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Section 2: Analysis of Program Activities by Strategic Outcome

2.1 Strategic Outcome 1: Canada’s International Agenda

Description: The international agenda is shaped to Canada’s benefit and advantage in accordance with Canadian interests and values.

Benefits to Canadians: This strategic outcome provides benefits to Canadians by supplying international policy advice and integration to the government and by conducting diplomacy and advocacy to advance Canadian interests and values. This includes the promotion of peace, freedom, democratic governance, human rights and the rule of law, as well as promotion of Canada’s trade interests through advocacy and diplomacy, including trade negotiations and dispute settlement.

Performance Indicator	Target
Percentage of international partners and institutions that recognize and support key Canadian positions on political and trade relations	75%

2.1.1 Program Activity 1: International Policy Advice and Integration

Description: DFAIT draws upon its expertise at missions and Headquarters to establish integrated and coherent foreign policy and international trade priorities, and to provide information, intelligence and advice to ministers, senior officials and key partners to support informed decisions that advance Canadian values and interests internationally.

Planning Summary: The department will improve its planning, resource alignment and risk management to ensure that focused planning priorities are set and clear accountabilities for the delivery of results are established. Coherent, integrated policy advice will be provided to ministers, senior managers and partners on international trends and policy priorities.

Performance Expectations: DFAIT expects that the government will demonstrate significant levels of satisfaction with the information, intelligence and advice that the department delivers.

Program Activity: International Policy Advice and Integration

Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending ($ millions)
2011–12		2012–13		2013–14
FTEs	Planned Spending	FTEs	Planned Spending	FTEs	Planned Spending
880	133.7	881	122.5	881	122.5

Program Activity Expected Results	Performance Indicators	Targets
The Government of Canada has the information, intelligence and advice it needs to make informed decisions on foreign and international economic policies, programs and priorities	Level of satisfaction of the government with the information, intelligence and advice	Significant level of satisfaction demonstrated by approval and use of information, intelligence and advice

Planning Highlights

DFAIT will improve its business planning, resource alignment and risk management by fostering stronger linkages between planning and performance management, clearer accountabilities for results, and the full integration of risk management into strategic and operational planning.

Coherent, integrated and prioritized policy advice will be provided to ministers, senior management and other government departments to enable the development and implementation of current international policy priorities.

The department will conduct evidence-based research on emerging international trends and employ an open policy development model to provide integrated advice on medium-term policy implications to ministers, senior management, other government departments and Canadian stakeholders.

Legal policy advice on international foreign and trade policies, including key issues such as Arctic sovereignty, international criminal law, treaty law and economic sanctions, will be provided to support decisions by the government.

The department will work with CIDA and the Department of Finance to ensure that Canadian aid policy remains effective, accountable and aligned with Canadian priorities through effective management of the challenges associated with zero growth in Canada’s International Assistance Envelope.

Benefits to Canadians: Through this program activity the department ensures that its resources are aligned to the government’s priorities and are allocated efficiently to achieve results for Canadians. The provision of high-quality, evidence-based intelligence and advice to decision makers is critical to influencing the international agenda in accordance with Canadian interests and values.

2.1.2 Program Activity 2: Diplomacy and Advocacy

Description: Diplomacy, advocacy and program delivery, informed by consultations with domestic stakeholders, are key activities DFAIT undertakes to engage and influence international players in order to advance Canadian interests and values internationally.

Planning Summary: DFAIT will continue to pursue an ambitious free trade agenda with a focus on emerging markets and the European Union. The department will engage in diplomacy and advocacy in the United States on issues including trade and investment, border management, energy and Great Lakes water quality.

In accordance with Canada’s civilian focus post-2011, the department will work to strengthen Afghanistan’s security, rule of law, human rights and regional stability as part of the UN-mandated, NATO-led mission and will work with partners to build the capacity of Afghanistan’s army and police to take a lead responsibility for security by 2014.

The department will also concentrate on global governance reform, support accountability mechanisms at the G-8, and support efforts to reform the UN Security Council and Human Rights Council. DFAIT will promote security, prosperity and democratic governance in the Americas, with a focus on expanding security- and justice-sector capacity. In the Arctic, DFAIT will seek to resolve boundary issues and strengthen the operational and policy roles of the Arctic Council. DFAIT's program delivery will remain an important policy tool to protect Canadians and advance Canada's priorities, interests and leadership abroad. 

Performance Expectations: DFAIT’s plans for this program activity reflect an ambitious agenda. Nevertheless, the department anticipates significant levels of international support for Canadian positions on the issues described below, as demonstrated by the reflection of Canadian policy priorities in bilateral and multilateral negotiations, decisions, declarations and agreements. Departmental programs will be aligned to government priorities and will be managed effectively, as demonstrated by the achievement of results set out in program-specific performance measurement strategies.

Program Activity: Diplomacy and Advocacy

Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending ($ millions)
2011–12		2012–13		2013–14
FTEs	Planned Spending	FTEs	Planned Spending	FTEs	Planned Spending
1,793	1,193.8	1,793	1,190.1	1,793	1,054.9

Program Activity Expected Results	Performance Indicators	Targets
Canada’s diplomatic efforts and programs engage and influence international players to protect and build support for Canadian interests and values	Reflection of Canadian foreign and international economic policy priorities in bilateral and multilateral actions, decisions, declarations and agreements	Significant level of support for Canadian positions in the international community
	Effectiveness of programs in achieving results and aligning with priorities	Program effectiveness

Planning Highlights

Contributing to Canadian prosperity

Note: implementation of the Global Commerce Strategy encompasses the following planning highlights within this program activity as well as trade development work, for which plans appear under Program Activity 3.

DFAIT will support expansion of Canada’s economic relationship with emerging markets such as China, India and Brazil through:

• progress in the negotiation of a Canada-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, the completion of a foreign investment promotion and protection agreement, and the implementation of the Canada-India engagement strategy;

• the development of a foreign investment promotion and protection agreement with China, and increased collaboration with the Canada-China Joint Economic and Trade Council on issues of trade, investment, innovation, governance, energy and the environment, and health; and

• close cooperation with the Canada-Brazil Joint Economic and Trade Council, the launch of a strategic partnership dialogue with Brazil and the establishment of the high-level Canada-Brazil Business Council.

The department will improve market access for Canadian exporters, investors and innovators through the conclusion of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement with the European Union. Bilateral and regional trade negotiations, including free trade agreements, foreign investment promotion and protection agreements, and air services agreements will be pursued. Canada’s interests will be represented in the Doha Development Agenda negotiations of the World Trade Organization and effective use will be made of the multilateral rules-based system.

Outreach initiatives will be undertaken to increase support among Gulf Cooperation Council states and key regional partners (e.g. Jordan, Qatar, Tunisia) for negotiations on trade liberalization.

Provinces, territories and municipalities will continue to be consulted actively on Canada's trade agenda and on areas of shared interest such as investment attraction and promotion of Canada's international business success.

DFAIT will provide legal support to trade negotiations and to defend Canadian interests in international dispute-settlement mechanisms, including investor-state and World Trade Organization litigation. High-quality and unbiased administrative services will be provided through the administration of international trade dispute settlement mechanisms by the Trade Agreements and NAFTA Secretariat.

Implementation of Edu-Canada programs will strengthen Canada’s education sector, attract global talent and advance bilateral relations by promoting Canada as a study destination of choice and a partner in providing education and work experience.

Contributing to global governance and security

DFAIT will continue to provide a significant contribution to international efforts in Afghanistan, led by the UN and NATO, specifically by:

• delivering whole-of-government initiatives and strategies focused on security, rule of law, respect for human rights and regional diplomacy to make Afghanistan better governed, more stable and secure, and no longer a safe haven for terrorists; and
• ensuring that Canada’s interests in Afghanistan are reflected in NATO’s strategy, and that Canadian programming is fully aligned with Canada’s priorities and develops Afghan governance and security capacities.

DFAIT will contribute to efforts to address emerging security challenges, in follow-up to the G-8 Muskoka Declaration, including through:

• management of new security vulnerabilities in Africa (Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo-Great Lakes, Somalia, Sahel), including terrorism, drug trafficking, international crime and piracy; and
• addressing emerging issues such as migrant smuggling through effective use of programs and the provision of whole-of-government and international leadership in bilateral, regional and multilateral forums.

DFAIT will continue to contribute to the stability of fragile and vulnerable states through policy and program support, including advancing a Canadian whole-of-government civilian deployment framework and supporting capacity-building initiatives.

The promotion of Canada’s interests in global governance, evolving summitry and renewed efforts to reform global institutions will remain a priority for the department, including:

• ensuring Canadian interests in evolving leaders’ summitry, especially at the G-8 and G-20, are addressed through targeted contributions to summitry mandate issues as well as to the development of accountability mechanisms to ensure timely implementation of summit outcomes;
• advancing Canadian interests in G-8 foreign ministers’ and leaders’ summitry, as well as NATO and other regional peace and security summits, through ongoing contributions to work on international peace and security issues;
• supporting efforts to reform the UN Security Council and Human Rights Council through the development of reform proposals and cooperation with other actors advocating reform; and
• enhancing international human rights governance by ensuring that egregious human rights violations as well as emerging human rights issues, such as Internet freedom, are adequately addressed.

Advancing regional interests

The Hemisphere

The department will reinforce the Canada-U.S. economic relationship through effective advocacy and collaboration on border management, trade and investment, and energy and the environment, including by:

• supporting the implementation of the Canada-U.S. Shared Vision for Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness through coordinated outreach by Canada’s missions in the United States to build support for the vision among key U.S. stakeholders;
• ensuring that Canadian access to the U.S. market is maintained or improved through advocacy and trade policy initiatives, including efforts to address “Buy American” provisions as well as activities under the Canada-U.S. Regulatory Cooperation Council to promote economic growth through increased regulatory transparency and coordination;
• improving knowledge and awareness of specific Canadian interests through activities in the United States, supported by the North American Platform Program advocacy fund and the Building Prosperity for Canadians Fund;
• maintaining market access for Canadian energy through coordinated outreach and advocacy to enhance U.S. decision makers’ awareness of how Canada’s oil sands can contribute to U.S. energy and economic security; and
• developing a framework for action to improve the health of the Great Lakes ecosystem through the negotiation of a modernized Canada-U.S. Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.

DFAIT will address security threats and advance security cooperation in the Americas, in particular with Mexico, Central America and Haiti, by:

• enhancing justice- and security-sector governance in Central America and Mexico in follow-up to the 2010 North American Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and whole-of-government efforts to build security-sector capacity and support related government and non-governmental institutions;
• strengthening Canadian coordination in Haiti and among international partners through robust whole-of-government approaches to addressing Haiti’s governance, security, stability and reconstruction; and
• establishing a framework to advance security, prosperity and democratic development in the Americas, in cooperation with key partners, through the refocusing and implementation of the Americas Strategy, including a communications and outreach strategy.

Europe

Targeted advocacy efforts will be undertaken by Canada’s network of missions in Europe to increase support among key EU member states for the conclusion of a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. Canada’s Arctic Foreign Policy will be implemented in Europe through diplomacy and advocacy initiatives in key states.

Africa

A whole-of-government engagement strategy with Africa will be developed and implemented to strengthen key bilateral and continental/regional relationships (African Union, Regional Economic Communities, International Conference on the Great Lakes Region).

Asia

In addition to the trade policy initiatives noted above, the department will advance Canadian values and interests in Asia on key issues including disrupting and deterring human smuggling and supporting democracy, human rights, good governance and property rights through targeted outreach and advocacy by the mission network, bilateral and multilateral engagement, and leveraging regional partnerships such as ASEAN.

Middle East

The Middle East Peace Process will be supported by a principled Canadian approach to Middle East peace issues, which respects Israel’s right to security and full participation in the multilateral system, while providing political advocacy for a two-state solution.

Advancing Canadian interests with respect to the environment, energy and the Arctic

The operations and policy role of the Arctic Council will be strengthened by the negotiation of a binding search and rescue agreement, and the development of enhanced Council institutional capabilities, including the possible creation of a permanent secretariat function.

DFAIT will provide legal and policy advice to support progress on Arctic boundary issues and related consultations with the United States and Denmark. In addition, efforts will be made to secure international recognition for the full extent of Canada's extended continental shelf through continued preparation of Canada's submission to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf.

The department will advance Canada’s climate change and energy interests through progress toward the negotiation of a comprehensive climate change framework agreement that includes all major greenhouse gas emitters.

Protocol

The department will maintain standards of excellence in the provision of services to clients of the Office of Protocol—the Prime Minister, the Governor General, the four portfolio ministers and the foreign diplomatic corps accredited to Canada—including through the implementation of evaluation recommendations from the department’s Inspector General.

Benefits to Canadians: Diplomacy and advocacy in these areas enhance economic opportunities for Canadians, contribute to a safer and more secure world, and defend Canadian sovereignty, values and environmental interests.

2.2 Strategic Outcome 2: International Services for Canadians

Description: Canadians are satisfied with commercial, consular and passport services. This strategic outcome is supported by three program activities: International Commerce, Consular Services and Emergency Management, and Passport Canada.

Benefits to Canadians: These services expand economic opportunities for Canadians, protect their safety in international travel, provide services to Canadians living abroad, and coordinate a Government of Canada response to international emergencies affecting Canadians and Canadian interests.

Performance Indicator	Target
Percentage of clients who were satisfied with consular, passport and commerce services provided by the department	70%

2.2.1 Program Activity 3: International Commerce

Description: This program activity delivers commercial services and advice to Canadian business and supports their pursuit of international business opportunities.

Planning Summary: In accordance with the Global Commerce Strategy, DFAIT will enhance commercial opportunities for Canadian business with an emphasis on emerging markets, and will continue to implement a sector-based approach to enhance the alignment of the Trade Commissioner Service with the priorities and capabilities of Canadian business. The department will strengthen science and technology partnerships, facilitate Canadian direct investment abroad, and promote corporate social responsibility, foreign direct investment and innovation in Canada.

Performance Expectations: DFAIT will provide timely, high-quality programs and services that respond to the evolving needs of Canadian clients and partners. The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service provides services in both official languages, acknowledges inquiries within five working days and protects commercially sensitive information. Service standards are also in effect for the issuance of import and export control permits and related documents.

Program Activity: International Commerce

Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending ($ millions)
2011–12		2012–13		2013–14
FTEs	Planned Spending	FTEs	Planned Spending	FTEs	Planned Spending
1,428	162.7	1,428	162.8	1,428	162.1

Program Activity Expected Results	Performance Indicators3	Targets
Canadian exporters, innovators and investors have increased their international business development efforts	Percentage of clients and partners who actively pursued a commercial agreement in a market where they sought assistance from the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS)	50% of assisted clients actively pursuing opportunities in target market
Foreign direct investment in proactive sectors and from key markets to which DFAIT contributes has increased in number and value	Number and value of foreign direct investments made in proactive sectors and from key markets to which DFAIT contributed	Number: 100
High-quality international commerce services are delivered to Canadian exporters, importers, investors and innovators	Percentage of clients who are satisfied with the quality of the services delivered by the department	TCS: 70% Export and Import Controls: Establish baseline data on appropriate interactions with client base

Planning Highlights

DFAIT will facilitate improved commercial opportunities for Canadian global businesses in emerging markets (with a particular focus on China, India and Brazil) through effective collaboration with portfolio partners, sector-driven capacity building and program delivery, and facilitation of two-way investment and innovation. As well, it will deliver support initiatives for small- and medium-sized enterprises and tailored advice regarding global value chains and corporate social responsibility. A trade mission to Brazil led by the Minister for International Trade is planned for mid-2011 to promote trade in infrastructure-related technologies and services.

In Asia, Canadian companies will benefit from improved market access and opportunities through and the services and advice provided by an expanded network of Trade Commissioners, now located in eight Indian cities. The department will expand and diversify market access and opportunities for Canadian companies through heightened political interaction and senior-level participation in regional forums, as well as through increased commercial engagement with Japan and other Asia-Pacific partners and the strengthening of Canada’s ASEAN regional trade network.

In Europe and Africa, Canadian commercial and investment interests will be advanced through the promotion of two-way investment and innovation in Canada, the active support of Canadian firms operating in this region, including the facilitation of Canadian direct investment abroad and the implementation of sector practices, in accordance with the Global Commerce Strategy.

In the Hemisphere, Canadian companies’ market access and opportunities will be expanded and diversified through assistance provided by the Trade Commissioner Service. The department will increase interest in Canada as a competitive destination for foreign direct investment through targeted outreach to U.S. corporate decision makers.

Globally, the department will enhance the alignment of Trade Commissioner services to the needs, priorities and capabilities of Canadian commercial clients through a sector-based approach, emphasizing deeper industry knowledge derived from public-private consultation, and drawing upon a strengthened domestic network.

The department will strengthen science and technology partnerships, aligned with Canada’s strategic and sector interests, through the delivery of the Global Commerce Support Program, the Canada-Israel Industrial Research and Development Foundation, and the International Science and Technology Partnerships Program, which deepens Canada’s commercial engagement with China, India and Brazil.

The department will effectively manage its obligations to control trade in specific goods and technology in accordance with the Export and Import Permits Act, including continued implementation of a multi-year replacement plan for two web-based business applications.

Benefits to Canadians: Supporting the participation of Canadian companies in global commerce builds Canadian prosperity by increasing commercial opportunities and stimulating the development of leading-edge companies, a highly skilled and educated workforce, world-class financial infrastructure and top-quality research and development facilities. Services provided by trade commissioners, including trade missions, play a crucial role in helping Canadian businesses mitigate risks in pursuing business abroad and achieve their international business objectives. The effective implementation of export and import control policies and the administration of quotas and permits protect Canada’s economic and security interests and serve Canadian business.

2.2.2 Program Activity 4: Consular Services and Emergency Management

Description: This program activity manages and delivers consular services and advice to Canadians and provides a coordinated Government of Canada response to emergencies abroad affecting Canadians.

Planning Summary: The department will provide consular services to Canadians abroad, improve the consular information website, enhance outreach and partnerships, complete the establishment of a new Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa, and open a Regional Emergency Management Office in Asia.

Performance Expectations: DFAIT expects to improve consular information, which is essential to preparing and educating Canadians for safe and responsible travel, and to increase awareness of DFAIT as a key source of safety and security information for Canadians travelling, working or living abroad. The department also expects to improve consular and emergency assistance to Canadians abroad. 

Program Activity: International Commerce

Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending ($ millions)
2011–12		2012–13		2013–14
FTEs	Planned Spending	FTEs	Planned Spending	FTEs	Planned Spending
471	60.6	479	56.3	479	56.3

Program Activity Expected Results	Performance Indicators	Targets
Canadians travel safely and responsibly	Proportion of Canadians travelling abroad in distress situations	1 in 8,500
Canadians abroad receive emergency consular services	Percentage of emergencies/ crises addressed immediately	100%

Planning Highlights

The department will work to ensure that Canadians are better prepared for international travel through the provision of up-to-date information, improvements to the consular website and increased outreach activities.

DFAIT’s Management Consular Officer community will continue to be resourced, trained and equipped to deliver its consular, security and management responsibilities through key community management initiatives such as recruitment, retention and professional development initiatives.

Consular and emergency management services to Canadians will be improved through enhanced partnerships, policies, procedures and processes, completion of the new Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa and the opening of the Regional Emergency Management Office in Asia.

Benefits to Canadians: Canadians will be better prepared for international travel through access to safe-travel information. Canadians will benefit from increased coverage and more effective delivery of consular services when working, living and travelling abroad. They will also benefit from improved coordination and management of emergencies that may affect them while outside Canada.

2.2.3 Program Activity 5: Passport Canada

Description: This program activity manages and delivers passport services through the Passport Canada Revolving Fund. It enables the issuance of secure travel documents to Canadians, which facilitates their travel and contributes to international and domestic security.

Planning Summary: The department will improve passport services to Canadians in Canada and abroad by modernizing business practices in line with anticipated needs, focusing on economy and effectiveness. It will strengthen security through improvements to the entitlement and issuance processes. Passport Canada will also be developing a solution design for the e-passport and investing in key projects such as information technology lifecycle management.

Performance Expectations: DFAIT expects to improve the innovativeness, reliability, consistency and accessibility of passport services delivered to Canadians, while maintaining or improving on the 90% client satisfaction target. The department will periodically monitor its performance by assessing client satisfaction with passport services and ensuring that the majority of Canadians in Canada have access to this service within 100 km of where they live. The department expects to maintain the current level of client satisfaction with passport services.

Program Activity: Passport Canada

Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending ($ millions)
2011–12		2012–13		2013–14
FTEs	Planned Spending	FTEs	Planned Spending	FTEs	Planned Spending
2,664	329.1	2,293	382.6	2,369	294.5

Program Activity Expected Results	Performance Indicators	Targets
Canadians receive innovative, reliable, consistent and accessible passport services	Percentage of clients who indicate that they are satisfied with the passport services they have received	90% of clients are satisfied to some extent with their overall service experience with Passport Canada
	Percentage of Canadians having access to a point of service within 100 km	95%

Planning Highlights

Passport Canada will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of service to Canadians in Canada and abroad by focusing on core business, modernizing business practices, and anticipating current and future needs.

The security of passport entitlement and issuance processes will be improved.

Passport Canada will also deliver key project investments in relation to Passports, including User Fees Act consultations with Canadians in advance of the 5/10 year e-passport; developing a solution design for the e-passport; facility leasehold projects; and information technology lifecycle management projects.

Benefits to Canadians: Passport Canada provides Canadians with innovative, reliable, timely, consistent, efficient and accessible passport services; the ability to gain entry to other countries using authorized travel documents; a reduction in the fraudulent use of Canadian travel documents; and a decreased incidence of valid Canadian travel documents being held by ineligible parties. The domestic network consists of 34 regional offices, 198 receiving agents, Passport Canada headquarters, and mail-in services. Outside Canada, passport services are offered through Canada’s missions abroad.

2.3 Strategic Outcome 3: Canada’s International Platform

Description: The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade maintains a mission network of infrastructure and services to enable the Government of Canada to achieve its international priorities. This strategic outcome is supported by two program activities: Governance, Strategic Direction and Common Service Delivery; and Government of Canada Benefits.

This strategic outcome provides financial services; human resources management; information management and technology (IM/IT) equipment, networks and maintenance; accommodation (including work facilities and living quarters); travel services; Foreign Service Directives administration; and diplomatic mail to Canada’s network of missions.

As of March 2010, Canada’s network abroad comprised 7,730 Canada-based and locally engaged staff in 173 missions in 105 countries, and 18 regional offices across Canada.

Benefits to Canadians: This strategic outcome provides benefits to Canadians by managing Canada’s global network of missions, which serves as the international platform for government operations. Canadian missions maintain and manage government assets abroad as well as provide program support in line with the Government of Canada's international priorities.

Performance Indicator	Target
Percentage of Government of Canada clients who responded favourably to the common services they received	75%
Percentage of maintenance work and modifications made to the mission network to meet the schedule prepared in accordance to Government of Canada interests	100%

2.3.1 Program Activity 6: Governance, Strategic Direction and Common Service Delivery

Description: This program activity governs, provides strategic direction and leadership, manages change, delivers services and provides infrastructure to the mission platform.

Planning Summary: The department will support Canada’s representation abroad and sustain a network of services and infrastructure through improved efficiency and effectiveness, and additional security measures to protect personnel, information and assets abroad. DFAIT will increase clients’ awareness about service delivery standards at Headquarters and at missions through a communications campaign on expected service delivery standards and regional variances in standards.

Performance Expectations: This program activity is expected to enhance the sustainability, efficiency and effectiveness of Canada’s network of missions, services and infrastructure, as demonstrated by client satisfaction with common services delivery.

Program Activity: Governance, Strategic Direction and Common Service Delivery

Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending ($ millions)
2011–12		2012–13		2013–14
FTEs	Planned Spending	FTEs	Planned Spending	FTEs	Planned Spending
4,589	823.1	4,593	803.8	4,593	784.7

Program Activity Expected Results	Performance Indicators	Targets
Approved framework is in place to provide efficient and cost-effective common services and support for Canada’s representation abroad	Percentage of clients approving the costing framework for common services supporting Canada’s representation abroad	75%
	Costing framework for common services charges is established to facilitate Canada’s representation abroad	An approved costing framework is established
Common services and support are efficient and cost-effective in supporting Canada’s representation abroad	Percentage of missions whose resources are being allocated according to the common service model or regional service centre plan	90%

Planning Highlights

DFAIT will provide efficient and cost-effective common services delivery to ensure the sustainability of Canada’s network of missions abroad.

The department will increase client awareness of common service delivery standards established at Headquarters and at missions by communicating standards and assessing client feedback on service delivery.

The department will mitigate risks to the safety and security of personnel, information and infrastructure through the development and implementation of enhanced security measures, policies, practices and training.

Benefits to Canadians: This program activity provides benefits to Canadians by managing Canada’s network of missions abroad, which provides the infrastructure and services that enable Canada to operate internationally.

2.3.2 Program Activity 7: Government of Canada Benefits

Description: This program activity is the vehicle through which the department and central agencies manage statutory payments to Government of Canada employees abroad (Canada-based staff and locally engaged staff).

Performance Expectations: The department will provide timely and accurate benefit payments to Government of Canada locally engaged and Canada-based staff at missions abroad. The department will measure the level of client satisfaction to assess its performance.

Program Activity: Government of Canada Benefits

Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending ($ millions)
2011–12		2012–13		2013–14
FTEs	Planned Spending	FTEs	Planned Spending	FTEs	Planned Spending
45	150.0	45	148.4	45	143.5

Program Activity Expected Results	Performance Indicators	Targets
Payments are made accurately in compliance with Canadian and local laws and regulations	Percentage of payments accurate and on time	95%

Planning Highlight

The department will ensure timely and accurate service delivery to maintain the level of satisfaction of Government of Canada staff at missions abroad with services provided, such as allowances and benefit payments.

Benefits to Canadians: Ensuring timely and accurate benefits to locally engaged staff is essential to maintaining the services provided across the international platform.

2.3.3 Program Activity 8: Internal Services

Description: The Internal Services program activity provides the essential support functions that enable DFAIT to carry out its mandate, including Governance and Management Support; Resource Management Services and Asset Management Services.

Planning Summary: DFAIT will strengthen financial management by implementing the Financial Management Adviser structure and by improving the efficiency and management of financial services such as forecasting, planning and budgeting. The department will introduce new tools and processes to improve the efficiency and flexibility of human resources management and to strengthen the integration of IM/IT planning and risk management.

Performance Expectations: DFAIT expects that the quality, timeliness, effectiveness and accuracy of products and services will be improved or maintained and that levels of awareness and satisfaction will be increased. Client satisfaction is monitored in a number of the service delivery areas, and achievement of milestones will be tracked.

Program Activity: Internal Services

Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending ($ millions)
2011–12		2012–13		2013–14
FTEs	Planned Spending	FTEs	Planned Spending	FTEs	Planned Spending
1,583	187.4	1,586	182.6	1,580	182.7

Planning Highlights

Governance and Management Support

The department will provide high quality legal services and advice related to international negotiations and agreements and the identification and mitigation of legal risks, to ensure that Canada's domestic legal regime accords with its international obligations.

The department will encourage high standards of practice and behaviour through an awareness promotion program on the departmental Code of Conduct, including the Code of Conduct Abroad, as well as through a review of disclosure, advisory services and investigations into allegations of questionable conduct.

DFAIT will strengthen its financial and risk management regime by ensuring that senior management has access to audit findings and recommendations and is aware of risk-based audit engagements.

Enhanced access to recommendations from mission inspections, program evaluations, recipient audits, proactive monitoring and forensic investigations will enable senior management to make more informed decisions on policies, programs and operations.

DFAIT will significantly improve its Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) performance by building capacity to meet all ATIP demands, including TBS policy requirements; clearing the ATIP backlog; streamlining processes; implementing revised case management strategies; and increasing investments in department-wide ATIP awareness training as well as in the training and development of ATIP professionals.

Achievements of the departmental Transformation Agenda and New Business Model initiatives will be consolidated and sustained through monitoring of and reporting on change-focused commitments; development of risk assessment and mitigation strategies; innovative integration of technology; management engagement to address outstanding initiatives; and communications strategies to support training, culture change and buy-in.

The department will work to improve the sustainability of its operations by developing strategies to improve the alignment of planning and resource allocation with its vision for an international affairs ministry of the future.

DFAIT will continue to provide internal clients, governmental partners, Canadians and international audiences with a mix of traditional and innovative communications services, tools and products relating to foreign affairs and international trade priorities, policies and programs.

Resource Management Services

Senior management will be provided with improved multi-year financial information and advice through implementation of the Financial Management Adviser structure, strengthened financial systems, simplified business processes, and the implementation of a streamlined approach for contracting and materiel management.

Senior management will receive timely, accurate and integrated financial expenditure forecasting and procurement information to improve in-year budget management and resource reallocation.

The department will strengthen integration of departmental IM/IT planning, governance, project oversight and risk management to sustain the IM/IT program and infrastructure that supports the department’s domestic and international operations.

DFAIT will strengthen its stewardship of public resources through effective and efficient financial planning, budgeting, accounting, reporting, control and oversight, as well as improved processes for global banking and the implementation of the standard payment system.

Senior management oversight will ensure that Headquarters staffing is aligned to priorities and that the efficiency and flexibility of workforce management at DFAIT is improved through human resources initiatives such management of occupational groups and a generic model for classification and staffing.

Existing diversity gaps in DFAIT’s employment equity profile will be addressed through the development of tools such as targeted external recruitment, internal staffing processes, assignment opportunities and training initiatives. Managers will actively promote the use of both official languages in the workplace.

Asset Management Services

The department will develop and implement an integrated departmental domestic accommodation strategy, which will leverage innovative approaches to accommodation, improve identification of tenant opportunities and foster greater alignment with Public Works and Government Services asset management plans.

The department participates in the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy and contributes to Greening Government Operations targets through the Internal Services program activity. The department contributes to the following areas of Theme IV of the FSDS:

• Reuse and Recycling of Electronic and Electrical Equipment;
• Reducing Internal Paper Consumption;
• Adopting a Guide for Greening Meetings;
• Establishing SMART Green Procurement Targets; and
• Establishing SMART Targets for Training, Evaluation and Management Processes and Controls.

For additional details on DFAIT’s Greening Government Operations activities please see Section III, Table 3.

Benefits to Canadians: Internal services support all of the department’s strategic outcomes and program activities, providing support to the policies, programs and activities that the department develops and delivers. These services are the essential enabling activities that allow the department to fulfill its mandated functions as a foreign affairs and international trade ministry.

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