Canada's Performance 2005: The Government of Canada's Contribution

Table of Contents

President's Message

About the Report

1. Sustainable Economy

2. Canada's Social Foundations

3. Canada's Place in the World

4. Aboriginal Peoples

Conclusion

Appendix A: Performance Highlights

Appendix B: Federal Organizations that Support all Government of Canada Outcomes

About Canada's Performance 2005

This is the fifth Canada's Performance report tabled in Parliament by the President of the Treasury Board. Canada's Performance 2005 tracks the federal government's contribution to Canada's performance as a nation in three comprehensive policy areas-sustainable economy, Canada's social foundations, and Canada's place in the world. It also includes a special cross-cutting chapter on Aboriginal peoples. The report provides a whole-of-government perspective from which to view the plans, results, and resources of individual federal departments and agencies as presented in their spring planning and fall performance reports.

How to get more information

The electronic version of this report includes many links to additional information discussed in this report as well as to information on the plans and performance of federal departments and agencies. If you would like further information or would like to make comments or suggestions regarding Canada's Performance 2005 please contact

Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
Results-based Management Division
300 Laurier Avenue West
9th Floor, West Tower
Ottawa ON K1A 0R5

Telephone: (613) 957-7183
Fax: (613) 957-7044
E-mail: rma-mrr@tbs-sct.gc.ca

President's Message

Sound public sector management matters. The objective of the government's pursuit of management excellence is to provide more responsive, more innovative, and more accountable service to Canadians. That's why reports like Canada's Performance are so important. Canada's Performance 2005 provides a government-wide overview that enables spending and performance information to be presented in a comprehensible format, easily accessible to parliamentarians and Canadians.

Through Canada's Performance 2005, Canadians will be able to see how their government contributes to Canada's performance as a nation. This report helps Canadians understand how their tax dollars are spent.

This year's report is structured around three key policy areas-sustainable economy, Canada's social foundations, and Canada's place in the world. This structure reflects other government documents, such as Budget 2005, in order to assess the federal government's effort to improve the quality of life for Canadians.

Canada's Performance 2005 also includes a special chapter on Aboriginal Peoples that discloses all federal spending on Aboriginal programs. In order to improve outcomes for Aboriginal people in Canada, we need to know how much money is allocated by the federal government and how those funds are spent. By disclosing federal spending, we can work together with Aboriginal people in Canada to improve programs and their results.

Overall, Canada's performance on key economic, social and international outcomes ranks well compared to other countries, but that does not mean we should be complacent. We recognize that many players-other levels of government, the private sector, community groups and individuals-have an important contribution to make. We will continue to develop these partnerships to enhance the quality of life for Canadians. Together, we can move Canada forward.

The paper version was signed by Reg Alcock



President of the Treasury Board and
Minister responsible for the Canadian Wheat Board

About the Report

Canada's Performance 2005 is the fifth annual report to Parliament on the federal government's contribution to Canada's performance as a nation-highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement.

Canada's federal organizations play an important role in the quality of life of Canadians. They support the way we govern ourselves as a federation, administer our laws and justice system, develop and deliver our national social programs and services, regulate the economy and promote fair trade, and represent and protect our interests and values in the world.

Canadians rightly expect a lot of their public sector. They expect the government to pursue policies and programs that take into account and are responsive to public priorities. They expect the government to operate in an open, transparent, and accountable manner. They want to know that government programs and services are well managed. Above all, they want assurances that they are receiving good value for their tax dollars.

What's in the report

Canada's Performance 2005 is structured around three main policy areas:

• sustainable economy, which demonstrates the increased importance given to the links between the Canadian economy and the natural environment;
• Canada's social foundations, which reflects the important role health care plays in Canadian society; and
• Canada's place in the world, which recognizes the international dimension of government activity needed to advance national aspirations.

This year's report also features a special overview of the government's efforts to support improvement in the well-being of Aboriginal peoples.

Chapters on the three policy areas provide a broad overview of the federal government's initiatives, commitments, and achievements related to the long-term benefits to Canadians-referred to as Government of Canada outcomes-that the federal government is working to achieve.

Under the three policy areas, the Government of Canada outcomes are as follows:

Sustainable economy

• sustainable economic growth;
• an innovative and knowledge-based economy;
• income security and employment for Canadians;
• a fair and secure marketplace; and
• a clean and healthy environment.

Canada's social foundations

• healthy Canadians with access to quality health care;
• an inclusive society that promotes linguistic duality and diversity;
• a vibrant Canadian culture and heritage; and
• safe and secure communities.

Canada's place in the world

• a strong and mutually beneficial North American partnership;
• a prosperous global economy that benefits Canadians and the world;
• a safe and secure world; and
• global poverty reduction through sustainable development.

Each chapter starts with an introduction, which discusses the policy area of the chapter, a brief description of the Government of Canada's role in that policy area, and a list of the outcomes that will be addressed.

Each outcome starts with a performance context, which provides an assessment of quality of life in Canada and is based on a broadly accepted set of societal indicators. This section provides context for the federal government's programs, expenditures, and performance in each outcome. A legend of the symbols used can be found below.

The performance highlights section in Appendix A summarizes the societal indicator information presented in this report.

In order to have an objective assessment of Canada's performance, the societal indicators are drawn from established data sources-for example, the Census of Canada, general social surveys conducted by Statistics Canada, public opinion polls, and reports from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Economic Forum. These indicators are reported on annually in order to show consistent and measurable trend data over a period of five to ten years, using the most recent trend data available.

A number of indicators have not been updated for 2005 because they are either based on one-time surveys or surveys that are not repeated annually or because data were not available in time for inclusion in this report. While not every indicator is updated annually due to different reporting cycles, the most recent trend data available are always included.

In examining the outcomes, Canada's Performance 2005 looks at the Government of Canada's contribution, recognizing that many players-individuals, businesses, other governments, and non-profit groups-also have an important contribution to make.

Each outcome ends with a list of departments, agencies, and Crown corporations that are working toward its improvement.

Figure 1.1 illustrates the framework used by Canada's Performance to report on a whole-of-government perspective.

The illustration goes from very broad (left-hand side) to more specific (right-hand side). For example, the broad policy area "Sustainable Economy" is made up of five Government of Canada outcomes; 37 federal organizations contribute to the achievement of "sustainable economic growth" through 46 strategic outcomes or mandates. The Canada Small Business Financing Program is an example of a program that contributes to the achievement of Industry Canada's strategic outcome: "a competitive industry and sustainable communities."

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Aboriginal Peoples Chapter

This is the second time that Canada's Performance includes a specific chapter on Aboriginal people. This chapter is the next step following the Canada-Aboriginal Peoples Roundtable, which began in April 2004, in which the federal government committed to improving accountability for results.

This step begins by taking stock of the programs the Government of Canada provides to First Nations and Métis people and the Inuit and by disclosing in detail all federal spending in 2004-05 committed to Aboriginal peoples in Canada.

The Aboriginal Peoples Chapter therefore has a unique look and feel in comparison to other chapters in the report. It contains figures on federal spending rolled up for all programs within seven thematic headings-health, governance and relationships, lifelong learning, safe and sustainable communities, housing, economic opportunities, and lands and resources-developed as a response to the Canada-Aboriginal Peoples Roundtable.

The electronic version of the report links to the Aboriginal Horizontal Framework, which includes all of the programs offered by federal departments and agencies as well as their objectives and costs. Where possible, the Framework also specifies which programs are offered to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.

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Display text version

Electronic version of the report

The electronic version of this report links to department and agency planning and performance reports as well as to the Annual Report to Parliament on Crown Corporations and Other Corporate Interests of Canada.

The electronic version also links to important databases on government audits and evaluations, horizontal initiatives, and detailed program and expenditure information for the federal program suite for Aboriginal peoples. Hyperlinks provide additional information on various publications, policies, and Web sites relevant to each policy area.

In addition, substantial improvements were made to the supplementary on-line annexes. The electronic version of Canada's Performance 2005 now includes links to three annexes: a glossary and two annexes on additional indicator information.

Readers are encouraged to consult the electronic version of the report (http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/report/govrev/05/cp-rc_e.asp) to access the on-line annexes and the relevant hyperlinks throughout the report.

In the print version of the report, each hyperlink is illustrated by the mouse symbol.

1. Sustainable Economy

Introduction

A central role of government is to improve the well-being of citizens, and a sustainable economy is essential for achieving this objective. Improved fiscal and monetary policies have helped create a productive and competitive economy, driving significant progress in terms of Canada's standard of living. Canadians must recognize, however, that in order to maintain or surpass these standards over the long term, a sustainable approach to the economy, environment, and society is required. Sustainable development is commonly defined as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Success depends on the reconciliation of economic growth with environmental considerations as well as a commitment to foster the development of human capital.

A sustainable economy includes economic stability and competitiveness, employment and education, a healthy environment, and sound environmental practices. Canada's economic well-being depends on such factors as the following:

• the strength of Canada's industries;
• a well-balanced ecosystem, and the vitality, diversity, and sustainability of natural resources;
• dynamic trade relationships with other nations;
• a highly skilled, healthy, and adaptable workforce;
• the health of the financial and service sectors; and
• the ability to span distances using communications and transportation technologies.

The Canadian economy is one of the strongest and healthiest among the seven leading industrial countries of the G-7, which consists of the U.S., the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, and Japan. The federal government recorded its eighth consecutive balanced budget in 2004-05. Between 1997 and 2004, Canada experienced the strongest growth in employment among the G-7 countries. The driving forces behind recent economic developments in Canada are global in scope, such as rising energy prices, and have contributed to the appreciation of the Canadian dollar.

Alongside economic priorities, there is consensus that environmental quality is central to the long-term quality of life of Canadians and their prosperity. It is critical to the health and sense of well-being of Canadians, to the livability of Canadian communities, and the legacy conserved and protected for future generations. Indeed, a competitive economy and a sustainable environment are complementary goals.

The Government of Canada's role in a sustainable economy

Worldwide there is an increasing recognition that a new model of competitiveness is emerging-one where environmental sustainability exerts considerable influence over economic performance and quality of life. With the aim of enhancing the well-being of Canadians at the heart of its economic, environmental, and social policies, the government recognizes the need to fundamentally transform Canada's approach to environmental sustainability-a key element of a sustainable economy. One way that the government is addressing this need is through the implementation of a competitiveness and environmental sustainability framework to better align environmental and economic signals. The Government of Canada is working with provincial and territorial governments, industry, Aboriginal organizations, and non-governmental organizations to develop a shared approach through this framework.

The Government of Canada recognizes that in a sustainable economy, environmental and economic success go hand-in-hand and are supported by policies that draw on a variety of innovative tools, including market-based instruments. At the same time, a sustainable economy must also rely on the traditional roles and responsibilities of the government, such as preparing the budget, designing and analyzing tax policies, and creating legislation and regulations that, for example, protect the rights of workers and regulate industries.

Financial markets play an important role in allocating resources to firms with the best investment opportunities. Budget 2005 takes a series of measures to improve the efficiency of financial markets. With more efficient financial markets, Canadian investments can earn a higher return and Canadian businesses can become more competitive globally.

To build a globally competitive economy, the Government of Canada is dedicated to pursuing its commitment to invest in skilled knowledge workers, cutting-edge research, science, and innovation. The October 2004 Speech from the Throne identifies the people of Canada as the nation's greatest source of creativity and economic strength. The government is committed to supporting the development of human capital. Budget 2005 announced initiatives that focus on early learning and child development, literacy, and improving and accelerating the integration of immigrants into the workforce.

This chapter tracks the Government of Canada's contribution to five outcomes related to a sustainable economy:

1. sustainable economic growth;

2. an innovative and knowledge-based economy;

3. income security and employment for Canadians;

4. a fair and secure marketplace; and

5. a clean and healthy environment.

Supplemental Information

Economic growth and environmental concerns

Natural, human and social capital

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 sustainable economic growth. 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.

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 sustainable economic growth

By undertaking the right investments and creating favourable conditions for growth, the government can encourage continued prosperity, perpetuating the virtuous circle of a robust economy, secure social foundations, a sustainable environment, and a sound fiscal framework. Each of these elements strengthens and reinforces the others, leading to, for example, lower interest rates, increased revenues, reduced taxes, and new social, economic, and environmental investments.

Sustainable economic growth includes strong regional economies and sectoral competitiveness balanced with sound environmental practices. Budget 2005 affirms the importance of Canada's regions and sectors, investing in regional economic development agencies and key sectors, such as agriculture and space. Reducing regional disparities is a priority, as is creating an attractive business environment that maximizes the contribution of all sectors to Canada's standard of living.

With a significant number of weather-dependent industries in Canada, a growing concern is the number of extreme weather events that have had disastrous ecological and economic costs. Some of these effects foreshadow what might be expected as the climate changes. Some recent disasters include the 2001 Prairie drought, which resulted in payouts to crop insurance programs exceeding $1 billion; the Saguenay flood of 1996, which cost the Canadian economy more than $1 billion in damages; and the 1998 ice storm, the costliest weather event in Canadian history, with property damage exceeding $5 billion.

Healthy ecosystems are essential to the strength of the economy in direct ways. Canada's natural resource sectors and ecotourism depend on healthy forests, agricultural lands, and oceans. Canada's forests contribute $59.0 billion and its oceans $22.0 billion to the Canadian economy annually. Compromised ecosystems and inefficient and unsustainable management of natural resources can have significant economic consequences. Natural resource-based industries (energy, forestry, minerals, and metals) provide jobs to more than a million Canadians, and in 2004 there were approximately 324,100 people employed in agricultural production in Canada. The 1992 collapse of the northern cod fishery off the coast of Newfoundland resulted in the direct loss of 20,000 jobs and a further 20,000 being harmed or lost indirectly. Adopting a sustainable approach to the management of natural resources is a vital strategy for ensuring the long-term economic viability of natural resources-based industries.

Canada officially ratified the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) on December 17, 2002. Under this Protocol, Canada is required to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to 6.0 per cent below 1990 levels in the period from 2008 to 2012. Canada is one of the largest producers of greenhouse gas emissions on a per capita basis in the world-a situation that results from its climatic conditions, its large landmass, and the energy-intensive nature of many of its industries. Project Green-Moving Forward on Climate Change: A Plan for Honouring our Kyoto Commitment embodies the Government of Canada's efforts to balance economic and environmental concerns. The Plan provides for Government of Canada investments in the order of $10 billion by 2012 to fully realize the anticipated reductions of about 270 megatons of greenhouse gas emissions.

Several departments, agencies, and Crown corporations contribute to sustainable economic growth 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.

Supplemental Information

Economic growth

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 innovative and knowledge-based economy. 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.

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 innovative and knowledge-based economy

Innovation is a driving force in economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social development. It is an integral element that helps us to deal with and prepare for challenges such as climate change. In today's knowledge-based economy, education plays a key role in providing individuals with the knowledge, skills, and competencies to participate effectively in society and the economy (OECD, Education at a Glance 2004). Innovation through new knowledge has become the main source of competitive advantage in all sectors of economic activity and is closely associated with increased exports, productivity growth, and the creation of new firms. Recognizing this, the government committed to making significant strategic investments in building a world-class research environment in Canada in Budget 2005.

The federal government launched Canada's Innovation Strategy in 2002, a 10-year plan to help make Canada one of the world's most innovative countries. In collaboration with provincial and territorial jurisdictions, universities, communities, and citizens, the government is working to make Canada a world leader in developing and applying ground-breaking technologies, creating and commercializing new knowledge, promoting continuous learning, training skilled workers, and ensuring a strong and competitive business environment. Budget 2005 reaffirms these previous budget commitments, which invested in the Canada Foundation for Innovation, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, and Genome Canada. As well, in Budget 2005 the Government of Canada committed to investing $125.0 million over the next three years to move forward on the Workplace Skills Strategy to help workers keep pace with changing requirements.

Several departments, agencies, and Crown corporations contribute to an innovative and knowledge-based economy 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.

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 income security and employment for Canadians. 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.

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 income security and employment for Canadians

An important element of quality of life is the ability to adequately support oneself financially. For some groups in society, this is not always possible even when the economy is performing well. In the 2005 budget, the Government of Canada addressed these issues by committing to improving support for seniors as well as making strategic investments in building a skilled and adaptable workforce. The government is also working toward creating a fair work environment, ensuring effective industrial relations in the workplace, and helping persons with disabilities.

The well-being of children is a determinant of both the present quality of life in Canada and Canada's future productivity. Based on a strong public policy consensus that service support for parents and income support for low-income families are important to achieving social well-being, the Government of Canada continues to make supporting children and their families a priority. The government works with the provinces and territories on three major initiatives, including the National Child Benefit, the Early Childhood Development Agreement, and the Multilateral Framework on Early Learning and Child Care. In addition, Budget 2005 committed the federal government to work with provinces and territories on the development of a new $5-billion early learning and childcare initiative.

In 2003, 4.1 million Canadians were 65 years of age or older. Their numbers are expected to reach 6.4 million in 2020-nearly one in five Canadians-making them the fastest growing age group in Canada. Seniors today are generally healthier, better educated, and economically better off than seniors of previous generations. Canada's diversified retirement income system has significantly contributed to the income security of the country's seniors, a long-standing priority for the Government of Canada.

According to 2001 Census data, the median age of the labour force was 39 in 2001, up from 37.1 in 1991. With the baby boomers aging and fewer young people entering the working age population due to lower fertility rates over the past 30 years, the potential exists for shortages in certain occupations. As a result, a wide range of occupations, from doctors and nurses to teachers, plumbers, and electricians, may face shortfalls by 2011.

To help offset these potential shortages, Canada has increasingly turned to immigration as a source of labour force and skill growth. The 2001 Census data show that immigrants who landed in Canada during the 1990s and who were in the labour force in 2001 represented almost 70 per cent of the total growth of the labour force over the decade. Although young Canadian-born individuals will make up the majority of new entrants to the labour market for the foreseeable future, current projections suggest that if current immigration rates continue, immigration could account for virtually all net labour force growth by sometime between 2011 and 2016.

Several departments, agencies, and Crown corporations contribute to income security and employment for Canadians 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/cp-rc_e.asp, also leads to relevant audits and evaluations.

Supplemental Information

Labour force

Canada's demographic challenge

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 fair and secure marketplace. 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.

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 fair and secure marketplace

The marketplace is an essential foundation for investment, innovation, trade, sustainable development, job creation, consumer confidence, and economic growth. A secure, fair marketplace maintains and enhances consumer confidence and gives businesses the best environment possible for competitiveness. The Government of Canada is committed to providing a fair and secure marketplace by ensuring that

• the Canadian financial system is stable and sound;
• Canadians comply with tax, trade, and border legislation;
• both consumers' and producers' rights are protected; and
• high standards for a safe, fair, and secure trading system are in place.

Recognizing that protecting citizens, consumers, and the natural environment is a more demanding task in the 21st century, the Government of Canada's Smart Regulation Initiative aims to modernize regulations to enhance conditions for an innovative economy while finding improved ways to meet high standards of social and environmental protection. The co-operation among all levels of government, industry, non-governmental organizations, and citizens is at the heart of this new regulatory strategy for Canada. The Smart Regulation Initiative is not only protective but also responsive to the pace of change in science, technology, and global markets. In Budget 2005, the government committed to building continuous improvement to the federal regulatory system, making it more transparent, accountable, and adaptable to new technologies and changing public priorities.

The Government of Canada is committed to addressing fraudulent, unfair, and deceptive behaviour in the marketplace by seeking tougher penalties, increasing awareness among target groups on how to detect and self-protect against these crimes, and modernizing the tools used for detection, prevention, and deterrence. (Industry Canada, Making a Difference-Contributing to the Quality of Life of Canadians, 2003)

Several departments, agencies, and Crown corporations contribute to a fair and secure marketplace 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/cp-rc_e.asp, also leads to relevant audits and evaluations.

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 clean and healthy environment. 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.

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 clean and healthy environment

Canada's lands, waters, and wildlife provide the foundation for Canada's health and economy and are important to the quality of life of all Canadians. Healthy ecosystems support an abundance of plants, wildlife, and other organisms and perform essential functions that provide a vast array of life-supporting services, such as maintaining the earth's climate, cleaning air and water, maintaining nutrient cycles, facilitating crop pollination, and helping to control floods and pest infestation. Canada's mosaic of ecosystems on land and sea, and along coastlines, is home to more than 71,500 known species of wild animals, plants, and other organisms. Despite Canada's seeming abundance of species and the appreciation of Canadians for nature and wildlife, Canada's natural capital is at risk. Ecosystem health and biodiversity are threatened by air and water pollution, the invasion of alien species, and human-induced habitat loss and fragmentation, mainly as a result of urbanization, agricultural intensification, and resource extraction.

Human health is dependent on the natural functions of a healthy environment, such as providing clean air to breathe and clean water to drink, filtering dangerous radiation, maintaining a relatively stable temperature regime, and absorbing wastes. In turn, the health of Canadians is key to maintaining a healthy workforce-an essential component of productivity and competitiveness. Environmental degradation has an effect on the economy through lost worker productivity and health care costs. Smog caused by air pollution, for example, is associated with thousands of preventable deaths, illnesses, and emergency room admissions in Canada each year.

Canada is the steward of a substantial portion of the world's natural capital, with responsibility for 20.0 per cent of the world's wilderness, 24.0 per cent of its wetlands, 7.0 per cent of its fresh water, 10.0 per cent of its forests, and the longest coastline in the world. To accomplish its role pertaining to the environment, the Government of Canada has passed several laws, including the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA 1999), the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, the Fisheries Act, the Species at Risk Act, the Pest Control Products Act, and the Oceans Act.

The Government of Canada has signed on to several international conventions, including the Canada-U.S. Migratory Birds Convention, the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Significance, the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, and the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. As a signatory to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, Canada is committed to sustainable use of its biological resources and to conserving biodiversity. To further this objective, the Government of Canada, in collaboration with provinces and territories, developed the Canadian Biodiversity Strategy. In addition to the government's obligation to protect Canada's natural capital and sustain ecological services, the government also has a responsibility to act as a global steward by conserving shared habitats and species and helping to enhance the capacity of less developed nations to conserve their biodiversity.

Several departments, agencies, and Crown corporations contribute to a clean and healthy environment 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/cp-rc_e.asp, also leads to relevant audits and evaluations.

Supplemental Information

Agricultural intensification

Ecosystems

2. Canada's Social Foundations

Introduction

From coast to coast to coast, Canadian communities contribute to the social, economic, environmental, and cultural vitality of Canadian society. A strong and vibrant society can be described as one that is safe, sustains elements of cohesiveness, maintains and improves the health of its citizens, and dynamically promotes culture, arts, and values.

Canada's democratic tradition has enabled the development of a modern, open, and multicultural society that many countries now look to as an example. Canada's social well-being and economic prosperity is directly influenced by the vitality of its communities and the participation of its citizens. In a country as diverse socially, geographically, and economically as Canada, the federal government plays an important role in enabling this vitality.

Other key values that secure Canada's social foundations and national identity include linguistic duality, respect for multiculturalism and diversity, gender equality, human rights, equal opportunity and fairness, and respect for peace, the rule of law, and the environment. Intercultural understanding and creative expression are also important factors in building a cohesive country.

The Government of Canada's role in Canada's social foundations

The Government of Canada works with the provinces, territories, municipalities, and partners to strengthen Canada's social foundations in areas such as public safety, public infrastructure, early learning and childhood development, public health, social inclusion, and funding for culture, arts, and heritage. The Government of Canada establishes and enforces laws that keep Canadians safe, regulate Canadian society, and protect disadvantaged groups in Canadian communities. Providing individuals, families, and communities with the supports they need in order to reach their full potential and contribute positively and meaningfully to society also strengthens Canada's social foundations.

Collaboration between federal, provincial, and territorial governments is essential to Canada's health care system as each plays key roles in Canada's renewed commitment to provide Canadians with an enhanced, publicly funded health system that can cope with the breadth of health issues. The federal government's responsibilities on this matter are divided into five broad areas:

• promoting strategies to improve the health of the population (prevention and control of disease and injury, health promotion, research, management of public health emergencies, etc.);
• supporting the health care system by setting and administering national principles or standards under the Canada Health Act and assisting in the financing of provincial and territorial health care services through fiscal transfers;
• protecting the health of Canadians by working with others to ensure that Canadians have accurate, timely health information on which to base decisions (e.g. monitoring safety of the Canadian food supply by recalls and allergy alerts, monitoring the air quality and its effect on human health, and posting smog alerts);
• delivering primary and supplementary direct health services to specific groups, including veterans, military personnel, inmates of federal penitentiaries, refugee claimants, serving members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, as well as First Nations and Inuit communities; and
• representing Canada in international forums on global health initiatives and participating in multinational efforts to eradicate disease, improve health, and reduce risk.

In addition to federal efforts to promote healthy lifestyles and provide health care services, the Government of Canada's initiatives include a spectrum of social programs that strengthen Canada's social foundations, such as the inclusion of Canadians with disabilities in their communities, immigration settlements, and the effective evaluation and granting of Canadian citizenship. Funding of public and voluntary sector organizations, finding ways of attracting and maintaining immigrants in Francophone minority communities, and increased support for community-based social and economic development are also important initiatives undertaken by the Government of Canada. For more information, see the text box on sustainable cities and communities at the end of this chapter.

The government continually reiterates its engagement in supporting Canada's culture and heritage by encouraging excellence among Canada's artists and citizens and providing cultural industries with the means to prosper in the 21st century.

The Government of Canada also works in partnership with volunteers, academics, governments, and community organizations on ways to prevent crimes by investing in approaches that help stakeholders deal with the underlying causes of crime and victimization, such as family violence, gang recruitment, or substance abuse.

This chapter tracks the Government of Canada's contribution to four outcomes related to Canada's social foundations:

1. healthy Canadians with access to quality health care;

2. an inclusive society that promotes linguistic duality and diversity;

3. a vibrant Canadian culture and heritage; and

4. safe and secure communities.

Supplemental Information

Early childhood development

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 healthy Canadians with access to quality health care. 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.

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 healthy Canadians with access to quality health care

A healthy population is fundamental in securing Canada's social foundations, and while the majority of Canadians are healthier than ever before, such progress is not even and major disparities still exist. Canada's universal health care system exists to safeguard and improve the health of all Canadians, giving concrete expression to the principles of fairness and equity that define the Canadian identity.

Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely absence of disease. Many factors can influence health, such as nutrition, physical activity, or physical environment. There are strong links between environmental degradation and health problems. Canadians are affected every day by pollutants from many sources and in many different forms.

Responsibility for public health and access to quality health care services is shared among federal, provincial or territorial, and municipal governments. An effective health care system also requires the collaboration of multiple sectors, such as health, agriculture, and environment, and the active participation of individuals, community groups, non-governmental organizations, business, and public sector agencies (e.g. schools).

To support the population's health activities and protect the health of Canadians, the Government of Canada employs strategies in multiple domains, such as health promotion, disease prevention, protection, surveillance, emergency response, and population health assessment. For example, Budget 2005 has built on the initial investment to the Public Health Agency of Canada by providing $300.0 million over five years for the Integrated Strategy on Healthy Living and Chronic Disease. The government also supported the establishment of six National Collaborating Centres for Public Health to provide national focal points for the study of key priority areas in public health and to contribute to the development of a pan-Canadian public health capacity. These centres will emphasize collaboration and translation of knowledge into practical public health strategies. They will focus on the determinants of health, public policy and risk assessment, infrastructure, infostructure (systems of information and communications technologies), infectious diseases, environmental health, and the development of new tools. Budget 2005 also included $90.0 million to accelerate health assessments under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act to reduce Canadian exposure to toxic substances.

Canada's publicly funded system of health care instils great pride among Canadians, while at the same time generating concerns about its current and future effectiveness. On September 16, 2004, the Prime Minister and all premiers and territorial leaders signed the 10-year Plan to Strengthen Health Care, which will lead to better health care for all Canadians. This agreement addresses Canadians' priorities for sustaining and renewing the health care system and also provides long-term funding to make those reforms a reality. It responds directly to the government's priorities of reducing wait times and improving access to health care services.

With Budget 2005, the government announced $41.3 billion in additional federal funding in support of the 10-year Plan. The new funding will be used to strengthen ongoing federal health support provided to provinces and territories through the Canada Health Transfer (CHT). This funding will allow governments to plan far ahead, to build with confidence, and to invest with certainty in renewal and positive change. Furthermore, Budget 2005 committed a total of $200.0 million over five years to support health care professionals, reduce wait times, and improve health performance reporting. Continued investments for wait time reductions, coupled with the new CHT base of $19.0 billion, mean that total federal cash transfers in support of health care are scheduled to nearly double over a 10-year period, from $16.3 billion in 2004-05 to $30.5 billion in 2013-14.

Several departments, agencies, and Crown corporations contribute to healthy Canadians with access to quality health care 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/cp-rc_e.asp, also leads to relevant audits and evaluations.

Supplemental Information

Health promotion

Prevention

Protection

Surveillance

Health assessment

Environment and its impact on health

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Supplemental Information

Family violence

Victim services

Hate-motivated crime

3. Canada's Place in the World

Introduction

Canada's place in the world has changed over the course of the past decade. The U.S. remains the world's pre-eminent super power, but a more global economy is rapidly developing with the expansion of the European Union-which added 10 new members in 2004-and with emerging economies such as China, India, and Brazil assuming increasingly important roles in trade and foreign policy.

Intra-state conflicts, such as the civil wars that occurred in the Former Republic of Yugoslavia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, and Sudan, pose new security challenges to the global community. In addition, since the events of September 11, 2001, the world's attention has been focussed on the threat posed by terrorism. Every terrorist attack-Bali, Istanbul, Madrid, and London, among others-reminds us that the international campaign against terrorism is not over.

Though the global economy is strong, many of the world's 6 billion people are not benefiting. Reducing poverty has become a cornerstone of the global development agenda as elaborated in the Millennium Development Goals. In September 2000, world leaders adopted the historic Millennium Declaration, pledging themselves to an international framework of concrete actions toward poverty reduction. This framework has become central to Canada's long-term vision of sustainable international development through avenues such as increased development assistance, debt relief, increased market access to Canada by least developed countries, improved environmental sustainability, and improved access for developing countries to affordable and essential drugs.

The Government of Canada's role in the world

In April 2005, the Government of Canada released its International Policy Statement, "A Role of Pride and Influence in the World." This document outlines Canada's first integrated plan to strengthen Canada's role in the world by bringing together the country's diplomatic, defence, development, trade, and investment strategies to meet international challenges and opportunities.

The federal government is working with Canadian partners and the global community to bring peace, stability, and development to many countries around the world. Through Canada's foreign and defence policies, Canada is involved in numerous international organizations and peace support operations worldwide. Canada further supports these global efforts and broader development objectives through bilateral and multilateral investments in development assistance, support to non-governmental organizations as well as through emergency humanitarian relief. Other areas in which the government plays a role include international negotiations and treaties on trade, the environment, human rights and humanitarian law, and funding for science and technology.

This chapter tracks the Government of Canada's contribution to four outcomes related to Canada's place in the world:

1. a strong and mutually beneficial North American partnership;

2. a prosperous global economy that benefits Canadians and the world;

3. a safe and secure world; and

4. global poverty reduction through sustainable development.

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 strong and mutually beneficial North American partnership. 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.

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 strong and mutually beneficial North American partnership

With a combined population of about 430 million people, Canada, the U.S. and Mexico share the vast North American continent. The three sovereign partners are committed to the social well-being, the economic success, and the safety and security of citizens across the continent.

In March 2005, the Security and Prosperity Partnership between Canada, the U.S., and Mexico was established. This partnership focusses on developing and implementing a North America cargo security strategy, enhancing intelligence sharing, public health co-ordination, regulatory co-operation, and improving co-ordination on biosafety management, thereby improving the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Although this partnership will better co-ordinate the Government of Canada's activities in the areas of security and prosperity, each of the three partners still has its own job to do in these areas. In terms of security, Canada issued its first-ever National Security Policy (NSP) in April 2004. Since then, several initiatives have been announced. For example, Canada is working with the U.S. to establish a North American cyber-threat early warning system and to pursue closer co-operation to enhance the collective marine defence and security of the two countries. Budget 2005 provides over $1 billion to support further investments in areas related to the NSP. A progress report on the implementation of the NSP was released in May 2005.

While the Government of Canada decided not to take part in the ballistic missile defence system, Canada's work with the U.S. through the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) is evidence that Canada is prepared to do its part in the defence of North America. Canada reaffirmed its commitment to NORAD in August 2004 by amending the NORAD Agreement so that its missile warning capabilities would be made available to U.S. commands responsible for missile defence.

The protection of Canadian sovereignty is an enduring priority of the Canadian government. Defence relations between Canada and the U.S. have evolved rapidly since September 11, 2001. For example, NORAD has increased its operational readiness and is addressing threats both inside and outside North America. The two countries have also created the Bi-National Planning Group, which is aimed at reinforcing co-operation on land and at sea in response to possible terrorist attacks and natural disasters.

In addition, co-operation between Canadian and U.S. authorities to counter security threats, including organized crime, resulted in the creation of 15 multi-agency integrated border enforcement teams targeting cross-border criminal activity. Joint efforts against drug trafficking have led to successful joint operations. The eighth annual Canada-U.S. Cross-Border Crime Forum, held in October 2004, brought together senior officials from Canada and the U.S. to discuss issues such as smuggling, organized crime, mass-marketing fraud, cyber-crime, and terrorism.

The Government of Canada has also taken other measures to strengthen the efforts of the Canadian Forces (CF) to enhance national and continental security. The government created the Joint Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defence Company to support both domestic and international operations; established the new Counter-Terrorism Technology Centre at Defence Research and Development Canada to provide enhanced training to first responders and CF personnel; enhanced Joint Task Force 2, Canada's special operations and counter-terrorism unit; and strengthened the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART), a joint medical and engineering emergency response team.

Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the U.S. focus on homeland security has necessitated enhanced Canada-U.S. co-operation in a way that does not impede the flow of cross-border commerce. Both countries recognize they have a stake in each other's economy and security, and they are working closely to improve security while facilitating the flow of commerce and people. Since Canada and the U.S. signed the Smart Border Declaration in December 2001, they have been implementing a detailed 32-point Action Plan to enhance the security of the flow of goods and people and to strengthen intelligence and law enforcement co-operation. Investments through the Border Infrastructure Fund are quickly making these security enhancements operational, while easing constraints related to the movement of goods and people. To continue building a stronger border for the 21st century, the government provided an additional $433.0 million over five years to strengthen the government's capacity to deliver secure and efficient border services in Budget 2005.

Canada and the U.S. are among the world's largest trading partners. The value of trade in goods and services that crosses the border each day is now close to $1.9 billion and is supported by the daily cross-border activity of half a million people and 37,000 trucks. With the signing of the North American Free Trade Agreementt (NAFTA) in 1994, the Canada-United States Free Trade Agreement (1989) was expanded to include Mexico. In addition, in 2004 Canada grew to become Mexico's second largest merchandise export market and Mexico became Canada's fifth.

Furthermore, the three North American countries work co-operatively in implementing the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation (NAAEC), the environmental side accord to the NAFTA. The NAAEC created the North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation, which addresses environmental issues of continental concern, with particular attention to the environmental challenges and opportunities presented by continent-wide free trade.

Although the vast majority of Canada-U.S. trade is free of disputes, issues such as softwood lumber and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) have affected the cross-border relationship. The Government of Canada continues its efforts to resolve the softwood lumber dispute through litigation, retaliation, if necessary, and high level advocacy. Regarding the issue of BSE, however, the U.S. administration published a rule to re-establish trade in a variety of beef and cattle products that, following a delay resulting from a legal challenge, came into effect in July 2005.

Several departments, agencies, and Crown corporations contribute to a strong and mutually beneficial North American partnership 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.

Supplemental Information

Canadian diplomatic representation in the U.S.

Progress in the Smart Border Discussions

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 prosperous global economy that benefits Canadians and the world. 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.

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 prosperous global economy that benefits Canadians and the world

In a globalizing world, international economic and commercial factors, to a large extent, determine the prosperity of individual sovereign nations. The level of integration or participation of national economies in the global economic system has a direct impact on their potential for prosperity and the quality of life for their citizens. Canada has prospered from the global economy: with the ninth largest economy in the world, Canada is now the world's ninth largest single-nation merchandise trader.

Today, the global economy in terms of trade and investment is strong and growing. In 2003, the size of total world international merchandise trade flows reached US$15.3 trillion, increasing to US$18.6 trillion in 2004. (World Trade Organization, 2005)

The Government of Canada is working to ensure that Canada's position in the global economy with respect to trade and investment is enhanced and that opportunities are provided to developing countries to facilitate their participation in the global economic system.

Expanding Canada's market share of current trading partners and exploring new ones is one way of ensuring Canadians benefit from global prosperity. Canada therefore has free trade agreements in place with Chile, Costa Rica, and Israel and is currently negotiating free trade arrangements with the Americas (Free Trade Area of the Americas-FTAA), the Central American Four (El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua), the European Free Trade Association, Singapore, and the Republic of Korea. (International Trade Canada, 2005)

Table 3.1 Canada's Exports and Imports in 2004

Source: Statistics Canada, 2005

One quarter of all Canadian jobs are linked in part to international trade. In 2004, total world trade for Canada was $928.5 billion, with trade in goods contributing $792.2 billion and trade in services contributing $136.3 billion. Each day, Canada exports and imports more than $2.5 billion worth of goods and services with the rest of the world.

Several departments, agencies, and Crown corporations contribute to a prosperous global economy that benefits Canadians and the world 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.

Supplemental Information

Pension mobility and trade in services

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 safe and secure world. 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.

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 safe and secure world

The Government of Canada is actively engaged with international partners such as the United Nations, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the G8, and Interpol for the long-term outcome of creating a safer, more secure world based on the rule of law, the respect for human rights, and compliance with international law. Canada's initiatives include the following:

• peace support operations, including military and police contributions;
• promotion of human security and human rights;
• supporting democratic development and good governance;
• counter-terrorism capacity building;
• efforts to reduce crime, in particular transnational organized crime; and
• efforts to combat weapons proliferation.

The Government of Canada is involved in helping to restore peace and stability in five different regions with internal conflicts and failed and fragile states: the Persian (Arabian) Gulf and Southwest Asia, the Balkans, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and Africa. As of the spring of 2005, over 2,683 members of the CF were deployed on 20 missions throughout these five regions. The largest deployment included over 900 members of the CF in Operation ATHENA, the Canadian contribution to the NATO-led, United Nations-authorized International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, which is anticipated to grow to 1,250 personnel in 2006. The government's overarching goal in contributing to ISAF is to prevent Afghanistan from relapsing into a failed state that provides a safe haven for drug traffickers, terrorists, and terrorist organizations. Canadian efforts in Afghanistan have contributed to the overall consolidation of peace and the improvement of human security. The Government of Canada's enhanced efforts will help improve the quality of life of the Afghan people and help ensure that the progress made is sustainable.

The Government of Canada is doing its part to promote peacekeeping efforts in the conflict-ridden Darfur region of Sudan. By May 2005, the government's total assistance to the African Union peacekeeping operation totalled over $250 million. National Defence and the CF will also contribute up to 60 military experts to help support African Union troops.

In order to have a military capable of providing an effective contribution to successful peace support operations, the government recognized in the October 2004 Speech from the Throne that Canada's military must be "smart, strategic and focused" and it announced an expansion of the forces by 5,000 Regular Force and 3,000 Reserve personnel. Budget 2005 provided the means to expand the forces, as well as to cover current operational issues and investments in new equipment by committing an additional $12.8 billion over five years to the Defence budget.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, through its Civilian Police Peacekeeping Operations program, manages the effective and timely participation of Canadian civilian police in international peacekeeping activities. In 2004, 152 police officers were engaged in a total of 12 international peace support operations. Canadian civilian police officers were sent to areas such as Haiti, East Timor, Sierra Leone, and the Ivory Coast.

The Government of Canada also recognizes the interdependence of peace and development and that the costs of rebuilding after conflict are much greater than the investment in development assistance programs that reduce poverty, inequality, exclusion, and environmental degradation. As a result, Canada is engaged in conflict prevention, post-conflict reconciliation, and peacebuilding efforts around the world.

Canada continues to promote the strengthening of international norms that will enable the international community to respond more effectively to large-scale violations of human rights and humanitarian law, such as war crimes, genocide, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity. As such, Canada has been promoting The Responsibility to Protect as a framework for determining when intervention is warranted on humanitarian grounds.

The Responsibility to Protect is a key component of Canada's human security agenda. The $10-million-per-year Human Security Program (HSP) was established in June 2000 as a five-year program to undertake country-specific initiatives and advocate foreign policy in areas such as the protection of civilians, peace support operations, conflict prevention, accountability, governance, and public safety. Since its inception, the HSP has supported over 500 projects on five different continents. The HSP was renewed in early 2005 for a second five-year phase.

Established in 1997, the Peacebuilding Fund complements this work by giving support to projects in countries experiencing rapidly changing circumstances in high-risk environments. Recent initiatives have helped child ex-combatants in northern Uganda to reintegrate in civilian life, brought to justice those involved in the brutal war in Sierra Leone, and strengthened the field presence of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Since November 2001, the Government of Canada is also participating in the Global Health Security Initiative-an international partnership to strengthen public health preparedness and response globally to chemical, biological, and nuclear threats, and a potential pandemic influenza.

Counter-terrorism is also a key area of Canadian involvement in helping to secure a safer world. Preventing and responding to terrorism are shared responsibilities in Canada, requiring the co-operative and supportive actions of all levels of government, the private sector, and international organizations.

Domestically, Canada's Counter-Terrorism Program, which includes the National Counter-Terrorism Plan, encompasses prevention, response, and recovery roles and responsibilities and establishes lines of communication to guide officials in resolving a terrorist incident. Internationally, Canada supports the central role of the United Nations and of international conventions as the foundation for international action against terrorism. As such, Canada contributed to the adoption of the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism in April 2005.

The Government of Canada is committed to working with international partners to stop the flow of weapons of mass destruction and related materials and to prevent these items from being used in the future.

The Government of Canada's participation in the Proliferation Security Initiative provides an opportunity to advance Canada's non-proliferation, arms control, and disarmament objectives and multilateral co-operation. Canada actively participates in export control groups, in the G8 Global Partnership Program Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction in countries of the Former Soviet Union, and contributes to strengthening the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, the International Atomic Energy Agency, and other international non-proliferation, arms control, and disarmament instruments.

Several departments, agencies, and Crown corporations contribute to a safe and secure world 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 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.

Supplemental Information

Canadian Forces internation peace support missions in 2004

Canadian police peacekeeping missions in 2004

More on the Human Security Program and Peacebuilding Fund

Good Governance-The Launching of Canada Corps

Proliferation Security Initiative

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 global poverty reduction through sustainable development. 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.

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 global poverty reduction through sustainable development

Canadians, who come from every corner of the globe, understand that the life enjoyed by citizens in this country depends increasingly on helping to make life in other countries better as well. Canada's future is intertwined with that of people around the world struggling to secure democracy and human rights, to build effective and accountable governance, to improve standards of living, and to manage the environment in a sustainable manner. Success in achieving significant political, economic, social, and environmental progress in the developing world will have a positive impact on Canada in terms of both its long-term security and its prosperity.

National governments play an integral role in ensuring that development is sustainable and that benefits from economic growth reach the poorest. Voluntary and private sector partners also play a key role in achieving international development goals and mobilizing people, resources, and skills in the fight to end poverty.

Over the past 50 years, great progress has been made in the developing world. For example, life expectancy has risen from 41 to 65 years, and food production and consumption has increased at a rate about 20 per cent faster than population growth. (United Nations' Millennium Project, 2005)

There is much more to be done, however, as many statistics remain alarming. For instance, more than 1 billion people in the world live on less than US$1 a day, and another 2.7 billion struggle to survive on less than US$2 per day. Everyday, HIV/AIDS kills 6,000 people and another 8,200 people are infected. (United Nations' Millennium Project, 2005)

International consensus on what is needed to reduce poverty is centered on the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals-eight international development goals supported by time-bound targets and measurable indicators. The Millennium Development Goals represent an ambitious global agenda to work collectively with developing countries to make drastic improvements in socio-economic standards by 2015.

Canada's development approach, as elaborated in the International Policy Statement released in April 2005, is fundamentally rooted in the Millennium Development Goals and the principles of aid effectiveness. This implies focussing assistance on a limited number of partner countries in sectors that support the Millennium Development Goals and where development assistance from Canada is likely to have a greater impact.

The Government of Canada has moved forward on three fronts to strengthen development assistance results through increased aid, more effective aid, and policy coherence across government. While the Canadian International Development Agency is the government's lead department in delivering Canada's development assistance, a whole-of-government approach is required to assist developing countries in achieving the Millennium Development Goals.

In March 2005, Canada joined the global development community in adopting the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness, which includes targets on issues of local ownership, harmonization, alignment, managing for development results, and mutual accountability. Since 1991, Canada's aid program has been funded through the International Assistance Envelope, established to ensure coherence among the federal government's international assistance priorities.

Budget 2005 established a new management framework for the International Assistance Envelope to provide greater stability in programming and budgeting while enabling Canada to respond to unforeseen crisis events. The International Assistance Envelope has been restructured into five distinct pools, devoted to development, international financial institutions, peace and security, crises, and development research. The bulk of resources will continue to be dedicated to the development pool.

In April 2005, the Government of Canada announced that by 2010, at least two thirds of Canada's bilateral assistance will be targeted to 25 of the poorest developing countries-more than half of which are in Africa. These are countries that have demonstrated their capacity to use aid effectively and with which Canada has had a solid partnership. Canadian assistance will target programs in five sectors directly related to achieving the Millennium Development Goals, specifically good governance, health (with a focus on HIV/AIDS), basic education, private sector development, and environmental sustainability. Gender equality will be a cross-cutting theme, to be systematically and explicitly integrated across all programming in each of these five sectors of focus.

Budget 2005 also recommitted the government to doubling international assistance by 2010, from its 2001-02 levels and doubling overall levels of assistance to Africa by 2008-09 from its 2003-04 levels. This commitment builds on Canada's previous assistance to Africa, such as the Canada Fund for Africa, established to support the New Partnership for Africa's Development, and the G8 Africa Action Plan. Canada has further committed to ongoing increases beyond 2010 and to accelerating the projected rate of growth in international assistance as Canada's fiscal position continues to improve.

Debt relief is another important contribution in reducing poverty, allowing debt-ridden national governments to redirect resources to other sectors such as health and education. The Government of Canada works to alleviate debt burdens through the Paris Club, by supporting the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative proposed by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and by establishing the Canadian Debt Initiative in 1999.

In June 2005, G8 finance ministers agreed to a proposal to provide additional multilateral debt relief for 18 heavily indebted poor countries that have completed the heavily indebted poor countries process. The proposal provides these 18 countries with 100-per-cent cancellation of their debts to the IMF, the World Bank's International Development Association, and the African Development Fund. Budget 2005 committed $172.0 million to be paid to the World Bank and the African Development Bank, which would cover Canada's share of the costs associated with the first 5 years of this proposal.

Efforts to combat disease are also important, and the Government of Canada supports a number of multilateral initiatives. These include the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, a partnership among governments, civil society, the private sector and affected communities to increase resources to support new and existing initiatives to fight these diseases. In 2004, Canada donated US$50.0 million to this global fund, effectively doubling its contribution of the previous year. Budget 2005 committed an additional $342.0 million to combat preventable diseases in developing countries, including another $140.0 million to the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, $160.0 million to Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization, and $42.0 million to Polio Eradication. Canada also announced a contribution of $100.0 million to the WHO's 3 by 5 Initiative, making Canada the lead donor in this effort to bring antiretroviral drugs to 3 million people afflicted with HIV/AIDS by 2005. In May 2004, Canada enacted the Jean Chrétien Pledge to Africa Act, becoming the first country to adopt a legislative framework to facilitate access for developing countries to affordable and essential medicines to address public health problems, especially those resulting from HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and other epidemics.

Several departments, agencies, and Crown corporations contribute to global poverty reduction through sustainable development 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.

Supplemental Information

Millennium Development Goals-Targets for 2015

Canada and untied aid

Canadian debt relief for developing countries

4. Aboriginal Peoples

Introduction

Last year, this chapter focussed on the social and economic conditions of Aboriginal people. This year, the chapter focusses on the Aboriginal Horizontal Framework. This Framework, developed over the past 18 months, arranges all federal programs and services directed specifically to Aboriginal people in Canada under seven thematic headings. These seven themes were developed as a response to the Canada-Aboriginal Peoples Roundtable. By organizing the programs and services in this manner, the federal government hopes to give a far clearer and more detailed picture of the extent and objectives of federal programs targeted to Aboriginal peoples. It is also hoped that the Framework will prove to be a useful tool to help federal departments and agencies obtain better results by managing their programs more effectively.

The work on the Framework began on April 19, 2004, when Prime Minister Paul Martin opened the first-ever Canada-Aboriginal Peoples Roundtable. This marked a step forward in improving the relationship between the Government of Canada and Aboriginal peoples. It was during this Roundtable that the federal government made a commitment to improve program results and the accountability relationships that frame their delivery. This includes working with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis organizations, provinces, and territories to clarify roles and improve the federal government's transparency, accountability, and reporting on Aboriginal programs. In the January 2005 accountability for results session, the federal government committed to disclosing a detailed picture of direct federal program spending in 2004-05 targeted to Aboriginal peoples in Canada. This chapter, a first step in meeting this commitment, contains figures on federal spending rolled up for all programs within each thematic area.

In 2004-05, 34 federal departments and agencies have worked together to develop the Aboriginal Horizontal Framework. The Framework's seven thematic areas are as follows: health, lifelong learning, safe and sustainable communities, housing, economic opportunities, land and resources, and governance and relationships (See Figure 4.1). Federal departments identified sub-themes and strategic outcomes to provide more structure and logic to numerous programs.

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The fully detailed Aboriginal Horizontal Framework is available at the following Web site: http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/aaps-aapd/intro.aspx?Language=EN. It includes additional information on the specific programs, including actual spending for 2004-05.

This is a first step toward increased transparency about-and improved horizontal management of-federal programs; the data presented here are therefore limited. The Framework, for example, does not capture the Aboriginal share of programs of general application, which are available to all Canadians, such as the benefits of employment insurance or the tax system. Nor does it cover general application program spending in regions where First Nations and Métis people and the Inuit, make up a proportionately high percentage of the population, for instance, north of the 60th parallel. These limitations underline that much further work is needed to refine the data, to complete the spending picture, and to enhance the Framework to be a useful management tool.

The Framework is not meant to be static; it will evolve to reflect new directions in federal policies and programs that emerge from the engagement of Aboriginal peoples with governments. The goal is to keep the Framework up-to-date so that it retains its usefulness for governments and Aboriginal people.

The Government of Canada's contribution with respect to Aboriginal peoples

The federal government has a unique relationship with the Aboriginal peoples of Canada. This special relationship is expressed through the fact that Aboriginal peoples are the only citizens of Canada that are specifically mentioned in the Constitution. The Aboriginal and treaty rights of First Nations, Métis people and the Inuit are protected by section 35 of The Constitution Act, 1982. Because of these constitutional rights, the federal, provincial, and territorial governments are obliged by law to take Aboriginal rights into consideration in their legal and political work.

For First Nations people, the Indian Act further defines many aspects of their relationship with Canada. The Indian Act establishes certain federal government obligations in relation to First Nations communities. It also provides for the management of Indian reserve lands, Indian moneys, and other resources.

In addition to treaties and legislation, the federal government provides extensive programs in its efforts to reduce the disparity in life opportunities between Aboriginal people in Canada and Canadians. On many indicators of well-being, such as educational attainment, employment, or health, the results for Aboriginal people are unacceptable. The importance of working together with Aboriginal people and provincial and territorial governments to address these concerns has been outlined not only by the Canada-Aboriginal Peoples Roundtable but also in the October 2004 Speech from the Throne.

The goal of the Government of Canada is to create the conditions for long-term success in learning, economic opportunities, modern institutions, and governance, all while respecting historical rights and agreements. This year's budget announced $1.4 billion as part of the Government of Canada's commitment to a renewed partnership with Aboriginal people. It includes $735.0 million in new investments in housing, special education, and early learning and childcare. These programs are aimed at ensuring that Aboriginal people and communities share the country's prosperity, with a focus on children, youth, and their families.

Several sectoral follow-up sessions arose as a result of the Canada-Aboriginal Peoples Roundtable. Representatives of federal departments, national Aboriginal organizations, and other experts all participated in these sessions to discuss how to proceed in the following key policy areas: health, lifelong learning, housing, economic opportunities, negotiations, and accountability for results. The culmination of this work was the May 31, 2005, policy retreat, where the Prime Minister and members of the federal government met with leaders of five national Aboriginal organizations. Political accords were signed with each of the national Aboriginal organizations and the federal government. These accords reflect the commitment by all parties to ensure that First Nations and Métis people and the Inuit can realize their aspirations and share in the overall prosperity of Canada.

Federal government expenditures in Aboriginal programs

As displayed in the Aboriginal Horizontal Framework, in 2004-05, 34 federal departments, agencies and Crown corporations provided 360 programs and services targeted to Aboriginal people with total expenditures of approximately $8.2 billion (see figure 4.2). Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) spends 61.5 per cent and Health Canada spends 21.0 per cent of this amount toward core services for First Nations people on-reserve and the Inuit, such as education, health, infrastructure, and social development. Other federal departments also provide a wide range of programs and services that benefit various Aboriginal groups, including First Nations people, the Inuit, Métis people, Aboriginal women, urban Aboriginal people, and Aboriginal people living in rural and remote communities.

In addition to the $8.2 billion, the federal government funds pan-Canadian programs and provincial or territorial funding transfers that benefit all Canadians, including Aboriginal peoples. Provinces and territories also have their own suite of programs and services for Aboriginal people living off-reserve and in the North to improve their quality of life.

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This chapter includes information on federal government expenditures in the following seven thematic areas and their respective outcomes:

1. Health: improved health of Aboriginal peoples;

2. Lifelong learning: maximized participation and success in early learning, education, training, and skills development built on Aboriginal heritage;

3. Safe and sustainable communities: Aboriginal communities are safe, stable, and sustainable;

4. Housing: Aboriginal people have improved access to suitable, adequate, affordable housing and related support;

5. Economic opportunities: sustainable wealth creation and participation in the economy;

6. Lands and resources: sustainable use and management of First Nations and Inuit lands and resources by First Nations people and the Inuit; and

7. Governance and relationships: sound Aboriginal governance and support of institutional capacity and clarification of the respective roles in the relationship.

Supplemental Information

Aboriginal peoples

Aboriginal demographics

Performance context

The Aboriginal Horizontal Framework enables the Government of Canada to begin working with Aboriginal communities and organizations to develop meaningful performance measures to evaluate its performance and determine whether its key commitments and goals are being met. Until these measures are developed, indicators such as life expectancy and infant mortality rates, which have been tracked by Statistics Canada for the 2001 Census, illustrate the current level of progress. 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.

Note: The legend summarizing the symbols used in the table above can be found in the introduction, on page 2.

Why is it important?

Improving the health of Aboriginal people is fundamental to creating the conditions for individuals and communities to participate productively in society. Although the majority of Canadians are much healthier than ever before, major disparities still exist between the health of Canadians and that of Aboriginal people in Canada. The health status of Aboriginal people remains substantially poorer than that of the general Canadian population, despite improvements over the past 20 years.

The Government of Canada is working to improve the health of Aboriginal communities, but there is still much to be done. On September 13, 2004, the Prime Minister chaired a special meeting with first ministers and Aboriginal leaders to discuss joint actions to improve Aboriginal health and adopt measures to address this disparity. Following the meeting, the federal government announced a series of new commitments to improve health services and reduce the gap in health status between Aboriginal people and non-Aboriginal people, such as $200.0 million for the Aboriginal Health Transition Fund, $100.0 million for the Aboriginal Health Human Resources Initiative, and $400.0 million for health promotion and disease prevention programs.

The Government of Canada's expenditures and programs related to the health of Aboriginal people

Health Canada is the main federal department that provides programming in this area and its programming is mainly targeted to First Nations communities. In addition, in 2004-05, a total of 5 departments and agencies contributed $1.8 billion to the pursuit of improved health of Aboriginal people through the provision of 68 programs and services.

The primary federal role is to ensure access to health services for First Nations and Inuit communities. For instance, the federal government works to ensure that, regardless of residency, First Nations people and the Inuit have access to the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program, including coverage for drugs, dental benefits, vision care, provincial health premiums, crisis intervention, and mental health counselling. The federal government also works to ensure health promotion and prevention programs and public health activities are available to First Nations communities and that primary care services are available to First Nations people living in remote and isolated communities where no provincial services exist. While the federal government provides funding for such programs, First Nations communities often deliver the programs.

In the territories, the federal government has devolved health services to the territorial governments. The federal government nevertheless continues to deliver some targeted programs to First Nations people and the Inuit in the territories, mostly in the areas of prevention and promotion activities.

Clicking on the links in the electronic version of the following table will lead you to detailed program and expenditure information related to health programs.

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Supplemental Information

Safe water treatment

Performance context

The Aboriginal Horizontal Framework enables the Government of Canada to begin working with Aboriginal communities and organizations to develop meaningful performance measures to evaluate its performance and determine whether its key commitments and goals are being met. Until these measures are developed, indicators such as educational attainment, which have been tracked by Statistics Canada for the 2001 Census, illustrate the current level of progress. 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.

Note: The legend summarizing the symbols used in the table above can be found in the introduction, on page 2.

Why is it important?

Lifelong learning is defined as the acquisition of knowledge and skills throughout an individual's lifespan. Participation in the full spectrum of lifelong learning facilitates the ability of Aboriginal people to develop the knowledge and skills to reinforce and strengthen their Aboriginal identity, fully participate in the Canadian economy, and enjoy quality of life outcomes comparable to those of Canadians. Studies have shown that education is the single greatest contributor to closing the gap between Aboriginal people and non-Aboriginal people. It is recognized that there is a strong correlation between a culturally relevant curriculum, learning programs that reflect Aboriginal values, traditions, and languages, and achieving positive education outcomes for Aboriginal students. It is therefore essential that lifelong learning take place within the context of language and cultural renewal.

The Government of Canada's lifelong learning expenditures and programs for Aboriginal people

In 2004-05, 14 federal departments and agencies contributed $1.9 billion toward the pursuit of maximized participation and success in early learning, education, training, and skills development built on Aboriginal heritage through the provision of 59 programs and services.

In the area of early learning and childcare, the federal government funds core services for First Nations and Inuit communities, such as elementary and secondary education and special education. These programs are administered and delivered at the community level. Budget 2005 announced additional funding of $100.0 million for First Nations and Inuit early learning and childcare and $120.0 million for special education for First Nations children living on-reserve.⁽¹⁾ Provinces and territories provide early learning and childcare programs and elementary and secondary education programs for children living off-reserve, including for Inuit and Métis children.

The federal government also provides support to Aboriginal learners in accessing post-secondary education. For instance, INAC provides $297.6 million for Post Secondary Education for Inuit and Status Indian students living on- and off-reserve. In addition, Canadian Heritage provides endowments of $22.0 million to the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation to provide scholarships to all Aboriginal students, including Métis and Aboriginal students living in urban centres.

Further along the lifelong learning continuum, the federal government has implemented the Aboriginal Human Resources Development Strategy, a major career and skills development program geared to First Nations and Métis people and the Inuit. In keeping with the need expressed by all Aboriginal peoples to acknowledge the importance of language and culture, there are over 28 programs offered by 6 departments and agencies in the following categories: cultural heritage and history (2), Aboriginal languages and living cultures (14), and artistic expression (12).

Clicking on the links in the electronic version of the following table will lead you to detailed program and expenditure information related to programs and services offered along the lifelong learning continuum.

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Why is it important?

Aboriginal communities are located within all regions of Canada, on reserves, on lands owned and managed by Aboriginal people, on Crown land, and in urban and rural settings. A safe and sustainable community provides a socio-economic and physical infrastructure base for Aboriginal people to build their lives upon and to respond to the diverse challenges they face. Fundamental elements of safe and sustainable Aboriginal communities include access to basic infrastructure services such as water, sanitation facilities, roads, and electrical services. It also includes access to emergency services such as effective, community-based crime prevention, police services, justice approaches, correctional and parole services, and emergency management assistance. Culturally appropriate policing, justice, and correctional initiatives that are sensitive to the needs and current realities of Aboriginal people are key components of safety in many Aboriginal communities.

Another element of safe and sustainable communities is strengthened individual, family, and community well-being. This requires effective social and community support that is inclusive, holistic, and culturally based, both on- and off-reserve, with programming for Aboriginal women and youth and support for Aboriginal friendship centres.

The Government of Canada's expenditures and programs for Aboriginal communities that are safe, stable, and sustainable

In 2004-05, 15 federal departments and agencies contributed to the pursuit of safe, stable, and sustainable Aboriginal communities through the provision of 87 programs and services, with a total cost of $2.4 billion. The goal of these programs and services is to ensure that the basic needs of Aboriginal people are met and that the safety and well-being of individuals and families are assured.

The majority of INAC programs provide funding to First Nations communities to deliver basic services such as income assistance, child and family services, and capital infrastructure, including support to help resolve water quality concerns in First Nations communities. The 2005 Budget announced an additional $125.0 million over five years to help better meet the needs of First Nations communities in delivering such basic services.

Programs provided by federal departments help to promote community well-being; these are generally inclusive of all Aboriginal peoples. Examples include the Aboriginal pillar of the National Crime Prevention Program or the Aboriginal Justice Strategy. Some programs are targeted to specific Aboriginal groups, such as the Urban Aboriginal Strategy, which is a series of pilot projects pioneering innovative ways to meet the unique needs facing the urban Aboriginal population in Canada, non-status Indians, and Métis people. Finally, in some areas the federal government is working with provinces, territories, and Aboriginal groups to improve community stability and safety, such as the tripartite First Nations Policing Program, which is helping First Nations communities create a safer and more stable environment.

Clicking on the links in the electronic version of the following table will lead you to detailed program and expenditure information on programs related to safe, stable, and sustainable communities.

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Supplemental Information

Aboriginal communities

Justice practices

Aboriginal incarceration rate

Performance context

The Aboriginal Horizontal Framework enables the Government of Canada to begin working with Aboriginal communities and organizations to develop meaningful performance measures to evaluate its performance and determine whether its key commitments and goals are being met. Until these measures are developed, indicators such as the level of acceptable housing, which has been tracked by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and Statistics Canada, illustrate the level of progress made. In the electronic version of the report, clicking on the indicators in the Performance Highlight table will lead you to detailed information about current performance and trends.

Note: The legend summarizing the symbols used in the table above can be found in the introduction, on page 2.

Why is it important?

Suitable, adequate, and affordable housing has a direct impact on an individual's health and well-being and represents a building block of a healthy and productive society. Suitable, adequate, and affordable housing is also essential because it supports the stability and permanence of location, which, in turn, facilitates opportunities for obtaining and maintaining long-term employment, accessing public and private services, and participating in community activities. In many cases, unacceptable housing can be associated with a host of health problems. For example, crowded living conditions can lead to the transmission of infectious diseases and can further increase risk of injury, mental health problems, family tensions, and violence.

Housing conditions of Aboriginal households in Canada significantly lag behind non-Aboriginal households. Although the Government of Canada's on-reserve housing policy provides First Nations with the flexibility and control to tailor housing plans to respond to the needs within their communities, the housing need on-reserve is still considerable. For instance, on-reserve housing shortages are currently estimated at 20,000 units, with an additional 4,500 new units needed annually to meet the requirements of new households. In 2004-05, out of a total of 96,804 housing units on-reserve, 21,197 housing units required major repair, 5,519 needed to be replaced, and 1,875 additional housing units were built.

Aboriginal people living off-reserve also face serious housing issues. For the majority of Aboriginal households off-reserve, affordability is the primary housing difficulty, and-as long as their incomes lag-Aboriginal households will continue to be more susceptible to housing need. In 2001, 21.0 per cent of Aboriginal houses off-reserve were in core housing need compared to 14.0 per cent of non-Aboriginal households. (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation housing indicators, based on the Statistics Canada 2001 Census)

Aboriginal people are over-represented in the homeless population in every major city where statistics are available. For example, in Hamilton, Aboriginal people represent 2.0 per cent of the population but 20.0 per cent of the homeless population. In Edmonton, Aboriginal people represent 43.0 per cent of the homeless population (based on a city count in 2002) while accounting for only about 6 per cent of the overall population. (Statistics Canada, 2001 Census)

The Government of Canada's expenditures and programs for housing for Aboriginal people

In 2004-05, INAC, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, and Human Resources and Skills Development Canada contributed to the pursuit that Aboriginal people have improved access to suitable, adequate, and affordable housing through the provision of 15 programs and services. Federal programming, in which expenditures totalled $438.8 million in 2004-05, is divided between First Nations housing on-reserve and Aboriginal housing off-reserve.

On-reserve investments are aimed at supporting the construction of new housing, repairs and renovations, operation and maintenance, and other related housing activities. Of total expenditures in 2004-05, 29.0 per cent is provided by INAC through contribution funding to First Nations communities and 67.0 per cent is provided by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation through various on-reserve housing programs, such as the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program. Budget 2005 announced an investment of $295.0 million over five years for housing on-reserve that will build on current programs to construct 6,400 new units and renovate 1,500 existing units.

Off-reserve, federal initiatives have been developed to complement existing provincial and territorial housing measures. In 2004-05, off-reserve housing expenditures totalled $190.6 million. This amount does not include programs available to all Canadians, such as the Affordable Housing Initiative, which is cost-shared and delivered by the provinces and territories, though it does fund such programs as the Aboriginal Homelessness Initiative and federal housing renovation programs, such as the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program and Emergency Repair Program.

Clicking on the links in the electronic version of the following table will lead you to detailed program and expenditure information on programs related to housing.

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Supplemental Information

Housing terms

On-reserve housing policy

Performance context

The Aboriginal Horizontal Framework enables the Government of Canada to begin working with Aboriginal communities and organizations to develop meaningful performance measures to evaluate its performance and determine whether its key commitments and goals are being met. Until these measures are developed, indicators such as the employment rate, median income, and business formation rate, which have been tracked by Statistics Canada through the 2001 Census, illustrate the level of progress made. 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.

Note: The legend summarizing the symbols used in the table above can be found in the introduction, on page 2.

Why is it important?

Enhancing the potential for Aboriginal people and communities to take advantage of economic opportunities is essential to securing their place in Canada's economy. Two major economic challenges faced by Aboriginal communities are business and market development and fostering sustainable economic development. Aboriginal communities have relied heavily on natural resource harvesting to provide economic development opportunities. Communities often face many challenges, however, in translating these resources into economic opportunities. Sustainable economic opportunities provide long-term employment and stable sources of revenue, which, in turn, are critical to improving the quality of life and achieving self-reliance in Aboriginal communities. Ensuring the conditions for economic opportunities exist is even more critical given the current demographics and population growth of Aboriginal communities. Projections suggest that young Aboriginal people in Manitoba and Saskatchewan may account for as much as 25 to 30 per cent of the new entrants to the labour force.

The Government of Canada's expenditures and programs related to economic opportunities for Aboriginal people

In 2004-05, 9 federal departments and agencies contributed to the pursuit of sustainable wealth creation and participation in the economy through the provision of 31 programs and services with a total cost of $231.4 million. The majority of federal programs are inclusive to all Aboriginal peoples and include various target groups for programs, such as communities, institutions, individuals, youth, women, individual heritage and status groups, urban populations, entrepreneurs, and business development organizations. Most programs are available across the country, although some are region-specific, such as those delivered by regional development agencies.

The federal programming suite supports economic development opportunities along several streams. For instance, it can support development in resource industries or capacity building within First Nations and Inuit communities to enable participation in community economic development projects. Depending on the community, support may involve employment, business development, development of land and resources under community control, or accessing opportunities from land and resources beyond community control, and developing effective regulatory regimes. The Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy and the First Nations Forestry Program are examples of resource-specific programs.

The federal program suite also includes programs that create the necessary preconditions for sustainable economic development by promoting access to capital and supporting business development. For instance, in 2004-05 Industry Canada's Aboriginal Business Canada contributed $34.5 million toward 1,200 projects, helping to launch or expand Aboriginal ventures and providing support to a network of business and financial institutions. Such contributions from Aboriginal Business Canada have led to investments totalling $93.6 million. Other federal programs provide job-specific training to First Nations and Métis people and the Inuit through programs that engage employers to encourage and support Aboriginal employment. An example of such a program is the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership initiative implemented by Human Resources Skills Development Canada.

Clicking on the links in the electronic version of the following table will lead you to detailed program and expenditure information on programs related to economic opportunities for Aboriginal people.

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Supplemental Information

Aboriginal peoples in metropolitan areas

Why is it important?

The sustainable use and management of lands and resources by First Nations people and the Inuit includes the establishment of their own systems to manage these resources. This facilitates increased decision making at the local level and presents an important building block to self-governance in First Nations and Inuit communities. Through the sustainable use and management of lands and resources, First Nations and Inuit communities are able to improve access to economic development opportunities, improve self-sufficiency, and contribute to maintaining the spiritual and cultural heritage of Aboriginal peoples, many of whom have a special relationship with land, resources, and the environment.

The Government of Canada's expenditures and programming for Aboriginal peoples in lands and resources

In 2004-05, 5 federal departments and agencies contributed to the pursuit of sustainable use and management of First Nations and Inuit lands and resources by First Nations people and the Inuit. All 31 federal programs are targeted at First Nations and Inuit communities, with a total cost of $144.8 million.

The Government of Canada is working with First Nations people and the Inuit to ensure that they have the freedom and responsibility to manage their lands, natural resources, and revenues in a way that works best for them, while fostering sustainable use and management of resources that meet environmental standards. Initiatives such as the First Nations Land and Management Initiative and legislation recently introduced in the House of Commons (the First Nations Oil and Gas and Moneys Management Act) represent an incremental step that will enable First Nations and Inuit communities to assume greater control of their lands and resources. Such federal initiatives will also help them develop their own modern or traditional tools to manage and protect their lands and resources to ensure that they can determine the pace of community land code development and ratification.

Additionally, many Aboriginal people have long enjoyed a special relationship with marine and freshwater resources and their supporting habitat. Initiatives such as the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy and the Aboriginal Aquatic Resource and Oceans Management Program support capacity-building in Aboriginal communities so they can participate more effectively in various advisory and multi-stakeholder processes used for aquatic resource and oceans management and to expand their opportunities to participate in commercial fisheries and aquaculture development.

Clicking on the links in the electronic version of the following table will lead you to detailed program and expenditure information on programs related to land and resources.

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Why is it important?

Sound Aboriginal governance and strong institutional capacity are important to establishing stable and accountable Aboriginal governments that are reflective of and responsive to their community's needs and values. Sound Aboriginal governance serves as the foundation for making progress in improving the quality of life issues previously discussed, such as housing, lifelong learning, and health.

The Government of Canada's expenditures and programming for Aboriginal peoples in governance and relationships

In 2004-05, 15 federal departments and agencies contributed $1.1 billion to the pursuit of sound Aboriginal governance and support of institutional capacity and clarification of the respective roles in the relationship through 69 programs and initiatives. It is nevertheless important to note that the departmental expenditures of various activities, such as litigation management, are directed mainly toward corporate activities.

The Government of Canada is engaged with Aboriginal communities in encouraging sound governance and strengthening institutional capacity through several mechanisms, including band support funding, comprehensive land claims settlement processes, and self-government negotiation processes. Many final land claim agreements have been signed between Canada, Aboriginal groups, and the province or territory, such as the Tlicho Agreement in 2003 (effective since August 4, 2005) and the Gwich'in Comprehensive Land Agreement (1992). In fact, there are currently 35 communities under comprehensive self-government agreements (either stand-alone or annexed to Comprehensive Land Claims Agreements), 10 communities with sectoral self-government agreements, and many land claim negotiations underway. Recently, the House of Commons approved the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement Act, which received Royal Assent in 2005 and constitutes an additional land claims agreement concluded with the Inuit.

A key commitment of the federal government is to encourage sound governance in Aboriginal communities by supporting institutional capacity and clarifying respective roles and relationships. As a reflection of the government's commitment, the Government of Canada signed accords with the Assembly of First Nations, the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, The Métis National Council, the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, and the Native Women's Association of Canada on May 31, 2005.

These joint accords reflect the government's commitment to renew and strengthen its relationships with First Nations and Métis people and the Inuit, in a manner that respects Aboriginal and treaty rights and the unique place of Aboriginal peoples in the Canadian federation. The accords also reflect the government's commitment to strengthening the policy capacity of Aboriginal organizations to contribute more effectively to public policy making and reflect the government's support for Aboriginal organizations representing non-status Indians, the Inuit, and Métis people to interact with all levels of government and to influence decision making.

Clicking on the links in the electronic version of the following table will lead you to detailed program and expenditure information on programs related to governance and relationships.

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Supplemental Information

Comprehensive Land Claims Policy

Historic treaties

Self-government

First Nations Fiscal and Statistical Management Act

Conclusion

Sustainable economy

Policy makers used to think about the environment as something to be protected from the negative effects of economic growth and the marketplace. Today, it is recognized that environmental, social, and economic well-being are inextricably linked. The challenge, therefore, is to integrate all these considerations into the way decisions are made to ensure that Canada's economy, environment, and society are sustainable over time.

While Canada has made progress toward achieving an innovative and knowledge-based economy, there are significant numbers of adult Canadians with low-level literacy skills that constrain their participation in society and in the economy.

Also, while levels of several air pollutants have dropped over the last decade, climate change and the status of many species at risk continue to be causes for concern. Canada has made significant progress on environmental protection, but more needs to be done. The Government of Canada will work with consumers, environmentalists, partners, and stakeholders in further developing its integrated approach to a sustainable economy.

The Canadian economy is, however, considered to be one of the strongest and healthiest among the G-7 countries, and Canada has enjoyed the strongest growth in employment within the G-7. The government's economic and fiscal plan has been, and will continue to be, to generate the greatest possible growth while providing equality of opportunity to all Canadians.

Canada's social foundations

The Government of Canada supports quality of life of its citizens not only by strengthening the social fabric and by reflecting and reinforcing values that are important to Canadians but also by promoting and protecting health and ensuring effective health care services. The Government of Canada also establishes and enforces laws that keep Canadians safe, regulate Canadian society, and protect disadvantaged groups in Canadian communities.

Canada's social foundations are experiencing a number of challenges. While indicators point to a less involved civic society as political participation and volunteering among Canadians are both declining, personal tolerance toward diversity is increasing.

Progress has been noted in housing, as the proportion of Canadians who are unable to afford shelter that is adequate, suitable, and affordable is decreasing.

Although a growing proportion of Canadians are also considered either overweight or obese, Canadians can expect to live longer than ever.

The Government of Canada is committed to having the best possible system for ensuring the health of Canadians. Medicare is a vital aspect of Canada's shared citizenship: it speaks to Canadian values and priorities. Canadians want a system that gives them access to the care they need, when they need it.

Canada's place in the world

The world is changing, rapidly and radically, and these changes matter to Canada. Canada's security, prosperity, and quality of life are all affected by global transformations and the challenges they bring.

Canada must therefore remain engaged abroad if the government is to meet the challenges and seize the many opportunities a global economy can bring, while contributing its share to international peace, security, and assistance.

Canada is committed to improving international security, but many Canadians think that much work remains to be done.

Canadians, who come from every corner of the globe, understand that the life enjoyed by citizens in this country depends increasingly on helping to make life in other countries better as well. Although the federal government has moved forward on three fronts to strengthen development assistance results through increased aid, more effective aid, and policy coherence across government, there is still progress to be made in this area.

Canada is, however, increasingly benefiting from partnership with its North American neighbours, and Canadians are prospering in the global economy.

Aboriginal peoples

Aboriginal peoples, however, have not fully shared in Canada's prosperity. Although important progress has been made in the areas of health, lifelong learning, housing, economic development, and improving relationships with governments, much more needs to be done. The Government of Canada is working in partnership with Aboriginal leaders and the provinces and territories to find lasting solutions.

Partnering for success

The Government of Canada recognizes that it is only one of many entities that shape Canadian society and that quality of life depends on many factors. For this reason, the federal government partners with other levels of government, private and voluntary sectors, non-governmental organizations, and individuals to achieve the best possible social, economic, and environmental outcomes for Canadians.

Give us your feedback

The Government of Canada is committed to continually improving its reporting to parliamentarians and Canadians. We want to know what you think of this report-what you like best and what you think needs to be changed so that we can make more improvements.

We welcome your comments by mail, telephone, fax, or e-mail.

Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
Results-based Management Division
300 Laurier Avenue West
9th Floor, West Tower
Ottawa ON K1A 0R5

Telephone: (613) 957-7183
Fax: (613) 957-7044
E-mail: rma-mrr@tbs-sct.gc.ca

Appendix A: Performance Highlights

This chart summarizes the material presented in the report regarding Canada's performance in 13 Government of Canada outcomes in 3 areas of federal involvement over the past 5 to 10 years (depending on the relevance and availability of data).

Sustainable Economy

Canada's Social Foundations

Canada's Place in the World

Aboriginal Peoples

Appendix B: Federal Organizations that Support all Government of Canada Outcomes

The Public Service of Canada is a fundamental institution that contributes to the high quality of life enjoyed by Canadians. It is a large, multi-faceted organization with offices across Canada and around the world. It performs a wide range of functions from administering laws and the justice system, developing and delivering national social programs and services, regulating the economy and promoting free trade, to representing and protecting Canada's interests and values in the world.

Canadians rightly expect a lot from public service employees and expect the government to pursue policies and programs that take into account and are responsive to public priorities. They expect the government to operate in an open, transparent, and accountable manner. They want to know that government programs and services are well managed. Above all, they want assurances that they are receiving good value for their tax dollars.

Several departments and agencies play a key role in the quality of life of Canadians by providing support to other departments and agencies, providing government services (e.g. translation), and contributing to strengthening and modernizing public sector management (e.g. the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat). In the electronic version of this report, clicking on the links in the following table will lead to planning and performance information for organizations that support all Government of Canada outcomes.

(1) In the Aboriginal Horizontal Framework, "Early Learning and Childcare" is placed under "Health" but is cross-referenced with "Lifelong Learning."[ Return ]

Date Modified: 2005-11-23