Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
Symbol of the Government of Canada

ARCHIVED - Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade


Warning This page has been archived.

Archived Content

Information identified as archived on the Web is for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. It has not been altered or updated after the date of archiving. Web pages that are archived on the Web are not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards. As per the Communications Policy of the Government of Canada, you can request alternate formats on the "Contact Us" page.

Table 2: User Fees/External Fees

Table 2.1-A: User Fees Act - Access to Information


User Fee: Access to Information Act fees

Fee Type: Other products and services

Fee-setting Authority: Section 11 of the Access to Information Act (ATIA) and section 7 of the Access to Information Regulations

Date Last Modified: Section 11 (ATIA) last modified in 1992 (C-2, s.2)

Performance Standards: Response provided within 30 days following receipt of request; the response time may be extended pursuant to section 9 of the ATIA. Notice of extension to be sent within 30 days after receipt of request.

The Access to Information Act (http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/A-1/218072.html) provides fuller details.

Performance Results: Statutory deadlines met 60.8% of the time.



($ thousands)
2008-09 Planning Years
Forecast Revenue Actual Revenue Full Cost Fiscal Year Forecast Revenue* Estimated Full Cost
103.0 8.0 3,910 2009-10 8.5 3,910
2010-11 9.0 8,440
2011-12 9.5 8,440


* Amounts differ from 2009-10 Annual Reference Level Update.



User Fees Totals
($ thousands)
2008-09 Planning Years
Forecast Revenue Actual Revenue Full Cost Fiscal Year Forecast Revenue* Estimated Full Cost
Sub-Total (R) N/A N/A N/A 2009-10 N/A N/A
2010-11 N/A N/A
2011-12 N/A N/A
Sub-Total (O) 103.0 8.0 3,910 2009-10 8.5 3,910
2010-11 9.0 8,440
2011-12 9.5 8,440
Total 103.0 8.0 3,910 2009-10 8.5 3,910
2010-11 9.0 8,440
2011-12 9.5 8,440

* Amounts differ from 2009-10 Annual Reference Level Update.

Table 2.1-B: Policy on Service Standards for External Fees-Access to Information



External Fee Service Standard1 Performance Results2 Stakeholder Consultation
Fees charged for the processing of access requests filed under the Access to Information Act (ATIA) pursuant to the Access to Information Regulations. Response provided within 30 days following receipt of request; the response time may be extended pursuant to section 9 of the ATIA. Notice of extension to be sent within 30 days after receipt of request.

The Access to Information Act provides fuller details: http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/A-1/218072.html.

The Office of the Information Commissioner has, in the past, considered a performance rate of 85% as standard and 80% as failure.
Statutory deadlines met 60.8% of the time. The service standard is established by the Access to Information Act and the Access to Information Regulations. Consultations with stakeholders were undertaken by the Department of Justice and the Treasury Board Secretariat for amendments done in 1986 and 1992.


Other Information: The department has experienced an average annual increase in ATIA-related activities of 12.7% over the last 13 years, and the growth in overall workload for the Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) office has picked up speed over the last few years. Since 2004-05 the average annual increase for all types of ATIP requests has been 24%.

The department has submitted comprehensive business plans to address the performance gap in processing of access requests and intends to significantly improve service in the long term. Estimated costs for future years are based on the approval of a TBS Business Case via the Program Integrity Fund that would increase the size of the Access to Information and Privacy Protection Division by 26 positions. If approved, the full cost in upcoming years for the ATIP office is estimated at $8.4 million.

In previous years revenues were calculated using the amount of fees charged to the applicants. For the 2008-09 fiscal year, DFAIT changed the way it calculated revenues to reflect the amount of fees paid.

The difference is associated with the amount of fees waived by the department and the fees unpaid by the applicant.

Table 2.2-A: User Fees Act-International Youth Program


User Fee: Any national of a foreign state who applies to enter Canada under an international youth program shall, if the application is approved, pay a participation fee of $150.

Fee Type: Regulatory-Program Participation Fee (PPF)

Fee-setting Authority: Order JUS-609929 amending the Order in Council P.C. 2000-1723 of November 30, 2000, made pursuant to paragraph 19(1)(b) of the Financial Administration Act

Date Last Modified: October 2007

Performance Standards: The fees were implemented to provide more opportunities to young Canadians to travel and work abroad, and to increase participation in the program. Program participation revenues from fees must be used exclusively for the activities carried out under the program.

Performance Results: In 2008, the first year after the introduction of the global PPF, a total 64,871 young people participated in the program, which represents an increase of over 14% from 2007. The level of foreign satisfaction with, and interest in, the international youth program is growing, as demonstrated by the wish of participating countries to increase participation quotas and the desire of new countries to establish participation. Canada currently has formal bilateral arrangements concerning youth mobility with 21 countries; two of these were signed in 2008-09. Negotiations with six countries are now in their concluding stages, and 18 additional countries have been identified as priorities for negotiation for 2009-10.



($ thousands)
2008-09 Planning Years
Forecast Revenue Actual Revenue Full Cost Fiscal Year Forecast Revenue Estimated Full Cost
7,100 7,286 7,100 2009-10 8,300 8,300
2010-11 9,100 9,100
2011-12 9,100 9,100


Other Information:




User Fees Totals
($ thousands)
2008-09 Planning Years
Forecast Revenue Actual Revenue Full Cost Fiscal Year Forecast Revenue Estimated Full Cost
Sub-Total (R) 7,100 7,286 7,100 2009-10 8,300 8,300
2010-11 9,100 9,100
2011-12 9,100 9,100
Sub-Total (O) N/A N/A N/A 2009-10 N/A N/A
2010-11 N/A N/A
2011-12 N/A N/A
Total 7,100 7,286 7,100 2009-10 8,300 8,300
2010-11 9,100 9,100
2011-12 9,100 9,100


Table 2.2-B: Policy on Service Standards for External Fees-International Youth Program



External Fee Service Standard1 Performance Results2 Stakeholder Consultation
Any national of a foreign state who applies to enter Canada under an international youth program shall, if the application is approved, pay a fee of $150. Increased number of opportunities for young Canadians to travel and work abroad

Increased number of participants in the IYP
21 bilateral arrangements concerning youth mobility, including two signed in 2008-09. Negotiations with six countries now in concluding stages, and 18 additional countries identified as priorities for negotiation

64,871 participants-an increase of over 14%
Consultations for the implementation of fees included direct communications, and Ipsos Reid conducted interviews with 25 stakeholders, including non-governmental organisations, DFAIT, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), missions abroad and foreign government stakeholders, resulting in an overall positive reaction.


Other Information: 33% of the 2008-09 budget ($2,330,000) was transferred to CIC headquarters to increase operational capacity at CIC centres to process international youth program (IYP) applications.

26% of the 2008-09 budget ($1,840,000) was used to fund additional DFAIT employees dealing exclusively with services to IYP applicants in terms of support for application procedures, promotion of the program and the processing of applications.

24% of the 2008-09 budget ($1,700,000) was used for the promotion of the IYP in Canada through national ad campaigns, fairs and conferences.

7% of the 2008-09 budget ($790,000) was used for the management of the program at DFAIT headquarters, including a Canadian 1-800 number phone service providing information on the IYP to young participants.

The IYP is currently engaged in a comprehensive review of its accountability, risk and audit framework, along with research and development of an official Service Standard Policy, development of a new standard operating procedures manual, and research and development of a new official IYP Privacy of Information Policy.

Details of International Youth Programs can be found at www.international.gc.ca/experience.

Table 2.3-A: User Fees Act-Export/Import Fees


User Fee: Fees for the issuance of export and import certificates and permits

Fee Type: Other products and services

Fee-setting Authority: Export and Import Permits Act (EIPA) and Export and Import Permits and Certificates Fees Order.

Date Last Modified: 1995

Performance Standards: Deliver non-routed permits within 15 minutes of the time of application; process within 4 business hours import and export permit applications that are automatically redirected (routed) to the Bureau's officers or that have been flagged for an officer's review by the applicant when no additional information or documentation is required.

Performance Results: 98% success rate on the processing of over 500,000 applications in fiscal year 2008-09.



($ thousands)
2008-09 Planning Years
Forecast Revenue Actual Revenue Full Cost Fiscal Year Forecast Revenue Estimated Full Cost
12,000 8,389 22,000 2009-10 12,000 19,000
2010-11 12,000 19,000
2011-12 12,000 19,000





User Fees Totals
($ thousands)
2008-09 Planning Years
Forecast Revenue Actual Revenue Full Cost Fiscal Year Forecast Revenue Estimated Full Cost
Sub-Total (R) N/A N/A N/A 2009-10 N/A N/A
2010-11 N/A N/A
2011-12 N/A N/A
Sub-Total (O) 12,000 8,389 22,000 2009-10 12,000 19,000
2010-11 12,000 19,000
2011-12 12,000 19,000
Total 12,000 8,389 22,000 2009-10 12,000 19,000
2010-11 12,000 19,000
2011-12 12,000 19,000



Table 2.3-B: Policy on Service Standards for External Fees-Export/Import Fees



External Fee Service Standard1 Performance Results2 Stakeholder Consultation
Fees for the issuance of export and import certificates and permits Deliver non-routed permits within 15 minutes of the time of application; process within 4 business hours import and export permit applications that are automatically redirected (routed) to the Bureau's officers or that have been flagged for an officer's review by the applicant when no additional information or documentation is required. 98% success rate on the processing of over 500,000 applications in fiscal year 2008-09. Efforts in 2008-09 went mainly to the redesign and revamp of the Bureau's website. Identification of the various types of stakeholders is under way to select the best survey method(s) and consultations.


Table 2.4-A: User Fees Act-Consular Services


User Fee: Consular Service Fee

Fee Type: Other products and services

Fee-setting Authority: Consular Service Fee Regulations pursuant to the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Act

Date Last Modified: The Consular Service Fee was introduced on November 8, 1995, and has not been modified.

Performance Standards: Consular Services performance standards are grouped under the following service standards categories:

  1. Protection and Assistance
  2. Contact with Prisoners
  3. Passports and Citizenship
  4. Information-Canada/Third Countries
  5. Information-Local
  6. Legal and Notary

For the complete service standards list, please go to www.voyage.gc.ca/about_a-propos/standards-services-normes-eng.asp.

Consular services are provided to Canadians 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at more than 260 points of service around the world. Outside regular business hours, calls are forwarded to the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa. Emergency situations are dealt with immediately.

Every effort is made to obtain solutions for specific problems and to provide the required service. However, the department's ability to do so and its success are conditioned, in many instances, by the laws and regulations of other countries as well as the quality and level of cooperation offered by persons and organisations outside the Government of Canada.

Performance Results: In 2008-09, consular officers opened more than 250,000 new consular cases; routine and distress-related cases alone increased 12% from the previous year. New to the consular website this year, clients had the option of completing the feedback form online. As a result, 4,672 forms were received, up from 2,708 the previous year. Of Canadians who responded, 93% said they were satisfied or very satisfied with the services received. In previous years, the department has reported performance against passport, citizenship and arrest/detention service standards in the consular portion of the DPR narrative. For 2007-08, this information is noted below.

Canada's missions abroad are asked to make regular contact with long-term Canadian detainees. The frequency of contact reflects local conditions: once every three months (e.g. in much of Latin America, Africa and Asia), once every six months (e.g. in much of Western Europe) or once every 12 months (e.g. in the United States, where over 70% of these detainees are located). As of March 31, 2009, missions met this standard 87% of the time-up 7 percentage points from 2007-08.

Missions are asked to report on their ability to accept, review and forward citizenship applications to Canada within the 10-day service standard. During 2008-09, they did so successfully with 91% of the applications, compared with 89% in 2007-08.

Missions are monitored on their ability to meet the 15-day service standard for passport issuance. They met this standard 94% of the time.



($ thousands)
2008-09 Planning Years
Forecast Revenue3 Actual Revenue Full Cost * Fiscal Year Forecast Revenue Estimated Full Cost *
97,713 89,150 76,669 2009-10 97,713 87,421
2010-11 92,848 90,401
2011-12 97,720 91,555


*The amounts above for the Consular Service Fee's Full Cost and Estimated Full Cost do not yet include costs incurred by Other Government Departments. A "whole of government" study will be conducted in the coming fiscal year to capture all costs associated with the delivery of Consular services which will most likely reduce/eliminate the surplus position as forecasted above.



User Fees Totals
($ thousands)
2008-09 Planning Years
Forecast Revenue1 Actual Revenue Full Cost Fiscal Year Forecast Revenue Estimated Full Cost
Sub-Total (R) N/A N/A N/A 2009-10 N/A N/A
2010-11 N/A N/A
2011-12 N/A N/A
Sub-Total (O) 97,713 89,150 76,669 2009-10 97,713 87,421
2010-11 92,848 90,401
2011-12 97,720 91,555
Total 97,713 89,150 76,669 2009-10 97,713 87,421
2010-11 92,848 90,401
2011-12 97,720 91,555


Table 2.4-B: Policy on Service Standards for External Fees-Consular Services Fee



External Fee Service Standard1 Performance Results2 Stakeholder Consultation
Consular Services Fee Consular services are based on written service standards (established in 1995), which detail the services to be provided, along with qualitative and quantitative standards to be used by employees. The service standards are available at www.voyage.gc.ca/about_a-propos/standards-services-normes-eng.asp as well as at all missions abroad, where they are either in public view or can be provided by employees.

Consular services are provided to Canadians 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at more than 260 points of service around the world. Outside regular business hours, calls are forwarded to the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa. Emergency situations are dealt with immediately.
  The consular service standards were developed following consultations with Canadians at approximately 80 missions around the world and selected clients in Canada. Surveys were also conducted at the international airports in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver.


Table 2.5-A: Specialized Consular Service


User Fee: Specialized Consular Services Fee

Fee Type: Other products and services

Fee-setting Authority: Consular Fee (Specialized Services) Regulations, pursuant to paragraph 19 (1) (a) of the Financial Administration Act

Date Last Modified: Fees have been collected since 1958 pursuant to the Regulations Respecting the Fees to Be Charged for Consular Services, SOR/58-133. The most recent modification occurred in 1998 with the coming into force of the Consular Fees (Specialized Services) Regulations.

Performance Standards: Specialized Consular Services performance standards are grouped under the following service standards categories:

Protection and Assistance
Legal and Notary
For the complete service standards list, please go to www.voyage.gc.ca/about_a-propos/standards-services-normes-eng.asp.

Performance Results: Missions abroad reported dealing with 3,216 legal/notary cases in 2008. Client feedback from 388 clients demonstrated an overall satisfaction level with the legal/notary service of 91%.



($ thousands)
2008-09 Planning Years
Forecast Revenue1 Actual Revenue Full Cost Fiscal Year Forecast Revenue Estimated Full Cost
3,500 4,211 4,921 2009-10 4,250 5,584
2010-11 4,250 6,336
2011-12 4,250 7,190




User Fees Totals
($ thousands)
2008-09 Planning Years
Forecast Revenue1 Actual Revenue Full Cost Fiscal Year Forecast Revenue Estimated Full Cost
Sub-Total (R) N/A N/A N/A 2009-10 N/A N/A
2010-11 N/A N/A
2011-12 N/A N/A
Sub-Total (O) 3,500 4,210.5 4,921 2009-10 4,250 5,584
2010-11 4,250 6,336
2011-12 4,250 7,190
Total 3,500 4,210.5 4,921 2009-10 4,250 5,584
2010-11 4,250 6,336
2011-12 4,250 7,190


Table 2.5-B: Policy on Service Standards for External Fees-Specialized Consular Services Fee



External Fee Service Standard1 Performance Results2 Stakeholder Consultation
Specialized Consular Services Fee These standards are available to clients online at http://www.voyage.gc.ca/about_a-propos/standards-services-normes-eng.asp and at all missions abroad. Clients are invited to comment if they did not receive the level of service they expected, or if they wish to make suggestions. Missions abroad entered 3,119 legal/notary cases in the last fiscal year. Client feedback from 388 clients demonstrated an overall satisfaction level with the legal/notary service of 91% The consular service standards were developed following consultations with Canadians at approximately 80 missions around the world and selected clients in Canada. Surveys were also conducted at the international airports in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver.


Table 2.6-A: User Fees Act-Passport Canada


User Fee: Passport Canada

Fee Type: Other products and services

Fee-setting Authority: Passport service fees regulation

Date Last Modified: December 2001

Performance Standards: The standard turnaround times in working days are:


- Offices: Regular services 10
- Offices: Urgent services Next working day
- Offices: Express services 2 to 9
- Mail-in: Regular services 20
- Receiving agent-Regular services 20

Performance Results: In 2008-09, overall service standards were met for 98.7% of applications through all channels. Standards for urgent and express services were met for 99.2% of applications: 98.5% for walk-in, 99.2% for mail-in and 99.1% for receiving agents.



($ thousands)
2008-09 Planning Years
Forecast Revenue Actual Revenue Full Cost Fiscal Year Forecast Revenue Estimated Full Cost
276,583 263,823 304,354 2009-10 296,300 296,300
2010-11 281,556 281,556
2011-12 296,329 296,329


Other Information:




User Fees Totals
($ thousands)
2008-09 Planning Years
Forecast Revenue Actual Revenue Full Cost Fiscal Year Forecast Revenue Estimated Full Cost
Sub-Total (R) N/A N/A N/A 2009-10 N/A N/A
2010-11 N/A N/A
2011-12 N/A N/A
Sub-Total (O) 276,583 263,823 304,354 2009-10 296,300 344,156
2010-11 281,556 372,173
2011-12 296,329 384,674
Total 276,583 263,823 304,354 2009-10 296,300 344,156
2010-11 281,556 372,173
2011-12 296,329 384,674


Table 2.6-B: Policy on Service Standards for External Fees-Passport Canada Revolving Fund



External Fee Service Standard Performance Results Stakeholder Consultation
Passport Canada Revolving Fund The standard turnaround times in working days are:
- Offices: Regular services 10
- Offices: Urgent services Next working day
- Offices: Express services 2 to 9
- Mail-in: Regular services 20
- Receiving agent-Regular services 20

In 2008-09, overall service standards were met for 98.7% of applications through all channels. Standards for urgent and express services were met for 99.2% of applications: 98.5% for walk-in, 99.2% for mail-in and 99.1% for receiving agents. N/A