Strategic outcome and program activity descriptions

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Department

Strategic Outcome—The international agenda is shaped to Canada's benefit and advantage in accordance with Canadian interests and values.

  • Program Activity—Diplomacy and advocacy

    This program activity engages and influences international players and delivers international programs and diplomacy. It allows Canada to implement its international policies to foreign audiences inside and outside of Canada and thus fulfill the mandated roles and responsibilities that are associated with the diplomatic work of a foreign and international trade ministry. This work is done by liaising with decision makers at all levels in other countries and hosting events where key messages can be advocated. It includes utilizing provincial expertise in specific areas of interest to them to advance Canada's overall international policy. Additionally, it uses strategic promotion activities, including public diplomacy, as vehicles to promote Canadian views on issues of concern to Canadians and uses a number of discretionary grant and contribution programs to further Canada's interests abroad. The main target groups are foreign decision makers in Canada and abroad, foreign publics, other levels of government within Canada, key constituencies within other countries (e.g. security and defence-related communities) and legislators.

  • Program Activity—International policy advice and integration

    This program activity provides strategic direction, intelligence and advice, including integration and coordination of Canada's foreign and international economic policies. It allows the department to plan and strategically coordinate its international activities with a view to integrating Canada's foreign and international economic policies. This is carried out by working to improve coordination within DFAIT, with other government departments and relevant stakeholders, and by utilizing advice provided from missions to develop all-of-government approaches that integrate different organizational mandates and perspectives to advance Canadian interests and values. The main target groups are other government organizations, policy and program groups within DFAIT, heads of mission and key mission personnel.

Strategic Outcome—Canadians are satisfied with commercial, consular and passport services.

  • Program Activity—International commerce

    This program activity manages and delivers commerce services and advice to Canadian business. It helps Canadian business succeed in international markets by providing expert counsel and advice and managing and delivering value-added services to Canadian business pursuing international business opportunities. This work is conducted through support to qualified business clients. The main target groups are Canadian business clients who are currently operating abroad or who have demonstrated a capacity to do so.

  • Program Activity—Consular services and emergency management

    This program activity manages and delivers consular services and advice to Canadians, and provides a coordinated Government of Canada response to emergencies abroad affecting Canadians. This work is done through consular agents and officers at missions abroad and through the use of the website, Travel.gc.ca . The program exists because Canadians travel, work, live, and die outside of Canada. This program activity prepares Canadians for international travel by informing them about safe travel habits and providing them with credible and timely information and advice to enable them to make responsible decisions about travel to foreign countries. In addition to helping Canadians prepare for international travel, this program activity assists Canadians outside Canada (24 hours a day, seven days a week) in handling individual cases of distress and routine requests for service and, in cooperation with partners and missions, provide a coordinated Government of Canada response to emergencies (such as natural disasters) affecting Canadians abroad. The main target groups are Canadians outside of Canada or Canadians planning to travel or live abroad.

  • Program Activity—Passport Canada special operating agency (Revolving Fund)

    This program activity manages and delivers passport services through the use of the Passport Canada Revolving Fund. It enables the issuance of secure travel documents to Canadians, which facilitates their travel and contributes to international and domestic security. This work is done through the authentication of identity and entitlement of applicants using a diversity of service channels and the production of secure travel documents. The main target group is Canadian travelers.

Strategic Outcome—The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade maintains a mission network of infrastructure and services to enable the Government of Canada to achieve its international priorities.

  • Program Activity—Governance, strategic direction, and common service delivery

    This program activity governs, provides strategic direction and leadership, manages change, delivers services and provides infrastructure to the mission platform. The work is done in coordination with various branches, bureaus and divisions within DFAIT and with federal and provincial departments and agencies (31 partners in 2009-2010) located at missions abroad. The main target group is DFAIT's branches, bureaus and divisions, the Government of Canada's missions abroad, as well as federal and other partners operating at missions abroad.

  • Program Activity—Passport Canada special operating agency (Revolving Fund)

    This program activity manages and delivers passport services through the use of the Passport Canada Revolving Fund. It enables the issuance of secure travel documents to Canadians, which facilitates their travel and contributes to international and domestic security. This work is done through the authentication of identity and entitlement of applicants using a diversity of service channels and the production of secure travel documents. The main target group is Canadian travelers.

Strategic Outcome—The following program activity supports all strategic outcomes within this organization.

  • Department-Program Activity—Internal services

    The Internal services program activity supports all strategic outcomes and is common across government. Internal services are groups of related activities and resources that are administered to support the needs of programs and other corporate obligations of an organization. These groups are: Management and oversight services; Communications services; Legal services; Human resources management services; Financial management services; Information management services; Information technology services; Real property services; Materiel services; Acquisition services; and Travel and other administrative services. Internal services include only those activities and resources that apply across an organization and not to those provided specifically to a program.

Canadian Commercial Corporation

Strategic Outcome—Enhanced market access for Canadian exporters to complex international public sector markets.

  • Program Activity—Defence

    This consists of export sales in the aerospace, defence and security sectors. These include sales to all levels of government.

  • Program Activity—Emerging and developing markets

    This is non-Defence Protection Sharing Agreement (DPSA) and non-aerospace, defence and security business consisting of supply and construction projects in a variety of other sectors and can include sales to all levels of government, federal, state and municipal.

Canadian International Development Agency

Strategic Outcome—Reduction in poverty for those living in countries where the Canadian International Development Agency engages in international development.

  • Program Activity—Global engagement and strategic policy

    This program activity shapes international development policy in Canada and globally in support of Canadian International Development Agency's strategic direction, and Canada's broader international assistance objectives and commitments. It also engages with multilateral and global organizations for two main purposes: to contribute effectively to the achievement of development results, and to influence partner's policies, planning, strategic directions, and organizational governance in pursuit of greater development results.

  • Program Activity—Low-income countries

    This program activity focuses on addressing pervasive poverty in countries having an annual gross national income (GNI) per capita equivalent to US$935 or less (2007 data). This requires engagement in long-term development assistance supporting the national priorities of a selected number of low-income countries, as well as programming with regional institutions addressing trans-boundary issues. Canadian International Development Agency's support aims to help these countries achieve their priority development goals that differ from country to country, and region to region. Programming aims at achieving reduced poverty and increasing economic opportunities. It focuses in areas such as basic health and education, agriculture/food security, income generation and the foundations for good governance.

  • Program Activity—Fragile countries and crisis-affected communities

    This program activity seeks to address developmental issues in selected countries identified as fragile. Fragile countries are defined as those that face particularly severe development challenges, with complex national and regional contexts, given weak institutional capacity, poor governance, political instability, and ongoing violence or a legacy of past conflict. Improving the situation in these countries is frequently considered strategic in meeting Canada's foreign policy objectives. Canadian International Development Agency's programming in these countries seeks to enhance long-term development by improving the effectiveness of public institutions and society, fostering stability and security, as well as supporting the delivery of key services. This program activity also involves humanitarian assistance in response to man-made crises or natural disasters to ensure delivery and access of essential emergency services to crisis-affected populations. In both cases, various partnerships offer flexibility and expertise to provide the most effective response.

  • Program Activity—Middle-income countries

    This program activity focuses on addressing specific challenges in attaining self-reliance for countries having an annual gross national income (GNI) per capita equivalent to more than US$935 but less than US$11,455 (2007 data). It involves strategic assistance in a selected number of middle-income countries, as well as programming with regional institutions addressing trans-boundary issues. These countries vary considerably in terms of their requirements, with Canadian International Development Agency programming tailored to respond as appropriate but mainly involves engaging in strategic areas of their national priorities to sustainably enhance economic growth and the capacity to deliver social services, as well as building accountable, democratic institutions.

  • Program Activity—Canadian engagement

    This program activity involves supporting the overseas initiatives of Canadian organizations, promoting international development in Canada, and informing the Canadian public. The Canadian International Development Agency does this by co-investing through various delivery mechanisms with a range of Canadian civil society organizations and other partners. In turn, these organizations partner with developing country civil society counterparts, as well as governments and the private sector to strengthen their capacity to deliver programs and services in supporting the Canadian International Development Agency's strategic outcomes. Public engagement in Canada is achieved through the education and outreach activities of Canadian non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, labour unions, and professional associations and through the Canadian International Development Agency's own efforts to reach the general public.

Strategic Outcome—The following program activity supports all strategic outcomes within this organization.

  • Canadian International Development Agency-Program Activity—Internal services

    The Internal services program activity supports all strategic outcomes and is common across government. Internal services are groups of related activities and resources that are administered to support the needs of programs and other corporate obligations of an organization. These groups are: Management and oversight services; Communications services; Legal services; Human resources management services; Financial management services; Information management services; Information technology services; Real property services; Materiel services; Acquisition services; and Travel and other administrative services. Internal services include only those activities and resources that apply across an organization and not to those provided specifically to a program.

International Development Research Centre

Strategic Outcome—Stronger capacity in developing countries to research and propose solutions that support sustainable and equitable development and poverty reduction.

  • Program Activity—Research on development challenges

    IDRC supports research in developing countries to promote growth and development. The challenges facing international development are varied and complex. Research and innovation are vitally important to grapple with these challenges. Under the Strategic Framework 2010-2015, IDRC focuses on agriculture and the environment, science and innovation; social and economic policy; and health and health systems. Within each focus, programs define the specific development problem and identify the most promising approaches to address them. These programs support applied research as well as activities that strengthen the particular fields of knowledge. IDRC continually assesses why, where, and how to intervene to have the greatest impact. Program funding is allocated on an annual basis to reflect these changing priorities. IDRC works with researchers and innovators in the developing world, often in cooperation with researchers in Canada and elsewhere. Most projects are conducted by developing- world institutions themselves, including universities, research organizations, and civil society. IDRC also encourages sharing this knowledge with policymakers, other researchers, and communities around the world. The result is innovative, lasting local solutions that aim to bring choice and change to those who need it most.

  • Program Activity—Capacity to do, use and manage research

    IDRC also invests in research intended to assist the developing world to solve its own problems. To contribute to their societies, researchers and innovators in the developing world need to access global knowledge, engage their peers, and share their work. In short, they need opportunities to build their capacity to do, use and manage research. This program supports projects and technical assistance related to research design and methodology, communication and evaluation. Training and experts help researchers to develop their own ideas, communicate their results, and contribute to the larger efforts to reduce poverty. IDRC also works on evaluation methodologies and tools, and supports professional communities of evaluators in the developing world. This program works with research, media and evaluation professionals in the developing world. It does so using a "grants-plus" approach to supporting research for development. This approach combines financial support to create new opportunities for research, engagement with recipients in the research process, and brokering that helps strengthen research- to-policy linkages. The work of IDRC is part of Canada's international assistance and is guided by the International Development Research Centre Act.

Strategic Outcome—The following program activity supports all strategic outcomes within this organization.

  • International Development Research Centre-Program Activity—Internal services

    The Internal services program activity supports all strategic outcomes and is common across government. Internal services are groups of related activities and resources that are administered to support the needs of programs and other corporate obligations of an organization. These groups are: Management and oversight services; Communications services; Legal services; Human resources management services; Financial management services; Information management services; Information technology services; Real property services; Materiel services; Acquisition services; and Travel and other administrative services. Internal services include only those activities and resources that apply across an organization and not to those provided specifically to a program.

International Joint Commission (Canadian Section)

Strategic Outcome—Prompt and effective prevention and/or resolution of potential disputes under the Boundary Waters Treaty and Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement to ensure they have no negative impact on Canada-US relations.

  • Program Activity—Boundary waters treaty

    The issuing of orders of approval in response to applications for the use, obstruction or diversion of waters that flow along and/or across the boundary if such uses affect the natural water levels or flows on the other side; undertaking investigations of specific issues (references) when requested by governments; and the provision to make binding decisions on matters referred to it by the governments.

  • Program Activity—Great Lakes water quality agreement

    To evaluate progress toward restoring and maintaining the chemical, physical and biological integrity of the waters of the Great Lakes basin ecosystem.

National Capital Commission

Strategic Outcome—Optimum contribution of federal lands and public programs in creating a Capital as a source of pride and of national significance.

  • Program Activity—Real asset management

    The NCC manages and protects physical assets of national significance in CCR as a legacy for future generations of Canadians. Its objectives are to enhance the rich cultural heritage and natural environment of Canada's Capital and to optimize the contribution of the NCC's extensive lands and buildings in support of the programs and mandate of the Corporation, while ensuring NCC assets are appropriately accessible to the public. Environmental assets and liabilities are managed in a sustainable and responsible manner. The NCC owns over 470 square kilometres or 10% of CCR, as well as 27 roads and parkways, 570 kilometres of pathways, 1,639 buildings and 110 bridges. The NCC also manages close to 650 leases and the ground operations for most federal organizations in CCR. The NCC manages its assets through the application of relevant policies and regulations and by means of a life-cycle maintenance and rehabilitation program. The NCC's duties with regard to its real asset base include: safeguarding and preserving the Capital's most treasured cultural, natural and heritage assets (including the Official Residences); the promotion and regulation of public activities on federal lands; natural resource protection and management; environmental stewardship; and the delivery of visitor and recreational services and programs. Where appropriate, the assets are used to generate a stream of revenues to complement federal appropriations in supporting the work of the Corporation (e.g. leasing, land use permits). Land development projects are carried out to enhance the Capital for future generations. This activity is also responsible for the acquisition of national interest properties and disposal of surplus properties. These activities are carried out in close cooperation with the cities of Ottawa and Gatineau and federal organizations (e.g. Public Works and Government Services Canada, Royal Canadian Mounted Police). The NCC also pays Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) to municipalities and school boards in Quebec. Clients include senior political figures (for Official Residences), government bodies at all levels, visitors to the Capital, local residents and all Canadians who benefit from a meaningful Capital.

  • Program Activity—Animating and promoting the Capital

    The objective is to generate pride and promote unity through programming in the Capital. The main products are a series of high-impact events (notably Canada Day and Winterlude), interpretative programs and commemorations. As well, this activity works to increase Canada-wide awareness of the Capital by means of national marketing and communications campaigns that present the Capital as a place where Canadians can experience Canadian heritage, culture and achievements.

  • Program Activity—Planning, design and land use

    This activity guides the use and physical development of federal lands, coordinates development and ensures excellence in design and planning on federal lands in order that it is appropriate to the role and significance of the Capital. Products include long-term visionary plans, prepared in consultation with other planning jurisdictions and departments, to guide land uses, development and management of Capital lands as well as the identification of the National Interest Land Mass to be held in trust for future generations. Under the National Capital Act, the National Capital Commission (NCC) is responsible for the review and approval of all proposals for land-use changes, designs and land disposals on federal lands in Canada's Capital region (CCR) to ensure that they are appropriate to their significance, natural environment and heritage. The NCC develops strategies and facilitates federal involvement in CCR transportation and transit, and participates in joint studies with provincial and municipal partners to address inter-provincial and urban transportation issues. Programs also include management of the NCC's built heritage, cultural landscapes, archaeological assets and collections, as well as approval of heritage building designations in the Capital. Clients include the NCC, all government organizations with interests in CCR, Canadians, and other visitors, plus international and private agencies, all of whom benefit from a meaningful Capital of international quality.

Strategic Outcome—The following program activity supports all strategic outcomes within this organization.

  • National Capital Commission-Program Activity—Internal services

    The Internal services program activity supports all strategic outcomes and is common across government. Internal services are groups of related activities and resources that are administered to support the needs of programs and other corporate obligations of an organization. These groups are: Management and oversight services; Communications services; Legal services; Human resources management services; Financial management services; Information management services; Information technology services; Real property services; Materiel services; Acquisition services; and Travel and other administrative services. Internal services include only those activities and resources that apply across an organization and not to those provided specifically to a program.

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