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2012-13 Departmental Performance Report

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Minister's Message

I am pleased to present the 2012-2013 Departmental Performance Report by Status of Women Canada, highlighting the priorities implemented, results achieved and investments made to help advance equality between women and men. As in previous years, the agency focused its efforts on three key areas: improving women's and girls' economic security and prosperity, ending violence against women and girls and supporting the advancement and increased representation of women and girls in leadership and decision-making roles.

The Government of Canada remains committed to building a society where women and men are equal participants in all aspects of life. Indeed, we have taken concrete action to demonstrate this commitment. Through Status of Women Canada, the Government's support for community-based projects has nearly doubled since 2006-2007. The Economic Action Plan 2012 created the Advisory Council to Promote Women on Corporate Boards. In last fiscal year alone, we invested almost $19 million to support over 300 active projects across the country to promote women's participation in Canadian society. 

Violence against women and girls impacts on individuals and families, strains our institutions and is an enormous drain to our economy. Together, we must commit to ending it in our homes, on our streets, in our schools and our society.  In 2012-2013, Status of Women Canada continued to pay particular attention to this issue, providing financial and professional support for community-based projects designed to end gender-based violence. The response to the agency's calls for proposals was overwhelmingly positive, with many organizations taking innovative approaches to engaging community partners in carrying out their projects. As well, the agency engaged federal partners, collaborated with federal/provincial/territorial bodies and inspired Canadians to be part of the efforts to end the problem.

The Government of Canada is set to remove barriers that impede women's participation in and contribution to Canada's prosperity. As such, Status of Women Canada engaged with business leaders across the country to facilitate the creation of an Advisory Council which will help our Government to explore and propose ways to increase women's representation on corporate boards.

In 2012-2013, Status of Women Canada was instrumental in promoting Canada's call at the U.N. to proclaim the International Day of the Girl. A worldwide celebration, the day was used to promote girls as powerful agents of change in their families, their communities and their nations and to highlight the challenges facing them in fulfilling their potential. 

Status of Women Canada, through the Departmental Action Plan on Gender-based Analysis (GBA), supported federal organizations to build capacity to develop, implement and deliver policies, programs and services that respond to the needs of diverse women and men.

As we make steady progress, I am pleased to report that Status of Women Canada continues to play a vital role in advancing equality between women and men in Canada.

The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, P.C., O. Ont., M.P.
Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women

Section I: Organizational Overview

1.1 Raison d'être

The Office of the Coordinator, Status of Women, known as Status of Women Canada (SWC), is a federal government agency that promotes equality between women and men in all aspects of Canadian life. The mandate of SWC is “to coordinate policy with respect to the status of women and administer related programs” (1976).

SWC works to advance equality for women, focusing its efforts in three priority areas: increasing women's economic security and prosperity; ending violence against women and girls; and encouraging women's leadership and decision-making roles.

SWC is responsible for exercising leadership and working in partnership to advance equality and increase women's participation in the economic, social and democratic life of Canada and in supporting Canada's efforts to meet international obligations. As well, the agency provides expert advice on how to take gender equality into account in developing the best policies and programs for all Canadians; promotes commemorative dates relating to women in Canada; and supports action and innovation that will lead to equality in communities across Canada.

1.2 Responsibilities

SWC is the federal agency responsible for supporting the government's agenda to advance equality for women and girls. In fulfilling its mandate, the agency works with a wide range of organizations, building synergies with key stakeholders, collaborating with different levels of government and engaging the private and voluntary sectors.

The issues affecting women and girls permeate society and make the environment in which SWC functions a complex one. To bring about tangible results and enduring benefits for Canadians, the agency carries out its mandate strategically, working in partnerships; focusing its efforts where there is a clear potential for making a difference in the lives of women and and girls. SWC ensures its policy interventions and program investments are aligned with Government of Canada priorities. Within the priority areas, SWC addresses issues specific to diverse groups, such as Aboriginal, immigrant and rural women and girls.

In its policy function, SWC plays the role of a knowledge broker and facilitator, offering advice and strategic support, conducting policy analysis, providing input and making strategic interventions at both domestic and international levels.

SWC also leads in building capacity for Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+), a method for examining the intersection of sex and gender with other identity factors. When applied to government work, GBA+ can aid in understanding how diverse groups of Canadians – women and men, girls and boys – experience public policy. SWC works in collaboration with key stakeholders to facilitate the integration of gender considerations in the development of policies and programs.

Through the Women's Program, SWC provides financial and professional assistance to Canadian organizations to carry out projects that advance equality and the full participation of women and girls.

Through a series of commemorative dates, SWC promotes awareness of women's and girls' invaluable contributions as well as encourages Canadians to take action to advance equality between women and men.

SWC's points of service are located in Montréal (serving Quebec), Moncton (serving New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador), and Edmonton (serving Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Northwest Territories and Yukon). The National Office and the Nunavut and Ontario points of service are located within the headquarters in the National Capital Region. (cfc-swc.gc.ca/)

1.3 Strategic Outcome and Program Alignment Architecture (2012-2013)^{Footnote 1}

Text Description Of Image

1.4 Organizational Priorities

Priority	Type	Strategic Outcome, Programs
Addressing violence against women and girls	Ongoing	Equality for women and their full participation in the economic, social and democratic life of Canada (Programs 1.1 and 1.2)
Summary of Progress
In 2012-13, SWC met this priority by launching a new website that provides information about the issue of violence against women and girls as well as recent actions by the Government of Canada to address and prevent it. In partnership with Statistics Canada and the Federal/Provincial/Territorial (FPT) Forum of Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women, SWC supported the release of Measuring violence against women: Statistical trends. This report provides information on key indicators, including the prevalence of violence against women in Canada, risk factors and economic and other impacts. SWC supported 38 new community-based projects with financial and professional assistance to address diverse issues relating to gender-based violence. A call for proposals was launched soliciting applications for projects that address gender-based violence in Canada, with four themes: high-risk neighbourhoods, engaging men and boys, addressing violence against women and girls committed in the name of "honour"; and the trafficking of women and girls. Projects under the trafficking of women and girls theme are piloting a local safety audit guidedeveloped by Public Safety Canada. SWC established a partnership with Justice Canada to jointly fund a three-year project addressing the issue of violence against Aboriginal women and girls.
Priority	Type	Strategic Outcome, Programs
Empowering Girls	Previously committed	Equality for women and their full participation in the economic, social and democratic life of Canada (Programs 1.1 and 1.2)
Summary of Progress
On October 11, 2012, SWC marked the inaugural International Day of the Girl, using the occasion to raise awareness about girls' potential and girls' rights. The occasion was used to build partnerships across government to explore ways to address challenges facing girls and young women. SWC supported 37 new community-based, girl-led projects with financial and professional assistance to empower young women and girls. A call for proposals was launched, soliciting applications for projects that support their advancement in two priority areas: leadership and decision-making roles and economic security and prosperity. This call for proposals provided the opportunity to enhance awareness of girl-specific issues and brought attention to the situation of girls in communities across the country.
Priority	Type	Strategic Outcome, Programs
Increasing representation of women in leadership roles	Ongoing	Equality for women and their full participation in the economic, social and democratic life of Canada (Programs 1.1 and 1.2)
Summary of Progress
In 2012-13, SWC collaborated with partners at the federal, provincial and territorial levels to increase awareness of the need to increase women's representation in leadership roles. With its provincial and territorial counterparts, SWC organized a “Women on Boards” Knowledge Exchange where leading experts shared knowledge and insight on ways to address challenges, create opportunities and harness the potential that women on boards represents for business and the economy. In support of the Economic Action Plan 2012 commitment, SWC supported the Minister for Status of Women in creating an Advisory Council of leaders from the private and public sectors to promote women's participation on corporate boards. A targeted call for proposals was launched to increase the recruitment, retention and advancement of women in technology sectors. The approved projects will encourage the advancement of women in technical occupations within the sector.
Priority	Type	Strategic Outcome, Programs
Strengthening the implementation of Gender-based Analysis in the federal administration	Ongoing	Equality for women and their full participation in the economic, social and democratic life of Canada (Program 1.1)
Summary of Progress
In 2012-13, the Departmental Action Plan on Gender-based Analysis entered its third phase, providing support to 10 additional federal organizations, participating in ongoing efforts to build capacity to integrate gender considerations in policy development, program implementation and service delivery. GBA+ Online Training: Over 500 people, 80% from the federal public service, were trained in GBA+, while access to GBA+ tools and resources was increased across the federal public sector. GBA+ Events: The first “GBA+ Awareness Week” (May 28-June 1, 2012) was launched by the Clerk of the Privy Council and the Head of SWC to feature government-wide communication and learning events to promote training, tools and networks relating to GBA+.  GBA+ Collaboration: To further promote the use of GBA+, SWC continued to expand its partnerships with new sectors (e.g. the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Canadian Police College) and functional communities (e.g. regulatory, evaluation and program sectors).
Priority	Type	Strategic Outcome, programs
Modernizing programs and services for Canadians	New	Equality for women and their full participation in the economic, social and democratic life of Canada (Program 1.2)
Summary of Progress
In 2012-13, SWC strengthened the management and accountability of the Women's Program by streamlining its administration with more efficient and structured strategies and improved management tools. In 2012-13, the first phase of an automated Grants and Contributions system was implemented. SWC developed a knowledge management and dissemination strategy to strengthen its organizational capacity to share knowledge.

1.5 Risk Analysis

Risk	Risk Response Strategy	Link to Program Alignment Architecture	Link to Organizational Priorities
SWC's outcomes are highly interdependent on the actions of other stakeholders.	SWC Messaging: The focus of SWC's communication strategy is to build an informed society where stakeholders and citizens are aware that they have a shared responsibility to advance gender equality. Strategic Investment of Resources: SWC employs targeted approaches to maximise the impact. Community Action and Engagement: SWC programming is focused on engaging communities through initiatives that facilitate collaboration, networking and partnerships and achieve concrete results that help advance gender equality. Knowledge Sharing:  SWC focuses on strategies that complement and leverage collaborative efforts, based on the recognition among key players of their shared responsibility to advance gender equality in their respective spheres of influence.	Equality for women and their full participation in the economic, social and democratic life of Canada	N/A
Given its broad mandate and the range of demand for its program and policy interventions, SWC may be perceived as not meeting/responding to stakeholder expectations.	Area of Focus: SWC has identified three areas where its interventions are most relevant, aligned with current government priorities and likely to bring about results that help advance gender equality. (Improving women's and girls' economic security and prosperity, ending violence against women and girls, and supporting the advancement and increased representation of women and girls in leadership and decision-making roles). Outreach Strategy: Outreach efforts are designed to communicate SWC's strategic direction, including its focus, current priorities and program and other guidelines. Decision-Making Processes: To manage the high demand for its services and interventions, SWC has instituted processes and practices to maximize the efficiency of its programming, policy and communication levers. SWC also invests significant effort in building synergies and leveraging partnerships to maintain and enhance its reputation as a relevant, effective and efficient organization.	Equality for women and their full participation in the economic, social and democratic life of Canada	N/A

1.6 Summary of Performance

Financial Resources – Total Departmental ($ millions)

Total Budgetary Expenditures (Main Estimates) 2012–13	Planned Spending 2012–13	Total Authorities (available for use) 2012–13	Actual Spending (authorities used) 2012–13	Difference (Planned vs. Actual Spending)
29.4*	29.4	30.6	29.7	(0.3)

Human Resources (Full-Time Equivalents — FTEs)

Planned 2012–13	Actual 2012–13	Difference 2012–13
94	94	-

Performance Summary Table for Strategic Outcome and Programs ($ millions)

Strategic Outcome 1: Equality for women and their full participation in the economic, social and democratic life of Canada
Program	Total Budgetary Expenditures (Main Estimates 2012–13)	Planned Spending			Total Authorities (available for use) 2012–13	Actual Spending (authorities used)			Alignment to Government of Canada Outcomes
		2012–13	2013–14	2014–15		2012–13	2011–12	2010–11
Strategic policy analysis, planning and development	1.8	1.8	2.1	2.2	1.9	2.1	2.0	2.0	Government Affairs: A transparent, accountable, and responsive federal government http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/ppg-cpr/descript-eng.aspx#bm04
Women's participation in Canadian society	24.2	24.2	24.3	24.3	24.4	22.5*	21.6	22.7	Economic Affairs: Income security and employment for Canadians http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/ppg-cpr/descript-eng.aspx#bm01
Strategic Outcome 1 Sub-Total	26.0	26.0	26.4	26.5	26.3	24.6	23.6	24.7

Performance Summary Table for Internal Services ($ millions)

Program	Total Budgetary Expenditures(Main Estimates 2012–13)	Planned Spending			Total Authorities (available for use) 2012–13	Actual Spending (authorities used)
		2012–13	2013–14	2014–15		2012–13	2011–12	2010–11
Internal Services	3.4	3.4	3.2	3.2	4.3	5.1	5.8	5.5
Sub-Total	3.4	3.4	3.2	3.2	4.3	5.1	5.8	5.5

Total Performance Summary Table ($ millions)

Strategic Outcome and Internal Services	Total Budgetary Expenditures (Main Estimates 2012–13)	Planned Spending			Total Authorities (available for use) 2012–13	Actual Spending (authorities used)
		2012–13	2013–14	2014–15		2012–13	2011–12	2010–11
	29.4	29.4	29.6	29.7	30.6	29.7	29.4	30.2
Total	29.4	29.4	29.6	29.7	30.6	29.7	29.4	30.2

In 2012-13, the Total Authorities allocated to SWC by Parliament were $30.6 million. Of this amount, $29.4 million was received through the Main Estimates and $1.2 million was received through Supplementary Estimates. SWC received funds from the Advertising Fund, a transfer from the Department of Justice Canada to partner in funding a contribution project and various transfers from Treasury Board Secretariat Central Votes for the carry-forward of the previous operating budget and the reimbursement for eligible pay list expenditures related to severance pay and parental benefits.

SWC's Actual Spending in 2012-13 was $29.7 million, $0.9 million less than the Total Authorities. This amount includes savings in the Minister's budget and departmental operational savings to maximize SWC's carry-forward in order to assist with next year's budget shortages.

1.7 Expenditure Profile

Departmental Spending Trend

Text Description Of Image

In 2012–13, SWC spent a total of $29.7 million, of which $18.95 million in grants and contributions, to carry out its programs, achieve expected results and advance its strategic outcome.

Actual spending from 2009–10 to 2011–12 includes all Parliamentary appropriations: Main Estimates, Supplementary Estimates and transfers from Treasury Board, such as the operating budget carry-forward adjustment.

Actual spending was at its highest in 2009-10 due to re-profiled transfer payment funding from 2008‑09. Actual spending was also higher in 2010-11 in comparison to 2011-12 due to obligations pursuant to renegotiated collective agreements. Actual spending levelled off in 2011-12 and 2012-13. Planned spending for 2013‑14 to 2015-16 remains comparable to 2012-13.

Through Status of Women Canada, the government's support for community-based projects has nearly doubled since 2006-2007.

1.8 Estimates by Vote

For information on SWC's organizational Votes and/or statutory expenditures, please see the Public Accounts of Canada 2013 (Volume II). An electronic version of the Public Accounts 2013 is available on the Public Works and Government Services Canada websiteⁱ

1.9 Strategic Environmental Assessment

In 2012–13, SWC considered the environmental effects of initiatives subject to The Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals. As SWC did not develop an initiative for which an environmental assessment was required, no related public statements needed to be produced. For details, visit the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals.ⁱⁱ

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