposes dedicated funding to support the successful implementation of each of the distinctions-based housing strategies, including:
•$600 million over three years to support housing on reserve as part of a 10-year First Nations Housing Strategy that is being co-developed with First Nations. First Nations leadership endorsed a draft strategy in December 2018.
•$400 million over 10 years to support the Inuit Nunangat Housing Strategy in the Inuit regions of Nunavik, Nunatsiavut and Inuvialuit Settlement Region. This is in addition to the $240 million over 10 years announced in Budget 2017 to support housing in Nunavut.
•$500 million over 10 years to support the Métis Nation’s housing strategy.
**Health**: As of December 31, 2018, investments have been made in more than 207 First Nations infrastructure projects to design, replace, expand, or renovate health facilities as well as facilities hosting Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve (AHSOR) Programming. Currently, 176 (85%) of these projects are complete. It should be noted that the apparent decrease in the number of projects from December to February is a result of changes to how projects are defined. Multiple projects that are associated with a single facility are now being counted as a single project. This approach is more closely aligned with results that are meaningful to Canadians.
**Other Essential Infrastructure**: Other essential infrastructure includes cultural and recreational facilities; energy, sustainability and connectivity infrastructure; fundamental community infrastructure (including roads and bridges, structural mitigation against natural disasters and fire protection); as well as solid waste management on reserves. To support other essential infrastructure on reserves, the Government of Canada is investing $1.32 billion until 2026-2027. Since Budget 2016, and as of December 31, 2018, $589.2 million of targeted funds has been invested to support 1,329 essential infrastructure projects, 782 of which have been completed. 704 out of the 1,329 projects, representing $144.4 million of targeted funds support solid waste management projects on reserves across Canada through the First Nations Solid Waste Management Initiative. So far, 399 of the 704 projects have been completed.
**Transformation**: The Government of Canada has committed $55 million, beginning in 2018-2019 until 2022-2023, for transformation efforts which include: asset management, engagement and proof of concept development for models for the transfer of infrastructure service delivery, and the creation and implementation of Indigenous Homes Innovation Initiative for rural and urban First Nations, Inuit, Métis people, on and off reserves. These investments lay the foundation for a long-term investment strategy in First Nation community infrastructure to build healthy, safe and prosperous communities. It’s about building a new partnership, committing to reconciliation and working in collaboration to support First Nations communities across Canada. As of December 31, 2018, close to $700,000 of targeted funds has been invested to enable First Nations communities to increase capacity building and readiness.
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3/22/2019,190,15-Nov,Indigenous peoples,Implement the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges",All Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action are implemented.,"The Truth and Reconciliation Commission identified 94 Calls to Action, 76 of which fall under federal or shared responsibility with other partners, implicating 25 federal departments or agencies. Progress has been made on implementing over 80 per cent of the Calls to Action under federal or shared purview. Five Calls to Action are fully implemented, 43 are well underway and 28 others are in early planning stages.
Important progress has already been made and will lead to greater and more equitable access to quality education, health care, clean water, housing and employment services for Indigenous peoples. This includes the announcement in May 2016 of Canada’s unequivocal support to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples, which directly relates to Calls to Action number 43 and 44. The Calls to Action are extensive and some require longer-term, transformative change. Many involve multiple parties and require significant consultation and coordination. Taking into account the scope of the task and the wide range of partners involved, it will take time to ensure it is done right, with careful consideration of how best to support ongoing healing. The Government of Canada is also working with other jurisdictions and partners to advance implementation of those 18 Calls to Action outside of the federal purview. The establishment of the National Council for Reconciliation (Calls to Action 53-56) will support ongoing efforts to advance and fully implement the Calls to Action. To this end, on December 14, 2017, the Government of Canada announced the creation of a six member interim board that will provide advice on the establishment of the Council, the scope and scale of its proposed mandate, and will undertake independent engagement. The Interim Board submitted its interim report on May 14, 2018 and their final report on June 12, 2018. The government is examining proposed next steps in response to the report.
Budget 2019 investments are responsive to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action. Through Budget 2019, investments have been made to advance the important work of and support:
• implementing Jordan’s Principle (Call #3);
• Indigenous post-secondary education (Call #11);
• Inuit child-care, health and social services (Call #21);
• establishing a National Council for Reconciliation (Calls #53-56);
• Indigenous youth programs (Call #66);
• locating and honouring missing residential school children who died or went missing while attending Indian Residential Schools (Calls #72-); and,
• establishing a National day of Truth and Reconciliation (Calls #80).
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3/22/2019,191,15-Nov,Indigenous peoples,Undertake a review of laws and policies to ensure the Crown is fulfilling its obligations and commitments to the recognition and implementation of Indigenous peoples' rights.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations;Minister of Indigenous Services,"Actions taken, progress made","Canada's laws and policies reflect the government's commitment to advancing a nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown and government-to-government relationship with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation, respectively.","On August 28, 2018, the Prime Minister announced changes to the structure and mandate of Cabinet committees to make them more efficient and responsive to the needs of Canadians, and to reflect recent changes to the Department. Among these changes, a new Cabinet Committee on Reconciliation has been formed to strengthen the relationship with Indigenous peoples and advance the commitment to a renewed nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relationship with First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership. This committee will build on the work previously undertaken by the Working Group of Ministers on the Review of Laws and Policies Related to Indigenous Peoples.
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3/22/2019,192,15-Nov,Indigenous peoples,Invest in First Nations education to ensure that First Nations children on reserve receive a quality education.,Minister of Indigenous Services,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges",Literacy and numeracy rates are improved; language and cultural knowledge is strengthened; and more First Nations children graduate from high school and go on to post-secondary education.,"Through Budget 2016, the Government of Canada committed a $2.6 billion increase for First Nations K-12 education and an additional $1.47 billion for education infrastructure. These investments will improve primary and secondary education on reserve by building and renovating school facilities; enhancing the quality of language and cultural programs; increasing special education support; and empowering communities to establish education systems planned and led by First Nations. As part of the K-12 transformation process, we are in the process of co-developing a results framework that will help us measure improvement.
Based on the policy proposal for transforming the Government of Canada’s support for First Nations elementary and secondary education that was co-developed with First Nations, a new policy framework for First Nation elementary and secondary education has been established. Beginning in 2019-2020, ISC will begin implementing a series of new formula-based regional funding models for elementary and secondary education to ensure that students attending First Nations schools are supported by predictable base funding that is more directly comparable to what students enrolled in provincial education systems receive. After signing an agreement with the Government of Canada, the Manitoba First Nations School System officially began operating in July 2017. As of September 2017, students in this school system began receiving education programs that are designed, delivered and run by First Nations with funding that is comparable to provincial school boards with enhancements that meets their specific needs. As of April 1, 2018, 23 Anishinabek Nation First Nations are self-governing in the area of education. This education self-governing agreement is the first of its kind in Ontario and the largest in Canada. The government and the Maskwacîs Education Schools Commission signed an agreement in spring 2018 to establish the Maskwacîs Cree School System, which will begin operations on July 1, 2018. The Department conducted extensive discussions with the First Nations Education Steering Committee and the province of British Columbia to renew the 2012 Tripartite Education Framework agreement, with a renewed Agreement completed and signed in 2018-2019.
The government is engaged in discussions to establish similar initiatives in other regions of the country. Finally, as noted by the Parliamentary Budget Officer in November 2016, the government's investments in education will, over the next several years, help fill critical and long-standing gaps in how on-reserve schools are funded compared to those under provincial jurisdiction. These investments will ensure that First Nations children get the best possible start in life and see an improvement in educational outcomes.
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3/22/2019,193,15-Nov,Sustainable Infrastructure,Implement an Infrastructure Strategy that improves public transit.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Transport,Completed - fully met,Canadians spend less time in traffic and have greater access to modern public transit.,"Through Budgets 2016 and 2017, the government committed $28.7 billion to public transit projects over the next 10 years.
Over 1,232 public transit projects have been approved to date under the Investing in Canada Plan. These projects are expanding transit systems across the country and transforming the way Canadians live, move, and work by spending less time in traffic. In order to provide Canadians with greater access to inclusive public transit, this fund has contributed to 3,826 new buses (including 427 paratransit vehicles) and rehabilitated or enhanced 4,981 others (including 72 paratransit vehicles).
Larger projects to improve access to public transit are expected to reduce congestion, improve mobility and safety, and provide economic benefits while reducing harmful emissions. These projects include:
• The Regional Express Rail project in the Greater Toronto Area which will save 1.8 billion hours of commuter travel time and $14.7 billion in automobile operating savings over the lifetime of the project;
• Calgary’s Green Line Light Rail Transit route, a project that will provide 400 long-term jobs and improve interconnectivity between hospitals, employment hubs, and community centres; and,
• Stage 2 (OLRT2) of the Ottawa Light Rail Transit project will contribute to increasing overall public transit modal share from 22 percent in 2011 to 25 percent by 2048 and produce environmental benefits that will ultimately reduce overall incremental greenhouse gas emissions by 115,000 tonnes in the same time period."
3/22/2019,194,15-Nov,Sustainable Infrastructure,Implement an Infrastructure Strategy that improves social infrastructure.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism;Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility;Minister of Rural Economic Development,Completed - fully met,"More Canadians with access to affordable housing, child care, cultural and recreational infrastructure.","In Budgets 2016 and 2017, the government made significant and long-term investments in social infrastructure across Canada.
As of March 31, 2018, over 5,700 projects to retrofit or renovate social housing have been approved, helping improve energy and water efficiency in more than 109,000 existing social housing units off- and on-reserve.
The National Housing Strategy re-establishes the federal government as a leader in the area of affordable housing, with the goal of mitigating housing needs for 530,000 households Working in collaboration with provinces, territories and local communities, the strategy leverages significant new capacity to build, repair and make housing more affordable across the country.
The investment of incremental resources in the Enabling Accessibility Fund will support an estimated 1,970 additional projects to enable Canadians with disabilities participate more fully in their communities and in the labour market.
The government is also creating affordable, high-quality child care spaces for low- and modest-income families, with the goal of supporting up to 40,000 new subsidized child care spaces over the next three years. In addition, the government has developed a distinct Indigenous Framework on Early Learning and Child Care with Indigenous partners, which reflects the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children across Canada.
As part of the government’s Investing in Canada Plan, Budget 2016 proposed an investment of $168.2 million dollars over two years in the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund. This fund supports the improvement, renovation and construction of arts and heritage facilities, and the acquisition of specialized equipment. Budget 2017 announced further investments of $300 million in cultural infrastructure over 10 years starting in 2018.
Through the Development of Official Language Communities program at Canadian Heritage, the government is investing $80 million over 10 years starting in 2018 to support the construction of community educational infrastructure in official-language-minority communities. The government will also provide $1.3 billion in funding for cultural, recreational and community infrastructure to provinces and territories through bilateral agreements negotiated by Infrastructure Canada.
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3/22/2019,195,15-Nov,Sustainable Infrastructure,Implement an Infrastructure Strategy that improves green infrastructure.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Transport;Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Rural Economic Development,"Actions taken, progress made","More infrastructure in place to ensure access to clean water, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and increased resilience against the impacts of climate change.","Through Budget 2016 and 2017, the Government of Canada is investing $26.9 billion in Green infrastructure over 12 years, including projects to improve access to clean water, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase resilience against the impacts of climate change.
To ensure that investments are made towards more resilient, sustainable communities, Infrastructure Canada has adopted a Climate Lens as a requirement for funding under its new programs. The Climate Lens will help applicants to better understand how their projects will contribute to or reduce carbon pollution, and to consider climate change risks.
Significant investments towards clean water have been made across Canada. For example, the government has invested over $1 billion in 772 drinking water systems as well as $830 million in 655 wastewater systems. In Budget 2016, the government announced significant new funding to end long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserves by 2021. With the aim of ending long-term drinking water advisories on reserves by 2021, the government has invested $776 million to fund 468 projects that will significantly strengthen the infrastructure of on-reserve public drinking water systems. As of October 1, 2018 there were 69 advisories in effect.
Through the Canada Infrastructure Bank, at least $5 billion will be available for green infrastructure projects. As well, national “green” programs, totaling $2.8 billion, will be provided to address a number of priorities identified in the Pan-Canadian Framework. This includes investments of over $180 million in charging and alternative fuel infrastructure to support greater deployment of zero-emission vehicles.
On May 17, 2018, the Government of Canada launched the $2 billion Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF). The DMAF is designed to strengthen the resilience of Canadian communities through investments in large-scale infrastructure projects to better manage the risk associated with natural hazards such as floods, wildfires and droughts. Announcements of approved projects began in March 2019 and are expected to continue through May 2019. In addition, $9.2 billion is being provided to provinces and territories through the Integrated Bilateral Agreements for green infrastructure. Natural infrastructure projects are eligible under both DMAF and the green stream of the Integrated Bilateral Agreements.
In addition to this, delivered through the Rural and Northern Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure program, the Arctic Energy Fund will provide $400 million to support energy security in the territories.
The Transportation Assets Risk Assessment initiative, announced in 2017, provides up to $16.35 million over a five year period (from 2017/18 to 2021/22) to help those responsible for federal transportation assets obtain information and data, and assess climate change-related factors that may present risks to their infrastructure. In addition, funding for the Northern Transportation Adaptation Initiative was renewed in fall 2017 providing $6.9 million over a three-year period (from 2018/19 to 2020/21) for research, development and collaborative activities to support the resilience of northern transportation systems to a changing climate.
In Budget 2019, the government announced plans to invest $1.01 billion in 2018–19 to increase energy efficiency in residential, commercial and multi-unit buildings. These investments will be delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) through the Green Municipal Fund, through three initiatives: Collaboration on Community Climate Action ($350 million), Community EcoEfficiency Acceleration ($300 million), and Sustainable Affordable Housing Innovation ($300 million).
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3/22/2019,196,15-Nov,Sustainable Infrastructure,Invest in transportation infrastructure that helps get goods to market.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food;Minister of Transport;Minister of Rural Economic Development,"Actions taken, progress made","Get Canadian goods to markets more quickly and increase exports, including natural resources, manufactured goods and agri-food products, by 30 per cent by 2025.","The Government of Canada established the $2 billion National Trade Corridors Fund (NTCF) to address urgent capacity constraints and freight bottlenecks at major ports of entry, and to better connect the rail and highway infrastructure that delivers economic growth across Canada. Investments through this fund will target congestion and inefficiencies at marine ports, as well as along the busiest rail and highway corridors. The Canada Infrastructure Bank will make at least $5 billion in additional funding available to address trade and transportation projects. The government is tracking transportation flows and will report publicly on how long it takes to get goods to market.
The Government of Canada formally launched the first call for proposals under the NTCF on July 4, 2017. Eligible projects were invited to submit Comprehensive Project Proposals, and the government evaluated 177 complete project proposals, seeking a total of $7.5 billion in NTCF funding. More than $800 million in funding from the NTCF has been announced for 39 projects that will resolve bottlenecks across the country to support trade.
To build on the success of the first national NTCF call for proposals, the government launched a second call for proposals on November 19, 2018 specifically targeting projects in Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. This call, which closes on March 29, 2019, will allocate funding from the $400 million envelope dedicated to addressing the unique transportation priorities in the territorial North.
The new Export Diversification Strategy launched in the 2018 Fall Economic Statement announced the acceleration of the approximately $755 million in remaining NTCF funding over the next five years for projects that will strengthen ports and trade corridors to help diversify Canada’s trade with overseas markets. On January 15, 2019, Transport Canada launched a continuous NTCF call for proposals, for trade diversification projects, that will remain open until the remaining funding is committed. Eligible applicants are encouraged to submit expressions of interest for funding to support projects that will bolster export opportunities for Canadian businesses and help to diversify Canada’s overseas trade.
To improve and expand infrastructure in the northern regions of Canada, Budget 2019 proposes to increase the allocation of the National Trade Corridors Fund to Arctic and northern regions by up to $400 million over eight years, starting in 2020–21, bringing the total allocation to these regions to $800 million. This will help build new roads and other vital connections to and between Arctic and northern communities."
3/22/2019,197,15-Nov,Sustainable Infrastructure,Establish bilateral agreements with provinces and territories on infrastructure investments.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities,Completed - fully met,"Agreements with all provinces and territories that improve public transit; increase access to affordable housing and child care; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; improve access to clean water, and enhance resilience in the face of a changing climate.","Infrastructure plays a central role in building strong communities, creating jobs and growing the economy.
In Budget 2017, the government established a plan to sign bilateral agreements with provinces and territories to provide infrastructure funding to key priority areas. Over $33 billion was committed for integrated bilateral agreements for public transit, green infrastructure, rural and northern infrastructure, community, culture, and recreation infrastructure. Integrated bilateral agreements have now been signed with all provinces and territories. The government included a climate lens assessment and a new Community Employment Benefit requirement into these agreements.
Through the National Housing Strategy, the government is reducing or eliminating housing needs for 530,000 households by building or repairing affordable housing across the country, in addition to providing housing affordability support.
The government is also creating affordable, high-quality child care spaces for low- and modest-income families, with the goal of supporting up to 40,000 new subsidized child care spaces by 2020. Bilateral agreements on child care have now been signed with all jurisdictions. In addition, the government has co-developed a distinct Indigenous Framework on Early Learning and Child Care with Indigenous partners to reflect the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children across Canada.
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3/22/2019,198,15-Nov,Indigenous peoples,"Incorporate Aboriginal and treaty rights, residential schools and Indigenous contributions into school curricula.",Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations,"Actions taken, progress made","School curricula that is inclusive of Indigenous history and knowledge, resulting in improved knowledge and understanding.","The government provides financial support to the Office of the Treaty Commissioner in Saskatchewan and Treaty Relations Commissions of Manitoba to, among other things, provide materials and training to teachers in support of the delivery of K-12 treaty education curricula to all provincial school students. The organizations are also working with universities in their respective provinces to develop treaty curricula and courses that will be mandatory for every university student.
The Government of Canada is working with the Council of Ministers of Education to enhance knowledge and awareness of First Nations, Inuit and Métis history and culture across Canada and to enhance the knowledge and awareness of teachers, students and school leaders on the history and culture of Indigenous peoples.
Further, Budget 2016 invested $275 million in First Nations language and culture over five years until 2020-2021. The Government of Canada is also working with First Nation partners to transform First Nations elementary and secondary education on reserve, which will include new funding formulas that are enhanced with language and culture investments to meet the specific needs of Indigenous students.
Starting in 2017-2018, the Government of Canada is contributing $3 million per year, for three years, to the First Nations University of Canada to develop a National Centre for Collaboration in Indigenous Education. The national centre will serve as an informational resource base for reconciliation, and will focus on the growing needs of students, educators and the various policy and other decision makers involved in Indigenous elementary and secondary education in Canada.
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3/22/2019,199,15-Nov,Indigenous peoples,Work with the Métis Nation to advance reconciliation and renew the relationship.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations,"Actions taken, progress made",A renewed relationship with the Métis Nation based on the principles of reconciliation.,"In April 2017, the Prime Minister and the Métis Nation signed the Canada-Métis Nation Accord in establishing a permanent bilateral mechanism to co-develop policy on shared priorities. The Canada Métis Nation Accord reflects Canada’s commitment to work with the Métis Nation to fulfill the vision of self-determination. In October 2017 and March 2018, the President of the Métis National Council (MNC) and its Governing Members’ Presidents met with federal Ministers to discuss progress and strategic direction for first year Accord priorities. In June 2018, the Prime Minister met with the President of the Métis National Council and the Governing Members’ Presidents at the annual Crown-Métis Nation Summit. Together, they reviewed progress made during the first year of the Accord and confirmed priorities for 2019. The priorities identified during the meeting included education, health, Métis veterans, the new fiscal relationship, child and family services, economic development, environment, clean growth, and infrastructure. For example, a Memorandum of Understanding on the Development of a Canada-Métis Nation Child and Family Services Accord has been co-developed and signed on December 13, 2018, with the Métis National Council to guide the development of a ten-year Accord.
Progress in these priority areas was confirmed in Budget 2018, which invested $500 million over 10 years to support a Métis Nation housing strategy, $10 million in 2018–2019 to support Métis Nation post-secondary education, and $6 million over five years to support the Métis Nation in gathering health data and developing a health strategy. Furthermore, Budget 2018 also proposes to invest $325 million in the Métis Nation stream of the Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program, which supports employment services, skills development and job training. Sub-Accords between Canada and the Métis Nation have been signing in some of these areas including: Indigenous Skills Employment and Training in June 2018, housing in July 2018, and Indigenous Early Learning and Childcare in March 2018.
Further funding for Permanent Bilateral Mechanism priority areas was announced in Budget 2019. Specifically: $362 million over 10 years to support a Métis Nation-led post-secondary education strategy; $30 million to recognize the contribution of Métis veterans to the country’s Second World War efforts and to commemorate the sacrifices and achievements of all Métis veterans; $50 million over five years to enhance the funding of the Métis Capital Corporations to support the start-up and expansion of Métis small and medium-sized enterprises, and up to $100 million to establish an Indigenous Growth Fund to further encourage investments in Indigenous-led businesses by Aboriginal Financial Institutions, including Métis Capital Corporations. In addition, support for a distinctions-based approach to Indigenous language revitalization projects was also announced with $333.7 million over five years to preserve, promote and revitalize Indigenous languages, including Michif, the traditional language spoken by Métis Peoples.
Canada has engaged in Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions with each of the governing members of the Métis National Council as well as the Métis Settlements General Council (MSGC). Canada has signed Framework Agreements with the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) (November 2016), Métis Nation of Alberta (November 2017), Métis Nation of Ontario (December 2017), the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan (July 2018), the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan (February 2018)Métis Nation British Columbia (July 2018), and the Métis Settlements General Council (December 2018). Additionally, Canada is negotiating with the Manitoba Métis Federation (June 2018) to develop an agreement to recognize the Manitoba Métis Federation’s legal status, role and jurisdiction as a Métis government and will support the Manitoba Métis Federation’s transition from its current corporate structure to a self-governing Métis government. Canada and the Manitoba Métis Federation have concluded an Interim Fiscal Financing Agreement to transfer $153.4 million dollars to support an Incremental Reconciliation Plan over five years between the parties (December 2018). Other agreements signed include a Consultation Agreement between Canada and the Métis Nation of Alberta (July 2018).
In 2018, the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations held seven distinct engagement sessions with Métis groups to listen to ideas in order to make the recognition and implementation of rights the basis for all relations between Indigenous peoples and the federal government. Métis representatives also attended the two technical engagement sessions held by senior officials. In 2019, Canada will continue to engage with Métis groups to replace the outdated Comprehensive Land Claims Policy and the Inherent Right Policy.
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3/22/2019,200,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,"Develop a non-partisan, merit-based process to advise the Prime Minister on Senate appointments.",Minister of Democratic Institutions,Completed - fully met,"An independent advisory board has been established to provide a non-partisan, merit-based process of advice for recommending Senators, resulting in the appointment of 45 independent Senators thus far.","The Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments was established in January 2016 to provide advice to the Prime Minister on candidates for the Senate. Since July 2016, Canadians can apply, for the first time ever, to be considered for appointment to the Senate through an open online application process. To date, 45 non-partisan appointments to the Senate have been made under the new process and now the majority of Senators is not affiliated with a political party. In February 2018, the Minister of Democratic Institutions announced additional improvements to the Senate appointments process, including: keeping the application period open year-round, retaining submitted applications for two years, and allowing third parties to nominate potential candidates."
3/22/2019,201,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Establish a special parliamentary committee to consult on electoral reform.,Minister of Democratic Institutions,Not being pursued,A special parliamentary committee was established.,"A Special Committee, which included all five parties represented in the House of Commons, was established in June 2016 and presented its final report in December 2016. In addition to the consultation undertaken by the Special Committee, the Minister also consulted Members of Parliament of all parties, and oversaw an engagement process with 360,000 Canadians through mydemocracy.ca. Following extensive consultation with Canadians, it was determined that no clear preference for a new electoral system had emerged. The government will not proceed with electoral reform."
3/22/2019,202,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Make the Commissioner of Canada Elections more independent.,Minister of Democratic Institutions,Completed - fully met,A truly independent Commissioner of Canada Elections who can pursue their work free from political or partisan direction.,"In December 2018, the *Elections Modernization Act* received Royal Assent. This legislation enhances the independence of the Commissioner of Canada Elections (CCE) by transferring the CCE from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to Elections Canada."
3/22/2019,203,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Bring forward options to create an independent commissioner to organize political party leaders' debates.,Minister of Democratic Institutions,Completed - fully met,Bring forward options to create an independent commissioner to organize political party leaders' debates.,"In October 2018, the Minister of Democratic Institutions announced the creation of an independent Leaders' Debates Commission, mandated to organize two leaders' debates - one in each official language - for the 2019 federal general election. "
3/22/2019,204,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,"Review limits that political and third parties can spend during elections, and propose measures to control spending between elections.",Minister of Democratic Institutions,Completed - fully met,Political and third party spending is limited and controlled to help strengthen Canadian democracy.,"The *Elections Modernization Act* establishes spending limits for political parties and third parties during a pre-election period that would start on June 30th in the year of a fixed-date election and end when the election writ is issued. The legislation also modernizes the electoral system to make it more accessible, transparent and secure."
3/22/2019,205,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,"Allow charities to do their work free from political harassment, and modernize the rules governing the charitable and not-for-profit sectors.",Minister of Finance;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister of National Revenue,"Actions taken, progress made",A transparent and rules-based legal framework for Canada's charities is in place and charities in Canada are free from political harassment.,"In September 2016, the government launched a consultation process with the charitable sector and the public to assist in clarifying the rules for political activities of charities. A consultation panel reviewed the submissions and presented the Minister of National Revenue with recommendations in late March 2017.
As a first step to respond to the Panel’s recommendations, the government suspended all actions in relation to the remaining audits and objections that were part of the Political Activities Audit Program. Consistent with recommendation no. 3 of the consultation panel, the government introduced in Bill C-86 amendments to the *Income Tax Act* to remove the quantitative limits on political activities by charities. These amendments received Royal Assent on December 13, 2018. On January 21, 2019, the Canada Revenue Agency issued, for public consultation, draft guidance to explain how it expects to administer these new rules.
As announced in the 2018 Fall Economic Update, the government is also establishing a permanent Advisory Committee on the Charitable Sector to provide recommendations to the Minister of National Revenue and Commissioner of the Canada Revenue Agency on important and emerging issues facing charities and qualified donors on an ongoing basis.
On March 7, 2019, the Minister of National Revenue responded to the Panel’s report, giving a brief description of the actions taken by the government to address each of the report’s four recommendations."
3/22/2019,206,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Make strategic investments in the clean technology sector.,"Minister of Natural Resources;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food;Minister of International Trade Diversification","Actions taken, progress made","The clean technology sector's contribution to Canada's Gross Domestic Product grows, creating more good-paying, middle class jobs and increasing the number of high-growth companies in Canada.","Since 2016, the Government of Canada has committed more than 2.3 billion to several measures to grow clean technology in Canada as part of the Innovation and Skills Plan and the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change.
The government is supporting clean technology companies through several major programs including the $155 million Clean Growth Program, the $75 million Impact Canada Clean Tech Challenges, and the $25 million Agricultural Clean Technology Program. These programs are currently reviewing and/or approving applications.
To date, all five planned innovative clean tech challenges have been launched under the Impact Canada initiative. The Women in Cleantech Challenge aims to help level the playing field for Canadian women entrepreneurs in the area of clean technology; the Sky’s the Limit Challenge is seeking a breakthrough on green aviation fuels; the Power Forward Challenge is a collaboration with the UK to design better power grids; the Generating New Opportunities: Indigenous Off-diesel Initiative which complements other diesel reduction efforts; and the Crush It! Challenge is seeking efficiencies in mining technologies for rock crushing.
The government also enhanced its financing support to the clean technology industry through the Business Development Bank of Canada and Sustainable Development Technology Canada. The 2018 Fall Economic Statement further increased the venture capital available to clean technology firms by $50 million under the Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative.
In addition, supports are being put in place to help companies access and grow in global markets. Export Development Canada has started the Cleantech Co-investment Program and the Canadian Trade Commissioner Services has launched a new International Business Development Strategy.
Finally, the new Clean Growth Hub is a whole-of-government focal point supporting clean technology producers and users which has provided services to over 930 clients in the first 14 months.
Budget 2019 proposes to provide $100 million over four years, starting in 2019–20, to the Strategic Innovation Fund, leveraging private sector co-investments, in order to support the Clean Resource Innovation Network to develop ground-breaking clean tech and emission-lowering solutions through collaboration. "
3/22/2019,207,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Enhance Canada's tax measures to generate and attract more clean technology investments.,Minister of Finance;Minister of Natural Resources,"Actions taken, progress made","The clean technology sector's contribution to Canada's Gross Domestic Product grows, creating more good-paying, middle class jobs and increasing the number of high-growth companies in Canada.","Budget 2016 changed Canadian tax rules to make certain electric vehicle charging stations and electrical energy storage equipment eligible for accelerated capital cost allowance treatment. Budget 2017 introduced further expansions of this tax treatment to geothermal projects and expenses. Budget 2018 extended the accelerated capital cost allowance for five years to property acquired before 2025. In the 2018 Fall Economic Statement, the government proposed that specified clean energy equipment be eligible for immediate expensing – i.e., that such equipment be eligible for a full tax write-off the year it is put in use in the business. The government will continue to work towards making Canada the world's most competitive tax jurisdiction for clean technology."
3/22/2019,208,15-Nov,Safety and Security,Launch an open and transparent competition to replace the CF-18 fighter aircraft.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility;Minister of National Defence,"Actions taken, progress made",A new fighter fleet that allows the Canadian Armed Forces to do their job with the equipment they need.,"A modern fighter jet fleet is essential to defending Canada and Canadian sovereignty - especially in the northern skies. It is a vital contribution to the partnership with Canada’s most important ally, the United States, and the responsibility to protect the continent that is shared. It is also required to enable Canada to fulfill its international commitments as an engaged and active member of NATO.
On December 12, 2017, the government launched an open and transparent competition to acquire 88 advanced fighter jets to replace Canada’s current fighter aircraft. On January 22, 2018, the Government of Canada held a Future Fighter Industry Day to provide information on the planned procurement process and timelines, project scope, high-level operational objectives, the approach to maintenance and repair, and potential economic benefits. On February 22, 2018, the Government of Canada published a list of eligible suppliers that will be invited to submit proposals under the competition to replace Canada’s current fighter fleet.
Two rounds of supplier engagement were held: the first from March 26 to April 13, 2018 and the second from June 11 to July 5, 2018. The purpose of these events was to share and collect detailed information to support finalization of the procurement strategy and development of the solicitation documents.
On October 26, 2018, Canada released a Draft Request for Proposal to eligible suppliers for their review and feedback by December 21, 2018. Inputs have been received from all suppliers and a third round of industry engagement was held February 4 to 15, 2019 to discuss feedback. The Draft Request for Proposal will be amended based on the feedback received and released in late March 2019. A penultimate version will be issued to eligible Suppliers in early May for comment. The Formal Supplier Engagement Phase will continue until the final Request for Proposal is released, anticipated in the spring of 2019.
In order to answer immediate needs, the Government of Canada signed a procurement agreement on November 9, 2018 with Australia for 18 F/A-18 fighter aircraft and up to seven additional non-flyable aircraft for use as spare parts and training aids. These additional aircraft will help to ensure a consistent number of flight hours until the arrival of a new fleet. On February 16, 2019, the first two Australian aircraft arrived in Canada; the remaining aircraft are expected to arrive at regular intervals until the end of 2021.
In November 2018, the Auditor General released a report on Canada’s fighter force, which highlighted that an enduring solution to the CAF’s fighter capability will only be achieved when Canada has both procured a future fighter and increased the number of skilled and experienced technicians and pilots. The Government of Canada is taking steps to address both of these requirements.
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3/22/2019,209,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that all federal services are delivered in compliance with the *Official Languages Act*.,"President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government;Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie","Actions taken, progress made",More Canadians receive federal services and communications in their official language of choice.,"The Government of Canada conducted the first review of the Official Languages Regulations in over twenty-five years. The government is committed to ensuring the public is served in their official language of choice. Currently, 86.5% of federal institutions report that oral and written communications in designated bilingual offices """"nearly always"""" occur in the official language chosen by the public. The government has set a target to achieve at least 90% in 2020. In October 2018, the government introduced amendments to the Official Languages Regulations. The regulations implement key provisions of Part IV of the *Official Languages Act* regarding communications with, and services to, the public and are expected to be adopted by June 2019."
3/22/2019,210,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Improve access to information to enhance the openness of government.,President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister of Democratic Institutions,"Actions taken, progress made",Greater government transparency and more information available for Canadians to hold their government to account.,"Following an Interim Directive in May 2016 that eliminated all fees except for the application fee and confirmed the principle of ""open by default,"" the government introduced Phase I reforms to modernize and expand the scope of the *Access to Information Act*. Legislation introduced in June 2017 proposes new requirements for the proactive publication of a broad range of information and would apply to more than 240 government federal institutions, as well as the Prime Minister's Office, ministers' offices and administrative bodies that support Parliament and the courts. The legislation would also provide the Information Commissioner with the power to make binding orders to government institutions, including for the release of records. A review of the Act would also be required every five years to ensure that it remains current and continues to improve transparency for Canadians. The first of these reviews would be initiated within one year of the legislation coming into force. The legislation is currently before the Senate.
Further measures to improve Canadians’ access to information are included in Canada’s 2018-2020 National Action Plan on Open Government, which was published in December 2018. These measures include engaging all sectors of Canadian society including Indigenous organizations and representatives in a broad review of the *Access to Information Act* that examines:
• the extent of coverage of the Act including the range of institutions that are subject to the Act;
• ways to improve timeliness of responses to requests;
• the regime of exemptions and exclusions;
• appropriate protections for information relating to Indigenous people and governance; and
• how technologies could be used to improve the functioning of the system and service to the user."
3/22/2019,211,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Conduct a review of tax expenditures.,President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government;Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,"A simpler, fairer tax system.","In each of its budgets, the government has made improvements to the tax system—many of which have been informed by the wide-ranging review of federal tax expenditures announced in Budget 2016. This comprehensive review has resulted in the elimination of measures that were found to be ineffective and inefficient. For example, the government has replaced poorly targeted transit tax credits with significant direct long-term investments in public transit, and replaced tax credits for textbooks with measures to significantly improve the affordability of post-secondary education for low- and middle-income families. The review also identified opportunities to crack down on tax evasion and aggressive tax avoidance, and reduce tax benefits that disproportionately helped the wealthiest Canadians. Finally, the review led to measures that made existing tax relief for individuals and families more effective and accessible, including measures to improve tax relief for caregivers, students, and persons with disabilities. As reported in Budget 2019, over the four-year period ending in 2018–19, the tax expenditure review resulted in savings of $3.9 billion, and will lead to estimated savings of more than $3 billion annually starting in 2019–20."
3/22/2019,212,15-Nov,Safety and Security,Improve marine safety.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Transport","Actions taken, progress made",Canadians are kept safe and Canada's coasts are protected through evidence-based emergency preparedness and response.,"The government has announced initiatives worth over $800 million, including $130 million in new science funding for partnerships, improved knowledge, and development of new technologies to help mitigate and prevent marine incidents such as oil spills. Partnerships with Indigenous groups is a pillar of the Oceans Protection Plan, and to date, 352 engagement sessions/workshops have been held with multiple Indigenous groups.
On June 21, 2018, 14 Central and North Coast First Nations in British Columbia and the Government of Canada signed an Agreement to support a more coordinated and efficient approach to the governance, management, and protection of oceans in the Pacific North Coast.
Since 2017, six Oceans Protection Plan Pacific Dialogue Forums have been held in British Columbia. The Forums are an opportunity for all sectors, including Indigenous groups, industry, NGOs, municipalities, and provincial authorities, to come together and discuss initiatives and topics related to marine safety and the environment. The recent Fall 2018 Dialogue Forums included topics such as emergency towing improvements, the creation of a new Hazardous and Noxious Substances regime, and vessel anchorages.
Following the release of the *Pilotage Act* Review’s final report on May 22, 2018, key stakeholders were engaged both at working level and through a Ministerial roundtable held on July 4, 2018. Transport Canada intends to introduce legislation at the earliest opportunity to enable improvements in the effectiveness, efficiency and accountability of Canada’s pilotage system.
On December 13, 2018, amendments to the *Canada Shipping Act, 2001* and the *Marine Liability Act* were approved by Parliament. These amendments will enhance marine environmental protection and marine safety, including:
ŸStrengthening the protection of marine environments, including at-risk whale populations, from the impacts of routine shipping and navigation activities;
ŸClarifying and strengthening the Canadian Coast Guard’s authorities to support a more proactive, rapid, and effective response to spills from ships;
ŸModernizing the Ship-source Oil Pollution Fund, including enabling unlimited compensation to be provided to responders and victims of oil spills from ships.
As part of the National Strategy to Address Wrecked and Abandoned vessels, the government introduced the *Wrecked, Abandoned, or Hazardous Vessels Act* (Bill C-64) in October 2017 to enhance federal authorities and strengthen vessel owner responsibility and liability including the costs of vessel clean-up. The Bill has received Royal Assent on February 28, 2019.
In addition, the government has provided financial support for the assessment or removal of over 131 abandoned or wrecked vessels under Transport Canada’s Abandoned Boats Program and Fisheries and Oceans’ Small Craft Harbours Abandoned and Wrecked Vessels Removal Program. Transport Canada’s program provided over $1 million in funding for research on environmentally-friendly vessel recycling and design along with education initiatives to raise awareness for vessel owners. Under the Small Craft Harbours program, 23 vessels have been removed and disposed of from federally owned harbours across the country. Applications for another 11 vessels have been accepted to assist in their future removal.
The Government of Canada continues its work under the $167.4 million Whales Initiative to protect and support the recovery of endangered whale populations across Canada by addressing key threats to the Southern Resident Killer Whale (SRKW), the North Atlantic Right Whale (NARW) and the St. Lawrence Estuary Beluga. A further investment of $61.5 million was announced in October 2018 to address threats to SRKW. In February 2019, Technical Working Groups, consisting of Indigenous Peoples/First Nations, environmental groups, research organizations, and industry were established to identify immediate 2019 measures, as well as longer-term measures to address key threats to the recovery of the SRKW. The results of the voluntary vessel slowdown and lateral displacement trial implemented in the Salish Sea in Summer 2018 are currently being analyzed and will help inform large commercial vessel underwater noise mitigation measures for Summer 2019. Additionally, on February 7, 2019, the Government announced its third year of measures to protect NARW in the Gulf of St-Lawrence. Given the positive outcome of no known NARW deaths in Canadian waters during the 2018 season, 2019 measures build upon those of 2018 with minor modifications based on consultation with industry and the best available science. The measures will be in place between April 28 and November 15, 2019.
Recognizing that chemical contaminants are one of the key threats facing Canada’s endangered whale populations, the Government of Canada continues its actions to reduce the presence of chemical contaminants. On October 13, 2018, the Government published a Notice of Intent to amend the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012. The amendments will strengthen controls for two flame retardants and three oil and water repellents, and will prohibit two additional flame retardants should the final scientific risk assessments confirm they are toxic.
The government is modernizing the Coast Guard’s current suite of emergency response assets. Contracts have been awarded for the procurement of environmental response training software, curtain booms, fence booms, a medium-size portable multi-cassette-skimmer package, and a small high-speed sweep system. Transport Canada is also modernizing its emergency response capacity and has trained more than 2,148 people in the internationally recognized Incident Command System to ensure interoperability, role clarity and overall emergency response effectiveness.
In 2018, close to $1 million in funding was announced for four Arctic Indigenous communities to buy search and rescue capable boats and/or equipment to strengthen their participation in marine emergency responses in local waters as members of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary.
In November 2018, six new RADAR installations for monitoring marine traffic on the West Coast were announced. These installations will increase the coverage range, enhancing the ability to monitor vessel traffic which contributes to ensuring safer movement of vessels in the waters off southern British Columbia.
The Coastal Restoration Fund helps rehabilitate some of Canada's most vulnerable coastlines and protect marine life and ecosystems and is providing $75 million over five years to support coastal habitat restoration projects at the local and community level along Canada’s coasts. During its initial call for proposals the program received 163 expressions of interest requesting over $310 million in funding. At present the program has allocated funding to 39 projects on all three coasts worth over $55 million. The last next public call for proposals for the remaining $13.6 million closed December 27, 2018. Fisheries and Oceans Canada is currently assessing and prioritizing projects. It is anticipated that the project review will be completed by early winter 2019.
The Cumulative Effects of Marine Shipping Initiative held a multi stakeholder workshop in February 2019 in collaboration with Indigenous Nations from all three coasts, federal, provincial and territorial governments, marine industry stakeholders, environmental non-government organizations and representatives from various academic institutions. The purpose of the workshop was to share the results of an assessment methodology evaluation, gather input from practitioners across the country and provide an opportunity to build and strengthen relationships and learning.
To enhance the ability to mount an effective science-based federal response that minimizes environmental damage, Environment and Climate Change Canada has, since January 2018, placed three Environmental Emergency Officers on each coast (Pacific and Atlantic) as well as Wildlife Emergency Response Coordinators in four regions in Canada (i.e., Pacific, Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic). The Department has also put in place two new Enforcement Officers in the Atlantic region and two in the Pacific and Yukon region. These Enforcement Officers will work to ensure compliance with Canada’s Wildlife and environmental protection laws.
In 2017, following discussions and consultation with various stakeholders to determine marine weather information needs/gaps, in addition to considering relevant monitoring rationalization data, Environment and Climate Change Canada identified specific High Risk Marine Areas, which informed the decision to moor up to five new weather buoys in two locations on the West Coast (Southern Georgia Strait and approaching the Port of Metro Vancouver) and two locations on the East Coast (Strait of Canso and Bay of Fundy). These new buoys will help provide mariners with enhanced forecast information.
Environment and Climate Change Canada is continuing work to initiate a modern data management and geospatial mapping solution to improve the availability, accessibility, interoperability and governance of environmental sensitivities data and mapping needed by responding organizations during preparedness, readiness and response activities. Activities underway include stakeholder consultations, the development of a business case, project charter and a project complexity risk assessment.
In order to enhance risk-based planning for and decision-making during an environmental emergency, Environment and Climate Change Canada has continued to collect baseline data on the northern coast of British Columbia. To date, there have been ongoing research and monitoring activities such as: identifying areas of importance, including migration routes, staging areas, and foraging habitats for marine birds via tracking studies and at-sea surveys; assessing the toxicity of oil sands bitumen to birds; and, high-definition shoreline mapping and classification (over 7 000 km of coastal aerial imagery has been collected over the Northern Shelf Bioregion). Seabird species that may be particularly vulnerable to oil have also been identified for priority study. This work is done in collaboration with multiple First Nations on their traditional territories. In addition, to support this work, the Department has put in place two Wildlife Technicians, and one Marine Modeller. The overall results of this work will help fill data gaps and contribute to several objectives of the overall Oceans Protection Plan such as Regional Response Planning."
3/22/2019,213,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Review the changes to the *Fisheries Act* and *Navigable Waters Protection Act*.,"Minister of Transport;Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard","Actions taken, progress made","Restore lost protections and incorporate modern safeguards into the revised *Fisheries Act* and *Navigation Protection Act* to better protect Canada's environment for future generations, advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, and get resources to market.","In February 2018, the government introduced legislation to restore lost protections and incorporate modern safeguards into the *Fisheries Act* and the *Navigation Protection Act*. The proposed legislative, regulatory and policy measures were informed by a federal discussion paper, parliamentary studies, and almost two years of consultations with Indigenous peoples, industry, provinces and territories, non-governmental organizations, academia and the public.
The government will invest up to $284.2 million over five years to support restoring lost protections to fish and fish habitat and incorporating modern safeguards under the *Fisheries Act* and up to $76.5 million over five years to support restoring lost protections for the public right of navigation and incorporating modern safeguards under the proposed *Canadian Navigable Waters Act*.
In June 2018, the House of Commons referred both pieces of proposed legislation to the Senate for review. The two Bills (C-68 and C-69) passed the Second Reading in the Senate in December 2018, and have been referred to their respective Senate Standing Committees.
The Senate Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans is beginning its study of Bill C-68 in April 2019."
3/22/2019,214,15-Nov,Indigenous peoples,Promote economic development and create jobs for Indigenous peoples.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Indigenous Services;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development","Actions taken, progress made",Higher employment rates for Indigenous peoples and stronger economic growth in Indigenous communities.,"The government is coordinating federal efforts in its response to this mandate commitment for Indigenous peoples and has identified potential areas of collaboration at both the regional and national levels. This includes ensuring program alignment among federal departments and agencies, including planning to review and respond to community opportunities; fostering economic reconciliation with the private sector; more closely aligning skills training to investment opportunities and organizational readiness; and increasing access to capital. Departments have explored potential policy and expenditure linkages to facilitate success, e.g. Atlantic Growth Strategy and Economic Pathways Partnership. In addition, the government is engaging with national Indigenous organizations to discuss approaches to economic development and collaborating on opportunities to ensure better service delivery models at the community level.
The Government of Canada supports a suite of economic development and land management programs that are increasing the participation of Indigenous communities in the Canadian economy and enabling Indigenous people to pursue opportunities for employment, income, and wealth creation. To help close the employment and earning gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, Budget 2018 proposes to invest $2 billion over five years, and $408.2 million per year ongoing, to support the creation of a new Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program. This includes incremental investments of $447 million over five years, and $99.4 million per year ongoing, and a stronger focus on training for higher quality, better paying jobs rather than rapid re-employment. This additional funding will assist approximately 15,000 more clients gain greater skills and find jobs that will support their long-term career success. The government has consulted with, and heard from, Indigenous partners on the importance of a distinctions-based approach that recognizes the unique needs of First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation.
Investments in commercial infrastructure, capacity development and partnerships within the federal government, provinces and the private sector are leading to major developments on and off reserve including commercial initiatives. For example, these investments will: help First Nations access long-term financing to undertake economic development projects in their communities ($20M), strengthen the First Nations and Inuit Summer Work Experience Program and the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program ($100M), grow Canada's Indigenous tourism industry ($8.6M), and improve Indigenous labour market programs through the new Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program ($2B over five years and $408.2M per year ongoing) which is the successor to the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy. In addition, the Government of Canada has increased funding for the Post-Secondary Student Support Program, which will help 4,600 First Nation students over a two-year period ($90M).
The Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business was created to help Indigenous business access procurement opportunities within the federal government. The Government of Canada is one of the largest public buyers of goods and services in Canada, purchasing approximately $16 billion worth of goods and services every year on behalf of federal departments and agencies. The government is currently modernizing the federal approach to Indigenous procurement in order to grow Indigenous businesses and contribute to positive socio-economic outcomes in communities.
To enhance Indigenous participation in the public and private sector, the government provides project-based funding to increase business and economic development strategies. For example, support has been provided for women’s participation in business and economic development opportunities; and, for the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, to develop Canada’s unique and
authentic Indigenous tourism industry in implementing the National Aboriginal Tourism Strategy.
The government provides annual funding to the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association for distribution to the national network of Aboriginal Financial Institutions (AFI). The government is currently working closely with partners on the development of options to recapitalize the AFI network to enhance access to capital for Indigenous entrepreneurs to start or expand their businesses."
3/22/2019,215,15-Nov,Indigenous peoples,Undertake an inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in Canada.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister for Women and Gender Equality,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges","Concrete solutions to address systemic causes of violence, resulting in increased safety of Indigenous women and girls in Canada.","In December 2015, the Government of Canada, with the governments of all provinces and territories, launched an independent National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The Commissioners were asked to examine and report on the systemic and historical social, economic, institutional and cultural factors—as well as practices, policies and institutions—that contribute to the violence that Indigenous women and girls face. The Commission was mandated to complete its work by December 31, 2018. The Commission released its interim report on November 1, 2017.
In response to the interim report, the Government of Canada is taking action to address the interim recommendations by investing an additional $21.3M over three years beginning 2018-2019 to expand access to mental health, emotional and cultural supports for families and survivors, establishing a commemoration fund, funding organizations with expertise in law enforcement and policing to lead a review of police policies and practices concerning their relations with the Indigenous peoples, as well as supporting a new Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) National Investigative Standards and Practices Unit with additional funding.
On March 6, 2018, the Commission submitted a request to the Government of Canada seeking an extension until December 31, 2020 as many legitimate concerns from families and stakeholders had been raised about the Inquiry's progress. The Government of Canada granted the Inquiry an extension until April 30, 2019 to enable the inquiry to hear from more families and survivors, further examine institutional practices and policies, and undertake the research necessary to inform their recommendations on the systemic causes of all forms of violence against Indigenous women and girls in Canada. Subsequently, the deadline for receipt of the report was extended to May 30, 2019.
The formal release of the Report by the Commission is anticipated at the Closing Ceremonies scheduled for June 3, 2019.
As part of the National Inquiry’s Truth Gathering Process, Justice Canada submitted on behalf of relevant federal departments and agencies an overview of what each institution is currently doing to address the underlying causes of violence and increase safety for Indigenous women, girls, and LGBTQ2S and gender non-binary individuals.
An additional $5.4 million was also made available through Justice Canada to extend the Family Information Liaison Units and to support community-based services for families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls for 2019-2020. The government also established a commemoration fund and provided $10 million to honour the lives and legacies of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls and LGBTQ2S and gender non-binary individuals, and is engaging with Indigenous organizations to put forward a range of actions to help address violence against Indigenous women and girls.
In December 2018, the Government of Canada provided $38 million in additional funding to support the Inquiry during its extension to assist with operational needs and provide short term aftercare to families and survivors who testify. This brought the total funding for the Inquiry to $92 million.
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3/22/2019,216,15-Nov,Indigenous peoples,Improve services to Indigenous people and those with mental illness throughout the criminal justice system.,Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,"Actions taken, progress made","Improved services and increased support to make it easier for Indigenous peoples and those with mental illness to navigate the criminal justice system, and reverse the trend of Indigenous overrepresentation in the justice system.","The Government of Canada has made investments to help ensure that Indigenous peoples and those with mental illness have increased access to justice and to reduce the over-representation of Indigenous peoples in the criminal justice system, both as victims and offenders. In addition to increasing access to legal aid, the government has also provided long-term and stable funding to the Indigenous Justice Program which provides funding for community-based programs that use culturally relevant restorative justice approaches, in appropriate circumstances, to help address the over-representation of Indigenous peoples as accused, victims and offenders. In addition, the government has made significant investments in the First Nation Policing Program to ensure the safety of First Nations and Inuit communities through culturally relevant policing and investments to ensure that police officers serving these communities work in safe facilities.
It is also investing in the Indigenous Courtwork Program to ensure Indigenous people have the representation and services they need to navigate the criminal justice system. The government is also supporting community-based specialized services for Indigenous victims of crime and Family Information Liaison Units for families of murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls. The government is working to further identify strategies that will build on these investments. The government has proposed *Criminal Code* reforms including to the bail system to require consideration of the circumstances of Indigenous accused and to promote release at the earliest opportunity and with only conditions that are reasonably necessary as well as reforms to the jury selection process to make it more inclusive and fair (Bill C-75).
The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) Commissioner has received a public mandate with direction to address the over-representation of Indigenous Peoples, including to re-examine CSC’s governance structure to better integrate Indigenous needs and perspectives, further ensure that Indigenous offenders have timely access to effective, culturally-appropriate interventions developed in collaboration with Indigenous partners, and continue to address the particular needs of Indigenous women within the corrections system.
Budget 2018 proposed to further support the mental health needs of federal inmates, with a focus on women in federal correctional facilities. The government is also supporting greater emphasis on offender mental health information during the sentencing decision-making process (Bill C-375 currently before the Senate). On October 16, 2018, the Government of Canada introduced legislation (C-83) which proposes to strengthen the federal correctional system, aligning it with the latest evidence and best practices, by implementing a new correctional interventions model; strengthening health care governance; better supporting victims; and addressing the specific situation of Indigenous offenders.
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3/22/2019,217,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Legalize and strictly regulate cannabis.,Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction;Minister of Health;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,Completed - fully met,"The government established a strict framework for controlling the legal production, distribution, sale, and possession of Cannabis in Canada.","The *Cannabis Act* came into force on October 17, 2018. The Act creates a strict legal framework for controlling the production, distribution, sale, and possession of cannabis across Canada. The objectives of the Act are to better protect Canadian youth, to keep profits out of the hands of criminals and organized crime, and to protect public health and safety by allowing adults access to legal cannabis. The Act also makes it a specific criminal offence to sell cannabis to a minor and creates significant penalties for those who use young persons to commit cannabis-related offences.
The legislation was based on the advice from the Task Force on Cannabis Legalization and Regulation. The advice flowed from extensive engagement with Canadians, representatives of provincial, territorial and municipal governments, experts on public health, law enforcement and justice officials, patients, young people, advocates, Indigenous governments and representative organizations, employers and industry.
Regulations to support the *Cannabis Act* came into force at the same time as the Act. A regulatory framework for the legal sale of edibles cannabis, cannabis extracts and topicals is in development and is expected to be in force by October 2019. On December 20, 2018, Health Canada launched a 60-day public consultation on the proposed regulations governing the production and sale of additional cannabis products.
Companion legislation to strengthen impaired driving laws (Bill C-46) includes three new offences for having a prohibited concentration of drugs (including THC) in the blood within two hours of driving.
In March 2019, the government introduced Bill C-93, *An Act to provide no-cost, expedited record suspensions for simple possession of cannabis* which proposes to allow Canadians previously convicted of simple cannabis possession to apply for a pardon (also known as a record suspension), and waives both the fee and the wait period.
A national Cannabis Tracking System to track high-level movements of cannabis through the supply chain is now operational. The Cannabis Tracking System prevents legal cannabis from being diverted to the illegal market and illegal cannabis from being introduced into the legal market. Federal license holders, and provinces and territories are required to report monthly inventory and sales data to Health Canada.
The government accepts proposals from community-based and Indigenous organizations for specific public education and awareness projects related to cannabis. More than $100 million is budgeted over six years for investments in cannabis public education, awareness and surveillance.
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3/22/2019,218,15-Nov,Safety and Security,Repeal problematic elements of Bill C-51 to balance security with rights and freedoms.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,"Actions taken, progress made",Canadians' safety and security are strongly protected in a manner consistent with the rights and freedoms Canadians cherish.,"The Government of Canada consulted Canadians on key elements of Canada's national security laws and policies to ensure they are effective at keeping Canadians safe, and equally reflect the rights, values and freedoms of Canadians. In June 2017, the government introduced legislation covering a wide range of measures to enhance Canada’s national security framework, increase accountability through a National Security and Intelligence Review Agency and a new Intelligence Commissioner, and address problematic elements of former Bill C-51 (including revisions to threat reduction measures, amendments to the *Criminal Code* and the *Youth Criminal Justice Act*, and revisions to the *Security of Canada Information Sharing Act*), while re-affirming compliance with the Charter. Bill C-59 (*An Act respecting national security matters*) was passed by the House of Commons and is currently before the Senate.
The government also proposes to enhance the Passenger Protect Program, including the development of a rigorous centralized screening model and a redress mechanism for legitimate air travelers who are affected by the program. The enhanced program would help ensure that privacy and fairness concerns are addressed, while keeping Canadians safe."
3/22/2019,219,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Phase out inefficient fossil fuel industry subsidies over the medium-term.,Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Finance,"Actions taken, progress made","Phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, consistent with Canada’s commitment with the G20 countries, building a strong, clean economy and preserving the planet for generations to come.","Inefficient fossil fuel subsidies can encourage wasteful consumption, impede investment in clean energy sources and undermine efforts to fight the threat of climate change. Canada has committed to rationalize inefficient fossil fuel subsidies by 2025.
To date, Canada’s efforts to reform fossil fuel subsidies have resulted in the phase-out or rationalization of eight tax expenditures, which are being introduced gradually to enable the industry to adapt. Actions taken include: rationalizing the tax treatment of expenses for successful oil and gas exploratory drilling (announced in Budget 2017 and to be completed by 2021); phasing out a tax preference that allows small oil and gas companies to reclassify certain development expenses as more favorably treated exploration expenses (announced in Budget 2017 and to be completed in 2020); and, announcing that the accelerated capital cost allowance for liquefied natural gas facilities would expire as scheduled in 2025 (announced in Budget 2016).
Canada will continue to review measures that could be considered inefficient fossil fuel subsidies with a view to reforming them as necessary. As part of that work, Canada and Argentina recently committed to undergo peer reviews of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies under the G20 process. This report will be made public once the peer review is finalized."
3/22/2019,220,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,"Increase the proportion of Canada's marine and coastal areas that are protected to five percent by 2017, and ten percent by 2020.","Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Environment and Climate Change","Actions taken, progress made","Five per cent of Canada's marine and coastal areas are protected by 2017, and 10 per cent by 2020, protecting important habitats, maintaining and promoting tourism, and helping with climate change adaptation.","In October 2017, the government achieved its commitment to protect 5% of Canada's marine and coastal areas by 2017. In December 2017, seven new marine refuges were established off the coasts of Nunavut and Newfoundland and Labrador, which contributed an additional 145,598 square km of protected ocean area to Canada’s coasts. The government is on track to achieve the 10% target by 2020, with 7.92% of Canada’s ocean conserved as of March 6, 2019.
In November 2016, the Government of Canada announced the designation of the Anguniaqvia niqiqyuam Marine Protected Area (MPA). In February 2017, the government announced the designation of the Hecate Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound Glass Sponge Reefs MPA. In May 2017, a Large Offshore Pacific Area of Interest off the coast of British Columbia was announced, with the intention of making it one of Canada's largest MPAs by 2020. In June 2017, the government announced the designation of St. Anns Bank MPA. In August 2017, the federal government, Nunavut and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association together announced an agreement on the final boundary and interim protection of the new Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area in Lancaster Sound -- the largest protected area ever established in Canada. An agreement in principle, signed in October 2018 by the Government of Canada and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, covers agreed-upon elements of the required Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement for Tallurutiup Imanga and states that both parties intend to work with the Government of Nunavut to initiate feasibility assessments for new protected areas in the High Arctic Basin, part of the “Last Ice Area.”
In June 2018, the Scott Islands Protected Marine Area Regulations were published and, in September 2018, the government announced the establishment of the Scott Islands marine National Wildlife Area, Canada’s first marine area under the *Canada Wildlife Act*. To further support Canada’s marine conservation efforts, Shell Canada also announced, on September 13, 2018, its intent to voluntarily release nearly 50,000 square km of exploratory oil and gas permits off the coast of British Columbia.
On March 6, 2019, the government announced a new Marine Protected Area in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The Banc-des-Américains Marine Protected Area is the first project carried out under the Canada-Quebec Collaborative Agreement to establish a Marine Protected Area network in Quebec, and it is intended to encourage productivity and diversity of fisheries resources as well as the recovery of marine species at risk.
Additional areas are also being pursued for protection. On March 22, 2018, the government announced the establishment of two new Areas of Interest (Fundian Channel-Browns Bank and Eastern Shore Islands) and a proposed conservation area (Eastern Canyons) in the Scotian Shelf Bioregion.
In addition, the government allocated funding towards exploring with Indigenous and Northern partners the protection of the High Arctic. In September 2017, Canada signed a statement of intent with the Nunatsiavut government, committing to work together on marine planning in Labrador's offshore area.
Canada has developed science-based criteria for other effective area-based conservation measures that contribute to marine conservation targets. Fisheries area closures that meet these criteria, known as marine refuges, have been established throughout Canada's oceans to protect important species and ecosystem features. The government will continue working with its partners to enhance the protection of Canada’s oceans.
The Government of Canada has proposed amendments to the *Oceans Act* to create a new authority to designate an interim MPA through ministerial order and to update existing enforcement officer powers and fines provisions. Amendments are also proposed to the *Canada Petroleum Resources Act* to allow for orders prohibiting oil and gas activities in designated *Oceans Act* MPAs. The proposed amendments would also allow for negotiations for the relinquishment of oil and gas rights that overlap *Oceans Act* MPAs. These amendments were informed by engagement with Indigenous peoples, provinces and territories, and stakeholders.
A National Advisory Panel was established to gather perspectives and offer recommendations to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard on categories and associated protection standards for federal MPAs, using International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) guidance as a baseline. The Panel also considered Indigenous approaches and governance with respect to marine conservation, including the evolving concept of Indigenous Protected Areas. The Panel presented its recommendations in a final report to the Minister in September, which was publicly released on October 16, 2018."
3/22/2019,221,15-Nov,Canada in the World,"Advance human rights, gender equality, peaceful pluralism and respect for diversity internationally.",Minister of International Development;Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Inclusive governance, human rights, gender equality, peaceful pluralism and respect for diversity are enhanced around the world.","The Government of Canada seeks to protect and enable inclusive governance, human rights, gender equality, democracy, and respect for diversity around the world, under the rubric of its Feminist Foreign Policy, which is a suite of complementary and reinforcing actions and policies including the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, the Feminist International Assistance Policy, and Canada’s Inclusive Approach to Trade. Canada recognizes that supporting these fundamental principles is the most effective pathway to building a more peaceful, more inclusive and more prosperous world. Canada’s leadership in this domain has been exemplified by, though not limited to, the following:
• Establishing gender equality as a priority and theme of Canada’s G7 Presidency, where it leveraged its partnerships to establish the Gender Equality Advisory Council. The Council’s work ensured that considerations to gender equality and women’s empowerment were integrated across all activities and initiatives of Canada’s G7 Presidency. Canada also leveraged its G7 presidency to co-host, with the EU, the first formal meeting of women foreign ministers, which provided an opportunity to harness the perspectives of women foreign ministers in addressing the challenges facing global relations today.
• Adopting the *Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act* (JVCFOA) and amendments to the *Special Economic Measures Act* (SEMA) to take direct action to respond to cases of human rights violations and acts of corruption globally. To that end, Canada has imposed targeted sanctions on 70 individuals under the JVCFOA from Russia, Venezuela, South Sudan, Myanmar and Saudi Arabia.
• As co-chair of the Equal Rights Coalition (ERC), Canada co-hosted a global conference on LGBTI Human Rights and Inclusive Development in Vancouver in August 2018, committing alongside 40 member states to advocate for equal respect, protection, and promotion of the human rights of LGBTI persons. Canada has worked with ERC partners to coordinate efforts in countries where LGBTI persons face acute risks. In February, 2019, the Minister of International Development announced $30M dedicated development assistance focused on the rights of LGBTI persons.
• Canada’s international advocacy at the UN General Assembly, Human Rights Council, and Organization of American States, as well as in other multilateral fora, has led to broad endorsement of joint statements and resolutions related to inclusion and respect for human rights. One recent example, a Canadian-led resolution on the elimination of violence against women and girls, was co-sponsored by 77 countries, and adopted by the UN Human Rights Council on July 5 2018. On February 12, 2019, the OAS Committee on Juridical and Political Affairs held a Special Session on the Power of Inclusion and the Benefits of Diversity, as mandated by a June 2018 consensus resolution by the same name that was put forward by Canada and co-sponsored by 11 other Member States.
• Under the theme of Defending Democracies from Foreign Threats, G7 leaders announced the creation of the G7 Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) at the Charlevoix Summit in June 2018. The mandate of the RRM is to strengthen coordination, as well as to identify and respond to foreign threats to democracy, including through sharing information and analysis. The RRM Coordination Unit is housed at Global Affairs Canada and Budget 2019 provided the department with $2.1 million over three years, starting in 2019–20, to support Canada's commitment to the RRM.
• In May 2018, the Partnership for Gender Equality was launched. It is an innovative $300 million initiative to catalyze new investments to support the advancement of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in developing countries from the philanthropic community, the investing community, the private sector and civil society.
• At the July 2018 Global Disability Summit, the Minister of International Development made concrete commitments to ensure the meaningful inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities in its international development efforts, and committed to host the next Global Action on Disability (GLAD) Network meeting in Ottawa in 2019."
3/22/2019,222,15-Nov,Canada in the World,Work on development financing issues.,Minister of Finance;Minister of International Development;Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made","Increased international investment, reduced poverty and improved economic development in developing countries.","The Development Finance Institute Canada opened for business in early 2018 under the brand name “FinDev Canada.” FinDev Canada supports women's economic empowerment and gender equality, poverty reduction, and climate change mitigation and adaptation in developing countries.
FinDev’s first transaction, a $10 million (USD) investment with M-KOPA, a Kenya-based solar energy provider, was announced in March 2018. A second one was announced in December 2018, a $20 million (USD) commitment made to Climate Investor One’s (CIO) Construction Equity Fund to support the transition to renewable energy in emerging markets.
At the G7 meeting in June 2018, FinDev Canada joined with other G7 development finance institutions to support the 2X Challenge, a commitment to collectively mobilize $3 billion dollars by 2020 for investment in business activities that will benefit women in developing countries.
Budget 2018 provided $1.5 billion to establish an International Assistance Innovation Program and a pilot Sovereign Loans Program.
In May 2018, the Minister of International Development launched a Call to Action for the Partnership for Gender Equality. The department conducted a series of targeted engagements seeking expert advice on the creation of a new partnership between the Government of Canada, the philanthropic community and the private sector to catalyze new investments to advance gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in developing countries.
The Minister of International Development and the Minister of Finance co-hosted the first ever G7 meeting of Development and Finance Ministers, to draw on the individual expertise of both ministries to seek out innovative approaches to financing international development. This meeting laid the groundwork for the Charlevoix Commitment on Innovative Financing for Development, which promotes economic growth in developing economies and fosters greater equality of opportunity within and between countries.
Canada is also fostering intellectual leadership and broadening the growth in development financing literacy and collaboration by co-leading (with Jamaica) the Group of Friends of SDG Financing at the UN. The Group is a platform to promote solution-oriented ideas for unlocking capital for development.
On September 24, 2018, at the Secretary-General’s High Level Meeting on Financing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Prime Minister of Canada announced that Canada will contribute $20 million to the Global Infrastructure Hub (GI Hub) to establish Toronto as the centre of its North American operations. The GI Hub will use $5 million of the funding to establish the Global Centre for Infrastructure Excellence, underscoring Canada’s commitment to foster new partnerships for development.
Canada’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, has been named one of the co-facilitators of the 7th High Level Dialogue on Financing for Development. The event will take place on Thursday, September 26th, during UNGA high-level week in New York."
3/22/2019,223,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Develop and implement a Youth Service Program.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of International Development","Actions taken, progress made","More young Canadians engaged in high quality public and community service, and through this service, gaining valuable skills that will benefit them in life and work.","Service opportunities give young Canadians the chance to gain valuable work and life experience, build on what they’ve learned through their formal education, and give back to their communities in meaningful ways.
To encourage and support more service, in January 2018, the government launched the design phase of the Canada Service Corps, a youth service initiative. Since that time, the government has been meeting with and listening to young people—from across the country and from different backgrounds and circumstances—to better understand what service means to them.
Based on the extensive consultations and feedback received to date, Budget 2019 proposes to invest up to an additional $314.8 million over five years, starting in 2019–20, with $83.8 million per year ongoing, to make the Canada Service Corps Canada’s signature national youth service program. This investment will support:
• Up to 15,000 annual volunteer service placements by 2023–24.
• 1,000 annual individual grants for self-directed service projects.
• New incentives and program supports to address barriers to participation in volunteer service programs.
• A new digital platform—seamlessly integrated with the government’s new Youth Digital Gateway.
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3/22/2019,224,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Raise awareness on concussion treatment.,Minister of Science and Sport;Minister of Health,Completed - fully met,"Consistent, coordinated Canadian guidelines on concussion in sport and return-to-learn and return-to-play protocols.","Budget 2016 made investments to harmonize pan-Canadian concussion management guidelines on prevention, early detection and treatment, with a focus on return-to-play and return-to-learn protocols for athletes and students. In July 2017, federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for sport, physical activity and recreation agreed to a Framework for Action focusing on the areas of awareness, prevention, detection, management, and surveillance of concussions
The government funded the Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC) for a national awareness campaign. SIRC worked collaboratively with national sport organizations on sport-specific protocols for return-to-play after a concussion. As of June 2018, 42 of Canada’s national sport organizations have in place sport concussion protocols harmonized with the Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport and others are working toward adopting the guideline or updating their own protocols. Parachute Canada also developed concussion resources for schools, including a detailed Return-to-School Strategy and an accredited online concussion course for medical professionals.
The government also partnered with the private sector to launch two projects in June 2018. The SCHOOLFirst project, led by Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, provides access to up-to-date information for teachers and school boards on concussion practices to support youth who are returning to school after experiencing a concussion. The Progress Activation and Concussion Education (PACE) mobile app helps people recognize, prevent and manage a concussion.
Additionally, Budget 2019 announced $6 million per year ongoing, to enable Canadian sports organizations to promote accessible, ethical, equitable and safe sports.
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3/22/2019,225,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Update and expand the Nutrition North program.,Minister of Health;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations;Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,"Actions taken, progress made",More affordable nutritious food for Canadians in the North.,"In Budget 2016, the government increased funding to expand Nutrition North Canada to isolated northern communities. Nutrition North Canada helps alleviate the high cost of food in 121 isolated northern communities by providing a subsidy on perishable nutritious food. To date, the full benefits of Nutrition North Canada, including nutrition education funding, have been expanded to 37 additional isolated northern communities.
Under the oversight of the Nutrition North Canada Advisory Board, throughout 2016 the government engaged with Northerners to collect feedback on how to best update the program. In response to the findings from the public engagement, the Nutrition North Canada Advisory Board published the Reflections on the What We Heard Report and hosted a stakeholder meeting with Indigenous organizations, northern retailers and airlines, provincial and territorial governments and other federal government departments in early May 2017. The purpose was to discuss the feedback received during the public engagement and the key areas where many different views as identified by the Advisory Board. Through facilitated group discussions, participants collaborated on ways the program can be more responsive to the needs of Northerners. An Indigenous Working Group was launched at this meeting, including national and regional Indigenous organizations, which was tasked with co-developing options to help Nutrition North Canada work better for Northerners. Co-development work is ongoing, under the oversight of the Advisory Board to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs.
As of July 2018, Nutrition North Canada falls under the portfolio of the Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade. The department will continue to work to update and expand the Nutrition North program, in consultation with northern communities.
In the November 2018 Fall Economic Statement the government proposed an investment of $62.6 million over five years, and $10.4 million ongoing for the Nutrition North Canada program “to ensure that northern families have access to affordable, healthy food, including local food.”
On December 10, 2018, the government announced significant improvements to the Nutrition North Canada program. As of January 1, 2019, these improvements include: a fully revised subsidized foods list, which includes a focus on northern staples and family-friendly items; a new highest-level subsidy rate specifically for milk, frozen fruit, frozen vegetables, infant formula, and infant food; and, an increase to the two current subsidy rates to help further lower the cost of perishable, nutritious food. The announcement included the creation of a new Harvesters Support Grant, and an Inuit-Crown Food Security working group. The Harvesters Support Grant will provide funding to regional governments and Indigenous organizations to support subsistence harvesting in eligible communities. The grant is expected to result in increased access to local country/traditional food, reduce the cost for harvesting activities, and is being co-developed with the NNC Indigenous Working Group and the Inuit-Crown Food Security Working Group. The newly created Inuit-Crown working group will focus on food security and work towards a sustainable food system in Inuit Nunangat. The current Indigenous working group will continue its work ensuring that the unique interests, priorities and circumstances of First Nations and Métis are acknowledged, affirmed, and implemented.
In addition, as part of a National Food Policy, Budget 2019 proposes to provide the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency with $15 million, over five years, starting in 2019–20, to establish a Northern Isolated Community Initiatives Fund. This fund will support community-led projects for local and Indigenous food production systems, and is in addition to the funding announced in December.
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3/22/2019,226,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Develop a coordinated national action plan on post-traumatic stress disorder.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,"Actions taken, progress made",Canada's public safety officers have better access to support for post-traumatic stress.,"The government is developing a national action plan on post-traumatic stress injuries, which will be evidence-based and will align substantively with the findings of the Fifth Report of the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security, including an emphasis on coordinated research, early intervention, and support and treatment for public safety officers.
Budget 2018 proposed funding to support a new national research consortium between the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT) to address the incidence of post-traumatic stress injuries among public safety officers. The government also proposed funding to increase support for the mental health needs of RCMP officers, and for Public Safety Canada to work with CIPSRT to develop an internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy pilot as a means of providing greater access to care and treatment for public safety officers.
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3/22/2019,227,15-Nov,Indigenous peoples,Co-develop an Indigenous Languages Act.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism,"Actions taken, progress made","An Indigenous Languages Act co-developed with the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Métis National Council (on behalf of the Métis Nation) that preserves, promotes, and revitalizes Indigenous languages in Canada, resulting in more people speaking Indigenous languages.","On December 6, 2016 the Prime Minister announced that the Government of Canada will enact an Indigenous Languages Act, co-developed with Indigenous peoples, with the goal of ensuring the preservation, promotion, and revitalization of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit languages in Canada. On June 15, 2017, Canadian Heritage, the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Métis Nation Council (on behalf of the Métis Nation) launched the co-development of Indigenous languages legislation and agreed on a collaborative engagement process. Early engagement concluded in February 2018, and intensive engagement was undertaken by Canadian Heritage with the support of the three National Indigenous Organizations throughout summer 2018.
Bill C-91, *An Act respecting Indigenous languages*, was introduced in the House of Commons on February 5, 2019.
Additionally, Budget 2019 earmarked $333.7 million over the next five years with $115.7 million ongoing for the implementation of the *Indigenous Languages Act*. These investments will serve to preserve, promote, and revitalize Indigenous languages.
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3/22/2019,228,15-Nov,Sustainable Infrastructure,Expand the network of shelters and transition houses for those fleeing domestic violence.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Indigenous Services;Minister for Women and Gender Equality,"Actions taken, progress made",More shelters available for those fleeing domestic violence.,"In Budget 2016, the government made significant investments to repair and expand the number of shelters and transition houses for victims of family violence and ensure that no one fleeing domestic violence is left without a place to go. As of March 31, 2018, this funding has supported over 3,200 projects, to assist more than 5,800 households. In Budget 2016, the government also provided greater funding to renovate, construct and better support shelters serving victims of family violence in First Nation communities. Five communities (in Ontario, Manitoba, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Quebec) have been identified for the construction of new shelters, and planning and construction activities have begun. The new Manitoba shelter held its grand opening on November 6, 2018, with a statement from the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. Shelters in British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec have indicated the facilities will be open and operational by April 1, 2019. The shelter in Saskatchewan has indicated that, due to delays in construction, the operational date is anticipated to be July or August 2019.
Announced in 2017, the National Housing Strategy will fund projects that support vulnerable Canadians, including homeless women and those fleeing domestic violence. Along with Budget 2016, this funding will support the construction and renewal of at least 7,000 shelter spaces as well as aim for 33% of all investments to support projects that specifically target women and girls. In Budget 2019, the government also proposes to introduce new legislation which will require the federal government to maintain a National Housing Strategy that prioritizes the housing needs of the most vulnerable, and will require regular reporting to Parliament on progress toward the Strategy’s goals and outcomes."
3/22/2019,229,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Reduce complexity and strengthen partnerships between National Defence and Veterans Affairs.,Minister of Veterans Affairs;Minister of National Defence,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","A simpler and easier to navigate process for delivering benefits and services to ensure members of Canada's Armed Forces (CAF), Veterans, and their families are well supported and properly prepared for civilian life.","The Government is developing a roadmap for the delivery of a simpler and more streamlined transition process focused on clients. It focuses on increased awareness and easier navigation of benefits and services, timely provision of benefits and services, recognition of service and a lifelong sense of belonging, continuity of health care, and career development support.
Budget 2019 provides $135.1 million over six years, beginning in 2018–19 to make the process of transitioning to post-service life simpler and seamless. The funding provided will help:
• Expand access to support provided by the Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group to ensure that members of the Canadian Armed Forces—not just those who are ill and injured—benefit from personalized support services.
• Enhance training available on transitioning to civilian life, to improve members of the Canadian Armed Forces’ knowledge of programs, benefits and available services.
• Launch a new online Screening Tool to help Veterans Affairs Canada identify members of the Canadian Armed Forces at risk of a difficult transition and proactively inform them about the services and benefits that may help them most.
• Improve services to departing members by making benefit application and information sharing between Veterans Affairs Canada and the Department of National Defence simpler and more streamlined.
• Launch a Member’s Transition Task List, available through a service member’s My VAC Account, to help them better navigate the process from beginning to end.
In addition, the Government will amend legislation to expand eligibility for the Education and Training Benefit, so that members of the Supplementary Reserve can access it. The Education and Training Benefit provides veterans with up to $80,000 for education."
3/22/2019,230,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Develop a suicide prevention strategy for Canadian Armed Forces personnel and Veterans.,Minister of National Defence;Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,More Veterans and men and women in the Canadian Armed Forces receive the mental health care they need and suicides are reduced.,"Canada’s new defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—invests in the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces and delivers the standard of service and care that current and former members deserve. The policy increases the number of Canada’s military personnel and significantly invests in the health and welfare of those serving in uniform. Under the policy, the government is expanding the Department of National Defence Medical Service Branch by 200 personnel to ensure serving members have better access to effective care anywhere they serve in Canada or abroad.
In October 2017, the government announced the implementation of a joint Canadian Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Suicide Prevention Strategy. It’s composed of 160 different initiatives, programs and services including the hiring of additional mental health professionals focused on preventing suicide across the entire military and Veterans community. The effectiveness of clinical interventions, training, education and other supports and services will be studied to assess progress in preventing suicide.
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3/22/2019,231,15-Nov,Safety and Security,Create a committee of Parliamentarians to review national security.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,Completed - fully met,Parliamentarians have the information they need to ensure Canada's national security framework and activities are effective and protect rights and freedoms and Canadian values.,"In June 2017, new legislation was passed to create the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP). This means publicly elected officials now have access to classified information and a mandate to scrutinize the national security and intelligence activities of departments and agencies, aligning Canada with allies like the United Kingdom and the United States. The Committee's broad government-wide mandate to scrutinize any national security matter will help ensure the safety and security of Canadians, as well as protect and uphold the personal freedoms of all Canadians. The NSICOP has completed three reviews, and tabled two reports in Parliament: a special report and its first annual report. There are four upcoming reviews on which work is underway: reviews on foreign interference, diversity and inclusion in the security and intelligence community, the national security and intelligence activities of the Canada Border Services Agency, and the collection, use, retention and sharing of Canadian citizen information by the Department of National Defence and of the Canadian Armed Forces."
3/22/2019,232,15-Nov,Canada in the World,End Canada's combat mission in Iraq and Syria and refocus Canada's efforts on training and humanitarian support.,Minister of National Defence,Completed - fully met,"Canada ceased conducting fighter jet strikes in Iraq and Syria and adopted a more comprehensive approach with increased resources for stabilization, humanitarian assistance, and training.","In February 2016, Canada ceased conducting strikes by CF-18 fighter jets on Daesh targets and increased contributions to the training of Iraq Security Forces, and to humanitarian and stabilization support. The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are contributing many capabilities to the multinational efforts to degrade and defeat Daesh. In Budget 2019, the government committed $442 million to renew Operation IMPACT, Canada’s military contribution to peace and security in the region, until March 31, 2021. Up to 850 CAF personnel are assigned to Operation IMPACT."
3/22/2019,233,15-Nov,Canada in the World,Renew Canada's commitment to United Nations peace operations.,Minister of National Defence;Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made","Canadian efforts enhance peace and security, protect human rights, promote stability, and help those most in need around the world.","Canada has a long and proud history of contributing to peacekeeping operations. Modern conflicts have, nevertheless, called for a rethinking of how we can most effectively promote international peace and security. At the UN peacekeeping conference in Vancouver in November 2017, the Prime Minister unveiled the main elements of Canada’s new approach to peace support operations. Canada is taking a leadership role supporting, among other initiatives, the following:
• The Vancouver Principles – focused on ending the recruitment and use of child soldiers in the context of UN peacekeeping operations. As of November 2018, 72 countries have already endorsed the principles. To support this effort Canada is helping to strengthen the capacity of the African Union, as well as military and police forces in Somalia and the DRC, to protect children in conflict situations. Canada has pledged $1.25M through UNICEF to provide training, to help improve policies and procedures, and to deploy two Child Protection Advisors to the African Union's peacekeeping mission in Somalia.
• The Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations – a pilot project that aims to test approaches to increase the meaningful participation of uniformed women in UN peace operations. As of November 2018, a baseline study which describes the barriers faced by uniformed women in UN peace operations has been completed, bilateral technical assistance and training partnerships have been established with Ghana and Zambia, and $7.7M has been provided to the UN's Department of Peacekeeping Operations and select UN missions to support the creation of receptive environments for women peacekeepers.
• A range of Smart Pledges and military capabilities – aimed at leveraging Canadian expertise, contributing high-end capabilities to UN peace support operations, and supporting broader UN reform efforts.
In keeping with this approach, on March 19, 2018, the Government of Canada announced the deployment of an Air Task Force to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) for a period of 12 months. The Air Task Force became fully operational on August 15, 2018, as part of Canada’s efforts to help set the conditions for durable peace, development, and prosperity in Mali. The Task Force provides urgently needed aeromedical evacuation, transport, and logistics capacity, as well as armed escort and protection.
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3/22/2019,234,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Ensure that Employment Insurance (EI) contributions are only used to fund EI programs.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Finance",Completed - fully met,Improved sustainability of the Employment Insurance (EI) program to ensure the program is available to Canadians when they need it.,"The government ensures that Employment Insurance (EI) contributions are only used to fund EI programs. In April 2016, the seven-year break-even rate-setting mechanism came into force, ensuring that the EI Operating Account will be balanced over a seven-year horizon. The EI premium rate declined from $1.88 per $100 of insurable earnings in 2016 to $1.66 in 2018, a period over which the government has made significant enhancements to EI benefits and programs funded by the EI Operating Account.
The 2019 EI premium rate has decreased further to $1.62, reflecting strong economic conditions and projections, as well as additional new supports for Canadian families. This is the lowest EI premium rate since 1980, and for most Canadian workers, the lowest they have paid since entering the workforce. "
3/22/2019,235,15-Nov,Indigenous peoples,Renew and improve the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made","Improved employment outcomes for participants accessing programs through the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS), and reduced employment gaps with non-Indigenous Canadians who use similar employment services.","Budget 2018 announced an investment of $2 billion over five years, and $408.2 million per year ongoing, to support the creation of the new Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISET) Program, which will replace the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS). This new program is based on extensive engagement held in 2016 and 2017 with ASETS holders, Indigenous communities and leadership, and other stakeholders to seek feedback on how the ASETS structure and policy could be redesigned and improved. The ISET Program also builds upon previous increased federal investment, whereby approximately 1,700 additional Indigenous Peoples were supported through the ASETS in 2016 compared to 2015. The government also made investments to increase capacity of service providers to meet the growing demand from Indigenous Peoples for skills development and job training and provided an additional $50 million to ASETS in 2017. The government is currently engaging with Indigenous partners on the co-development of the implementation of the ISET Program."
3/22/2019,236,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Provide a 12-month break on Employment Insurance (EI) premiums for firms that hire younger workers into permanent positions.,"Minister of Finance;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Not being pursued,See below,"Based on research conducted by the Department of Finance, it was determined that this was not the most effective or efficient way of spending public resources to create jobs for young people.
Budgets 2016 and 2017 invested significantly in the Youth Employment Strategy, nearly doubling the Canada Summer Jobs program, which will help more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop the skills they need to find work, create 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians and provide over 1,600 new employment opportunities for youth in the heritage sector. In addition, Budget 2016 announced the creation of an Expert Panel on Youth Employment to assess the barriers faced by vulnerable youth in finding and keeping jobs, and to examine innovative practices used by governments, non-governmental organizations and employers to improve job opportunities for vulnerable youth.
Through Budget 2018, the government is providing an additional $448.5 million over five years starting in 2018–19, for the Youth Employment Strategy. This funding extends commitments made in 2016 to nearly double the number of Canada Summer Jobs for summer 2019 with up to 70,000 opportunities for youth. In addition, this funding will provide resources to implement a modernized Youth Employment Strategy, building on the input of the Expert Panel on Youth Employment."
3/22/2019,237,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Provide more generous and flexible leave for caregivers.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Caregivers of critically ill or injured Canadians receive greater support.,"Effective December 2017, the new Family Caregiver benefit for adults helps families care for a critically ill adult. This benefit allows eligible caregivers to take up to 15 weeks off work to care for or support an adult family member who is critically ill or injured. Eligible caregivers are family members or individuals that the critically ill or injured adult considers to be like family.
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3/22/2019,238,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Develop a Social Innovation and Social Finance strategy.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development","Actions taken, progress made",A government-wide strategy is established that facilitates new and innovative ways of addressing Canada's biggest social challenges.,"In August 2018, the Government of Canada made public the recommendations report of the Social Innovation and Social Finance Strategy Co-Creation Steering Group. In response to Steering Group recommendations, the government proposed through its Fall Economic Statement 2018 to make available up to $755 million over the next 10 years on a cash basis for a repayable Social Finance Fund and to allocate $50 million for Investment and Readiness grants and contributions over two years, 2019–20 and 2020–21.
Budget 2019 introduced additional details on the Social Finance Fund, including a $50 million investment through the Social Finance Fund to be made in the newly proposed Indigenous Growth Fund, and a minimum of $100 million to be allocated towards projects that support greater gender equality. This investment will mean that community organizations can access financing to create jobs and address important issues in their communities. It will also mean that investors of all types will have new opportunities to invest in community organizations solving problems on the front lines.
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3/22/2019,239,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Introduce the Canada Child Benefit (CCB).,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Finance",Completed - fully met,"A generous, better-targeted, tax-free monthly Canada Child Benefit (CCB) that gives nine out of ten Canadian families more money to help with the high cost of raising their children.","The government introduced the tax-free, income-tested Canada Child Benefit (CCB) in Budget 2016. The CCB provides about 3.7 million recipients with about $24 billion in payments annually. The CCB has contributed to higher incomes for families with children and reduced the number of children living in poverty. Statistics Canada data indicates that in 2017 there were 278,000 fewer children living in poverty compared to 2015. In the 2017 Fall Economic Statement, the government announced that the CCB would be increased annually to keep pace with the rising cost of living as of July 2018, two years ahead of schedule. For the 2018-19 benefit year, the CCB provides a maximum annual benefit of $6,496 per child under age 6 and $5,481 per child age 6 through 17. In Budget 2018, the government expanded the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program and provided $17.3 million over three years to improve outreach efforts to help Indigenous Peoples access the full range of federal social benefits, including the CCB."
3/22/2019,240,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Develop a National Early Learning and Child Care Framework with the provinces and territories.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister for Women and Gender Equality",Completed - fully met,"More high-quality, affordable child care spaces.","The Government of Canada is investing in early learning and child care to help Canadian children get the best start in life. Through transfers to provinces and territories, it is supporting the creation of up to 40,000 affordable, high-quality child care spaces for low and modest income families by March 2020. The Federal, Provincial and Territorial governments reached a historic agreement on a Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care Framework on June 12, 2017. The government has worked with each province and territory to enter into three-year bilateral agreements that will outline their unique early learning and child care needs to be addressed and the funding allocation for each jurisdiction. Bilateral agreements have now been signed with all jurisdictions.
In addition to bilateral agreements with other levels of government, the government will also dedicate funding towards specific initiatives to support better outcomes for early learning and child care in Canada. Over the next 11 years, this includes:
• $100 million for early learning and child care innovation, which will support new and innovative practices across the country and help to develop more effective services to improve life outcomes for children and their families.
• $95 million to close data gaps in order to better understand what child care looks like in Canada, supporting strong reporting on progress made in implementing the Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care Framework and the Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework.
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3/22/2019,241,15-Nov,Indigenous peoples,Establish a new fiscal relationship with First Nations communities and lift the 2% cap.,Minister of Finance;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations,"Actions taken, progress made",Increased support for Indigenous communities consistent with needs and population growth rather than a fixed 2% cap; co-developed approaches to reforming funding policies and accountability.,"By 2021-2022, total federal government spending on Indigenous programs will increase from over $11 billion in 2015-2016 to over $15 billion in 2021-2022—an increase of 34% over six years. The Government of Canada has also committed to a new fiscal relationship that is sufficient, sustainable and predictable. The government is advancing a renewed fiscal relationship through two parallel initiatives.
The first is with the Assembly of First Nations which resulted in a co-developed report entitled ""A New Approach: Co-development of a New Fiscal Relationship between Canada and First Nation,"" that was submitted to the National Chief and the Minister of Indigenous Services in December 2017. In response to the report, the Minister committed to work with First Nation partners to move ahead on a number of proposals, including: providing more funding flexibility and predictability to support self-determination with the creation of ten-year-grants for qualified First Nations, with the goal of providing them to 100 First Nations by April 1, 2019; replacing the Default Prevention and Management Policy; and establishing an advisory committee to support ongoing co-development. Indigenous Services Canada offered the 10-year grant to 102 communities, with 82 communities signing on to the grant for April 1, 2019. It is expected that interest in the grant will continue to grow given the Budget 2019 announcement to introduce an annual escalator. and a replacement to the Default Prevention and Management Policy is in process. Work is underway to expand grant eligibility to aggregates, such as Tribal Councils who deliver services to a group of First Nations. To better support First Nations communities, to support strong Indigenous institutions and to advance the new fiscal relationship with First Nations, Budget 2018 provided investments of $188.6 million over five years, starting in 2018–2019. In addition, the AFN-ISC Joint Advisory Committee on Fiscal Relations was created in October 2018 and has met monthly since it was created in October 2018 and is on track to prepare recommendations to the Minister of Indigenous Services and the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations on key areas of the new fiscal relationship.
The second collaborative process on fiscal policy is focused on Self-Governing Indigenous groups. Since May 2016, the government and Self-Governing Indigenous governments have been engaged in the Collaborative Self-Government Fiscal Policy Development Process, to develop a new policy framework for the provision of federal financial support to self-government. A co-developed draft policy proposal was completed in December 2017 and was endorsed by the Government of Canada. Through Budget 2018, the government committed $189.2 million in 2018–2019 to begin the implementation of fiscal policy reforms that have been co-developed with self-governing Indigenous Peoples. This funding will support key priorities, including the closing of socio-economic gaps, infrastructure, data collection and governance.
Further, to help ensure that Indigenous governments have the fiscal capacity to govern their people, communities, land and resources effectively, Budget 2019 proposes to invest in a new co-developed collaborative self-government fiscal policy including:
• a new approach for governance funding;
• a new life-cycle funding model for the maintenance and replacement of community infrastructure; and
• an interim approach to land and resource management responsibilities.
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3/22/2019,242,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Develop a National Disabilities Act.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility","Actions taken, progress made",Federal accessibility legislation that promotes equality of opportunity and increases inclusion and participation of Canadians who have disabilities or functional limitations.,"Building on the extensive nine-month, in-person and online consultation with Canadians, the Government of Canada tabled the *Accessible Canada Act* on June 20th, 2018. The *Accessible Canada Act* represents the most significant Government of Canada disability rights legislation in over 30 years and is a cornerstone of the Government of Canada’s plan to build a more inclusive Canada. The legislation will address, in a systematic way, the barriers that exist in areas of federal jurisdiction. It proposes to cover sectors such as banking, transportation, telecommunications, and Government of Canada departments and agencies. The Government of Canada is providing funding of approximately $290 million over six years that will further the objectives of the new legislation. "
3/22/2019,244,15-Nov,Sustainable Infrastructure,Ensure any unspent infrastructure funds are transferred to municipalities.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Finance,"Actions taken, progress made",Ensure infrastructure funding approved by Parliament does not lapse and is invested in municipal infrastructure projects.,"In March 2017, the Government of Canada transferred $30.2 million in potentially lapsing funding from a number of previously established funding programs to municipalities through the federal Gas Tax Fund (GTF).
The government has also committed to transfer unused legacy funding to the GTF. For example, any funding under the Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component of the 2014 New Building Canada Fund not approved for projects by June 30, 2019 will be transferred to the GTF."
3/22/2019,245,15-Nov,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Develop a 10-year infrastructure plan, improve governance and promote better data collection and asset management.",Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Transport,Completed - fully met,"Agreements with all provinces and territories that improve public transit, roads and bridges; increase access to affordable housing and child care; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; improve access to clean water, and enhance resilience in the face of a changing climate.","With investments made in Budgets 2016 and 2017, the government developed the Investing in Canada plan, a 12-year plan that invests over $180 billion across Canada in public transit, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, rural and northern communities’ infrastructure, and trade and transportation infrastructure.
Bilateral infrastructure agreements were signed with all provinces and territories, and include agreements to report on benefits to communities. The government also signed an agreement with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) to deliver an asset management program that supports municipalities in making informed infrastructure investment decisions.
In partnership with Statistics Canada and other stakeholders, the government launched Canada’s Core Public Infrastructure Survey to better track, collect, use and share data on Canadian infrastructure. The government can also track comparable data on infrastructure usage and demand across jurisdictions, as well as track the state and performance of public infrastructure across asset classes.
The Infrastructure Economic Accounts launched in September 2018. These measures will help the government maximize value for taxpayer dollars and report back to Canadians on outcomes achieved. In addition, the Minister of Transport announced the new Canadian Centre on Transportation Data and the new Transportation Data and Information Hub in April 2018.
In Budget 2019, the government announced an investment of $60 million in 2018–19 in FCM’s Municipal Asset Management Capacity Fund to help small communities get skills training on how to inventory, grow and maintain infrastructure assets over five years.
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3/22/2019,246,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,"Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency proactively contacts those who are entitled to, but are not receiving, tax benefits.",Minister of National Revenue,"Actions taken, progress made","More Canadians receive the tax benefits and credits to which they are entitled, including vulnerable Canadians and Indigenous people on-reserve.","In October 2017 the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) proactively contacted 300,000 Canadians who were potentially eligible for tax benefits but were not receiving them. As a result, a total of 37,934 returns were filed and over $6.98 million in tax refund payments and $32.4 million in credits and benefits were paid to Canadians. The 2018-2019 letter campaign was launched on October 26, 2018 with 205,425 letters sent. Results will be compiled in February 2019 and reported by March 2019.
The CRA has also undertaken other initiatives to ensure that all Canadians are receiving the benefits they are entitled to, including:
• Proactively promoting the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) in Indigenous communities. Between April 2018 and February 2019, in-person visits were conducted in 290 Indigenous communities in order to promote the CCB and other benefits; 210 of these communities were visited in partnership with Service Canada.
• Making it easier for Canadians to file their income tax and benefit returns.
• Investing Budget 2018 funding to implement an enhanced outreach program to proactively reach out to those individuals and vulnerable groups who may be eligible to, but not receiving tax benefits and to promote the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) through in-person community visits. Budget funds are also being invested to increase support for CVITP-participating organizations and to extend this support year-round to enhance access to the free tax preparation services supported through the CVITP.
• Opened three new Northern Service Centres in Whitehorse, Yellowknife, and Iqaluit on February 11, 2019 to enhance services to individuals and businesses in the territories. The CRA employees based in these new centres will expand the activities of the Outreach Program, the CVITP, and the Liaison Officer service in the territories. "
3/22/2019,247,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) offers a service through community organizations to complete returns for lower-income Canadians whose financial situation is unchanged year-to-year.,Minister of National Revenue,Completed - modified,Simpler process for low-income Canadians to file their taxes when their financial situation hasn't changed much.,"The government has made significant investments in the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) and Outreach Programs through Budget 2016 and Budget 2018. Budget 2018 provided additional funding to increase awareness among Canadians of the benefits and credits to which they are entitled; increase the number of individuals helped by CVITP-participating organizations and their volunteers; provide additional support to organizations to hold free tax clinics year-round; and conduct more outreach activities to vulnerable population segments. For the 2018 tax season, the number of organizations and volunteers increased by 9% and 6.5%, respectively.
• Last year, more than 17,700 CVITP volunteers and 3,100 organizations prepared over 785,000 income tax and benefit returns, helping over 703,000 people
• The program helped Canadians access over $1.7 billion in refunds, credits and benefits.
The Canada Revenue Agency also provides the File my Return service for Canadians with a low or a fixed income whose situations remain unchanged year-to-year. Eligible Canadians are able to file their income tax and benefit return by providing some personal information and answering a series of short questions through an automated phone service. Since the start of the 2018 tax filing season, File my Return was used over 47,000 times.
Three new Northern Service Centres in Whitehorse, Yellowknife, and Iqaluit are now open (announced February 11, 2019). The CRA employees based in these new centres will expand the activities of the Outreach Program, the CVITP, and the Liaison Officer service in the territories."
3/22/2019,248,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency supports more Canadians who wish to file taxes using no paper forms.,Minister of National Revenue,Completed - fully met,"More Canadians file their taxes online; and filing online is simple, easy and convenient for all CRA administered programs.","For the 2018 tax filing season, 87.6 per cent of income tax returns were filed online, an increase of nearly 750,000 over the previous tax year.
Since the start of the 2018 tax filing season:
• Auto-fill My Return was used nearly 10 million times,
• Express Notice of Assessment was used over 415,000 times,
• File My Return was used over 47,000 times, and
• ReFILE was used over 123,000 times.
• The secure online portals were logged into over 63 million times in 2017-2018.
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has introduced other initiatives to encourage digital filing, such as:
• Corporation Income Tax Return T2 Auto-fill service, which has seen 228,404 logins between its introduction in October 2017 until February 2019. With the T2 Attach-a-doc service, corporations can also attach certain supporting documentation digitally to their return, with 23,340 documents having been attached during this time period.
• In May 2018, a new service was introduced to My Business Account that allows business owners and authorized representatives to create their own filing and balance confirmation letters online. Since implementation of this new service, 53,488 automated requests for this letter have been processed.
In September 2018, the Minister of National Revenue announced a joint digital services plan between the CRA and Tax-Filer Empowerment Canada to produce and promote innovative, secure, and convenient electronic tax filing services.
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3/22/2019,249,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency delivers correspondence and other communications that are straightforward and easy to read.,Minister of National Revenue,Completed - fully met,"Correspondence is simplified so that Canadians can better understand information they receive from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), leading to increased client satisfaction and fewer inquiries for routine information.","The government simplified the correspondence the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) sends Canadians, making it easier to read and understand, by streamlining and simplifying the look of notices, statements and letters. Examples include the Notice of Assessment, Benefits Notices, and GST/HST credit notices. The External Administrative Correspondence project began in 2015 and as of February 2019, 97 per cent of the correspondence the CRA sends to Canadians complies with the new easy-to-read format."
3/22/2019,250,17-Feb,Fair and Open Government,"Enhance transparency in the political fundraising system for Cabinet members, party leaders and leadership candidates.",Minister of Democratic Institutions,Completed - fully met,A more transparent political fundraising system is in place that strengthens trust and confidence in Canada's democratic institutions.,"In May 2017 the government introduced legislation to significantly enhance transparency in the political fundraising system. This legislation came into force in December 2018, and applies to Cabinet members, party leaders and leadership candidates. It gives Canadians more information than ever before about who is going to fundraisers, when and where they are happening, and the amount required to attend."
3/22/2019,251,17-Feb,Strong Middle Class,Update the *Canada Labour Code* to address unpaid internships.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,Stronger protections and employment standards that better protect workers and reflect the changing nature of the labour market.,"Budget 2017 announced the government's intention to eliminate unpaid internships in federally regulated sectors where internships are not part of a formal educational program. In the case of unpaid internships that are part of an educational program, the government will ensure standard labour protections apply, such as maximum hours of work, weekly days of rest and general holidays. Legislation to implement these changes was tabled in Parliament on October 27, 2017, as part of the *Budget Implementation Act*, 2017, No. 2 which received Royal Assent on December 14, 2017. The legislation will come into force once enabling regulations are in place."
3/22/2019,252,17-Feb,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Increase the labour force participation of women and underrepresented groups.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made","Improved labour market participation and employment outcomes for groups traditionally under-represented in the labour market (women, youth, immigrants, persons with disabilities, racialized communities, and Indigenous peoples).","The government has introduced several initiatives to help Canadians with the challenges they face when making decisions about pursuing work or going back to school. These initiatives will increase the number of high-quality, affordable child care spaces (up to 40,000 over the next three years), introduce flexible work arrangements, make parental leave more flexible, and expand opportunities for lifelong learning. These initiatives are expected to increase labour force participation among several under-represented groups, particularly mothers in low- and modest-income families. In addition, the government has increased the number of work experience opportunities for young Canadians through the Youth Employment Strategy, and has also expanded access to job supports and skills training for all Canadians, with a particular focus on the needs of Indigenous Peoples and other under-represented groups. Budget 2018 proposed a new Employment Insurance Parental Sharing Benefit which will support greater gender equality in the home and in the workplace. The Benefit will provide additional weeks of “use it or lose it” EI parental benefits, when both parents agree to share parental leave. The creation of the new Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program, the introduction of a loans program and employment supports for newcomers and the introduction of a federal accessibility act will further support the unique needs of Indigenous Peoples, newcomers and persons with disabilities. To support key groups facing barriers to enter and succeed in the trades, the government also launched in 2018 the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women, the Women in Construction Fund and the Skilled Trades Awareness and Readiness Program."
3/22/2019,253,17-Feb,Strong Middle Class,"Develop initiatives to equip Canadians with the skills needed for the jobs of today and tomorrow, and assist workers before they become unemployed.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made",Canadian workers have the skills they need to find and keep good quality jobs.,"The Government of Canada is working with employers, unions, provinces, territories and educational institutions to ensure that Canadians are equipped to adapt to rapidly changing skills requirements and make successful job transitions. There is a particular focus throughout the suite of government investments in training, education and work experiences on addressing the skills needs of those at risk of being left furthest behind, such as Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, newcomers and vulnerable youth.
To ensure Canadian workers have the skills they need to find and keep good quality jobs, the government has significantly increased investment in labour market transfer agreements with provinces and territories and expanded their inclusiveness and scope to improve workers' access to skills training and job supports. The Federal government is also making post-secondary education more affordable for low- and modest income families, increasing opportunities for graduates to gain work-ready skills for smoother school-to-work transitions and improving access to opportunities for adult upskilling and lifelong learning. The government is also enhancing supports for skilled trades and apprenticeships, with an increasing focus on women and groups that have traditionally been underrepresented in the labour market.
Budget 2019 reaffirmed the government’s commitment to Future Skills. The Future Skills initiative will play a key role in ensuring that the government is able to provide skills development programs that help Canadians prepare for the future of work by exploring major trends shaping the future and testing innovative approaches to prepare Canadians to meet them head-on.
On February 14, 2019, the government announced the membership of the Future Skills Council, and the partnership of organizations selected to operate Canada’s new Future Skills Centre.
The Future Skills Council will advise on emerging skills and workforce trends of national and regional significance and the Future Skills Centre will develop, test and rigorously measure new approaches to skills assessment and development. Evidence and results will support changes in skills development services to ensure they are responsive to Canadian needs.
Budget 2019 also proposes to introduce the Canada Training Benefit, a new personalized, portable tool to help all Canadians get the skills they need to find and keep good jobs. The Canada Training Benefit would give workers money to help pay for training, provide income support during training, and offer job protection so that workers can take the time they need to keep their skills relevant and in-demand.
"
3/22/2019,254,17-Feb,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Introduce proactive pay equity legislation for federally-regulated workers.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister for Women and Gender Equality","Actions taken, progress made","Equal pay for work of equal value in federally regulated sectors. Proactive pay equity is expected to contribute to:
• reducing the gender wage gap by addressing the undervaluation of work traditionally performed by women; and
• fairness in the workplace.","With the December 2018 passing of the new *Pay Equity Act*, as well as amendments to related legislation, the government delivered on its commitment to replace the current complaint-based approach to pay equity in the federal jurisdiction with a proactive system. These new authorities represent a dramatic shift in how the right to pay equity is protected in federally regulated workplaces and will come into force on a day to be set by order of the Governor in Council.
In developing a proactive approach to pay equity, the government considered the recommendations of the 2004 Bilson Task Force Report on Pay Equity, the 2016 Report of the House of Commons Special Committee on Pay Equity, lessons from models in Ontario and Quebec, as well as feedback received from employer, employee and advocacy stakeholders during the 2017 Labour Program roundtables on pay equity system design elements.
In the 2018 Fall Economic Statement, the government announced that it would provide a total of $26.6 million over six years, starting in 2018–19, and $5.8 million per year ongoing to support the new Pay Equity Commissioner and the new Pay Equity Unit within the Canadian Human Rights Commission to implement and administer the proactive pay equity legislation for the federally regulated public and private sectors once it comes into force.
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3/22/2019,255,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Restore a fair and balanced approach to organized labour.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility",Completed - fully met,A fair and balanced labour policy.,"In June 2017, Parliament repealed measures enacted by two pieces of legislation that undermined the ability of workers to bargain collectively. This action was supported by both employers and unions, in recognition of the need by all parties for a policy framework governed by the principles of fairness and balance. "
3/22/2019,256,17-Feb,Healthy Canadians,Implement Canada's ban on asbestos.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,Canada comprehensively bans asbestos.,"In December 2016, the government announced a set of comprehensive measures to ban asbestos and products containing asbestos by 2018. The government brought into force changes to the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations in July 2017 to lower the exposure limit to as close to zero as possible for airborne chrysotile asbestos. These changes protect federally regulated employees at risk."
3/22/2019,257,17-Feb,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Reduce the wage gap between men and women.,"Minister for Women and Gender Equality;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made",Fair compensation systems in organizations under federal jurisdiction and a more flexible work environment to reduce the pay gap between women and men.,"Proactive pay equity is expected to contribute to fairness in the workplace by reducing the gender wage gap in federally regulated workplaces by addressing the undervaluation of work traditionally performed by women.
In its response to the Special Committee on Pay Equity report titled It’s Time to Act, the Government of Canada made a commitment to table new, proactive pay equity legislation in federally regulated sectors before the end of 2018, and did so on October 29, 2018. The *Pay Equity Act* was introduced through Bill C-86, *Budget Implementation Act*, 2018, No.2, which received Royal Assent on December 13, 2018. The new proactive pay equity regime will contribute to enhancing fairness in the workplace by ensuring men and women in federally regulated sectors receive the same pay for work of equal value. It will also contribute to reducing the portion of the gender wage gap in federally regulated workplaces that is due to the undervaluation of work traditionally performed by women. In addition, the government will provide Canadians with more information on the wage gaps of employers in the federally regulated private sector. Building on the Government of Canada’s commitment to close the gender wage gap through Pay Transparency measures announced in Budget 2018, Budget 2019 announced an amendment to the *Employment Equity Act* related to the categories of information reported annually by employers, including salary data.
Other measures underway to reduce the gender wage gap and encourage greater workforce participation among women include investments in early learning and child care, a new Employment Insurance caregiving benefit, the introduction of pay transparency measures for federally regulated employers, a major symposium on women and the workplace, the right to request flexible work arrangements for federally regulated employees and the piloting of a new Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women and a new Parental Sharing EI Benefit. As part of the Investing in Canada Plan, a new Women in Construction Fund was announced in Budget 2018 to provide $10 million in funding to support women in construction trades.
In addition, a number of measures support the creation of more work-integrated learning opportunities, and seek to attract more women to Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) and business programs as well as entrepreneurship. These include expanded eligibility for Canada Student Grants for part-time students and students with dependent children, co-ops for post-secondary students, a new Student Work-Integrated Learning Program, and the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy. "
3/22/2019,259,17-Feb,Canada in the World,"Continue joint efforts to address global security threats, combat terrorism and defend our continent.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Canada is protected from global threats and contributes to achieving a safer, more peaceful and prosperous world.","Canada is committed to addressing global security threats, international peace and security concerns and to defending our continent further to contribute towards achieving a more peaceful and prosperous world. Canada’s leadership is exemplified by, among other initiatives, the following:
• Canada's defence policy – Strong, Secure, Engaged – supports the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces and provides them with the necessary equipment and capabilities to defend Canada, protect North America and contribute to international peace and security.
• Under its G7 Presidency in 2018, Canada led the development and implementation of the Toronto Commitments to address risks associated with foreign terrorist fighters and to protect democracies from foreign actors seeking to undermine democratic institutions and processes.
• Canada has taken a leadership role to reinforce the collective defence of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) by serving as a Framework Nation for the enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) in Latvia. In July 2018, Canada’s contribution to NATO’s eFP was extended until March 2023.
• Under its G7 Presidency in 2018, Canada chaired the 31-country Global Partnership (GP) Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction (WMD). In this role, Canada spearheaded a comprehensive review of the GP’s programmatic efforts to address threats posed by chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear weapons, with a view to ensuring that the Partnership (launched at the G7 Kananaskis Summit in 2002) remains well-placed to combat WMD-related terrorism and proliferation around the world. Canada also prioritized international collaboration and matchmaking amongst GP partner governments, international organizations and NGOs in order to promote greater coherence and impact.
• Building on the work undertaken during its G7 presidency, Canada actively participates in meetings of the G7 Non-Proliferation Directors Group (NPDG), the G7 Nuclear Safety and Security Group (NSSG) and the Global Partnership Working Group (GPWG) with the goal of continuously strengthening the linkages between non-proliferation policy and programming. Trilaterally, Canada is also coordinating closely with France (current holder of the G7 presidency) and the US (incoming 2020 presidency) to ensure follow-through on strategic priorities set under Canada’s presidency.
• Participation of a Canadian maritime patrol aircraft and HMCS Calgary in a multinational initiative, from September to October 2018, to counter North Korea's maritime sanctions evasion, with a particular focus on ship-to-ship transfers contrary to UNSC resolutions. In parallel, $8.6 million has been committed since April 2018 towards programs designed to counter North Korea's illicit networks and sanctions evasion tactics.
Canada is also committed to confronting international peace and security concerns through the use of autonomous sanctions. To that end, Canada has imposed targeted sanctions under the *Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act* (JVCFOA) and the *Special Economic Measures Act* (SEMA) against countries such as Russia, Iran, Venezuela, North Korea, and Myanmar.
• In February 2019, the consensus report of the Canada-chaired High-level Fissile Material Cut-off treaty (FMCT) Expert Preparatory Group was transmitted by the Secretary-General of the United Nations to the Conference on Disarmament for consideration. Canada actively advocates for the start of FMCT negotiations as a critical element to bringing an end to nuclear proliferation and as a necessary precursor to nuclear disarmament."
3/22/2019,260,17-Feb,Environment and Climate Change,Cooperate with the United States on energy security and energy infrastructure.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",Canada and the United States benefit from a secure and effective cross-border energy infrastructure.,"Collaboration on energy security and infrastructure was included in the February 13, 2017 Joint Statement from the President of the United States and the Prime Minister. Canada continues to support several major cross-border energy infrastructure projects, including: Keystone XL, Line 67, Northern Pass, New England Clean Power Link, and Great Northern Transmission Line. All projects are at different stages of review, investment, or approval. The U.S. State Department has issued presidential permits for the construction of these projects. A North American Energy Ministerial meeting took place in November 2017, and identified further areas for North American collaboration, including the security, resiliency and reliability of shared energy systems; promoting energy trade and economic development; and developing and diversifying energy resources in a responsible manner. "
3/22/2019,261,17-Feb,Environment and Climate Change,Advance shared action with the United States on environmental issues and climate change.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made",Canada-U.S. collaboration leads to a cleaner shared environment and clean energy innovation.,"Canada and the United States issued a joint statement in February 2017 confirming both countries' commitment to collaborate closely in energy innovation, especially in the clean energy sphere; in environmental cooperation, particularly along our border and at the Great Lakes; and to enhance the quality of our air and water. The status of the North American Climate, Clean Energy and Environment Partnership signed in June 2016 with the previous U.S. Administration is uncertain; however, Canada remains committed to implementing its commitments. Currently, Canada's focus has shifted from federal to state level in the U.S. In November 2017, Canada, Mexico and the state-driven U.S. Climate Alliance (a bipartisan coalition of 17 U.S. Governors launched the North American Climate Leadership Dialogue to address clean technology, clean power and carbon pricing initiatives. Canada continues to advance these priorities, in the context of the Global Climate Action Summit hosted by California in September 2018. Progress continues on the implementation of the Canada-U.S. Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement."
3/22/2019,262,17-Feb,Exports and Investment,Strengthen trilateral cooperation with the United States and Mexico to enhance North America's global competitiveness.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",North America is strong and competitive in global markets.,"The government continues to actively engage Mexico and the United States in order to advance issues in the common interest. On November 30, 2018, the government signed the Canada-US-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) which includes a new chapter that will establish a committee on competitiveness dedicated to undertaking trilateral cooperative activities to advance North American competitiveness. In addition to trade, North American cooperation continues in key areas such as energy, security, and defence. On February 2, 2018, a North American Foreign Ministers Meeting took place in Mexico City, where the three foreign ministers discussed a range of topics including North American regional competitiveness that touched on the original NAFTA, energy cooperation, and women’s entrepreneurship."
3/22/2019,263,17-Feb,Canada in the World,"Strengthen relationships with key bilateral, regional and multilateral partners.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made",Canadian interests and values are promoted through enhanced cooperation with key international partners.,"Canada continues to constructively contribute to multilateral fora to advance its foreign policy priorities, including at the United Nations; the African Union; the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe; the Commonwealth; the G7; the G20; the International Organization of La Francophonie; the Arctic Council; the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation; the Association of Southeast Asian Nations; the Pacific Alliance; the International Syria Support Group; the Lima Group on Venezuela; the Organization of American States; the World Economic Forum, the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Global Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and its Development Assistance Committee, the World Trade Organization, and the World Health Organisation. The government signed and provisionally applied the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and the Strategic Partnership Agreement with the European Union (CETA), signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Trade Partnership (CPTPP) and the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), and is negotiating a free trade agreement with Mercosur (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay), and the Pacific Alliance. The government has also strengthened relationships with key bilateral, regional and multilateral partners in the Asia Pacific, Europe, Eastern Europe and Eurasia, Latin America and the Caribbean, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and the Maghreb through high-level engagements, including 320 visits by the Prime Minister and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Development, as well as the Governor General, who undertook a state visit to three West African countries. Canada and France signed the Canada-France Statement on Artificial Intelligence, which calls for the creation of an international study group on artificial intelligence made up of experts from government, industry, and civil society, and which will be mandated to become the global reference on issues related to artificial intelligence.
At the G7 Summit in Charlevoix, Québec, leaders resolved to work together in creating a healthy, prosperous, sustainable and fair future for all. Leaders agreed to a joint communiqué which included the seven Charlevoix Commitments. Canada, along with France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, further endorsed the Oceans Plastics Charter. Canada welcomed several world leaders and heads of international organizations to the G7 Summit to take part in a special outreach session, which focused on healthy oceans and resilient coastal communities. At the joint Foreign Ministers' and Security meeting in April 2018, G7 Foreign and Security Ministers agreed to strengthen cooperation and share information, including on defending democracy and on managing risks associated with foreign terrorist fighters and associated travellers. Canada has expanded its networks and relationships with international coalitions and forums such as the Freedom Online Coalition; the Internet Governance Forum; the Inter Parliamentary Union, Women Political Leaders Global Forum, and the Community of Democracies. Canada and the EU also co-chaired a meeting of women foreign ministers in Montreal Canada on September 21-22, 2018, which provided an opportunity to harness the perspectives of women foreign ministers in addressing the challenges facing global relations today, particularly with respect to advancing gender equality. Canada is working with France, who holds the G7 Presidency in 2019, to ensure continuity between presidencies.
Following the Kerch Strait incident, the Minister of Foreign Affairs took a leadership role in the defence of Ukraine, notably within international fora (the OSCE and NATO), thus strengthening relationships with key partners (Ukraine, Baltic States, EU).
On November 6, 2018, the Minister of Foreign Affairs hosted the 2nd annual meeting of the Joint Ministerial Committee (JMC) under the Canada-EU Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA). Concrete deliverables were agreed in the areas of: Canadian participation in EU Election Observer Missions; follow up to the Women Foreign Ministers Meeting co-hosted by the two Ministers in September 2018 in Montreal; Inuit mobility between Canada and Greenland; efforts to reduce black carbon in the Arctic; and an Ocean Partnership.
The Prime Minister of Canada and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom continue discussions to ensure a seamless transition of Canada-UK relations post-Brexit.
In November 2018, the third Canada-China Annual Leaders Dialogue was held between the Prime Minister of Canada and the Premier of China."
3/22/2019,264,17-Feb,Canada in the World,Seek leadership opportunities for Canada and Canadians in multilateral institutions.,Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made",Canada and Canadians play a leading role in international organizations.,"Canada has sought to take a leadership role in multilateral institutions by reaffirming its commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and leading NATO's multinational battlegroup in Latvia.
In 2018, Canada held the G7 presidency and hosted G7 partners in Canada for a series of ministerial meetings throughout the year, in addition to the Leaders' Summit in Charlevoix, Quebec, on June 8-9, 2018.
In March 2018, Canada announced that it was deploying an Air Task Force to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali for a period of 12 months to help build durable peace, development and prosperity in that country. The Task Force became operational in August 2018.
Canada is currently seeking a non-permanent seat on the United Nations (UN) Security Council for 2020-2021
Several Canadians have recently been appointed to senior positons in the UN. For example, Canadian Kim Prost was elected to a nine-year term as a judge on the International Criminal Court in December 2017. An Action Plan for international staffing will ensure that more Canadians secure positions of influence in multilateral institutions.
Canada is taking a leadership role supporting, among other initiatives:
? The Vancouver Principles – focused on ending the recruitment and use of child soldiers in the context of UN peacekeeping operations.
? The Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations – a pilot project that aims to test approaches to increase the meaningful participation of uniformed women in UN peace operations.
See links below for further details."
3/22/2019,265,17-Feb,Canada in the World,"Ensure that the deployment of the Armed Forces aligns with Canada's interests, our commitments and the government's policy.",Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made",The deployment of the Canadian Armed Forces contributes to the achievement of Canada's broader international priorities.,"The Department of National Defence and Global Affairs Canada established a bi-weekly coordination mechanism to ensure greater policy coherence. The government has also introduced new planning and policy development arrangements to ensure that analysis of military deployments include foreign policy considerations and reflect broader government objectives. Approximately 1,800 Canadian Armed Forces personnel are currently deployed on 18 missions supporting Canada's international priorities.
Canada currently leads NATO's multinational Latvia battlegroup, strengthening transatlantic security and reaffirming Canada's commitment to the Transatlantic Alliance. In August 2018, Canada has also deployed an Air Task Force to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali to help build durable peace, development and prosperity in the country. In November 2018, Canada assumed command of the NATO Mission in Iraq for one year and deployed 250 troops in support of that effort.
Since 2015, the Canadian Armed Forces, with the support of Global Affairs Canada, have been providing military training and capacity building to the Ukrainian Armed Forces through Operation UNIFIER, supporting Ukraine in its efforts to maintain its sovereignty and security. In Budget 2019, the government announced its plan to invest up to $105.6 million over three years, starting in 2019–20, to renew Operation UNIFIER. This includes $99.6 million over three years in incremental funding for Canada’s military contribution, and up to $6 million to support broader efforts on defence and security sector reforms in Ukraine."
3/22/2019,270,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Introduce restrictions on the commercial marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children.,Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made",Commercial marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children is significantly reduced leading to better health outcomes for Canadian children.,"Bill S-228 passed third reading in the House of Commons on September 19, 2018. Debate on concurrence with the House amendments to the Bill took place in the Senate on October 18, 2018, November 22, 2018, February 20, 2019, and March 18, 2019, but has not yet concluded. The Bill aims to protect children's health by prohibiting the advertising of foods and beverages that meet certain nutrient criteria to children under 13 years of age. Health Canada is developing regulations to implement the proposed restrictions under Bill S-228."
3/22/2019,271,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Bring in tougher regulations to eliminate trans fats and reduce salt in processed foods.,Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made","Industrially produced trans fats are eliminated from food products; the food and restaurant industries systematically reduce sodium levels in the food supply; and consumers are better able to identify foods high in sodium, sugar and saturated fat, resulting in improved public health.","The government launched the Healthy Eating Strategy in October 2016. As part of this Strategy, a ban on partially hydrogenated oils, the main source of industrial trans-fat, was published in September 2017 and took effect in September 2018. In addition, following the publication in January 2018 of a report evaluating industry's efforts to reduce sodium levels in foods, Health Canada published a report in July 2018 showing that most Canadians, particularly children, teens and males, are still consuming too much sodium.
On February 10, 2018, Health Canada pre-published proposed regulations that would require a symbol on the front of packaged foods that are high in sodium, sugars, and/or saturated fat in Canada Gazette, Part I. This initiative would support sodium reduction by providing consumers with quick and easy guidance to identify foods high in sodium and encouraging manufacturers to lower the sodium content of their foods. In addition, Health Canada completed an online consumer questionnaire and consumer research to help inform the design of the final symbol. The government will continue to work with stakeholders to identify additional ways to further reduce sodium in foods."
3/22/2019,272,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,Improve food labels to give more information on added sugars and artificial dyes.,Minister of Health,Completed - fully met,"Canadians have the information, tools and resources to make healthy food choices, improving health outcomes.","The government launched the Healthy Eating Strategy in October 2016, with the goal of making ""the healthy choice the easy choice."" As part of this Strategy, regulatory amendments were published in December 2016 updating the requirements for nutrition information on food labels, making them easier to understand. This includes making serving sizes more consistent, new information on how to use the Percentage Daily Value, and more information on sugars and food colors in the Nutrition Facts table and list of ingredients. "
3/22/2019,273,17-Feb,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Implement Canada's new immigration levels plans.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,"310,000 permanent residents are admitted to Canada in 2018, contributing to economic growth, family reunification and the government's humanitarian commitments. Canada enjoys increased economic competitiveness through the attraction of global talent.","Preliminary admissions data indicate that in 2018 Canada welcomed 321,121 permanent residents, exceeding the target of 310,000 while remaining within the approved range. This increase in immigration contributed to economic growth as well as family reunification and the government’s humanitarian commitments. The 2019-2021 multi-year immigration levels plan maintains the three-year timeframe introduced in fall 2017, validates the 2019 target of 330,800, and sets admissions targets of 341,000 and 350,000 in 2020 and 2021 respectively. The plan will increase the number of permanent residents selected in economic programs, while maintaining a commitment to family reunification and resettlement of refugees. The government is reducing application backlogs, improving the speed at which applications are processed, and putting a greater focus on the attraction of highly skilled global talent. The government will report publicly on 2019 admissions in early 2020. "
3/22/2019,274,17-Feb,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Ensure the delivery of high-quality settlement services for newcomers, informed by rigorous outcomes data.","Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,"Improved, high-quality settlement services for newcomers to Canada, leading to improved outcomes for immigrants and their children.","The government is helping immigrants better prepare for a new life in Canada.
Several enhancements include a finalized shared national vision with provinces and stakeholders; co-planning with the provinces and territories to better support client needs; and the completion and signing of Federal-Provincial-Territorial Memorandums of Understanding to strengthen collaboration.
A rigorous outcomes measurement approach is being implemented, including the annual Settlement Client Outcomes Survey and Newcomer Outcomes Survey. Increased data and analytical capacity allows the design of the Settlement Program to become increasingly more evidence-based and effective at achieving the shared national vision for settlement and integration.
The recently launched National Calls for Proposals for the Settlement and Resettlement Assistance Programs and the separate intake process for Settlement indirect services will ensure that investments are targeted to meet the needs of both newcomer clients and the communities in which they settle, geared toward the best possible outcomes for clients, while effectively and efficiently leveraging resources. The CFP incorporates the principles behind the shared national vision, as well as a greater emphasis on programming that provides demonstrated results, such as combining workplace experience with language training.
In conjunction with several key enhancements to the Settlement Program such as the streamlining of pre-arrival services and the launch of a pilot to support visible minority newcomer women in accessing the Canadian labour market, the government is ensuring high quality settlement services for newcomers to Canada."
3/22/2019,275,17-Feb,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Continue to welcome refugees from Syria and elsewhere.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,The government continues to welcome refugees from countries around the world and offer persons fleeing conflict and/or persecution a safe haven.,"Preliminary admissions data from 2018 indicate that Canada welcomed 45,764 refugees and protected persons, exceeding the target of 43,000. Canada has a proud history of providing protection to the world's most vulnerable groups. The government is committed to helping refugees settle, integrate, and succeed in Canada. Over the course of its mandate, the government has welcomed refugees from countries around the world and offered a safe haven to persons fleeing conflict or persecution. From January 2015 to 2018, Canada admitted 61,957 Syrian refugees and an overall total of 121,784 resettled refugees. The commitment to resettle 1,200 survivors of Daesh has been surpassed by more than 200 survivors. The government is also resettling up to 100 White Helmet volunteers and their families. The 2019 immigration levels plan increases the target of 43,000 refugees and protected persons to 46,450. This figure remains among the highest in Canadian history, and doubles the number of refugees that were welcomed in 2015 and preceding years. Budget 2018 committed to resettling an additional 1,000 vulnerable women and girls from various conflict zones around the world. "
3/22/2019,276,17-Feb,Canada in the World,Conduct a review of the visa policy framework.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship","Actions taken, progress made","An evidence-based visa policy framework that promotes Canada’s economic, foreign policy and cultural interests at the same time as protecting the safety and security of all Canadians.","The government has initiated a review of Canada's visa policy framework to ensure it uses a robust, evidence-based approach when making visa decisions. The government is also reviewing policies for managing foreign nationals transiting through Canadian airports to increase Canada's air connections with the rest of the world while prioritizing the security of Canadians. "
3/22/2019,277,17-Feb,Indigenous peoples,Make changes to the Oath of Canadian Citizenship to reflect the Truth and Reconciliation's Calls to Action.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship","Actions taken, progress made","Updated Oath of Canadian Citizenship, Citizenship Study Guide and Knowledge Test that reflect Canadian and Indigenous history.","The Government of Canada has been working with national Indigenous organizations to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's recommendations to incorporate recognition of treaties with Indigenous peoples into the Oath of Canadian Citizenship, the citizenship study guide and knowledge test to reflect a more inclusive history of Indigenous peoples, and their rights. The government will bring forward legislation to modify the Oath. Changes to the citizenship guide will be reflected in a revised citizenship knowledge test."
3/22/2019,278,17-Feb,Exports and Investment,Advance Canada's progressive trade agenda.,Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Canadian workers are protected from unfair trade practices, trade agreements maintain or improve Canadian levels of protection in key areas like employment and the environment, and Canada advances the rules-based international order and trading system.","As part of Canada's inclusive approach to trade the government continues to consult broadly and advocate for stronger provisions on the Environment and Labour, as well as on gender equality and women's economic empowerment, trade and Indigenous peoples, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and the right to regulate in public interest. Canada's inclusive approach to trade seeks to ensure that the benefits of trade and investment are more widely shared. This approach also seeks to ensure that levels of environmental and labour protection are upheld and that a country’s environmental and labour laws and obligations are enforced in the context of trade and investment liberalization. The modernized Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA) includes a Trade and Gender Chapter, a first for Canada and any G20 country, as does the recently modernized Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement (CIFTA), demonstrating Canada’s continued commitment to furthering gender equality and women’s participation in international trade. The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) includes provisions on protecting the environment, health and safety, and employment standards. The CETA joint committee recently issued three joint recommendations on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, Trade and Gender, and SMEs. The Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (CPTPP) includes robust labour and environment chapters that are subject to the Agreement's enforceable dispute settlement. Furthermore, in parallel to the signing of the CPTPP, Canada, Chile and New Zealand issued a Joint Declaration confirming their commitment to work together to ensure that international trade policy is more inclusive and that the benefits of international trade are more widely shared.
The government will continue to develop and advance inclusive approaches to trade through bilateral and multilateral engagement and play a leadership role in international fora. Canada's implementation of International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 98 which entered into force on in June 14 2018 and which affirms the fundamental right to collectively bargaining is one example of this approach. Canada has now ratified all eight of the ILO Core conventions. Also, in December, 2017, Canada played a leadership role in advancing the WTO Buenos Aires Declaration on Women and Trade, endorsed by over 120 WTO members and observers. Declarations on Progressive and Inclusive Trade and Investment were also signed in the context of the Foreign Investment Protection Agreements (FIPAs) with Kosovo in March 2018 and Moldova in June 2018.
In support of Canada's commitment to the rules-based order, in October 2018, Canada convened a meeting of 12 WTO member countries at the Ottawa Ministerial on WTO Reform (now known as the ""Ottawa Group""), with the view to identifying possible concrete actions to enhance and improve the WTO over the short, medium and long term. The Ottawa Group met again on the margins of the World Economic Forum in Davos (January 2019), where a key outcome was the launch of an open-ended process open to all WTO Members to improve the ways that WTO committees function, as a tangible way to make a difference in improving the operation and transparency of the WTO."
3/22/2019,279,17-Feb,Exports and Investment,Promote trade and investment with established markets such as Japan.,Minister of International Trade Diversification,Completed - fully met,"Increased two-way trade and investment with Japan, supporting well-paying, middle-class jobs.","The government promotes Canada-Japan trade through multilateral engagement with provinces, territories and municipalities. Visits by the Prime Minister, key ministers, and provincial premiers showcase trade and investment potential in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, agriculture, life sciences and clean tech. Between April 2016 and March 2017, the Trade Commissioner Service in Japan facilitated more than $850 million in Japanese investment stock in Canada, creating more than 450 jobs. Canada and Japan, along with four other countries, brought the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) into force in December 2018."
3/22/2019,280,17-Feb,Exports and Investment,Position Canada as a top destination for global investment and promote its economic brand.,Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made","Canada ranks among the top developed economies in global rankings of investment competitiveness, attractiveness and brand.","The government is encouraging global investment and promoting Canada through the creation of the Invest in Canada Agency; the expansion of the Trade Commissioner Service, to increase Canadian presence in strategic markets abroad; and the acceleration of changes to the *Investment Canada Act*. The changes to the Act will lead to greater transparency of the guidelines used for national security reviews, and increase the threshold for review under the Act to transactions of $1 billion or greater as of 2017. The government is also developing a comprehensive Progressive Trade Strategy which will bring forward additional measures to enhance business opportunities for Canadian businesses consistent with innovation, investment and job growth goals. Recent global surveys continue to rank Canada as a top place to do business. For example, the Economist Intelligence Unit has ranked Canada first in the G20 for doing business over 2017-2021; KPMG has ranked Canada as the most tax competitive country in the G7 with the lowest overall business costs; the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) shows that Canada leads the G20 in research and development (R&D) spending in higher education as share of GDP with the best tax incentives in the G7 and the most educated talent pool among member nations. Canada moved up three places to second in the 2018 A.T. Kearney Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Index to its highest ranking in the history of the Index. Thomson Reuters' investment in a new technology hub, General Motors' new automotive software development centre in Markham Ontario focused on autonomous vehicle and connected vehicle technology, NOVA Chemicals (Mubadala) expansion of a new world-scale polyethylene plant in Sarnia, ON, Erwin Hymer’s new manufacturing facility in Cambridge, ON, Tech Mahindra's new centre of excellence in Toronto, ON, and Amazon’s 3,000 job expansion in Vancouver, Coca-Cola's new dairy production facility in Peterborough, ON, and Groupe Bel's new cheese factory in Sorel-Tracy, QC, Samsung and IBM's new AI centres in Montréal, and LG's new AI centre in Toronto are just a few examples of successes to date.
Overall, the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) facilitated 101 investment projects to Canada with an estimated value of $2.25 billion and 2,979 jobs created between April 2016 and March 2017. In addition, the TCS facilitated 159 investor visits to Canada to pursue specific investment projects. Between April 2018 and February 2019, TCS reported 77 wins representing a minimum of $41.5 billion and over 7,730 new jobs and facilitated 127 site selection visits. LNG Canada, announced in October 2018, accounts for approximately 96% ($40 billion) of the dollar value, representing largest ever single foreign direct investment in Canada. "
3/22/2019,281,17-Feb,Exports and Investment,Ensure alignment between Canada's export and innovation strategies.,Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made","More Canadian businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, export their products and services.","The government launched a new Innovation and Skills Plan to: retrain Canadians for the jobs of today and tomorrow; drive investments in six high-growth sectors of the Canadian economy; and to make it easier for businesses and innovators to access the support they need. The government will ensure that the upcoming Export Diversification Strategy and the Innovation and Skills Plan will be aligned to: focus on free trade agreement promotion, support exporters and grow global firms by Canadian innovators and entrepreneurs, strengthen investment attraction, and support a progressive trade policy agenda."
3/22/2019,282,15-Nov,Exports and Investment,Implement and expand Canada's Free Trade Agreements globally.,Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Free Trade Agreements increase trade and investment, creating good middle-class jobs.","The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) entered into provisional application in September 2017 and has thus far been ratified at the national level by twelve EU Member States. The Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement entered into force in August 2017. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) entered into force on December 30, 2018. On September 30, 2018, the government completed negotiations toward a Canada-US-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), which was signed on November 30, 2018. Canada is also negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Pacific Alliance (Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru), with the latest round having taken place in October 2018. In addition, Canada continues to engage China and India on expanding bilateral trade and investment and is working with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on exploratory discussions for a possible Canada-ASEAN free trade agreement. Canada and Israel signed the modernized CIFTA Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement (CIFTA) agreement on May 28, 2018 and the bill to implement the modernized CIFTA was introduced in Parliament on October 23, 2018. The amended Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA), including a chapter on trade and gender, entered into force on February 5, 2019. Canada and Mercosur launched FTA negotiations on March 9, 2018. The fourth round was held December 3-12, in Brasilia."
3/22/2019,283,17-Feb,Strong Middle Class,"Improve Canadian competitiveness, create jobs and generate economic growth.",Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",Trade and investment boosts Canadian economic growth.,"Canadian goods and services exports reached $176.6 billion in Q4 2018, up 5.1% compared to Q4 2017. The unemployment rate was 5.8% as of March 2019 (seasonally adjusted), unchanged from the same month a year earlier. There were 18.9 million Canadians employed as of March 2019 (seasonally adjusted), up nearly 331,500 from the same month a year earlier. GDP in Q4 2018 increased 0.4% (annualized) over the previous quarter.
The government launched a new Innovation and Skills Plan, an ambitious agenda to make Canada a centre of innovation, create well-paying, middle class jobs, and help more Canadians adapt to the changing economy. This plan will expand opportunities for skills training, drive investments in six high-growth sectors of the Canadian economy, and make it easier for businesses and innovators to access the support they need. Budget 2018 provides funding for programs such as the Canadian Technology Accelerator (CTA) program and the Business Women in Trade; creates the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise; and allocates resources to develop bilateral relations with China and promote trade between Canada, China and Asia. With the $50 million of investment over five years announced in June 2018, the government will help Canadian companies to be more competitive by diversifying their markets, and working in partnership with business associations. This will include new ""export readiness"" grants through programs such as CanExport and Global Opportunities for Associations among others.
The government continues to take concrete steps to improve Canadian competitiveness and generate long-term economic growth. In the 2018 Fall Economic Statement, the government announced $17 million in new funding over the next five years to expand the successful Canadian Technology Accelerator in global technology hubs, such as Delhi, Hong Kong, and Tokyo. This funding will provide Canadian technology firms with support, connections, and guidance in-market."
3/22/2019,285,15-Nov,Canada in the World,Maintain Canada's strong commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).,Minister of National Defence,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) remains strong and Canada is a trusted partner in the alliance.,"The defence policy – Strong, Secure, Engaged – reaffirms Canada’s responsibilities as a contributing partner to NATO. Canada has increased its contributions to NATO as a testament of its steadfast commitment to the Alliance.
Since 2016, Canada has provided leadership to NATO’s Deterrence and Defence posture, most notably as the Framework Nation for NATO’s enhance Forward Presence Battle Group in Latvia, which sees 540 Canadian Armed Forces personnel deployed on a rotational basis. The government extended the mandate for this operation in July 2018 at a cost of $514 million over four years. Under Operation REASSURANCE, Canada performs air surveillance, air policing, training, and maritime operations in support of NATO.
In 2018, Canada rejoined the NATO Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) program, committing between $17 and $20 million per year and up to 25 personnel.
Canada also takes a leadership role in NATO activities, programs, and decision-making, including at the 2018 Brussels Heads of State and government Summit. Also, in close coordination with NATO Allies, Canada has continued its support to Ukraine, including filling senior positions in the NATO Liaison Office in Ukraine. Budget 2019 confirmed the government’s plan to renew Operation UNIFIER until March 31, 2022. Canada will invest up to $99.6 million in new funding, starting in 2019-20, to continue its support of this military training and capacity building mission.
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3/22/2019,286,15-Nov,Safety and Security,Increase the size of the Canadian Rangers.,Minister of National Defence,"Actions taken, progress made","The Canadian Rangers have the numbers, equipment and training needed to do their job properly.","The Canadian Rangers are critical to effective military surveillance and contribute to providing a Government of Canada presence in sparsely populated northern, coastal, and isolated areas of Canada. Members come from diverse backgrounds and are recruited for their unique survival skills and extensive knowledge of the land. In April 2015, the Canadian Armed Forces launched a comprehensive review of the Canadian Rangers organization and structure. The first four new patrols were established in 2018. Concurrently, 30 additional positions were allocated to Canadian Ranger Patrol Group Headquarters units to better support the Canadian Rangers and Junior Canadian Ranger administration and training. The government is in the final stages of consultation with select communities to increase the number of Canadian Rangers patrols by the year 2022.
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3/22/2019,287,17-Oct,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Review collection of gender statistics to evaluate programs and policies.,Minister for Women and Gender Equality,Completed - fully met,"More data available from Statistics Canada, disaggregated by gender, allowing more informed decision-making.","In 2018 the government introduced a new Gender Results Framework (GRF), a whole-of-government tool that articulates Canada’s gender equality goals and outlines relevant indicators to measure progress towards gender equality. The GRF guide future decision-making to maximize the impact of federal policies, programs and initiatives on gender equality, and to allow progress to be monitored and measured. On March 19, 2019, concurrently with Budget 2019, the Department for Women and Gender Equality launched the GRF Portal, an up-to-date source of data and research relevant to the indicators included in the GRF.
In parallel, the government has improved the availability and use of gender disaggregated data. Investments in research and data collection initiatives ensure access to a broad set of indicators to track progress on achieving gender equality objectives. In September 2018, Statistics Canada launched a new Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Statistics Hub, the principal component of the Centre for Gender, Diversity and Inclusion, which brings together data from a number of Statistics Canada sources.
In addition, Budget 2019 proposes to provide $1.5 million over 5 years, starting in 2019–20 to the Treasury Board Secretariat to work with departments receiving Budget 2019 funding to ensure robust administrative data collection and reporting practices with respect to gender-based analysis plus (GBA+) information for all initiatives. The Secretariat will draw on the expertise of Statistics Canada and the Department for Women and Gender Equality in developing standardized frameworks and tools for GBA+ disaggregated data collection and reporting. This will achieve greater consistency and comparability over time and across programs in the aim of improving the inclusiveness of Government of Canada programs.
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3/22/2019,288,17-Oct,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Integrate gender-based questions and content into government consultations.,Minister for Women and Gender Equality,"Actions taken, progress made",All government consultations include gender-based questions and content.,"The government is developing guidelines for departments to ensure all consultations incorporate gender-based questions. Collecting diverse perspectives through these consultations will allow for the assessment of how diverse groups of women, men and non-binary individuals may experience policies, programs and initiatives."
3/22/2019,289,17-Oct,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Host a national Gender-Based Analysis roundtable in 2018.,Minister for Women and Gender Equality,Completed - fully met,"Strengthened awareness of Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+), its potential use by governments, and opportunities for improvement.","The GBA+ Forum took place in November 2018 in Ottawa. The forum facilitated a national dialogue among more than 1000 participants on the importance of integrating GBA+ in the development of public policies, programs and initiatives. It provided an opportunity for leaders in GBA+ to discuss strategies to strengthen analytical capacity across Canada, and to share results and best practices."
3/22/2019,290,17-Oct,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Build on the first Gender-based Analysis of Budget 2017 to improve future budgets.,Minister for Women and Gender Equality,Completed - fully met,Comprehensive Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) is incorporated into all future budgets improving public policy.,"The government continues to improve the quality and scope of GBA+ in federal budgets. This has included consultation with experts and key stakeholders during the pre-budget consultations process and meetings with experts and leaders globally. In December 2018, the government passed the *Canadian Gender Budgeting Act*, legislation which helps ensure that the federal government’s budgetary and financial management decisions are informed by and take into consideration gender equality and diversity, including ensuring that GBA+ is incorporated into all budgets. In Budget 2018, GBA+ was performed for every single budget measure and GBA+ information was included for the main budget measures. Budget 2019 moves even further, reflecting concerted efforts to incorporate GBA+ in the policy development process and provide a comprehensive summary of GBA+ by measure in the Gender Report. "
3/22/2019,291,17-Oct,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) is incorporated into key government reports.,Minister for Women and Gender Equality,Completed - fully met,"All major government reports include Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) considerations, improving their policy recommendations.","Budget 2017 included the government’s first-ever Gender Statement, a high-level review of the ways in which policies affect women and men differently. Budget 2018, integrated considerations of gender impacts at each step of the budgeting process, and introduced a new Gender Results Framework (GRF). The GRF includes goals and indicators that guide the government’s decisions and measure Canada’s progress in achieving greater gender equality. In Budget 2018, no budget decision was taken without being informed by Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+). To help achieve the government's goal of greater equality, all measures and investments in the 2018 Fall Economic Statement were informed by GBA+ and the government's GRF. Budget 2019 moves even further, reflecting concerted efforts to incorporate GBA+ in the policy development process and provide a comprehensive summary of GBA+ by measure in a comprehensive Gender Report.
The government has provided guidance to departments and agencies on incorporating GBA+ into their Departmental Results Frameworks and Departmental Plans and, continues to examine how best to extend GBA+ to other key reports.
In addition, Budget 2019 proposes to provide $1.5 million over 5 years, starting in 2019–20 to the Treasury Board Secretariat to work with departments receiving Budget 2019 funding to ensure robust administrative data collection and reporting practices with respect to gender-based analysis plus (GBA+) information for all initiatives. The Secretariat will draw on the expertise of Statistics Canada and the Department for Women and Gender Equality in developing standardized frameworks and tools for GBA+ disaggregated data collection and reporting. This will achieve greater consistency and comparability over time and across programs in the aim of improving the inclusiveness of Government of Canada programs.
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3/22/2019,292,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Modernize the Communications Policy of the government to reflect the modern digital environment.,President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government,Completed - fully met,Government communications that reflect the digital environment.,"The government’s communications policy now ensures that the government engages in coordinated activities that are timely, clear, cost-effective, in both official languages, accessible and non-partisan. In addition, the policy ensures government communications are clearly branded, both in Canada and abroad.
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3/22/2019,293,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Take a more modern approach to comptrollership.,President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government,Completed - fully met,Modernized cost analysis for all government programs and legislation.,"The government launched a renewed financial management policy in April 2017. The Treasury Board Secretariat engaged key stakeholders through information sessions, and developed guidelines to help federal organizations ensure that financial resources are well-managed. "
3/22/2019,294,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that a fixed percentage of funds is devoted to experimenting with new approaches to challenges and measure the impact of programs.,President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government,"Actions taken, progress made","Innovation and experimentation are part of routine business of government, and new models are identified that improve outcomes for Canadians.","Ethical and rigorous experimentation is central to the government’s focus on evidence-based policy-making. By testing program options, departments can generate evidence to learn what works and inform decision-making.
The government has directed federal agencies and departments to allocate a percentage of program funding towards experimenting with new approaches, measuring impact and delivering better results to Canadians. In December 2016, federal Deputy Ministers were given guidance on experimentation and the use of new and innovative approaches, including user-centered design and outcomes-based funding. In April 2017, the government provided federal departments with new structures that allow departments to distribute grants and contributions more flexibly under the Treasury Board Policy on Transfer Payments.
More recently, the Impact Canada Initiative was launched to use outcomes-based funding experiments, innovative financing approaches and new partnership models to achieve better results for Canadians. The Clerk of the Privy Council also recently endorsed the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Declaration on Public Sector innovation, which calls for more experimentation within programs. The government launched a new procurement initiative, Innovative Solutions Canada, to match businesses offering early stage prototypes with departments in need of new products or services."
3/22/2019,295,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Exercise due diligence regarding costing analysis prepared by departments for all proposed legislation and programs.,President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government,"Actions taken, progress made",Modernized costing informs all proposed legislation and programs.,"The government issued new best practices for calculating program costs and commissioned a study to identify gaps in the existing costing approach, which will help inform future decisions. The government is also undertaking a pilot project to better estimate future costing requirements for major procurement projects. This pilot project played a critical role in the development of the new defence policy: Strong, Secure, Engaged. These measures will help make sure solid costing information informs decision-making."
3/22/2019,296,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,Restore annual federal funding for freshwater research and make new investments in Canada’s Experimental Lakes Area.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard",Completed - fully met,Restored annual federal funding for freshwater research and monitoring activities to keep Canada's water safe.,"In April 2016, the government committed $197 million to enhance ocean and freshwater science activities. The government signed a contribution agreement with the International Institute of Sustainable Development (IISD) in June 2016 to support freshwater research at the Experimental Lakes Area. The government is also conducting scientific research and monitoring activities in lakes and rivers, such as Lake Winnipeg and the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence watersheds. These measures will improve Canada’s understanding of freshwater ecosystems and protect the environment. "
3/22/2019,297,15-Nov,Safety and Security,Implement a strategy against gender violence.,Minister for Women and Gender Equality,Completed - fully met,"Reduced gender-based violence, greater awareness of gender-based violence and better support and services for survivors.","In June 2017, the government launched It's Time: Canada's Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence, which takes a whole-of-government approach to preventing gender-based violence (GBV), supporting survivors and their families, and promoting responsive justice and legal systems. Key elements of the Strategy have now been implemented.
On December 10, 2018 , the Gender Based Violence Knowledge Centre Online platform was launched to align federal resources, fill gaps in evidence and data, support federal coordination and accountability for the Strategy, and connect service providers with researchers and policy makers.
To date, Canada has invested over $200 million in new programs to implement, test and potentially scale up promising approaches to prevent GBV. This includes child maltreatment, teen dating violence, bullying and cyberbullying. The investment is serving to test promising practices to address gaps in support for diverse and underserved groups of survivors in Canada; to enhance capacity to combat online child sexual exploitation; to increase access to sexual assault services for military personnel and their families; to develop and deliver cultural competency training for federal law enforcement officers; to enhance the settlement program; to equip allied health professionals to provide appropriate care to victims; and to support members of the Canadian Armed Forces and their families affected by violence.
Budget 2018 also supported efforts to engage men and boys in promoting gender equality. Building on investments announced in Budget 2018 to establish a National Human Trafficking Hotline, Budget 2019 announced the government’s intention to develop a new whole-of-government strategy to combat human trafficking. Budget 2019 proposes to invest a further $22.24 million over three years, starting in 2019–20, to combat child sexual exploitation online. Both of these initiatives are in addition to the Strategy announced in 2017.
In April 2018 Statistics Canada launched a new national survey to collect data on GBV, the first such survey in Canada. Data collection on this survey was completed on December 31, 2018. Results are anticipated for Fall 2019. In February 2019, Statistics Canada launched a second survey on GBV aimed at filling knowledge gaps on the specific experiences of postsecondary students in the provinces.
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3/22/2019,298,15-Nov,Jobs and Innovation,"Help small- and medium-sized enterprises grow, become more innovative and export oriented.","Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion","Actions taken, progress made","Double the number of high-growth firms in Canada by 2025 to create good, middle class jobs, strengthen communities, and grow the economy.","Small business owners work hard to provide Canadians with quality goods and services while also creating job opportunities that strengthen communities across the country and grow the middle class.
The government is focused on helping small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) export and grow. The government’s Innovation and Skills Plan, introduced in Budget 2017, introduced a suite of initiatives to help Canadian innovators and entrepreneurs grow their companies.
• The Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF), launched in July 2017, is designed to attract and support new high-quality business investments in all industries and sectors across Canada. Through SIF, the Government of Canada is continuing to make investments in projects to help SMEs grow.
• Innovative Solutions Canada, launched in December 2017, is a new program with over $100 million dedicated to supporting the scale up and growth of Canada’s innovators and entrepreneurs by having the federal government act as a first customer.
• The Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative (VCCI) will make $450 million available through the Business Development Bank of Canada to increase late-stage venture capital funding for Canadian firms looking to grow, expand and compete globally. The first stream of funding to five funds-of-funds recipients was announced on June 26, 2018. The second stream recipients were announced on November 5, 2018. The call for proposals for the third stream was launched Jan 28, 2019.
• The Innovation Canada digital platform was launched in January 2018 and provides simplified and customized access to the business innovation support programs that are most appropriate for companies depending on their sector, stage of growth and innovation support needs.
These new initiatives complement existing programs such as the Industrial Research Assistance Program and the CanExport Program.
The 2018 Fall Economic Statement proposed $1.1 billion in investments over the next six years through an Export Diversification Strategy, to ensure programs support SMEs to export and take advantage of new market opportunities opened up through free trade agreements. The Strategy will focus on investing in infrastructure, providing businesses with resources to execute their export plans and enhancing trade services. $10 million over 3 years (starting in 2019-20) under ISED will support SMEs' awareness raising of export supports available to them and export capacity building.
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3/22/2019,299,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Support regional economic growth strategies.,"Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Rural Economic Development","Actions taken, progress made",Inclusive growth and economic diversification in all regions through improved programs and strategies.,"The Atlantic Growth Strategy was launched in 2016 and has set an ambitious vision to grow Atlantic Canada's economy. The strategy targets joint areas of priority including: innovation, trade & investment, skills/immigration, clean growth and infrastructure. The Atlantic Growth Strategy Year 2 Report was released in July 2018. Both levels of government reaffirmed their strong commitment to work together to build on the initiatives that are already producing real results for Atlantic Canadians. The Committee also agreed on the importance of pursuing new, targeted actions to stimulate the region’s economy.
In Budget 2018, the government identified regional development agencies as one of four key platforms which will help to grow Canadian businesses and advance the Innovation and Skills Plan across all regions of Canada (with the other three key platforms being: the Industrial Research Assistance Program, the Strategic Innovation Fund, and the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service).
Starting in 2018–19, the government is providing more than $500 million over five years to regional development agencies to foster economic growth, including regionally tailored funding for women entrepreneurs as part of the new Women Entrepreneurship Strategy.
The government is also extending core funding of the regional development agencies that is currently time-limited:
• $20 million per year, starting in 2018–19 and ongoing, to the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency;
• $920 million over six years, starting in 2018–19, to renew the funding for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
On April 9 2018, the government unveiled a regional economic development strategy for Northern Ontario that is centered on supporting innovation, growing companies, building stronger communities and ensuring communities have the necessary skills for the middle-class jobs of tomorrow. Public engagement towards a growth strategy for Western Canada was completed in November 2018. A What We Heard report and the growth strategy will be released in 2019. On November 9 2018, the government launched its Federal Strategy on Innovation and Growth for the Quebec Regions, focused on innovation and clean tech, growth and exports, entrepreneurial talent, and growth in all regions of Quebec. On March 29, 2019, the government concluded its consultations with territorial and Indigenous governments, industry, Indigenous communities and organizations, and academia towards the development of a Pan-Territorial Growth Strategy. On February 27, 2019, the government announced it would be holding consultations with business, industry, academia, Indigenous communities and organizations to maximize the impact of new investments and best support the needs of the Southern Ontario region. Roundtables, in urban and rural communities, are underway. Stakeholders are also invited to provide online feedback up until April 30, 2019. "
3/22/2019,300,15-Nov,Safety and Security,"Review the criminal justice system, including sentencing reforms, to ensure it keeps us safe and it is fair.",Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,"Actions taken, progress made","Crime rates are reduced, the justice system has the resources it needs, and all Canadians have access to justice through a fairer system.","The government continues to review the criminal justice system, including sentencing reforms, to ensure that it keeps Canadians safe, while also addressing the overrepresentation of vulnerable groups in prisons, including Indigenous people and those with mental illness. Using various platforms, such as in-person meetings and online discussion fora, Canadians had an opportunity to share their views on what can be done to improve the Criminal Justice System. The online public consultation closed on January 31, 2018. A report on the findings of the online consultation will be released in the spring 2019. This follows a program of broad engagement with justice system partners, stakeholders from diverse perspectives and various sectors, for which the report was released on March 22, 2018. Complimentary work was also done in partnership with the Institute for Research on Public Policy (IRPP) to explore how the criminal justice system could work in a more integrated manner with other social systems such as housing, education, and mental health. Four roundtables were held with stakeholders, and 18 articles were published in the digital magazine, Policy Options. A full report on the findings of this engagement was recently published.
A final report of the findings and next steps of the criminal justice system review will be available in 2019.
The government has introduced bills that demonstrate respect for the courts and the Charter. On December 13, 2018, government legislation aimed at modernizing the *Criminal Code* by removing outdated provisions as well as clarifying and strengthening sexual assault laws received Royal Assent. Additionally, in March 2018, the government tabled legislation to improve the efficiency of the criminal justice system and address court delays in six key areas: (1) modernize and streamline the bail regime; (2) enhance the approach to administration of justice offences, including for youth; (3) restrict the availability of preliminary inquiries to offences carrying life imprisonment; (4) reclassify some offences to provide greater flexibility and court efficiencies; (5) improve the jury composition and selection process; and, (6) strengthen case management measures and processes for making rules of court. Further, a number of these reforms will assist in reducing the overrepresentation of Indigenous people and vulnerable populations in the criminal justice system, including those with addictions and mental illness. These proposed reforms are currently before the Senate.
Budget 2016 and 2017 committed funding for more judges in Superior Courts, greater support programming on judicial education, ethics and conduct, further funding for court translation in both of Canada's official languages, long-term mandate in the Indigenous Justice Program which will provide a foundation for increasing restorative justice practices and more legal aid services provided in the provinces and territories, including specialized services to Indigenous people, and those with mental illness. Additional representation and services will also be offered through the Indigenous Justice Programs that will provide community-based justice programs and the Indigenous Courtwork Program for Indigenous people to help them navigate the criminal justice system.
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3/22/2019,305,17-Feb,Strong Middle Class,"Eliminate the $1,000 Labour Market Impact Assessment fee to hire caregivers.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour;Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship",Completed - fully met,Elimination of the Labour Market Impact Assessment fee to hire caregivers so those in need of assistance can meet their family caregiving responsibilities.,"In December 2017, the government eliminated the Labour Market Impact Assessment processing fee for some families seeking to hire foreign caregivers. Families with an annual income of less than $150,000 seeking to hire foreign caregivers to provide child care, and families seeking to hire foreign caregivers to provide care for persons with high medical needs are no longer required to pay this processing fee. This change targets support to those most in need of assistance to meet their family caregiving responsibilities. "
3/22/2019,307,17-Feb,Strong Middle Class,Promote good quality jobs by developing the Global Skills Strategy.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,"Shorter processing times and a dedicated service channel for employers seeking to attract highly skilled, in-demand global talent, leading to more investment and job creation in Canada.","The government launched the Global Talent Stream under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program in June 2017, for a period of two years. One of the pillars of the government’s Global Skills Strategy, this stream helps eligible innovative companies attract highly-skilled global talent so that they can scale-up, grow, and remain globally competitive while creating good, middle-class jobs in Canada. High-growth Canadian companies and global businesses making large investments in Canada can apply. Companies that apply have to demonstrate that the talent they wish to bring to Canada will provide labour-market benefits for Canadians and that the positions they wish to fill are in high demand. They have access to an expedited review process lasting no more than a combined 20 business days from end to end, including reviews conducted by Employment and Social Development Canada and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. "
3/22/2019,308,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Develop a strategy that aims to create a single online window for all government services.,President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government;Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility;Minister of Democratic Institutions,Completed - fully met,Government of Canada services and programs are simpler and Canadians can access them more easily.,"In 2016-17, the Government of Canada finalized the Service Strategy. This Strategy includes a commitment to create a single online window for all government services as well as targeted investments to modernize online services for Canadians, including: simplified online tax filing options; expanding the online management of border taxes and duties; new online tools to manage student loans; new online services available to veterans through their MY VAC Account; and a faster, more streamlined process for businesses to submit records and employment information. The government also established the Canadian Digital Service (CDS) to make it faster, simpler and easier for Canadians to access benefits and services online.
Since 2017-18, the government has been working towards an “omni-channel” approach to service delivery, going beyond a single window to offer GC services to Canadians anywhere, anytime and on any device. To date, significant progress has been made on the foundational elements of this approach, which are highlighted in the 2018-2022 Digital Operations Strategic Plan. For example, with the support of provincial, territorial, municipal and private sectors partners, a pilot where a digital identity from another jurisdiction will be used to verify identity and grant access to federal services is being launched and could serve as a model for citizen services moving forward. Additionally, in order to make it easy for government departments to share their data with each other and the outside world in a modern, secure, and unified way, the federal government is developing a Canadian Digital Exchange Platform (CDXP) that will form the foundation for real-time information sharing.
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3/22/2019,309,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Set transparent service standards for the delivery of Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development","Actions taken, progress made","Canadians making inquiries about Employment Insurance (EI) will receive answers more quickly, consistent with new, higher service standards.","As a result of Budget 2016 investments ($73 million), the EI Call Centre network significantly increased its capacity and improved its service accessibility. Building on these investments, Budget 2018 provided an additional $127.7 million over three years to further improve accessibility and ensure Canadians receive timely and accurate information and assistance with Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.
In May 2016, the government launched the EI Service Quality Review (SQR). The SQR sought input from stakeholders and Canadians on ways Service Canada could improve the quality of EI services on the phone, online and in person. The final report provided ten recommendations on how to make EI service delivery more responsive to the needs of Canadians. Service Canada used this input to review EI service standards, which was completed in March 2018.
In 2017-18, the government consulted with Canadians as part of reviews of the EI, Old Age Security (OAS) and Canada Pension Plan (CPP) service standards. The reviews found that current service standards meet Canadian’s expectations, but that information should be easier to find and read. These findings are informing future work on service standards.
Budget 2019 provided funding to migrate Employment and Social Development Canada’s call centres, including the EI Specialized Call Centre, from outdated IT platforms to the Hosted Contact Centre Solution. This will help to ensure faster and better quality service to Canadians.
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3/22/2019,311,17-Feb,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Improve the Temporary Foreign Worker Program so it meets the needs of Canadian workers and employers.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made","The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) contributes to sustained economic growth without displacing qualified Canadians, meets the needs of workers and employers and protects the vulnerable.","The government has taken action in a number of areas to improve the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program, guided in part by the 2016 recommendations of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons' with Disabilities, including ending the four year cumulative duration rule; increasing the requirement of employers to recruit Canadians typically under-represented in the workforce; extending the low-wage cap for seasonal employment, and expanding pathways to permanent residency so that eligible newcomers are able to more fully contribute to Canadian society.
Budget 2017 confirmed permanent funding for the risk-based, TFW Program employer compliance inspection regime, an increase in on-site inspections in sectors with high volumes of vulnerable workers and to support work with key stakeholders to enhance existing labour market development strategies.
Funding was also provided to the Migrant Workers’ Dignity Association to help migrant workers become better informed about their rights as workers in Canada. Budget 2018 provided $194.1 million over five years, beginning in 2018–19, and $33.19 million per year ongoing, to ensure the rights of temporary foreign workers in Canada are protected and enforced as part of the Program’s robust employer compliance regime. The funding will support unannounced inspections under the TFW Program, the continued implementation of the International Mobility Program compliance regime, and the ongoing collection of labour market information related to open work permits.
Budget 2018 also committed $3.4 million over two years, beginning in 2018–19, to establish a Migrant Worker Support Network (MWSN) on a pilot basis for temporary foreign workers dealing with potential mistreatment or abuse. The MWSN pilot was launched in British Columbia in October 2018. The Network supports migrant workers in understanding and exercising their rights. It also supports employers in understanding and meeting TFW Program conditions and requirements.
Building on the success of the Global Talent Stream pilot, originally launched in June 2017, Budget 2019 announced $35.2 million over five years, beginning in 2019–20, with $7.4 million per year ongoing, to make the Global Talent Stream a permanent program. This will ensure that employers will continue to receive expedited access to the global talent they need while also delivering lasting benefits for the Canadian labour market.
In March 2019, the government further expanded pathways to permanent residency by allocating an additional 2,000 nominations under the Provincial Nominee Program, which will provide more opportunities for existing workers at the intermediate skill level to transition to permanent residence, and help to address worker vulnerability.
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3/22/2019,312,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Make meetings of the Board of Internal Economy open by default.,Leader of the Government in the House of Commons,Completed - fully met,"Greater openness, transparency, and accountability in the administration of Parliament.","In June 2017, the government passed new legislation to ensure the Board of Internal Economy, the multi-party body of parliamentarians which regulates the internal affairs of the House of Commons, now automatically holds its meetings in public. For years, the Board operated in secrecy, deciding how taxpayer dollars were spent on the administration of the House of Commons. The meetings are now open by default, meaning they are public unless it is necessary to deal with particular items in private, as outlined in the *Parliament of Canada Act*. This means greater parliamentary transparency and accountability, and increased public awareness of the inner-workings of Parliament. So far, in this Parliament, the Board has held 13 open meetings. "
3/22/2019,313,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Make post-secondary education more affordable for low and middle income families.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour",Completed - fully met,Hundreds of thousands of students receive increased grant-based aid through Canada Student Grants and students are better able to manage student loan repayments upon graduation. The government expects more low and middle income students to attend post-secondary education.,"In Budget 2016, the government increased Canada Student Grants (CSGs) by 50 per cent and eligibility was expanded. Some 400,000 students from low- and middle-income families are now receiving more financial assistance that they do not have to pay back.
The government also increased thresholds for the Repayment Assistance Plan so that no graduate will have to repay their Canada Student Loan until they earn at least $25,000 per year. The number of borrowers using RAP has increased from 276,000 to over 305,000 borrowers, or approximately 11 per cent more.
Budget 2017 introduced additional measures under the Skills Boost initiative for 2018-19. Increased eligibility thresholds for CSGs for students with dependent children are helping an additional 13,000 students. Increased eligibility thresholds for part-time students are helping an additional 10,000 students. A three-year pilot project targeted to adult learners is providing an estimated 43,000 students an additional $1,600 in grant support as well as the flexibility to base CSG eligibility on current year’s income. Skills Boost is also providing greater flexibility for Canadians on Employment Insurance (EI) to get new certificates or training without fear of losing their benefits.
Building on Budget 2016 and Budget 2017 investments, Budget 2019 proposes lower interest rates for Canada Student Loans and Canada Apprentice Loans, and a new interest-free grace period after a student loan borrower leaves school.
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3/22/2019,315,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Index Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) payments to a new Seniors' Price Index.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Seniors","Actions taken, progress made",The cost of living for seniors is better reflected in their Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) benefits through a Seniors' Price Index.,The Government of Canada is exploring options to make sure that the indexation of Old Age Security benefits reflects the increases in the cost of living faced by seniors.
3/22/2019,316,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Cancel the increase in age of eligibility for Old Age Security (OAS) from 65 to 67.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,The age of eligibility for Old Age Security (OAS) has been returned to 65 and provides greater financial security for Canada's most vulnerable seniors.,"The government cancelled the planned increase in age of eligibility for Old Age Security, so that eligibility is maintained at age 65. This will help ensure that Canadian seniors benefit from a secure and dignified retirement.
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3/22/2019,317,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Coordinate programs to support low income seniors with provinces and territories.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Seniors","Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Federal, provincial and territorial governments collaborate so seniors get the full benefits to which they are entitled.","The Government of Canada implemented the increase to the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and engaged with provinces and territories (PT) to ensure that low-income seniors who receive PT income supplements fully benefit from the increase. The government will continue to seek new opportunities to work together to support Canada's most vulnerable seniors.
The next FPT Seniors Forum meeting is scheduled for May 21 to 22, 2019. During this meeting, Ministers will receive for their approval three deliverables identified in the Forum’s three-year work plan. These will include: the Report on the Core Housing Needs of Seniors, the Report on Community Supports for Aging in Community, and the Report on the Impact of Public Policy on the Labour Force Participation of Older Workers."
3/22/2019,318,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Prioritize affordable housing and seniors' housing as part of the National Housing Strategy.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Seniors",Completed - fully met,"Reduced housing need for seniors through rental support to reduce the cost of housing and enable seniors to age in place, and increased supply of affordable housing units specifically targeted towards seniors.","Budget 2016 provided a two year, $200.7 million investment to increase affordable housing for seniors and improve their housing conditions. Delivered by provinces and territories through the Investment in Affordable Housing, this investment was expected to benefit more than 5,000 low-income senior households, and exceeded expectations by benefiting 6,247 senior households.
Building on this investment, the National Housing Co-Investment Fund, launched in 2018 and delivered as part of Canada’s National Housing Strategy, has a target to build an additional 7,000 new affordable housing units for seniors.
The National Housing Strategy is a 10-year, $40-billion plan that will give more Canadians a place to call home. NHS targets over the next 10 years, include reducing chronic homelessness by 50%; reducing or eliminating housing need for 530,000 households; creating 100,000 new housing units, repairing and renewing more than 300,000 housing units, and protecting an additional 385,000 households from losing an affordable place to live."
3/22/2019,319,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Provide support to maintain rent-geared-to-income subsidies in existing social housing.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Affordable housing remains accessible to Canadians who need it during the transition through the expiry of current operating agreements.,"Community housing has been the backbone of Canada’s response to housing challenges for more than 60 years and provides an affordable place to live for thousands of Canadians. Federal investments have supported the creation of community housing for low- and modest-income families and individuals. As long-term social housing operating agreements expire, the government will renew its investments to protect low-income households and stabilize the operations of housing providers. The government is deeply committed to ensuring that Canada’s existing community housing stock remains affordable and in good repair well into the future. About 20 per cent of this stock is federally-administered and 80 per cent is administered by the provinces and territories.
Budget 2016 announced $30 million over two years, starting in 2016-17, to help federally-administered community housing providers preserve affordability for low income households as operating agreements end. Support was provided on a transitional basis until March 2018, and has been extended until March 2020 as part of the new Federal Community Housing Initiative – Phase 1. As of December 31, 2018, affordability support for 15,000 community housing units, which would have otherwise expired, has been maintained.
The Federal Community Housing Initiative is a $500 million 10-year initiative under the National Housing Strategy to protect tenants living in federally-administered community housing and maintain the 55,000 units. Phase 2 will establish a new rental assistance program to protect affordability for low-income tenants in federal community housing, starting in April 2020.
As part of the National Housing Strategy, the government will also support provinces and territories as they protect and build a sustainable community-based housing sector through the new Canada Community Housing Initiative with $4.3 billion in federal funding. This initiative is expected to maintain affordability for approximately 330,000 households in community housing nationally and expand community housing by 50,000 units. This federal funding will flow to provinces and territories through bilateral agreements. As at March 19, 2019, seven provinces and territories had signed bilateral agreements under the new multilateral Housing Partnership Framework that was endorsed in April 2018 (except by Quebec).
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3/22/2019,320,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Invest in Housing First to reduce homelessness.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Chronic homelessness is reduced by 50% by 2027-28 compared to 2016 levels.,"On November 22, 2017 the government announced a 10-year, $40 billion National Housing Strategy that will help reduce homelessness and improve the availability and quality of housing for Canadians in need. This Strategy is part of a long-term vision to strengthen the middle class and provide affordable housing to Canadians, and lift more Canadians out of poverty. The strategy sets clear goals to remove 530,000 Canadians from housing need and reduce chronic homelessness, and to reduce chronic homelessness by half.
As part of the National Housing Strategy, the government announced a total investment of $2.2 billion for homelessness over 10 years, building on Budget 2016 incremental funding of $111.8 million over two years (2016-2017 and 2017-2018) for the Homelessness Partnering Strategy. By 2021-22, this will nearly double the investments made in 2015-16. These increased investment levels are expected to reduce the number of Canadians who are chronically homeless by as much as 50% compared to 2016 levels.
Over the past year, the Government of Canada consulted with stakeholders, provinces, territories and Indigenous partners on how to improve the Homelessness Partnering Strategy to better prevent and reduce homelessness across Canada. These consultations were guided by the work of an Advisory Committee comprised of experts, stakeholders and people with lived experience of homelessness, chaired by the Parliamentary Secretary. The Advisory Committee on Homelessness Final Report and the Homelessness Partnering Strategy Engagement – What We Heard Report 2018, which contains highlights from the feedback received throughout all engagement activities, were released on May 18, 2018.
On April 1, 2019, the Minister of Families, Children, and Social Development announced the launch of Reaching Home, a redesigned federal homelessness program, which replaces the Homelessness Partnering Strategy.
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3/22/2019,321,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Remove all GST on new capital investments in affordable rental housing.,"Minister of Finance;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Not being pursued,See below.,"All Canadians should have a safe and affordable place to call home. The government concluded, based on research and evidence, that there were more effective ways of encouraging the construction of affordable rental housing.
Budget 2016 introduced a targeted approach to stimulate the construction of affordable rental housing by providing funding to establish the Affordable Rental Housing Innovation Fund and Rental Construction Financing Initiative. Budget 2017 announced the investment of more than $11.2 billion over 11 years in various initiatives that will help build, renew and repair Canada’s affordable housing and make sure Canadians have affordable housing that meets their needs. The National Housing Strategy, launched on November 22, 2017, includes additional measures to stimulate the construction of affordable rental housing. The Rental Construction Financing Initiative offers $2.5 billion in low-cost loans to support the construction of new rental housing. Budget 2018 proposed expanding this initiative with an additional $1.25B in low-cost loan over the next three years.
Through the National Housing Strategy, the federal government is re-engaging in affordable housing by investing in the growth of livable communities and the resilience of the community housing sector. To ensure existing rental housing is not lost to disrepair and to develop new, high-performing affordable housing integrated with supports and services, the federal government is creating a $15.9-billion federally managed National Housing Co-Investment Fund. The National Housing Co-Investment Fund alone is expected to create up to 60,000 new units of housing and repair up to 240,000 units of existing affordable and community housing. The Fund will consist of nearly $4.7 billion in financial contributions and $11.2 billion in low interest loans. The government’s recently announced Rental Construction Financing Initiative will be integrated into the National Housing Co-Investment Fund, as will the government’s recently created Affordable Rental Innovation Fund. Applications for the National Housing Co-Investment Fund will be accepted starting April 2018.
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3/22/2019,322,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Modernize the Home Buyers' Plan.,"Minister of Finance;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development","Actions taken, progress made",Canadians impacted by a sudden and significant life change are better able to manage the costs of finding a home or relocating.,"To provide first-time home buyers with greater access to their RRSPs to purchase or build a home, Budget 2019 proposes to increase the HBP withdrawal limit to $35,000 from $25,000. As a result, a couple will potentially be able to withdraw $70,000 from their RRSPs to purchase a first home.
Special rules under the HBP apply to facilitate the acquisition of a home that is more accessible or better suited for the personal needs and care of an individual who is eligible for the disability tax credit, even if the first-time homebuyer requirement is not met. For these cases, the rules will also be modified to provide the same $35,000 withdrawal limit.
Budget 2019 also proposes to extend access to the HBP in order to help Canadians maintain homeownership after the breakdown of a marriage or common-law partnership, even if they do not meet the first-time home buyer requirement."
3/22/2019,324,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Identify available federal lands that could be repurposed for affordable housing.,"Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Increased available land to build new affordable housing and increased housing supply where it is needed.,"As part of the National Housing Strategy, the government launched the new Federal Lands Initiative to make surplus federal lands and buildings available to housing providers at a discounted cost (for as little as no cost) for new affordable housing. Over the next 10 years, up to $200 million is available to subsidize the transfer of federal lands to eligible participants to encourage the development of sustainable, accessible, mixed-income, mixed-use developments and communities. As part of this initiative, funding for renovations and remediation of land and buildings may be available to make transactions viable.
As of February 28, 2019, the Federal Lands Initiative has made available six properties to create affordable housing units. "
3/22/2019,325,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Review prices in high-priced housing markets and consider all policy tools that could keep home ownership within reach for more Canadians.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development","Actions taken, progress made",Federal policy tools are employed to help keep home ownership within reach for more Canadians.,"To help make homeownership more affordable for first-time home buyers, Budget 2019 introduces the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive. The Incentive would allow eligible first-time home buyers who have the minimum down payment for an insured mortgage to apply to finance a portion of their home purchase through a shared equity mortgage with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). CMHC would provide up to $1.25 billion over three years (starting in 2019–20) to eligible home buyers. It is expected that approximately 100,000 first-time home buyers would be able to benefit from the Incentive over the next three years.
To provide more affordable rental options for middle class Canadians, Budget 2019 provides an additional $10 billion over nine years in financing through the Rental Construction Financing Initiative, extending the program until 2027–28. With this increase, the program would support 42,500 new units across Canada, particularly in areas of low rental supply.
To help municipalities grow housing supply and unlock new solutions for Canadians searching for an affordable place to call home, Budget 2019 also proposes to provide $300 million to launch a new Housing Supply Challenge. The Housing Supply Challenge will invite municipalities and other stakeholder groups across Canada to propose new ways to break down barriers that limit the creation of new housing. Infrastructure Canada and CMHC will collaborate on the design of the challenge.
The government has also committed to work with British Columbia to establish an Expert Panel on the Future of Housing Supply and Affordability. The Expert Panel will consult with stakeholders to identify and evaluate measures that could build on recent investments and initiatives to increase the supply of housing in British Columbia to meet demand. CMHC will invest $4 million over two years to support the Panel’s work, and $5 million over two years for state-of-the-art housing supply modelling and related data collection.
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3/22/2019,326,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Bring forward a proposal to prevent mortgage fraud.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Mortgage fraud is reduced.,"Buying a home is often the single largest investment Canadian families will make in their lifetime. To protect this investment and help keep the real estate market accessible and fair, Budget 2019 includes measures to tackle tax non-compliance and money laundering in the housing market. These include:
• Creating four new dedicated real estate audit teams at the Canada Revenue Agency to monitor transactions in the real estate sector. These teams will focus on high-risk areas, notably in British Columbia and Ontario.
• Strengthening the enforcement framework by improving monitoring of private sector partners and collaborating with government leads in order to deter financial crime in real estate, including mortgage fraud and money laundering.
• Exploring opportunities to improve data sharing on real estate purchases between the federal government and British Columbia to inform enforcement efforts on tax compliance and anti-money laundering. As part of this initiative, the government will provide up to $1 million to Statistics Canada starting in 2019-20 to conduct a comprehensive federal data needs assessment to further streamline data sharing and monitoring of purchases of Canadian real estate.
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3/22/2019,327,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Use the best data available to make decisions on housing.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Better data and understanding of the housing market to inform policy decisions so that the government can help Canadians secure good housing.,"Through investments in Budget 2017 for data collection and analytics, the government is improving housing data to track progress on the National Housing Strategy and to support informed and evidence based policy decisions. Investments have led to the creation of the Canadian Housing Statistics Program (a national property-level data base), the introduction of the Canadian Housing Survey, the Social and Affordable Housing Rental Structure Survey, as well as important changes to the Canadian Income Survey. Additional joint initiatives between Statistics Canada and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), made possible by these investments, contribute to improved analysis of housing markets and conditions. These efforts are providing more accurate and complete data on housing markets for all Canadians.
Budget 2019 announces initiatives to increase the supply of housing: the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive, an expanded Rental Construction Financing Initiative, and a Housing Supply Challenge through the Impact Canada Initiative. These measures capitalize on strengthened data on housing need and housing market conditions, as well as evidence that increasing the supply of housing is the most effective way to address affordability in the long run.
Through Budget 2019, CMHC will further enhance data and analytical capability by investing $5 million over two years for state-of-the-art housing supply modelling and related data collection. This will support the recently announced Expert Panel on the Future of Housing Supply and Affordability, jointly established by the government and the Province of British Columbia.
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3/22/2019,328,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Raise taxes on the top 1% of earners.,Minister of Finance,Completed - fully met,A fairer tax system where the richest pay their share.,"In 2016, the government raised taxes on the wealthiest 1 per cent of Canadians -- those earning more than $200,000 a year – so that it could cut taxes for the middle class. Specifically, the government introduced a new top personal income tax rate of 33 per cent, an increase from 29 per cent. In 2019, due to inflation adjustments, the top 33-per-cent rate applies to individual taxable incomes above $210,371."
3/22/2019,329,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Repeal elements of the *Fair Elections Act* which make it harder for Canadians to vote.,Minister of Democratic Institutions,Completed - fully met,Barriers are reduced to electoral participation for all Canadians and there is greater integrity in the electoral process.,"The *Elections Modernization Act* improves the integrity of the electoral system by repealing provisions in the previous *Fair Elections Act* that made it harder for Canadians to vote. Notably, the changes reinstate the Voter Information Card as authorized identification (ID), restore vouching for those without proper ID, expand voting rights to more than one million Canadians living abroad, expand the Chief Electoral Officer’s ability to educate Canadians to improve civic literacy and knowledge, and help future voters participate in the electoral process by pre-registering youth aged 14-17 so they can more easily vote when they turn 18."
3/22/2019,330,15-Nov,Fair and Open Government,Conduct a review of government spending to reduce poorly targeted and inefficient programs.,President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government;Minister of Finance,"Actions taken, progress made",Programs are effective and deliver measurable results for Canadians.,"Launched in Budget 2017, the horizontal review on innovation and clean technology is now complete, with results announced in Budget 2018.
Launched in Budget 2017, the horizontal review on fixed assets, which is being conducted in phases, is expected to be completed in 2019-20.
Budget 2019 announced the results of the following reviews undertaken during the mandate, specifically the review of Canada Revenue Agency Service Model; Professional Services, Travel and Advertising Reductions; Transport Canada; Fisheries and Oceans Canada; Health Canada; Canada Border Services Agency; Royal Canadian Mounted Police; Regulatory Review, and; Skills Review
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3/22/2019,331,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Provide more flexible parental leave.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development",Completed - fully met,Parents who want to spend more time at home with their children have the option of doing so with protected Employment Insurance parental benefits.,"With Budget 2017, the Government of Canada created more flexible maternity and parental leave benefits. The changes allow parents to spread their parental benefit over a longer period of time (18 months), and give mothers the option to begin receiving Employment Insurance maternity benefits up to 12 weeks before their due date – up from eight weeks. The changes took effect December 3rd and give parents more support to spend time with their kids.
Further, to support greater gender equality in the home and in the workplace, Budget 2018 proposed to introduce a new EI Parental Sharing Benefit to provide additional weeks of “use it or lose it” EI parental benefits, when both parents agree to share parental leave. The changes came into force on March 17, 2019.
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3/22/2019,332,17-Feb,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure the successful integration of refugees into Canadian society.,"Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship","Actions taken, progress made",Improved social and economic outcomes for refugees.,"The government is currently reviewing how to deliver settlement and resettlement services in a better, more collaborative way, as well as test innovative approaches, to improve the participation of newcomers in social, cultural, civic, and economic life in Canada.
Resettled refugees are provided immediate and essential services through the Government of Canada’s Resettlement Assistance Program and the Settlement Program, to support their resettlement and integration.
Evidence and information gathered on the use of settlement and resettlement services by refugee groups will support the development of priorities for resettlement initiatives and ensure the needs of vulnerable newcomers are being met through interim programming as needed.
The National Call for Proposals for the Settlement and Resettlement Assistance Programs, which opened on February 18, 2019, will also ensure that investments target the specific needs of refugees and newcomers to ensure they integrate successfully and participate in society."
3/22/2019,334,17-Oct,Healthy Canadians,Ensure safety and non-discrimination in blood donation policies.,Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made","An evidence-based, safe and non-discriminatory approach to ensuring an adequate blood supply.","A safe and effective blood system is a cornerstone of health care delivery. Health Canada is working towards reducing barriers to blood and plasma donation for men who have sex with men (MSM) by funding research that will help inform relevant policy changes. In June 2016, Health Canada approved a request from Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec to reduce the blood donation ineligibility period for men who have sex with men from five years to one year. This change was based on scientific evidence brought forward by the blood operators and brought Canada in line with other global regulators, such as the United States, France, Australia and the Netherlands. At the same time, the Government of Canada provided $3 million to Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec to conduct behavioural research and organize an international seminar.
In 2017, the first round of competitions resulted in funding for eleven research projects. The second and final competition resulted in four new research projects which were announced in fall 2018. Results of these research projects are expected to be available between summer 2019 and winter 2020 which will inform further changes that could be undertaken to implement an evidence-based, safe and non-discriminatory approach to donations from men who have sex with men.
In December 2018, Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec filed authorization amendment submissions to Health Canada to change their blood donation deferral policies for MSM from 12 months to 3 months. The review is expected to be completed and a decision returned to the blood operators in April 2019.
To continue to support a safe and non-discriminatory approach to blood donation, Budget 2019 proposes to provide $2.4 million over three years, starting in 2019–20, for additional research specific to reducing barriers to the donation of blood plasma, which supports crucial treatment for patients with immunodeficiency, leukemia and a wide range of other illnesses. New funding would inform feasibility assessments and pilot testing of new approaches for donation in consultation with key stakeholders, including the LGBTQ2+ community and patients who depend on plasma. "
3/22/2019,335,17-Oct,Healthy Canadians,Facilitate collaboration on an organ and tissue donation and transplantation system that gives Canadians timely and effective access to care.,Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made",An increase in the supply of organs and tissue available so that Canadians get timely and effective access to care.,"Since April 2008, the government has worked collaboratively with provinces and territories to improve the Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplant system in Canada. This includes better collaboration, public education and use of best practices to increase donations and ultimately an increase in the supply of organs and tissue so that Canadians are able to access them when needed. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, a total of 2,835 lifesaving transplants were performed in Canada (including Quebec) in 2016, a 32 per cent increase since 2007. Over the last 10 years, the rate of deceased donation has increased 42 per cent but the rate of living donation has decreased 11%. There were 4,500 patients on organ waitlists at the end of 2016, and 260 patients died in 2016 while waiting for a transplant. Health Canada is facilitating a process with Canadian Blood Services (CBS) and the provincial/territorial members of the PT Blood Liaison Committee (PTBLC), led by Saskatchewan, to identify and explore how to make greater progress on governance and oversight, integration, coordination and system performance. Consultations have concluded and the summary findings were shared at a stakeholder meeting in November 2018 at which time priority actions were identified. Eight multi-stakeholder working groups are now developing action plans and will reconvene in February 2019.
To help Canada move to a more coordinated and effective approach to organ donation and transplantation, Budget 2019 proposes to provide Health Canada with $36.5 million over five years, starting in 2019–20, with $5 million per year ongoing, to develop a pan-Canadian data and performance system for organ donation and transplantation, in collaboration with provincial and territorial partners. This will help to improve consistency and quality in data, allowing more donors and recipients to be effectively matched in order to ensure Canadians have timely and effective access to organ transplant care."
3/22/2019,336,17-Oct,Healthy Canadians,"Ensure Canada's response to the current opioid crisis is robust, well-coordinated and effective.",Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges","Federal opioid response is evidence-based, collaborative and comprehensive, and the harm caused by opioid use—including overdoses and accidental deaths—is reduced.","Problematic opioid use and overdose is an ongoing crisis in Canada, devastating individuals, families and communities. The federal government has been coordinating a whole of government response and working with provincial and territorial counterparts, engaging non-government partners and making significant investments to build the evidence base and take collaborative and comprehensive action across four strategic pillars: prevention, harm reduction, treatment and law enforcement.
Budget 2017 committed $100 million over five years to support the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy including the opioid response. Budget 2018 committed an additional $231.4 million over five years to improve access to treatment, reduce stigma associated with drug use and continue to build the evidence base. The impact of some of these efforts will take time, and it remains troubling that recent data indicate the opioid crisis is ongoing.
The Government of Canada is regularly engaging Canadians most impacted by the crisis to inform the response, including people who use or have used drugs, people with chronic pain and their families. In September 2018 the Minister of Health hosted a two-day Opioid Symposium bringing together over 225 policy makers, researchers, clinicians, Indigenous groups, people with lived and living experience, drug policy advocates and law enforcement representatives to discuss challenges and identify additional opportunities to address the crisis. The Minister of Health highlighted federal priorities, such as: to increase access to evidence-based treatments including injectable opioid therapy; to expand access to safer alternatives to the contaminated drug supply; to consult Canadians on the Canada Drugs and Substances Strategy; to engage innovators through an Impact Canada Challenge to improve opioid detection and testing technologies; to establish a task force on chronic pain; and, to reduce stigma associated with drug use.
Moreover, Health Canada held an online consultation between September 5 and December 4, 2018 to deliver on the federal commitment to consult Canadians on the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy. This included four stakeholder workshops held in Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa and Halifax. Over 1600 responses were received. The analysis of these responses has been completed, and a “What We Heard” report is in development (to be finalized for spring 2019).
On October 2, 2018, the Government of Canada launched the Impact Canada Drug Checking Technology Challenge to create a rapid, accurate, easy to use, and low-cost testing device or instrument that can be used with minimal training and preparation work. The goal is to serve people who use drugs and those who support them, to allow them to make decisions that may reduce their risk of overdose and death. In March 2019, nine semi-finalists were selected by a judging panel established for this Challenge. Health Canada is in the process of signing contribution agreements that will award each semi-finalist a prize of $25,000 to further develop their prototypes.
In addition, Health Canada has established a Canadian Pain Task Force that will collaborate with key stakeholders across Canada to identify and disseminate information about best practices in the prevention and management of chronic pain.
Most recently, Budget 2019 proposed to provide additional funding of $30.5 million over 5 years, starting in 2019–20, with $1 million in ongoing funding, for targeted measures to address persistent gaps in harm reduction and treatment, specifically to support efforts to expand access to a safe supply of prescription opioids, as well as access to opioid overdose response training and to Naloxone in underserved communities."
3/22/2019,337,17-Oct,Healthy Canadians,Ensure Canada has a solid surveillance system for monitoring and reporting overdoses and deaths related to opioids.,Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made",Effective monitoring and reporting of overdoses and deaths related to opioids.,"The government is committed to releasing updated data on a quarterly basis, in collaboration with provinces and territories. The government is also working with provinces and territories to collect additional data on opioid use and harms. On September 18, 2018, the government released data for the first quarter of 2018 on apparent opioid-related deaths in Canada and suspected opioid-related overdoses in seven jurisdictions across Canada based on emergency medical service data.
On December 12, 2018, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) released three publications related to the national opioid crisis including:
• the seventh National report on apparent opioid-related deaths with new national data for the first half of 2018 and updated data from January 2016 to March 2018;
• the third report on suspected opioid-related overdoses reported by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) from nine provinces and territories, and;
• key findings from a special analysis looking at the impact of the opioid overdose epidemic on life expectancy at birth in Canada.
In addition, the Canadian Institute for Health Information, in collaboration with PHAC, released updates to 2016 and 2017 data on hospitalizations and emergency department visits due to opioid poisoning."
3/22/2019,338,17-Oct,Healthy Canadians,Review Canada's framework for dealing with public health emergencies.,Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made","Public health emergencies and events are prevented, detected, and responded to effectively.","The Public Health Agency of Canada is working with Health Portfolio partners and Public Safety Canada to review its processes, mechanisms and tools to ensure a timely and effective response to public health emergencies. It is anticipated that this review will be completed in Spring 2019. "
3/22/2019,339,17-Oct,Healthy Canadians,"Curb opioid misuse by introducing prescribing guidelines, tracking prescriptions at the patient level, and increasing transparency in marketing and promotion of therapies.",Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges","A reduction in inappropriate prescription of opioids, improved tracking of prescriptions, and better management of transitions where opioids are no longer required so as to reduce opioid dependency.","The government is working with provinces, territories, and partners to address prescribing practices and prescription monitoring in Canada. The government funded the Michael G. DeGroote National Pain Centre at McMaster University to update the Canadian Guideline for safe and effective use of Opioids for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain. The updated Guideline was published on May 8, 2017. The government is collaborating with provinces and territories through the Problematic Substance Use and Harms Committee to share lessons learned and best practices in prescription monitoring.
In January 2018, Health Canada hosted a working session with provinces and territories to develop national standards for prescription monitoring programs.
The government is also exploring options to restrict the marketing of opioids to healthcare professionals. On June 19, 2018, the Minister of Health announced a series of measures to address industry's opioid marketing and advertising practices, including the publication of a notice of intent to restrict marketing and advertising of opioids, and launching consultations with provinces, territories and stakeholders.
Health Canada further consulted stakeholders during the Opioid Symposium in Toronto on September 5, 2018.
In December 2018, Health Canada published a summary of the feedback received on the June 2018 Notice of Intent to restrict the marketing and advertising of opioids. Health Canada will continue to engage with provinces, territories and stakeholders in the coming months.
Canada's Food and Drug Regulations were recently amended to require that a warning sticker and patient information handout be provided to patients, at the time of sale, with all prescription opioids that appear in Part A of the “List of Opioids.” These requirements came into force on October 23, 2018. Also as of October 2018, Health Canada now requires that all materials regarding opioid products that companies intend to provide to health care professionals are pre-cleared, ensuring the materials to be disseminated are evidence-based, balanced and compliant with Health Canada's advertising regulatory framework.
On March 11, 2019, the Minister of Health proposed additional restrictions on the marketing and advertising of Class B opioid products provided to health care professionals. The proposed additional terms and conditions would restrict all advertising materials of Class B opioids provided to health care professionals to only statements that have been authorized by Health Canada in the Product Monograph.
Health Canada continues to work with manufacturers to update the labelling of all prescription opioid products to include enhanced information about their risks for prescribers and patients."
3/22/2019,340,17-Oct,Healthy Canadians,Ensure communities can introduce effective opioid treatments and programs.,Minister of Health,Completed - fully met,Canadians have access to community-based opioid treatments and programs that are effective in reducing harm.,"Treatment is the key to moving people from using drugs to recovery. Budget 2018 includes measures to provide one-time emergency funding of $150 million for provinces and territories for multi-year projects that improve access to evidence-based treatments. Bilateral agreements for the emergency funding have been signed with all provinces and territories.
In addition, the federal government has used its regulatory powers to make naloxone more widely available and to expedite approval of the nasal spray version. Further, the government published regulations allowing the import of drugs for opioid use disorder treatments not yet approved in Canada. On March 26, 2018, the Minister of Health announced the removal of barriers to accessing diacetylmorphine (prescription-grade heroin) and methadone for the treatment of opioid use disorder. The regulatory amendments were published in the Canada Gazette, Part II, on March 21, 2018. Health Canada also authorized, in April and November, two new drug products for the treatment of opioid use disorder.
On September 5, 2018, Health Canada issued two section 56 exemptions to authorize nurses with the authority to possess, sell, provide, administer, transport, send and deliver controlled substances while providing primary health care services at community health facilities under certain conditions. These exemptions removed the barriers to establishing nurse-led community-based treatment models. "
3/22/2019,341,17-Oct,Healthy Canadians,Promote the *Canada Health Act* to make absolutely clear that extra-billings and user fees are illegal and reporting is improved.,Minister of Health,Completed - fully met,"Canadians have access to publicly funded health care, without financial barriers at point of service.","The Government of Canada is committed to defending the *Canada Health Act*. In August 2018, following a number of discussions with provinces and territories, the Minister of Health sent a letter to all provincial and territorial Ministers of Health formalizing three new *Canada Health Act* initiatives:
• The Diagnostic Services Policy, which confirms the longstanding federal position that medically necessary diagnostic services are insured services, regardless of the venue where the services are delivered;
• The Reimbursement Policy, which provides the federal Minister of Health the discretion to provide a reimbursement should a province or territory be subject to a deduction due to extra-billing or user charges. This reimbursement will be subject to terms and conditions including that the province or territory come into compliance with the Act within a specified timeframe; and
• Strengthened reporting, which will ensure that Health Canada has the information required to accurately assess compliance with the Act, as well as to increase transparency for Canadians on the administration of the Act.
The most recent *Canada Health Act* Annual Report explains in detail how these initiatives are being implemented and provides information on the extent to which provincial and territorial health care insurance plans have fulfilled the requirements of the Act. The *Canada Health Act* Annual Report is developed in collaboration with the provincial and territorial governments and is tabled in Parliament each year by the Minister of Health. "
3/22/2019,342,17-Oct,Healthy Canadians,Develop a new self-governed approach to delivering health services to Indigenous peoples and reduce health inequities between Indigenous peoples and non-Indigenous Canadians.,Minister of Health;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations;Minister of Indigenous Services,"Actions taken, progress made","New co-developed approaches to Indigenous health services that will be client-centred, culturally relevant and sustainable, resulting in healthier children, families and improved community wellness.","Since the creation of the Department of Indigenous Services, the government continues, in partnership with Indigenous groups, to transform the way to deliver services to Indigenous peoples and transfer the design, planning and management and delivery of these services to Indigenous organisations.
The government's goal is to support increased flexibility and capacity building in Indigenous communities so that they are able to direct and design their own health services and partner more effectively with provincial healthcare systems. This gap in health outcomes can be narrowed, and providing access to quality health care close to home is an essential part of that change. To support the delivery of health services, Budget 2017 announced an investment of $828 million over 5 years to improve a range of health outcomes for First Nations and Inuit. The government is currently working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis to co-develop distinctions-based, self-determined and nation-to-nation approaches for health transformation. For example, as an interim measure in committing to and finalizing the Canada-Métis Nation Accord to Achieve Reconciliation, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed on August 21, 2018 between Canada and the Métis Nation, committing to the development of a 10-Year Métis Nation Health Accord.
Renewing the relationship with the Métis Nation based on recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership, Canada and the Métis National Council signed the Canada-Métis Nation Accord to Achieve Reconciliation, on August 21, 2018, committing to the development of a 10-Year Métis Nation Health Accord. Budget 2018 proposed investment of $6 million over five years to support the Métis Nation in gathering health data and developing a health strategy.
Additional investments were announced in Budget 2018, with $1.5 billion over five years, for Indigenous health, starting in 2018–2019, and $149 million per year ongoing thereafter. This amount included $498 million, with $97.6 million per year ongoing, to sustain access to critical medical care and services. Budget 2018 identified $235 million to support work with First Nations partners to transform First Nations health systems by expanding successful models of self-determination so that health programs and services are developed, delivered and controlled by and for First Nations. This investment will also support access to quality and First Nations-controlled health care in remote and isolated James Bay communities as part of the Weeneebayko Area Health Integration Framework Agreement. First Nations are leading processes (in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec) to develop models for self-determination in health service-delivery. Memoranda of Understanding/agreements to advance these processes have been, and are being, signed to confirm shared priorities. Other regional engagement efforts are underway across the country to identify strategies for transforming service delivery, including opportunities for increasing Indigenous control over services. In addition to the ongoing implementation of the historic British Columbia Tripartite Framework Agreement, which transferred operational control of health programs and services to the British Columbia First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), the Government of Canada has also invested $10 million to support a Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Mental Health and Wellness that was signed in July 2018 with the Province of British Columbia and British Columbia First Nations with matching resources invested by the province and First Nations; these efforts will contribute to innovative and more flexible funding approaches to address the broader social determinants of health.
In the North, Budget 2018 identified investments of $27.5 million over five years to support enhanced prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment of Tuberculosis (TB) and latent TB infection in Inuit Nunangat. Each of the four regions in Inuit Nunangat is developing an action plan to eliminate TB among Inuit by 2030, with a reduction of at least 50% of active TB cases by 2025. The Government of Canada provided $500,000 to the government of Nunatsiavut to be used in TB elimination activities. In addition, the government is providing ongoing surge capacity including nurses and epidemiologists, as well as administrative and coordination support for the TB outbreak. Nunavik has recently launched a communication campaign to reach out to youth in particular. The Government of Canada also works closely with the government of Nunavut in their response to a TB outbreak by investing in the purchase of rapid TB diagnostic technology and facilitating timely access to rifapentine, an antibiotic used in the treatment of latent TB. To help streamline the TB elimination work, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami will continue to lead the implementation of the Inuit TB Elimination Framework, in collaboration with the Government of Canada, through the Inuit Public Health Task Group, a subcommittee of the National Inuit Committee on Health.
In Budget 2019, the government committed to supporting the construction and ongoing operation of a treatment facility in Nunavut as well as an investment of $50 million over 10 years, starting in 2019–2020, with $5 million per year ongoing, to support ITK’s Inuit-specific approach to address suicide in Inuit communities."
3/22/2019,343,17-Oct,Government Services and Operations,Help Veterans gain skills to successfully transition to the civilian workforce.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"More Veterans, Canadian Armed Forces members, and their spouses/common-law partners successfully transition to the civilian labour market. The government hires more veterans into meaningful work.","Since April 2018, eligible Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans, their spouses or common-law partners and survivors have been able to apply for a new, modernized set of career transition services. These services are delivered consistently across Canada by qualified career support professionals who understand military life and culture. For Veterans and survivors, these career transition services will be available throughout a person’s post-service working life, meaning they can get help when and where needed.
The government also continues to provide access to hiring opportunities in the public service for certain serving and former members of the Canadian Armed Forces who are released for medical reasons. Priority for public service jobs is given to these members and Veterans over all other individuals.
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3/22/2019,344,17-Oct,Government Services and Operations,"Implement the Caregiver Recognition Benefit, paid directly to Veterans' caregivers.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,Increased recognition and support for caregivers of ill and injured Veterans so that Veterans get better care.,"The government introduced the new Caregiver Recognition Benefit, replacing the Family Caregiver Relief Benefit, effective April 2018. This benefit provides a non-taxable $1,000 monthly benefit payable directly to informal caregivers of Veterans to better recognize and honour the vital role they play in supporting Canadian Armed Forces members and Veterans."
3/22/2019,345,17-Oct,Government Services and Operations,Implement the new Veteran Emergency Fund and Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,Improve the quality of life of Veterans and their families.,"Since April 2018, the Veterans Emergency Fund (VEF) has been providing emergency financial support to Veterans, their families and survivors when their well-being is at risk due to an urgent and unexpected situation. At $1 million per year over the next four years, the new fund gives the government the flexibility to financially assist Veterans and their families quickly and efficiently in times when they most need it, without complicated eligibility requirements and approval processes. The VEF provides short-term relief while the government works with Veterans and their families to identify long-term needs and options.
The Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund is another of the many enhanced programs and services in Budget 2017 that focus on supporting innovative solutions for Veterans and their families. The fund supports research and fosters innovation across the public, private and academic fields to make a real difference in the lives of Veterans and their families. The fund supports a wide range of projects, such as suicide prevention research, an initiative that helps homeless Veterans find housing, or any innovative projects that contribute to the well-being of Veterans and their families.
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3/22/2019,346,17-Oct,Government Services and Operations,"Streamline the suite of benefits, improve transparency and communications, and improve the experience of Veterans as their needs change throughout their lives.",Minister of Veterans Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made","A streamlined, client-centric process that is easier to navigate, provides timely service and helps Veterans transition to civilian life.","Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) is streamlining its suite of benefits with the goal of reducing overlap and administrative burden to ensure a positive client experience for Veterans both as they transition to civilian life and as their needs change throughout their lives. A three-year communications and outreach strategy was launched to ensure that Veterans and their families are well-informed of the range of supports and services available to them.
On December 20, 2017, the government announced its Pension for Life plan which will reintroduce lifelong monthly pain and suffering payments with the Pain and Suffering Compensation, implement a new recognition benefit through the Additional Pain and Suffering Compensation, and the Income Replacement Benefit (IRB) that simplifies VAC’s financial support programs through replacing six existing financial benefits with the new IRB. Specifically, the new IRB will replace the Earnings Loss Benefit; Extended Earnings Loss Benefit, Retirement Income Security Benefit, Supplementary Retirement Benefit, the Career Impact Allowance and Career Impact Allowance Supplement. This will reduce the burden on the Veteran and their Caregivers as there will be one application form where there used to be six. The streamlining will come into force April 1, 2019."
3/22/2019,347,17-Oct,Government Services and Operations,Ensure public servants are paid accurately and promptly.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges",Public servants are paid in a timely manner and without errors.,"The government is committed to stabilizing pay, and ensuring that public servants are paid accurately and on time, understanding there are no quick fixes.
The government is committed to doing better. The Clerk of the Privy Council Office instructed all Deputy Ministers to take a personal interest in seeing that employees are supported; they should not feel that they are facing these difficulties alone.
To continue progress on stabilizing the current pay system, Budget 2019 provides an additional $21.7 million in 2018–19 to address urgent pay administration pressures and proposes to invest an additional $523.3 million over five years, starting in 2019–20, to ensure that adequate resources are dedicated to addressing payroll errors. In addition, over the next two years, the government will work with experts, unions and technology providers on a way forward for a new HR-to-Pay system.
The government is implementing a suite of measures as part of an integrated plan, informed by recommendations from the Office of Auditor General of Canada, as well as the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, to stabilize the pay system so that transactions are processed quickly and accurately. As part of this approach, Pay Pods, which group together compensation employees assigned to specific departments or agencies, are being rolled out to help ensure that pay issues are resolved and employees receive better service. Pay Pods work with departments and agencies to process new transactions first, then work on the outstanding transactions in an employee’s pay file, in contrast to the current approach of addressing pay issues by transaction type. This new approach results in a more comprehensive resolution of an employee’s pay file, leading to a reduction in backlogged cases.
As of March 4th, 2019, Pay Pods have been implemented for 34 departments and agencies, representing approximately 150,000 employees. The government also announced enhancements to the Client Contact Centre, where staff now have access to a variety of tools so that they can provide more real-time, accurate information to public servants. Progress towards reducing the number of outstanding pay transactions continues.
Progress is reported regularly through the monthly public Dashboard, the Pay Bulletin and other online content to ensure transparency and accountability.
Since January 2018, the queue has decreased by over 163,000 transactions. At the same time, a significant number of collective agreements have been processed, providing more than $1.6 billion in retroactive payments to employees.
In support of the stabilization efforts, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) is using a variety of procurement vehicles to access private sector expertise. The sourcing strategy aims to engage with the broader private sector community in order to leverage innovative strategies to help stabilize the pay system.
Over the course of the fall, PSPC launched six Requests for Information (RFIs) in the areas of: automation of pay centre processes (request automation), HR processes, lowering the queue, enhanced user access management, Improving User Experience and training. PSPC also launched an Invitation to Qualify (ITQ), for all 6 of the RFIs. The qualified ITQ suppliers are being invited to participate in the Request for Proposals (RFPs).
In addition, a key pillar of stabilization is the ongoing work with IBM under the application managed service model to increase capacity and leverage expertise while ensuring value for money. This model provides PSPC with a service provider that focuses on repetitive, operational, transactional work that enables PSPC experts to focus on the analysis and strategic improvements to Phoenix and its processes, such as simplifying system usability, thereby reducing the high number of errors generated by either the system or the user.
To foster a culture more agile and open to change management, an HR-to-Pay Change Leadership Committee has been implemented with key stakeholders from Pay Centre and non-Pay Centre organizations to support the implementation of a Change Management Framework that will aim to achieve increased timeliness and reduced data errors, in support of accurate and timely pay for employees. Among its first activities is the launch of the HR-to-Pay Playbook, an instruction manual detailing departmental best practices for more efficient HR processes and operational and strategic decision guides based on data.
In August 2018, the Treasury Board Secretariat announced steps to move away from Phoenix and develop a pay system that will meet the needs of employees and function with the complexity of the federal government’s human resources and pay structure.
The government recently launched its innovative agile procurement process to seek potential vendors for the next generation human resources and pay system.
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3/22/2019,348,17-Oct,Fair and Open Government,Increase the diversity of bidders on government contracts.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made","The diversity of bidders and contractors will increase, including participation by businesses owned by women and Indigenous peoples.","**Supporting participation of small and medium enterprises in federal procurement**
PSPC is fostering the participation of bidders in federal contracts, in particular businesses owned or led by Canadians from under-represented groups, such as women, persons with disabilities and persons from visible minorities. The Office of Small and Medium Enterprises has increased its outreach activities to target under-represented businesses across Canada.
PSPC has consulted with industry about approaches to incorporate social procurement measures in the temporary services method of supply and in the selection method for architects and engineers.
PSPC is conducting a number of pilots and is planning to launch more. For example, there are now two pilots for catering services in the National Capital Region and the Atlantic Region. These pilots have created a list of under-represented suppliers and social enterprises that can provide catering or hospitality services.
At the same time, the Department is developing guidelines and policies (taking into account trade agreements) on how to conduct social procurement.
**Opportunities for Indigenous businesses**
PSPC is also supporting the participation of businesses owned or led by Indigenous groups in its contracts. PSPC is leveraging federal procurement to support Indigenous businesses by providing them with increased opportunities to access the federal government market. To further help stimulate Indigenous economic development, requirements for benefits for Indigenous Peoples and businesses are being increasingly incorporated into federal procurement. The contract for the administration of the Canada Student Loans Program, for example, awarded by PSPC on behalf of Employment and Social Development Canada, stipulated that a portion of the services needed to be delivered by an Indigenous sub-contractor.
In collaboration with Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, PSPC is also encouraging departments that procure more than $1 million annually to find ways to increase the value of contracts awarded to Indigenous businesses.
In addition, departments have been asked to aspire to an Indigenous procurement objective of 5% by the end of the next 5 years.
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3/22/2019,349,17-Oct,Fair and Open Government,"Develop better tools to hold contractors accountable, particularly in large scale procurements.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made","Suppliers will be accountable for their contractual performance, which is expected to improve procurement results.","Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has finalized a draft Vendor Performance Management (VPM) Policy, in consultation with other government departments and agencies as well as with select members of the VPM Supplier Advisory Sub-Committee. Consultations have been held across the country in March 2019. PSPC has initiated discussions within the Government of Canada and with industry on pilots of the VPM, which are expected to begin in summer 2019. Shared Services Canada is also moving forward with pilots for VPM, one of which is close to contract award, and another which is about to go out for solicitation (April 2019)."
3/22/2019,350,17-Oct,Fair and Open Government,"Publish clear metrics on the competitiveness, cost and timeliness of procurement.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made",The Government of Canada will make more informed contract decisions based on feedback obtained from comprehensive data and sampling of procurement activities and surveys.,"Metrics on competitiveness, cost and timeliness are published in the annual Departmental Plans and Departmental Results Reports, as well as in Our Services, Standards and Results.
Public Services and Procurement Canada established strong Key Performance Indicators for the 2018-19 Departmental Results Framework. A Data Analytics Strategy is being developed to optimize the effective access and use of data, methodologies, and analytics capacity/skills to support the development of the metrics. The launch of the electronic procurement solution will also enable the development of better data capture, which will allow for better metrics.
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3/22/2019,351,17-Oct,Fair and Open Government,Make more government data available to vendors participating in procurement bidding to encourage better bids.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made",Vendors and government decision makers have access to modern analytics to better understand Government of Canada procurement. This will help vendors decide when and how to compete in order to encourage more and better bids.,"Information on contracts over $10,000 is available on the Government of Canada Open Government Portal. Public Services and Procurement Canada is working towards publishing procurement data with additional detail, which will allow Canadians to more fully understand what is being purchased and how the expenditure is moving through the procurement cycle. The department is also developing a Data Analytics Strategy to improve the contract data provided to suppliers and decision makers. It is expected that the Government of Canada will begin the implementation of the Strategy in 2019. The government's goal of making procurement simpler, faster and accessible will also serve to encourage better bids, as well as provide for increased visibility and transparency into the complete life cycle of procurement processes.
PSPC is moving to a paperless procurement process through the acquisition of an electronic procurement solution (EPS). By implementing a web-based interactive contract management solution, it will be easier for suppliers to sell, improve data quality, reduce the administrative burden for suppliers and increase opportunities for small and medium enterprises. The EPS will be incrementally implemented within PSPC beginning in late 2019.
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3/22/2019,352,17-Oct,Fair and Open Government,Ensure prompt payment of contractors and sub-contractors.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made",Barriers to accessing government contracts are reduced and small and medium enterprises require less working capital (cash flow) to do business with the Government of Canada because they get paid more quickly for work they've done.,"The government is looking at different approaches to ensure expedited payment to its suppliers. Public Services and Procurement Canada launched a pilot in one of its branches to pay contracts under $100,000 within 15 calendar days. Pilot results will confirm if this measure is effective in removing barriers related to cash flow for small and medium enterprises in doing business with the government.
Independent experts concluded a national engagement process seeking input from the construction industry to identify the elements required to develop a robust federal prompt payment regime. In Budget 2019, the government proposed to introduce legislation that would ensure that payments flow down the construction supply chain promptly and to provide for an effective adjudicative mechanism when they do not, thus facilitating the orderly and timely building of federal construction projects on federal property.
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3/22/2019,353,17-Oct,Government Services and Operations,"Improve the delivery of information technology within the government, including the renewal of Shared Services Canada.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made","An agile, reliable and secure information technology platform to support the delivery of digital services to Canadians.","Shared Services Canada (SSC) has benefitted from many sources of advice to improve the delivery of information technology within the government and renew itself. For example, in 2016 and 2017, SSC completed broad-based consultations with industry, Canadians and federal departments on the best approaches for managing the Government of Canada's information technology assets and services. The Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat also released the independent review of SSC commissioned from Gartner Canada Co., which included numerous recommendations for improvements, but which also confirmed that a shared services model for information technology is the right one for the Government of Canada.
To improve the management and provision of the IT infrastructure and services within government, Budget 2018 provided SSC with $2.2 billion in funding over six years, with $349.8 million ongoing, starting in 2018-2019. The Budget 2018 funding signals the start of a “reset” in how SSC is positioned to enable the Government of Canada’s Digital Vision, and will be used to build a modern, reliable and secure digital platform. This work includes building the capacity required to enable government priorities through SSC’s shared services while continuing to improve service delivery for customer departments.
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3/22/2019,354,17-Oct,Government Services and Operations,Ensure the timely and orderly transition of Parliamentary operations during the renewal of the Parliamentary precinct.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,Completed - fully met,"The Government of Canada is restoring and modernizing the Parliamentary Precinct for current and future generations of Canadians, and to provide Parliament with the accommodations it needs to operate effectively and safely in a modern, connected and sustainable world. ","Following a 7-year rehabilitation to restore and modernize West Block, parliamentary operations were moved from Centre Block in time for the 2019 winter parliamentary sitting. Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) worked collaboratively with Parliament and a Deputy Minister-level committee to ensure a seamless transition of parliamentary operations to West Block and the government’s Conference Centre."
3/22/2019,355,17-Oct,Indigenous peoples,Develop a vision for a national space for Indigenous peoples at 100 Wellington.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations;Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made","Creating a space for Indigenous peoples directly across from Parliament Hill will symbolize a turning point in Canada's relationship with Indigenous peoples. This location will provide a concrete marker of the importance of Indigenous peoples to this country's past, present, and future.","CIRNAC and PSPC are working with National Representative Organizations and the Algonquin to finalize the development of a short term use of the Indigenous Peoples’ Space at 100 Wellington, which will be opened on June 21, 2019 (National Indigenous Peoples Day). For the long term use, there is ongoing collaboration on the development of an approach for governance and final design for the space."
3/22/2019,356,17-Oct,Government Services and Operations,"Enhance the quality and capacity of services provided by the Translation Bureau, and promote the economic vitality of Canada's translation and interpretation community.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,Completed - fully met,The Government of Canada has access to high quality linguistic services that enable it to operate and to serve Canadians in both official languages.,"In order to reposition the Translation Bureau as a centre of excellence, the government is implementing a new vision that seeks to: improve quality of services; strengthen relationships with professional associations, universities and clients; ensure effective resource management and planning, and guarantee that linguistic tools satisfy the needs of employees.
The Translation Bureau’s Chief Quality Officer, has finalized a Quality Evaluation Framework and an action plan identifying a series of measures to improve quality. For example, the Translation Bureau’s new Supply Arrangement for Translation Services, which has been in effect since August 1, 2018, places greater emphasis on quality over price.
The Translation Bureau, in collaboration with the interpretation industry, developed an open contracting process for conference interpretation focused on quality. This process was launched on buyandsell.ca on February 15, 2019. In addition, the Translation Bureau is working closely with clients, universities, associations and the language industry to ensure quality services and the vitality of language professions. It remains committed to hiring over 50 students per year, over the next 5 years, to train the next generation of language specialists. In 2018-2019, more than 150 students were hired. The Bureau has also taken steps to ensure that it is ready to embrace innovation, artificial intelligence and adopt leading-edge practices."
3/22/2019,357,17-Oct,Jobs and Innovation,Develop the vision for the new federal science infrastructure.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made",A modern science infrastructure that fosters collaboration to achieve policy goals and protects the safety and security and health of Canadians.,"In Budget 2018, the government announced $2.8 billion over five years as part of an ambitious plan to renew federal laboratories. The government is launching the first phase of the plan, which will begin the process for the construction of multipurpose, collaborative federal science and technology facilities. This plan will ensure that federal scientists have access to world-class infrastructure, equipment, and computer networks to produce the best results for Canadians.
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3/22/2019,358,17-Oct,Jobs and Innovation,Use work on accessibility as a catalyst for new ideas and business strategies through technology and design.,Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made",Canadians with disabilities are participating more in the digital economy with the help of assistive and adaptive digital devices and technologies.,"The Accessible Technology Program will help fill the gap in support for the development of assistive and adaptive digital devices and technologies that enable persons with disabilities to fully participate in society. It will help remove barriers to Internet access and other digital services for Canadians with disabilities, will help them gain the digital skills they need for good jobs, and enable them to fully participate in the digital economy."
3/22/2019,359,17-Oct,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Monitor federal allocations to improve public transit accessibility, and create reporting obligations on these expenditures.",Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made","Improved reliability, efficiency, safety and accessibility of public transit systems in Canada.","Canadian cities have been growing at a rapid rate, but investment in public transit has not kept pace and investments have not always considered accessibility issues.
To improve public transit systems across Canada and make them more accessible, Budget 2016 announced immediate federal investments of up to $3.4 billion in public transit, starting in 2016–17 to be provided through a new Public Transit Infrastructure Fund. These investments are helping to improve commutes, cut air pollution, strengthen communities and grow Canada's economy. Public Transit Infrastructure funding is being provided to support the rehabilitation of public transit systems, the planning of future system improvements and expansions, enhanced asset management, and system optimization and modernization."
3/22/2019,360,17-Oct,Indigenous peoples,Promote culturally relevant sport for Indigenous youth.,Minister of Science and Sport;Minister of Indigenous Services,"Actions taken, progress made","Increased and sustained participation of Indigenous children and youth in culturally relevant sport programming. In addition, sport programming is used to reduce the gap between Indigenous communities and the rest of Canada in areas of social development.","Budget 2017 invested $18.9 million over five years starting in 2017-2018, and ongoing funding of $5.5 million every four years thereafter to support Indigenous youth and sport. This included funding to the Aboriginal Sport Circle in the amount of $800,000 in 2017-2018 to enable the organization to assume a leadership role on Indigenous sport development, as well as funding to the provinces and territories to promote culturally relevant sport programming in Indigenous communities. The government also provided $3.5 million for the hosting of the North American Indigenous Games in Toronto from July 16 to 23, 2017. In addition, in 2017-2018, approximately $4.85 million was provided to eleven national organizations to pilot physical activity and sport projects in 61 First Nation communities across the country. A total of 6,145 First Nation students, 595 parents/community members, 364 on reserve teachers, and 212 Elders participated in the pilot projects. All pilots have been completed. Each final project report is now being reviewed, and the most successful programs will be identified with the goal of increasing Indigenous participation in culturally relevant sports and recreation, and to improve the health and well-being of Indigenous communities through sport participation. Through Budget 2018, the government invested $47.5 million over five years, and $9.5 million per year ongoing, to expand the use of sports for social development in more than 300 Indigenous communities. The government is working closely with the Aboriginal Sport Circle to design the program to deliver these funds."
3/22/2019,361,17-Oct,Healthy Canadians,Better support Canadian athletes through the Athlete Assistance Program.,Minister of Science and Sport,Completed - fully met,High-performance Canadian athletes are better able to focus on training for world class performances due to greater financial support.,"Through Budget 2017, the government is investing $5 million per year ongoing in the Athlete Assistance Program. This investment represents an 18 per cent increase over existing funding levels, and will be distributed in the following way: $4.25 million for the living and training allowance, $250,000 for tuition support and $500,000 for supplementary support. This program will directly assist approximately 1,900 athletes across Canada and enable them to continue their academic or working careers while training intensively in pursuit of world-class performance."
3/22/2019,362,17-Oct,Indigenous peoples,"Dissolve Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, and create a new Department of Indigenous Services and a new Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs to better serve Indigenous peoples.",Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations;Minister of Indigenous Services;Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,"Actions taken, progress made","Improved delivery and quality of day-to-day services for First Nations, Inuit and Métis. An improved nation-to-nation relationship and greater self-determination for Indigenous peoples who rightfully want and need to control service delivery for their own people.","The Government of Canada announced the creation of the Department of Indigenous Services Canada in early December 2017. The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations has been mandated to lead consultations on the structure of two new departments.
An Order-in-Council was adopted to designate Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) as a department. A Memorandum of Understanding between Health Canada and ISC was signed to ensure the seamless continuity of internal services to First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB), which was previously under Health Canada. As of April 1, 2018, employees who worked in Internal Services at Health Canada supporting the FNIHB are officially employees of ISC. This is an important step in the transformation towards a stronger service culture within ISC’s service to, and empowerment of, Indigenous peoples.
As announced in the 2019 Budget, the government proposes to introduce legislation to effect the formal creation of Indigenous Services Canada and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada. Furthermore, the Budget announced $175M in funding to support the stand-up of the two departments to be formally created. "
3/22/2019,363,17-Oct,Indigenous peoples,"Lead a whole-of-government approach to renew the nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relationship with Indigenous people.",Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations,"Actions taken, progress made","A renewed relationship with Indigenous peoples based on co-developed policies that support strong and effective nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relationships that consider and respond to the unique realities of Indigenous peoples in Canada.","Three permanent bilateral mechanisms have been created, with the Prime Minister, the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and the Métis National Council, to jointly set priorities and oversee outcomes. On February 9, 2017, the Prime Minister and Inuit leaders signed a declaration to create the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee, demonstrating the shared commitment to a renewed Inuit-Crown relationship between Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Government of Canada. The first Métis Nation-Crown Summit took place on April 13, 2017, where the Prime Minister and the President of the Métis National Council and its Governing Members signed the Canada-Métis Nation Accord. On June 12, 2017, the Prime Minister and the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations signed a Memorandum of Understanding during the first Assembly of First Nations-Crown meeting. Since the creation of the Permanent Bilateral Mechanisms, regular meetings at the Ministerial and senior officials level have helped guide the substantive work underway in the co-developed joint priorities. Both the Inuit-Crown and Metis-Crown mechanisms have now had their second annual meeting with the Prime Minister, and preparations are underway for the second Prime Minister meeting with Assembly of First Nations to identify Year Two priorities. Results from the Permanent Bilateral Mechanisms process were reflected in distinctions based investments in Budget 2018 in areas such as Health, Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care, Indigenous skills and Employment Training Strategy, and First Nations' policing.
A second successful Canada – Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations Forum, chaired by the Prime Minister and attended by 24 Indigenous Leaders, was held on January 8, 2019. Progress made since the November 1, 2017 Forum was discussed, with particular focus on the advancement of the Collaborative Fiscal Process.
In 2018, the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and senior officials held over 100 engagement sessions with close to 1700 participants to listen to ideas about how to make the recognition and implementation of rights the basis for all relations between Indigenous peoples and the federal government. Canada has heard that there is a broad consensus among partners that some policies – namely the Comprehensive Land Claims Policy and the Inherent Right Policy – are in urgent need of reform. In 2019, Canada will continue to engage with Indigenous peoples to replace these outdated policies.
Through Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions, the government is working with Indigenous groups to co-develop mandates that better address their needs and priorities. These discussions also provide a forum for the government to support the reconstitution of Indigenous nations, as well as self-determination and self-government. There are over 75 discussions underway representing over 380 communities and a population of approximately 790,000 people.
Budget 2018 invested $74.9 million over five years, with $15.5 million per year ongoing, to provide ongoing support to these policy co-development forums.
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3/22/2019,364,17-Oct,Indigenous peoples,Include Indigenous representatives in a meaningful way in Canada's federal-provincial-territorial dialogues.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations;Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges",A consensus based approach to meaningful and collaborative engagement with Indigenous representatives in federal-provincial-territorial dialogues.,"Indigenous organizations have been active participants in ongoing federal-provincial-territorial (FPT) dialogues in policy areas that matter most to Indigenous peoples. This continued dialogue plays a key role in identifying priorities and shaping the path forward in a number of areas, including justice and public safety, health, culture and heritage, sport and recreation, and early learning and childcare. Indigenous representatives continue to be involved in federal-provincial-territorial dialogues on a bilateral and multi-lateral basis. In October 2017, national Indigenous organizations met with First Ministers to discuss measures to promote the inclusion of Indigenous peoples in an economic growth agenda and the connection to the broader reconciliation agenda. In January 2018, Indigenous leaders met with FPT Ministers responsible for Child and Family Services to discuss a plan for addressing the critical challenges being faced regarding Indigenous children in care.
Following this, on November 30, 2018, the Minister of Indigenous Services Canada, together with the leaders of Metis Nation, the Assembly of First Nations and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, announced that the government will move forward with co-developed federal legislation on Indigenous child and family services with Indigenous and provincial-territorial partners. On November 2nd, 2018, a conference call was held by the Minister of Indigenous Services, with provincial and territorial Ministers to discuss federal options for the Indigenous child and family services legislation. This discussion also included the participation of leaders from the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and the Métis National Council. In December 2018, leaders of national Indigenous Organizations again met with First Ministers to discuss continued economic growth and prosperity for Indigenous peoples.
Joint Gathering 2019 was co-hosted in Vancouver in January by the BC First Nations Leadership Council and the BC Region of Indigenous Services Canada and the Treaty and Aboriginal Government-Negotiations West branch of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada. The 2019 Joint Gathering brought together federal government officials and 502 delegates represented 158 First Nations in BC, 8 Child and Family Services agencies and 15 Tribal Councils and treaty organizations to discuss emerging issues, build relationships, promote partnerships, and foster leadership for a sustainable future.
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3/22/2019,365,17-Oct,Canada in the World,Develop a new Arctic Policy and a shared Arctic Leadership model for the government's work in the North.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations;Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,"Actions taken, progress made","Strong, self-reliant people and communities working together for a vibrant, prosperous and sustainable Arctic region at home and abroad, while expressing Canada’s enduring Arctic sovereignty.","In November 2017, the government launched public engagement to support the development of an Arctic Policy Framework for Canada to replace Canada's Northern Strategy and the Statement on Canada's Arctic Foreign Arctic Policy. This Framework is intended to identify a vision and plan to guide federal activities in the region. Public engagement is completed and included roundtables with northern residents and Indigenous organizations, and stakeholder sessions with business, youth, non-governmental organizations and researchers. Federal, Provincial, Territorial and Indigenous partners continue to collaborate on the co-development of domestic and international elements of the framework. In March 2018, work on a new Arctic and Northern Policy Framework proceeded from public engagement to co-development with Territorial, Indigenous, and Provincial partners. As of December 2018, a broad consensus has been achieved on a draft Framework that has been sent for final validation by co-development partners with the aim of completing and launching the policy statement phase of the Framework by spring 2019. An engagement tour to support validation of the Framework was led by the Parliamentary Secretary of Northern Affairs from January-February 2019.
Budget 2019 highlights the co-development of the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework, noting that it is intended to “identify shared priorities, goals, and objectives in Canada’s Arctic and North, through 2030.” Acknowledging that the Government of Canada will continue to work with partners to finalize the Framework, Budget 2019 notes that a number of new measures and investments will support the Framework. New funding was announced for the following initiatives:
• $1 million over 2 years to establish a Task Force to study post-secondary education in Canada’s Arctic and northern regions;
• $26 million over 5 years for the construction of a new campus science building in support of Yukon College’s transition to Yukon University;
• $13 million over 5 years for the Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning to support the delivery of culturally appropriate and community developed curricula to enhance access to and success in higher education for Indigenous and northern students;
• $18 million over 3 years to support planning by the Government of the Northwest Territories for the proposed Taltson hydroelectricity expansion project; and
• $34 million over 5 years to enhance Canada’s global Arctic leadership by strengthening Canada’s engagement in the Arctic Council, creating the first Arctic Council related permanent secretariat in Canada (for the Sustainable Development Working Group), increasing the participation of northerners in Arctic Council and Arctic research activities, and providing northern youth with international learning opportunities.
Additionally, Budget 2019 includes an undefined “commitment” to support the construction and ongoing operation of an addictions treatment facility in Nunavut. Budget 2019 specifies that this proposed investment would be accompanied by contributions from the government and Nunavut and Inuit partners.
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3/22/2019,366,17-Oct,Indigenous peoples,Advance devolution in Nunavut in collaboration with the government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations;Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,"Actions taken, progress made","Greater control for Nunavut over their lands and resources, leading to increased investment and economic growth, more job opportunities and lower unemployment, and increased revenues for the Government of Nunavut. Devolution will also contribute to the broader goal of reconciliation and will be a key result under a new Arctic Policy Framework.","On July 9, 2016, the government appointed a new Chief Federal Negotiator for Nunavut devolution. The Chief Federal Negotiator is meeting on specific issues to build common ground and facilitate the achievement of an Agreement-in-Principle. The Agreement-in-Principle will lead to a devolution agreement which would provide for the transfer of responsibilities for land and resource management to the government of Nunavut. Main Table meetings with the government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated began in December 2016. Negotiations are ongoing."
3/22/2019,367,17-Oct,Indigenous peoples,Increase the number of comprehensive modern treaties and new self-government agreements for Indigenous communities.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations;Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges","An increased number of modern treaties (comprehensive land claim agreements, self-government agreements) that supports Indigenous peoples' self-determination, self-government and nation rebuilding.","Since 2015, the Government of Canada has been advancing the recognition and implementation of Indigenous rights through Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions and the co-development of policy approaches that lead to greater self-determination. On December 4, 2018 at an Assembly of First Nations Special Chiefs Assembly, the Prime Minister committed to replacing the outdated Comprehensive Land Claims Policy and Inherent Right Policy with a new policy reflective of a rights recognition approach. The new policy will be based on the innovative approaches to the recognition and implementation of rights adopted in recent years.
In British Columbia, the Government is working in partnership with the province of British Columbia and the First Nations Summit to implement the proposals in the report on the ""Multilateral Engagement Process to Improve and Expedite Treaty Negotiations in British Columbia"" that was endorsed by the Principals to the British Columbia treaty process in May 2016. To demonstrate their commitment to transformative change beyond the Multilateral Engagement process, on December 1, 2018, the Principals signed the Principals’ Accord on Transforming Treaty Negotiations in British Columbia. The accord signals that the Crown and First Nations are committed to removing impediments to treaty negotiations in British Columbia and affirms an approach based on recognition and implementation of Indigenous rights, rather than extinguishment. In addition, negotiations under the British Columbia Treaty Process continue to move forward. Sto:lo. Ktunaxa and Metlakatla have each recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding moving these discussions to the final negotiation stage of the British Columbia treaty process.
Budget 2018 outlines new steps the Government will take to increase the number of modern treaties and self-government agreements with Indigenous communities in a manner that reflects a recognition of rights approach. As part of this new approach, Canada will be moving away from the use of loans to fund Indigenous participation in the negotiation of modern treaties. Starting in 2018–2019, Indigenous participation in modern treaty negotiations will be funded through non-repayable contributions. The Government will engage with affected Indigenous groups on how best to address past and present negotiation loans, including forgiveness of loans. This engagement has taken place, resulting in a number of productive discussions. Results of these discussions will prove useful as Canada continues to work on the development of options with regards to treatment of past and present negotiation loan debt. Through Budget 2018, the Government is also providing support to begin the implementation of new fiscal policy reforms that have been co-developed with self-governing Indigenous Peoples in Canada. This funding will go to support key priorities, including the closing of socio-economic gaps, infrastructure, data collection and governance.
Additionally, in Budget 2018, the Government also proposes to invest $51.4 million over the next two years to continue the Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussion tables. Canada is currently engaged in various self-determination discussions with over 500 Indigenous communities across the country. Some key examples of progress we are making are outlined below.
On December 14, 2017, Bill C-61, the Anishinabek Nation Education Act, received Royal Assent, marking the first self-government agreement in Ontario with 23 Anishinabek First Nations. The Agreement, which came into effect on April 1 2018, recognizes Anishinabek law-making powers and authority over K-12 education on reserve and a new education system grounded in Anishinabek culture and language. The Ontario Ministry of Education fully supports this Agreement and has a complementary arrangement in place to ensure that all Ontario students can benefit from this transformative education model.
On March 29, 2018 Bill C-70 received Royal Assent giving effect to the Agreement on Cree Nation Governance between the Crees of Eeyou Istchee and the Government of Canada thereby advancing Self-Determination for approximately 18,000 Indigenous people in nine Cree communities in North-West Quebec.
On December 5, 2018 an Education Agreement-in-Principle was signed with Nishnawbe Aski Nation. The Agreement-in-Principle paves the way for continued negotiations for First Nations' control and law-making authority over education from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 in their communities. Promoting Indigenous culture and language will be central to the new, Nishnawbe Aski Nation First Nations education system, to be created under the final agreement.
On January 16, 2019, the Government of Canada, the Government of Northwest Territories and the Norman Wells Land Corporation signed the Self-Government Agreement-in-Principle for the Sahtu Dene and Metis of Norman Wells. The Agreement-in-Principle will provide the foundation for the negotiation of a final agreement, thereby renewing the relationship and aligning with the Principles respecting the Government of Canada’s relationship with Indigenous Peoples, Reconciliation and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Further, the Government continues to take concrete steps to advance reconciliation efforts in Eastern Canada. On November 12, 2018, a bilateral Framework Agreement on Reconciliation and the Fishery was signed with the Listuguj First Nation of Québec, which positions parties to advance Listuguj’s fishing rights and interests. On January 15, 2019, a tripartite Framework Agreement was signed with the Mi’kmaq of Prince Edward Island and the Government of Prince Edward Island, which sets the foundation to begin discussing the Mi’kmaq’s Aboriginal and treaty rights in detail. In addition to being acts of reconciliation, these types of agreements are intended to help Canada strengthen its cooperative nation-to-nation partnerships in the region and work towards implementing Indigenous rights and self-determination.
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3/22/2019,368,17-Oct,Indigenous peoples,Support Indigenous peoples in their work to advance self-determination.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges","Indigenous peoples will have sufficient capacity and resources to work towards rebuilding and reconstituting their nations, advancing self-determination, and, for First Nations, facilitating transitions away from the *Indian Act* and toward self-government.","The government continues to support Indigenous peoples as they reconstitute their nations and advance self-determination and self-government. This is being accomplished through nation-level dialogues and community-level processes that are exploring the rights and priorities of Indigenous groups and working towards their implementation in ways that make sense for Indigenous communities. The Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions allow for the co-development of flexible negotiation mandates so that key issues can be appropriately prioritized and addressed. Over 75 of these discussions are underway with Indigenous communities and over 35 preliminary agreements have been signed. The government is continuing to update policies and operational practices to better support Indigenous self-determination across the country. On February 14, 2018, the Prime Minister announced that Canada would replace the Comprehensive Land Claims Policy and Inherent Right Policy with a new policy that fully embraces section 35 of the *Constitution Act, 1982*. To date, the Minister of Crown Indigenous Relations and senior officials have held over 100 engagement sessions with close to 1700 participants. Canada will continue to engage with Indigenous peoples to replace these outdated policies.
Through Budget 2018, the government also proposes to invest $51.4 million over the next two years to continue its support for federal and Indigenous participation in the Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussion tables. Additionally, Budget 2018, provides $101.5 million over five years, starting in 2018–2019, to support the nation rebuilding efforts of Indigenous Peoples. The program was launched in July 2018. The strong response by Indigenous groups demonstrates their desire to engage in the rebuilding of their nations. Funding would be made available to Indigenous groups to support activities that would facilitate their own path to reconstituting their nations. Budget 2018 also invested $50 million over 5 years and $11 million on-going to strengthen the First Nations Financial Management Board, the First Nations Finance Authority and the First Nations Tax Commission. In December 2018, the amendments to the *First Nations Fiscal Management Act* received Royal Assent through Bill C-86. These amendments enable better delivery of the Act, simplified and clearer provisions, and will extend access to organizations and additional First Nations that will benefit from new socio-economic opportunities.
To expand participation in First Nation Land Management by 50 First Nations, Budget 2018 invested $143.5 million over five years, beginning in 2018–2019, and $19 million per year ongoing. This funding will provide pre-readiness support and capacity development to ensure their successful participation. It will also continue to support over 150 First Nations that have already opted out, or are in the process of opting out, of the 40 lands related sections of the *Indian Act* in order to assume jurisdiction over their lands, environment, and natural resources. The Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management and the *First Nations Land Management Act* were amended in 2018 to enhance governance capacity by increasing options for First Nations to gain greater control over their lands, ratification processes and law-making, while also simplifying the entry process for future members.
Through Budget 2018, the government provided $5.5 million over two years to continue the activities of the Matrimonial Real Property Implementation Support Program. This includes targeted training and awareness activities, as well as the development of dispute resolution models to respond to gaps in the administration of justice on-reserve. Funding will also support the First Nation Centre of Excellence in providing training to enhance knowledge and awareness of rights and protections available under related federal legislation and support for First Nation law-making in this area.
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3/22/2019,369,17-Oct,Indigenous peoples,Advance positions in co-operative dispute resolution processes that are consistent with the resolution of past wrongs toward Indigenous peoples.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges","Resolution of past grievances through collaborative, trusted, mutually respectful processes consistent with the government's commitment to a renewed nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown and government-to-government relationship.","Recent settlement agreements between the Government of Canada and Indigenous peoples signify progress on this commitment. This has been demonstrated by the government's new approach to Indigenous Childhood Claims Litigation, and specifically through the *Anderson* (Newfoundland and Labrador Residential Schools) settlement agreement (September 2016), the Prime Minister’s historic apology to former students of the Newfoundland and Labrador Residential Schools (November 2017), and the Sixties Scoop settlement (May 2018), the joint development of the parameters of the Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation, and the recent announcement of the *McLean* proposed settlement (March 2019).
In addition, Canada entered into a settlement agreement (federal investment of $666 million) with Ontario and the seven Williams Treaties First Nations, resolving a 95 year old land claim. As part of this agreement, Canada and Ontario acknowledged and recognized the rights of the Williams Treaties First Nations to hunt, trap, fish and gather in various pre-Confederation treaty areas in central Ontario, and further, both governments provided an oral and written apology to the First Nations (November 17,2018).
In October 2018, the government, in partnership with the Lubicon Lake Band and the Government of Alberta, concluded the Lubicon Lake Band No. 453 Treaty 8 Lands and Benefits Claim Settlement Agreement (federal investment of $95 million) and ancillary agreements following overwhelming community ratification. This settlement resolves the original omission of the Lubicon from Treaty 8 and addresses the grievances over this past wrong through the provision of reserve lands, compensation for the decades of loss of use of those lands and other treaty benefits and commits to the construction of significant community infrastructure. The settlement is a major step forward towards reconciliation with the Lubicon.
Also, in September 2018, Canada reached a final settlement to resolve the Ahiarmiut litigation concerning the relocation of the community on multiple occasions throughout Nunavut in the 1950s. In addition to the monetary settlement, on January 22, 2019, the Government of Canada delivered an apology to advance reconciliation with the Ahiarmiut.
The government is also advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples through symbolic Ministerial statements of posthumous exoneration and/or pardon that address historical incidents of cultural conflict and misunderstanding. A posthumous exoneration stands as an important symbol of the Government of Canada's commitment to reconciliation. For example, on March 26, 2018, the Prime Minister delivered a statement of exoneration on behalf of the Government of Canada to the Tsilhqot’in Nation and the descendants of six Tsilhqot’in Chiefs who led the Tsilhqot’in war effort in 1864 in response to a colonial road crew attempting to build a road through Tsilhqot'in territory without the agreement of the Tsilhqot'in Nation, and were executed in 1864 and 1865.
In addition, the government is working with the Poundmaker Cree Nation to exonerate Chief Poundmaker who was wrongly convicted for treason against the Crown as one of the leaders of a community that had been involved in armed conflict against the Canadian Expeditionary Force following the looting of Battleford in 1855 (present day Saskatchewan).
Ninety-eight (98) specific claims have been settled with First Nations since November 2015. These settlements address longstanding historic grievances. Resolving them advances reconciliation and is consistent with Canada’s commitment to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The government is committed to advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and to redressing past wrongs related to Canada’s failure to discharge its legal obligations to First Nations. The specific claims process helps right past wrongs and address longstanding grievances of First Nations through a voluntary process to seek resolution of claims through negotiations, rather than through the court system.
The current funding to support the settlement of specific claims was to expire in March 2019. To support negotiated settlements of specific claims in a timely way, Budget 2019 proposes to renew and replenish funding for the Specific Claims Settlement Fund for a further three years, starting in 2019–20 ($3.125 billion over 5 years).
Budget 2019 also proposes to provide additional support of $40.0 million over five years, starting in 2019–20, to First Nations to help research and develop their claims.
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3/22/2019,370,17-Oct,Indigenous peoples,"Ensure the implementation of pre-Confederation, historic, and modern treaties and agreements.",Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Strengthened Crown-Indigenous relationships, greater autonomy, and improved social and economic outcomes for Indigenous peoples.","Collaborative work with Indigenous partners is ongoing, such as through the Inuit Crown Partnership Committee Permanent Bilateral Mechanism and the annual Canada-Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations Forum (the first forum was chaired by the Prime Minister in November 2017). Issue areas addressed through these fora include: collaborative participation in the formal Implementation Committees that each modern agreement entails; renewing the fiscal relationship with self-governing Indigenous governments, structures of governments, and furthering shared priorities through participation and engagement, and improving treaty implementation.
The historic treaty relationship is maintained through various policies, mechanisms and processes including treaty discussions and treaty commissions. A number of historic treaty groups are engaged with Canada in discussions toward reinvigorating the treaty relationship and exploring reconciliation-focused approaches to address treaty-related interests, including with respect to treaty implementation. The government is also supporting the implementation of the Additions to Reserve Policy Directive to ensure Canada meets its historic treaty obligations and to improve access to community lands and resources. In December of 2018, the *Addition of Lands to Reserves and Reserve Creation Act* received Royal Assent which will result in a more efficient, and transparent process; improve community access to land and resources; and increase community and economic opportunities for First Nations.
Upholding the commitment made at the November 1, 2017 Forum, a second successful Canada – Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations Forum, chaired by the Prime Minister and attended by 24 Indigenous Leaders, was held on January 8, 2019. Progress made since was discussed, with particular focus on the advancement of the Collaborative Fiscal Process. Discussion also included recommendations to amend the federal *Interpretation Act* to include a universal non-derogation clause, creation of a Modern Treaties Implementation Review Commission, forgiveness of negotiation loans that have already been repaid, creation of an Implementation Policy, and views on the distinctions-based approach.
Other ongoing engagement, including with respect to departmental transformation, and with modern treaty and self-governing groups will be essential to positively advancing implementation of treaties and agreements.
Canada entered into a settlement (federal investment of $666 million) agreement with Ontario and the seven Williams Treaties First Nations, resolving a 95 year old land claim. As part of this agreement, Canada and Ontario acknowledged and recognized the rights of the Williams Treaties First Nations to hunt, trap, fish and gather in various pre-Confederation treaty areas in central Ontario.
In October 2018, the government, in partnership with the Lubicon Lake Band and the Government of Alberta, concluded the Lubicon Lake Band No. 453 Treaty 8 Lands and Benefits Claim Settlement Agreement (federal investment of $95 million) and ancillary agreements following overwhelming community ratification. This settlement resolves the original omission of the Lubicon from Treaty 8 and addresses the grievances over this past wrong through the provision of reserve lands, compensation for the decades of loss of use of those lands and other treaty benefits and commits to the construction of significant community infrastructure. The settlement is a major step forward towards reconciliation with the Lubicon.
Canada and Indigenous governments continue to engage in respectful and collaborative government-to-government discussions at regular meetings dedicated to the effective implementation of modern treaties and self-government agreements, with 48 having taken place to date in 2018-2019.
In Québec, the Cree Nation Governance Agreement (signed on July 18, 2017) will modernize existing governance regimes on Cree lands. The implementing Bill on Cree Nation Governance Agreement received Royal Assent on March 29, 2018. This represents another step in implementing Cree self-governance in compliance with the 1975 James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement. It will provide the Cree First Nations and the Cree Nation Government with important tools to assume greater autonomy and responsibility in the governance of Cree community lands subject to federal jurisdiction. The Agreement on Cree Nation Governance and the Cree Constitution demonstrate that the Cree Nation Government and the Cree First Nations are mature governments. They are a step towards reconciliation and a respectful nation-to-nation relationship between the Cree and Canada in the spirit of the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement.
Additions to Reserves enable Canada to fulfill legal obligations established by Treaty Lands Entitlement, Specific Claims, and other legal agreements. Expanding the reserve land base is also an important mechanism by which First Nations can foster community and economic development. A National Additions to Reserve Advisory Committee made up of Indigenous organizations and stakeholders was created in 2017 to identify and implement process improvements that will streamline and accelerate the Additions to Reserve process. There were 113 Additions to Reserve approved in 2017-2018, of which 99 represent the fulfillment of legal obligations on the part of the Crown. To date in 2018-2019, 51 Additions to Reserve have been completed, of which 40 represent the fulfillment of legal obligations. Five percent of outstanding Additions to Reserve-related legal obligations are forecasted to be addressed in 2019-2020.
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3/22/2019,371,17-Oct,Indigenous peoples,"Collaboratively, identify the best models for delivering improved services to Indigenous peoples, and improve accountability.",Minister of Indigenous Services,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges","Co-creation of new and meaningful partnership models that strengthen service delivery for Indigenous peoples, resulting in improved outcomes in key areas including health, education, child welfare and community infrastructure.","The government will continue to work in partnership with Indigenous peoples to identify the best models for improving the delivery of services and improving accountability to Indigenous peoples for the quality of those services. This will be achieved by strengthening engagement practices, supporting the transfer of services to be Indigenous-led where possible, recognizing the inherent knowledge of communities and ensuring that services are culturally appropriate. The government will also work with Indigenous peoples to measure and monitor progress and improve service delivery on an ongoing basis.
The government continues to work collaboratively with the First Nations Fiscal Management Act institutions, the First Nations Finance Authority, the First Nations Financial Management Board and the First Nations Tax Commission, who provide direct services to First Nations and a legislative and institutional framework to exercise jurisdiction over core fiscal and governance matters, including the financing of infrastructure and economic development projects through the issuance of bonds on capital markets. For an example of some of the results achieved, the First Nations Finance Authority’s September 2018 debenture issuance on the financial markets added an additional $138 million to the existing debentures bringing the total to $518 million. Investments in infrastructure and socio-economic development projects include water treatment, roads, housing, schools, health, security and emergency services, renewable energy and aquaculture. In addition to the high quality services that they provide, these institutions are working collaboratively with the government and other First Nation partners to lead the way on innovative initiatives that support a renewed nation-to-nation relationship, such as a proposed First Nation infrastructure institution, under the umbrella of a New Fiscal Relationship and 10 year grants, and exploring the potential to monetize federal capital transfers.
The government also continues to work in close collaboration with other key partner Indigenous organizations such as the National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association, the First Nations Lands Management Resource Centre and the Tulo Centre of Indigenous Economics. These technical organizations play a crucial role in developing capacity, certifying First Nations through accredited programs and providing ongoing professional development and technical support in areas of relevance to First Nations - land use planning and surveys, matrimonial real property, resource development, environmental management, etc. The government will continue to look for opportunities to further devolve responsibilities to its partners as they prove to be effective and efficient in providing culturally appropriate services and capacity development opportunities.
Budget 2018 invested $50 million over five years, and $11 million per year ongoing, to strengthen the First Nations Financial Management Board, the First Nations Finance Authority and the First Nations Tax Commission. In December, the amendments to the First Nations Fiscal Management Act received Royal Assent through Bill C-86. These amendments enable better delivery of the Act, simplified and clearer provisions, and will extend access to organizations and additional First Nations that will benefit from new socio-economic opportunities.
The government is in discussions with the Métis National Council on increasing access to capital for the Métis Capital Corporations as well as the possibility of holding a fourth Métis Economic Development Symposium). The government will continue to work with First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation, as well as other partners, to advance the reforms to child and family services that are needed and develop Indigenous-led solutions that put the well-being of children first. For example, supporting community-led initiatives, working with First Nations communities, Inuit governments and organizations, and the Métis Nation to draw down jurisdiction in child and family services, and collaborating with partners to create federal legislation in child and family services.
In order to support the transfer of infrastructure and housing service delivery in British Columbia, ISC and the BC First Nation Housing and Infrastructure Council have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a service delivery model for infrastructure services and to progress towards an agreement in principle for transferring service delivery to the control of an Indigenous-led organization. Other initiatives for infrastructure service delivery transfer across Canada are being developed and evolving through a collaborative, First Nation-led process.
Budget 2019 announced support for the creation of an Indigenous Fire Marshal’s Office, to be a First Nations-led institution that would promote fire safety and prevention, undertake public education, enforce local fire safety and building codes and conduct regular building inspections in First Nations communities.
On February 28, Indigenous Services Minister, the Honourable Seamus O'Regan, introduced Bill C-92, an Act respecting the First Nations and Métis children, youth and families. The Bill was co-developed with Indigenous partners. The Bill seeks to:
• affirm the rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis to exercise jurisdiction over child and family services; and
• establish national principles such as best interests of the child, cultural continuity and substantive equality to guide the interpretation and administration of the Bill.
These principles would guide Indigenous communities and provinces and territories on the delivery of child and family services to keep families together and reduce the number of Indigenous children in care.
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3/22/2019,372,17-Oct,Indigenous peoples,"Continue to provide services to Indigenous peoples, including community infrastructure, emergency management, water, education, moneys and trusts, and registration.",Minister of Indigenous Services,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges","Indigenous communities will have access to and benefit from quality community infrastructure including housing, water, schools and other forms of community infrastructure, and services (moneys and trusts, and registration).","**Water:** In January 2018, the scope of the commitment to resolve additional long-term drinking water advisories (LT-DWAs) was expanded. Through work done in partnership with First Nations communities and partners, the total number of LT-DWAs on public systems on reserve declined from 105 to 58 between November 2015 and March 13, 2019. Over this period, 82 LT-DWAs were lifted and 36 new LT-DWAs were added.
The Government of Canada has committed $2.05 billion until 2020-2021 to strengthen water infrastructure on reserves. This includes $1.83 billion (plus $151.7 million for monitoring, not included in infrastructure funding) from Budget 2016, as well as $49.1 million to address long-term drinking water advisories on systems included as part of the expanded scope from Budget 2017. Budget 2018 builds on prior investments and reaffirms the government’s commitment by providing an additional $172.6 million over three years, beginning in 2018–2019, to improve access to clean and safe drinking water on reserve. Budget 2019 further supports ongoing efforts to eliminate and prevent long-term drinking water advisories by providing an additional $739 million over five years, beginning in 2019-20, with $184.9 million per year ongoing, funding urgent repairs to vulnerable water systems, and providing water operator training and support programs.
As part of the Government of Canada commitment to ending all long-term drinking water advisories affecting public systems on reserve by 2021, the government is monitoring and ready to provide support on more than 1,000 public drinking water systems on reserve, if any additional drinking water advisories become long-term, or are at risk of becoming long-term.
Work is ongoing in partnership with First Nations communities and an action plan is in place to address all LT-DWAs currently in effect.
As of December 31, 2018, $867 million of the available targeted funding has been invested to support 505 water and wastewater projects in 582 First Nations communities serving approximately 458,000 people. A total of 191 of those projects are completed. The Government of Canada is also working with First Nations communities to ensure effective management and maintenance of existing water systems on reserve, as well as helping to ensure that new water infrastructure better meets the needs of communities.
**Housing:** Investments in Indigenous housing from Budget 2016 and Budget 2017 are supporting the construction/renovation and servicing/acquisition of 16,122 units and lots (6,842 from Indigenous Services Canada and 9,280 (from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation) in First Nations communities. As of December 31, 2018, 10,733 (67%) of the 16,122housing units and lots have been completed. With respect to Budget 2016 investments in Inuit housing, 183 new housing units were built in 2016-2017 and 2017-2018. In addition, a co-developed Inuit Nunangat Housing Strategy was endorsed by Ministers and Inuit Leaders at the November 2018 meeting of the Inuit Crown Partnership Committee. Through investments made in Budget 2017 and Budget 2018, the government proposes dedicated funding to support the successful implementation of each of the distinctions-based housing strategies, including:
•$600 million over three years to support housing on reserve as part of a 10-year First Nations Housing Strategy that is being co-developed with First Nations.
First Nations leadership endorsed a draft strategy in December 2018.
•$400 million over 10 years to support the Inuit Nunangat Housing Strategy in the Inuit regions of Nunavik, Nunatsiavut and Inuvialuit Settlement Region;
•$240 million over 10 years announced in Budget 2017 to support housing in Nunavut;
•The Inuit Nunangat Housing Strategy, co-developed with Inuit partners, and endorsed by the Inuit Crown-Partnership Committee in November 2018, will provide long-term vision and redirection for these investments; and,
•$500 million over 10 years to support the Métis Nation’s housing strategy.
**Schools:** The government is improving primary and secondary education on reserve by building and renovating school facilities thereby supporting the enhancement of the quality of language and cultural programs; and empowering communities to establish First Nations' planned and led education systems. As of December 31, 2018, and since April 2016, more than $364 million of targeted funding has been invested to support 174 school-related projects. This includes 73 new schools, 15 of which are completed, 85 renovations and upgrades, 31 of which are completed), and 16 feasibility studies and supporting projects.
**Health facilities:**As of December 31, 2018, $238.8 million of targeted investments have been made to support 215 First Nations infrastructure projects to build and renovate health facilities such as nursing stations, health centres, acute care facilities, drug and alcohol treatment centres, as well as facilities hosting Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve (AHSOR) programming. Currently, 176 (85%) of these projects are complete.
It should be noted that the apparent decrease in the number of projects from December to February is a result of changes to how projects are defined. Multiple projects that are associated with a single facility are now being counted as a single project. This approach more closely aligns with results that are meaningful to Canadians.
**Emergency Management:** In 2016-2017, the Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP) invested $115.69 million to support First Nations in their efforts to prepare for, mitigate against, respond to and recover from emergency disasters. There were 115 emergency events affecting First Nation communities of which 37 caused evacuations involving approximately 6,668 evacuees (99.2% of whom have returned to their communities).
For 2017-2018, EMAP invested $137 million, with $102.6 million of this for emergency response and recovery. There were 161 EMAP eligible emergency events affecting First Nation communities, of which 55 caused evacuations involving approximately 14,888 evacuees (99.94 % of whom have returned to their communities to date).
For 2018-2019, forecasted expenditures for EMAP are approximately $164.8 million, with approximately $129.15 million of this for emergency response and recovery.
Budget 2019 invested $259 million over five years, beginning in 2019-20, to help First Nations communities prepare for emergencies and better adapt to the threats of climate change. This investment includes $211 million over five years, beginning in 2019-20, with $49.4 million ongoing to support increased resiliency and emergency management on-reserve and $48.0 million over four years, starting in 2020–21, to renew funding for infrastructure projects on-reserve that will protect communities from climate related hazards. Budget 2019 also invested an additional $48 million over 5 years of targeted funds to ensure better disaster management preparation and response in Indigenous communities.
In the 2018-2019 fiscal year (as of March 22, 2019), there have been 205 EMAP eligible emergency events affecting First Nation communities, of which 61 resulted in evacuations involving approximately 10,455 evacuees. Presently, four communities, or approximately 62 individuals, who were evacuated in 2018-2019, remain evacuated. As of March 22, 2019, the EMAP has supported the repatriation of 317 long-term evacuees from emergencies in 2018-2019. Presently, there remain 2,557 long term evacuees, of which 503 are receiving support through the Emergency Management Assistance Program, and 2,050 are receiving support through Public Safety Canada's Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements.
**Land Use Planning:** Since 2016, over $18 million has been invested in Land Use Planning and related activities to support over 60 First Nation communities, which will support healthy and environmentally sustainable community development by ensuring infrastructure investments are planned and implemented in a manner that serves the short and long term needs and priorities of communities.
**Moneys and Trusts:** In 2017-2018, the government processed 1,044 band moneys payment transactions totaling $180.9 million, 6,059 individual moneys payment transactions totaling $9.3 million, and 1,051 suspense account payment transactions totaling $5.6 million. To date, in 2018-2019, the government processed 1,207 band moneys payment transactions totaling $137.5 million, 5,482 individual moneys payment transactions totaling $8.39 million, and 1,053 suspense account payment transactions totaling $2.9 million. From January to December 2018, the government distributed $2,067,431 in treaty payments to 136,395 individuals at 340 Treaty payment events across Canada.
**Registrations:** On December 22, 2017, the *Indian Act* was amended in response to the Superior Court of Quebec decision in Descheneaux v. Canada (Procureur général). Amendments to address the sex-based inequities in Indian registration going back to 1951 are currently being implemented to all applications, regardless of their submission date. Broader amendments that will remove sex-based inequities going back to 1869 will come into force at a later date after Canada has consulted with First Nations and other parties on how to implement the changes.
**Estates:** Since April 2017, the government provided service to complete the administration for 8,401 decedent estates and opened the administration of 5,962 new decedent estates. Services were provided in the administration of 177 new Living estates.
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3/22/2019,373,17-Oct,Healthy Canadians,Eliminate all long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve by March 2021.,Minister of Indigenous Services,"Actions taken, progress made","Continued progress in eliminating long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve, leading to the elimination of all long-term advisories by March 2021.","In January 2018, the scope of the commitment to resolve additional long-term drinking water advisories (LT-DWAs) was expanded. Between November 2015 and April 1, 2019, the number of LT-DWAs on public systems in First Nations communities has declined from 105 to 58. Over this period, 82 LT-DWAs were lifted, 36 new LT-DWAs were added, and one was deactivated. Work is ongoing in partnership with First Nation communities and an action plan is in place to address all 58 LT-DWAs currently in effect, as well as prevent new advisories from becoming long-term. At 58, the number of LT-DWAs affecting public drinking water systems on reserve is at its lowest level since the Government of Canada started tracking them. The Government of Canada is on track to lift these by March 2021.
To support this commitment, the Government of Canada is investing in First Nation water infrastructure projects and works directly with First Nations to assist communities in monitoring drinking water quality in all water systems, which includes providing advice and guidance about drinking water safety and wastewater disposal, and reviewing infrastructure project proposals from a public health perspective.
Budget 2017 provided $49.1 million over 3 years to address advisories as part of the expanded scope. Budget 2018 builds on prior investments and reaffirms the government’s commitment providing an additional $172.6 million over three years, beginning in 2018–2019, to improve access to clean and safe drinking water on reserve. Budget 2018 also proposed support for repairs to high risk water systems, recruitment, training and retention initiatives, and the establishment of innovative First Nation-led service delivery models. Budget 2019 further supports ongoing efforts to eliminate and prevent long-term drinking water advisories by providing an additional $739 million over five years, beginning in 2019-20, with $184.9 million per year ongoing, funding urgent repairs to vulnerable water systems, and providing water operator training and support programs.
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3/22/2019,374,17-Oct,Healthy Canadians,Improve the delivery of child welfare and health care under Jordan's Principle to focus on the best interests of the child.,Minister of Indigenous Services,"Actions taken, progress made","First Nations children have access to the health and social supports they need when they need them, no matter where they live.","Significant progress has been made in recent months in the provision of health, educational and social supports. From July 2016 to February 28, 2019, Canada has approved 216,164 products, supports and services totaling $435 million for First Nations children and youth under Jordan's Principle. Actions to support Jordan's Principle, include:
• In October, 2018, an additional $297.4M (over three years) was approved in G&Cs funding to fund the approved services, support, and products thus increasing the Service Access Resolution Fund from $324.2M to $621.6M over three years.;
• Budget 2019 further invested $1.2 billion over three years, beginning in 2019–2020 to continue to implement Jordan’s Principle and help ensure that all First Nations children can access the health, social and educational services they need, when they need them;
• Budget 2019 also proposes to invest $220 million over five years, beginning in 2019–2020, to provide services to Inuit children as work continues with Inuit and other government partners to improve local capacity to deliver services in Inuit Nunangat;
• Jordan’s Principle advertising for the remainder of 2018-2019 will focus on increasing awareness of Jordan's Principle amongst: First Nations families and health, social and educational professionals living and working on-reserve; foster parents (particularly non-Indigenous) of First Nation children living off reserve; and professionals working in urban settings. This will be accomplished through a proactive and multi-faceted communications and marketing approach with a focus on Indigenous mediums (e.g. social media, radio advertisements);
• Co-developing the long-term policy options for the implementation of Jordan's Principle through the Jordan’s Principle Action Table (a sub-committee of the National Advisory Committee) which will inform long term directions. The Table is chaired by the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), includes other First Nations stakeholders, and has undertaken engagement and regional focus groups since July 2017 to inform and then validate the proposed approach. In Fall 2018, the Action Table produced a document outlining its co-developed, proposed policy approach for the long-term implementation of Jordan’s Principle, which was shared with stakeholders and partners, and discussed at the Assembly of First Nations’ Summit on Jordan’s Principle, held in Winnipeg in September 2018;
• Launching of the Jordan’s Principle National Call Centre to help First Nations children access the products, services and supports they need. 1-855-JP-CHILD (1-855-572-4453). As of March 17, 2019, a total of 5,136 calls were received, 1,753 of which generated a request for services;
• Continued participation of all interested Canadian Human Rights Tribunal parties at the monthly Jordan’s Principle Operations Committee, a committee established to increase dialogue and timely advice on Jordan’s Principle implementation and planning activities;
• Results were received from the Client Satisfaction Survey created in consultation with the parties to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal decision to help assess the impact of Jordan's Principle. Most respondents reported: an improvement in their child’s well-being (82%); that they were satisfied with all Jordan’s Principle products/services/supports (91%), and that they received all Jordan’s Principle products/services/supports (81%). Almost all respondents (99%) stated that they were treated with respect and dignity; and
• A series of case studies have been completed on service delivery models in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario.
Efforts are being undertaken to reform the delivery of Indigenous Child and Family Services, including:
• To address the funding pressures facing child and family service agencies, while also increasing prevention resources for communities so that children are safe and families can stay together, Budget 2018 provides more than $1.4 billion in new funding over six years, starting in 2017–2018, for First Nations Child and Family Services to address funding pressures facing First Nations Child and Family Services agencies, while also increasing prevention resources for communities so that children are safe and families can stay together. This builds on investments made through Budget 2016 of $634.8 million over five years for First Nations child and family services.. The government will continue to work with First Nations, Inuit and the Metis Nation, as well as other partners, to advance the reforms to child and family services that are needed and develop Indigenous-led solutions that put the well-being of children first.
• The federal government’s commitment to continue to fully implement the orders of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, in consultation with the parties, including funding on actuals for retroactive and ongoing agency expenses in areas such as prevention/least disruptive measures, intake and investigation, building repairs, and legal fees.
• Canada signed a Consultation Protocol on March 2, 2018 with the Assembly of First Nations, the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, Nishnawbe-Aski Nation, Chiefs of Ontario and the Canadian Human Rights Commission to fulfill the Canadian Human Rights Tribunals (CHRT) orders and to promote transparency, mutual understanding and cooperation amongst the parties and to ensure that immediate, mid and long term relief measures are developed and implemented in an effective and cooperative manner to eliminate the discrimination outlined in the CHRT decision. Since its inception following the signing of the Consultation Protocol, the Consultation Committee on Child Welfare has held seven meetings and continues productive discussions on the program and implementation of the Tribunal's orders.
• Canada has continued to implement the six points of action on Indigenous child welfare and introduced Bill C-92 *An Act respecting First Nation, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families* in Parliament on February 28, 2019. With regards to the six points of action, Canada is fully implementing all the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal orders, in consultation with partners, to truly develop child-centered, Indigenous-led and prevention-focused solutions. Canada is also committed to shifting the focus of the program from protection to more prevention and early intervention services, empowering communities through community-based initiatives, and by supporting the exercise of jurisdiction through potential federal legislation.
Bill C-92 is consistent with the Government of Canada's ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Bill seeks to:
• affirm the rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis to exercise jurisdiction over child and family services; and
• establish national principles such as best interests of the child, cultural continuity and substantive equality to guide the interpretation and administration of the Bill.
These principles would guide Indigenous communities and provinces and territories on the delivery of child and family services to keep families together and reduce the number of Indigenous children in care."
3/22/2019,375,17-Oct,Indigenous peoples,Implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in full partnership with Indigenous peoples.,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations,"Actions taken, progress made, facing challenges","Strengthened relationships between the government and Indigenous peoples, and alignment of federal laws and policies related to Indigenous peoples with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).","As of November 2018, Canada is engaged in over 75 Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions, which are an opportunity for the government to work collaboratively with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities to advance their rights, needs and interests through the co-development of negotiation mandates. These discussions are guided by the spirit and intent of the UNDRIP and by the Principles Respecting the Government of Canada's Relationship with Indigenous peoples. What is heard through these discussions will help inform forthcoming updates to policy that addresses section-35 related policies to align with a recognition of rights approach and Indigenous self-determination as expressed in the UNDRIP.
The Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions are one of the mechanisms Canada is using to advance implementation of Articles 3, 4, 5 and 9 of the UNDRIP. This reflects Article 18 of the Declaration affirming that Indigenous peoples have the right to participate in decision-making about matters affecting their rights through their own representatives.
The Government of Canada is also fulfilling its commitment to implement the UNDRIP by:
• Supporting Private Member’s Bill C-262: The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, as a strong first step in the process of implementation;
• Co-developing Indigenous Languages legislation with national First Nation, Inuit, and Métis leaders;
• Establishing the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls;
• Adopting a set of Principles respecting the Government of Canada's relationship with Indigenous peoples;
• Undertaking major changes to the machinery of government through the creation of the new Department of Indigenous Services and Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, to be better partners in new, recognition-based, nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relations;
• Working with Indigenous self-governments to review financing policies as a first step to support Indigenous governance, self-sufficiency and economic development;
• Creating new pathways to self-determination in health and education, including concluding significant education agreements, like the Anishinabek Nation Education Agreement, that recognizes Anishinabek control over education for 23 participating First Nations, and the opening of the Manitoba First Nations School System;
• Co-developing amendments to the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management and the *First Nations Land Management Act* with the Lands Advisory Board;
• Acknowledging UNDRIP within the *First Nations Land Management Act* aligns with the Government of Canada’s commitment to a renewed, nation-to-nation relationship with Indigenous Peoples based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership. It is a symbolic statement and furthers Canada’s reconciliation efforts;.
• Working with Indigenous peoples to replace the Comprehensive Land Claims Policy and the Inherent Rights Policy with a rights-based policy, while also continuing to listen to ideas about what could be in potential future legislation to make the recognition and implementation of rights the basis for all relations between Indigenous peoples and the federal government; and
• Co-developed a consultation protocol agreement between the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nations and the Government of Canada to demonstrate Canada’s commitment to work in a spirit of partnership and collaboration with the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation to advance reconciliation and self-determination, and make real progress on the issues most important to them.
• In January 2019, Canada entered into a protocol for consultation and accommodation with the Huron Wendat Nation that facilitates consultation and engagement, promotes relationship building and clarifies roles and responsibilities between Canada and the Huron-Wendat Nation. There are currently nine more protocols under negotiation (all at various stages of the negotiation process) and one that is anticipated to begin negotiations in 2019-2020.
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3/22/2019,376,15-Nov,Safety and Security,Undertake modernization efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the criminal justice system.,Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,"Actions taken, progress made","Canadians are kept safer and offenders are held to account, the system shows greater compassion for victims, the needs of vulnerable populations are addressed and the criminal justice system is more efficient.","On March 29, 2018, the government tabled legislation to improve efficiencies in the criminal justice system and reduce court delays in six key areas:
• modernize and streamline the bail regime;
• enhance the approach to administration of justice offences, including for youth;
• restrict the availability of preliminary inquiries to offences carrying life imprisonment;
• reclassify some offences to provide greater flexibility and court efficiencies;
• improve the jury composition and selection process; and,
• strengthen case management measures and processes for making rules of court.
A number of these reforms will respond to victims and the needs of vulnerable populations, for instance, by providing better protection for victims of intimate partner violence; preventing victims from having to testify twice; and, by providing that circumstances of the accused, in particular Indigenous accused and accused persons from vulnerable populations, are considered at bail, and in determining how to address a breach of condition.
On December 13, 2018, a second piece of government legislation, aimed at modernizing the criminal justice system, received Royal Assent. These reforms, which came into force on that date, repealed a number of outdated or obsolete *Criminal Code* provisions, and expanded protections for victims of sexual assault. In particular, the legislation clarifies the law of consent, expands the *Criminal Code’*s “rape shield” provisions, and provides complainants with a right to counsel during rape shield proceedings.
To enhance access to justice and improve outcomes for a significant number of Canadian families, Budget 2018 proposed to provide $77.2 million over four years, starting in 2019-2020, and $20.8 million per year ongoing to support the creation and expansion of Unified Family Courts in Alberta, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Further to this funding announcement, the necessary amendments to the *Judges Act* to create the new judicial positions were included in the *Budget Implementation Act*, 2018, No.1. Implementation planning for the new Unified Family Courts sites is underway in anticipation of these amendments coming into force on April 1, 2019. As a further significant family law initiative, on May 22, 2018, the Government of Canada introduced new legislation (Bill C-78) to make federal family laws more responsive to Canadian families’ needs. The proposed legislation is designed to meet four key objectives:
• promote the best interests of the child;
• address family violence;
• help to reduce child poverty; and
• make Canada’s family justice system more accessible and efficient.
Budget 2019 proposed to further support the access to family justice in both official languages by providing $21.6 million over five years, starting in 2020–21, to support legislative amendments that provide for increased access to family justice, and divorce in particular, in the official language of one’s choice."
3/22/2019,377,17-Oct,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Lead preparations for future international sporting events.,Minister of Science and Sport,Completed - fully met,Canadian athletes and national sport organizations are better prepared and supported for domestic and international events.,"Canada recorded its best ever Winter Olympics performance medal-wise at the PyeongChang Olympics with 29 medals (11 gold, eight silver, ten bronze). Canada also recorded its best ever Winter Paralympic performance at the PyeongChang Paralympics with 28 medals (eight gold, four silver and 16 bronze). The government will continue to support Canadian athletes and national sport organizations in preparation for international events. Each year, Canada hosts more than 70 international single sport events that are supported through the government's Hosting Program.
Canada’s female athletes make Canadians proud at high-performance sport events. They regularly achieve podium success at Senior World Championships, and Olympic and Paralympic Games, but fewer Canadian women and girls participate in sport and physical activity than men and boys. However of note, 58% of Team Canada at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games were women, an increase of 9% from the 2014 Games in Glasgow. Through Budget 2018, the government proposed an initial $30 million in funding over three years to support data, research and innovative practices to promote women and girls’ participation in sport, and encourage greater inclusion of women and girls in all facets of sport. As such, in April 2018, a Working Group on gender Equity in Sport was created in order to examine issues that may affect participation and propose ideas, approaches, and strategies for eliminating barriers and to increase participation of women and girls in all facets of sport. The Minister’s Working Group on Gender Equity in Sport provided perspectives and insights on how to achieve gender equity in sport by 2035 by discussing the following: Delivering programming specifically for women and girls in sport; Addressing gender-based violence in sport including sexual harassment; Increasing the representation of women in sport leadership positions.
Budget 2018 also proposed to provide $16 million over five years with $2 million in ongoing funding for Special Olympics Canada to sustain its empowering movement. This includes support to the National Team Program which ensures optimal performance preparation for Special Olympics Team Canada to represent Canada on the world stage.
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3/22/2019,378,18-Aug,Exports and Investment,"Assess how the Government of Canada’s trade resources are currently applied compared to where Canadians’ economic opportunities are.
",Minister of International Trade Diversification,Completed - fully met,Develop an effective process to reallocate resources worldwide.,"The Trade Resources Allocation Determination (TRAD) process was developed in response to the changing needs of Canadian business to ensure that trade resources are located in areas of opportunity for Canadian companies. TRAD incorporates macroeconomics indicators, client demand and operational constraints. Regions that generate positive TRAD results have become priorities for additional resources."
3/22/2019,379,18-Aug,Exports and Investment,Ensure that our global engagements are maximizing relationship and partnership opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers.,Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made","Targeted global engagements by the Minister of International Trade Diversification, and increased commercial and partnership opportunities for Canadian businesses through the work of the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service.","The Minister of International Trade Diversification continues to nurture strong international relationships with foreign leaders and business people in order to develop global opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers. In November 2018, the Minister accompanied the Prime Minister to the Asia-Pacific Economic Conference (APEC) in Papua New Guinea to meet with partners in the Asia-Pacific region and to continue to expand and diversify Canada’s trade, attract global investment, and create new economic opportunities for Canada. Through participation at the International Economic Forum of the Americas’ Toronto Global Forum in December, the Minister promoted Canada's trade diversification agenda and engaged with business leaders from the Americas. Also in December, with the Minister of Finance, the Minister of International Trade Diversification co-chaired the Canada-China Economic and Financial Strategic Dialogue (EFSD). At that meeting, the two countries agreed to work together to double agricultural trade by 2025, focus on priority sectors like agriculture and energy, and committed to strengthening economic and commercial cooperation. While in Beijing, the Minister of International Trade Diversification also attended the Canada-China Business Council’s annual general meeting and had significant interactions with Canadian and Chinese business leaders. In addition to this high-level engagement, Global Affairs Canada has Trade Commissioners deployed in over 160 locations around the world who are connecting Canadian exporters with commercial opportunities and encouraging new investments into Canada. The Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) provides assistance to nearly 15,000 clients. For each client, this means drawing on established relationships and forging new partnerships to meet their unique needs and goals. Firms that work with the Trade Commissioner Service export 19.8 percent more on average and are also more diversified, accessing 24.8 percent more foreign markets.
In the Fall Economic Statement, of November 2018, the government announced additional funding for the Trade Commissioner Service, as follows:
• $60 million in new funding over the next five years that will provide the TCS with a refreshed digital presence, including new online tools for exporters, enhanced market intelligence, and tools to facilitate seamless client referrals between other federal and provincial partners.
• $44.1 million over the next five years for expanded TCS services abroad, including the increase of the number of trade commissioners available to serve Canadian businesses in key overseas markets such as China and India, and major markets involved in the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreements."
3/22/2019,380,18-Aug,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Work with all cultural and creative sectors on the successful delivery of initiatives and $3.2 billion of new funding announced in previous budgets. ,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism,"Actions taken, progress made",Canada’s cultural and creative sectors contribute to strengthening Canadian identity and Canada’s economy.,"Promotion of Canadian artists through investments in national institutions and creative industries, both at home and abroad, supports the creation of Canadian content and contributes to Canada’s economy. Investments in languages enhance the vitality of official languages, and help preserve, promote and revitalize Indigenous languages and cultures with the objective of strengthening Canada as a cohesive society. Budget 2019 announcements in support of the cultural and creative sectors bring the total of new funding to $3.7 billion.
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3/22/2019,381,18-Aug,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Continue to modernize the *Broadcasting Act* and *Telecommunications Act*, and examine how to best support Canadian content in English and French and ensure quality affordable Internet, mobile and media access.","Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development","Actions taken, progress made","The *Broadcasting Act* and Telecommunications Act* are modernized so Canadian citizens, businesses, artists and creators, communications industry, and economy as a whole better enjoy the benefits of the digital age.","In June 2018, the government announced the Broadcasting and Telecommunications Legislative Review Panel, an expert panel to study these issues and make recommendations. Upon conclusion of the Panel's consultation phase, which closed on January 11, 2019, 2,085 submissions were received. The Panel is expected to publish an interim report in Spring 2019 and a final report by January 31, 2020."
3/22/2019,382,18-Aug,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Review the *Copyright Act* to ensure Canadian creators are valued for their work, users benefit from choice, and businesses grow and succeed.","Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development","Actions taken, progress made","Canada has a healthy copyright marketplace, one in which Canadian creators get fairly compensated for their work, users benefit from great choices and business can thrive.","The Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology (INDU) leads the statutory review of the *Copyright Act* which began on April 17, 2018. To support the work of INDU, the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage launched a study on remuneration models for artists and creative industries.
Parliamentary review of the *Copyright Act* is ongoing and expected to conclude early 2019. The government will then have 120 calendar days to provide a response.
Legislative amendments to the *Copyright Act* to reform the Copyright Board of Canada received Royal Assent in December 2018 and came into force on April 1, 2019. Together with a $1.2 million increase in the Board’s annual funding and new appointments, these measures will better position Canada's creators and cultural entrepreneurs to make, produce and reinvest in high quality Canadian content, and will support strong, vibrant and healthy creative industries for the benefit of all Canadians.
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3/22/2019,383,18-Aug,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Deliver the Creative Export Strategy.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism;Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion,"Actions taken, progress made","Expanded reach of international markets, growth in exports, and increased international recognition for Canada’s creative sector.","The Creative Export Strategy was launched on June 26, 2018, with an investment of $125 million over five years to assist Canadian creative entrepreneurs to expand into foreign markets and seize new trade opportunities. The Strategy is being implemented across three pillars of activities:
1. Increased funding available through existing Canadian Heritage programs;
2. The offering of direct service to Canadian companies ready to do business abroad through the Trade Commissioner Service of Canada; and
3. The delivery of funding through the new Creative Export Canada program; the coordination of trade missions, international events and partnerships needed to make business deals; and ensuring a strong presence for Canada as Guest of Honour Country at the Frankfurt Book Fair in 2020.
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3/22/2019,384,18-Aug,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Strengthen Canada's multicultural advantage by implementing a revitalized Multiculturalism Program and developing new initiatives to celebrate diversity and foster greater inclusion.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism,"Actions taken, progress made","A re-developed and revitalized Multiculturalism Program is in place to help strengthen Canada’s multicultural advantage, celebrate diversity and foster greater inclusion.","Work is currently underway to scope the depth and breadth of changes and additions to be proposed as part of the Multiculturalism Program’s revitalization.
Budget 2018 earmarked $23 million over two years to strengthen multiculturalism, with $2 million of that supporting a cross-country engagement. To successfully deliver on Budget 2018 priorities, existing program funding and new incremental funding will be delivered through the new Community Support, Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Initiatives Program. The Program will support events, projects and capacity building with a priority focus on Indigenous Peoples and racialized women and girls. The program has launched, and is currently accepting applications.
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3/22/2019,385,18-Aug,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Assess barriers faced by minority groups in Canada through cross-country engagement and develop a new federal anti-racism strategy to combat discrimination and racism.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism,"Actions taken, progress made",A new results-focused Federal approach is developed to address discrimination and racism.,"Cross-country engagement sessions to better understand the barriers faced by minority groups in Canada were completed in March 2019. Collaboration with other government departments is ongoing to ensure the robustness of a future federal anti-racism approach.
Budget 2019 earmarked $45 million over the next three years for a new Anti-Racism Strategy, including the creation of an Anti-Racism Secretariat."
3/22/2019,386,18-Aug,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Enhance local community support for young Black Canadians at risk and advance research on more culturally appropriate mental health support programs for the Black community.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism;Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made",Enhanced support for at-risk Black Canadian youth and more culturally appropriate mental health programs supported by research.,"Budget 2018 earmarked $10 million for the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) to promote mental health for youth at risk and to develop research in support of more culturally focused mental health programs in the Black Canadian community.
In summer 2018, consultations were undertaken with a number of Black community organizations, researchers, and leaders on promising approaches for improving the mental health and its determinants for Black Canadians. On September 25, 2018, PHAC launched Promoting Health Equity: Mental Health of Black Canadians, a new funding initiative that aims to strengthen culturally informed approaches to improving mental health for Black youth and their families and communities.
Budget 2018 provided Canadian Heritage with $9 million over three years to provide Black Canadian youth with greater community supports, education and training, and opportunities to engage on issues of racism and discrimination.
As the approach is currently being developed, various key activities have already taken place. This includes holding engagement sessions with Black Canadian youth in five cities across Canada and a discussion in collaboration with PHAC with research experts to identify data gaps with the aim of better understanding the barriers faced by Black Canadian youth, including mental health inequalities.
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3/22/2019,387,18-Aug,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Support local journalism and develop business models that facilitate private giving and philanthropic support for professional non-profit journalism and local news.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism;Minister of Finance,"Actions taken, progress made",Canadians have access to local journalism that reflects public interest.,"Budget 2019 reaffirmed and clarified three measures to support Canadian journalism that were previously announced in the 2018 Fall Economic Statement, including: enabling registered journalism organizations to receive donations and issue official donation receipts; introducing a new refundable tax credit for eligible newsroom employees; and introducing a new temporary, non-refundable tax credit of 15-per-cent for subscriptions to Canadian digital news media.
To preserve the independence of the press, an independent panel will be established to define and promote core journalism standards, define professional journalism, and recommend eligibility criteria for these measures. Once the panel has made its recommendations, a separate independent administrative body will be established to recognize organizations that meet the eligibility criteria established by the panel.
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3/22/2019,388,18-Aug,Jobs and Innovation,Work with media organizations to consider how the government can further support the transition to digital media.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism,"Actions taken, progress made",Media organizations more easily transition to digital platforms.,"Consultations with key stakeholders, media organizations and experts have been ongoing in order to ease the transition to digital media. Policy options including government support for transition to digital in the newspaper and magazine industry are being prepared.
Meetings and discussions have occurred between government officials, including the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism, and media organizations to discuss how the government can further support the transition to digital media."
3/22/2019,389,18-Aug,Government Services and Operations,Ensure that the government’s advertising budget better supports Canadian content providers and platforms.,Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism;President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government;Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility,"Actions taken, progress made",Better support for Canadian content providers and platforms.,The Government of Canada is developing options that will consider both paid advertising as well as existing programs and initiatives aimed at supporting Canadian content providers and platforms.
3/22/2019,390,18-Aug,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Ensure that Canadians have access to accurate and timely information about community infrastructure investments, and improve financial reporting.",Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Rural Economic Development,"Actions taken, progress made",Accurate and timely information about infrastructure investments is available for Canadians.,"In December 2017, the government launched an online interactive project map to highlight the development of a broad cross-section of projects that have been approved under the Investing in Canada plan.
In November 2018, the government released an implementation progress and funding update table for the Investing in Canada Plan. "
3/22/2019,391,18-Aug,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Engage with provinces and territories to identify infrastructure priorities that achieve a fair balance of provincial, territorial, and municipal projects to benefit communities of all sizes.",Minister of Infrastructure and Communities,"Actions taken, progress made","Infrastructure projects are prioritized in a way that benefits communities of all sizes, and proponents while implementing the climate lens and community employment benefits framework.","Working in collaboration with its provincial-territorial partners, the Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that investments in infrastructure are made to benefit communities of all sizes. Infrastructure bilateral agreements have been signed with all provinces and territories, including agreement to report on benefits to communities."
3/22/2019,392,18-Aug,Sustainable Infrastructure,Ensure that infrastructure investments are accounted for and flow as construction work takes place. Honour bilateral agreements and report transparently to Canadians on changes.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government,"Actions taken, progress made","The government transparently tracks and reports on infrastructure investments, and flows funding according to the pace of construction.","The Government of Canada is working diligently with its provincial-territorial partners to approve projects as quickly as possible, and address the timeliness of the flow of funds to help transform Canadian communities.
The Government of Canada also continues to implement new processes to flow payments to its partners as construction takes place. For example, a progress billing pilot project is currently underway with Alberta, Nova Scotia, and Saskatchewan.
Progress billing means that the government will make payments to provinces and territories based on project progress information, which will result in payments that better align the flow of funds to construction activities. This will result in the government reimbursing costs as incurred, rather than waiting until the end of the project or when the provinces and territories decide to submit their claims to the government.
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3/22/2019,393,18-Aug,Sustainable Infrastructure,Ensure the Bank has the support it needs for its core purpose – attracting private sector and institutional investment to expand the scope of public infrastructure investment in Canada.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Finance,"Actions taken, progress made","The Canada Infrastructure Bank is increasing private and institutional investment to revenue-generating projects and transforming the way infrastructure is planned, funded and delivered in Canada.",The Canada Infrastructure Bank is now fully operational and is working to advance an innovative financing model that brings investors together to structure appropriate financial support to make projects commercially viable. The model will crowd-in and mobilize private and institutional capital and will relate financial returns to the project usage and revenue risk.
3/22/2019,394,18-Aug,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Leverage ideas from the Smart Cities Challenge to select winners from communities of all sizes, and test new, Indigenous-led projects through the Indigenous Homes Innovation Initiative.",Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Indigenous Services,"Actions taken, progress made","Winners from communities of all sizes are selected in the Smart Cities Challenge in Spring 2019. Funding is provided through the Indigenous Homes Innovation Initiative for new approaches in the design and construction of Indigenous-led home and community innovation projects for First Nations (on and off reserve), Inuit and Métis peoples living in rural and urban communities.","On November 23, 2017, the government launched the Smart Cities Challenge. On June 1, 2018, the finalists were announced at the 2018 Federation of Canadian Municipalities meeting in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Final proposals were received on March 4, 2019, and the Challenge is on track to announce winners in May 2019.
The Indigenous Homes Innovation Initiative, a partnership between Indigenous Services Canada and Infrastructure Canada, will also be launched in April 2019. The Initiative will provide funding to creative projects led by Indigenous peoples to design and build more effective, sustainable, and culturally appropriate living spaces for Indigenous peoples. From start to finish, this innovation initiative will be overseen by an Indigenous Steering Committee."
3/22/2019,395,18-Aug,Jobs and Innovation,Develop new and innovative approaches to modernize fisheries and aquaculture and responsible economic development on all three coasts.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard","Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",Innovative approaches to modernize fisheries and aquaculture are developed that expand the economy and ensure the responsible growth of the sector.,"In August 2017, the Government of Canada launched the $400 million, seven-year Atlantic Fisheries Fund, to drive innovation and to enable the fisheries and aquaculture sector to better meet market demands for sustainably sourced, high quality fish and seafood products, in the Atlantic provinces. Projects across the Fish and Seafood sectors have been announced in all four Atlantic provinces.
On December 5, 2018, the Government of Canada launched the Canadian Fish and Seafood Opportunities Fund, a new $42.85 million cost-shared fund (70% federal and 30% provincial territorial) to promote market access and development for the fish and seafood industry. The fund will enable provinces and territories to support their industries' priority projects and help Canadians working in the fish and seafood sector by creating jobs and developing more opportunities for Canadian products.
The 2018 Fall Economic Statement (FES) announced $100 million over six years, starting in 2018–19, to create a British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund, as well as $30 million over five years, starting in 2019–20 for a Quebec Fisheries Fund. The B.C. and Quebec funds will support projects focused on innovation, clean technology adoption, infrastructure investments that improve productivity, sustainability and safety, and science partnerships. The FES also included a one-time payment of $5 million to the Pacific Salmon Endowment Fund society, which will support hundreds of non-profit organizations that work in communities across B.C. to conserve wild salmon.
On December 18, 2017, the Government of Canada announced the Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technology Adoption Program (FACTAP), a four-year $20 million program that will help Canada’s fisheries and aquaculture industries incorporate clean technologies into their day-to-day operations. To date, the Program and its Provincial and private sector partners have allocated close to $7 million towards the adoption of innovative new clean technologies and processes.
On March 15, 2019, the Government of Canada formally launched the British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund (BCSRIF). The Fund supports:
• innovation to encourage the development of new technologies to:
o increase productivity;
o help meet conservation and sustainability objectives, including the protection and restoration of wild BC stocks, including Pacific salmon;
• infrastructure to encourage capital investments in new products, processes or technologies to support the:
o advancement of sustainable fishing practices
o protection and restoration of wild BC stocks, including Pacific salmon; and
• science partnerships to support collaborations with academia and other research institutions to:
o improve knowledge and understanding of impacts to wild stocks;
o develop sustainable fishing practices.
Applications for funding may be made through the Fisheries and Oceans Canada website.
The Government of Canada is also helping to foster innovation in fishing technologies and methods that would maintain an active fishing industry while also reducing the risk of marine mammal entanglements, e.g. sustainable harvesting technologies, weak links in buoy lines, etc. Industry-driven testing of new gear technologies and pilot projects will bring new technologies that could aid in the coexistence of marine mammals and fishing in the future.
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3/22/2019,396,18-Aug,Environment and Climate Change,"Implement the G7 Charlevoix Blueprint for Healthy Oceans, Seas and Resilient Coastal Communities and the Ocean Plastics Charter.","Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Environment and Climate Change","Actions taken, progress made","Increased availability and sharing of ocean science and data globally, more sustainable oceans and fisheries, increased resiliency of coasts and coastal communities, and reduced plastic waste and marine litter. ","The Ocean Plastics Charter was adopted at the 2018 G7 Summit in Charlevoix bringing together governments, businesses, and civil society organizations to help eradicate plastic pollution, committing them to take actions to move toward a more resource efficient and sustainable approach to the management of plastics. As of March 2019, 17 countries plus the EU and 54 business and non-governmental organizations have endorsed the Charter.
To support the implementation of the Charter objectives Canada will help developing countries prevent plastic waste from entering the oceans, address plastic waste on shorelines, and better manage existing plastic resources.
At the Charlevoix G7 Leaders’ Summit, Canada announced a $100 million investment to advance the objectives and commitments of the Ocean Plastics Charter. This includes $20 million to spark innovation to beat plastic pollution in developing countries in support of the implementation of the G7 Innovation Challenge to Address Marine Plastic Litter, agreed to by all G7 members, $6 million through the World Economic Forum Global Plastic Action Partnership to strengthen public-private partnerships to support global action in plastic pollution hot spots, and $65 million to support a World Bank fund to address plastic waste in developing countries.
In addition to this $100 million investment, Canada announced an additional $12 million to invest in made-in-Canada innovative approaches and technologies to help stop the flow of plastics to the oceans. Canada also committed to take action to reform government practices and procurement, with the goal of diverting at least 75 percent of plastic waste from government operations by 2030.
During the meeting of G7 Environment, Oceans and Energy Ministers on September 18-21, 2018, Ministers agreed on the need for collaborative partnerships to improve the health of oceans and seas and ways to advance the priorities identified by G7 Leaders in the Charlevoix Blueprint for Healthy Oceans, Seas and Resilient Coastal Communities.
In support of these commitments, Canada announced an unprecedented number of funding commitments which includes $2 million to the International Institute for Sustainable Development for the National Adaptation Plan Global Network to help developing vulnerable countries adapt to the effects of climate change and $60 million to help Small Island Developing States accelerate their transition to cleaner energy systems.
Canada also announced a $100 million commitment to support expansion of climate risk insurance coverage in developing countries, and $2 million to establish a new initiative that will empower women entrepreneurs working on climate solutions in the developing world.
Canada has also announced $10 million to the Pacific Initiative for Biodiversity, Climate Change and Resilience, a joint initiative with the European Union, France, New Zealand and Australia to support efforts in the Pacific region to adapt to climate change, protect biodiversity, and improve ocean and fisheries health.
The Government of Canada will invest a total of up to $11.6 million to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing throughout the world, signed on to the Global Ghost Gear Initiative (GGGI), and announced its support for Global Fishing Watch.
The federal government is working with provinces and territories through the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) and recently released a national zero plastic waste strategy that will build on Canadian and international efforts to reduce plastic waste and marine litter, including those outlined in the Ocean Plastics Charter.
At the Sustainable Blue Economy Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, in November 2018, Canada announced an additional investment of up to $9.5 million in funding to advance activities of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
Canada also announced an investment of up to $1 million to the World Economic Forum’s Friends of Ocean Action and for the Government of Canada’s support to the United Nations Special Envoy for the Ocean.
Canada's actions support implementation of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 14 to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources."
3/22/2019,397,18-Aug,Jobs and Innovation,Double the number of women-owned businesses in Canada by 2025. ,Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion,"Actions taken, progress made","The number of women-owned businesses in Canada doubles to 340,000 by 2025. ","The Women Entrepreneurship Strategy provides a nearly $2 billion investment across government to help reach the goal of doubling the number of women-owned businesses by 2025 by increasing their access to financing, talent, networks and expertise. Under the ISED portfolio, this includes a $20 million investment over two years to support women entrepreneurs under the Women Entrepreneurship Fund and a five-year investment of $85 million under the WES Ecosystem Fund to help non-profit, third-party organizations deliver support for women entrepreneurs and address gaps in the ecosystem. The demand for funding greatly exceeded available funds.
Over 300 applications were received for the WES Ecosystem Fund. Funding decisions are expected to be announced in Spring 2019.
Over 3,000 applications were received for the Women Entrepreneurship Fund.
To support the government in achieving its goal, a diverse and talented Expert Panel on Women’s Entrepreneurship has been established to provide advice and identify opportunities and challenges for women entrepreneurs.
In addition, across the government, the Strategy includes: providing $10 million over five years to connect women with expanded export services and opportunities through the Business Women in International Trade Program; providing $1.4 billion (up from $700 million) in financing to women-owned businesses through the Business Development Bank of Canada; and making available $250 million over three years, through Export Development Canada, to provide financing and insurance solutions, on commercial terms, for women-owned businesses that are exporting or looking to begin exporting.
These collective investments are intended to support the goal of doubling the number of women entrepreneurs by 2025 (as committed to in the Innovation and Skills Plan).
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3/22/2019,398,18-Aug,Jobs and Innovation,"Identify opportunities to support workers and businesses in the natural resource sectors to export their goods to global markets, including twinning the Trans Mountain Pipeline.",Minister of Natural Resources,"Actions taken, progress made","Increased access to global markets to support investment in Canada’s natural resource sectors and higher exports creating more good-paying, middle class jobs for Canadians.","The Government of Canada’s support for exports contributes to the growth of companies and the economy, and creates well-paying jobs for Canadians. Budget 2017 included the goal to grow the country’s goods and services exports 30% by 2025. The export of natural resources represents almost half of Canada’s exports and the natural resource sectors will be key contributors in meeting this goal.
The Government of Canada supports market access for Canada’s natural resource sectors through negotiations on free trade agreements, and bilateral dialogues and partnerships with counterparts. The government also works with provincial governments and industry to foster innovation and to expand markets. This includes through initiatives such as Mission Innovation, the Clean Growth Hub (launched in January 2018) and market development offices in key global markets, as well as through federal-provincial-territorial collaboration under the Energy and Mines Ministers' Energy Working Group. Canada’s hosting of the Clean Energy Ministerial and Mission Innovation meetings in Vancouver in May 2019 is an opportunity to showcase Canadian leadership and strengthen international trade and investment opportunities through cooperation among governments, the private sector, and international organizations to enhance access to affordable, secure and sustainable energy.
On December 18, 2018, the Government of Canada announced $1.6 billion in investments to support jobs and workers in Canada’s oil and gas sector, foster competitiveness, and improve the long-term environmental performance of the sector.
The Government of Canada facilitates access to new markets for mining services and suppliers – including those specializing in electrification, renewable energy, and clean tech – through mining trade shows and missions abroad, including in China (China Mining), Africa (Mining Indaba), and the Americas (Expomin). Developing additional export opportunities for this sector is an objective of the Canadian Minerals and Metals Plan (CMMP), for which action items are currently in development.
Through the Softwood Lumber Action Plan, the Government of Canada invested $45 million over three years in the Expanding Market Opportunities Program, which supports market development offices in China, Japan, South Korea, the UK and India, to promote Canadian expertise in low-carbon construction with wood, using Canadian wood products. This program includes investment in the Sino-Canadian low carbon ecodistrict, whose first phase showcases 100 townhomes built with Canadian lumber and energy efficient technologies.
The Government of Canada also supports private industry in developing key infrastructure in Canada to get natural resources to market, such as federal support for the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project in Kitimat, British Columbia, which is expected to create 10,000 jobs at the height of construction.
The Minister released the Canadian Minerals and Metals Plan in March 2019 at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Conference. The Plan focuses on several priorities that include increasing Canada’s global leadership, and strengthening Canada’s business and innovation environment for the minerals sector to make it more competitive and attractive for investment.
At CERAWeek 2019 the Government of Canada met with US and Mexican counterparts where they agreed to develop an action plan to further strengthen energy cooperation in four areas: facilitating cross-border energy infrastructure; R&D and innovation; clean energy, including renewables; and cybersecurity.
The Government of Canada supports good projects that contribute to our goal of making Canada a global leader in the transition to a low-carbon economy. The Trans Mountain Expansion (TMX) project is part of that plan. It holds the potential to open important new markets for Canadian resources, delivering fairer prices that will keep Canadians working, productive and innovating as we build our cleaner future together. The TMX project alone has the potential to create thousands of good, middle-class jobs for Canadians. All of these benefits informed the government’s decision to purchase the existing Trans Mountain Pipeline and the terminal assets.
The Government of Canada has taken steps to respond to the Federal Court of Appeals decision that quashed the GiC’s project approval on August 30th, 2018. On September 21st, 2018, the government instructed the National Energy Board (NEB) to reconsider its recommendations taking into account the effects of project-related marine shipping. On October 3, 2018, the government announced it was moving forward with Phase III consultations by engaging in a specific and focused dialogue with all Indigenous groups impacted by the TMX project. The government also announced the appointment of former Supreme Court of Canada Justice, the Honourable Frank Iacobucci, as a Federal Representative for the consultation and accommodation process.
On February 22, 2019, the National Energy Board (NEB) delivered its Reconsideration Report to the Government of Canada, with a recommendation that the Trans Mountain Expansion Project (Project) is in the Canadian public interest and should be approved. The NEB will impose 156 conditions on the Project if approved, and has made 16 additional recommendations to the Government of Canada.
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3/22/2019,399,18-Aug,Environment and Climate Change,"Put more low-emission vehicles, including electric vehicles, on the roads in Canada.",Minister of Natural Resources;Minister of Transport,"Actions taken, progress made","New charging and refueling infrastructure supports more low-emission vehicles on the roads in Canada, and the federal government adopts low-carbon mobility solutions to modernize its fleet","Over the past two years, federal, provincial and territorial governments have worked to develop a Canada-wide Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Strategy that allowed for a better understanding of the barriers and greater adoption of zero-emission vehicles by Canadians. This included significant input from an external advisory group of experts, as well as over 160 additional experts in the field. The Government of Canada has adopted ambitious targets, aiming for zero-emission vehicles to constitute 10 per cent of new light-duty vehicles sold in Canada by 2025, 30 per cent by 2030, and 100 per cent by 2040.
In support of these targets, the government is contributing to the establishment of a coast-to-coast network of electric vehicle (EV) fast-chargers along Canada’s highway system, natural gas refueling stations along key freight corridors, and hydrogen stations in metropolitan areas. By 2024, over 1000 new EV fast-chargers, 22 natural gas and 15 hydrogen stations will be built. To date, projects are in place to deliver 526 EV fast-chargers, 12 natural gas and 6 hydrogen stations.
The government also initiated 10 projects that address barriers for EV infrastructure such as chargers for multi-unit residential buildings, workplaces and public transit.
To further support the uptake of ZEVs, Budget 2019 provided funding for four new measures:
• an additional $130 million over five years to expand the network of ZEV charging and refuelling infrastructure to include workplaces, public parking spots, commercial and multi-unit residential buildings, and remote locations;
• $300 million over three years for a new federal purchase incentive of up to $5,000 for electric battery or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of less than $45,000;
• $5 million over five years to work with auto manufacturers to secure voluntary ZEV sales targets to ensure that vehicle supply meets increased demand; and
• Full tax write-offs for ZEVs purchased by businesses in the year they are put in use.
In an effort to align North American codes and standards, Canada held two workshops related to hydrogen, with its U.S. counterparts (March 2017 and August 2018), and continues to collaborate on codes and standards for alternative fueled vehicles and infrastructure through the Regulatory Cooperation Council.
As described in the Greening Government Strategy released in December 2017, the Government is working to reduce emissions from its own operations by 40% by 2030, and 80% by 2050. Starting in 2019-20, 75 % of new light-duty fleet vehicle purchases will be ZEVs or hybrid, with the objective that the government’s fleet comprises at least 80% of ZEVs by 2030. In support of these goals, to date, 1500 federal fleet vehicles have been assessed to analyze vehicle usage, and identify lower emitting options. The first full fleet assessment of 270 vehicles in one department has been delivered. The report recommends actions that can be taken to reduce emissions by 40% and save more than $1.5M in fuel costs over 7 years."
3/22/2019,400,18-Aug,Exports and Investment,"Defend Canadian workers potentially affected by trade disputes, including in the forestry, energy and mining sectors.",Minister of Natural Resources;Minister of Foreign Affairs,"Actions taken, progress made","The interests of Canadian industries and its workers in Natural Resource sectors are defended bilaterally and multilaterally to ensure fair, consistent rule-based trade practices.","The Government of Canada has a responsibility to Canadians to maintain fair, consistent rule-based trade. The government works proactively to mitigate potential disputes and supports sectors impacted by trade actions of other countries in order to ensure that Canadian industries remain globally competitive and prosper in a healthy, integrated economy.
The government works collaboratively with its trade partners to respond proactively to emerging trade issues. In the forest sector, the government has challenged trade actions on softwood lumber, uncoated groundwood paper, supercalendered paper and dissolving pulp under NAFTA Chapter 19 and at the World Trade Organization; duties have been removed from uncoated groundwood paper and supercalendered paper and litigation continues on softwood lumber and dissolving pulp. The government also responded to US steel and aluminum tariffs with reciprocal, proportionate countermeasures, and consulted broadly and transparently to efficiently implement retaliatory measures on targeted products. Canada continues to develop and implement mitigation policies, such as the Softwood Lumber Action Plan, in order to support industries, communities, and workers affected by trade disputes until those barriers can be removed.
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3/22/2019,401,18-Aug,Exports and Investment,"Continue collaboration with the United States and Mexico in areas of mutual benefit, including energy security and cross-border infrastructure.",Minister of Natural Resources,"Actions taken, progress made","Greater integration of the Canadian, Mexican and American energy markets, reduced risk of energy supply interruptions and strengthened relations between the three North American partners.","Canada, the United States and Mexico share the most integrated and well-functioning continental energy markets in the world. With the risk of cyber attacks against North America’s energy systems on the rise, defending against these threats is a shared priority. Greater trilateral collaboration on energy security and cross-border infrastructure will help advance this priority.
On February 27, 2019, the Government of Canada led a symposium, in collaboration with the US Department of Energy and the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), to explore how big data, artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies are transforming the energy sector to advance common objectives, such as public safety, economic competitiveness, and energy security.
At the November 2017 North American Energy Ministerial meeting in Houston, energy ministers reiterated the importance of trilateral cooperation and committed to further collaboration in three priority areas:
1) security, reliability and resiliency;
2) trade and economic development; and,
3) diversifying resources.
Provisions in the new Canada-US-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) will ensure the continued free flow of energy products in North America and strengthen the bilateral and trilateral energy trade relationship with the U.S. and Mexico. The inclusion of a binding energy side letter with the U.S. will increase transparency and access to Canada's closest energy trading partner.
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3/22/2019,402,18-Aug,Strong Middle Class,Support seniors programming and work on initiatives that impact seniors.,Minister of Seniors,"Actions taken, progress made",Improved quality of life and well-being for seniors.,"The New Horizons for Seniors Program supports projects led or inspired by seniors who make a difference in the lives of others and in their communities. With an annual budget of $50 million, the New Horizons for Seniors Program works to improve the lives of seniors by supporting two types of projects: community-based and pan-Canadian. Community-based projects enable seniors to make valuable contributions to their communities by sharing their knowledge, skills and experience and increasing the capacity to address local issues. Pan-Canadian projects use collaborative and innovative approaches to help reduce social isolation among seniors.
Established by Order-in- Council in 2007, the National Seniors Council (NSC) provides advice to the government through the Minister of Seniors and the Minister of Health on matters related to the health, well-being and quality of life of seniors, as well as the challenges and opportunities arising from a growing and diverse aging population. The NSC develops evidence-informed advice based on consultations with Canadians, including seniors and other stakeholders, and commissioning research. In December 2018, Ministers Tassi and Petitpas Taylor approved the National Seniors Council’s three-year work plan (2018-2021), and asked members to focus on the following four work priorities:
• Identifying measures to address crimes and other harms against seniors;
• Examining potential objectives and elements of a national seniors strategy;
• Providing advice on federal initiatives using an age-friendly/healthy aging perspective, with an initial focus on ways to strengthen attention to seniors’ housing needs in the implementation of the National Housing Strategy; and
• Counteracting ageism by shifting the public discourse.
To improve seniors’ quality of life, and to better promote seniors’ participation and inclusion in their communities, Budget 2019 proposes to provide additional funding of $100 million over five years, with $20 million per year ongoing, for the New Horizons for Seniors Program."
3/22/2019,403,18-Aug,Strong Middle Class,"Design and implement initiatives to better protect consumers, particularly seniors, from potential harms in dealing with financial institutions and telecommunications companies.","Minister of Seniors;Minister of Finance;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development","Actions taken, progress made","Consumers are better empowered and protected in their dealings with financial institutions and telecommunications companies, including more vulnerable Canadians such as seniors.","Consumers deserve a competitive marketplace where they are treated fairly.
In June 2018, the government directed the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to launch a public inquiry to investigate the sales practices of large telecommunications companies. Particular consideration will was to be given to vulnerable groups, including seniors. The Competition Bureau is assisting the CRTC in light of their expertise and responsibilities regarding deceptive advertising.
In July 2018, the CRTC launched the inquiry with detail on the different phases and consultations processes. In parallel, on November 9, 2018, the CRTC began a regulatory proceeding with a call for comments on the creation of consumer code of conduct for Internet services. On February 20, 2019, the CRTC released the results of the inquiry. The Commission confirmed that inappropriate sales practices were a serious issue. In the near term, the CRTC is moving ahead with the consumer code of conduct, a secret shopper program to monitor practices, and new information tools. A range of other measures are also under consideration.
Budget 2018 announced the government’s intention to introduce legislation that could strengthen the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada's (FCAC) tools and mandate and continue to advance consumers’ rights and interests when dealing with their banks. The government introduced legislation to fulfill this commitment in the *Budget Implementation Act, No. 2*, which received Royal Assent on December 13, 2018. Amendments focused on three key areas: requiring new internal bank practices to further strengthen outcomes for consumers, providing the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada with additional tools to implement supervisory best practices, and further empowering consumers.
In addition, to respond to the unique needs of Canada's aging population, FCAC will engage with banks and seniors' groups to create a code of conduct to guide banks in their delivery of services to Canada's seniors. The new Minister of Seniors will support this engagement."
3/22/2019,404,18-Aug,Strong Middle Class,Strengthen the protection of workplace pensions.,"Minister of Seniors;Minister of Finance;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made",Canadians with privately sponsored pension plans experience enhanced retirement security.,"Further to its commitment in Budget 2018, the government sought feedback from Canadians, including pensioners, employees, companies, and lenders to inform a whole-of-government, evidence-based approach towards addressing retirement security for Canadians.
Consultations in late 2018 with workers, pensioners, companies, experts, and the public resulted in more than 4,400 online submissions, in addition to formal written submissions from stakeholder groups.
The government reviewed the feedback received during the consultations with a view to developing a balanced way forward to enhance retirement security for Canadians, particularly for those who have workplace pension plans.
As a result of this work, in Budget 2019, the government is proposing legislative amendments to pension, insolvency and corporate laws to enhance retirement security and better protect workplace pensions in the event of a company’s insolvency. All while ensuring Canadian marketplace framework laws continue to serve as strong platforms for economic growth, innovation and jobs for Canadians.
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3/22/2019,405,18-Aug,Healthy Canadians,Build on federally supported programs that support the needs of seniors and their families to promote healthy aging. ,"Minister of Seniors;Minister of Health;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development","Actions taken, progress made",Enhanced support for seniors and their families. ,"Canada's senior population is growing. This makes it more important than ever to support the health and well-being of older Canadians. The Government of Canada is working with stakeholders on various initiatives to ensure support for the seniors and their families.
Budget 2018 provided one-time funding of $75 million for a three-year project through the Public Health Agency of Canada to support the Healthy Seniors Pilot Project in New Brunswick. The Healthy Seniors Pilot Project will: improve understanding of the impacts of aging, including different challenges faced by women and men; focus on testing innovative solutions that support healthy aging and improve the quality of life of older adults; and, provide useful information for governments and stakeholders across the country on how to better support seniors in their homes, communities and care facilities. On June 25, 2018, the Minister of Health and the Premier of New Brunswick announced the launch of the Pilot Project. New Brunswick opened its call for submissions on August 1, 2018.
Budget 2019 further proposes several investments and programs to support a better quality of life for Canada's seniors. It proposes to provide additional funding of $100 million over five years, with $20 million per year ongoing, for the New Horizons for Seniors Program, to improve seniors’ quality of life, and to better promote seniors’ participation and inclusion in their communities.
Budget 2019 also proposes several measures to support a secure retirement, including enhancing the GIS earnings exemption to provide increased take-home pay for low-income working seniors and which has also been extended to self-employed seniors. This also includes legislative amendments to proactively enroll Canada Pension Plan contributors age 70 and older to ensure that all Canadian workers receive the full value of the benefits to which they contributed.
The Government of Canada is also supporting additional initiatives to foster the healthy aging of seniors, including age-friendly communities, investing in data and research such as the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging, and in consultation with partners, raising awareness and developing resources on other issues related to healthy aging (e.g., falls prevention). "
3/22/2019,406,18-Aug,Healthy Canadians,Engage with stakeholders and parliamentarians on ways to address dementia.,Minister of Seniors;Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made",Improved quality of life for people living with dementia and those who care for them.,"In June 2017, the *National Strategy for Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias Act* came into force and requires the development of a national dementia strategy in cooperation with the provinces and territories (PTs). Federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) governance has been established to support the development and implementation of the strategy. The FPT Committee includes all jurisdictions except for Quebec, which opted for bilateral discussions.
The Ministerial Advisory Board on Dementia was established in May 2018. The national dementia conference, hosted by the Minister of Health, was held on May 14-15, 2018. Participants represented the six groups identified in the Act: people living with dementia; caregivers; health care professionals; advocacy groups; researchers; and PT governments.
Budget 2018 also committed $20 million over 5 years and $4 million per year ongoing to support community-based projects that enhance the wellbeing of people living with dementia and those who care for them. On October 22, 2018, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) launched the Dementia Community Investment directed solicitations to Alzheimer Society of Canada, the University of Alberta and the University of British Columbia. On November 19, 2018, PHAC launched the Dementia Community Investment open solicitation (up to $12.3 million over 4 years) for initiatives that support optimizing the well-being of people living with dementia and their caregivers, and/or promoting awareness of dementia and its risk factors to tackle stigma and promote compassion/support.
Government of Canada investments focus on research, surveillance, innovation, international collaboration, care for federal populations, and community-based supports. The Public Health Agency of Canada works with PTs through the Canadian Chronic Disease Surveillance System to collect data on Canadians living and newly diagnosed with dementia. The Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation, established with federal funding, is developing products and services to support brain health and aging, with a focus on dementia.
Budget 2019 proposes to provide the Public Health Agency of Canada with $50 million over five years, starting in 2019–20, to support the implementation of Canada’s first National Dementia Strategy, which is expected to be publicly released this spring.
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3/22/2019,407,18-Aug,Safety and Security,Address crimes that target seniors including elder abuse and online financial scams.,Minister of Seniors;Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Finance,"Actions taken, progress made","Better protection of seniors from elder abuse, including financial abuse, and enhanced responses to crimes that target seniors.","Many forms of elder abuse and online financial scams are already targeted by existing offences under the *Criminal Code*.
The Justice Canada Victims Fund is available to provincial and territorial governments and non-governmental organizations to support projects that address the needs of victims and survivors of crime in the criminal justice system. In 2016 Justice Canada issued a call for proposals under the Victims Fund to non-governmental organizations for projects that help to address gaps in support and services, awareness raising, or research to benefit victims and survivors of crime with disabilities, including older adults with disabilities. Seven projects are currently being funded. In addition, to commemorate the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, on December 3, 2018, Justice Canada hosted a webinar that explored various approaches in Supporting and Empowering Women Victims and Survivors with Disabilities, including senior women with disabilities who are victims of domestic violence.
As well, the Government of Canada’s Family Violence Initiative (FVI) addresses elder abuse, including financial abuse, by providing information and resources for professionals and the public, including Elder Abuse is Wrong, a booklet for older adults who may be suffering from abuse by someone they trust. In addition, on National Senior’s Day, October 1, 2018, Justice Canada hosted a web-ex to raise awareness about elder abuse and the supports available to older adult victims.
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), which is jointly managed by the RCMP, the Competition Bureau and the Ontario Provincial Police, provides support to senior fraud victims and works to prevent further victimization. The CAFC and the RCMPs Federal Policing Prevention and Engagement program produce a variety of resources to educate law enforcement and the public on fraud and various scams, some of which have closer linkages to seniors.
The Government of Canada is implementing the Strategy, Strengthening Financial Literacy of Seniors which includes a goal to increase the number of tools to combat fraud and financial abuse of seniors. The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada offers resources to seniors through its Canadian Financial Literacy Database. Currently, the database offers over 150 resources targeted at seniors including material related to the prevention of fraud and financial abuse.
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3/22/2019,408,18-Aug,Healthy Canadians,Represent the Government of Canada at the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum.,Minister of Seniors,"Actions taken, progress made","Federal, provincial and territorial governments collaborate for the advancement of common priorities to improve seniors’ well-being.","The Forum of FPT Ministers Responsible for Senior brings key Federal, Provincial, and Territorial Ministers together, providing an important vehicle for discussing issues of importance to seniors, for sharing information on seniors’ well-being, and undertaking initiatives to advance issues of common concern. The Forum is implementing a multi-year work plan (2018-2021) whose current priorities are aging in community, labour force participation of older workers, and addressing ageism.
The FPT Seniors Forum published the Promoting the Labour Force Participation of Older Canadians Report (in June 2018) as well as supplements to a tool kit on the social isolation of seniors in November 2018.
The next FPT Seniors Forum meeting is scheduled for May 21 to 22, 2019. During this meeting, Ministers will receive for their approval three deliverables identified in the Forum’s three-year work plan. These will include: the Report on the Core Housing Needs of Seniors, the Report on Community Supports for Aging in Community, and the Report on the Impact of Public Policy on the Labour Force Participation of Older Workers.
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3/22/2019,409,18-Aug,Healthy Canadians,Consider options for how best to move forward with the implementation of national pharmacare.,Minister of Seniors;Minister of Finance;Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made",Develop options and recommendations for an affordable national pharmacare.,"The creation of the Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare (the Council) was announced in Budget 2018. The Council is leading a national dialogue on how to implement affordable national pharmacare for Canadians and their families, employers and governments. To develop its advice on national pharmacare implementation, the Council is tasked with:
• conducting an economic and social assessment of domestic and international models;
• working closely with provincial, territorial and Indigenous leaders; and,
• consulting with Canadians, as well as experts and stakeholders from relevant fields.
On March 5, 2019, the Council provided an interim report to the Minister of Health and Minister of Finance. Guided by consultations and interim report, Budget 2019 announced the Government’s intention to work with its partners to move forward on three foundational elements of national pharmacare. These include: working with provinces, territories and stakeholders on the creation of a Canadian Drug Agency; taking steps toward the development of a national formulary; and, creating a national strategy for high-cost drugs for rare diseases.
The Council's final report will be delivered in the spring of 2019 and will include options and recommendations as to what measures the federal government should take.
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3/22/2019,410,18-Aug,Exports and Investment,Identify and address structural barriers to Canada’s tourism sector to help unlock investment and diversify Canada’s source of tourists and attractions. ,"Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie","Actions taken, progress made",Canada has a new tourism strategy that identifies measures to eliminate structural barriers and improve the competitiveness of the tourism sector.,"Earlier in 2018, Destination Canada, in collaboration with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), commissioned independent research to examine the international competitiveness of Canada as a tourism destination, and highlight opportunities and constraints for the tourism sector. The resulting report, published on December 10th, 2018, informs the development of a new federal tourism strategy.
In November 2018, the government announced the creation of the Advisory Council on Jobs and the Visitor Economy. The Council is composed of business owners, entrepreneurs, and tourism operators and professionals who recognize the economic importance of the tourism sector. The Council will identify important issues facing the tourism sector in Canada. It will also recommend new ways to increase Canadian tourism opportunities and competitiveness globally. The work of the Council will also support the development of a new federal tourism strategy."
3/22/2019,411,18-Aug,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Prepare celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the *Official Languages Act*.,"Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie","Actions taken, progress made",Highlight the importance of the *Official Languages Act* in building Canadian identity.,"Celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the *Official Languages Act* will be held in 2019 to help Canadians understand and highlight the importance of this legislation in building Canadian identity. Details on celebration activities will be shared online and via social media.
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3/22/2019,412,18-Aug,Canada in the World,"Defend, strengthen and promote the use of French around the world, including in the digital sphere and within international organizations.","Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie","Actions taken, progress made","Greater visibility of French around the world and increased presence of French language content in the digital sphere.
","In Fall 2018, during the Francophonie Summit, the Government of Canada expressed its intentions to support the creation of a Francophone digital platform in order to promote the vitality of the French language and culture and protect its presence in the digital sphere. This desire was confirmed by an investment of $14.6 million dollars over 5 years beginning in 2019-20 to support the creation, development and launch of a Francophone digital platform with TV5MONDE public broadcasters.
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3/22/2019,415,18-Aug,Safety and Security,Lead conversations with the United States on the Safe Third Country Agreement.,"Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction;Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship","Actions taken, progress made",Review the existing Safe Third Country Agreement with the U.S. to ensure that it continues to serve the interests of both countries. ,"In order to address the issue of irregular migration across the Canada-U.S. border, the Government of Canada has proposed to enter into negotiations with the U.S. to improve the Safe Third Country Agreement. More details on the progress for this commitment is expected in the coming months."
3/22/2019,416,18-Aug,Safety and Security,"Reduce the smuggling of opioids across Canadian borders in partnership with provinces, territories, and municipalities, and the United States.",Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction,"Actions taken, progress made","Safely and effectively detect, identify and reduce the flow of opioids at all Canadian ports of entry. ","The Government of Canada is committed to work in partnership with all levels of government across Canada and with international partners to protect our citizens from the adverse effects of opioids. The government continues to advance bilateral cooperation with the US and others and, more officially, are part of the trilateral discussions with the US and Mexico through the North American Dialogue on Drug Policy.
Canada is also working closely with China and other international partners to disrupt the export of illegally produced fentanyl and combat the flow of illegal fentanyl and other opioids into Canada. In its efforts to combat the importation of illicit drugs, Canada Border Services Agency made over 16,000 drug seizures in 2017-18, which included 438 opioid seizures and a 16% increase in fentanyl seizures. Budget 2018 announced $33 million over five years to help stem the flow of opioids into Canada by equipping border agents with detection and identification tools to intercept fentanyl and other illicit or diverted substances at ports of entry.
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3/22/2019,417,18-Aug,Safety and Security,"Develop new policies and legislation to reduce organized crime and gang activity in Canada, including money laundering. ",Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction,"Actions taken, progress made",Reduced organized crime and gang activity in Canada through the development and implementation of effective policies and legislation.,"The Government of Canada is advancing efforts to reduce organized crime and gang activity in Canada, including a focus on reducing gun and gang violence and countering money laundering. We are advancing Canada's commitment to flow up to $327.6 million over five years, and $100 million annually thereafter, to help support a variety of initiatives to reduce gun and gang violence. A Summit on Gun and Gang Violence was held in March 2018 to discuss the realities, issues and best practices to tackle gun and gang violence.
As announced in November 2018, the government’s Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence includes investments of $34.5 million for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police that will provide additional resources for law enforcement to address gang activity and the criminal use of firearms. These resources will enhance the RCMP's new Integrated Criminal Firearms Initiative (ICFI), by helping to build capacity to meet the anticipated increase in requests for service for investigative support, training, firearms inspections, technological enhancements, while also addressing intelligence gaps.
The recent report by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance entitled Confronting Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing: Moving Canada Forward provides a roadmap to respond to current and future threats.
Budget 2019 proposes an integrated plan to modernize Canada’s Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorist Financing (AML/ATF) Regime, including an investment of $24 million over five years for Public Safety to create the Anti-Money Laundering Action, Coordination and Enforcement (ACE) Team as a pilot initiative to strengthen inter-agency coordination and cooperation and identify and address significant money laundering and financial crime threats. The Budget also proposes $28.6 million to create a multi-disciplinary Trade Fraud and Trade-Based Money Laundering Centre of Expertise which will complement the efforts of the ACE Team. A further $68.9 million over five years is also allocated to the RCMP to strengthen investigative capacity, as well as $28 million for the CBSA to support a new centre of expertise.
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3/22/2019,418,18-Aug,Safety and Security,Seek additional opportunities to expand pre-clearance operations for travelers to the United States.,Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction;Minister of Transport;Minister of Foreign Affairs;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,"Actions taken, progress made","Facilitate the adoption of preclearance in Canada and the U.S and explore options for expansion.
","Canada is committed to expand the preclearance program in all modes of transportation under the Land, Rail, Marine and Air Preclearance Agreement (LRMA), once it is ratified. Canada's *Preclearance Act, 2016* received Royal Assent in December 2017 and will come into force with the ratification of the LRMA. Regulations flowing from the *Preclearance Act, 2016* are in development."
3/22/2019,419,18-Aug,Fair and Open Government,"Maintain open and collaborative relationships with provinces and territories, with the goal of working together to serve and improve the lives of all Canadians.",Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",Federal ministers collaborate effectively with their provincial and territorial counterparts to improve the lives of Canadians.,"The Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade has met with counterparts in provincial and territorial jurisdictions and has worked with federal colleagues to advance collaboration with the provinces and territories in areas including pollution pricing, irregular migration, Indigenous rights, northern development, and trade between the provinces and territories. "
3/22/2019,420,18-Aug,Jobs and Innovation,"Collaborate with provinces and territories to eliminate barriers to trade between each other, and work toward a stronger, more integrated Canadian economy.",Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",Barriers to trade between provinces and territories are reduced to improve the competitiveness of the Canadian economy and benefit the everyday lives of Canadians.,"The Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade has initiated discussions with his provincial and territorial counterparts to remove barriers to trade within Canada, which will create more middle class jobs for Canadians. An ad hoc meeting of federal, provincial, and territorial trade ministers took place in Vancouver on October 25, 2018 to discuss measures to reduce barriers to interprovincial trade and make life easier for Canadians. On November 28, 2018, the Government of Canada announced specific federal action to reduce barriers to trade within Canada. This included measures to make the national building code available for free and to align provincial and territorial codes with the federal codes; aligning meat inspection standards; amending the Energy Efficiency Regulations to ensure alignment across Canada and with the United States; amending the definition of vodka, and reviewing the guidelines for products to be labelled as a ""Product of Canada.""
At the December 7, 2018, First Ministers' Meeting, First Ministers agreed to accelerate work to address domestic barriers to trade that increase business costs and impose needless burden on Canadian businesses. Specifically, First Ministers agreed to:
• Develop harmonized standards in the trucking sector, building on federal investments in the National Trade and Transportation Corridors initiative. Federal, provincial and territorial governments will work together on an accelerated basis to harmonize standards for wide base tires, electronic logging devices, and size and weight restrictions. This will make it easier for businesses to transport goods from one province to another.
• Take action to strengthen Canada’s agri-food sector, including clearer rules for organic products, and eliminating the duplication of food oversight and safety. The Government of Canada will also continue to work collaboratively with the territories to support their food industries and build food security.
• Work with industry and consumers to develop ways to facilitate the sale of alcoholic beverages. As a first step, Canada will introduce legislative amendments to the *Importation of Intoxicating Liquors Act* to remove the only remaining federal requirement that alcohol moving from one province to another be sold or consigned to a provincial liquor authority.
• Accelerate work to strengthen the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, including a plan to reduce the number of exceptions and strengthen the dispute resolution provisions.
On January 15, 2019, the *Safe Food for Canadians Act* and its regulations came into force, consolidating 14 sets of existing regulations into one, strengthening food safety rules, and focussing on food safety outcomes, allowing businesses to be more innovative. Federal, provincial and territorial officials are developing a process to assess whether provincial and territorial food inspection systems are equivalent to, or exceed, federal standards. This work is on track, with the goal of completing the framework for the assessment this summer.
On January 21, 2019, the FPT Council of Ministers Responsible for Transportation and Highway Safety agreed to establish the same weight limits for wide base single tires as dual tires within their respective jurisdiction which will reduce costs and increase fuel efficiency.
Further to the November 2018 announcement, consultations on the proposed amendments to the *Energy Efficiency Regulations* for household appliances closed on January 22, 2019, and consultations on amendments to Canada's vodka standard ended on March 15, 2019. Officials are currently analyzing the submissions received through these consultation processes.
The 2019 Budget announced that the Government of Canada will introduce amendments to the *Importation of Intoxicating Liquors Act* to remove the federal requirement that alcohol moving from one province to another be sold or consigned to a provincial liquor authority. Provinces and territories would continue to be able to regulate the sale and distribution of alcohol within their boundaries.
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3/22/2019,421,18-Aug,Jobs and Innovation,Eliminate barriers to trade between provinces and territories to positively impact the competitiveness of Canadian businesses and the lives of Canadians through greater harmonization of rules and regulatory requirements where appropriate. ,Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Reduce barriers to trade between provinces and territories and greater harmonization of rules and regulations, making life easier for Canadians.","The Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade has initiated discussions with provincial and territorial counterparts to remove barriers to trade within Canada, which will create more middle class jobs for Canadians. An ad hoc meeting of federal, provincial, and territorial trade ministers took place in Vancouver on October 25, 2018 to discuss measures to reduce barriers to interprovincial trade and make life easier for Canadians. On November 28, 2018, the Government of Canada announced specific federal action to reduce barriers to trade within Canada. This included measures to make the national building code available for free and to align provincial and territorial codes with the federal codes; aligning meat inspection standards; amending the Energy Efficiency Regulations to ensure alignment across Canada and with the United States; amending the definition of vodka, and reviewing the guidelines for products to be labelled as a ""Product of Canada.""
At the December 7, 2018, First Ministers' Meeting, First Ministers agreed to accelerate work to address domestic barriers to trade that increase business costs and impose needless burden on Canadian businesses. Specifically, First Ministers agreed to:
• Develop harmonized standards in the trucking sector, building on federal investments in the National Trade and Transportation Corridors initiative. Federal, provincial and territorial governments will work together on an accelerated basis to harmonize standards for wide base tires, electronic logging devices, and size and weight restrictions. This will make it easier for businesses to transport goods from one province to another.
• Take action to strengthen Canada’s agri-food sector, including clearer rules for organic products, and eliminating the duplication of food oversight and safety. The Government of Canada will also continue to work collaboratively with the territories to support their food industries and build food security.
• Work with industry and consumers to develop ways to facilitate the sale of alcoholic beverages. As a first step, Canada will introduce legislative amendments to the *Importation of Intoxicating Liquors Act* to remove the only remaining federal requirement that alcohol moving from one province to another be sold or consigned to a provincial liquor authority.
• Accelerate work to strengthen the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, including a plan to reduce the number of exceptions and strengthen the dispute resolution provisions.
On January 15, 2019, the *Safe Food for Canadians Act* and its regulations came into force, consolidating 14 sets of existing regulations into one, strengthening food safety rules, and focussing on food safety outcomes, allowing businesses to be more innovative. Federal, provincial and territorial officials are developing a process to assess whether provincial and territorial food inspection systems are equivalent to, or exceed, federal standards. This work is on track, with the goal of completing the framework for the assessment this summer.
On January 21, 2019, the FPT Council of Ministers Responsible for Transportation and Highway Safety agreed to establish the same weight limits for wide base single tires as dual tires within their respective jurisdiction which will reduce costs and increase fuel efficiency.
Further to the November 2018 announcement, consultations on the proposed amendments to the *Energy Efficiency Regulations* for household appliances closed on January 22, 2019, and consultations on amendments to Canada's vodka standard ended on March 15, 2019. Officials are currently analyzing the submissions received through these consultation processes.
The 2019 Budget announced that the Government of Canada will introduce amendments to the *Importation of Intoxicating Liquors Act* to remove the federal requirement that alcohol moving from one province to another be sold or consigned to a provincial liquor authority. Provinces and territories would continue to be able to regulate the sale and distribution of alcohol within their boundaries.
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3/22/2019,422,18-Aug,Jobs and Innovation,"Support the Prime Minister in hosting a First Ministers’ Meeting in Fall 2018, focusing on ways to build on Canada’s economic growth.",Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,Completed - fully met,Intergovernmental collaboration to take measures to improve Canadian competitiveness and foster economic growth.,"First ministers met in December 2018 to discuss ways to strengthen economic growth and create jobs for the middle class. Topics included diversifying Canada’s international trade, promoting clean growth, and strengthening trade between provinces and territories. First ministers released a joint communique that outlined consensus to create a framework for a clean electric future, to support energy sectors impacted by the oil price differential, to collaborate on the implementation of environmental assessment legislation, and to take specific measures to enhance internal trade."
3/22/2019,423,18-Aug,Jobs and Innovation,"Partner with the Atlantic provinces on the Atlantic Growth Strategy, and seek opportunities to develop new partnerships with other provinces and territories that contribute to economic prosperity.","Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development","Actions taken, progress made",Regional growth and prosperity. ,"The Government of Canada and the Atlantic provinces launched the Atlantic Growth Strategy in 2016 to foster economic and population growth in that region and create good middle class jobs for Atlantic Canadians. The strategy focuses on five strategic priorities: skilled workforce and immigration; innovation; clean growth and climate change; trade and investment; and infrastructure. The results so far have been remarkable:
• More than 18,000 well-paying jobs have been created across the Atlantic provinces.
• More than 21,700 newcomers contributing to the regional economy.
• More than 3,700 job offers made since 2017 to fill job vacancies under the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program.
• On track to reach the goal of attracting 540 international students on the Study and Stay program.
• More than 30 trade missions involving more than 535 firms and organizations through the Atlantic Trade and Investment Growth Agreement. AB398
•$286 million invested in clean technology since 2016.
• A new Ocean Supercluster is projected to create more than 3,000 middle class jobs and add more than $14 billion to Canada’s economy over 10 years.
• 77 Atlantic Canadian high-growth companies are receiving customized support to grow their markets potential, allowing them to create more good middle class jobs.
• $185 million was allocated through the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund.
• A new Clean Growth Hub has helped more than 30 Atlantic Canadian companies access federal clean technology programs, funding and services, creating jobs for Atlantic Canadians.
• 34.5% growth in the value of Atlantic Canadian exports.
• New tools help hundreds of exporters in the tourism industry promote the region as a world-class tourism destination, including the region’s largest ever media campaign in China.
• Canada Health Infoway is investing $70 million in an ACCESS Atlantic Initiative for Health, to create a new digital health ecosystem across the Atlantic provinces.
• Over $2.4 billion is being provided through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program over the next decade for infrastructure projects which will see important infrastructure projects built across Atlantic Canada and create good, middle class jobs.
• More than 130 rural and remote communities will be connected through broadband.
Beyond the Atlantic Growth Strategy, the government has initiated a series of public engagement strategies: Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario; a growth strategy for Western Canada; Innovation and Growth strategy for the Quebec Regions; a Pan-Territorial Growth Strategy; and a series of regional roundtables on how to best target new investments and maximize their impact across southern Ontario."
3/22/2019,424,18-Aug,Safety and Security,Chair the Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Irregular Migration.,Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,"Actions taken, progress made",Effective intergovernmental collaboration in response to irregular migration.,"The Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade became chair of the Task Force on August 13, 2018.
Announced on August 17, 2017, the Task Force also includes: Canada's Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction: Quebec's Minister of Immigration, Diversity and Inclusion; Ontario's Minister of Children, Community and Social Services; the Mayor of Toronto; and the Member of Parliament for Bourassa.
The Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Irregular Migration facilitates collaborative work undertaken at the federal and provincial levels to ensure a coordinated approach across governments in response to irregular migration."
3/22/2019,425,18-Aug,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Work with the Canadian National Railway Company, and the Government of Québec on a contribution towards repainting the Pont de Québec. ",Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Transport,"Actions taken, progress made",Collaboration with public and private sector partners ensures the Pont de Quebec gets repainted. ,"The Government of Canada is committed to working with the government of Quebec, the municipalities, and the CN to explore options that would ensure the Bridge gets repainted."
3/22/2019,426,18-Aug,Sustainable Infrastructure,Support the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority as it advances the construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities,"Actions taken, progress made",Effective oversight of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority and stewardship of the Canadian Lands advances the timely delivery of the Gordie Howe International Bridge.,"On September 28, 2018, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority announced the signing of a P3 contract with Bridging North America to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the Gordie Howe International Bridge project. The contract is valued at $5.7 billion (nominal value), which includes the design-build (DB) phase and the 30-year operation, maintenance, rehabilitation (OMR) phase. Bridging North America has presented a 74 month construction schedule to complete the four components of the project with the bridge expected to be in service by the end of 2024.
On October 5, 2018, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority and the Government of Canada announced the full construction start of the Gordie Howe International Bridge. Expected to open by the end of 2024, the Gordie Howe International Bridge will provide direct connections between Ontario's Highway 401 and Michigan's Interstate 75. Enhanced border infrastructure at the crossing will also protect the safety and security of Canadians while making it easier, safer, and faster for people to travel and goods to flow between the two countries."
3/22/2019,427,18-Aug,Exports and Investment,Support the export mobilization of Canadian small- and medium-sized enterprises and ensure maximization of Canada's comparative advantage with its vibrant diversity and diaspora communities.,Minister of International Trade Diversification;Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion,"Actions taken, progress made","Canadians SMEs, from high growth firms trying to achieve export readiness, to under-represented businesses, to more established ones seeking to diversify export markets, are supported through access to information, direct financial assistance (for export ready companies), and government-led trade missions.","The 2018 Fall Economic Statement announced the government’s intention to launch an Export Diversification Strategy, with a target of increasing Canada’s overseas exports by 50% by 2025.
In total, the Export Diversification Strategy will invest $1.1 billion over six years, starting in 2018-19, to help Canadian businesses access new markets
The Strategy will focus on three key components:
1) Investing in infrastructure to support trade by accelerating infrastructure spending and improving transportation data ($787.5 million);
2) Providing Canadian businesses with resources to execute their export plans ($198 million); and
3) Enhancing trade services, including the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) and other federal capacity at home and around the world ($184 million).
With new funding having been earmarked by Budget 2018, through the Women’s Entrepreneurship Strategy, to enlarging the Business Women in International Trade missions program and to expanding dedicated resources, there will be enhanced Trade Commissioner Service capacity to promote opportunities for under-represented client groups in international trade and to respond to the unique barriers faced by this business segment.
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3/22/2019,428,18-Aug,Exports and Investment,Maximize Invest in Canada.,Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made","Canada attracts increased global investment, creating well-paying, middle-class jobs and makes it simpler and faster for businesses investing in Canada.","Since its launch in March 2018, Invest in Canada continues to grow as it puts in place the infrastructure, programs, services, tools and talent needed to become fully operational. The organization’s logo, web and social media channels were revealed as part of the launch and momentum has been building among partners and international investors through direct outreach and signature events. In promoting Canada’s value proposition, Invest in Canada currently highlights existing programs/incentives such as the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF), Global Skills Strategy, and the Scientific Research and Experimental Development Tax Incentive (SRED). The Invest in Canada board had its first meeting on September 25, 2018. Invest in Canada continues to work closely with Global Affairs Canada to ensure foreign investors receive coordinated federal support when looking to invest or expand their operations in Canada. From September 19-21, 2018 Global Affairs Canada and Invest in Canada met together with provincial/territorial governments as well as members of the Consider Canada City Alliance to share plans, priorities and best practices to ensure a continued coordinated approach to attracting prospective investors to Canada. Global Affairs Canada continues to increase its capacity to attract foreign direct investment and has added 20 dedicated investment officers in key global markets with an additional five to be added by 2019-20. This increased capacity improves Canada’s ability to identify investment leads by promoting Canada as a prime investment location through direct interaction with senior executives of highly innovative, internationally experienced companies."
3/22/2019,429,18-Aug,Exports and Investment,Implement CETA and ratify CPTPP.,Minister of International Trade Diversification,"Actions taken, progress made",Implementation of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) will increase economic opportunities for Canadian businesses. Ratification of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) expeditiously to help diversify Canada’s trade towards the Asia-Pacific region.,"September 21, 2017 marked the start of provisional application of CETA, with all economically significant parts of the agreement coming into force, e.g. tariff elimination on 98 per cent of European Union (EU) tariff lines for Canadian goods, increased quotas, services commitments, temporary entry commitments, and government procurement obligations. CETA is strengthening economic relations, promoting new economic opportunities for Canada, businesses, and increasing jobs. For the Agreement to come fully into force, all 28 EU Member States must ratify CETA in their national parliaments. To date, 12 Member States have ratified the Agreement. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) entered into force on December 30, 2018."
3/22/2019,430,18-Aug,Environment and Climate Change,Support northern communities confronting immediate climate adaptation challenges.,Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",Northern communities strengthen their capacity to adapt to changing environments.,"Under the Pan-Canadian Framework for Clean Growth and Climate Change, the Government of Canada has been working with Territorial governments, communities, academia and Indigenous partners to implement climate change adaptation projects in Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik and Nunatsiavut.
The Climate Change Preparedness in North program, announced in Budget 2016 and expanded in Budget 2017, provides support to northern communities and organizations to help them adapt to climate change impacts by funding projects such as assessment of vulnerability and risk assessments of climate change impacts, development of hazard maps and adaptation plans, development of adaptation options, and implementation of non-structural and structural adaptation measures. To date, the program has funded 111 climate change adaptation projects in the North representing $15.1 million in total investments.
The Indigenous Community-Based Climate Monitoring Program, announced in Budget 2017, supports the collection of local data on climate and climate change impacts that can be used to support adaptation planning and decision making. To date, the program has funded 50 community-based climate monitoring projects in the North, representing $3.3 million in total investments.
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3/22/2019,431,18-Aug,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Implement the Action Plan for Official Languages, and examine the modernization of the *Official Languages Act*.","Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie","Actions taken, progress made",Strong and vibrant English and French linguistic minority communities across Canada and a culture of bilingualism that encourages exchange and recognizes Canada's English and French linguistic heritage. ,"On March 28, 2018, the 2018-2023 Action Plan for Official Languages: Investing in our Future was unveiled. The Action Plan includes a new investment of almost $500 million to support official-language minority communities across the country and promote bilingualism of Canadians. The new plan took effect on April 1, 2018. 28 new initiatives are being gradually implemented by the seven federal partners over 2018-19, including: artistic and cultural activities at official languages minority schools, thanks to an investment of up to $7.5 million starting in 2019–20; a fund in support of official-language minority media that will support the creation of more than 100 year-long youth internships between 2018 and 2020, in official-language minority radio stations and community newspapers; and, the implementation of the Community Media Strategic Support Fund, with a funding envelope of $10 million over five years, to provide financial assistance for projects that contribute to the maintenance of official-language minority radio and newspapers; and, an increase of core funding for official-language minority community organizations starting in 2018-19.
In March 2019 a review of the *Official Languages Act* was launched. The review aims to ensure the Act continues to serve Canadians in a changing environment. Canadians are invited, over the coming months, to express their views to inform the review of the *Official Languages Act*. Forums, round tables and symposiums will be held to discuss key issues that might affect the scope of official languages, and to explore ways to ensure the long-term survival of official-language minority communities.
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3/22/2019,432,18-Aug,Exports and Investment,Make it easier for SMEs to take advantage of trade agreements including CETA and CPTPP.,Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion,"Actions taken, progress made",SMEs are aware of existing opportunities for export markets and government services to support export related activities.,"Part of the Export Diversification Strategy, as proposed under the 2018 Fall Economic Statement, includes $10 million over 3 years (starting in 2019-20) to increase small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs') awareness of export supports available to them and to increase the capacity of export-oriented SMEs to enter new markets abroad through export training. "
3/22/2019,433,18-Aug,Environment and Climate Change,"Ensure effective use of restored funding to freshwater, oceans, fish stocks and aquaculture research programs.","Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard","Actions taken, progress made",Enhanced ocean and freshwater research and monitoring for improved decision making.,"The Government of Canada has made effective use of the restored research funding for oceans and freshwater research by adding fisheries monitoring and ecosystem-level surveys in Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic waters. An ecosystem-level survey has taken place in the Arctic. These activities will generate the basis for improved evidence-based advice to inform decision-making.
The first Pacific Region International Sighting Survey of Marine Megafauna took place in Summer 2018, simultaneously with a similar U.S. survey. This survey collected important information about the status of whale populations in the Pacific ocean and will inform conservation and management decisions related to these species.
Near real-time scientific data is being continuously collected and shared from more than 25 new ocean observing instruments deployed in Canadian waters. These instruments gather important information about the oceans (e.g. temperature, currents, etc.) that informs the government’s work on weather prediction, climate change, fish and marine mammal status and distribution, and the selection of marine protected areas.
The government has also used this funding to strengthen lab capacity for aquatic animal health diagnostic testing, which has improved diagnostic throughput by over 40%, allowing for more timely disease detection. Furthermore, aquaculture sites on both Pacific and Atlantic coasts have been selected for additional monitoring to better understand the effects of aquaculture inputs, such as drugs and pesticides and inputs of organic matter from feeds and fish feces. The data from these sites will inform advice into new regulations and standards for the aquaculture sector.
Enhanced ecosystem-based research activities also help provide insight on environmental changes and form a basis for resource managers and communities to adapt to the new environmental conditions. For example, research is being undertaken on predator-prey relations linkages between benthic habitat and fisheries, and stressors in freshwater systems on fish habitat."
3/22/2019,434,18-Aug,Environment and Climate Change,Implement and further develop the Oceans Protection Plan.,"Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Transport;Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Natural Resources","Actions taken, progress made",A world-leading marine safety system for Canada’s three coasts that protects marine environments.,"The government has announced initiatives worth over $800 million, including $130 million in new science funding for partnerships, improved knowledge, and development of new technologies to help mitigate and prevent marine incidents such as oil spills. Partnerships with Indigenous groups is a pillar of the Oceans Protection Plan, and to date, 352 engagement sessions/workshops have been held with multiple Indigenous groups.
On June 21, 2018, 14 Central and North Coast First Nations in British Columbia and the Government of Canada signed an Agreement to support a more coordinated and efficient approach to the governance, management, and protection of oceans in the Pacific North Coast.
Since 2017, six Oceans Protection Plan Pacific Dialogue Forums have been held in British Columbia. The Forums are an opportunity for all sectors, including Indigenous groups, industry, NGOs, municipalities, and provincial authorities, to come together and discuss initiatives and topics related to marine safety and the environment. The recent Fall 2018 Dialogue Forums included topics such as emergency towing improvements, the creation of a new Hazardous and Noxious Substances regime, and vessel anchorages.
Following the release of the *Pilotage Act* Review’s final report on May 22, 2018, key stakeholders were engaged both at working level and through a Ministerial roundtable held on July 4, 2018. Transport Canada intends to introduce legislation at the earliest opportunity to enable improvements in the effectiveness, efficiency and accountability of Canada’s pilotage system.
On December 13, 2018, amendments to the *Canada Shipping Act, 2001* and the *Marine Liability Act* were approved by Parliament. These amendments will enhance marine environmental protection and marine safety, including:
•ŸStrengthening the protection of marine environments, including at-risk whale populations, from the impacts of routine shipping and navigation activities;
Ÿ•Clarifying and strengthening the Canadian Coast Guard’s authorities to support a more proactive, rapid, and effective response to spills from ships;
Ÿ•Modernizing the Ship-source Oil Pollution Fund, including enabling unlimited compensation to be provided to responders and victims of oil spills from ships.
As part of the National Strategy to Address Wrecked and Abandoned vessels, the government introduced the *Wrecked, Abandoned, or Hazardous Vessels Act* (Bill C-64) in October 2017 to enhance federal authorities and strengthen vessel owner responsibility and liability including the costs of vessel clean-up. The Bill received Royal Assent on February 28, 2019.
In addition, the government has provided financial support for the assessment or removal of over 131 abandoned or wrecked vessels under the Abandoned Boats Program and the Small Craft Harbours Abandoned and Wrecked Vessels Removal Program. The Abandoned Boats Program has provided over $1 million in funding for research on environmentally-friendly vessel recycling and design along with education initiatives to raise awareness for vessel owners. Under the Small Craft Harbours program, 23 vessels have been removed and disposed of from federally owned harbours across the country. Applications for another 11 vessels have been accepted to assist in their future removal.
Recognizing that chemical contaminants are one of the key threats facing Canada’s endangered whale populations, the Government of Canada continues its actions to reduce the presence of chemical contaminants. On October 13, 2018, the government published a Notice of Intent to amend the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012. The amendments will strengthen controls for two flame retardants and three oil and water repellents, and will prohibit two additional flame retardants should the final scientific risk assessments confirm they are toxic.
The government is modernizing the Coast Guard’s current suite of emergency response assets. Contracts have been awarded for the procurement of environmental response training software, curtain booms, fence booms, a medium-size portable multi-cassette-skimmer package, and a small high-speed sweep system. Transport Canada is also modernizing its emergency response capacity and has trained more than 2,148 people in the internationally recognized Incident Command System to ensure interoperability, role clarity and overall emergency response effectiveness. Budget 2019 proposed $45 million to continue to improve marine environmental response planning. This initiative brings together federal, provincial and Indigenous partners to jointly plan for a quicker and more efficient response to marine pollution incidents. Fast, efficient responses help to ensure that if incidents happen, Canada's environment and communities stay safe.
In 2018, close to $1 million in funding was announced for four Arctic Indigenous communities to buy search and rescue capable boats and/or equipment to strengthen their participation in marine emergency responses in local waters as members of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary. In November 2018, six new RADAR installations for monitoring marine traffic on the West Coast were announced. These installations will increase the coverage range, enhancing Canada's ability to monitor vessel traffic which contributes to ensuring safer movement of vessels in the waters off southern British Columbia.
The Coastal Restoration Fund helps rehabilitate some of Canada's most vulnerable coastlines and protect marine life and ecosystems and is providing $75 million over five years to support coastal habitat restoration projects at the local and community level along Canada’s coasts. During its initial call for proposals the program received 163 expressions of interest requesting over $310 million in funding. At present the program has allocated funding to 39 projects on all three coasts worth over $55 million. The last public call for proposals for the remaining $13.6 million closed December 27, 2018. Fisheries and Oceans Canada is currently assessing and prioritizing projects. It is anticipated that the project review will be completed by early winter 2019.
To enhance the ability to mount an effective science-based federal response that minimizes environmental damage, Environment and Climate Change Canada has, since January 2018, placed three Environmental Emergency Officers on each coast (Pacific and Atlantic) as well as Wildlife Emergency Response Coordinators in four regions in Canada (i.e., Pacific, Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic). The Department has also put in place two new Enforcement Officers in the Atlantic region and two in the Pacific and Yukon region. These Enforcement Officers will work to ensure compliance with Canada’s Wildlife and environmental protection laws.
In 2017, following discussions and consultation with various stakeholders to determine marine weather information needs/gaps, in addition to considering relevant monitoring rationalization data, Environment and Climate Change Canada identified specific High Risk Marine Areas, which informed the decision to moor up to five new weather buoys in two locations on the West Coast (Southern Georgia Strait and approaching the Port of Metro Vancouver) and two locations on the East Coast (Strait of Canso and Bay of Fundy). These new buoys will help provide mariners with enhanced forecast information. "
3/22/2019,435,18-Aug,Environment and Climate Change,"Develop a strategy to protect Pacific salmon in cooperation with the Government of British Columbia, with concrete deliverables for the 2019 International Year of the Salmon.","Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard","Actions taken, progress made","An integrated Pacific salmon strategy is developed in collaboration with the government of BC, including new initiatives launched and implemented for International Year of the Salmon.","The Government of Canada is working with the government of BC on identifying opportunities to collaborate to protect wild salmon. A cornerstone of this strategy is the implementation of a new Wild Salmon Policy 2018-2022 Implementation Plan, announced on October 11, 2018.
The first Wild Salmon Policy Implementation Plan Annual Report (2018-19) will be released on April 30, 2019.
The 2018 Fall Economic Statement announced $100M over five years, starting in 2019-20, to create a British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund (BCSRIF). The federal government also committed to make a one-time contribution of $5 million to the Pacific Salmon Endowment Fund in 2018-2019.
BCSRIF was jointly launched by Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the Premier of British Columbia, on March 15, 2019. BCSRIF will help restore and protect vulnerable Pacific salmon species and habitat, and support the fish and seafood sector in BC to improve its long-term environmental and economic sustainability. The federal government is contributing 70 % of the fund (at $100 million), and the province of BC is contributing 30% ($42.85 million) over five years. Expressions of interest for BCSRIF funding proposals are now being accepted.
Also announced in the Fall Economic Statement 2018 was $107.4 million in new resources to support stock assessment and rebuilding efforts for priority Pacific salmon stocks, and $17.6 million per year ongoing, to support the implementation of stock assessment and rebuilding provisions in a renewed *Fisheries Act*.
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3/22/2019,436,18-Aug,Exports and Investment,Develop and implement the trade diversification strategy for the benefit of the middle class and small businesses seeking export opportunities.,Minister of International Trade Diversification;Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion,"Actions taken, progress made","Grow and diversify the base of Canadian exporters in a broader range of international markets, including through enhancement of their export readiness.","With the goal of increasing Canada’s overseas exports by 50 per cent by 2025, in November 2018 the government announced the launch of an Export Diversification Strategy that will invest $1.1 billion ($810 million in infrastructure; $290 million in programs and services) over the next six years, starting in 2018-19, in helping Canadian exporters and businesses accelerate their presence in new markets made more accessible by Canada's free trade agreements. The Export Diversification Strategy will align with the Innovation and Skills Plan by supporting SMEs, including high-growth, high-potential companies, particularly in emerging technology, digital, and services sectors. To date, the government's trade diversification initiatives include an announced investment of $75 million over five years for diplomatic and trade support in China and Asia, as well as $50 million over five years to help Canadian companies affected by the US tariffs diversify their exports. The Trade Commissioner Service will continue to play an instrumental role in the implementation of the government's trade diversification agenda, and will be working closely with other business and trade development partners to help Canadian exporters succeed abroad."
3/22/2019,437,18-Aug,Environment and Climate Change,Build on the work of Generation Energy and work with provinces and territories to accelerate clean growth strategies.,Minister of Natural Resources,"Actions taken, progress made","Enhance competitiveness, improve in environmental performance and move Canada towards a clean energy future. ","Through Generation Energy, Canadians outlined a vision for a prosperous and inclusive low-carbon energy future built on affordable, clean, secure, and resilient energy production, distribution, and consumption systems. The government will build on the Generation Energy Council report, engage provinces and territories to accelerate clean growth strategies and enhance the energy sector’s competitiveness.
Federal, provincial, and territorial governments are working together to advance priorities towards a low-carbon future, as demonstrated in the report outlining collaborative actions on energy, which was publicly released at the annual Energy and Mines Ministers’ Conference in August 2018. These collaborative actions support the implementation of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate, including through key programs related to electric vehicles, alternative fuels, smart grids, energy efficiency, renewable power, and clean energy for rural and remote communities.
At the First Ministers’ Meeting on December 7, 2018, First Ministers agreed to lead a discussion on the development of a Framework for Clean Electricity. This provides an opportunity to collaborate further on shared electricity priorities.
In Budget 2019, the government proposed to invest:
• $1.01 billion to increase energy efficiency in the built environment and help reduce Canadians’ electricity bills—whether they are homeowners, renters, or building operators. These investments will be delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities through the Green Municipal Fund;
• $5 billion from the Canada Infrastructure Bank for green projects, including those that will push electricity deeper into the national economy. The Budget specifically supports the Taltson hydroelectricity expansion in the Northwest Territories and the Halagonia Tidal Energy project in Nova Scotia;
• $100 million over four years for the Clean Resource Innovation Network, an industry-led initiative focused on making Canada the global leader in sustainable resource development; and
• $15.2 million over five years to establish a virtual Canadian Centre for Energy Information that will be delivered by Statistics Canada.
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3/22/2019,438,19-Jan,Government Services and Operations,Support the delivery of Service Canada programming in rural communities.,"Minister of Rural Economic Development;Minister of Families, Children and Social Development","Actions taken, progress made",Service Canada programming is delivered to more Canadians in rural communities.,"Service Canada regions support Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) in delivering on key commitments and in responding to the unique service delivery needs of citizens in the areas they serve, including in rural, remote and Northern communities. This includes scheduled outreach sites in communities that may otherwise be underserved where staff answer clients’ questions, guide clients through online services and forms, and help clients identify services and benefits available to them. As of March 31, 2019, there were 247 scheduled outreach sites, of which 43 offer services in both official languages. Specific initiatives to date targeted at supporting the delivery of Service Canada programming include:
• In collaboration with the Canada Revenue Agency, conducting a joint outreach approach to rural, remote and on-reserve indigenous communities to proactively improve access to the Canada Child Benefit and other benefits, including: Employment Insurance, Old Age Security, Canada Pension Plan, Social Insurance Numbers, the Canada Learning Bond and Canada Education Savings Grants, and passport services. Between April 2018 and March 2019, Service Canada conducted in-person visits to 668 Indigenous communities.
• Doubling the in-person outreach network in the Western Canada and Territories region to provide 300,000 more Canadians with access to in-person services within 50km of their homes.
• Expanding Community and Outreach Liaison Services and the availability of video chat services in targeted locations across the Service Canada network to improve access to ESDC programs and services in rural and remote areas.
• Expanding the Service Delivery Partnership with the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) where GNWT employees provide services on behalf of Service Canada."
3/22/2019,439,19-Jan,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Roll out and implement rural infrastructure investments, including by working directly with rural communities to address barriers.",Minister of Rural Economic Development,"Actions taken, progress made",The delivery of infrastructure investments provides more Canadians with access to reliable rural infrastructure and broadband connectivity.,"The Government of Canada is making a historic investment of more than $180 billion over 12 years for infrastructure investments in rural communities through the Investing in Canada Plan.
This includes the implementation of the $2 billion Rural and Northern Communities stream, a component of the $33 billion, ten-year Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. Delivered through agreements with provinces and territories, the stream is supporting public infrastructure projects in rural broadband connectivity, food security, road, air, and marine infrastructure, energy security, and services for Indigenous communities. To date, more than $53 million of federal funding has been rolled out for transformative projects under this stream.
The Investing in Canada Plan also includes $400 million in funding for the Arctic Energy Fund and $500 million for the Connect to Innovate program. Budget 2019 recently announced new investments to top-up the Connect to Innovate program.
Under the Investing in Canada Plan, 186 projects, representing over $519 million in federal investments, have been approved to support rural and northern communities.
The Government of Canada continues to implement new processes to streamline the process for provinces and territories to prioritize infrastructure projects for funding, flow payments to its partners, and ensure that the construction of rural infrastructure takes place.
In addition, Budget 2019 announced plans for a one-time transfer of $2.2 billion through the federal Gas Tax Fund to address short-term priorities in municipalities and First Nation communities. This will double the government’s commitment to municipalities in 2018–19 and will provide much needed infrastructure funds for communities of all sizes, all across the country.
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3/22/2019,440,19-Jan,Jobs and Innovation,Develop a Canadian Rural Economic Development Strategy.,"Minister of Rural Economic Development;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development;Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade;Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food;Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard;Minister of Natural Resources;Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and la Francophonie;Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion","Actions taken, progress made",A Canadian Rural Economic Development Strategy is developed and published. ,"In order to inform the development of a Canadian Rural Economic Development Strategy, the Government of Canada is undertaking a series of outreach activities with Canadians across the country living in rural areas of Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
During this extensive engagement, the government has heard about the unique challenges and priorities of rural Canadians at more than 25 stakeholder events and round tables. The valuable insight and ideas brought forward at these events will inform the development of a Canadian Rural Economic Development Strategy"
3/22/2019,441,19-Jan,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Encourage more new Canadians to settle and succeed in rural communities in Canada.,"Minister of Rural Economic Development;Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship","Actions taken, progress made","Rural communities are equipped to help newcomers settle and contribute to enhanced economic, social and demographic vitality.","In January 2019, the government announced the creation of the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot.
The pilot will take a community-driven approach to attract, integrate and retain newcomers who will contribute to the diverse economic development and labour needs of rural areas. Through an open application process, a small number of communities will be selected in spring 2019 and are expected to begin recruiting newcomers as early as summer 2019.
The pilot will build new partnerships and enhance support systems to ensure successful integration of newcomers and their families.
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3/22/2019,101_1,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Implement the Auditor General's recommendations on enhancing mental health service delivery to Veterans.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,Veterans have increased awareness of available mental health services so that they know when they can expect care and get it quickly; there is improved performance management in the delivery of mental health services; and all recommendations of the Auditor General's 2014 report have been implemented.,"With the opening of a satellite Operational Stress Injury Clinic in Montreal in January 2018, the government has fully implemented the recommendations from the Auditor General’s 2014 report on mental health services for Veterans.
In addition, the government opened a new information system to better track operational stress injuries and mental health needs among Veterans. This system addresses the quality and impact of service, helps identify those at risk, and provides recommendations for Veterans and their mental health service providers.
These and other changes are reinforced by a new performance management framework to improve the quality and effectiveness of mental health services and outreach activities delivered to Veterans. Veterans Affairs Canada is continuously raising awareness about mental health services within the Veteran community to ensure those requiring assistance can access it.
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3/22/2019,14_1,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Ensure that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and all other parts of the Public Safety portfolio are workplaces free from harassment and sexual violence.,Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness,"Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Reduced incidents of harassment and sexual violence across Public Safety portfolio workplaces. Better training for staff at all levels, and implementation of all recommendations related to workplace safety and wellness at the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).","The government is taking all necessary steps to ensure the RCMP is a workplace free from harassment and sexual violence. These steps include implementing all recommendations from the July 2016 Report on Allegations of Harassment and Sexual Misconduct at the RCMP's Canadian Police College Explosives Training Unit, providing $100 million for a settlement between the RCMP and female members and public service employees regarding gender and sexual orientation based harassment and discrimination, and establishing a senior executive responsible for Workforce Culture and Employee Engagement. In May 2018, the government mandated the new RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki, in a letter from the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, to protect the health and safety of RCMP employees and members, including from harassment and violence in the workplace.
In January 2019, the government accepted all of the recommendations made by the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP (CRCC) and Special Advisor, Sheila Fraser, in their respective reports related to harassment in the RCMP workplace. The government is establishing an Interim Management Advisory Board to provide the RCMP Commissioner with expert external advice on the management and administration of the RCMP, and to guide the foundational changes required to address the recommendations. The government is launching a process to appoint initial board members by April 1, 2019 and will introduce legislative changes to the *RCMP Act* to make the Board permanent.
Agencies in the Public Safety portfolio, including the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC), Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), have also put initiatives in place to address harassment and sexual violence in the workplace. In June 2018, the Federal Court approved a landmark Final Settlement Agreement (FSA) to the LGBT Purge Class Action that will compensate current and former federal public servants, members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who were directly impacted by anti-LGBTQ2 policies and practices. The FSA also includes $15 million for Reconciliation and Memorialization Measures to prevent future discrimination and for reconciliation with LGBTQ2 communities."
3/22/2019,175_1,15-Nov,Sustainable Infrastructure,"Make sure the Infrastructure Bank supports the construction of new, affordable rental housing.","Minister of Families, Children and Social Development","Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal","Where relevant, the Canada Infrastructure Bank undertakes complementary projects that support the goals of the National Housing Strategy.","The Canada Infrastructure Bank was legally established in June 2017 as an arm’s length Crown corporation focused on making and attracting investments in revenue-generating infrastructure projects in the public interest. The Bank is responsible for investments of at least $35 billion over 11 years, focused on public transit, green infrastructure, and trade and transportation projects.
In parallel, the government launched the National Housing Strategy which includes a new National Housing Co-investment Fund which will support initiatives designed to build, renew and repair Canada’s stock of affordable housing and ensure Canadians have greater access to affordable housing that meets their needs.
The Bank may undertake projects in the future related to housing, and if so these will complement the National Housing Strategy. But, to avoid duplication, the construction of affordable rental housing is not likely to be part of the Bank's primary mandate."
3/22/2019,227_1,18-Aug,Indigenous peoples,"Provide new funding to preserve, promote and revitalize Indigenous languages and cultures.",Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism,Completed - fully met,Community-based projects contribute to the revitalization and preservation of Indigenous languages.,"Budget 2017 invested $89.9 million to support Indigenous languages and cultures. These investments are supporting community-based projects that facilitate communication in, and revitalization of, Indigenous languages and are also helping to digitize Indigenous languages and oral histories. "
3/22/2019,240_1,15-Nov,Indigenous peoples,Co-develop an Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework with Indigenous partners.,"Minister of Families, Children and Social Development;Minister of Indigenous Services;Minister for Women and Gender Equality",Completed - fully met,"Strengthened early learning and child care that reflects the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit and Métis children and families.","In September 2018, the federal government, the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Métis National Council jointly announced the first Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care (IELCC) Framework. In addition to investments under the Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care Framework with provinces and territories, the IELCC Framework is informing additional investments of up to $1.7 billion over 10 years to strengthen early learning and child care programs and services that reflect the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children and families across Canada starting in 2018. This is part of the commitment of $7.5 billion over 11 years the government made in Budget 2016 to support and create more high-quality, affordable child care across the country.
Budget 2016 announced $29.4 million to support repairs and renovations of 210 First Nations and Inuit Child Care Initiative (FNICCI) centres and 70 Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve (AHSOR) program facilities. Budget 2016 also proposed investments of $100 million in 2017-18 to build capacity in existing Indigenous early learning and child care programs while the IELCC Framework was being developed. With these investments, repairs and renovations were undertaken in 340 FNICCI child care centers, in 97 AHSOR facilities and in 90 Aboriginal Head Start in Urban and Northern Communities facilities."
3/22/2019,257_1,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,Encourage an increase in the number of women in senior positions and on boards in Canada.,"Minister for Women and Gender Equality;Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made",More women occupy senior leadership positions in Canada.,"The first gender-balanced federal Cabinet was appointed in 2015. The government has also adopted an open, transparent and merit-based approach to select candidates for federal appointments. Since late 2015, the representation of women serving as GIC appointees has increased by 13 percentage points and is now at 47 per cent. In addition, the government has announced a process to address the underrepresentation of women as Canada Research Chairs, and the newly amended legislation, which received Royal Assent on May 1, 2018, will require publicly-traded, federally-incorporated companies to disclose annually information on the diversity makeup of their boards and senior management, as well as their diversity policies (or explain why they do not have one). Budget 2018 announced that the government will create an annual award for Canadian corporations showing leadership in promoting women, including minority women, to senior management positions and boards of directors.
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3/22/2019,257_2,15-Nov,Diverse and Inclusive Canada,"Increase women representation where they have been traditionally under-represented, such as in the skilled trades.","Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made","Increase representation of women in professions and sectors traditionally dominated by men, including the skilled trades.","Budget 2017 investments in the PromoScience Program and FuturPreneur Canada were aimed at increasing the participation of underrepresented groups, including women, in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields as well as in entrepreneurship. Budget 2018 proposed to allocate approximately $20 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, to pilot an Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women. Under the Grant, women in male-dominated Red Seal trades received $3,000 for each of their first two years of training (up to $6,000). Working in partnership with provinces, territories, post-secondary institutions, training providers, unions and employers, the government will provide $46 million over five years, starting in 2018-19, and $10 million per year thereafter, for the Pre-Apprenticeship Program. The program will help Canadians explore the trades, gain work experience, make informed career choices and develop the skills needed to find and keep good, well-paying jobs in the trades. To help increase the number of women in the skilled trades, the Women in Construction Fund launched in 2018-19 with an investment of $10 million over three years. The Program will builds on existing models that have proven to be effective in attracting women to the trades. These models provide supports such as mentoring, coaching and tailored supports that help women to progress through their training, and find and retain jobs in the trades."
3/22/2019,39_1,15-Nov,Environment and Climate Change,"Implement the Pan-Canadian framework, including targeted federal funding and a flexible national carbon pollution pricing policy.",Minister of Environment and Climate Change;Minister of Finance;Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations;Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade,"Actions taken, progress made","Reduction in Canada's greenhouse gas emissions and progress to Canada's 2030 emission reduction targets as committed to in the Paris Agreement, ensuring that a cleaner, more sustainable world is left for children and generations to come.","In December 2016, most First Ministers adopted the Pan-Canadian Framework (PCF) on Clean Growth and Climate Change, with Manitoba announcing its intention to join on February 23, 2018. The Government of Canada is working closely with the provinces and territories, Indigenous Peoples, and Canadians to implement over 50 measures outlined in the PCF. These actions, supported by significant federal investments announced in Budget 2016 and Budget 2017, will decrease emissions, air pollution, advance technology innovation and increase resilience across the broad range of impacts of climate change. In addition, the Government of Canada – working in partnership with the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and the Métis National Council – has launched three separate senior-level tables to engage with First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation in the implementation of the PCF.
The Second Annual Synthesis Report on the Status of Implementation of the PCF was released in December of 2018 and highlights significant federal, provincial and territorial accomplishments over the second year of PCF implementation.
Under the pan-Canadian approach to pricing carbon pollution, provinces and territories have the flexibility to implement their own carbon pollution pricing systems to meet the federal benchmark. The *Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act* (GGPPA) establishes the framework for the federal carbon pollution pricing system that applies in jurisdictions that request it or that do not have a carbon pollution pricing system in place that meets the federal benchmark stringency requirements.
On January 1, 2019, the federal output-based pricing system took effect in Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and partially in Saskatchewan. The federal output-based pricing system will also take effect in Yukon and Nunavut in July 2019. The federal fuel charge will apply in Ontario, New Brunswick, Manitoba and Saskatchewan on April 1, 2019, and in Yukon and Nunavut on July 1, 2019. All direct proceeds raised from the federal carbon pollution pricing system will be returned to the jurisdiction of origin, including through Climate Action Incentive payments.
In December 2018, Canada published two regulations to limit carbon dioxide emissions: one amendment to accelerate the phase-out of coal-fired power by 2030, and the other to set emission performance standards for new natural gas-fired electricity generation and coal boilers converted to run on natural gas. Canada is also working on a full suite of adaptation programs; codes and standards for climate resilience; investments of $21.9 billion in green infrastructure funding (including $9.2 billion for bilateral agreements with provinces and territories); and $2 billion for a Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund. The Canadian Centre for Climate Services was launched in October 2018. In the same month, Canada joined the Global Commission on Adaptation, an international initiative to raise the profile of climate change adaptation and advance action by mobilizing global expertise and political leadership.
The Low Carbon Economy Fund, made up of the Leadership Fund and the Challenge, is providing funding to programs and projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while supporting clean growth. The $1.4 billion Leadership Fund supports the leadership commitments from provinces and territories outlined in the PCF. The $500 million Challenge is composed of two streams, the Champions stream and the Partnerships stream. The Champions stream closed on September 28, 2018, and will provide $450 million to eligible projects from applicants such as provinces and territories, municipalities, Indigenous communities and organizations, business and not-for profit organizations. A number of investments have been announced under the Leadership Fund and Champions stream. The Partnerships stream will provide $50 million to support smaller communities, small and medium sized businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and Indigenous communities and organizations. The deadline for applications to the Partnerships stream was March 8, 2019, and applications are being reviewed.
In July 2018, the timelines and approach to developing the Clean Fuel Standard were revised to enable continued consultations and analysis to ensure that the Clean Fuel Standard achieves its goal while maintaining Canadian competitiveness. The revised approach starts with the development of the standards for liquid fuels, followed by gaseous and solid fuels together. In December of 2018, ECCC released the Clean Fuel Standard Regulatory Design Paper, featuring key elements of the design of the Clean Fuel Standard regulations, building on the features in the Clean Fuel Standard regulatory framework of December, 2017.
In April 2018, the final Regulations Respecting Reductions in the Release of Methane and Certain Volatile Organic Compounds (upstream oil and gas sector) were published. In May 2018, the final Regulations Amending the Heavy-duty Vehicle and Engine Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations were published. In August 2018, a discussion paper was released on the mid-term evaluation of Canada’s GHG emission standards for light-duty vehicles of the 2022 to 2025 model years. This evaluation aims to determine whether the established greenhouse gas emission standards for the 2022 to 2025 model years remain appropriate for Canada. Also in August 2018, the Government of Canada launched the Climate Action Fund, providing up to $3 million in grants and contributions for projects that increase action and awareness on climate change and climate change initiatives, with results expected to be announced in late fall 2018.
To highlight how the Government of Canada is addressing climate change through investments in communities across the country, a Climate Action Map was released in October 2018.
On March 11, 2019, the final report of the Just Transition Task Force for Canadian Coal Power Workers and Communities was released to the public. Based on meetings in four provinces with workers, their families, communities, and labour representatives, the report provides expert advice that will help shape Canada’s approach to assisting Canadians and communities affected by the phase-out of traditional coal-fired electricity. The report includes ten recommendations to support workers and their communities through the transition. The work of the Task Force will help lay the foundation for a just transition away from traditional coal electricity, eliminating 12.8 million tonnes of carbon pollution from the atmosphere in 2030. Budget 2019 proposes new actions in response to the report, including creating a dedicated $150 million infrastructure fund, starting in 2020-21, to support priority projects and economic diversification in impacted communities. In response to the Task Force’s recommendations, Budget 2019 proposes to:
• Create worker transition centres that will offer skills development initiatives and economic and community diversification activities in western and eastern Canada. These efforts are being supported by a federal investment of $35 million over five years, funded through Budget 2018, for Western Economic Diversification Canada and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency;
• Work with those affected to explore new ways to protect wages and pensions, recognizing the uncertainty that this transition represents for workers in the sector;
• Create a dedicated $150 million infrastructure fund, starting in 2020–21, to support priority projects and economic diversification in impacted communities. This Fund will be administered by Western Economic Diversification Canada and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
On March 14, 2019, Tamara Vrooman and Steven Guilbeault, co-chairs of the Advisory Council on Climate Action, submitted an interim report offering targeted recommendations to further reduce emissions from the transportation sector, including via support for zero emissions vehicles or plug-in hybrids.
Budget 2019 proposes strategic investments that will make it easier and more affordable for Canadians to choose zero-emission vehicles. This includes:
• Expanding the network of zero-emission vehicle charging and refuelling stations to workplaces, public parking spots, commercial and multi-unit residential buildings, and remote locations.
• Working with auto manufacturers to secure voluntary zero-emission vehicle sales targets to ensure that vehicle supply meets increased demand.
• Encouraging more Canadians to buy zero-emission vehicles by providing $300 million over three years to Transport Canada to introduce a new federal purchase incentive of up to $5,000 for electric battery or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of less than $45,000.
To further support businesses’ adoption of zero-emission vehicles, Budget 2019 proposes that these vehicles be eligible for a full tax write-off in the year they are put in use.
To help reduce Canadians’ electricity bills Budget 2019 proposes to invest $1.01 billion in 2018–19 to increase energy efficiency in residential, commercial and multi-unit buildings. These investments will be delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) through the Green Municipal Fund. Budget 2019 proposes to allocate the resources to three initiatives:
• Collaboration on Community Climate Action ($350 million): to provide municipalities and non-profit community organizations with financing and grants to retrofit and improve the energy efficiency of large community buildings as well as community pilot and demonstration projects in Canadian municipalities, both large and small. FCM and the Low Carbon Cities Canada Initiatives will create a network across Canada that will support local community actions to reduce GHG emissions;
• Community EcoEfficiency Acceleration ($300 million) to provide financing for municipal initiatives to support home energy efficiency retrofits. Homeowners could qualify for assistance in replacing furnaces and installing renewable energy technologies. The FCM will use innovative approaches like the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) model that allows homeowners to repay retrofit costs through their property tax bills.
• Sustainable Affordable Housing Innovation ($300 million) to provide financing and support to affordable housing developments to improve energy efficiency in new and existing housing and support on-site energy generation.
Budget 2019 proposes to provide a further $100 million over four years, starting in 2019–20, to the Strategic Innovation Fund, leveraging private sector co-investments, in order to support the activities of the Clean Resource Innovation Network. By developing ground-breaking clean tech and emission-lowering solutions through collaboration, the Network will support economic growth, will create good, well-paying jobs, and will lead to cleaner energy production from source to end use."
3/22/2019,393_1,18-Aug,Sustainable Infrastructure,Launch a new Canadian Green Bond that can enable additional investments to support green projects when a lack of capital represents a barrier to green projects.,Minister of Infrastructure and Communities;Minister of Finance,"Actions taken, progress made",Increase the impact of green initiatives by introducing a new financing mechanism to promote increased investment when a lack of capital represents a barrier.,"Budget 2016 included investments of $5 billion over five years towards infrastructure projects that protect communities and support Canada's ongoing transition to a clean growth economy. Budget 2017 announced the government's plan to invest $21.9 billion in green infrastructure, including initiatives, which will support the implementation of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change. Of this, $9.2 billion will be provided to provinces and territories over the next decade through bilateral agreements. A further $5 billion will be available for green infrastructure projects through the Canada Infrastructure Bank and $2.8 billion through a series of national programs.
In addition, the Government of Canada announced the creation of the Expert Panel on Sustainable Finance that will explore the opportunities and challenges relating to the financing of sustainable investments in Canada including infrastructure. The panel members released an Interim Report reviewing findings from their consultations to date in October 2018, and will provide a final report and recommendations to the government by the spring of 2019."
3/22/2019,413_1,18-Aug,Safety and Security,"Lead the government’s plan on irregular migration, and ensure close collaboration with provinces, territories and municipalities.","Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction;Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness;Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship;Minister of Foreign Affairs","Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal",Ensure Canada's borders are managed in a way that protects the safety and security of all Canadians while upholding Canada’s international obligations regarding asylum seekers. ,"The government has made investments to help secure the Canada-U.S. border while ensuring asylum claims are processed in a timely manner.
An increase in irregular migration has placed extraordinary pressures on some provinces. The government remains committed to working with its provincial and municipal partners to ensure that these additional costs, particularly around housing, are properly addressed. To better share information with various levels of government involved in managing irregular migration, the Intergovernmental Task Force on Irregular Migration was also established in summer 2017.
Budget 2019 proposes to invest $1.18 billion over five years to support implementation of the Border Enforcement Strategy and to process 50,000 asylum claims per year, as well as to facilitate removal of failed asylum claimants in a timely manner. In addition, Budget 2019 proposes to introduce legislative amendments to the *Immigration and Refugee Protection Act* to better manage, discourage and prevent irregular migration.
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3/22/2019,7_1,15-Nov,Safety and Security,Ensure the Royal Canadian Navy is able to operate as a true maritime force.,"Minister of National Defence;Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility;Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development","Actions taken, progress made",Improved equipment for the men and women in uniform.,"Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), the government has started renewing Canada's maritime fleet so that much needed vessels are delivered to the Royal Canadian Navy in a timely and affordable manner, all while rebuilding Canada’s shipbuilding industry.
Significant milestones have been achieved on the following projects:
• Halifax-class frigates – In November 2018, Public Services and Procurement Canada issued three Advance Contract Award Notices (ACAN) announcing Canada’s intention to contract three Canadian shipyards to maintain the Halifax-class frigates until the Canadian Surface Combatants (CSC) are delivered. As no additional eligible statements of capabilities were received within the ACAN timeframe, negotiations have begun for these contracts. Additional upgrades have also been contracted to help ensure the Halifax-class frigates remain operationally relevant until delivery of the CSC.
• Canadian Surface Combatant - In February 2019, Irving Shipbuilding Inc. was awarded a definition contract for the design of 15 new Canadian Surface Combatants that will be built at Irving Halifax Shipyard. Irving Shipbuilding, in turn, has awarded the definition subcontract to Lockheed Martin Canada. The design period is expected to last three to four years, with construction starting in the mid-2020s. The initial contract with Irving Shipbuilding is valued at $185 million and will increase as design work progresses, resulting in significant benefits across the Canadian economy. It is anticipated that the total value of all tasks in the contract will exceed $1 billion. In addition to the definition contract, Canada has awarded the Combat Management System Software Support Contract directly to Lockheed Martin Canada.
• Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS) – The launch of the first AOPS, HMCS Harry DeWolf, took place in September 2018 and the Navy expects to accept the vessel in 2019. In November 2018, the Minister of National Defence announced that the Royal Canadian Navy will receive a sixth patrol ship, which will help to ensure continued capabilities for the Navy and to sustain hundreds of highly-skilled middle class jobs at Irving shipyards.
• Joint Support Ships (JSS) – Construction began on large segments of the Royal Canadian Navy’s JSS at Vancouver Shipyards in June 2018. In February 2019, the government announced its decision to advance the construction of JSS 1.
The NSS continues to generate significant economic benefits across the country. As of December 31, 2018, the Government of Canada has awarded more than $9.75 billion of National Shipbuilding Strategy-related contracts across the country. Contracts awarded to date through the NSS will contribute an estimated $10.9 billion of gross domestic product, and create or maintain more than 10,000 jobs in the Canadian economy annually during the period of 2012-2022. NSS shipyards also continue to engage with small and medium Canadian enterprises by awarding contracts for NSS related projects where applicable.
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3/22/2019,77_1,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,New Health Accord supports the delivery of more and better home care services.,Minister of Health;Minister of Seniors,"Actions taken, progress made",Improved access to home and community care services.,"The Government of Canada is investing $6 billion over 10 years to expand access to home and community care options, and better support the millions of Canadians who provide informal care to loved ones. Bilateral funding agreements detailing how federal funding will be used are now being negotiated. Agreements have been signed with 11 provinces and territories: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Nova Scotia, British Columbia, Québec, Ontario, and Alberta. Once these agreements are signed and announced, they are posted publicly. Bilateral agreements for the remaining jurisdictions (MB and NU) have been approved-in-principle and are expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.
The federal government has agreed to an asymmetrical arrangement with Québec, distinct from the Common Statement of Principles.
The government has also introduced a 15-week Employment Insurance benefit for those caring for critically ill or injured adult family members and created the new Canada Caregiving Credit to simplify and expand tax credits for caregivers.
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3/22/2019,77_2,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,New Health Accord advances pan-Canadian collaboration on health innovation.,Minister of Health,Completed - fully met,"More innovation within the health care system, including new digital and mobile technologies to improve results.","In support of health innovation, Budget 2017 confirmed $300 million over five years for Canada Health Infoway to expand e-prescribing and virtual care initiatives. Canada Health Infoway has signed agreements with nine provinces and territories (AB, MB, NB, NS, NL, ON, PE, SK, YK) to collaborate on the implementation of a national e-prescribing service. This service will help reduce the use of paper prescriptions, enhance patient safety, reduce fraud, improve continuity of care, optimize jurisdictional drug information system investments, and facilitate better health outcomes for Canadians. Budget 2017 also committed $53 million over five years, with $15 million per year ongoing, to the Canadian Institute for Health Information. This funding addresses health data gaps, supports improved decision-making and strengthens health system performance reporting. Budget 2017 committed $51 million over three years, starting in 2019, with $17 million ongoing, to the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement to accelerate innovations in all provinces and territories."
3/22/2019,77_3,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,New Health Accord improves access to necessary prescription medications.,Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made",Canadians have access to lower cost prescription medications.,"The government is working on enhancing the affordability, accessibility and appropriate use of prescription drugs in collaboration with provinces, territories and other partners. The government has joined the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance, which leverages combined federal-provincial-territorial purchasing power to make patented prescription drugs cheaper for public plans and lower prescription generic drug prices for all payers. Following an initial consultation in Spring 2017, proposed amendments to the Patented Medicines Regulations were published in Canada Gazette I on December 2, 2017, launching a 75-day period during which stakeholders and interested Canadians were invited to provide feedback. Budget 2017 invested $140.3 million over five years and $18.2 million per year ongoing for Health Canada, the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board and the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health.
As part of Budget 2018, the government announced it is creating an Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare. The Advisory Council will conduct an economic and social assessment of domestic and international models, and will recommend options on how to move forward. The full Council was launched on June 20, 2018, and has begun engaging with provincial, territorial and Indigenous leaders as well as experts, stakeholders, patients and other Canadians."
3/22/2019,77_4,15-Nov,Healthy Canadians,New Health Accord makes high quality mental health services available.,Minister of Health,"Actions taken, progress made","Improved access to mental health and addictions services, particularly for vulnerable populations and youth.","The Government of Canada is investing $5 billion over 10 years to expand access to mental health and addictions services, including for young Canadians where early interventions can significantly improve outcomes. Bilateral funding agreements detailing how federal funding will be used are now being negotiated. Agreements have been signed with 11 provinces and territories: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Nova Scotia, British Columbia, Québec, Ontario and Alberta. Once these agreements are signed and announced, they are posted publicly. Bilateral agreements for the remaining jurisdictions (MB and NU) have been approved-in-principle and are expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.
The federal government has agreed to an asymmetrical arrangement with Québec, distinct from the Common Statement of Principles."
3/22/2019,90_1,15-Nov,Strong Middle Class,Continue to reduce the federal debt-to-Gross Domestic Product ratio.,Minister of Finance,"Actions taken, progress made",A federal debt-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio that continues to go down.,"The government is committed to building a strong middle class, making investments that lead to economic growth and reducing Canada’s already low debt-to-GDP ratio. The federal debt-to-GDP ratio fell by 0.8 percentage points in 2017-18 and is expected to continue to fall over the forecast horizon. The government will maintain this downward debt ratio track, preserving Canada's low-debt advantage for current and future generations. At 3% growth, Canada had the strongest economic growth of all G7 countries in 2017, and was second only to the U.S. in 2018. Today, over 900,000 more Canadians are working compared with November 2015; wages are up, the unemployment rate is near 40-year lows, and Canada is maintaining its low-debt advantage. The government's approach has received praise from organizations including the International Monetary Fund."
3/22/2019,95_1,15-Nov,Government Services and Operations,Increase the value of the Disability Award.,Minister of Veterans Affairs,Completed - fully met,"Increased the maximum Disability Award to $360,000 and indexed it to inflation so ill or injured Veterans receive better financial support.","The Disability Award was increased to a maximum of $360,000 for ill and injured Veterans in recognition of pain and suffering. The award is commensurate with industry benchmarks and indexed to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This provides support to Veterans and their families for an injury or illness resulting from military service. All Veterans who received a Disability Award since 2006 have already or will receive an additional lump-sum payment as a result of these changes."
3/22/2019,251_1,17-Feb,Strong Middle Class,Update the *Canada Labour Code* to ensure modern federal employment standards.,"Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour","Actions taken, progress made",Stronger employment standards that better protect workers and reflect the changing nature of the labour market,"Legislation on modern labour standards was tabled in Parliament on October 29, 2018 as part of the *Budget Implementation Act*, 2018, No. 2 and received Royal Assent on December 13, 2018.
In the 2018 Fall Economic Statement, the government announced $196 million in funding over six years, starting in 2018-2019, and $25.38 million per year ongoing to support implementation of amendments to modern labour standards. This funding will provide support for the modernization of federal labour standards and enhance the Wage Earner Protection Program (WEPP) to increase the financial security for workers who are owed wages when their employer files for bankruptcy or enters receivership.
The independent Expert Panel on Modern Federal Labour Standards was named by the Minister on February 19, 2019. Chaired by Sunil Johal, Policy Director at The Mowat Centre, the 7-member Expert Panel will study, consult and provide advice on five complex issues related to the changing nature of work: federal minimum wage; labour standards protections for non-standard workers; disconnecting from work-related e-communications outside of work hours (sometimes known as the “right to disconnect”); collective voice for non-unionized workers; and access to and portability of benefits. The Expert Panel is to submit its report to the Minister by June 30, 2019. The legislation will come into force once enabling regulations are in place."