ARCHIVED - RPP 2007-2008
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

Expected Results: The long-term expected results are:

• rapid, integrated and better coordinated Canadian response to international requirements for short- and medium-term crisis prevention, stabilization, peacebuilding and reconstruction;
• improved Canadian contribution to the mitigation of natural disasters and complex emergencies and restoration of security and indigenous governance capacity; and
• expanded global and regional capacity for peace support operations.

The ultimate result of the GPSF and its component programs is an "improved Canadian contribution to peace and security and the safety and well being of beneficiaries living in targeted areas."

Objectives: The objective of the Global Partnership Program approved by Cabinet in 2002 is to protect Canadians from security threats emanating from terrorism, failed/failing nation-states, the risks posed by the proliferation of WMD and health pandemics. This is being accomplished through:

• Canada's involvement in the construction of a chemical weapons destruction facility in Russia;
• the dismantlement of three nuclear submarines per year over the next four years;
• the implementation of projects to improve the security of nuclear and radioactive material in Russia and countries of the former Soviet Union (FSU);
• Canadian membership in the International Science and Technology Center in Moscow. The mandate of the Center is to reduce the risk of proliferation by redirecting former FSU weapons scientists; and
• the development of a bio-safety/bio-security strategy, which will be an integral part of Canada's overall non-proliferation programming under the Global Partnership Program.

Expected Results: A reduced threat from WMD for Canadians, strengthening of the international non-proliferation, arms control and disarmament regime, and securing of Canada's domestic and international security objectives.

Canada's interests and security are protected and pursued, in partnership with Canadians and other countries, to advance Canadian interests, enhance domestic and international peace and security, and project Canadian values.

Expected Results: 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. In addition:

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

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 organization 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. The NATO accounts are subject to annual audit by the International Board of Auditors for NATO.

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 organization. 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 organization's unified budget covers the costs associated with the implementation of the organization'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 organization.

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 that are made available to participating states.

Expected Results: Canada's contribution to the OIF supports a large array of initiatives, such as the realization of specific projects in response to needs expressed by countries or admissible organizations for the preparation of conferences or symposiums, and the implementation of action plans adopted during summits. These initiatives can come from Canadian organizations, institutions or Francophonie operators.

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 Canada's foreign policy goals related to international peace, security and development and, to this end, to enhance its relationships with the 53 Commonwealth member countries. For further information, see http://www.the commonwealth.org.

Expected Results: 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 both 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.

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 http://www.fao.org.

Expected Results: Achieving food security for all is at the heart of FAO's 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 toward an expanding world economy and ensuring humanity's freedom from hunger.

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. For further information, see http://www.ilo.org.

Four strategic objectives guide the ILO program and budget:

• to promote and realize standards and fundamental principles and rights at work;
• to create greater opportunities for women and men to secure decent employment and income;
• to enhance the coverage and effectiveness of social protection for all; and
• to strengthen tripartism and social dialogue.

Expected Results:

• development and effective supervision of international labour standards and realization of fundamental principles and rights at work;
• targeted action against child labour, giving priority to the urgent elimination of its worst forms;
• contributions to poverty reduction through promotion of coherent economic and social policies that support employment creation;
• assistance to constituents in the development of skills and employability policies and programs for decent work;
• better instruments and tools for policy analysis and formulation that support good governance and the extension of social protections to vulnerable workers;
• strengthened social dialogue on labour and social policy issues at national and international levels; and
• improved organizational effectiveness, transparency and accountability.

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.

Objectives: To coordinate, integrate and lead whole-of-government involvement in the OECD that reflects and enhances domestic priorities.

To promote and develop Canadian foreign policy objectives (economic stability, governance), as well as a wide variety of government policy objectives (e.g. related to the economy, trade, development, environment, society, energy, industry, technology, health, migration), in the OECD's work program of research, analysis, policy development, peer review and cooperation with non-members.

To support and participate in OECD work on management of the institution. Reform and strengthen the OECD as necessary to cope with new issues and power dynamics.

Expected Results: Implement OECD work programs and policy positions that reflect input from across government and support domestic priorities; find solutions to common economic problems by working cooperatively with members (soft law, guidelines, agreements); influence the policy development of other members and non-members to improve the functioning of the international economic environment; analyze new and emerging issues, both domestic and global, that impact our economy and standard of living. Continued sound management of the OECD; institutional reforms to improve the OECD's ability to cope with new issues and power dynamics; OECD enlargement; and improved engagement with non-members reflecting Canadian priorities to increase the long-term effectiveness of the organization.

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.

Objective: UNESCO's objective, as set out in its constitution, is to contribute to peace and security by promoting collaboration among nations through education, science and culture. For further information, see http://www.unesco.org.

Expected Results:

• universal primary education in all countries by 2015;
• gender disparities in primary and secondary education eliminated or greatly reduced in most member states;
• preparation, launch and implementation of a 10-year UN Literacy Decade and Plan of Action in order to reach the target of achieving a 50% improvement in levels of adult literacy by 2015;
• comprehensive and broad-based HIV/AIDS education and prevention campaigns conducted, particularly among the 15-24 age group in Africa and South Asia;
• assessment of the impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic on educational capacities;
• a Convention on the Diversity of Cultural Content and Artistic Expression, a Convention Against Doping in Sport;
• a Declaration on Bioethics;
• broadening of public debate on intellectual property and the fair use of works for educational, scientific and cultural purposes; and
• enhanced knowledge to assist in earthquake risk reduction through re-enforcement of regional and worldwide exchange of seismic data.

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 organization's programs toward attainment of the UN's objectives, as set out in its charter. For further information, see http://www.un.org.

Objectives:

• to maintain international peace and security;
• to develop friendly relations among nations;
• to achieve international cooperation in solving international problems; and
• to be a centre for harmonizing the actions of states in the attainment of these common ends.

Expected Results: Maintenance of international peace and security and the promotion of sustained economic growth and sustainable 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 combatting of international terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

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

Objectives: To support the peace process and stabilization of the security situation, and bridge the gap between security and longer-term peacebuilding in affected countries through the timely establishment and maintenance of complex multidisciplinary UN peacekeeping missions.

Expected Results: Enhanced peace and security for the countries and regions concerned. Increased levels of security, basic services and levels of governance provided in affected areas, which will promote advanced prospects for peace as well as enable reconstruction and development activities.

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: ADVANCING CANADA'S INTERESTS INTERNATIONALLY: In partnership with Canadians, Canada and its values are projected to the world, its interests are pursued abroad and Canadians are better able to interpret the world.

Expected Results:

• enhanced 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 progress 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);
• promotion of equity in health (strengthening health systems to reach the poor and disadvantaged); and
• ensured accountability, by improving organizational effectiveness and transparency.

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

Strategic Outcome: ADVANCING CANADA'S INTERESTS INTERNATIONALLY: In partnership with Canadians, Canada and its values are projected to the world, its interests are pursued abroad and Canadians are better able to interpret the world.

Expected Results: Membership in the WTO helps Canada open world markets and contribute to a more stable, predictable and transparent trading environment. Canada continues to participate in the Doha Development Round of multilateral negotiations, given the role that an ambitious and broad-ranging outcome to these negotiations could play in reducing poverty, enhancing security and improving the quality of life for people around the world. Multilateral trade negotiations, however, are cyclical and slow since achieving consensus among 149 members on multiple issues can be difficult.

Description: The department funds private- and public-sector partners located in Canada that implement six-month international work placements with their contacts abroad for young Canadian university students and college graduates. The program engages young people in the issues of globalization and Canadian foreign policy while providing them with career-related international experience to enhance their employability. This program also provides a safety and security review function for all Youth Employment Strategy (YES) work experience activities, including those funded by other government departments, to reduce potential consular risks. Funding for YPI has been discontinued and the program will finish definitively on March 31, 2007.

Objective: To reduce risks, such as personal or physical problems that would result in a consular case, associated with overseas work experiences faced by Canadian youth on YES programs.

Expected Results:

• increased level of knowledge of international employment-related issues facing youth;
• increased policy dialogue among stakeholders;
• increased access to and awareness of YES;
• increased ability to develop appropriate skills development action plans for participating youth;
• increased awareness of international affairs and business opportunities for youth;
• increased ability of youth to make informed decisions about appropriate international programs that meet their international career planning needs, and
• youth access to employment-related services and tools.

Ultimate Outcomes:

• increased ability to compete successfully in a globalized economy;
• overall reduced barriers to employment for young Canadians;
• increased appreciation for Canadian values, and increased youth participation in foreign policy dialogues in Canada;
• enhanced youth employability skills gained from work experience;
• increased number of Canadians working in international and multilateral organizations and companies;
• increased foreign policy dialogue in Canada as participants return to work for organizations or companies in Canada and bring their overseas experience to play; and
• mitigated risk to YES participants on work experiences overseas by verifying proposed overseas organization capacity.

Description: To pay Canada's annual quota assessment to the OAS, a charter obligation of membership.

Strategic Outcome: ADVANCING CANADA'S INTERESTS INTERNATIONALLY: In partnership with Canadians, Canada and its values are projected to the world, its interests are pursued abroad and Canadians are better able to interpret the world.

Expected Results:

• strengthening of the OAS as the key political forum through which Canada promotes its hemispheric interests;
• promotion and consolidation of democracy, and strengthening of human rights, governance and the rule of law;
• enhanced multidimensional security in the Americas;
• increased effectiveness of Canada's contribution on integral development and technical cooperation through the OAS;
• increased Canadian leadership in the hemisphere; and
• increased accountability, transparency and effectiveness of the OAS to better serve Canadian interests and priorities.

Description: This is an assessed contribution transfer payment to the ICC.

Strategic Outcome: ADVANCING CANADA'S INTERESTS INTERNATIONALLY: In partnership with Canadians, Canada and its values are projected to the world, its interests are pursued abroad and Canadians are better able to interpret the world.

Expected Results: Through Canada's support to the ICC, Canada has provided leadership in promoting accountability for the most serious criminal acts known to humankind. Canada was a key player in the creation of the ICC and has been successful in strengthening the role of the ICC as a main instrument in the global fight against impunity. This is a relatively new international organization. Therefore, budget increases were anticipated. The first ICC trial commenced in November 2006.

Description: This program provides funding to cooperation programs and activities undertaken by the International Organization of the Francophonie (OIF). It also provides financial support to the Government of New Brunswick to foster its participation in international Francophonie activities.

The fund helps to promote Canadian interests and is consistent with political and economic objectives Canada has set itself for La Francophonie. It also promotes active participation from the Government of New Brunswick in summits, Ministerial conferences and other related Francophonie activities.

Strategic Outcome: ADVANCING CANADA'S INTERESTS INTERNATIONALLY: In partnership with Canadians, Canada and its values are projected to the world, its interests are pursued abroad and Canadians are better able to interpret the world.

Expected Results:

• fostering of increased cooperation among Francophonie members in the four key areas enshrined in the 10-year strategic plan of La Francophonie:
  1. French language and cultural and linguistic diversity;
  2. peace, democracy and human rights;
  3. education, professional training, higher education and research; and
  4. sustainable development and solidarity.
• increased efficiency of La Francophonie organizations; and
• promotion of Canadian development and foreign policy goals.

Description: This program aims to:

• create an awareness abroad of Canadian distinctiveness and culture;
• articulate Canadian attitudes and positions in official, media, business, cultural and educational circles as well as among the public generally;
• reflect internationally the growing creativity and scope of Canadians; and
• develop interest in studies exclusively about Canada in institutions of higher learning abroad.

Strategic Outcome: ADVANCING CANADA'S INTERESTS INTERNATIONALLY: In partnership with Canadians, Canada and its values are projected to the world, its interests are pursued abroad and Canadians are better able to interpret the world.

Expected Results: The program aims to create an image abroad of Canadian culture as first class, innovative and diverse, as well as to encourage foreign professionals and leaders to have an informed, well-disposed and sustained interest in Canada. In the short term, Canadian professional artists will be involved in high-quality cultural presentations abroad; foreign agents, impresarios and commissioning editors will be engaged in Canadian art festivals and showcases; and there will be an adequate representation of Canada in arts promotional activities abroad.

Description: Grants and contributions in aid of academic relations encompass support for:

• Canadian Studies abroad;
• scholarships and fellowships; and
• international education, including provincial participation in international multilateral activities in the area of education.

These programs support public diplomacy by promoting:

• partnerships within North America through academic programming;
• networking, exchanges and conferences;
• the Fulbright program to foster dialogue;
• cooperation, research and understanding; and
• public discussion of key issues.

The grants and contributions foster stronger partnerships with Canadians, through partnerships with academic and youth institutions, associations, organizations and individuals. They advance Canada's global citizenship and contribute to the modernization of the international assistance envelope through scholarships and other programs of academic cooperation with developing countries in support of public diplomacy and peace and security objectives. They assist in mainstreaming public diplomacy within DFAIT and contribute to the realignment of resources and programs within the department.

Objective: To improve knowledge of Canadian issues among key foreign audiences and to increase participation of Canadians and foreigners in the programs.

Expected Results:

• creating and expanding a network of well-informed foreign professionals and leaders with sustained interest in Canada;
• nurturing and reinforcing links and exchanges between Canadian and foreign partners (academics, researchers, students, young people); and
• providing informed and relevant policy advice on education-related issues.

Description: The purpose of this memorandum of understanding is to outline the relationship between the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and Public Works and Government Services Canada, National Capital Area, under the Diplomatic, Consular and International Organizations' 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 property. These procedures are designed to ensure fiscal and operational accountability, while promoting efficient program delivery.

Expected Results: To fulfill Canada's international obligations to foreign diplomatic and consular 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 organizations.

Lead Department: Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

Shared outcomes are:

• rapid, integrated and better coordinated Canadian responses to international requirements for short- and medium-term conflict prevention, stabilization, peacebuilding and reconstruction;
• improved Canadian contributions to the mitigation of natural disasters and complex emergencies and the restoration of peace, security and indigenous governance capacity in failed and fragile states;
• expanded global and regional capacity for peace support operations; and
• greater international support for freedom and security, democracy, rule of law, huiman rights and environmental stewarship.

Lead Departments: Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

Description of the Initiative: The ERI is a partnership of eight federal departments and agencies. The ERI provides a coordinated and integrated approach and direction to managing and advancing Canada's advocacy, trade, business development, science and technology, and investment interests in the United States. This is done through the collaboration of ERI partners and consultation with other federal government departments, provinces and territories, and other stakeholders. When fully implemented, the ERI partnership will oversee a network of 43 U.S. points of contact through consulates general, consulates, trade offices and honorary consuls.

Short-term Outcomes:

• Increased domestic engagement and coordination
• Raised awareness of:
  • Canada-U.S. interdependence in North American security
  • Canada-U.S. interdependence in the North American economy
  • Canada-U.S. social differences
• Increased number of export-ready firms
• Raised awareness in the United States of:
  • Investment opportunities in Canada
  • Canadian technological capabilities
• Increased Canada-U.S. sharing of technologies
• Raised awareness of U.S. market opportunities for Canadian firms
• ERI Partnership development
• Increased capacity for advocacy and business development in the United States

Medium-term Outcomes:

• Appreciation of Canada-U.S. interdependence as reflected by:
  • Canadian interests not adversely affected by U.S. legislation, policies, regulations or industry codes
  • Improved settlement of joint Canada-U.S. issues
• Increased investment development
• Increased export development
• Increased commercialization of S&T in Canada
• Improved coherence of Canadian advocacy and business development interests in the United States

Long-term Outcomes:

• Enhanced influence for Canada on key strategic issues
• Improved flow of people, goods and services across the Canada-U.S. border
• Increased business for Canada with the United States

1. Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
2. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
3. Canada Economic Development for Quebec regions
4. Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
5. Industry Canada
6. National Research Council
7. Western Economic Diversification

Program Activity 4:
Bilateral Relations—Conducting and promoting Canada's bilateral diplomatic relations in Canada and abroad.

Program Activity 5:
Protocol— Managing and facilitating the presence of foreign diplomats in Canada as well as planning and leading official travel by the Governor General, the Prime Minister, Ministers of the Portfolio and all official diplomatic events.