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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.

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.

Other Information:

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.

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.

*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 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%.

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:

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.

Other Information:

Name of Transfer Payment Program: An Act to Authorize the Minister of Finance to Make Certain Payments, 2005 and Budget Implementation Act, 2007

Start date: June 29, 2005

End date: N/A

Description: Support the reform of the Afghan National Police by contributing to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)-managed Law and Order Trust Fund for Afghanistan (LOTFA), the only instrument responsible for the payment of police and corrections officers' salaries in Afghanistan. Support for the implementation of the Afghan National Drug Control Strategy by contributing to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Afghanistan Counter Narcotics Program, which aims to achieve a sustainable decrease in cultivation, production, trafficking and consumption of illicit drugs.

Strategic Outcome: CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL AGENDA-The international agenda is shaped to Canada's benefit and advantage in accordance with Canadian interests and values.

Results Achieved: UNODC Contribution: Strengthened coordination among law enforcement officials on the trafficking of precursor chemicals and strengthened law enforcement systems for the exchange of criminal intelligence have led to significant progress to ensure that chemicals in the Central Asia region are not diverted to the illicit manufacture of heroin in Afghanistan. The establishment of a dedicated Counter Narcotics Training Academy for training the Counter Narcotics Police of Afghanistan (CNPA) and the extension of the Ministry of Counter Narcotics presence into the provinces have led to improved CNPA operational capabilities in the area of interdiction, communication and field drug-testing. The development of a training curriculum and intelligence collection system for the Afghan Border Police has improved Afghan and Pakistani capacities along selected border crossings.
UNDP-LOTFA Contribution: Canada's financial contribution supported LOTFA in the disbursement of salaries and food allowances to 64,070 Afghan National Police (ANP) in all 34 provinces of Afghanistan. Timely and regular payment of ANP salaries has been identified as a key enabler to ANP retention and anti-corruption efforts, and has a direct impact on the ANP's ability to support law and order. Ensuring timely and transparent payment of police members has facilitated the advancement of the ANP and Ministry of Interior reform agenda, and helped to identify new areas for future international support to reinforce Afghan capacity and promote further institutional development.

Comment(s) on Variance(s): No spending was planned for 2007-08, but $10.0 million was expended. It would not have been possible to have planned for this amount of spending because of the unpredictable nature of programming efforts in Afghanistan.

Signifficant Audit Findings and URL(s) to Last Audit(s): UNODC Contribution: No audit date has been set yet.
UNDP-LOTFA Contribution: The Seventh Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board (JCMB) meeting, held in Tokyo, Japan, in February 2008, tasked the International Police Coordination Board (IPCB) with conducting an evaluation of police reform efforts, which will include elements of the LOTFA program, before the Ninth JCMB meeting (spring 2009). That evaluation was completed and the relevant report ("IPCB Afghanistan Police Reform Progress Report") was issued in November 2008. As LOTFA is managed by the UNDP, it is subject to the UN control and accountability mechanisms. Canada, as a member of the UN, will have access to internal audits and evaluations of LOTFA when they become available. The UNDP commissioned an evaluation of the LOTFA program. The terms of reference for the evaluation are available at www.undp.org.af/Operations/Procurement/Notices/ArchivedNotices/08-05-18-LOTFAIVEvaluationToR.pdf. The report on that evaluation, dated February 22, 2009, is entitled "Evaluation of the Law and Order Trust Fund for Afghanistan (LOTFA) Phase IV: Report." Neither the IPCB nor the UNDP report is available on the Internet. However, both reports may be obtained from the Peacekeeping and Peace Operations Division of DFAIT.

Name of Transfer Payment Program: Commonwealth Secretariat

Start date: September 28, 1965

End date: N/A

Description: Canada's assessed contribution to the regular budget of the Commonwealth is a legally binding obligation of membership. The purpose of Canada's membership is to further the Government of Canada's foreign policy goals related to international peace, security and development and, to this end, to enhance relationships among the 53 Commonwealth member countries. For further information, see www.thecommonwealth.org.

Strategic Outcome: CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL AGENDA-The international agenda is shaped to Canada's benefit and advantage in accordance with Canadian interests and values.

Results Achieved: Much of the regular budget is directed to supporting and implementing the decisions of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings and a large web of regular meetings of Commonwealth sectoral ministers including, for example, the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group and Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Finance, Health and Education.

Results include diplomatic interventions in the form of good offices and public pressure by the Secretariat and/or coordinated action by Commonwealth ministers to support democratic institutions and procedures; programs to build capacity in democratic and human rights procedures; and enhanced cooperation among Commonwealth countries related to economic, social and political development.

Comment(s) on Variance(s): Contributions to the Commonwealth Secretariat are established each year in May by the Board of Governors and assessed in pounds sterling. The variance reflects currency and assessment rate differences.

Signifficant Audit Findings and URL(s) to Last Audit(s): www.thecommonwealth.org/document/34293/39128/strategic_documents/

Name of Transfer Payment Program: Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO)

Start date: July 1982

End date: N/A

Description: Canada's annual assessed contribution to the FAO is a legally binding obligation of membership. The purpose of membership is to further the Government of Canada's foreign policy goals related to agricultural development and provide it with a voice in the international community. For further information, see www.fao.org.

Strategic Outcome: CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL AGENDA-The international agenda is shaped to Canada's benefit and advantage in accordance with Canadian interests and values.

Results Achieved: Achieving food security for all is at the heart of FAO efforts: to make sure people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. FAO's mandate is to raise levels of nutrition, improve agricultural productivity, better the lives of rural populations and contribute to the growth of the world economy.

FAO's objectives, as set out in its constitution, are:
to promote the common welfare by furthering action for the purpose of raising levels of nutrition and standards of living of the peoples within member nations;
to secure improvements in the efficiency of the production and distribution of all food and agricultural products, including fisheries, marine products and forestry products; and
to better the condition of rural populations. Thus contributing to an expanding world economy and ensuring humanity's freedom from hunger.

Comment(s) on Variance(s): Contributions are assessed in both U.S. dollars and euros. The variance reflects currency and assessment rate differences.

Signifficant Audit Findings and URL(s) to Last Audit(s): www.fao.org/aud/activities.html

Name of Transfer Payment Program: Global Peace and Security Fund and its component programs: the Global Peace and Security Program, the Global Peace Operations Program, and the Glyn Berry Program for Peace and Security

Start date: October 3, 2005; operationalized September 18, 2006

End date: March 31, 2013

Description: The GPSF is a critical component of the Stabilization and Reconstruction Task Force (START) portfolio. Funded from the Peace and Security Pool of the International Assistance Envelope, the GPSF fills a funding gap by providing dedicated resources for activities that are necessary for a timely response with respect to countries in or at risk of crisis, but that are not properly the responsibility of the Department of National Defence (DND) and are outside Canada's traditional official development assistance program. Examples of these activities are supporting peace operations and peace processes, supporting justice and security system reform, enhancing transitional justice and reconciliation, and improving the peace enforcement and peace operations capacities of military and police in Africa and the Americas. Major recipients of funding are Afghanistan, Sudan and Haiti.

The GPSF is both a responsive and a directive program, established to provide timely, focused, effective and accountable international assistance in response to critical peace and security challenges. DFAIT works closely with a range of government departments including the Canadian International Development Agency, Public Safety Canada, the RCMP, DND, the Correctional Service of Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency and Justice Canada. Among other assistance, these partnerships provide critical expertise in the area of justice and security system reform to the civilian components of UN peace operations.

Strategic Outcome: CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL AGENDA-The international agenda is shaped to Canada's benefit and advantage in accordance with Canadian interests and values.

Results Achieved: In 2008-09, over 800 projects were funded through the GPSF, supporting conflict prevention, post-conflict peacebuilding and stabilization initiatives. The GPSF is divided into three sub-programs: the Global Peace and Security (GPS) program, Global Peace Operations Program (GPOP); and Glyn Berry Program for Peace and Security.

The GPS program focused on three foreign policy priority countries (Afghanistan, Sudan and Haiti) and disbursed approximately $137 million. The GPOP focused on the development of peacekeeping capabilities with UN and regional organisations for future missions in the Americas and Africa, and supported 22 projects with $8.4 million in programming. The Glyn Berry Program builds on Canada's direct contributions to fragile states by contributing to the dialogue surrounding the continuing evolution of international policies, laws and institutions. The Glyn Berry Program provided over $5 million to 64 diverse research, policy development and advocacy initiatives.

Key results achieved through the GPSF include:

• Over $15 million in disbursements to Haiti to advance security system reform by providing technical and financial support for police, corrections and border management reform, including the deployment of up to 100 Canadian police and eight corrections officers to the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). DFAIT's investment in Haiti has been key to advancing Canada's engagement in the Americas, particularly as regards democratic governance and security.
• Support to 30 projects in Sudan with over $48 million in funding in support of peacebuilding and recovery. This included $40 million in training and equipment support to African countries providing military or police personnel to the United Nations/African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), as well as support to institutions associated with the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.
• Provided over $42 million to Afghanistan in support of security sector development, including $20 million for Afghan police and correctional officer salaries.
• Approximately $15 million was disbursed in support of peacebuilding and stabilization operations in four fragile areas (Colombia, Uganda, Lebanon and the Middle East Peace Process) implicating Canadian strategic security interests. An additional $15 million was provided for mine clearance and support to tribunals (including in Sierra Leone, Lebanon and Cambodia) to facilitate reconciliation and the restoration of peace and the rule of law.
• Closer engagement with the stabilization units of the United States and United Kingdom through the establishment of an ongoing work plan.
• Through partnerships with the UN, other multilateral institutions, and civil society organisations, the GPSF has contributed to the strengthening of regional stability and has helped to advance efforts on peace, security and human rights in fragile states.
• Increased the protection of the human rights of civilians at risk, including supporting a review of the Security Council's use of sanctions and the implementation of protection of civilian mandates in UN peacekeeping operations.
• Approximately $5 million provided to build institutional and normative infrastructure to enhance the rights, safety and democratic influence of individuals in fragile states and democratic crises, for example through support to the youth "Get Out the Vote" campaign to increase participation in Venezuela's local and regional elections, development of an electronic database for UN sanctions reports, and provision of real-time answers to practitioners' questions about peacebuilding using a virtual workspace

Comment(s) on Variance(s): The variance is due to a programming environment that is challenged by conflict, weak governance or a high degree of instability.

Signifficant Audit Findings and URL(s) to Last Audit(s): In fall 2007, START managed an internal program audit (IPA) of the GPSF in line with the previously completed formative evaluation. The IPA report highlights the significant progress that START has made toward implementing appropriate systems and procedures, and the fact that the program has established good working relationships with other government departments to achieve a whole-of-government approach to its programming efforts. The findings described in the IPA report are consistent with a new program in its infancy. START has made significant efforts to develop appropriate systems and procedures; however, gaps still remain. The most significant findings presented in the IPA report focus on the governance and management structures of START and the GPSF. The IPA report identified a need to clarify the roles and responsibilities of the governance and committee structures of START and the GPSF at the deputy minister and assistant deputy minister levels to ensure appropriate representation from other government departments. The START Advisory Board should be reviewed, and terms of reference developed and agreed upon by the members. The other major finding concerns the structure of START, the GPSF and the management mechanisms within them. The auditors recommended that DFAIT, in association with relevant stakeholders, document the division of responsibilities between START and the geographic task forces, and between START and the sub-programs drawing on the GPSF (www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/rma/database/newdeptview_e.asp?id=1161).

Name of Transfer Payment Program: Grants in Aid of Academic Relations

Start date: January 1, 1989

End date: March 31, 2011

Description: Grants and contributions in aid of academic relations support the following initiatives:

• understanding Canada (formerly Canadian Studies);
• international scholarships and fellowships;
• international education, including provincial and territorial participation in multilateral activities in the area of education; and
• all other international education activities.

These programs advance departmental priorities by:

• supporting public diplomacy and advocacy through fostering partnerships, cooperation and linkages in the area of education between Canadian and international individuals and institutions; establishing a network of international experts on Canada to advance Canada's interests abroad; and promoting public discussion of key issues through networking, exchanges and conferences; and
• advancing Canada's global citizenship (in support of the International Assistance Envelope) through scholarships and other programs that promote academic cooperation and mobility with developing countries.

Strategic Outcome: CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL AGENDA-The international agenda is shaped to Canada's benefit and advantage in accordance with Canadian interests and values.

Results Achieved: In 2008-09, the Understanding Canada program awarded 583 grants to organisations and individuals, with 84% of the grants to organisations and 87% of the grants to individuals directly aligned with government priorities.
   In 2008-09, over 420 scholarships were awarded to international students through the International Scholarship Program, with 100% alignment to the government's priority countries and themes.
   In 2008-09, the International Education and Youth Division successfully coordinated federal and provincial representation at approximately 50 ministerial and expert-level multilateral conferences where education was the main topic.

Comment(s) on Variance(s): Grants: Funds were needed for priority programs under contribution agreements.
Contributions: Funds were made available from other divisions to cover two priority projects (Canadian Education Centres Network and Canada-U.S. Fulbright Program).

The division responsible for these programs uses its terms and conditions to support projects requested by other DFAIT divisions (funds are transferred to this division).
During the fiscal year, this division received funds from CIDA for expanded scholarship activity in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Signifficant Audit Findings and URL(s) to Last Audit(s): Although the official report has not yet been published, an audit was performed in 2007-08. The four main findings were: (1) program management exercised due diligence in accordance with government policy; (2) program payments were managed in accordance with DFAIT policies; (3) internal controls provided reasonable assurance that recipients complied with the requirements of the grant agreement; and (4) grant agreements complied with financial authorities.

Name of Transfer Payment Program: Initiatives Related to the Destruction, Disposition and Securing of Weapons of Mass Destruction

Start date: August 12, 2003

End date: March 2013

Description: To implement Canada's commitment to the G8 Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction, launched at the 2002 Kananaskis Summit, through projects for the destruction of chemical weapons, the dismantlement of nuclear submarines, the enhancement of nuclear and radiological security, the employment of former weapons scientists, and the prevention of biological weapons proliferation. Canada committed up to $1 billion over 10 years to implement the goals of the Global Partnership, initially in the former Soviet Union, where the threat was most acute. The justification for the Partnership was based on an assessment of threats to Canadian and international security following the terrorist attacks of September 2001. Evaluations at the G8 level have identified the continuing seriousness of the terrorist and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) threats and the ongoing value of the Global Partnership, an international cooperative threat reduction approach. Twenty-three countries are engaged in projects, and an amount close to US$20 billion has been pledged.

Strategic Outcome: CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL AGENDA-The international agenda is shaped to Canada's benefit and advantage in accordance with Canadian interests and values.

Results Achieved: A reduced threat from WMD for Canadians and a more secure national and international environment, as a result of WMD materials securely stored, and expertise redirected, while strengthening the international non-proliferation, arms control and disarmament regime and achieving Canada's domestic and international security objectives.

Comment(s) on Variance(s): The Global Partnership Program received additional funds in the Supplementary Estimates B as a result of the approval of its Phase Three Treasury Board submission on June 19, 2008, and returned funds that were loaned from other areas of DFAIT in FY 2007-08.

Signifficant Audit Findings and URL(s) to Last Audit(s): The follow-up audit (FUA) to the 2005-06 internal audit was completed to assess the progress made in implementing its recommendations. The FUA assessed the level of implementation of 26 recommendations. The recommendations directed at the Global Partnership were assessed as "fully implemented" or "substantially implemented" (subsequently fully implemented). A number of recommendations assessed as "noticeable implementation" concern broader Branch and/or corporate issues, where work is under way. An Action Plan and Management Response was submitted and accepted, and actions have been taken or are under way to address and implement the FUA's recommendations. The follow-up audit report can be found at www.international.gc.ca/department/auditreports/2007/2007-en.asp.

Recipient audit activity has included financial audits of the nuclear-powered submarine dismantlement project under Implementing Arrangements 3 and 4 with the shipyard in northwest Russia to examine the contributions for the defuelling and dismantling of Victor and Typhoon Class submarines and transport of three-compartment units. The audits found that amounts audited align in all respects with the costs claimed by the recipient under the terms and conditions of the Implementing Arrangements and also concluded that the recipient's accounting systems and policies are consistent with DFAIT financial terms and conditions.

Recipient audit activity also included initial visits to the nuclear and radiological security projects. Visits were conducted at two physical protection project sites to determine the recipients' comprehension of the Implementing Arrangements' terms and conditions and to ascertain the recipients' capability to produce financial reports that meet DFAIT and Treasury Board requirements. The auditors identified that the two physical protection sites have adequate capacity to comply with the financial terms and conditions of the Implementing Arrangements signed with DFAIT and to fulfill the requirements of the recipient audits. A financial audit was conducted at a third physical protection site to evaluate the recipient's compliance with the terms and conditions of the Implementing Arrangement with DFAIT. The audit found that the recipient was in compliance with the terms of the Arrangement. Three liaison visits were also conducted at the offices of the contractor for physical protection projects in Moscow. The purpose of the first liaison visit was to ensure that the project was administered in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Implementing Arrangement. The visit found that the internal processes of the contractor are in compliance with the terms of the Agreement. The purpose of the second and third liaison visits was to ensure that project outputs complied with those identified in the Cooperation Projects. The visits found that the outcomes annotated in the Cooperation Projects were achieved.

Name of Transfer Payment Program: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

Start date: December 19, 1989

End date: N/A

Description: Canada's annual assessed contribution to the IAEA is a legally binding obligation of membership. Payment is made to ensure that membership is in good standing and to maintain influence and credibility in a key international body, the aims of which Canada supports. The IAEA is the world's centre for nuclear cooperation and it works to further the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear technology, in particular by verifying that states adhere to their commitments to use nuclear energy only for peaceful purposes. Canada has significant interests at the IAEA, based on our belief in the importance of the Agency's role in advancing the goals of nuclear non-proliferation, safety and security, our advanced and extensive nuclear energy and radioisotope production industries, and our important uranium sector.

Strategic Outcome: CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL AGENDA-The international agenda is shaped to Canada's benefit and advantage in accordance with Canadian interests and values.

Results Achieved: The projection of Canadian values abroad, the preservation of Canadian national security, the strengthening of international stability and security, the promotion of world economic growth and prosperity, and support for multilateral institutions and mechanisms:

1. effective and efficient implementation of the IAEA's major programs as reflected in the Agency's biennial program and budget;
2. an increased profile for Canada in the Agency's activities;
3. direct and indirect technical and commercial dividends to the Canadian nuclear industry; and
4. IAEA actions and decisions consistent with Canadian foreign policy priorities.

Comment(s) on Variance(s): The variance was due to foreign currency fluctuations and the IAEA's transition from the U.S. dollar to the euro.

Signifficant Audit Findings and URL(s) to Last Audit(s): The latest external audit of the IAEA accounts was completed on March 31, 2009, covering the financial period ending December 31, 2008. The audit report, including recommendations, is included in the "Agency's Accounts for 2008" report by the Director General. This will be made public and released on the Agency's website in time for the September 2009 annual regular session of the General Conference, although the Government of Canada has reviewed and commented on the findings at the April 2009 IAEA Programme and Budget Committee meeting. The German Federal Court of Audit conducted its audit in accordance with the Common Auditing Standards of the Panel of External Auditors of the United Nations, the Specialized Agencies and the International Atomic Energy Agency. Those standards require that the auditors plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The audit included examining evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the Agency's financial statements. The audit also included assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by the Director General, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. As a result of this examination, the Vice-President of the German Federal Court of Audit certified that, in his unqualified opinion:

1. The financial statements reflect properly the recorded financial transactions for the biennium ended December 31, 2008, and present fairly, in all material respects, the organisation's financial position as at that date.
2. The financial transactions reflected in the statements, which auditors have tested as part of the audit, have in all significant respects been in accordance with the applicable Financial Regulations and Legislative Authority.
3. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the stated accounting policies and procedures, which were applied on a basis consistent with that of the preceding financial period.

The most recent publicly released report is the "Agency's Accounts for 2007," which is available at www.iaea.org/About/Policy/GC/GC52/GC52Documents/English/gc52-11_en.pdf.

Name of Transfer Payment Program: International Criminal Court (ICC)

Start date: April 1, 2005

End date: N/A

Description: This is an assessed contribution transfer payment.

Strategic Outcome: CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL AGENDA-The international agenda is shaped to Canada's benefit and advantage in accordance with Canadian interests and values.

Results Achieved: The year 2008 marked the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute, the founding treaty of the ICC. In 2008, the first substantive trial proceedings started, with the first ICC trial commencing on January 26, 2009. In 2008 there were four "situations" (Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic and Darfur) involving six cases before the Court. The Prosecutor applied for a warrant of arrest for Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir in July 2008. As of March 2009, the Court had issued 14 arrest warrants in these four situations and there were four persons detained at the ICC's detention facility. The relationship between the external auditor and the Office of the Internal Auditor has been strengthened, and the external peer review team reported that the Court was in compliance with international best practices. The overall implementation rate of the 2007 ICC budget was 90.5%, compared with 79.7% in 2006.

Comment(s) on Variance(s): There was a change to the assessed contributions for 2007 as a result of Japan's accession to the Rome Statute of the ICC. With the increase in the number of states parties to the Rome Statute, from 106 to 108, the assessed contributions (share of the cost for the budget of the ICC) of each state party decreased. In addition, the total approved budget of the ICC for the year was approximately 5% less than the projected amount used to plan spending for the year.

Signifficant Audit Findings and URL(s) to Last Audit(s): Audits and evaluations are the responsibility of the Committee on Budget and Finance, which meets twice a year. Canadian Masud Husain was elected to the body in 2009. The reports of the Committee for 2008 can be found at www2.icc-cpi.int/iccdocs/asp_docs/B.pdf.

Name of Transfer Payment Program: International Labour Organisation (ILO)

Start date: January 1, 1989

End date: N/A

Description: Canada's annual assessed contribution to the ILO, a UN specialized agency, is a legally binding obligation of membership. The purpose of membership is to further the Government of Canada's foreign policy goals related to international labour and social policy issues and provide it with a voice in the international community.

Strategic Outcome: CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL AGENDA-The international agenda is shaped to Canada's benefit and advantage in accordance with Canadian interests and values.

Results Achieved: Through membership in the ILO, Canada can promote its interests in global labour and employment issues and help to shape international labour standards. These standards establish the norms for labour agreements with Canada's trade partners and for multilateral corporate social responsibility guidelines, and influence Canadian labour laws and policies.

Comment(s) on Variance(s): Contribution amounts for the ILO are determined each year at the June conference. The variance reflects currency and assessment rate differences.

Signifficant Audit Findings and URL(s) to Last Audit(s): www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---ed_norm/---relconf/documents/meetingdocument/wcms_101783.pdf. An independent oversight advisory committee was also established in 2008 to provide advice on financial management and auditing. Its first report was released in March 2009.

Name of Transfer Payment Program: International Organisation of the Francophonie (OIF)

Start date: March 9, 1972

End date: N/A

Description: As a member of the OIF, Canada is required to contribute to the operational fees of the organisation.

Strategic Outcome: CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL AGENDA-The international agenda is shaped to Canada's benefit and advantage in accordance with Canadian interests and values.

Results Achieved: The OIF has been active in all the areas for which it has been mandated by its member states.

Comment(s) on Variance(s): The variance reflects currency differences.

Signifficant Audit Findings and URL(s) to Last Audit(s): An audit is planned for 2010-11.

Name of Transfer Payment Program: North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Civil Administration

Start date: January 1, 1989

End date: N/A

Description: Canada's annual assessed contribution to NATO is a legally binding obligation of membership based on the 1949 North Atlantic Treaty. Canada's contribution furthers its foreign policy goals by funding the administrative budget of NATO, an international organisation vital to Canadian defence and security interests. NATO was designed to promote the stability of the North Atlantic area and to safeguard the freedom and security of its people by political and military means, based on the principles of democracy, individual liberty and international law. The NATO civil budget, structured along "output based" lines in response to objectives set annually by the North Atlantic Council, covers the activities of the NATO Secretary General, the NATO headquarters and the NATO international staff. The NATO civil administration supports the process of consensus building and decision making among alliance members and manages NATO's relations with its partners. The NATO civil budget also supports the work of various NATO agencies with specialized responsibilities. An effective and efficient NATO civil administration assists alliance members in promoting security and stability in the North Atlantic area and in responding effectively to current security challenges, particularly in Afghanistan. The NATO accounts are subject to annual audit by the International Board of Auditors for NATO.

Strategic Outcome: CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL AGENDA-The international agenda is shaped to Canada's benefit and advantage in accordance with Canadian interests and values.

Results Achieved: The results achieved include effective decision making by the alliance in pursuit of the NATO objectives of stability and security in Afghanistan, the North Atlantic region and beyond; support to NATO operations; timely implementation of decisions taken by the North Atlantic Council; appropriate response to current and emerging defence and security challenges; enhanced relations with NATO partners and cooperation with other international organisations; and proper management of the alliance's resources.

Comment(s) on Variance(s): The variance is due to advance payments that were called in 2006-07 for the civil budget General Account and the new NATO Headquarters Account, resulting in a credit being carried forward into 2007-08. In addition, the Canadian dollar to euro exchange rate fluctuated between a monthly average low of 1.388 to a high of 1.597 in 2007-08. These rate changes affected both the planning figures and expenditures. Note that 2007-08 was an exception due to the advance payments and that this reduced spending level does not reflect a reduction in the civil budget. We expect the current fiscal year's expenditures to approximate $18 million, in line with the 2007-08 planning figure.

Signifficant Audit Findings and URL(s) to Last Audit(s): In 2007, the International Board of Auditors for NATO issued the Annual Activities Report for NATO bodies and associated organisations. See www.nato.int/issues/iban/index.html.

Name of Transfer Payment Program: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

Start date: March 20, 1975

End date: N/A

Description: To pay the assessed contribution required of Canada for its participation as a member of the OECD. The contribution pays for the Secretariat (professionals and support staff who provide high-quality research and analysis) and maintenance of the headquarters, located in Paris.

Strategic Outcome: CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL AGENDA-The international agenda is shaped to Canada's benefit and advantage in accordance with Canadian interests and values.

Results Achieved: OECD work programs and policy positions that reflect input from across government and support domestic priorities (productivity and competitiveness, climate change, economic impacts related to aging and immigration, foreign investment); continued work to address economic problems, including the financial crisis, through cooperation with other members (soft law, guidelines, agreements); ongoing Canadian influence on policy development among other members and non-members to improve the functioning of the international economic environment; identification of new and emerging issues for analysis, both domestic and global, that affect our economy and standard of living. Continued sound management of the OECD, including an agreement to reform financing; launch of institutional reforms to improve budgeting and priority setting; ongoing accession process for five candidates; ongoing discussions on enhanced engagement with major emerging economies, reflecting Canadian priorities to increase the long-term effectiveness of the organisation and build relationships with China, India and the Americas (particularly Brazil); improved linkages between the OECD and the G8 through the Heiligendamm Dialogue Process, and work in support of G20 Leaders efforts to address the financial crisis.

Comment(s) on Variance(s): Planned amounts are based on the previous year's assessed contribution, increased by a small amount to reflect French inflation (the OECD is based in Paris). Canada's share of the budget changes annually as it is based on a formula that takes into account a country's three-year average GDP and population statistics.

Signifficant Audit Findings and URL(s) to Last Audit(s): Audits are performed annually, but results are not declassified for three years. Financial statements can be found at www.oecd.org/document/30/0,3343,en_2649_201185_17367518_1_1_1_1,00.html.

Name of Transfer Payment Program: Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)

Start date: January 1, 1993

End date: N/A

Description: Canada's annual assessed contribution to the OSCE is an obligation arising out of Canada's commitments as one of the 56 participating states of the organisation. Canada's contribution furthers its foreign policy goals by funding programs implemented by the OSCE's institutions and field operations in priority foreign policy areas for Canada related to regional and international security.
The OSCE is a focused regional forum with a comprehensive and cooperative approach to security. Canada's contribution to the organisation's unified budget covers the costs associated with the implementation of the organisation's work programs and activities in three dimensions: political and military aspects of security; economic and environmental cooperation; and cooperation in humanitarian and other fields. This integrated approach allows the OSCE to make a significant contribution to furthering European security and transatlantic cooperation through non-coercive measures. Canada's contribution also supports stronger partnership with Canadians in developing and implementing Canada's international security policy, through the involvement of members of Parliament in the work of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, the deployment of Canadians to OSCE field operations, and the contribution of Canadian experts to the organisation.
The OSCE unified budget, based on a programmatic approach, is approved by the OSCE Permanent Council on a yearly basis. The OSCE accounts are subject to an annual report by external auditors as well as an internal oversight annual report, which are made available to participating states.

Strategic Outcome: CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL AGENDA-The international agenda is shaped to Canada's benefit and advantage in accordance with Canadian interests and values.

Results Achieved: During 2008-09, the OSCE, due to its comprehensive approach to security, made a significant contribution to furthering European security and transatlantic cooperation through the implementation of programs and activities in priority areas for Canada, such as good governance and respect for human rights, election monitoring, the promotion of tolerance and non-discrimination, conflict prevention, and crisis management. The OSCE budget supports programs of the OSCE Secretariat in Vienna, as well as the OSCE institutions (Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, Representative on Freedom of the Media, and High Commissioner on National Minorities) and the organisation's 18 field missions. The results include effective and timely implementation of the decisions of the OSCE Permanent Council; continuous monitoring of the security and stability situation in Europe; concerted programming to actively contribute to conflict prevention, conflict resolution and post-conflict institution building; and proper management of the organisation's resources. OSCE financial practices and administrative procedures are kept under constant review by the Advisory Committee on Management and Finance, where Canada plays a leading role.

Comment(s) on Variance(s): The variance can be attributed to fluctuations in the exchange rate, delays in reaching consensus on the OSCE budget, and board and living allowances for vacant positions.

Signifficant Audit Findings and URL(s) to Last Audit(s): Audited financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2007, are located at www.osce.org/item/34374.html.

Name of Transfer Payment Program: Organisation of American States (OAS)

Start date: May 31, 1990

End date: N/A

Description: To pay Canada's annual assessed contribution to the OAS, a Charter obligation of membership.

Strategic Outcome: CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL AGENDA-The international agenda is shaped to Canada's benefit and advantage in accordance with Canadian interests and values.

Results Achieved:

• Role of the Organisation of American States in the promotion of democracy and human rights is strengthened through Canadian support and leadership for OAS activities, including electoral observation missions.
• Successful Fifth Summit of the Americas reinforces key role of the OAS in strengthening the Inter-American architecture.
• Canada's profile and leadership at the OAS is enhanced through the Canadian presence in OAS organs (Inter-American Juridical Committee, Justice Studies Center of the Americas, Permanent Council of the OAS, Committee on Hemispheric Security, Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Affairs, Inter-American Committee on Culture).

Comment(s) on Variance(s): Canada's quota contribution to the OAS is paid in U.S. dollars. The variance is due to exchange rate differences.

Signifficant Audit Findings and URL(s) to Last Audit(s): The independent Board of External Auditors assessed the OAS as being well managed overall in its 2008 annual report. See www.oas.org/oaspage/bid/2007/bid1507_03eng.doc.

Name of Transfer Payment Program: Payments in Lieu of Taxes on Diplomatic, Consular and International Organisations' Property in Canada

Start date: January 18, 1979

End date: N/A

Description: The purpose of this memorandum of understanding is to outline the relationship between Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada and Public Works and Government Services Canada, National Capital Area, under the Diplomatic, Consular and International Organisations' Property Grants Order (P.C.1979-59, January 18, 1979), the Municipal Grants Act, and successor Orders and Acts. It establishes responsibilities and procedures governing the provision of services related to the payment of grants in lieu of real property and frontage or area taxes with respect to diplomatic and consular property. These procedures are designed to ensure fiscal and operational accountability, while promoting efficient program delivery and optimal reciprocal conditions for the Government of Canada abroad.

Strategic Outcome: CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL AGENDA-The international agenda is shaped to Canada's benefit and advantage in accordance with Canadian interests and values.

Results Achieved: Fulfilled Canada's international obligations to foreign diplomatic missions pursuant to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, as well as obligations pursuant to Headquarters agreements in force between Canada and international organisations.

Comment(s) on Variance(s): Any variance between planned and actual spending is attributable to lower than anticipated municipal realty taxes. Changes in the volume and entitlement of grants can be other factors in the year-end variance.

Signifficant Audit Findings and URL(s) to Last Audit(s): N/A

Name of Transfer Payment Program: Projects and Development Activities Resulting from Francophonie Summits

Start date: March 9, 1979

End date: N/A

Description: This fund provides funding to cooperation programs and activities undertaken by the International Organisation of the Francophonie (OIF). It also provides financial support to the Government of New Brunswick to foster its participation in international Francophonie activities. This fund helps to promote Canadian interests and is consistent with political and economic objectives Canada has set itself for the Francophonie. It also promotes active participation from the Government of New Brunswick in summits, ministerial conferences and other related Francophonie activities.

Strategic Outcome: CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL AGENDA-The international agenda is shaped to Canada's benefit and advantage in accordance with Canadian interests and values

Results Achieved: The OIF has been active in all the areas identified in our contribution agreement, in accordance with the overall guidance provided by member states of the Organisation; the Government of New Brunswick was able to take part in all significant activities of the OIF.

Comment(s) on Variance(s): Contribution payments are made according to actual expenses (pro rata).

Signifficant Audit Findings and URL(s) to Last Audit(s): A recipient audit is planned for 2009-10.

Name of Transfer Payment Program: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)

Start date: January 1, 1988

End date: N/A

Description: Canada's annual assessed contribution to UNESCO is a legally binding obligation of membership. The purpose of membership is to further the Government of Canada's foreign policy goals related to culture, science and education, and provide it with a voice in the international community.

Strategic Outcome: CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL AGENDA-The international agenda is shaped to Canada's benefit and advantage in accordance with Canadian interests and values.

Results Achieved: In a decision adopted at its 181st session, the Executive Board noted with satisfaction the progress achieved under Major Programmes I to V and by the UNESCO Institute for Statistics as well as the positive results achieved in incorporating UNESCO's priorities into development assistance frameworks and joint programs at the country level and in strengthening inter-agency collaboration at the global level. It further recognized the efforts to focus the education program on areas of greatest need and to improve the participation of researchers and community associations in the MOST Programme: http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0018/001821/182173e.pdf. Report by the Director-General on the Execution of the Programme Adopted by the General Conference: http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0018/001811/181148e.pdf.

Comment(s) on Variance(s): Contributions are assessed in both U.S. dollars and euros. The variance reflects currency differences and differences in the assessment rate from the previous year.

Signifficant Audit Findings and URL(s) to Last Audit(s): http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=21622&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html

Name of Transfer Payment Program: United Nations Organisation

Start date: March 27, 1980

End date: N/A

Description: Canada's assessed contribution to the regular budget of the United Nations is a legally binding obligation of membership. The purpose of membership is to further the Government of Canada's foreign policy goals related to international peace, security and development and provide it with a voice in the international community. Assessed contributions are used to finance the organisation's programs toward attainment of the UN's objectives, as set out in its Charter. For further information, see www.un.org.

Strategic Outcome: CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL AGENDA-The international agenda is shaped to Canada's benefit and advantage in accordance with Canadian interests and values.

Results Achieved: Efforts to maintain international peace and security and promote sustainable economic growth and development in accordance with the Millennium Development Goals. In particular, progress in the development of Africa; the promotion of human rights; effective coordination of humanitarian assistance efforts; promotion of justice and international law; progress toward disarmament; and international cooperation for drug control, crime prevention and the combating of international terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

Comment(s) on Variance(s): Contributions to the UN, the UN Capital Master Plan and the international criminal tribunals are based on General Assembly resolutions in December 2007. Contributions are assessed in U.S. dollars. The variance reflects currency and assessment rate differences.

Signifficant Audit Findings and URL(s) to Last Audit(s): www.un.org/depts/oios/

Name of Transfer Payment Program: UN Peacekeeping Operations

Start date: October 5, 2000

End date: N/A

Description: Canada's assessed contribution to UN peacekeeping operations is a legally binding obligation of membership. For further information, see www.un.org.

Strategic Outcome: CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL AGENDA-The international agenda is shaped to Canada's benefit and advantage in accordance with Canadian interests and values.

Results Achieved: Worked to enhance peace and security for the countries and regions concerned; and worked to increase levels of security, basic services and levels of governance provided in affected areas, which will promote the prospects for peace as well as enable reconstruction and development activities.

Comment(s) on Variance(s): Contributions for peacekeeping operations are assessed at various times throughout the year, in U.S. dollars. The variance is due to currency differences and the changing costs of various peacekeeping missions. As well, in 2007-08 two new missions to which Canada contributes were added.

Signifficant Audit Findings and URL(s) to Last Audit(s): www.un.org/depts/oios/pages/annual_reports.html

Name of Transfer Payment Program: World Health Organisation (WHO)

Start date: January 1, 1990

End date: N/A

Description: Canada's annual assessed contribution to the WHO is a legally binding obligation of membership. The purpose of membership is to further the Government of Canada's foreign policy goals related to health and provide it with a voice in the international community.

Strategic Outcome: CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL AGENDA-The international agenda is shaped to Canada's benefit and advantage in accordance with Canadian interests and values.

Results Achieved:

• Worked to enhance global health security (maintaining a comprehensive outbreak alert and response mechanism supported by new international health regulations; responding rapidly and effectively in crisis situations).
• Accelerated efforts toward achieving the Millennium Development Goals (reducing maternal mortality, improving child survival, addressing the global pandemics of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, promoting healthy environments, increasing access to essential medicines).
• Further promotion of equity in health (strengthening health systems to reach the poor and disadvantaged).
• Ensured accountability by improving organisational effectiveness, transparency and accountability.

Comment(s) on Variance(s): Contributions to the WHO are based on resolutions made in the annual World Health Assembly. Contributions are assessed in U.S. dollars. The variance reflects differences in the assessment rate from the previous year, a reduction due to a credit for prompt payment, and currency differences.

Signifficant Audit Findings and URL(s) to Last Audit(s): N/A. For information on governance, please see www.who.int/governance/en/index.html.

Name of Transfer Payment Program: World Trade Organisation (WTO)

Start date: January 1, 1995

End date: March 31, 2009

Description: The purpose of this program is to pay the assessed contribution for Canada's membership in the WTO.

Strategic Outcome: CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL AGENDA-The international agenda is shaped to Canada's benefit and advantage in accordance with Canadian interests and values.

Results Achieved: Canada participated in all standing and ad hoc meetings of the WTO in fiscal year 2008-09. These included regular participation in General Council meetings (which deal with institutional and administrative issues that have a strong trade policy component); the Committee on Budget, Finance, and Administration; the Dispute Settlement Body; the Trade Policy Review Body; WTO informal ministerial meetings; senior official meetings; as well as numerous other councils, committees, working parties and negotiating groups covering the wide range of WTO issues. Other international work by Canada-such as that in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, APEC and the Cairns Group-also supports our work at the WTO.

Canada was actively involved in all areas of the Doha Development Agenda in 2008-09 and continues to work with other WTO members to advance these negotiations. A meeting of ministers was held in July 2008 with a view to reaching agreement on modalities in the agriculture and non-agriculture market access (NAMA) negotiations. While the talks broke down, significant progress was made in agriculture and industrial products. Canada was an active participant at the ministerial meeting, attended by both the Minister of International Trade and the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Since the July meeting, Canada has continued to be involved in technical discussions that are ongoing in all negotiating groups. For example, in the agriculture and NAMA areas of the negotiations, Canada has been playing a lead role in protecting domestic interests and seeking new market access opportunities for Canadian exporters. Following the release of the chairs' texts in July 2008, Canada continued to defend its position and interests strongly. In services, Canada participated actively in the July Services Signalling Conference, participated in several plurilateral and bilateral market access negotiations throughout 2008-09, and continues to act as coordinator of the "Really Good Friends" group of services demandeurs. In trade facilitation negotiations, Canada continues to work to move the negotiations forward, which seek to encourage increased trade, growth and investment by reducing costly delays and red tape at borders. In rules, Canada maintained its participation in the rules negotiations to clarify and improve subsidy disciplines and the rules governing anti-dumping and countervail investigation.

Canada participated in WTO Trade Policy Reviews of 16 members in 2008-09, including the Trade Policy Reviews of China, the United States and Japan. The Trade Policy Review is a peer review exercise designed to provide a collective appreciation and understanding of the full range of individual members' trade policies and practices and their impact on the multilateral trading system.

The Trade Policy Review Mechanism also calls for the Trade Policy Review Body (TPRB) to undertake an annual overview of developments in the international trading environment. This is assisted by an annual report of the Director-General, which sets out major activities and highlights significant policy issues affecting the trading system. In view of the financial and economic crisis, this work increased in significance this year, as it also serves to facilitate a monitoring role for the standstill commitments on trade protectionism made by G20 and APEC members in November 2008. Canada is very supportive of this work by the TPRB and has provided the Secretariat with information on trade and trade-related activities that it has undertaken since the beginning of the crisis. It is our view that the reports from the Director-General on the financial and economic crisis and trade-related developments provide useful and timely information concerning international trends and that greater transparency and surveillance of trade policies and practices will contribute to addressing the trade challenges of the global economic crisis.

On accessions, throughout 2008-09 DFAIT held bilateral meetings with a view to advancing negotiations with several countries, including Russia, Azerbaijan, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Yemen, and also concluded bilateral negotiations with Montenegro, paving the way for its accession in 2009-10 on terms that will benefit Canadian goods and services exporters.

Canada continued to be an active participant in WTO dispute settlement proceedings. Canada's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the WTO, John Gero, is chairperson of the Dispute Settlement Body. Canada is currently a complainant in the following cases: Korea: Measures Affecting the Importation of Bovine Meat and Meat Products from Canada (Complaint by Canada) (WTO Ref. DS391); European Communities: Measures Affecting the Approval and Marketing of Biotech Products (Complaint by Canada) (WTO Ref. DS292); China: Measures Affecting Imports of Auto Parts (Complaint by Canada) (WTO Ref. DS342); United States: Subsidies and Other Domestic Support for Corn and Other Agricultural Products (Complaint by Canada) (WTO Ref. DS 357); European Communities: Certain Measures Prohibiting the Importation and Marketing of Seal Products (Complaint by Canada) (WTO Ref. DS 369); United States: Certain Country of Origin Labelling (COOL) Requirements (Complaint by Canada) (WTO Ref. DS 384); European Communities: Hormones (WTO Ref. DS48).

Canada is a respondent in the following case: Canada: Provisional Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duties on Grain Corn from the United States (Complaint by the United States) (WTO Ref. 338).

Canada is a third party in the following cases: China: Grants, Loans and Other Incentives (Complaint by the United States) (WTO Ref. 387); European Communities: Measures Affecting Trade in Large Civil Aircraft (Complaint by the United States) (WTO Ref. DS 316); United States: Measures Affecting Trade in Large Civil Aircraft (Complaint by the EC) (WTO Ref. DS 353); United States: Definitive Antidumping and Countervailing Duties Against Chinese Products (Complaint by China) (WTO Ref. DS379); Chile: Price Band System and Safeguard Measures Relating to Certain Agricultural Products (Complaint by Argentina) (WTO Ref. DS207); China: Measures Affecting the Protection and Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights (Complaint by the United States) (WTO Ref. DS 362); United States: Measures Affecting Trade in Large Civil Aircraft (Complaint by the EC) (WTO Ref. DS317); European Communities: Measures Affecting Trade in Large Civil Aircraft (Second Complaint by the United States) (WTO Ref. DS347).

Comment(s) on Variance(s): The variance reflects currency rate difference.

Signifficant Audit Findings and URL(s) to Last Audit(s): The last report of the external auditor is for the biennium 2006/2007. The report can be found in WTO document WT/BFA/W/168. The external auditor for the period in question was the Austrian Court of Audit.
The auditors examined the Financial Statements in document WT/BFA/W/157 relating to the financial period 2006 including Statements 1 to 6, Schedules A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I and an Annex and the Financial Statements in document WT/BFA/W/168 relating to the financial period 2007, including Statements 1 to 7 and Schedules A, B, C. Furthermore, the representatives of the Austrian Court of Audit examined the Financial Statements on Extra-Budgetary Funds in document WT/BFA/W/158 relating to the financial period 2006 and document WT/BFA/W/169 relating to the financial period 2007 on a sample basis. Their examination included a general review of the accounting procedures and such tests of the accounting records and other supporting evidence as they considered necessary in the circumstances. As a result of the examination, the opinion is given that these statements were prepared in conformity with the accounting policies described in the Annex of the document WT/BFA/W/157 and in Statement 7 of document WT/BFA/W/168 and that such policies were applied on a basis consistent with that of the biennium 2004/2005. They present fairly the financial position of the World Trade Organisation as at the end of each of the two financial periods covering the biennium 2006/2007. The financial statements were prepared in accordance with the stated accounting principles. The transactions were in accordance with the Financial Rules and the Financial Regulations set out in WT/L/157, WT/L/156/Rev.1, WT/L/157/Rev.1 and WT/L/156/Rev.2 including further instructions in WT/BFA/W/121 and with legislative authority.

Expenditure under the WTO Secretariat in 2007 amounted to CHF 169,261,956, leaving a budgetary surplus of CHF 7,603,294. With respect to the Appellate Body and its Secretariat, 2007 expenditure amounted to CHF 4,658,163, resulting in a budgetary surplus of CHF 453,037. The total excess of income over expenditure amounted to CHF 9,943,207 (Statement 2).

Name of Recipient: Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada

Start Date: March 31, 2005

End Date: N/A

Total Funding: $50 million

Description: The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, created by an Act of Parliament in 1984, is an independent, not-for-profit think tank on Canada's relations with Asia. The Foundation functions as a knowledge broker, bringing together people and knowledge to provide current and comprehensive research, analysis and information on Canada's trans-Pacific relations. It promotes dialogue on economic, security, political and social issues, fostering informed decision making in the Canadian public, private and non-governmental sectors. The Foundation also provides grants to support policy research and informed discussion on Canada's relations with Asia. The Foundation is funded primarily by the proceeds of an endowment of $50 million from the Government of Canada.

Strategic Outcome: CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL AGENDA-The international agenda is shaped to Canada's benefit and advantage in accordance with Canadian interests and values.

Program Activity: Diplomacy and Advocacy

Summary of Results Achieved by the Recipient

• Advanced policy issues related to the Asia Pacific Gateway through a number of research activities, publications and convening activities.
• Produced surveys and publications on Canadians living overseas.
• Issued a variety of publications on the Global Asia theme, focused in particular on bilateral educational partnerships with India and two-way economic ties with China.
• Disseminated research and analysis through a wide range of publications, roundtables and briefings.

Comment on Variance: N/A

Significant Evaluation Findings and URL(s) to Last Evaluation(s)/Future Plans: A summative evaluation was completed and approved by the DFAIT Departmental Evaluation Committee on April 20, 2009. The evaluation's four main recommendations were:

1. Use Web and interactive tools to better position the Foundation in the competitive market of ideas on Asian policy.
2. Cooperate with other organisations to leverage limited resources.
3. Involve the Board of Directors more extensively in decision making and fundraising, and improve the composition of the Board.
4. Monitor the effectiveness of policy activities and whether the intended target audience is being reached.

The Foundation's management response to each of the above points was:

1. A new website has been launched.
2. Collaborative efforts with other organisations are already under way.
3. The Foundation is committed to greater involvement of the Board of Directors in the governance of the Foundation and to recruiting appointees from areas and specialties not currently represented on the Board.
4. The Foundation agreed to incorporate client feedback (e.g. survey results) in the design of programs and research projects.

Significant Audit Findings and URL(s) to Last Audit(s)/Future Plans: An audit of the management of the Foundation Fund (section 4 of the Conditional Grant Agreement) was performed by DFAIT's Inspection Division in 2008. The audit found that the Foundation has:

• managed the investment of the Endowment Fund in a prudent manner with the objective of preserving the principal amount over the long term;
• established an Investment Committee that overseas matters related to the investment management of the Fund;
• established a Statement of Investment Policy and not engaged in or invested in prohibited investments and trading activities as outlined in 4.10 of the Agreement; and
• appointed an independent investment firm to provide investment advice.

The audit recommended that:

• the maximum investment in bonds should be less than or equal to 88%; and
• the Statement of Investment Policies and Procedures should be revised to ensure the preservation of the principal amount of the Fund.

The Foundation will undertake another compliance audit in FY 2009-10 to attest to the other sections of the Conditional Grant Agreement. The cost of the compliance audit will be $50,000.

As per the Conditional Grant Agreement, and to ensure compliance with that agreement, a compliance audit of the Foundation, at the expense of DFAIT, will be conducted in the last quarter of 2008-09. The audit will include environmental effects, a review of the effectiveness and adequacy of internal controls, and verification of performance information, propriety, and compliance with this agreement and the Act.

The Foundation also undertakes independent audits as part of its annual reporting cycle.

URL to Recipient's Site: www.asiapacific.ca

URL to Recipient's Annual Report: www.asiapacific.ca/analysis/pubs/index.cfm#35

Name of Recipient: Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI)

Start Date: January 30, 2003

End Date: N/A

Total Funding: $30 million

Description: CIGI supports world-leading research in the area of global governance, particularly in the area of global economic and financial governance, and furthers Canada's interest in having a stable and well-governed global economic system by bringing together academics, policy analysts and researchers from around the world to discuss and carry out research on current topics and trends.

Strategic Outcome: CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL AGENDA-The international agenda is shaped to Canada's benefit and advantage in accordance with Canadian interests and values.

Program Activity: Diplomacy and Advocacy

Summary of Results Achieved by the Recipient: (from Annual Report 2008)

• Published 29 papers and reports and 11 books, and hosted 105 public events, workshops and conferences.
• Focused efforts on the food crisis, emerging powers such as China and India, the G8 and G20 summits and reform, and climate change.
• Further developed strategic global networks to raise the quality of CIGI policy research.

Comment on Variance: N/A

Significant Evaluation Findings and URL(s) to Last Evaluation(s)/Future Plans: A positive evaluation, with main recommendations focused on the need for a strategic plan and improved management for results. This CIGI-funded evaluation is not posted online.

Significant Audit Findings and URL(s) to Last Audit(s)/Future Plans: N/A

URL to Recipient's Site: www.cigionline.org

URL to Recipient's Annual Report: www.cigionline.org/about/annual-report

Name of Recipient: Forum of Federations

Start Date: March 29, 2001

End Date: March 31, 2011

Total Funding: $30 million²

Description: The conditional grant provided by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT) to the Forum of Federations provides concrete help to the Forum's efforts to promote programs of mutual cooperation and affords Canada the opportunity to play a more prominent role in shaping federalism worldwide. These programs are designed to help develop best practices in countries with federal systems of government, provide expertise and promote exchanges with other countries interested in federal approaches, and help Canada to assume an international leadership role on work related to federal political systems. The Forum's independence, and its ability to draw on both Canadian experience and international resources, is the best existing mechanism internationally to provide this exploration of federalism. This grant also covers Canada's annual $50,000 contribution as a member of the Forum's Strategic Council, an advisory body to the Forum's Board of Directors consisting of partner governments that have signed a framework arrangement with the Forum.

Funding of Forum activities reaffirms to the world Canada's commitment to the Forum, thus encouraging other governments to partner with the Forum, further promoting its internationalization. The drawdown nature of the grant anticipates an increase in funding from other partner governments that will diminish Canada's financial commitment in the future as the sole or principal source of funding, while concurrently sending a clear message to foreign governments that Canada supports the important work of the Forum and is committed to its becoming a global organisation. The pursuit of internationalization will help to further the Forum's reputation and prominence by integrating a broader base of federal experiences and continuing to attract high-quality international personnel.

On the domestic front, the Forum reflects a core value of our national political identity: Canada's commitment to open federalism. Now that the Forum has established its credibility on the international stage, we anticipate that its neutral status and expertise could continue to pave the way for further activities in the domestic arena, including as a source of ideas on flexible federalism through its new Canada Program.

Strategic Outcome: CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL AGENDA-The international agenda is shaped to Canada's benefit and advantage in accordance with Canadian interests and values.

Program Activity: Diplomacy and Advocacy

Summary of Results Achieved by the Recipient:

Geographic Programming: North America: The Forum's Canada Program examined issues of federal-provincial/state governance related to internal markets and environmental assessment. The Forum continued its work with the Government of Mexico to develop a five-year plan, focusing primarily on the intergovernmental relations and public security sectors. Programming in the United States was limited in this period. South America: Cooperation with the Fiscal Forum of Brazilian States continued, with Brazil becoming an official partner government of the Forum in December 2008. The Forum focused its work with Argentina on issues of fiscal federalism, including revenue sharing, and the foreign relations of constituent units. The situation in Bolivia continues to be monitored. Europe: At the request of Germany, the Forum assisted government officials in benchmarking in federalist states. A joint partnership was established with Expo Zaragoza to co-host a meeting on water governance that was held in Spain in July 2008. In March 2009, the Forum organized a conference on intergovernmental relations and horizontal cooperation together with the Gimenez Abad Foundation, and partnered with the European Union to host a conference on foreign policy of regions and constituent units in Brussels. High-level meetings with government and parliamentary officials were held as part of an exploratory mission to Italy, and a similar mission to Russia was also undertaken. Asia: In Nepal, the Forum is implementing a multi-year program with Swiss and German funds to provide technical advice to the Constituent Assembly on how to design and implement federal government structures, and is providing "Federalism 101" (provision of documents, translations, etc.) support to civil society. The Forum pursued funding of work with civil society in Sri Lanka on "Federalism 101" and service delivery at the local government level, and has identified that engaging female politicians will be an important focus moving forward. The Forum participated in a Government of Canada-sponsored mission to Pakistan that has led to a request for a proposal from the German government; a multi-year program proposal has been submitted to the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs for consideration. Pacific: A three-year program is being developed in Australia based on the new commonwealth government's priorities (including health care, Aboriginal issues and climate change). The Forum continues to monitor the situation in the Philippines, Micronesia, and Indonesia in order to identify potential program opportunities. Middle East: Work in Iraq continued. Africa: The Forum continued to pursue activity in its priority African states: Sudan (federal governance awareness and training, including technical support to the Fiscal and Financial Allocation and Monitoring Commission); Ethiopia (enhancing federalism, with a focus on fiscal federalism and intergovernmental relations and conflict, through academic development, training and policy research, technical assistance and outreach); and Nigeria (intergovernmental relations and service delivery, fiscal federalism and constitutional review).

Global Dialogue Program: The 2008-09 Global Dialogue Program featured two themes: (1) "Diversity and Unity in Federal Countries" (international roundtable); and (2) "Intergovernmental Relations in Federal Countries" (country roundtables). Twelve countries were examined under both headings, including Canada, with the latter theme also including the European Union in its review. Highlights of the various exchanges have been incorporated into country chapters of Volume 7 of the Program's booklet series, entitled Dialogues on Diversity and Unity in Federal Countries, which was published in 2008.

Operations: Arrangements for the continuation of seconded personnel from Switzerland and Germany have been concluded. The German version of the Forum's Federations magazine was introduced in early 2008.

Comment on Variance: N/A

Significant Evaluation Findings and URL(s) to Last Evaluation(s)/Future Plans: As outlined in the Grant Agreement, an independent third-party evaluation of the Forum's activities was undertaken in 2008. The purpose of this evaluation was to measure the overall performance of the Forum in achieving the outcomes outlined in the Agreement, and to assess the appropriateness and effectiveness of the grant and the fund as a longer-term financing mechanism. The release of the report, originally scheduled to be completed by March 31, 2008, was delayed until June 2008 due to the postponement of the Forum's Board of Directors meeting.

The evaluation was largely positive in tone, although general in scope of analysis. While the evaluation highlighted various ways in which the Forum has successfully broadened its international network and programming, developing a niche role as both a source and a centre for the exchange of knowledge and experience on federal governance, the evaluation failed to raise certain issues and challenges that are pertinent to the Government of Canada's ongoing relationship with the Forum (i.e. the Forum's ability to internationalize both its partnership and funding bases while also ensuring that current partner countries such as Canada are provided an adequate level of domestic programming).

Significant Audit Findings and URL(s) to Last Audit(s)/Future Plans: In consultation with the Office of the Inspector General, the Intergovernmental Relations and Domestic Outreach Bureau determined that an audit of the conditional grant provided to the Forum was not required in 2008-09.

The independent performance (value for money) audit required to ensure the economy, efficiency and effectiveness of the Forum's activities has been scheduled for 2009-10. DFAIT had initially suggested that the Forum consider including this component in the third-party evaluation; however, no deadline was identified for this audit. Once completed, the report will be made public and a copy sent to the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

URL to Recipient's Site: www.forumfed.org

URL to Recipient's Annual Report: www.forumfed.org/en/about/annualreports.php