Performance context
To set its programs, expenditures, and performance in context, the Government of Canada is tracking key measures of long-term
progress in the area of an inclusive society that promotes linguistic duality and diversity. In the electronic version of the
report, clicking on indicators in the Performance Highlight table will lead you to detailed information about current performance
and trends.
| Trend |
Indicator |
Performance Highlight |
| ▬ |
Attitudes toward diversity |
Public opinion polls indicate that Canadians' attitudes toward diversity appear to be mixed. While personal
tolerance of others increased slightly-29.0% of Canadians believed they were more tolerant toward ethnic groups in 2004, up
from 23.0% in 1991-support for affirmative action declined from 44.0% in 1985 to 28.0% in 2004. |
| ▼ |
Volunteerism |
In 2000, 27.0% of Canadians volunteered 1.05 billion hours of work in Canada, representing a decrease of
13.0% from 1997. |
| ▼ |
Political participation |
Canadian political participation is in decline. The proportion of eligible voters who voted in the 2004
federal election was the lowest in recent Canadian history-60.5% compared to 70.0% in 1993. |
Note: The legend summarizing the symbols used in the table above can be found in the introduction, on page 2.
The Government of Canada's contribution to an inclusive society that promotes linguistic duality and diversity
Canadian society has preserved its linguistic duality while increasingly becoming culturally, linguistically, religiously, and
socially diverse. With 47.0 per cent of the population reporting ethnic origins other than Canadian, British, or French and more
than 200 different ethnic origins reported in the 2001 Census, Canada is one of the most ethnically and linguistically diverse
countries in the world. A recent study suggested that when Canada celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2017, one out of five people
(between 19 per cent and 23 per cent of the population) could be a member of a visible minority. (Canadian Heritage, Canada
2017-Serving Canada's Multicultural Population for the Future- Policy Forum, 2005)
While valuing linguistic and cultural differences and alternative lifestyle choices contributes to the strength and safety of
Canadian society and culture, it can also translate into challenging efforts to pursue common collective goals and provide
Canadian citizens with a strong sense of belonging. Giving Canadians opportunities to learn more about each other and their vast
country will improve their collective understanding of Canada, its national symbols, and its rich, diverse heritage.
Did you know?
In the spring of 2003, the Government of Canada released The Next Act: New Momentum for Canada's Linguistic Duality-The
Action Plan for Official Languages, a policy statement that reiterates obligations under the Official Languages Act
and announces a number of initiatives aimed at the enhancement and promotion of linguistic duality. Initiatives funded under
the plan total $787.3 million and cover priorities in the areas of education, community development, and an exemplary public
service. The Action Plan also sets out a co-ordinated approach for initiatives of federal institutions and increased
accountability on the part of the government as a whole for official languages services and programs. The Minister
responsible for Official Languages is scheduled to present a mid-term report in the fall of 2005, outlining progress to date
on the implementation of the Action Plan.
As well, because 2004-05 marks the 35th anniversary of the Official Languages Act and the Office of the
Commissioner of Official Languages, a special edition of the Commissioner's annual report will be tabled in Parliament to
review the achievements made in this 35-year period, from 1969 to 2004. |
The federal government contributes to strengthening diversity by developing policies with respect to multiculturalism and human
rights to help combat discrimination based on race, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, colour, sex, age, or
physical or mental disability. The Government of Canada ensures the effective implementation of its international human rights
obligations and protects rights and freedoms in Canada under the Canadian
Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Canadian Human Rights
Act.
Furthermore, as part of Budget 2005, the Multicultural Program will be enhanced by $5.0 million per year for five years so that
it can better contribute to the Government of Canada's approach to ensure full economic, social, and cultural participation for
Canadian minorities. In Budget 2005, the federal government also announced an additional $298.0 million over the next five years
for settlement and integration programs for immigrants as well as another $100.0-million investment to enhance services to
prospective immigrants and temporary residents. This announcement is consistent with the October 2004 Speech from the Throne,
which committed to modernizing Canada's Citizenship Act to reaffirm the responsibilities and rights of Canadian
citizenship and Canada's values of multiculturalism, linguistic duality, and gender equality. In 2005, the Government of Canada
will also undertake its final year of its campaign "Canada: We all Belong" to promote core Canadian values of
citizenship to newcomers and all Canadians. This campaign addresses discrimination by celebrating diversity and cultivating a
sense that not only do newcomers belong to Canada but Canada also belongs to them.
Another way of assessing the democratic health of a nation and its citizen engagement is to ensure that its citizens have the
chance to achieve their potential and to fully participate in all facets of their society. Social participation can take various
forms, such as the involvement in the political process and democratic institutions as well as in community and voluntary
organizations. Such participation embodies Canadian values of social citizenship through the promotion of the equality of
opportunity and social justice. The Canadian justice system has an important role to play in protecting disadvantaged groups in
society and promoting human dignity by ensuring that vulnerable Canadians have access to appropriate legal remedies. The
Department of Justice Canada's Legal Aid Renewal Strategy addresses the criminal legal aid needs of economically disadvantaged
people who experience barriers in accessing the justice system.
Did you know?
This year marked the 20th anniversary of section 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which informs
and shapes Canadian laws and makes Canadian society more respectful of diversity.
The Government of Canada recently announced the country's first ever action plan against racism, A
Canada for All: Canada's Action Plan Against Racism. Built around a $56.0 million investment over the next five
years, the Action Plan is the government's new horizontal approach to eliminate barriers to opportunities for Canadians of
all ethnic, racial, religious, and linguistic backgrounds. |
The voluntary sector also has an important role with respect to protecting the disadvantaged: individuals as well as voluntary
and non-profit organizations ensure the provision of vital services such as legal aid, shelters, food banks, and various
homelessness initiatives. While providing employment to over 1 million Canadians, the voluntary sector also supports human
dignity, autonomy, and independence of those who seek assistance. The voluntary sector provides essential services and brings
together community members to define their own needs and find solutions. The sector includes approximately 161,000 incorporated
non-profit and voluntary organizations, 80,000 of which are registered charities. These organizations generated some $112 billion
in annual revenues in 2003. (Statistics Canada, Cornerstones of Community: Highlights of the National Survey on Nonprofit and
Voluntary Organizations, 2004)
To promote voluntary sector activities by and in support of seniors, Budget 2005 committed to increasing funding for the New
Horizons for Seniors Program from $10.0 to $25.0 million a year by 2007-08. These increases will help meet a wide range of
identified needs within the seniors' community.
Several departments, agencies, and Crown corporations contribute to an inclusive society that promotes linguistic duality and
diversity through their respective departmental strategic outcomes or Crown mission statements. Clicking on the links in the
electronic version of the following table will lead you to planning, performance, and resource information, which is contained in
the organizations' departmental performance reports and reports on plans and priorities as well as in the Annual Report to
Parliament on Crown Corporations and Other Corporate Interests of Canada. The Strategic Outcomes Database, which can be found
at http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/rma/krc/so-rs_e.asp, also leads to relevant audits and evaluations.
| Government of Canada Outcome |
Federal Organization |
An inclusive society that promotes
linguistic duality and diversity |
Canada Council for the Arts
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Canadian Heritage
Canadian Human Rights Commission
Canadian Human Rights Tribunal
Canadian Race Relations Foundation
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Commission for Public Complaints Against
the Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Department of Justice Canada
Health Canada
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
Immigration and Refugee Board
Indian Residential Schools Resolution Canada
Infrastructure Canada
Military Police Complaints Commission of Canada
National Defence
Office of the Chief Electoral Officer
Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages
Offices of the Information and Privacy Commissioners
Privy Council Office
Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada
(formerly Solicitor General Canada)
RCMP External Review Committee
Public Service Commission of Canada
Public Service Human Resources Management
Agency of Canada
Social Development Canada
Statistics Canada
Status of Women Canada
Transport Canada
Veterans Affairs Canada |
Supplemental Information
Immigration
Gender equality in the world
Performance context
To set its programs, expenditures, and performance in context, the Government of Canada is tracking key measures of long-term
progress in the area of a vibrant Canadian culture and heritage. In the electronic version of the report, clicking on the
indicator in the Performance Highlight table will lead you to detailed information about current performance and trends.
| Trend |
Indicator |
Performance Highlight |
| ▬ |
Participation in cultural and heritage activities |
From 1992 to 1998, cultural participation among the Canadian population aged 15 and over was declining in
some areas and was on the upswing in other areas. For instance, movie-going was up from 48.6% to 59.1% and concert and
performance attendance rose from 30.2% to 34.6%. Attendance figures decreased, however, at performances of live theatre
(down 4.0%), popular music (down 4.1%), and symphonic music (down 4.0%). |
Note: The legend summarizing the symbols used in the table above can be found in the introduction, on page 2.
The Government of Canada's contribution to a vibrant Canadian culture and heritage
Participating in cultural and heritage activities broadens people's experiences by exposing them to the diverse social,
historical, and cultural aspects of their communities, introducing new and different ideas, and encouraging greater understanding
across social and cultural groups. Cultural expression reflects what it means to be Canadian and articulates the shared values
that distinguish Canada from other nations. While Canada remains one of the world markets most open to foreign cultural products,
many of which come from the U.S., Canadians consistently assert that they value strong Canadian culture. Canadians want Canadian
choices, and the government is committed to ensuring that they read, hear, and see cultural works that are relevant to them.
Did you know?
To mark the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and the liberation of the Netherlands, the Government of
Canada declared 2005 to be the Year of the Veteran in order to honour veterans and their service.
Budget 2005 provides funding of $6.0 million per year, in addition to the $16.5 million over two years announced in 2004,
for future commemoration activities to recognize the sacrifices and contributions of Canada's
veterans. |
In 2001, the Government of Canada announced the Tomorrow
Starts Today initiative, which provides major support for Canadian arts and culture and helps cultivate a vibrant and creative
cultural life in communities across the country and abroad. Budget 2005 committed approximately $860 million over four years for
this initiative.
The importance of providing easier accessibility and visibility to Canadian culture has also been addressed. In 2003, Canadian
Heritage launched http://www.culture.ca, Canada's cultural gateway. It provides a
single-window access to over 10,000 quality links and thousands of digital resources about Canada's rich and diverse culture.
Budget 2005 also allocated an additional $60.0 million to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation,
Canada's national public broadcaster.
The Government of Canada also recognizes the importance of celebrating Canadian history by committing to the development of
various initiatives that support the restoration and preservation of Canada's built heritage, such as the collaborative effort on
the Historic Places Initiative. Military institutions also play an
important role in the building of a strong Canadian heritage and identity by reaffirming the pride Canadians take in peacekeeping
and peace enforcement missions and the government's determination to protect and fight for what Canadians believe in.
Several departments, agencies, and Crown corporations contribute to a vibrant Canadian culture and heritage through their
respective departmental strategic outcomes or Crown mission statements. Clicking on the links in the electronic version of the
following table will lead you to planning, performance, and resource information, which is contained in the organizations'
departmental performance reports and reports on plans and priorities as well as in the Annual Report to Parliament on Crown
Corporations and Other Corporate Interests of Canada. The Strategic Outcome Database, which can be found at http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/rma/krc/so-rs_e.asp,
also leads to relevant audits and evaluations.
| Government of Canada Outcome |
Federal Organization |
| A vibrant Canadian culture and heritage |
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Canada Council for the Arts
Canada Lands Company Limited
Canada Science and Technology Museum
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
Canadian Heritage
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Canadian Museum of Nature
Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications
Commission
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Foreign Affairs Canada
Infrastructure Canada
Library and Archives Canada
National Arts Centre Corporation
National Battlefields Commission
National Capital Commission
National Defence
National Film Board
National Gallery of Canada
Old Port of Montréal Corporation Inc.
Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages
Parc Downsview Park Inc.
Parks Canada
Telefilm Canada
Veterans Affairs Canada |
Supplemental Information
Total expenditures on culture
Performance context
To set its programs, expenditures, and performance in context, the Government of Canada is tracking key measures of long-term
progress in the area of safe and secure communities. In the electronic version of the report, clicking on indicators in the
Performance Highlight table will lead you to detailed information about current performance and trends.
| Trend |
Indicator |
Performance Highlight |
| ▲ |
Safety |
Canada's crime rate fell 1.0% between 2003 and 2004. Except for an increase in 2003, the crime rate has
decreased 12.0% since 1991.
In 2004, 94.0% of Canadians were satisfied that they were personally safe from becoming victimized. This proportion was up
from 86.0% in 1993 and 91.0% in 1999. |
| ▲ |
Housing† |
In 1996, 19.0% of households in Canada's census metropolitan areas (CMA) and 17.9% of all of Canada's
households were labelled as being in "core housing need." In 2001, this proportion had dropped to 16.6% among CMAs
and to 15.8% for all of Canada's households. |
Note: The legend summarizing the symbols used in the table above can be found in the introduction, on page 2.
The Government of Canada's contribution to safe and secure communities
Safety and security are fundamental to the enjoyment of a high quality of life for Canadians, and both represent key government
priorities. Federal initiatives in these areas include policies, programs, and legislation to provide secure and supportive
housing, protect children and families, reduce crime rates, and defend Canada against crises and emergencies such as terrorism,
organized crime, security threats, and natural disasters.
Canadians deserve to live in a just society, to have faith in their justice system, and to be protected against violence and
criminal acts. Various measures are therefore implemented to address some of the social origins of crime and victimization in
Canada. Budget 2005 has renewed a previous enhancement to the National
Crime Prevention Strategy, which has supported an estimated 5,000 community-based projects in over 800 Canadian communities
for both victims of crime and offenders since 1998. The federal government will provide funding of $30.0 million for each of the
next three years on top of base funding of $32.0 million per year. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police is similarly aiming to
provide better responses to the particular cases of youth who offend and youth victims. This is accomplished through promotion of
training in what is called "Safer Communities Workshops," which focus on crime prevention through social development.
Did you know?
The tsunami disaster in Southeast Asia has incited a global evaluation of research, monitoring, and warning systems
presently in place.
Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada will
work with provincial governments to ensure that vulnerable coastal communities in British Columbia and Atlantic Canada
conduct tsunami risk assessments, prepare plans that include recommendations for communications and notification
enhancement, and review best practices to deal with tsunami hazards. |
The Canadian criminal justice system is now placing more emphasis on the needs of victims in the judicial process, bringing the
perspectives of victims to the development of legislation and policy, increasing awareness of available services and assistance
among victims and their families, and facilitating the provision of services and assistance to victims by third parties. Budget
2005 has renewed the existing Victims of Crime Initiative on an ongoing basis and provides funding of $25.0 million over the next
five years.
In 2004, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada released the Government
of Canada Position Paper on a National Strategy for Critical Infrastructure Protection. This paper presents the
government's position on the development of a comprehensive national approach that will ensure that the country's infrastructures
are viable and resilient.
The Government of Canada is also continuously working on reducing the risks associated with many day-to-day activities that
have the potential to lead to unintentional harm (e.g. road accidents, food poisoning, product-related injuries). By conducting
investigations, identifying safety deficiencies, and making appropriate recommendations, the Government of Canada recognizes
potential harmful circumstances and takes action to lessen the chance of more injuries, illnesses, or accidents happening.
Several departments, agencies, and Crown corporations contribute to safe and secure communities through their respective
departmental strategic outcomes or Crown mission statements. Clicking on the links in the electronic version of the following
table will lead you to planning, performance, and resource information, which is contained in the organizations' departmental
performance reports and reports on plans and priorities as well as in the Annual Report to Parliament on Crown Corporations
and Other Corporate Interests of Canada. The Strategic Outcomes Database, which can be found at http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/rma/krc/so-rs_e.asp,
also leads to relevant audits and evaluations.
| Government of Canada Outcome |
Federal Organization |
| Safe and secure communities |
Atlantic Pilotage Authority Canada
Canada Border Services Agency
Canada Firearms Centre
Canada Lands Company Limited
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
Correctional Service Canada
Courts Administration Service
Department of Justice Canada
Environment Canada
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Great Lakes Pilotage Authority Canada
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
Infrastructure Canada
Laurentian Pilotage Authority Canada
Law Commission of Canada
Marine Atlantic Inc.
National Defence
National Parole Board
Office of the Correctional Investigator
Pacific Pilotage Authority Canada
Parc Downsview Park Inc.
Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
The Federal Bridge Corporation Limited
Transport Canada |
Sustainable Cities and Communities
In December 2003, the Prime Minister announced the New
Deal for Cities and Communities, committing the Government of Canada to work in partnership with the provinces and
territories, First Nations communities, municipalities, and other partners to ensure the economic, social, cultural, and
environmental sustainability of Canada's cities and communities. The New Deal will assist municipalities in securing stable,
predictable, and long-term funding and will give them a stronger voice in decisions that affect them. It will also help
equip communities develop local solutions for local problems.
The government reiterated the importance of sustainable communities-urban and rural, large and small-to Canada's
competitiveness and quality of life by establishing a new Minister of State for Infrastructure and Communities in July 2004.
Infrastructure Canada works to improve integration of policy and research,
outreach, and communication on social, economic, environmental, infrastructure, and cultural issues related to cities and
communities.
Although municipalities are the constitutional responsibility of the provinces, several issues of national consequence
transcend municipal boundaries. From immigration, taxation, or cultural policies to innovation, community health or
environmental strategies, the federal government's responsibilities have a significant impact on community sustainability. A
partnered approach between provincial, municipal, and federal infrastructures is therefore essential to address these
complex issues. The Government of Canada also needs to work with the private and non-profit sectors, as well as national and
civil society, to ensure that efforts are complementary, responsive to local needs, and consistent with shared objectives.
Big cities like Toronto, Montréal, or Vancouver face different challenges than smaller communities. While immigrant
settlement, affordable housing, water and wastewater management, and public transit delivery are among the main concerns of
large urban areas, smaller communities are facing different challenges, such as the retention of young and qualified workers
or the lack of local industry and training opportunities. The Government of Canada must nevertheless respond to these issues
in an integrated and strategic approach because both rural and urban communities are vital to the success and viability of
the country.
In Budget 2005, the Government of Canada delivered on its 2004 commitment to provide municipalities, large and small, with a
portion of the revenues from the federal gasoline excise tax to support environmentally sustainable municipal
infrastructure. This will result in $5.0 billion in new money over the next five years. In year five, $2.0 billion per year
will flow to municipalities, continuing at that rate thereafter. Municipalities will receive these funds through agreements
based on a set of principles, yet reflecting the unique needs for each province and territory. This demonstrates a new
transformative relationship among the orders of government.
Budget 2005 also committed to the renewal and extension of the Municipal
Rural Infrastructure Fund, the Border Infrastructure Fund, and the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund. The Government
of Canada is also providing municipalities with a 100-per-cent GST rebate that will provide them with $7.0 billion in
funding over the next 10 years for their areas of highest priority. |
Supplemental Information
Family violence
Victim services
Hate-motivated crime
|
