Mandate Letter Tracker: Delivering results for Canadians
See the detail and review the progress of the government commitments tracked by the Government of Canada.
Commitments are described in the mandate letters sent from the Prime Minister to each cabinet minister. They represent action on 12 top priorities identified by the government.
Reflects progress up to
June 20, 2019*
*Periodic edits made to reflect
updates or corrections
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Mandate Priorities
| Status | Priority | Commitment | Status Icon | Comment | Priority Information | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal | Government Services and Operations |
Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency is a client-focused agency. |
Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal | Result anticipated: Improved client satisfaction levels, reduced wait times for inquiries, and simplified and easy to use processes. Click to see more informationEnsuring that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is a client-focused agency requires an ongoing effort of continuous improvement. While the CRA’s service transformation continues, significant changes have been made across CRA operations to put people first, be fair and helpful, and improve client satisfaction. These changes include:
More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Strong Middle Class |
Invest additional resources to crack down on tax evaders and work with international partners to combat tax avoidance. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) continues to combat offshore tax evasion and aggressive tax avoidance although the specific commitment to invest additional resources to help the CRA crack down on tax evaders and work with international partners to adopt strategies to combat tax avoidance is complete. The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that the tax system is fair to all Canadians and that individuals or businesses that break the law face the full consequences for their actions. Historic investments over the last four Budgets (2016-2019) have provided the CRA with the tools it needs to crack down on tax evasion and aggressive tax avoidance. These investments have allowed the CRA to hire more auditors and specialists to target non-compliance in the highest-risk areas, such as wealthy individuals with offshore accounts, large business audits, promoters of aggressive and illegal tax schemes, and the underground economy. The CRA has also introduced new approaches for earlier detection and prevention of carousel-type GST/HST fraud and the prevention of unwarranted GST/HST refunds. The CRA has also invested in the acquisition of better data to make it more difficult for people and businesses to avoid paying taxes, such as the monitoring of Electronic Funds Transfers, Country-by-Country Reports from multinationals, and Common Reporting Standard data from offshore bank accounts of Canadian taxpayers. In addition, Canada is working with tax administrations around the world, including the Joint International Taskforce on Shared Intelligence and Collaboration, and the Joint Chiefs of Global Tax Enforcement (J5), to fight against international and transnational tax crime and money laundering. While there is more to do, the recent investments are allowing the CRA to have better data, and to deliver better approaches and results for Canadians. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / modified | Environment and Climate Change |
Develop a Canadian energy strategy with provinces and territories. |
Completed / modified |
Click to see more informationFederal, provincial and territorial clean growth strategies support efforts to achieve long-term energy efficiency, greater inclusion of clean energy and innovative technologies in Canada’s energy future, to facilitate market access, and to reduce diesel use in remote and off-grid communities. Federal, provincial and territorial energy ministers took joint action under the provincial/territorial-led Canadian Energy Strategy. The strategy promoted energy efficiency, developed new energy technology and innovations, identified priority energy infrastructure, and advanced international energy collaboration. These initiatives complemented the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, helping Canada meet its emissions reduction target and grow the economy. In June 2018, the Generation Energy Council Report was released, outlining a vision, pathways and advice on a prosperous and low-carbon future. The government will build on the work of Generation Energy, to engage provinces and territories in accelerating clean growth strategies, and enhancing the energy sector’s competitiveness. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Environment and Climate Change |
Modernize the National Energy Board. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationIn June 2019 Parliament passed legislation to create a modern energy regulator that has the independence and the accountability essential to overseeing a strong, safe and sustainable Canadian energy sector in the 21st century. The Canadian Energy Regulator (CER) is built on modern effective governance, more inclusive engagement, greater Indigenous participation, stronger safety and environmental protection, and more timely project decisions that enhance certainty for industry. The legislation, regulations and policy measures to modernize the National Energy Board were informed by an Expert Panel report, federal discussion papers, parliamentary studies, and over two years of consultations with Indigenous peoples, industry, provinces and territories, non-government organizations, academia and the public. The legislation creating the CER received Royal Assent in June 2019 and will come into force on a date determined by Governor in Council. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
60 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Environment and Climate Change |
Develop a North American clean energy and environment agreement. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe clean energy and environment agreement between Canada, U.S., and Mexico led to continued collaboration on energy security, clean energy innovation and the environment, including clean air and water. The North American Leaders' Summit in June 2016 released an Action Plan for a North American Climate, Clean Energy, and Environment Partnership. It announced ambitious targets to advance clean and secure energy, reduce short-lived climate pollutants, promote clean and efficient transportation, and show global leadership in addressing climate change. The February 13, 2017 Joint Statement from the President of the United States and the Prime Minister confirmed the importance of close collaboration on energy security, clean energy innovation and the environment, including clean air and water. Canada continues to advance these priorities, including work with Mexico and sub-national governments in the United States in the context of the North American Climate Leaders’ process. On September 13, 2018, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and her Mexican and United States Climate Alliance counterparts announced a North American Climate Leadership Dialogue joint statement committing to continued environment and climate change cooperation. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Government Services and Operations |
Undertake a review of Canada Post to make sure it provides high-quality service at a reasonable price. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government has completed its review of Canada Post in order to provide Canadians the services they expect from Canada Post at a reasonable price and also ensure Canada Post is able to effectively adapt to changes in technology and consumer preferences. The Canada Post Review produced public reports from an Independent Task Force and from the House of Commons Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates. The government completed the Canada Post Review in January 2018 and announced a service-focused vision for renewal, which included concrete measures to make delivery more accessible, and to stop converting door-to-door service into community mailboxes. Canada Post has been reclassified under the Financial Administration Act with the strengthened expectation that it will reinvest all of its profits in service and innovation and steps are underway to address drivers of rural-urban pricing differences. The government has appointed a new Chair and eight other members to Canada Post’s Board of Directors as well as a new President and CEO. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made | Safety and Security |
Renew the Canadian Coast Guard fleet. |
Actions taken, progress made | Result anticipated: Enhanced protection and improved safety of Canadians along Canada's coasts. Click to see more informationThrough the Oceans Protection Plan and re-investments in the Canadian Coast Guard, the government is enhancing the world-leading marine safety system that protects Canada’s coasts and ensuring that the Canadian Coast Guard has the equipment it needs to prevent potential marine pollution incidents. In May 2019, the government made an announcement to renew the Coast Guard fleet by providing up to 18 new large ships. These new vessels will help the Coast Guard continue to deliver its important services for Canadians. Canada’s partners for large ship construction under the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), Irving Shipbuilding of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards in British Columbia, will build the new ships. Irving Shipbuilding will build two new Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships which will be adapted for the Coast Guard to perform a range of critical missions, including Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization patrols. Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards will build up to 16 Multi-Purpose Vessels to support a variety of missions, including light icebreaking, environmental response, and offshore search and rescue. The government also announced approval of a comprehensive vessel life extension (VLE) program to prolong the life of the existing fleet while the new ships are being built. Three medium commercial icebreakers acquired in summer 2018 will be used to back-fill while the existing ships undergo their VLE work. Additionally, in February 2019, the government began the process to acquire a fourth interim ship, a light icebreaker, to back-fill existing ships in shallower water areas. In August 2019, a competitive process was officially launched through an Invitation to Qualify to add a third Canadian shipyard as a strategic partner under the NSS. Once this competitive process is completed, the Government of Canada will begin negotiations with the successful shipyard for a potential umbrella agreement for the construction of six program icebreakers for the Coast Guard. Meanwhile, work is progressing on the previously approved ships. The first of three Offshore Fisheries Science Vessels (OFSV), was delivered in June 2019. This marked the delivery of the first large vessel under the NSS. The second ship was officially launched for sea trials in June 2019, and is expected to be delivered to the Coast Guard by late 2019. Construction of the third OFSV is well underway. Additionally, six of 20 new Search and Rescue (SAR) lifeboats have been delivered to help keep Canadians and Canadian waterways safe. The government decided to re-sequence the construction of the Coast Guard’s Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel (OOSV). Seaspan will complete the construction on the first of two Navy Joint Support Ships (JSS) prior to commencing construction on the Coast Guard’s OOSV. This sequencing change will build on the progress that is currently underway on the first JSS and allow time between construction of the first and second JSS to incorporate “lessons learned.” Construction of the OOSV is anticipated to commence in late 2020 with expected delivery in 2024. The NSS continues to generate significant economic benefits across the country. NSS contracts awarded between 2012 and June 2019 are estimated to contribute $13.0 billion ($1.2 billion annually) to GDP and create or maintain 11,192 jobs in the Canadian economy annually during the period of 2012-2022. NSS shipyards also continue to engage with small and medium Canadian enterprises by awarding contracts for NSS-related projects where applicable. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made | Government Services and Operations |
Modernize procurement practices. |
Actions taken, progress made | Result anticipated: Government procurement is faster, simpler, more competitive, and more predictable in terms of cost. Businesses with innovative ideas are able to more easily sell to the government, and procurement processes benefit Canadians and communities across Canada. Click to see more informationBetter Buying, the government’s plan to make procurement processes easier, faster and more accessible for suppliers and buyers, was launched in early March 2019. The plan also outlines how the government is using procurement to contribute to socio-economic objectives for Canadians, increase competition in government procurements, foster innovation in Canada, and help address important issues like climate change. The government is making its procurement processes simpler and faster. Suppliers across Canada have easier access to bidding opportunities and are given a second opportunity to comply with the mandatory requirements of bid solicitations. Budget 2018 announced $196.8 million over five years to establish a new electronic procurement solution platform to make government procurement simpler, faster, and more accessible. The government is striving to increase bidder diversity. Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) participated in 1,493 outreach events across Canada, reaching more than 43,000 individuals, to promote doing business with the Government of Canada. PSPC is continuing to launch a number of pilots to increase participation of underrepresented suppliers (e.g. businesses owned or led by women, visible minorities and persons with disabilities), and improve socio-economic outcomes. PSPC is also experimenting with partners from other government departments on new and innovative ways of increasing Indigenous participation in federal contracts. Together, PSPC and its partners are testing an innovative approach of incorporating regional/community benefits into federal procurement (open and competitive) through Indigenous Benefits Plans. These efforts support mandate initiatives undertaken to better leverage public procurement to support socio-economic goals including improved community and environmental benefits. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
47 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made | Government Services and Operations |
Establish new performance standards for government services and measure and report on performance. |
Actions taken, progress made | Result anticipated: Government services that better meet the needs of Canadians. Click to see more informationThe government is reviewing its service standards to better meet the needs of Canadians. To date, the government has:
In 2017-18, the government consulted with Canadians on service standards reviews for EI, OAS and CPP. The reviews found that the current service standards meet Canadians’ expectations, but the information should be easier to find and read. These findings are informing future work on service standards. In addition to departmental web sites informing clients of their service standards, the government also created a service inventory of data collection on Open.ca-ciconline.com providing a more consolidated view of services, their standards and related performance results. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Fair and Open Government |
Strengthen oversight on government advertising. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationAdvertising campaigns with budgets greater than $500,000 undergo independent, mandatory reviews under an interim process established in May 2016 to ensure all government advertising is non-partisan. The results of these reviews are posted online. The government is entrenching independent third-party oversight of federal advertising in law. In preparation, the government consulted with parliamentarians and other stakeholders and asked the Auditor General to audit the effectiveness of the advertising oversight process. The scope and timing of the audit was determined by the OAG. The Office of the Auditor General of Canada has completed an audit of the non-partisan advertising oversight mechanism. The report was tabled on May 7, 2019, and included five recommendations for the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat. In the response, the Secretariat agreed with all recommendations, indicating they will be addressed between May and December 2019. Findings from the report are being used to inform the development of a permanent oversight solution. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Fair and Open Government |
Improve the use of evidence in program evaluation. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government established a new Policy on Results in July 2016 that aims to improve how its institutions measure, evaluate, and report results. The policy also seeks to improve how departments and agencies gather and use evidence to inform decisions. As of December 2018, all departments have fully adopted the new policy. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Fair and Open Government |
Make government data available digitally. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government improved the Open government portal, Open.ca-ciconline.com, by adding content from across the government and by simplifying the search process for users. The government also added the Open by Default Pilot section to the portal, giving Canadians early access to draft and working documents from participating departments. The number of participating federal entities increased from 45 in 2014 to 66 as of May 2019. Since December 2017, more than 30,000 new data sets were published, and accessed hundreds of thousands of times. The government continues to make new data sets available on open.ca-ciconline.com while strengthening the quality, accessibility, and searchability of open data that are relevant to Canadians and to stakeholders in civil society, private sector, media, and academia. During this same period over 600,000 proactive disclosure records have been added to open.ca-ciconline.com by 169 federal government institutions. In September 2018 Canada ranked 1st globally (tied with the United Kingdom) on the World Wide Web Foundation’s Open Data Barometer Leaders Edition, which measures progress by 30 leading governments that have made concrete commitments to champion open data. The government has also repeatedly been recognized internationally as leaders on open government by the Open Government Partnership. Canada was elected to the steering committee of the Open Government Partnership in 2017 and assumed the role of lead government chair in 2018. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Fair and Open Government |
Bargain in good faith with Canada's public sector unions. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government is committed to building a culture of respect for, and within, the federal public service. During the 2018 round of collective bargaining, the government as the Employer engaged with all bargaining agents who served notice to bargain. The government continues to bargain in good faith with public sector unions and remains committed to negotiating collective agreements that are fair for public servants, and serve to attract, retain, motivate and renew the workforce required to deliver results to Canadians. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal | Diverse and Inclusive Canada |
Ensure that Parliament and federal institutions are free from harassment and sexual violence. |
Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal | Result anticipated: Click to see more informationIn October 2018, new legislation was passed that replaces the previous patchwork of laws and policies on harassment and violence with a comprehensive legislative and policy framework to prevent and address harassment and violence, respond to it when it occurs and support impacted employees in all federally regulated workplaces, including Parliament. In addition, the Centre for Wellness, Inclusion and Diversity, launched in June 2019, will support federal departments and agencies to create safe, healthy, diverse and inclusive workplaces in the areas of wellness, inclusion, diversity and harassment prevention. Led by the government’s efforts, additional changes in the House of Commons include:
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Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
60 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Safety and Security |
Reinforce railway safety. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government has taken significant steps to reinforce railway safety and continues to further strengthen the safety of Canada’s rail transportation system by investing in:
Since November 2015 the government has supported 796 projects across Canada to reduce injuries and fatalities. In addition, the government is collaborating with local communities on ways to improve the sharing of information for emergency responses and to educate the public about railway crossings and infrastructure in their communities. The government has also revised the rules governing the transportation of dangerous goods by rail, introduced a mandatory minimum level of insurance for federal railways, and phased out legacy DOT-111 tank cars (jacketed and unjacketed) in crude oil service. The removal of other types of tank cars in crude oil service is being accelerated. To assist municipalities with emergency planning, risk assessment and to help train first responders, the government issued Protective Direction 36 in April 2016. It provides jurisdictions with access to comprehensive information about dangerous goods from the railways, including information that they can make publicly available. The government introduced the Transportation of Dangerous Goods by Rail Regulations in May 2019 to enhance the security of the transportation of dangerous goods by rail in Canada. The government is developing regulations to implement its amendments to the Railway Safety Act. In April 2019, the Minister of Transport publically released the government’s response to the 2018 Railway Safety Act Review recommendations. The Minister of Transport accepted the report’s 16 recommendations, which will help address persistent rail safety issues and position Canada’s rail transportation system to meet the challenges of the next decade. The government is already taking actions to address certain rail safety issues that are also consistent with the recommendations. For example, as part of its fatigue management strategy, in December 2018, the Minister of Transport issued a Ministerial Order instructing railway companies to revise the Work/Rest Rules for Railway Operating Employees to ensure they reflect the latest fatigue science and fatigue management practices. The Railway companies submitted their proposals in May 2019. The department is examining the proposed rules to ensure that they address such elements as length of a duty period, split shifts, minimum rest period, advance notice of work schedules and fatigue management plans. The department will respond to these proposals by mid-July. The Transportation Modernization Act, which received Royal Assent in spring 2018, provided the ability for the government to introduce regulations mandating locomotive voice and video recorders. The regulations were published in Canada Gazette I in May 2019 and will further strengthen the safety of Canada’s rail transportation system by providing critical information that will improve understanding of the events leading up to an accident, as well as to help prevent future accidents. Budget 2019 provides $229 million in funding for continued improvements to rail safety and the safe transportation of dangerous goods. This includes up to four more years of funding for grade crossings infrastructure, technology and research projects, as well as projects to increase rail safety awareness under the Rail Safety Improvement Program. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Exports and Investment |
Undertake a full review of the Canadian grain transportation system to help farmers get their product to market. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe Transportation Modernization Act received Royal Assent in May 2018, after government consultations with grain sector stakeholders on rail transportation and the Canada Transportation Act Review. The new Act advances a long-term agenda for a more transparent, balanced, efficient and reliable rail system to move Canadian goods, including grain, to global markets. The Transportation Modernization Act also modernizes the Maximum Revenue Entitlement for Western grain to encourage more investments in hopper cars, and adds soybeans to the list of eligible crops. The government has also renewed the western Grain Monitoring Program for three years. A more transparent and fair grain transportation system is now in place so Canadian farmers can get their products to market, both in Canada and internationally. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Environment and Climate Change |
Formalize a moratorium on crude oil tanker traffic on British Columbia's North Coast. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationA moratorium is in place on crude oil tanker traffic on British Columbia's North Coast, protecting habitats and communities. The Oil Tanker Moratorium Act prohibits oil tankers carrying crude and persistent oils as cargo from stopping, loading or unloading at ports or marine installations in northern British Columbia. Vessels carrying less than 12,500 metric tonnes of crude or persistent oil as cargo will continue to be permitted in the moratorium area to ensure northern communities can receive critical shipments of heating oils and other products. The legislation, which complements the Oceans Protection Plan, proposes strong penalty provisions for contravention that could reach up to $5 million. Bill C-48 received Royal Assent in June 2019. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Fair and Open Government |
Restore the long-form census. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationCanada and its economy depend on knowing about itself, that communities, governments, businesses and other organizations have the data necessary to make informed decisions. That is why the Government of Canada reinstated the long-form census. The 2016 long-form census saw an unprecedented response rate of 97.8 per cent. The first set of data from the 2016 Census was released in February 2017. The release of all Census-related data was completed in November 2017, 10 months earlier than for the 2011 Census. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
37 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Fair and Open Government |
Reinforce Statistics Canada's independence. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationData collected by Statistics Canada helps the private sector, government, not-for-profit groups, and researchers make better decisions. In December 2016, the government introduced legislation that reinforces Statistics Canada's independence. The legislation aligns with international standards for national statistical agencies and makes the Chief Statistician responsible for all operational decisions, statistical methodology and the communication of statistical products produced by Statistics Canada. The legislation is consistent with the United Nations Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics and the OECD Recommendations on Good Statistical Practice. The amended Statistics Act received Royal Assent in December 2017. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
38 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Jobs and Innovation |
Develop and implement an Innovation Agenda. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe Innovation and Skills Plan (ISP) serves as a strong foundation to maintain Canadian competitiveness, strengthen regional economies, and demonstrate government leadership in high-growth areas. The ISP represents a significant shift in how the government delivers innovation programming in order to drive growth and build a culture of innovators. Innovation Canada’s platform (over 900,000 visits since January 2018 launch) enables Canadians to access consolidated programming that responds to the challenges and opportunities facing businesses across the innovation continuum. The client-centric approach, reorganization and streamlining of federal programming has allowed for a strategic focus on business scale-up and investment:
The ISP recognizes that companies need the right conditions and a skilled workforce to grow and innovate. Therefore, the government has created five Innovation Superclusters and doubled the number of Canadians (1.4M per year) potentially eligible for employment support and skills training programs. In addition, the government has increased support to Mitacs, which will provide up to 10,000 work-integrated learning placements per year by 2021/22. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
32 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Exports and Investment |
Implement a new Trade and Investment Strategy |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government is encouraging global investment and promoting Canada's economic brand through the Invest in Canada Agency. On November 30, 2018, Canada, the United States, and Mexico signed the new Canada-US-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Parties will now undertake their domestic process towards ratification and implementation of the CUSMA. The government has successfully completed the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). Provisional application of the trade agreement took effect in September 2017 and will give consumers more choice, boost Canadian businesses' access to new customers, create good, middle-class jobs, and help grow the economy. On March 8, 2018, the Government of Canada signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) with 10 other countries in the Pacific region. The fifth round of negotiations toward a comprehensive free trade agreement between the Mercosur member states and Canada took place in March 2019. Round 7 of negotiations towards a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Pacific Alliance (Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru) also took place in October. Since January 2016, CanExport has provided financial support to 2,040 Small and Medium Enterprise-led projects aimed at diversifying export markets, in a variety of sectors, and reaching over 90 different markets around the world. To date, for every hundred supported projects, participating firms have reported on average some 92 export successes at the time of project completion, for a collective impact of almost over $376 million in exports to new markets. Budget 2017 announced $950 million to superclusters in highly innovative industries, and, in February 2018, in cooperation with the private sector and academic partners, the government announced the creation of five superclusters (Digital Technology; Protein Industries; Advanced Manufacturing; Artificial Intelligence; and Ocean) that will create great new opportunities for Canadian companies to innovate, scale up and grow into globally successful firms. To support Canadian firms and increase exports to new markets, Budget 2018 provides up to $75 million to build a stronger diplomatic presence and Trade Commissioner Service salesforce in China and Asia, as well as other initiatives to open market opportunities in the region. In June 2018, the government announced it will invest $50 million over five years to help Canadian companies diversify their exports to take advantage of new trade agreements, such as CETA and CPTPP. On November 21, 2018, the government, through the Fall Economic Statement, proposed to launch an Export Diversification Strategy with a target of increasing Canada's overseas exports by 50 per cent by 2025. In total, the Strategy will invest $1.1 billion over the next six years, starting in 2018-19, to help Canadian businesses access new markets. The Strategy will focus on three key components: investing in infrastructure to support trade, providing Canadian businesses with resources to execute their export plans and enhancing trade services for Canadian exporters. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
100 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Exports and Investment |
Prepare the auto sector for the potential participation of Canada in the Trans-Pacific Partnership. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationIn Budget 2018 the government committed to work with key sectors, including the auto sector, to evaluate the potential economic impacts of trade agreements, and ensure these key sectors remained strong and competitive. The Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership came into force in December 2018. The Strategic Innovation Fund, the Invest in Canada Agency, and the Global Skills Strategy enhance the competitiveness of the Canadian automotive industry. These initiatives have helped to secure investments of $1.4 billion by Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, $500 million by Honda of Canada Manufacturing, more than $1 billion by Ford Motor Company of Canada, and $750 million from Linamar Corp., among others. Such investments foster innovation, create and secure thousands of long-term jobs in manufacturing and research and development, and position Canada as a leader in the development of the "car of the future." The government will continue to work with the sector and stakeholders to support Canadian auto workers and the auto industry. Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made | Jobs and Innovation |
Increase high-speed broadband coverage, including in rural communities, and keep Canada at the leading edge of the digital economy. |
Actions taken, progress made | Result anticipated: More Canadians have access to high-speed and ultra-high-speed broadband services. Click to see more informationGreater availability and affordability for high-speed internet in rural and remote areas of Canada gives Canadians more opportunity to participate in the economy, democracy and connected way of life. The government has introduced a range of measures in collaboration with private sector partners, provinces and territories, municipalities, public institutions, Indigenous communities, and non-profit organizations to maximize benefits for Canadians. In particular, the Connect to Innovate program will now connect more than 900 communities, including 190 Indigenous communities; exceeding the original 300 that had been anticipated. The program is leveraging public and private partnerships, bringing the total investment in rural and remote connectivity to $1 billion. Projects underway include the laying of more than 20,000 kilometres of high-capacity fibre optic network across Canada. Approximately 380,000 households will have enhanced connectivity by these investments, along with more than 1,100 public anchor institutions like schools, hospitals and libraries. Other measures include the Accelerated Investment Incentive that is further encouraging private sector investment, including in rural areas. Coverage at different speeds has increased as has the adoption and use of Internet services. Building on this progress, on June 27, 2019, the Minister of Rural Economic Development announced High-Speed Access for All: Canada's Connectivity Strategy. It is the government’s plan to further mobilize $6 billion in investments to deliver universal high-speed Internet and mobile wireless services. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
9999 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Jobs and Innovation |
Create a Chief Science Officer. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationFollowing an open, transparent and merit-based process, the Chief Science Advisor, Dr. Mona Nemer, was appointed by the government on September 26, 2017. As the Chief Science Advisor, Dr. Nemer helps to improve dissemination and use of independent scientific information and strengthened evidence-based policy-making within government. Dr. Nemer also advises the government on ensuring that government science is fully available to the public, that scientists are able to speak freely about their work, and that scientific analyses are considered when the government makes decisions. Dr. Nemer reports to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Science. The first annual report of the Chief Science Advisor was published in March 2019. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
60 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Jobs and Innovation |
Re-insert scientific considerations into the heart of decision-making and investment choices. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationGovernment scientists are able to speak freely about their work, and the role of scientific information and empirical evidence has been strengthened in government decision making. The government updated its Communications Policy to ensure government scientists are free to speak in an official capacity on subjects on which they have expertise. Collective agreements covering 15,000 government scientists now enshrine this provision. Canada’s Chief Science Advisor led the development of a model science integrity policy in response to the commitments made under the 2016 Memorandum of Agreement between Treasury Board and Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada. The majority of science-based departments and agencies implemented their departmental integrity policies in December 2018. The government reinstated the mandatory long-form census. The University and College Academic Staff System survey provides accurate information about Canada’s research community. To promote the use of scientific information and evidence-based decision-making, the government updated the guide on preparing Memoranda to Cabinet. The Chief Science Advisor advises the government to ensure scientific evidence is considered when making decisions. To ensure the government continues to have access to world-class, independent scientific assessments to inform policy development in priority areas, Budget 2018 proposed $9 million for the Council of Canadian Academies, a not-for-profit research organization. So far, four organizations have moved to create a departmental science advisor position, and the first incumbents at the Canadian Space Agency and National Research Council are now in place. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Jobs and Innovation |
Establish new Canada Research Chairs in sustainable technologies. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationNew Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC) have been appointed to further research in clean and sustainable technology. Budget 2016 identified $20 million over eight years starting in 2018 for the creation in 2019 of two new Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC) in fields related to clean and sustainable technology. A competition was launched in 2016, with eight new Chairs announced in April 2019. Three institutions were awarded Chairs in fields related to clean and sustainable technology: Concordia University (Smart, Sustainable and Resilient Communities and Cities), the University of British Columbia (Forest Bioproducts) and the University of Manitoba (Arctic Sea Ice, Freshwater-Marine Coupling, and Climate Change). To address the gender imbalance in CERC, this competition required institutions to include detailed equity plans and recruitment strategies that promote the participation of women and other underrepresented groups in the CERC program. As a result, of the eight new Chairs, five were awarded to women. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Jobs and Innovation |
Strengthen support for fundamental research to support new discoveries. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government has taken steps to modernize research infrastructure at post-secondary institutions, appoint new research Chairs in areas of strategic priority, and enhance capacity for granting councils to support fundamental research. Since 2016, the government has funded 300 projects through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund to modernize research and training facilities on campuses across Canada. These investments support key discovery research and facilitate the expansion of ongoing research efforts. Through Budget 2016, the government set aside $20 million to fund two new Canada Excellence Research Chairs in the areas of clean and sustainable technologies; three chairs in these areas were ultimately awarded in 2019. In 2017, the government announced the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy to develop centres of expertise in Toronto, Montreal and Edmonton. The centres train and attract key talent in this emerging area of fundamental research. The government has also taken action in response to the vast majority of the recommendations of the 2017 report of Canada’s Fundamental Science Review. The Canada Research Coordinating Committee (CRCC) was established in fall 2017 to achieve greater harmonization and coordination of the granting councils and the Canada Foundation for Innovation. Work is also progressing to establish a new Council on Science and Innovation that will report to the Ministers of ISED and of Science and Sport. Budget 2018 provided an historic $4 billion in new investments in science. This included $1.7 billion over five years and ongoing funding to support researchers through Canada's granting agencies and research institutes. Of this, $925 million over five years ($235 million annually ongoing) was provided for fundamental research through the granting agencies and $210 million over five years ($50 million annually ongoing) has enabled the creation of 285 new Canada Research Chair (CRC) positions and the provision of a new $20,000 annual research stipend for first term Tier 2 chairs . Budget 2018 also announced new funding to support research that is interdisciplinary, international, fast-breaking and higher-risk. Launched in December 2018, the New Frontiers in Research Fund's inaugural call offering proof-of-concept Exploration awards exclusively to early-career researchers offered 150 awards in March 2019. As of May 2019, new calls under the Fund’s Exploration, Transformation and International streams are being developed. Once fully ramped up, the Fund will have an annual budget of $130 million. Equity and diversity is a major focus for the government. Budget 2018 proposed $3.8 million to identify new ways of doing research with Indigenous communities; $15 million for the granting agencies for programs that improve equity and diversity outcomes in academia; and $6 million for surveys to collect improved researcher data on underrepresented groups. Budget 2018 also proposed over $1.3 billion for investments in the laboratories, equipment and infrastructure that researchers rely on every day. This includes $763 million over five years starting in 2018-19 to the Canada Foundation for Innovation, including $160 million to provide additional support through the Foundation's Major Science Initiatives fund. Budget 2018 also proposed $572.5 million over five years ($52 million annually ongoing) to implement a Digital Research Infrastructure Strategy that will deliver more open and equitable access to advanced computing and big data resources to researchers across Canada. Budget 2019 announced additional funding in support of fundamental research including $114M over 5 years, starting in 2019–20, with $26.5M per year ongoing, to the granting agencies to create 500 more master’s level scholarship awards annually and 167 more three-year doctoral scholarship awards annually through the Canada Graduate Scholarship program, and renewal of funding for Genome Canada and TRIUMF. Budget 2019 also proposed $37.4 million over five years and $8.6 million per year ongoing, to expand paid parental leave coverage from six months to 12 months for students and postdoctoral fellows who receive federal granting agency funding. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made | Government Services and Operations |
Align business support programs across governments. |
Actions taken, progress made | Result anticipated: It is easier and simpler for Canadian innovators and entrepreneurs to access and benefit from government programs that help Canadian businesses grow. Click to see more informationIn January 2018, the government established the Innovation Canada digital platform as a one-stop-shop, to quickly match businesses with the best fitting programs and services from across federal, provincial and territorial governments. Since its launch, there have been over 850,000 visits and 1,600 average daily visits. The government launched the Accelerated Growth Service (AGS) in 2016 to provide businesses with better access and streamlined services. Growth-oriented firms have access to a dedicated advisor, a customized plan of government programs and services to help support their growth, and connections to government programs and services relevant to their needs. To date, AGS clients have accessed over $540 million in funding, over 5,400 programs and services, and have been provided with 370 referrals to external programs and services. The AGS is being consolidated with the Industrial Research Assistance Program’s Concierge Service, and the new consolidated program will include 15 new Innovation Advisors to support AGS firms. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Exports and Investment |
Increase tourism and strengthen the Canadian brand abroad by developing a new federal Tourism Strategy. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationOn May 21, 2019, the government launched the new federal tourism strategy, entitled Creating Middle Class Jobs: A Federal Tourism Growth Strategy. The Strategy was built on three pillars: The government is working to increase the number of international tourists to Canada by 30 per cent by 2021. This goal includes doubling the number of visitors from China by the same year and positioning Canada as a top-10 destination by 2025. Spending by international visitors to Canada reached $22.1 billion in 2018, representing an increase of 2.9 per cent over 2017. Canada set a new record high for tourist arrivals in 2018 of 21.1 million. The New York Times, Lonely Planet and Condé Nast have all recognized Canada as a top international destination to visit in 2017. In 2018, Canada saw an increase in tourism from the United States (1.4 per cent) and China (6.1 per cent) over 2017. The Canada-China Year of Tourism in 2018 was an opportunity to increase visitation from China, which is supported by the opening of new Visa Application Centres in China. Budget 2018 allocated $3.6 million in funding to support activities such as hosting the closing ceremony for the Canada China Year of Tourism and working closely with Canadian businesses as they prepare to welcome an increased number of tourists from China. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made | Government Services and Operations |
Reduce the administrative burden on small business. |
Actions taken, progress made | Result anticipated: Reduced administrative burden and simpler, clearer, and faster online services to help small businesses. Click to see more informationThe government launched the Innovation Canada website in January 2018 as a one-stop-shop for Canada’s innovators and entrepreneurs. The website is able to quickly match users with the federal, provincial, or territorial programs and services to best help them innovate, create jobs and grow Canada's economy. The Business Number (BN) is a key component of digital identity for business, and its adoption across the government enables more seamless service delivery, including sign-on once, tell-us-once service integration across governments and personalized digital experience. Federally, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) continues to drive the use of the BN by all departments as the standard identifier for business clients across the government. Nineteen ISED business-facing services are using the BN, and 19 other departments access business identity information through the real time BN web validation service. ISED is improving service to Canadian businesses through digital transformation. New technologies enable a seamless service experience that significantly reduces burden. The 2018 Fall Economic Statement included proposals to introduce an Annual Modernization Bill, create an External Advisory Committee on Regulatory Competitiveness, launch a Centre for Regulatory Innovation, and enact policy changes and regulatory measures that respond to recommendations from the business community. Budget 2019 proposed measures across the government to minimize regulatory burden. These include plans to begin work announced in the 2018 Fall Economic Statement to introduce the Annual Modernization Bill and to establish the External Advisory Committee on Regulatory Competitiveness. Budget 2019 also announced funding to implement regulatory road maps in three high-growth sectors, as well as funding for the Treasury Board Secretariat to support harmonization of interprovincial and international regulations. The regulatory roadmaps will be implemented in the agri-food and aquaculture, health and bio-sciences, and transportation and infrastructure sectors. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Healthy Canadians |
Respond to the Supreme Court of Canada decision regarding physician-assisted death. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationAdult Canadians suffering from grievous and irremediable medical conditions and whose death is reasonably foreseeable are now able to easily and effectively access medical assistance in dying if they so choose. In June 2016, medical assistance in dying (MAID) became a reality in Canada following Royal Assent of the federal legal framework, which protects vulnerable persons while providing options to eligible Canadians to make an informed decision about the end of life. In December 2016, as required by the new law, the government initiated independent reports to consider in more detail three particularly complex types of requests for MAID. These include requests by mature minors, advance requests, and requests where mental illness is the sole underlying medical condition. Independent expert panels, organized by the Council of Canadian Academies, conducted these reviews and produced three reports, which were tabled in Parliament in December 2018. The government is carefully reviewing these reports, which will help inform debate on the issue of medical assistance in dying among Canadians and decision-makers. As of April 2017, Health Canada has been providing interim public reporting on the use of MAID across Canada, and the final interim report will be completed in spring 2019. Health Canada has also finalized the regulations that will establish a permanent monitoring regime, which came into force in November 2018. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Fair and Open Government |
Review the government litigation strategy and end appeals or positions that are not consistent with our commitments, the Charter or our values. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationLegal positions taken by the government are consistent with government commitments, the Charter and Canadian values. The government reviewed all appeals in which it was involved and ended those that were inconsistent. It established the Cabinet Committee on Litigation Management and the Deputy Minister Committee on Litigation Management to provide strategic advice on how to advance and resolve litigation involving the government. An agreement in principle was negotiated for many of those affected by the Sixties Scoop to resolve multiple class actions. The Ross, Roy and Satalic class action, seeking compensation for the historic federal policies and practices that targeted, investigated and discharged LGBTQ2 members of the federal public service, was resolved. A settlement agreement was reached, which includes measures to support individual compensation reconciliation, and recognition, as well as initiatives to promote collective reconciliation and remembrance. The Prime Minister delivered a formal apology and reiterated the government’s commitment to address systemic discrimination against LGBTQ2 people. The Merlo and Davidson class action, concerning allegations of gender and sexual-orientation- based harassment and discrimination within the RCMP was settled. As part of the settlement, the government has agreed to provide for change initiatives to address workplace harassment in the RCMP and compensation for the victims who experienced gender or sexual orientation based harassment and/or discrimination while working in the RCMP. The government passed Bill C-51, to amend the Department of Justice Act. For every government bill, the Minister of Justice now has a statutory duty to table in Parliament a statement that sets out the Bill's potential effects on the rights and freedoms guaranteed in the Charter. Additionally, the Attorney General has published the Principles guiding the Attorney General of Canada in Charter litigation. The six Principles are: constitutionalism and the rule of law; the principle of parliamentary democracy; adjudication; continuity; consistent application of the Charter; and access to justice. These principles in service of the public interest, guide the Attorney General’s conduct in litigation involving the Charter cases. The Attorney General also published the Directive on Civil Litigation Involving Indigenous Peoples, which holds the government accountable in all litigation involving Indigenous peoples to ensure that the government’s commitment to reconciliation remains a primary focus even where litigation is ongoing. The yearly publication of the Litigation Year in Review since 2016 has promoted openness and transparency with respect to litigation positions taken by the Attorney General of Canada. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Fair and Open Government |
Ensure that the appointment of Supreme Court Justices is transparent, inclusive and accountable to Canadians. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationConsistent with its commitment for greater transparency, accountability and diversity, in August 2016, the government announced a new, open and transparent process for making appointments to the Supreme Court of Canada. The process now involves: an open application process, the establishment of an Independent Advisory Board to assess all applications and prepare a shortlist of candidates, the requirement of functional bilingualism as an essential qualification for all shortlisted candidates, and consultations regarding the shortlist with key stakeholders including members of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice. Justice Malcolm Rowe was the first Supreme Court Justice appointed under this new process in October 2016, followed by Justice Sheilah L. Martin in December 2017. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Safety and Security |
Toughen criminal laws in cases of domestic assault, with the goal of keeping survivors and children safe. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationIn March 2018, the government tabled legislation that provides greater protections for complainants and survivors of sexual assault and domestic assault, improves efficiencies in the criminal justice system and reduces court delays. This legislation strengthens responses to intimate partner violence (IPV). These proposed reforms received Royal Assent in June 2019, and will:
In December 2018, legislation came into force that clarified and strengthened the sexual assault provisions in the Criminal Code. These provisions:
More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Jobs and Innovation |
Ensure tax measures are efficient and encourage innovation, trade and the growth of Canadian businesses. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government has taken a number of actions to encourage innovation, trade, and the growth of Canadian businesses. The government completed a whole-of-government review of business innovation programs to ensure that they are simple and effective and meet the needs of Canada’s innovators. The government introduced a reduction of the small business tax rate from 10.5 per cent to 10 per cent as of January 2018 and to 9 per cent as of January 2019. In the 2018 Fall Economic Statement, the government introduced three immediate changes to Canada’s tax system to enhance business confidence in Canada: allowing businesses to immediately write off the full cost of machinery and equipment used for the manufacturing or processing of goods; allowing businesses to immediately write off the full cost of specified clean energy equipment to spur new investments and the adoption of advanced clean technologies in the Canadian economy; and introducing the Accelerated Investment Incentive. Budget 2019 repealed the use of taxable income as a factor in determining a Canadian-controlled private corporation (CCPC)’s annual expenditure limit for the purpose of the enhanced Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax credit. As a result, small CCPCs with taxable capital of up to $10 million can benefit from unreduced access to the enhanced refundable SR&ED credit regardless of their taxable income. This change provides a more predictable phase-out of the enhanced SR&ED credit rate, which more effectively supports growing small and medium-sized firms as they scale up. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Diverse and Inclusive Canada |
Add gender identity as a prohibited ground for discrimination under the Canadian Human Rights Act and add it to the list of characteristics of identifiable groups protected by the hate speech provisions of the Criminal Code. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationDiscrimination on the basis of gender identity and gender expression is illegal in Canada. In June 2017, amendments to the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code received Royal Assent, ensuring the full protection of transgender people across Canada. These amendments formally add gender identity and gender expression to the Canadian Human Rights Act as prohibited grounds of discrimination, as well as amend the Criminal Code to deal with hate crimes related to gender identity and gender expression. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
35 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Environment and Climate Change |
Ratify the Paris agreement and develop a Pan-Canadian framework for combating climate change. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe Paris Agreement entered into force in November 2016 and the government continues to work with all countries on its implementation. Notably, in December 2018 at the 24th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Canada worked with other Parties to successfully reach agreement on the Paris ‘Rulebook’ for putting the Paris Agreement into Action. Canada also ratified the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol in November 2017, which will phase down powerful greenhouse gases. Canada was instrumental in achieving the required number of ratifications at the Montreal Protocol meeting, allowing the Kigali Amendment to come into force in January 2019. In November 2017, Canada launched the Powering Past Coal Alliance with the United Kingdom to accelerate the global phase-out of traditionally coal-fired electricity. In December 2016, first ministers adopted the Pan-Canadian Framework (PCF) on Clean Growth and Climate Change. Developed with provinces and territories in collaboration with Indigenous peoples, and informed by input from Canadians across the country, the PCF is Canada’s comprehensive plan to reduce emissions across all sectors of the economy, accelerate clean economic growth, and build resilience to the impacts of climate change. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
17 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Environment and Climate Change |
Improve protection and stewardship of our freshwater resources. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThrough research, assessment and regulation, the government has improved the protection and stewardship of Canada's freshwater resources. The government is protecting the Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg Basin and the St. Lawrence River by improving water quality, increasing conservation activities, addressing threats posed by invasive species, and improving collaboration with Indigenous peoples. As announced in Budget 2017, the government is investing $44.84 million to protect Great Lakes water quality, and $25.7 million for the Lake Winnipeg Basin Program. The government is collaborating with the United States to protect shared waters through the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, and has also established a Clean Water and Wastewater Fund to help provinces, territories and municipalities make immediate repairs to water and wastewater infrastructure. Updated Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations were published in May 2018 following extensive consultations. The amendments come into force between June 2018, and June 2021. These regulations set out limits for certain harmful substances, prohibit the discharge of effluent that is acutely lethal to rainbow trout, and specify the requirements for sampling, reporting and monitoring environmental effects of effluent. Consultations have been initiated to modernize the Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations to provide greater environmental protection and improve regulatory certainty for the pulp and paper sector. The government is also developing regulations for effluents from coal mines and from oil sands in order to reduce threats to fish, fish habitat, and human health by improving the management of harmful substances in mine effluent. In 2020, proposed coal mine effluent regulations will be published in Canada Gazette Part I for public comment. Changes to the impact assessment regime will also support improved protection for freshwater areas. The Government of Canada published the final report on the Ottawa River watershed on June 19, 2019. The purpose of the Study was to identify barriers to effective management of the Ottawa River watershed and opportunities to enhance watershed collaboration; explore existing and potential indicators for assessing the health of the Ottawa River watershed; and, examine the economic, cultural, heritage and natural values associated with the Ottawa River watershed, including possible threats to those values. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made | Environment and Climate Change |
Enhance protection of Canada's endangered species. |
Actions taken, progress made | Result anticipated: Species at risk are protected. Click to see more informationThe government has enhanced protection of Canada's endangered species by addressing the backlog of terrestrial species eligible for listing under the Species at Risk Act, and improving implementation of the Act. Since February 2017, final listing decisions were made for 123 of these species. As of June 2019, 181 of the 192 overdue proposed recovery documents from the 2014-2017 posting plan were completed and posted on the Species at Risk Public Registry. Parks Canada has completed and posted 21 multi-species action plans, addressing 174 species at risk occurring across 42 Parks Canada places in total, on the Species at Risk Public Registry. Measures identified in these action plans will support species at risk recovery in Parks Canada places. In Budget 2018, the government invested $1.3 billion over five years to support Canada’s biodiversity and protect species at risk. This investment includes $500 million to create a $1 billion Nature Fund in partnership with corporate, not for-profit, provincial, territorial and other partners. The Nature Fund will make it possible to secure private land, support provincial and territorial species protection efforts, and help build Indigenous capacity to conserve land and species, for the benefit of current and future generations. The federal government, in collaboration with the provinces and territories, has agreed to the implementation of the Pan-Canadian Approach to Transforming Species at Risk Conservation in Canada. This new approach will shift from a single-species approach to conservation to one that focuses on multiple species and ecosystems. A national set of priority places, species, and sectors and threats was affirmed in December 2018, with joint work planning initiated in January 2019 with provinces and territories and other partners to advance multi-stakeholder conservation planning and implement action on-the-ground, with the support of the Canada Nature Fund. For example, a multi-pronged approach is underway for the conservation of boreal caribou through the negotiation and implementation of conservation agreements with provinces, territories, and Indigenous communities. The approach also includes grants and contributions funding to support on-the-ground conservation action by various partners. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Environment and Climate Change |
Work with provinces and territories to set stronger air quality standards. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government has put new national standards in place to improve air quality, and is working with provinces to implement the new Air Quality Management System. As part of this system, new ambient air quality standards for sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide have been adopted. Updated ozone standards are expected to be approved by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) in summer 2019. A new State-of-the-Air Report was launched at the CCME in November 2017 to inform Canadians about air quality and air pollution. The government has also established national emissions standards to reduce air pollutants from industrial sources in the following sectors: iron and steel; aluminum; potash; pulp and paper; iron ore pellets; base metals smelting; cement; and from the following equipment: stationary spark-ignition engines; non-utility boilers and heaters; stationary combustion turbines. In December 2018, Canada published two regulations to limit carbon dioxide emissions: one amendment to accelerate the phase-out of coal-fired power by 2030, and the other to set emission performance standards for new natural gas-fired electricity generation and coal boilers converted to run on natural gas. This will significantly improve air quality and the health of Canadians and will reduce Canada's greenhouse gas emissions by more than 12.8 megatonnes in 2030. In March 2019, the government published the proposed Off Road Compression-Ignition (Mobile and Stationary) and Large Spark-Ignition Engine Emission Regulations. The proposed Regulations would repeal and replace the current Off-Road Compression-Ignition Engine Emission Regulations and introduce new emission standards and requirements aligned with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's standards for Large spark-ignition engines and Stationary compression-ignition engines. In April 2019, the government published the final Regulations Amending the Contaminated Fuel Regulations. These amendments exempt contaminated fuels in transit from the prohibition on imports and exports of contaminated fuels. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Environment and Climate Change |
Review Canada's environmental assessment processes. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationFollowing an extensive review of Canada's environmental assessment processes, the government passed legislation in June 2019 to build a new impact assessment and regulatory system for Canada. This new system (which includes the Impact Assessment Act) is fair, based on science, respects the rights and knowledge of Indigenous peoples, provides certainty to businesses, and will protect the environment and human health for generations to come. Its development was informed by expert panels and Parliamentary committee reports, a federal discussion paper, parliamentary studies, and almost two years of consultations with Indigenous peoples, industry, provinces and territories, non-government organizations, academia and the public. The government also announced in 2018 that it will invest about $1 billion over five years to support the proposed new impact assessment system and Canadian Energy Regulator, increase federal scientific capacity, implement the changes required to protect water, fish and navigation, and increase Indigenous and public participation. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
4 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Environment and Climate Change |
Develop Canada's National Parks system, as well as manage and expand National Wildlife Areas and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government has developed Canada's National Parks system, as well as managed and expanded National Wildlife Areas and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries. The Scott Islands Marine National Wildlife Area (NWA) was formally designated a NWA in June 2018 to conserve 1.2 million hectares for sea birds in the Pacific Ocean. Important prairie habitat in southwest Saskatchewan will be conserved with the transfer of the Govenlock Community Pasture to Environment and Climate Change Canada in 2019. In October 2018, the federal government and the Dehcho First Nation and the Tlicho government announced the signing of an establishment agreement for the Edéhzhíe National Wildlife Area in the Northwest Territories to protect over 1.4 million hectares of habitat for boreal caribou. The federal government also announced $5.2 million over 5 years to support establishment and management of the area. Work on expanding the system of National Parks includes the proposed Thaidene Nëné National Park Reserve. Negotiations with the government of the Northwest Territories, Lutsël K’e Dene First Nation and Northwest Territory Métis Nation are close to completion. In Budget 2019, the government proposed to introduce amendments to the Canada National Parks Act to take steps to legally establish the Thaidene Nëné National Park Reserve in the Northwest Territories. Negotiations between the federal government, British Columbia and the Syilx/Okanagan Nation are underway on a proposed national park reserve in the South Okanagan, and Parks Canada has completed public and stakeholder consultation on this proposal and results have been published. In July 2019 the Governments of Canada and British Columbia and the Syilx/Okanagan Nation announced that a national park reserve in the South Okanagan-Similkameen is feasible and will take the next steps towards its establishment. They signed a Memorandum of Understanding that confirms the working boundary for the proposed national park reserve in the South Okanagan-Similkameen, outlines the next steps and provides a framework of collaboration amongst the Parties to initiate negotiations of an establishment agreement for a national park reserve. Parks Canada has contacted Manitoba to re-engage on a proposed national park in the Manitoba Lowlands. As part of the expansion of National Wildlife Areas and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries, the government is working closely with Indigenous peoples, provinces, territories, and stakeholders to secure new protected areas by the end of 2020. At the Nature Champions Summit in Montreal in April 2019 the federal government announced its intention to designate Isle Haute as a National Wildlife Area. This historic island in the Bay of Fundy is important habitat for wildlife including migratory birds and species at risk. An announcement was also made to create three new National Wildlife Areas from 27 islands in the Saint Lawrence River near Montreal. These initiatives will contribute to the conservation of nature in Canada. A comprehensive plan is being developed to conserve at least 17 per cent of terrestrial areas and inland water through networks of protected and conserved areas by 2020. In February 2019, the Pathway to Canada Target 1 initiative, co-chaired by the federal government, released One with Nature: A Renewed Approach to Land and Freshwater Conservation in Canada, which presents pan-Canadian opportunities jointly developed by federal, provincial and territorial governments to support progress towards achieving the terrestrial and inland water components of Canada Target 1 (the first of Canada’s 19 biodiversity goals and targets). The One with Nature report was informed by recommendations from a National Advisory Panel and an Indigenous Circle of Experts. As of April 2019, efforts under the Pathway to Canada Target 1 have resulted in protecting 11.8% of terrestrial areas and inland water. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Environment and Climate Change |
Develop Parks Canada services so that more Canadians can experience our National Parks. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationParks Canada services have been developed and record numbers of Canadians are experiencing the country's National Parks. In 2017-18 more than 27 million visitors were welcomed to Canada’s heritage places administered by Parks Canada, including more than 16.8 million visitors to national parks – a 9 per cent increase from visitation to national parks in 2016-17. A national promotional campaign was launched in 2018 to raise awareness about Parks Canada’s conservation mandate and opportunities for visitors at Parks Canada places. The 2018 promotional campaign, combined with free admission for children 17 and under, and free admission for one year to new Canadian citizens has contributed to visits to Parks Canada places. Parks Canada is delivering almost 1,000 separate infrastructure projects across the country. The government has taken steps to make sites more accessible and to improve overall visitor experiences and safety by investing approximately $3.6 billion over five years, including $364 million announced in Budget 2017 to renew infrastructure assets. To this end, these projects will serve to maintain, restore and improve the existing contemporary and heritage built assets under Parks Canada’s care across the country. To date, the Agency has spent $2.4 billion of the $3.6 billion allocated funding. The balance is fully allocated to the continued delivery of the program of work through additional priority projects being undertaken. Budget 2019 announced funding of $368 million over two years starting in 2020-21 for this purpose. In so doing, the government has reiterated its commitment to investing in national parks, national marine conservation areas and national historic sites, and in the delivery of services at these special places. This funding will allow Parks Canada to continue to restore or replace deteriorating assets to ensure Canadians can continue to enjoy Canada's heritage places. In September 2018 the government announced a $30 million contribution over four years to enhance and maintain the Great Trail (formerly known as the Trans Canada Trail). This funding will improve trail safety, accessibility, and sustainability. Since completion in 2017, the Trail provides 24,000 km of recreational trails within 30 minutes of about 29 million Canadians. The government is working with Indigenous peoples and stakeholders to improve interpretation and heritage programming and make Parks Canada sites more accessible. In January 2018 Parks Canada entered into a four-year contribution agreement with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada with the goal of enhancing and growing authentic Indigenous experiences in regions across the country. Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Environment and Climate Change |
Make admission to National Parks free for all in 2017 and, afterwards, free for children under 18 and new citizens. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationTo celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation, the government offered free admission to all national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas in 2017, as well as free passage through lock systems on all national historic canals. More than 8.5 million Discovery Passes were distributed to Canadians and people from 160 countries. Parks Canada welcomed over 27.2 million visitors in 2017, an 11 per cent increase from 2016. Starting in 2018, admission for children under 18 is free at national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas. Parks Canada also continues to offer free admission for one year to new Canadian citizens through the Institute for Canadian Citizenship’s Cultural Access Pass Program. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Environment and Climate Change |
Expand Learn to Camp programs. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationIn 2017, Parks Canada expanded the popular Learn-to Camp Program so that more low- to middle-income families could experience Canada’s outdoors. Throughout the year, Parks Canada hosted 30 overnight Learn-to Camp events as well as over 500 other Learn-to events and activities across Canada, reaching more than 70,000 Canadians. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Environment and Climate Change |
Protect our National Parks by limiting development within them and help local eco-tourism industries. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government is maintaining and restoring ecological integrity within Canada's national parks while continuing to provide meaningful services and experiences to visitors. The Canada National Parks Act requires that the maintenance or restoration of ecological integrity, through the protection of natural resources and natural processes is the first priority of the Minister when considering all aspects of the management of parks. The government is vigilant in maintaining and restoring ecological integrity within Canada's national parks while continuing to provide meaningful services and experiences to visitors. The government has established strict development limits to ensure ecological integrity in Canada's national parks. Parks Canada has a rigorous environmental assessment process for development proposals. Together, these ensure compliance with park-wide ecological objectives and the maintenance of ecological integrity, while limiting development. One pillar of Canada's Vision for Tourism is to distinguish Canada as a premier tourism destination through Canada's national parks. A number of initiatives have been developed to enhance visitation of Parks Canada sites. These include campaigns to help visitors plan their stay and how to be safe in natural areas and initiatives for visitors to use public transit and shuttles in the mountain parks. Successfully diverting traffic and the use of vehicles at Parks Canada places enhances visitor experience and also reduces the demands placed on existing infrastructure, thereby limiting future potential infrastructure development. Parks Canada continues to work in collaboration with Innovation Science and Economic Development Canada, Destination Canada, and the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada to support tourism opportunities and promotion across the country, helping to grow local eco-tourism industries and create jobs. In 2017-18 the economic activity generated from Parks Canada’s organizational spending and spending by visitors in tourism and other sectors contributed an estimated $4.0 billion towards Canada’s gross domestic product, supported approximately 40,000 jobs, and generated an estimated $532 million in tax revenues. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Environment and Climate Change |
Work with Ontario to enhance the country's first urban National Park: Rouge National Urban Park. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationLegislation passed in June 2017 expands the size of the Rouge National Urban Park and guides how the park will be managed. This Act strengthens ecological protections and will ensure that ecological integrity is the top priority in the management of Canada's first national urban park, while recognizing its important cultural heritage and providing greater certainty for the continuation of park agriculture. In October 2017, the government of Ontario transferred 6.5 square km of land to Parks Canada for inclusion in the Park. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Environment and Climate Change |
Renew the commitment to protect the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River Basin and the Lake Winnipeg Basin. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government renewed protection for the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River Basin and the Lake Winnipeg Basin so they can continue to be enjoyed by future generations. In Budget 2017, the government invested in the protection of Canada’s freshwater resources, including $44.84 million for Great Lakes water quality, and $25.7 million for the Lake Winnipeg Basin Program. The government also invested $43.8 million to protect against aquatic invasive species in Canadian waters. The Asian Carp Program allows the government to improve early detection and to increase the number of sites being monitored for Asian carp in the Great Lakes. The funding has also increased the capacity of Canada’s Sea Lamprey Control Program to reduce the numbers of this destructive, invasive species. A program on freshwater aquatic invasive species was implemented in Quebec in 2018 to complement the marine species monitoring that is already taking place in the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence. This program in partnership with the Government of Quebec funds the detection and prevention of invasive aquatic species introductions in the province. In addition, in partnership with the Government of Quebec, the government has initiated a study to improve understanding of the distribution and population dynamics of tench (an invasive fish) in order to develop a mitigation strategy in the St. Lawrence and Richelieu rivers. The government is increasing outreach to assist Canadians with properly reporting invasive species. In June 2017, the governments of Canada and Quebec announced continued investment in the conservation of the St. Lawrence River Basin to enhance water quality, protect biodiversity and ensure its sustainable use. The government has also begun two research projects to assess the contribution of organic matter and nutrient inputs and oxygen depletion, acidification and toxic algal blooms in the deep waters of the St. Lawrence Estuary. In November 2018, the government launched a new mobile app for Ontario's recreational fishers to help keep invasive species out of Ontario waters and protect aquatic species at risk in the Great Lakes. In March 2019, Fisheries and Oceans Canada released the Socio-Economic Risk Assessment Of The Presence Of Grass Carp In The Great Lakes Basin to supplement the bi-National Ecological Risk Assessment released in 2017. This study will be used to inform management and policy decisions across the Great Lakes basin to prevent the spread and establishment of Grass Carp. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Environment and Climate Change |
Examine the implications of climate change on Arctic marine ecosystems. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government has funded ongoing research at the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) to examine the implications of climate change on Arctic marine ecosystems. In doing so, Canada has expanded its knowledge and understanding of the changes occurring in Canada's Arctic and developed a better understanding of how Canada might adapt to ensure the continued welfare of Canada's Arctic communities. The government is also investing in the Aquatic Climate Change Adaptation Services Program to identify climate change impacts and vulnerabilities, develop adaptation tools, and improve ocean forecasting in vulnerable coastal regions. This program supports ocean chemistry monitoring, fisheries vulnerability assessments and predictive modelling activities in the Arctic. As part of the Oceans Protection Plan, the government is working with Indigenous and coastal communities to collect baseline environmental information at six sites, including one in the Arctic. The government concluded international agreements to strengthen Arctic scientific cooperation, and signed the Agreement to Prevent Unregulated High Seas Fisheries in the Central Arctic Ocean in October 2018. Once ratified by all parties, this agreement will include a joint program of research and monitoring to improve understanding of the ecosystems. The government participated in the Arctic Science Ministerial in September 2016 and October 2018, helping to advance several joint international research projects. The Canadian Space Agency is collaborating on a US-France mission—Surface Water & Ocean Topography—that will provide the first global survey of earth surface water, ocean surface topography, ocean currents, and measure change over time. In addition, the government has committed to work together with northern partners to better understand the “Last Ice Area,” the only region in the high Arctic expected to retain summer sea ice until 2050. To support ongoing scientific research in the High Arctic, Budget 2019 provided up to $21.8 million over five years, starting in 2019, for the Eureka Weather Station on Ellesmere Island in Nunavut. This investment will support critical repairs and necessary upgrades to the station’s systems such as the aircraft runway, sewage, ventilation and plumbing and will help ensure continued safe operations of the site for weather and climate forecasting and as a key hub for Arctic research and government military operations. Budget 2019 also provided up to $10 million for the Polar Continental Shelf Program which provides critical logistics support—such as coordinating air charters and supplying field equipment—to Canadian researchers seeking to advance understanding of the North. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Canada in the World |
Refocus Canada's development assistance on helping the most vulnerable and supporting fragile states. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government is focusing its development assistance on closing gaps and barriers faced by women and girls around the world and achieving the sustainable development goals. This commitment is reflected in the Women’s Voice and Leadership Program, which supports local women’s organizations in 30 countries and regions, and the Her Voice, Her Choice to address sexual and reproductive health and rights. The Feminist International Assistance Policy announced in 2017 commits to directing 50 per cent of Canada's annual bilateral international development assistance to sub-Saharan African countries by 2021-2022 and ensuring that 95 per cent of bilateral international development assistance integrates or targets gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. In April 2019, the government published a new policy document, "A Feminist Approach: Gender Equality in Humanitarian Action," to guide Canada's actions to increase the gender-responsiveness of its humanitarian action. In June 2018, G7 Development Ministers, G7 Finance Ministers and the G7 Leaders agreed to a variety of ambitious declarations on financing for development and on gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. G7 leaders announced $3.8 billion to support the Charlevoix Declaration on Quality Education for Girls, Adolescent Girls and Women in Developing Countries, of which Canada will invest $400 million. Budget 2018 included the announcement of an additional $2 billion to international assistance over five years, starting in fiscal year 2018-2019. Budget 2019 announced an additional $700 million for the International Assistance Envelope in 2023-24, in order to support the implementation of Canada's Feminist International Assistance Policy. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
100 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Canada in the World |
Create a new policy and funding framework to ensure that Canada's aid empowers people and supports broad-based, sustainable growth in the developing world. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationAfter a year of consultations with over 15,000 people in 65 countries, the government released its Feminist International Assistance Policy in June 2017. To strengthen the impact of the policy, including through more innovative approaches to international assistance, Budget 2018 announced an investment of $3.5 billion, and Budget 2019 announced an additional $700 million to support its implementation. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal | Canada in the World |
Support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by the United Nations in September 2015. |
Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal | Result anticipated: Canada's commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at home and abroad helps to build a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous world. Click to see more informationBudget 2018 highlighted the government's commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, at home and abroad. The Government of Canada supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is committed to working with its national and international partners to build a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous world, that leaves no one behind. In April 2018, the government announced the development of a national strategy to further action on SDGs across the country, and launched the Voluntary National Review (VNR) Web portal to invite Canadians to share their stories of how they are advancing the SDGs. In July 2018, Canada delivered its first VNR to the United Nations, reporting highlights of Canada’s efforts and success over the past three years, underlining challenges that remain, and outlining Canada’s way forward on the implementation of the UN’s 2030 Agenda and SDGs. To support monitoring and reporting, Statistics Canada launched the Sustainable Development Goals Data Hub in May 2018, a one-stop online resource for information and statistics that allow Canadians to monitor progress on the 2030 goals and targets. An SDG Unit was established within Employment and Social Development Canada to act as a focal point for the government’s implementation of the 2030 Agenda. A Call for Proposals for the SDG Funding Program was launched in May 2019 to leverage the work of stakeholders to deliver improved outcomes for Canadians with the aim of leaving no one behind. Through its international assistance, Canada is also established to support innovative projects and initiatives that are horizontal in nature, supporting its development partners to achieve the SDGs. To further accelerate Canada’s progress in achieving the 2030 Agenda, the government is leading the development of a whole-of-society National Strategy, which will create a common vision for Canada’s path forward and set the foundation for future actions on the SDGs. From March to May 2019, the government launched a consultation process to engage Canadians on the development of a 2030 Agenda National Strategy. Canadians, including Indigenous peoples, civil society, academia, the private sector and other levels of government, were invited to contribute their ideas to help shape the development of Canada’s 2030 Agenda National Strategy. An interim National Strategy was launched in June 2019 as a first step towards establishing the structures, mechanisms, processes and activities required to advance the 2030 Agenda. It includes a draft Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) developed in collaboration with Statistics Canada and other government departments to track and report on Canada’s progress on the SDGs. Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy aligns with the 2030 Agenda and SDGs to ensure that investments are coordinated with the rest of the international community. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
100 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Canada in the World |
Support the full range of reproductive health services and close the gap in the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Initiative. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationSince 2017, the government has been focusing on closing key gaps in sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls. This includes facilitating access to contraceptives and safe, legal abortion, and a focus on preventing and responding to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) including child-, early- and forced-marriage and female genital mutilation and cutting. In March 2017, the government announced $650 million over three years, to close gaps in sexual and reproductive health and rights, doubling Canada’s existing investments. Full, free and voluntary access to modern contraceptives as part of a comprehensive package of sexual and reproductive health services is essential to supporting women to gain control over their bodies and lives. Canada’s funding of $42.6 million to family planning activities in 2017-2018 made it possible for:
Canada joined key global partnerships, such as Family Planning 2020, which will help enable up to 120 million more women and girls to access family planning by 2020, as well as the Ouagadougou Partnership, which will accelerate the use of these services in nine countries in West Africa. Canada continues to promote sexual and reproductive health rights through participation in movements such as SheDecides and was the host of the 2019 Women Deliver 5th Global Conference in Vancouver on June 3-6, 2019, where the government announced a funding commitment of $1.4 billion annually, starting in 2023, to support women and girls’ health around the world. A ten-year commitment, this investment will support sexual and reproductive health and rights and maternal, newborn, and child health – with $700 million of the annual investment dedicated to sexual and reproductive health and rights. The commitment will advance progress in the neglected areas of sexual and reproductive health and rights within a comprehensive approach. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Canada in the World |
Support innovative, evidence-based approaches to development assistance. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationGuided by the Feminist International Assistance Policy, Canada is providing more integrated and responsive assistance, supporting innovation and research, providing better reporting on results, supporting diverse and effective partnerships, and concentrating on those regions of the world where Canada can make the greatest difference in reducing poverty and inequality, particularly for women and girls. The government and its partners are measuring and reporting progress and results, conducting gender-based and human rights-based analyses of programs, and implementing new programming to support innovative partnerships. In 2017, the government collaborated with the Canadian Council for International Co-operation, the Canadian Association for the Study of International Development and the International Development Research Centre to enhance innovative multi-stakeholder approaches to global development research. This initiative included the launch of an online searchable tool of more than 500 Canadian international development researchers from universities, colleges, institutes, think-tanks, and civil society organizations. The government also launched its International Policy Ideas Challenge (IPIC), an annual program in which early career and graduate researchers in Canada are selected to conduct and present innovative research on foreign policy, international trade and international development issues. In 2017, the government launched the Small and Medium Organizations for Impact and Innovation initiative (SMO initiative), to attract new and diverse partners and encourage innovation in international development. In May 2019, the government approved 21 projects, spanning 18 countries, selected through the first call for proposals under the SMO Initiative, and also launched the second call for proposals. In May 2018, the government committed up to $300 million towards establishing an innovative Partnership for Gender Equality. The partnership was conceived as a global funding platform to catalyze new investments from the philanthropic community, private sector and civil society. It will provide sustainable and predictable funding to support women's organizations and movements in developing countries. In June 2019 the government announced its intention to work with the Equality Fund consortium to establish this innovative platform. This announcement follows a process of public consultations and a competitive process to design, develop and manage this new partnership. Under Canada’s 2018 G7 presidency, the G7 Development Ministers agreed on the Whistler Principles to Accelerate Innovation for Development Impact. G7 leaders also signed on to the Charlevoix Commitment on Innovative Financing for Development to promote economic growth in developing economies and foster greater equality of opportunity within and between countries. The government is reporting to Canadians on each of the action areas of the Feminist International Assistance Policy. The government continues to engage with the International Development Innovation Alliance, the OECD Development Assistance Committee and Canadian society to learn about and share good practices on innovative evidence-based approaches in development assistance. Budget 2018 announced up to $2 billion in new resources and up to $1.5 billion over five years to the International Assistance Innovation Program and the Sovereign Loans Program in support of Canada's Feminist International Assistance Policy. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made | Canada in the World |
Provide assistance to countries that are vulnerable to the destabilizing effects of climate change. |
Actions taken, progress made | Result anticipated: Countries receiving Canadian international assistance are better equipped to deal with the destabilizing effects of climate change. Click to see more informationIn 2015, the government has committed $2.65 billion over five years to help developing countries, in particular the poorest and most vulnerable, transition to low-carbon and climate-resilient economies. Since 2016, the government has announced more than $1.5 billion in funding contributions. To date, multilateral and regional contributions include:
In February 2018, Canada committed up to $20 million to support women in Haiti and another $15 million to reinforce national systems to better manage and respond to natural disasters there. Canada also recently pledged $100 million to support reconstruction and climate resilience initiatives across the Caribbean over the next 5 years. Canada is providing $16.2 million to support Climate Resilience and Green Infrastructure project in Peru, and $6 million to the Food and Agriculture Organization for forest management and increased sustainable economic growth in Honduras, two of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. Canada's new Development Finance Institute, capitalized with $300 million over five years, will mobilize its resources to promote green economic growth. At the G7 Summit in June 2018, Canada committed $162 million under the Charlevoix Blueprint for Healthy Oceans, Seas and Resilient Coastal Communities. As part of its G7 presidency, Canada also announced $60 million in funding for Small-Island Developing States (SIDS). At the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Meeting in November 2018, the Prime Minister committed $10 million to the Pacific Initiative for Biodiversity, Climate Change and Resilience. Canada is joining the InsuResilience Global Partnership for Climate and Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance Solutions, launched at the 2017 UN Climate Change Conference. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal | Canada in the World |
Ensure Canada's strong and sustained engagement in the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie. |
Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal | Result anticipated: Promotion of Canadian values of diversity and inclusion through La Francophonie and promotion of French Canadian culture globally. Click to see more informationCanada maintains a strong commitment to the International Organisation of La Francophonie (IOF) and uses it as an important platform to engage the international community on priority areas. On gender equality, Canada plays an active role in the implementation of La Francophonie's Strategy for the Promotion of Equality Between Women and Men. Canada has also played an active role in the promotion of women and youth empowerment and in the development of La Francophonie’s Action Plan on Women's Economic Empowerment, in addition to supporting the holding, under the aegis of the OIF, of an international conference on the education of girls and the training of women in the francophone world in Chad in June 2019. In May 2018, Canada supported the organization, by the OIF and the University of Ottawa, of an international conference on conflict prevention and human security. The conference aimed to develop a roadmap to update existing Francophonie tools and instruments to address conflict prevention and human security in Francophonie member countries. Canada played a leading role in the development and adoption at the 2018 Yerevan Summit of the first OIF transparency consolidation policy. Canada advocates in support of enhanced governance and transparency measures to further strengthen the Organisation's administrative and financial governance practices. In March 2019, Canada's leadership was recognized by the Secretary General and OIF members following the appointment of Canadian Catherine Cano as Administrator of the OIF. Ms. Cano manages the administrative and financial affairs as well as the implementation of the programming and decisions adopted by the Heads of State and government during Francophonie summits. In May 2019, the Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie travelled to Paris to promote Canada’s commitment to La Francophonie. She met among others with Secretary General Louise Mushikiwabo. In June 2019, Canada hosted the Secretary General of La Francophonie as part of her first official visit to North America. This visit consolidated the fruitful relationship with the new administration of the OIF and introduced the Secretary General to the diversity and dynamism of Francophone communities in Canada, particularly the minority communities, by highlighting their expertise and their international commitment. On the sidelines of this visit, Canadian Ambassador to France Isabelle Hudon was appointed as the personal representative of the Prime Minister of Canada for La Francophonie. She will continue the tradition of Canadian leadership in La Francophonie and the advancement of Canadian interests and values of diversity and inclusion. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / modified | Diverse and Inclusive Canada |
Resettle 25,000 refugees from Syria. |
Completed / modified |
Click to see more informationThe government surpassed its target while ensuring national security, medical, and resettlement requirements were met. As of January 29, 2017, Canada had welcomed 40,081 refugees from Syria: 21,876 government-assisted refugees, 3,931 blended visa office-referred refugees, and 14,274 privately sponsored refugees. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
9 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Diverse and Inclusive Canada |
Double the number of entry applications for parents and grandparents of immigrants to 10,000 a year. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government increased the number of entry applications it accepts through its Parents and Grandparents (PGP) Program. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
30 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Diverse and Inclusive Canada |
Give additional points under the Express Entry system to applicants who have Canadian siblings. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationChanges to Canada’s Express Entry Program were implemented in June 2017. Candidates with Canadian siblings, and those who have strong language skills in French, are awarded additional points. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Diverse and Inclusive Canada |
Increase the maximum age for dependents from 19 to 22 to allow more families to stay together and bring their children to Canada. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government has made reuniting families a top priority. Regulatory amendments to increase the maximum age of dependent children from 19 to 22 came into force in October 2017. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
31 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Diverse and Inclusive Canada |
Bring forward a proposal regarding permanent residency for new spouses entering Canada. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government repealed conditional permanent residence so that sponsored spouses and partners are no longer required to live with their sponsor for two years in order to maintain their permanent resident status. Sponsored spouses and partners who have already obtained permanent residence no longer have to remain with an abusive sponsor for fear of losing their immigration status. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Government Services and Operations |
Improve client service delivery and immigration, refugees and citizenship application processing times. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationSince 2015, the government has made significant improvements to client service delivery and processing times across immigration, refugee and citizenship programs.
Building on these processing times reductions and client service enhancements, the government continues to ensure the ability to respond to increasing application volumes and deliver a high-quality client experience, while maintaining public confidence in Canada’s immigration, refugees, settlement, citizenship and passport programs. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
100 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Diverse and Inclusive Canada |
Restore the Interim Federal Health Program that provides health benefits to refugees. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationIn April 2016, the government restored the Interim Federal Health Program for all eligible refugee beneficiaries. In addition, the government eliminated the coverage expiry date to ensure refugee claimants remain covered until they are eligible for provincial/territorial health insurance. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / modified | Canada in the World |
Establish an expert human rights panel to help determine designated countries of origin and provide a right to appeal refugee decisions for citizens from these countries. |
Completed / modified |
Click to see more informationThe designated country of origin (DCO) framework, introduced in 2012, limited access for some refugee claimants to certain supports and avenues of recourse, on the basis of their country of origin. Since that time, several Federal Court decisions have struck down provisions of the DCO policy, including limits on access to appeal, as inconsistent with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. As of July 2015, claimants from DCO countries have had access to an appeal at the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. In May 2019, the government removed all 42 countries from the DCO list, effectively ending the DCO policy framework. There is no longer a need to establish an expert panel because the government has determined that no countries will be placed on the DCO list. The government continues to make investments to increase the capacity of the asylum system, enhance the integrity of Canada's border and shorten wait times at the IRB. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Environment and Climate Change |
Work with stakeholders to better co-manage our three oceans. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe Government of Canada is committed to working with Provinces, Territories, Indigenous peoples and coastal communities to collaboratively manage Canada’s three oceans. Canada endorsed the Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area Plan with British Columbia and Pacific North Coast First Nations; finalized a Reconciliation Framework Agreement for Bioregional Oceans Management and Protection with First Nations along the North and Central Coast of British Columbia; explored partnerships with land claims organizations in the North to advance Canada’s marine conservation agenda; and signed a statement of intent between Canada and the Nunatsiavut government to work together on oceans management in northern Labrador. In addition, a Memorandum of Understanding was reached between Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, and the Government of Nunavut to jointly assess the desirability and feasibility of establishing long term protection measures in Tuvaijuittuq (the High Arctic Basin). On the international front, in April 2019, the Prime Minister, the President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Cabinet ministers, and Inuit leaders issued the Pikialasorsuaq Joint Leaders Statement to work with the Governments of Denmark and Kalaalliit Nunaat (Greenland) to develop a path forward for advancing the sustainable marine management and environmental protection of the vital Pikialasorsuaq region, and to facilitate mobility for Inuit of the region. These initiatives, along with the many actions advanced under the Oceans Protection Plan, are part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to better co-managing Canada’s oceans now and into the future. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Canada in the World |
Facilitate the temporary entry of low risk travellers and lift the visa requirement for Mexico. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationIn December 2016, Canada lifted the requirement for Mexican travellers to have a visa. To facilitate the temporary entry of low-risk travellers, the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) was put in place in November 2016 for visa-exempt foreign nationals (other than U.S. citizens) boarding their flight to Canada. In May 2017, Canada expanded eTA to Brazil, Bulgaria and Romania. The visa requirement for Bulgaria and Romania was fully lifted in December 2017. Additionally, in June 2018, Canada lifted the visa requirement for the United Arab Emirates. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Fair and Open Government |
Repeal provisions in the Citizenship Act that give the government the right to strip citizenship from dual nationals. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationIn June 2017, legislation repealed unfair elements of the Citizenship Act that had applied only to Canadians with dual or multiple citizenships and allowed the government to strip them of their Canadian citizenship. The new legislation makes it easier for applicants to meet the requirements for citizenship, and helps immigrants obtain citizenship earlier and faster. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
40 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Diverse and Inclusive Canada |
Make it easier for international students to stay in Canada after their studies. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government changed the Express Entry system to award more points to international students who have studied in Canada, making it easier for them to become permanent residents after completing their studies. As well, in October 2017, legislative changes introduced by the government came into force, providing greater flexibility for international students who want to become Canadian citizens. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Environment and Climate Change |
Restore funding to support federal ocean science and monitoring programs. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government restored funding for federal ocean science and monitoring programs. In April 2016, $197 million was committed to fund ocean and freshwater science activities that help us better understand aquatic ecosystems and support evidence-based management decisions. Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made | Environment and Climate Change |
Use good scientific evidence and traditional Indigenous knowledge when making decisions affecting fish stocks and ecosystem management. |
Actions taken, progress made | Result anticipated: A new, strong process that integrates scientific information in all major fish stock and ecosystem management decisions. Click to see more informationThere are several inputs to fisheries decision making including the following four: (1) Scientific evidence (2) traditional indigenous knowledge (3) precautionary principle (4) climate change. Fisheries decisions are made on a regular basis as part of a management cycle. Where information on each of these 4 inputs is available, the government uses or factors these inputs into fishery decisions. Where the information is not available, the government will continue to gather the information through science processes, work with indigenous communities and other stakeholders. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Environment and Climate Change |
Act on recommendations of the Cohen Commission on restoring sockeye salmon stocks in the Fraser River. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government provided its third and final status update in October 2018 showing that all 75 recommendations from the Cohen Commission had been acted on. The government continues to engage with scientific experts and stakeholders to further act on many of the Commission’s recommendations. After extensive engagement with Indigenous peoples, stakeholders and the general public, the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard released the Wild Salmon Policy 2018-2022 Implementation Plan (WSP IP) in October 2018, along with the 2018 Cohen Response Status Update. The WSP IP sets out how the government is working to restore and maintain salmon stock, and highlights measures for sustainable aquaculture. The first Wild Salmon Policy Implementation Plan Annual Report (2018-19) was released in April 2019. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Safety and Security |
Re-open the Maritime Rescue Sub-centre in St. John's, Newfoundland, and the Kitsilano Coast Guard Base in Vancouver. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationIn May 2016, the Kitsilano Coast Guard Base in Vancouver re-opened to provide 24/7 search and rescue and environmental response services. The base received a new search and rescue vessel in December 2017. The Maritime Rescue Sub-centre in St. John’s officially re-opened in May 2018. It supports the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) Halifax, coordinating maritime search and rescue operations in waters surrounding Newfoundland and Labrador. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Healthy Canadians |
Sign new Health Accord with the provinces and territories. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government reached agreement with provinces and territories on collective priorities, supported by federal investments over ten years, to ensure health care systems continue to respond to the needs of Canadians in the area of home and community care and mental health and addictions services. Budget 2017 confirmed a targeted investment of $11 billion over 10 years to support home and community care, and mental health and addictions services. In addition, the government committed federal investments of $544 million to increase the accessibility and affordability of prescription drugs, and to enhance innovation in the delivery of health services. In August 2017, federal, provincial and territorial governments agreed on a Common Statement of Principles on Shared Health Priorities. This statement identifies the key priorities for federal investments as set out in Budget 2017 and includes a joint commitment to advance health innovation and prescription drugs. Governments also committed to develop and report on a set of common metrics to ensure that these investments bring Canadians improved health outcomes. In June 2018, federal, provincial and territorial health ministers endorsed a set of common indicators, developed under the leadership of the Canadian Institute for Health Information, to measure progress and to report to Canadians on overall improvements in access to home and community care as well as mental health and addiction services. Annual reporting is expected to begin in 2019. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
1 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made | Healthy Canadians |
Increase rates of vaccination. |
Actions taken, progress made | Result anticipated: By 2025, 95% of children under the age of two have received all recommended vaccinations. Click to see more informationThe federal government, working together with the provinces and territories, updated the national vaccination coverage goals and vaccine preventable disease reduction targets. The federal government also enhanced its Childhood National Immunization Coverage Survey to better estimate vaccination coverage and understand Canadians' knowledge, attitudes and beliefs related to the vaccination of children. Statistics Canada released high-level results in March 2019 and the Public Health Agency of Canada is undertaking more detailed analysis. The Immunization Partnership Fund (2016-2021) is focused on improving vaccine access and uptake. As of June 2019, nineteen projects have been approved for funding and five projects have been completed. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Healthy Canadians |
Introduce plain packaging requirements for tobacco products. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government introduced new plain packaging requirements for tobacco products to reduce the appeal of tobacco use. The Tobacco Products Regulations (Plain and Standardized Appearance) were published in Canada Gazette, Part II, on May 1, 2019. The regulations help reduce the appeal of tobacco products and are an important part of the government’s strategy to protect Canadians from tobacco-related death and disease. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
44 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Diverse and Inclusive Canada |
Promote the celebration of Canada 150. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationCanadians came together to celebrate the best of Canada and to experience Canada’s rich cultural, linguistic, and geographical diversity. More than 31 million people participated in Canada 150 events that brought Canadians together, emphasized the connection all Canadians share as a northern people, and underscored Canada 150’s four major themes - diversity and inclusion, reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, the environment, and youth. The Canada 150 Fund supported over six hundred community projects and thirty-eight pan-Canadian Signature projects through non-governmental organizations. Canada 150 enabled the promotion of active living, sport, and athleticism to students and communities across Canada. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
100 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Diverse and Inclusive Canada |
Restore and increase funding for CBC/Radio-Canada. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationSignificant funding increases to CBC/Radio-Canada are resulting in the creation of new, high-quality content across all platforms. In Budget 2016, the government increased CBC/Radio-Canada funding by $675 million over five years. In 2017/18, this funding was directed toward CBC/Radio-Canada’s key programming and initiatives; the creation of high-quality content, including local content, across all platforms; and digital transformation, including enhancing existing services and developing the next generation of digital talent. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Diverse and Inclusive Canada |
Ensure that the appointment process to the CBC/Radio-Canada Board of Directors is merit-based and independent. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationA new independent and merit-based appointment process has been established for selecting the CBC/Radio-Canada Board of Directors. The government has appointed an independent and non-partisan advisory committee to recommend to the Minister of Canadian Heritage qualified candidates for appointments to CBC/Radio-Canada. Published, merit-based criteria guide the advisory committee as it identifies Canadians who would make significant contributions to the work of the Board of Directors of CBC/Radio-Canada. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Diverse and Inclusive Canada |
Double investment in the Canada Council for the Arts. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government invested $550 million in the Canada Council for the Arts to foster the development of the arts in Canada. The government is doubling its annual investment in the Canada Council for the Arts over five years, growing local economies and creating good middle-class jobs. New investments are being made in the form of grants, services and awards to professional Canadian artists and arts organizations, as well as through scholarly awards. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Diverse and Inclusive Canada |
Increase funding for Telefilm Canada and the National Film Board. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationInvestments in Canada's film industry are helping create growth and jobs in the creative industries. The government made new investments in Canadian arts and culture. Budget 2016 announced $22 million for Telefilm Canada to fund and promote programs dedicated to the cultural, commercial and industrial success of Canada’s audiovisual industry. In 2016, the government also provided the National Film Board of Canada with $13.5 million, over five years, to create social issue documentaries, animation, and digital content. The government has provided an additional $7.5 million in funding to Telefilm Canada for 2019-20. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Diverse and Inclusive Canada |
Restore PromArt and Trade Routes international cultural promotion programs. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationCanada's Creative Export Strategy is helping to raise awareness of Canadian excellence in arts and culture, and is leading to greater international demand for Canadian creators and more jobs in the creative industries. The government announced the Creative Export Strategy in June 2018, following the Fall 2017 announcement of the investment of $125 million over five years in its implementation. This initiative will help Canada's creative industries seize business opportunities abroad and increase Canada’s interactions with the world through culture, supporting cultural diplomacy efforts. Building on the $35 million committed in Budget 2016, and based on former PromArt and Trade Routes, the strategy provides cultural programs to help artists and creative industries kick-start or promote their creative offerings abroad. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Strong Middle Class |
Increase funding to "Young Canada Works" to help prepare the next generation working in the heritage sector. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationInvestments of $15.55 million in Budgets 2016 and 2017 are creating more than 1,600 new employment opportunities over four years (2016-2020) for youth in the heritage sector. Through Budget 2016, the government invested $1.5 million in new funding for the Young Canada Works at Building Careers in Heritage program, thus enabling the creation of 150 additional internships for young graduates in 2016-2017, which was five times more Young Canada Works internships for youth in heritage organizations in Canada. Through Budget 2017, the government is further investing $14.05 million over three years in Young Canada Works in Heritage programming. These new funds helped create more than 1,500 new jobs for Canadian youth in Canadian museums and related heritage organizations for 2017-18 and 2018-19. This resulted in 1,024 summer/short term jobs through Young Canada Works in Heritage Organizations and 486 graduate internships through Young Canada Works at Building Careers in Heritage. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Diverse and Inclusive Canada |
Develop a multi-year Official Languages plan to support English and French linguistic minorities. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationA new Official Languages plan was developed and will be implemented to support English and French linguistic minorities across Canada. In March 2018, the government announced its 2018-2023 Action Plan for Official Languages: Investing in our Future. The Action Plan provides for investment of $2.7 billion over five years, including $500 million in new funding to support official language minority communities and promote bilingualism throughout the country. The plan took effect in April 2018 and is being implemented over 2018-19 and 2019-20. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made | Diverse and Inclusive Canada |
Establish a free, online service for learning and retaining English and French as second languages. |
Actions taken, progress made | Result anticipated: A cross-platform, web-based application will enable adult Canadians to learn and retain – in a way that is flexible, accessible and free – their second official language (English or French). Click to see more informationIn May 2019, during the Symposium on the 50th anniversary of the Official Languages Act, the creation of a free program to help people learn and use English and French as a second language was officially announced. CBC/Radio-Canada has been contracted to design and implement this new program, named “The Mauril” in honour of the late Member of Parliament Mauril Bélanger, a champion of Canada’s two official languages. Through this program, Canadians will have access to an online and mobile learning environment, showcasing 100 per cent Canadian content, materials based on current events in Canada, educational resources to help learners progress from a “basic” to an “advanced” level, and stimulating teaching tools to improve second-language comprehension and expression. The project is in line with the Action Plan for Official Languages 2018–2023: Investing in Our Future. The “Mauril”, a free online program slated for launch in 2020, will be an easy-to-use tool to help Canadians learn or improve on their written and spoken comprehension and expression skills—and have fun in the process. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Fair and Open Government |
Restore a modern Court Challenges Program. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationA modernized Court Challenges Program provides increased protection for human rights and official language rights. The government reinstated a modernized Court Challenges Program to strengthen and promote human rights and Canada's two official languages. The program provides financial support to individuals or groups in Canada to access the courts for the litigation of test cases of national significance. The University of Ottawa has been selected to manage the modernized program. Two panels, responsible for official language rights and human rights, will assess funding applications to the Court Challenges Program for court cases of national significance and will allocate resources. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Not being pursued | Strong Middle Class |
Balance the budget in 2019/20. |
Not being pursued |
Click to see more informationIn Budget 2019, the government reported to Canadians that it did not forecast a balanced budget in 2019/20, confirming that this commitment will not be pursued within this mandate. Instead, the government will move forward with a fiscally responsible plan to grow Canada’s economy for the long term. Over the last four years, the government has made investments to kick-start the economy, support the middle class and address the long-term challenges that were limiting Canada's potential. Budget 2019 continues that approach with new investments to support workers to gain skills, strengthen income security of seniors, bolster the health of Canadians and improve housing. Under the government’s economic plan, Canadians have created over 1 million new jobs – driving the unemployment rate to its lowest level in more than 40 years. Today, Canada remains among the leaders for economic growth in the G7, and consumer confidence remains elevated. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Diverse and Inclusive Canada |
Lead preparations for the 2016 Rio Olympics and Paralympics. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationCanadian athletes and national sport organizations were well prepared for and supported at a successful showing at the 2016 Rio Olympics and Paralympics. Canadian athletes excelled during the 2016 Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games. Nearly 15 per cent more Canadian athletes were able to attend the Games compared to 2012. Canadian athletes placed 10th in total Olympic medals, up from 14th in 2012 and Paralympians also had a very strong showing, bringing home 29 medals. For athletes at all levels of the sport system to enjoy the benefits of positive sport experience and to achieve optimal performance, they must be able to train and compete in a sport environment free from abuse, harassment and discrimination. In March 2019, the government announced funding for two important initiatives, including (i) an investigation unit for national sport organizations, multisport service organizations and Canadian sport centres to call in to have access to independent investigators for alleged incidents of harassment, abuse and discrimination; and (ii) a national toll-free confidential helpline for victims and witnesses of harassment, abuse and discrimination in sport. In April 2019, enabled through funds from the Government of Canada, AthletesCAN, in partnership with the University of Toronto, released a detailed report of the Prevalence of Maltreatment among Current and Former National Team Athletes that will serve as evidence decision-makers need to make well-informed decisions that will make sport safer in Canada. And finally, in March and April 2019, through support from the Government of Canada, the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) led stakeholder consultations in every province and territory across the country that fed into the National Safe Sport Summit in May 2019; this work will lead to the development of a National Code of Conduct for sport at all levels in Canada. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Healthy Canadians |
Create greater links between our elite athletes and young Canadians to promote health and achievement among youth. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government has supported and continues to support greater links between our elite athletes and young Canadians. Following the 2016 Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games, the government organized a number of events both online and in person at schools across the country, to connect young Canadians with Canada's elite athletes. Approximately 250 Olympic and Paralympic athletes and coaches from the 2016 Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games participated in these events, reaching tens of thousands of students across Canada. In May 2018, over 300 Canadian athletes, guides, and coaches attended events at Rideau Hall and Parliament Hill to celebrate their achievements at the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games of PyeongChang in 2018. The celebrations included a Facebook Live “Team Canada Classroom Champion Chat,” providing youth across Canada with the opportunity to engage with Olympians and Paralympians from Rideau Hall. Athletes, students and the general public at Rideau Hall were also able to try out sports such as Para ice hockey and snowboarding. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Diverse and Inclusive Canada |
Raise the quality of the Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) applied to Cabinet proposals. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government has taken steps to ensure Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) is effectively integrated into policy-making so that government programs are inclusive to all. As of 2016, proposals to Cabinet are required to undergo a full GBA+, which helps determine impacts on diverse groups of people. Budget submissions are also required to undergo a full GBA+. Since the first Gender Statement in 2017, when the collection of a common set of information for all budget proposals began, the government has continued to improve the quality of GBA+ by providing continuous training to public servants on how to effectively use GBA+. In Budget 2018, the government built on these commitments by passing the Canadian Gender Budgeting Act, making gender-based analysis a permanent part of the federal budget-making process. Finally, in Budget 2019, the government announced $1.5 million over 5 years, starting in 2019, to improve how it collects administrative data and reports GBA+ information. By ensuring that the data collected and analyzed are consistent and comparable over time and across various programs, the government can improve how it uses GBA+ and ultimately ensure that government programs are inclusive to all. The results of the GBA+ Implementation Survey will be available in 2019-2020. These data will provide information on the integration of GBA+ in policy proposals across the government. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Diverse and Inclusive Canada |
Ensure that the government's senior appointments are merit-based and demonstrate gender parity. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationIn 2016, the government put in place an open, transparent and merit-based approach to selecting candidates for some 1500 federal Governor in Council (GIC) appointments to ensure greater representation of Canada's gender diversity. Over time, this will close gaps in the representation of women in GIC positions. Since late 2015, women represented more than half of appointments made under this new process and the overall representation of women serving as GIC appointees has increased by 15 percentage points and is now at 49 per cent. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
12 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Government Services and Operations |
Help injured Veterans by re-establishing lifelong pensions and insuring that they all have access to financial advice and support. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe Pension for Life initiative is a combination of benefits that provides recognition, income support and overall stability to Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and Veterans who are living with a disability due to a service-related injury or illness. Introduced in April 2019, Pension for Life provides a comprehensive package that reintroduces lifelong monthly payments for pain and suffering, implements a recognition benefit, and consolidates six existing income-related financial benefits. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Government Services and Operations |
Expand access to the Permanent Impairment Allowance to better support Veterans. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government replaced the outdated Permanent Impairment Allowance in April 2017 with the Career Impact Allowance. This measure provides broader eligibility and more generous benefit amounts for Veterans whose careers are most seriously impacted by service-related illness or injury. The benefit amount that a Veteran receives depends on the unique circumstances of each case. As of April 2019, the Career Impact Allowance was consolidated as part of the new Income Replacement Benefit announced under Pension for Life. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Government Services and Operations |
Provide injured Veterans with 90% of their pre-release salary, and index this benefit to inflation. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationCanada's women and men in uniform put their lives at risk to protect the values that Canadians cherish most. In Budget 2016, the government made significant investments to supply more money to Veterans with disabilities primarily resulting from military service. For example, in October 2016, the Earnings Loss Benefit (ELB) eligibility was increased from 75 to 90 per cent of a Veteran's monthly pre-release military salary. This benefit provides financial support to injured Veterans while they are undergoing rehabilitation or up to age 65 if it is determined that they have a diminished earning capacity. As of March 2019, a total of 18,326 Veterans have received an increase or are now receiving benefits since changes to the ELB were made. In April 2019, the ELB was consolidated as part of the new Income Replacement Benefit introduced as part of the Pension for Life initiative. All eligible Veterans will continue to receive 90 per cent of their pre-release salary, indexed to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) during rehabilitation and for life if they are found to have a diminished earning capacity. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Government Services and Operations |
Create a Veterans Education Benefit that supports the education costs of Canadian Forces Veterans after completion of service. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationIn April 2018, the government implemented the new Education and Training Benefit. This benefit provides veterans with up to $40,960 for college, university or technical education if they have a total of at least six years of service in the Regular or Reserve Force and were honourably released on or after April 1, 2006. Veterans with at least 12 years of service can receive up to $81,920. This will help Veterans cover the cost of getting a new degree or certificate, which is often critical in making a successful transition to post-service life. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Government Services and Operations |
Improve career and vocational assistance for Veterans. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government has introduced new initiatives to support Veterans’ transition to the labour market. As of June 2019, 839 medically released Veterans have been hired as permanent employees into the federal public service through the Veterans Hiring Act (VHA). Under this legislation, current and former members of the Canadian Armed Forces are given priority within public service hiring processes. Under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, the Community Employment Benefits (CEB) reporting initiative is expected to increase employment opportunities for a broader array of Canadians, including Veterans. Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) will monitor data as it becomes available. From April 2018, eligible Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans, their spouses or common-law partners and survivors can apply for modern Career Transition Services. These are delivered by career-support professionals familiar with military culture, whenever and wherever needed. These services also ensure that Veterans have the knowledge, skills and abilities required to search for employment in the civilian work force so that they are more likely to gain employment and feel satisfaction in their employment. In April 2018, the Veterans' Education and Training Benefit was introduced to support veterans in successfully transitioning from military to civilian life, achieve their education and future post-military employment goals, and better position them to be more competitive in the civilian workforce. Effective July 5, 2019, members of the Supplementary Reserve are eligible for the benefit, providing support as they transition to post-military careers and life. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made | Government Services and Operations |
Deliver a higher standard of service and care, and ensure that a "one Veteran, one standard" approach is upheld. |
Actions taken, progress made | Result anticipated: Veterans and their families have seamless support as they transition out of the military, with simplified application processes, improved client services and reduced wait times to receive benefits. Click to see more informationThe government has invested $42.8 million to increase service delivery capacity and reduce the backlog in key programs at Veterans Affairs Canada. The government is continuing to work towards lowering its case-management ratios so that Veterans who require more in-depth, one-on-one support can access services in a timely manner. To ensure Veterans and their families receive high quality services, the government is working to reduce administrative complexity, streamline processes and strengthen partnerships between Veterans Affairs and National Defence. The government has introduced Guided Support which provides a point of contact for Veterans with moderate to low needs, along with a new screening tool that will more effectively triage clients. This ensures that Veterans are provided the right level of support by the right provider at the right time. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Government Services and Operations |
Re-open the nine Veterans Affairs service offices recently closed. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationAll nine offices that were previously closed have been reopened and a new tenth office has been opened to serve the needs of Veterans in Surrey, British Columbia and the Lower Mainland. In addition, the government expanded outreach to the territories and other northern communities to provide an enhanced level of service to Veterans and their families. As of April 2018, the government hired more than 470 new employees, including 190 new case managers, to improve services for Veterans. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
25 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made | Government Services and Operations |
Create two centres of excellence in Veterans' care, including one specialized in mental health and post-traumatic stress disorder. |
Actions taken, progress made | Result anticipated: Veterans and their caregivers and providers have better access to better knowledge and expertise to address the unique care needs of someone who previously served. Click to see more informationIn March 2017, Budget 2017 announced funding for the creation of a Centre of Excellence in PTSD and related Mental Health Conditions. The Centre of Excellence was launched in April 2019 with the mandate to focus on the creation and dissemination of knowledge on the prevention, assessment and treatment of PTSD and related mental health conditions for Veterans and Canadian Armed Forces members. Budget 2019 announced the creation of a second Centre of Excellence on Chronic Pain. Working closely with Veterans, partners and experts in the field, the Centre will help ensure that Veterans’ chronic pain realities are reflected in research on chronic pain treatment as well as help pilot innovative therapies and enhance treatment options. To support the centre, Budget 2019 announced $20.1 million over five years, starting in 2019, and $5 million per year ongoing. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
100 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Government Services and Operations |
Support families who are providing care and support to Veterans living with physical and/or mental health issues. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationMilitary members of Canada’s Armed Forces who leave the service for medical reasons, as well as their families, have access to a full range of support services from all 32 Military Family Resource Centres. Since April 2018, all services are also available over the phone and online. Further support is offered to families by the new Caregiver Recognition Benefit, which provides a more generous non-taxable monthly benefit payable directly to caregivers of Veterans to better recognize and honour the vital role they play. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Government Services and Operations |
End the time limit for surviving spouses applying for vocational rehabilitation and assistance services. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationIn April 2018 the government enhanced support for survivors, spouses and common-law partners by eliminating the current one-year time limit on applying for Rehabilitation Services and Vocational Assistance. This change allows survivors to apply for assistance whenever they are prepared to return to work. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Government Services and Operations |
Increase the Veteran survivor's pension amount from 50% to 70%. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationEffective April 2019, eligible surviving spouses and orphans can receive enhanced financial security when they need it most. As part of the Pension for Life initiative, support for eligible surviving spouses and orphans increases from 50 to 70 per cent of the Veteran’s post-age-65 Income Replacement Benefit (IRB) amount. This measure improves and simplifies the delivery of benefits. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made | Government Services and Operations |
Ensure that surviving spouses of Veterans receive appropriate benefits by eliminating the marriage after 60 clawback. |
Actions taken, progress made | Result anticipated: Surviving spouses receive the same pension amounts as all other survivors regardless of the age at which they were married. Click to see more informationTo better support surviving spouses of Veterans who married over the age of 60, Budget 2019 announced $150 million over 5 years starting in 2019 to create a new Veterans Survivors Fund. With these funds, the government will work with the community to identify impacted survivors, process their claims and ensure survivors have the financial support they need. Additional details on this measure will be announced in the coming months. Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Government Services and Operations |
Double funding to the Last Post Fund to ensure that all veterans receive a dignified burial. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government enhanced the Funeral and Burial Program in October 2016 so that more families can qualify for financial support for the funeral and burial of a recently deceased Veteran. The program is delivered by the Last Post Fund Corporation. The government nearly tripled the survivor estate exemption from approximately $12,000 to $35,200 so that more people can access this support in their time of need, and this amount is indexed annually. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / modified | Safety and Security |
Create an Office of Community Outreach and Counter-radicalization Coordinator. |
Completed / modified |
Click to see more informationIn June 2017, the government established the Canada Centre for Community Engagement and Prevention of Violence to help provide leadership on Canada's response to radicalization to violence, coordinate domestic and international initiatives, and support community outreach with the goal of reducing radicalization to violence in Canada. The Community Resilience Fund was also launched to provide financial assistance to organizations undertaking programming and research to address radicalization to violence in Canada. In September 2018, the government released an independent report that provides an overview of what the government heard during its public consultation on countering radicalization to violence. In December 2018, the government launched Canada’s National Strategy on Countering Radicalization to Violence, which outlines the government’s approach to countering radicalization to violence by preventing and disengaging individuals from violent ideologies. In February 2019, the government launched the National Expert Committee on Countering Radicalization to Violence. By engaging with communities to prevent radicalization to violence before tragedies occur, the Expert Committee will contribute to the already robust measures the government has in place to safeguard national security and keep Canadians safe from terrorism. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
100 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal | Safety and Security |
Protect Canadians and our critical infrastructure from cyber threats. |
Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal | Result anticipated: Increased cyber security for Canada's critical infrastructure, economy, and democratic institutions, resulting in better protection for Canadian businesses and individuals from cyber threats. Click to see more informationCanada’s whole-of-government response to threats to Canada’s democracy is centred on four pillars of action: enhancing citizen preparedness; improving organizational readiness; combatting foreign interference; and, expecting social media platforms to act. In April 2019, the Ministers of National Defence and Democratic Institutions introduced the Communications Security Establishment’s 2019 Update: Cyber Threats to Canada’s Democratic Process report to inform Canadians about the cyber threat activity undertaken by foreign adversaries to interfere in democratic processes around the world. This assessment aligns with the government’s measures to protect Canada's 2019 General Election from cyber and non-cyber threats. Since 2017, a number of safeguards to strengthen Canada’s cyber security and prosperity in the digital age have been put in place. Budget 2018 committed funding of $507.7 million over five years to deliver the National Cyber Security Strategy, the establishment of the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (operational as of October 2018), and the creation of a National Cybercrime Coordination Unit to be launched by the RCMP. In December 2018, the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security released a National Cyber Threat Assessment detailing the current cyber threat environment facing Canada and Canadians. Budget 2019 builds on these investments and proposes an additional $144.9 million over five years to protect Canada’s critical cyber systems, and $30.2 million over five years to implement a number of new measures to further strengthen and safeguard Canada’s democratic institutions. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
34 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Safety and Security |
Strengthen controls on handguns and assault weapons, and examine a full ban of both. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government has made strides towards further reducing gun violence through firearms measures that prioritize public safety while ensuring law-abiding Canadians are not unduly impacted. To support this objective, the government re-launched the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee that includes representation from law enforcement, civilian firearms users, public health advocates, women’s groups, farmers, conservation organizations, Indigenous communities and the legal community. Bill C-71 received Royal Assent in June 2019 and takes measures to keep Canadians safe. The legislation provides for expanded background checks, better verification during purchasing, maintaining commercial point-of-sale records, strengthened transportation safeguards and returns classification determinations of firearms to impartial technical experts. In November 2017, the government announced up to $327.6 million over five years, and $100 million annually thereafter, in new funding for initiatives to reduce gun crime and criminal gang activities. As announced in November 2018, the government’s Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence includes investments of $51.5 million for the Canada Border Services Agency and $34.5 million for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to help interrupt the flow of smuggled and trafficked firearms at the border while providing additional resources for law enforcement to address gang activity and the criminal use of firearms. A Summit on Gun and Gang Violence was held in March 2018, to share information and best practices across the country, and to help ensure that the new federal funding is invested to the best advantage. As part of its commitment to keep communities safe, the government launched an engagement process in October 2018 to help inform policy, regulations and legislation to reduce violent crime involving firearms. In April 2019, as a result of this process, the government announced the release of the engagement summary report: Reducing Violent Crime: A Dialogue on Handguns and Assault-Style Firearms. The government also reversed a ministerial directive that could have allowed gun manufacturers to determine the classification of their own products under certain conditions. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / modified | Safety and Security |
Enhance compensation for public safety officers who are permanently disabled or killed in the line of duty. |
Completed / modified |
Click to see more informationTo ensure that the families of public safety officers who are killed in the line of duty are appropriately compensated, the government announced the creation of a tax-free Community Heroes Benefit in March 2017. Through the Memorial Grant Program for First Responders, families of first responders that lose a loved one as a direct result of their duties, will receive a one-time lump sum, tax-free payment of $300,000. The Program took effect in April 2018 and is administered by a third-party service provider. Grants will be awarded to eligible families in this calendar year. The third-party service provider’s website became fully operational on December 20, 2018. Grant payments to eligible families have already begun. Given the complexity of designing and implementing a national program of this nature, Public Safety Canada focused on providing a sensitive, service-focused grant program for the families of first responders who have died in the line of duty. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Safety and Security |
Restore funding to provinces and territories to support Heavy Urban Search and Rescue teams. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationTo strengthen search and rescue capacity across Canada and help to save lives, the government restored $15.5 million previously cut from the Heavy Urban Search and Rescue taskforces in Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, and across Manitoba in 2017. The government is also providing support to build new heavy urban search and rescue capacity in Montreal and Halifax. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Safety and Security |
Develop a plan to better predict, prepare for, and respond to weather-related emergencies and natural disasters. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationIn order to ensure that Canadians are quickly and effectively supported when natural disasters occur, and communities are better prepared for weather-related emergencies, federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) ministers responsible for emergency management released the Emergency Management Strategy for Canada in January 2019. Budget 2019 invests $151.2 million over five years to improve emergency management in Canada, including in Indigenous communities. This will improve Canada’s ability to predict and respond to threats and enhance understanding of the risks posed by natural disasters as well as help to assess the condition and resilience of critical infrastructure. Budget 2019 also provides $5.0 million over five years to develop all-hazard awareness-raising activities that are targeted to at-risk audiences (e.g., seniors, recent immigrants, Indigenous peoples) in addition to $260 million over two years to support provincial and territorial disaster relief and recovery efforts through the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements Program. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made | Diverse and Inclusive Canada |
Ensure strong and effective gender and culturally sensitive training policies for federal front-line law enforcement officers. |
Actions taken, progress made | Result anticipated: Increased cultural competency and trauma-informed gender-based violence training across the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Click to see more informationThe Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are developing two training courses for their employees to improve how they respond to cases of gender-based violence, including violence against Indigenous women and girls. The courses are: “Developing Cultural Awareness and Humility” and “Using a Trauma-Informed Approach,” and they will be delivered from 2019 to 2022. All training material will be examined using Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) and will help RCMP employees conduct their work in a culturally-sensitive manner. Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Sustainable Infrastructure |
Move forward on a toll-free replacement for the Champlain Bridge. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe toll-free Samuel De Champlain Bridge is now open to traffic. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Fair and Open Government |
Work with Parliamentarians to reform Question Period so that all ministers, including the Prime Minister, are held to greater account. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe Prime Minister and his cabinet are now more accessible and accountable to Canadians. Since April 2017, there is a new Prime Minister’s Question Period (PMQP) in which the Prime Minister answers every question, providing opposition members from coast to coast to coast the opportunity to directly ask the Prime Minister questions. The Prime Minister has participated in 46 PMQPs, responding to over 3,100 questions in total as the Prime Minister also participates in Question Period on other days of the week. Only Ministers (or their Parliamentary Secretaries) answer the other questions in Question Period. An unprecedented number of Ministers (34) have appeared in Senate Question Period in this Parliament. Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Fair and Open Government |
Promote free votes and limit the circumstances in which Liberal Members of Parliament will be required to vote with the government. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationMembers of Parliament are strong voices for their communities in Ottawa. Since forming government, all House of Commons votes have been free votes for Liberal Members of Parliament with the exception of platform commitments, matters of confidence, protections guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, or procedure. There is greater accountability within Parliament as members of the government caucus are better able to represent the voices of their constituents in Ottawa thanks to free votes. Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Fair and Open Government |
End the improper use of omnibus bills and prorogation. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe Standing Orders were amended to end the improper use of omnibus bills and prorogation through a government motion adopted in June 2017. The Speaker now has the power to split bills for the purpose of voting (except for budget implementation bills that must contain provisions announced in a Budget presentation or in Budget documents), allowing Members of Parliament greater flexibility to represent local priorities when voting. The government must now justify to the House of Commons in writing reasons for having prorogued Parliament. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Fair and Open Government |
Make government accounting and financial reporting more consistent, transparent and understandable to Canadians. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe estimates and the budget cycles are now aligned which makes government accounting and financial reporting more consistent, transparent and understandable to Canadians. Under changes to the Standing Orders of the House of Commons, the estimates are now published later in the year to ensure Canadians have more information about how their tax dollars are spent. The changes make the government more accountable and make financial reporting more relevant, transparent, and easier to understand. This means Canadians learn how the money announced in a budget is actually spent. The government’s spending is reported and updated regularly online. As a result, government reporting is easier for Canadians to find, understand and use to hold the government accountable. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Fair and Open Government |
Improve reporting to Parliament. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government simplified Part III of the Estimates (i.e., Departmental Plans and Departmental Results Reports). The government also changed the Standing Orders to better ensure consistency across the Budget, Estimates and Public Accounts, and to provide greater clarity in voting on appropriations. The government improved the clarity, transparency and accountability of reporting on government spending through the GC InfoBase. GC InfoBase is a data visualization tool that provides Canadians with access to the latest data on government finances, people and results. GC InfoBase brings together information from over 500 government reports, including the Public Accounts, Estimates, and Departmental Plans, making it available shortly after reports are tabled. This tool allows users to compare data over time, accounts for government organizational changes and presents data in easy-to-understand ways. Recent GC InfoBase updates include:
More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Fair and Open Government |
Ensure that Agents of Parliament are properly funded and accountable only to Parliament. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government has strengthened the role of agents of Parliament and recognizes the important part they play in providing information for Canadians and to Parliament in holding the government of the day to account. The government is ensuring that agents of Parliament are independent and properly funded to do their work. The government has put in place a transparent and merit-based appointment process resulting in independent agents of Parliament. In addition to making the Parliamentary Budget Officer an independent agent of Parliament, the government introduced and Parliament passed legislation, in June 2019, to amend the Access to Information Act to provide the Information Commissioner the power, following an investigation of a complaint, to order the release of documents. In December 2018, the government introduced and Parliament passed legislation which expanded the Chief Electoral Officer’s ability to conduct public education campaigns to better inform Canadians about the electoral process and their right to vote. In Budget 2018, the budgets for the Information Commissioner and the Auditor General were increased to deliver on the government's commitment to help them do their work. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Fair and Open Government |
Ensure that the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) is properly funded and independent of the government. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationIn June 2017, the government introduced and Parliament passed legislation to make the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) a truly independent Agent of Parliament who is properly funded to conduct non-partisan analyses on behalf of Parliament. The PBO now has the ability to request funds from the Speakers of the House and Senate in order to carry out their important work. The PBO can now access information within all federal government departments, agencies, and Crown Corporations. The PBO is now appointed for a term of seven years; he or she can be removed only with cause subject to the approval of all parliamentarians. The PBO reports to Parliament and not to the government of the day, assuring Canadians have a credible, non-partisan, and objective source of information on how their taxpayer dollars are spent. Starting with this year’s federal election, the PBO has the power to cost political parties' electoral platforms in a non-partisan manner, meaning Canadians will have better information when they vote about a political party’s promises. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
36 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Fair and Open Government |
Strengthen Parliamentary committees so that they can better scrutinize legislation. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationParliamentary committees are freer and better equipped to study legislation. Committees have the necessary funding to hold meetings, hear from witnesses, and complete their work. This means Canadians can be sure their elected Members of Parliament are doing their jobs every day by examining and improving legislation and holding open hearings on important issues. The government has also ensured the practice of electing committee chairs by secret ballot continues, which means committee chairs maintain their independence from the government. The government also made parliamentary secretaries non-voting members of committees. This means a parliamentary secretary cannot vote on a committee which falls within their minister's mandate, thereby making committees freer and more independent. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Fair and Open Government |
Disclose the expenses of all Parliamentarians in detail each quarter. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government introduced new legislation, which was passed by Parliament in June 2019, to codify in law that the expenses of all parliamentarians be disclosed on a quarterly basis because all Canadians deserve to know how their elected officials are spending taxpayers’ money. This marks the first time in 34 years that the government has taken action to modernize the Access to Information Act. For the first time, the government gave the Information Commissioner order-making power; the Prime Minister’s Office and Ministers’ offices are now placed within the Act; and the law puts in place a system of proactive disclosure of information for more than 260 federal government institutions. Canadians can access the information online at the Parliament of Canada’s website in an accessible, easy-to-read format. This means the House of Commons truly is more transparent to the voters who send Members of Parliament to Ottawa. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Fair and Open Government |
Examine ways to make the House of Commons more family-friendly for Members of Parliament. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationIn November 2018, the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons was invited to participate in the Women MPs of the World conference in London, UK, to share best practices and demonstrate Canada’s leadership on how to advance gender equality and inclusiveness in parliaments across the world. The Minister showcased how the government has transformed the House of Commons into a truly modern, professional, and family-friendly workplace for Members of Parliament (MPs) and staff. Informed by the Procedure and House Affairs Committee report recommendations, the government has taken several important steps to make it easier for MPs to balance family responsibilities with their work. For example:
More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Exports and Investment |
Invest in an Agri-Food Investment Fund to attract investment and create good, well-paying jobs in food processing. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government announced a $1.26 billion five-year Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) to attract and support new high-quality business investments, including for agri-food value added processors in 2017. In December 2018, a new stream was initiated under SIF for national scale initiatives in digital technology applications in the agriculture and agri-food sector. In addition, Budget 2019 proposes to allocate $100 million over five years, beginning in 2019–20, from the Strategic Innovation Fund, to support innovation in the food processing sector. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
15 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Healthy Canadians |
Develop a food policy that promotes healthy living and safe food. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationIn June 2019, the government launched a whole of government Food Policy for Canada that promotes Canadians' health and quality of life. This policy aims to address challenges faced by Canadians, such as access to safe and nutritious food; improving health and food safety; conserving the soil, water and air; and growing more high-quality food. A national Food Policy Summit and six regional roundtables were held in 2017. An online survey received 45,000 responses. Other grassroots engagements with Canadians were led by Members of Parliament and stakeholder groups. The government issued a “What We Heard” report on all these consultations in September 2018. The feedback received from Canadians and stakeholders has informed the development of A Food Policy for Canada, in which Budget 2019 proposes to invest $134.4 million over five years. The policy establishes four areas for near-term action: More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Jobs and Innovation |
Invest in agricultural research to support discovery science and innovation. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government continues to advance research in agricultural genomics, and invested in discovery research in priority areas. Since 2016, the government has been working on the DNA analysis, data capture and imaging of specimens from its biological collections, completing the digitization of nearly six million specimens. Budget 2017 announced $70 million to support agricultural discovery science and innovation, with a focus on addressing emerging priorities such as climate change, and soil and water conservation. Of this investment, $44 million is dedicated to hiring the next generation of federal research scientists and science professionals, and equipping them with the state-of-the-art tools they need to advance agricultural research, including environmental sampling equipment and analytical instruments. The government has hired new scientists and science professionals and launched the new Living Laboratories Initiative, which includes $10 million to support collaborative research projects with external partners. This is an integrated approach that brings farmers, scientists and other stakeholders together to co-develop, test, and monitor new practices and technologies on farms. The result will be practical technologies and sustainable farming practices that are quickly adopted by Canadian farmers. The remaining $16 million of the Budget 2017 investment is for collaborative federal research projects focused on priority areas affecting the agriculture sector, such as environmental issues. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal | Exports and Investment |
Promote Canadian agricultural interests during trade negotiations. |
Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal | Result anticipated: Achieve the target of $75 billion annually in agri-food exports, and create more middle class jobs and higher incomes for the many rural and urban Canadians employed in the agri-food sector. Click to see more informationThe government has made agriculture and agri-food trade a priority in the trade expansion strategy. Trade missions to Mexico, China, Japan, India, South Korea, the European Union and the United States to promote agri-food have taken place. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) entered into force in December 2018 to improve market access opportunities for Canadian agriculture exports in key markets in the Asia-Pacific. The bill to modernize the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement (CIFTA) received royal assent in May 2019, and the government tabled implementing legislation (Bill C-100) in the House of Commons for the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) on May 29, 2019. Budget 2019 proposes up to $3.9 billion in support for supply-managed farmers to help address impacts of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and CPTPP. Support will be offered to sustain the incomes of eligible dairy, poultry, and egg farmers, by making available up to $2.4 billion. Of this amount, $250 million has already been provided to support dairy farmers as a result of CETA. On August 16, 2019, the federal government announced it will make available $1.75 billion over eight years to Canada’s nearly 11,000 dairy farms. Assistance will also be offered to protect the value of investments made by farmers in supply-managed sectors, through a Quota Value Guarantee Program that will protect against reduction in quota value when the quota is sold. The government is implementing CETA to expand opportunities for Canadian agri-food products with 94 per cent of EU agricultural tariff lines now duty-free. China is also a priority market for the Canadian agricultural sector. The Government of Canada is working with China to address trade irritants while supporting the competitiveness of the Canadian agricultural sector. Canada will also continue to work to resolve regulatory, quota and tariff issues with India to secure long-term access to the Indian market for Canadian pulse exports. The government continues to strongly defend the interests of its agricultural industries, including supply management, with all trading partners. Canadian exports of agriculture, agri-food, fish and seafood to all countries in 2018 rose to $66.2 billion, an almost $2-billion increase from 2017 exports. The government proposes to invest an additional $25 million over the next five years to enhance federal capacity to address situations where Canadian agricultural producers may be restricted from selling goods in international markets. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Government Services and Operations |
Assess whether current farm income safety nets meet the needs of Canadian farmers. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government has implemented a new agricultural policy framework, with updated business risk management programs, to support an agricultural and agri-food sector that is strong, innovative and resilient. The government launched the Canadian Agricultural Partnership in April 2018. It is a $3 billion partnership with $2 billion in federal, provincial and territorial cost-shared initiatives, and $1 billion in federal investments in six federal programs: AgriMarketing, AgriCompetitiveness, AgriScience, AgriInnovate, AgriDiversity and AgriAssurance. The government has finalized bilateral negotiations with provinces and territories on the $2 billion in cost-shared initiatives, which are announced as they become available. The Business Risk Management (BRM) Programs Review was completed and the Review’s Expert Panel delivered its recommendations on the future direction of BRM to ministers of agriculture at their annual conference in Vancouver in July 2018. Federal, provincial, and territorial governments are collaboratively addressing the Review’s recommendations to ensure BRM programs work, and industry is engaged throughout the process. Changes to BRM programs agreed upon under the Partnership were in place for 2018. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Environment and Climate Change |
Help the agriculture sector adjust to climate change and better address water and soil conservation issues. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationIn April 2018 the government launched the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) to support an agriculture and agri-food sector that is strong, innovative and resilient. The government finalized bilateral agreements with provinces and territories on CAP that include programming on environment and climate change. The government supports innovation and on-farm action on soil, water and climate change through: the Agricultural Clean Technology Program; the Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Program; the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change; the Lake Erie Domestic Action Plan; and internationally through the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and the Global Soil Partnership of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Budget 2017 announced $70 million to support agricultural discovery science and innovation with a focus on addressing emerging priorities. This investment is being used to hire and equip more than 70 science professionals, support collaborative research, and launch a new Living Laboratories Initiative to develop, test and monitor new practices and technologies on farms with a focus on climate change and the environment. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal | Safety and Security |
Ensure that the Canadian Armed Forces have the equipment they need. |
Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal | Result anticipated: The Canadian Armed Forces receive the ships, fighter jets and other equipment that it needs over the next 20 years as planned for and funded in the new defence policy. Click to see more informationCanada's defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—invests in the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces and delivers the standard of service and care that current and former members deserve. Only two years into the 20-year program, 69 percent of Strong, Secure, Engaged capital projects are in implementation (42%) or close-out/complete (27%). The government is investing to: expand the Regular and Reserve Forces; build 15 new surface combatant ships; replace the current fighter jet fleet with 88 advanced fighter aircraft; and develop new space capabilities and global communications in the Arctic, among other key projects. In accordance with Strong, Secure, Engaged, measures to improve defence and marine procurements include: enhancing governance and strategic oversight; streamlining processes and undertaking process transformation; leveraging defence and marine procurements to advance national economic priorities; improving communications; and growing and professionalizing the workforce. A number of new improvements have already been implemented and the government continues to find and implement further efficiencies. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Safety and Security |
Maintain current National Defence spending levels, including current planned increases. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationUnder Strong, Secure, Engaged, the annual budget for the Department of National Defence will grow, on a cash basis, from $18.9 billion in 2017-18 to $32.7 billion in 2026-27. Funding will be available whenever the department needs it through the usual parliamentary approval process. With this fiscal framework in place, the government will continue to assess and monitor the needs of the Canadian Armed Forces to ensure that they are well-equipped, well-supported and have the resources required to succeed. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
14 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal | Safety and Security |
Maintain Canada's strong commitment to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). |
Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal | Result anticipated: North America is safe and secure and Canada remains a strong and responsible partner in NORAD. Click to see more informationCanada is meeting its commitment to NORAD, focusing on four key areas: personnel, capabilities, infrastructure, and participation in key decision-making fora on the future of NORAD. The government is also expanding the Royal Canadian Air Force fighter jet fleet in order to properly fulfill its NORAD and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) commitments. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Safety and Security |
Conduct an open and transparent defence strategy review. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationIn June 2017, the government launched Canada’s new defence policy: Strong, Secure, Engaged. This followed extensive external consultations with the Canadian public, Parliamentarians, defence experts, and allies and partners. The policy allocates funding to projects that will keep the military running efficiently and effectively for years to come, and ensure Canada remains a trusted and capable ally. Through this policy, the government is building an even stronger military and is delivering the standard of service and care that Canada’s women and men in uniform deserve. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
10 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made | Safety and Security |
Renew the focus on surveillance and control of Canadian territory, and approaches, particularly for our Arctic regions. |
Actions taken, progress made | Result anticipated: The Canadian Armed Forces has developed the necessary capabilities to expand its presence in Canada's air, maritime, land, space, and cyber domains to protect Canada's sovereignty and keep Canadians safe. Click to see more informationAs outlined in Strong, Secure, Engaged (SSE), the government is investing in new Space capabilities; prioritizing Arctic Joint Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance in defence research and innovation; and collaborating with select Arctic partners to increase surveillance and monitoring of the broader Arctic region. The Department of National Defence is investing in surveillance solutions that will support Canada's ability to exercise sovereignty in the North. They include RADARSAT Constellation Mission and Polar Epsilon 2, Defence Enhanced Surveillance of Space Program, Enhanced Satellite Communications Project – Polar, and Tactical Narrow Band Satellite Communications. In June 2019, three RADARSAT Constellation satellites were launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. The new satellites will allow for daily revisits of Canada’s vast territory and maritime approaches, as well as daily access to 90% of the world’s surface and the Arctic up to four times a day. Canada is collaborating with the US on the Binational Northern Approaches Surveillance Analysis of Alternatives for an innovative technological solution to early warning and to improve Arctic surveillance and control. The first of six Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS), HMCS Harry DeWolf, launched in September 2018 and is expected to be at initial operating capacity in summer 2020. The Canadian Army has also begun the process to acquire tracked semi-amphibious vehicles optimized for use in the Arctic environment. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal | Diverse and Inclusive Canada |
Ensure that the Canadian Armed Forces are a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. |
Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal | Result anticipated: The Chief of Defence Staff and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) senior leaders continue to lead the full implementation of recommendations made by the Deschamps report and in Operation HONOUR, the Canadian Armed Forces mission to eliminate harmful and inappropriate sexual behaviour in the military. CAF members have access to a full range of victim and survivor services, and harassment complaints are dealt with in a timely manner. Click to see more informationThe defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged— affirms that the government will not tolerate gender-based violence or workplace harassment. It also reaffirms the Canadian Armed Forces' (CAF) commitment to complete the full implementation of the 10 recommendations of the Deschamps Report through Operation HONOUR, which is the CAF’s mission to eliminate sexual misconduct in the military. In February 2019, the CAF released its fourth progress report on Operation HONOUR, outlining work completed to date and indicating areas where the CAF will refine or intensify its efforts. Since 2015, the CAF has completed significant foundational work to address sexual misconduct. It has enhanced victim support through an independent Sexual Misconduct Response Centre (SMRC), which offers support 24/7. The CAF has also increased awareness and understanding of sexual misconduct, developed and delivered training at all levels of the organization, sought the opinions of personnel through internally and externally administered (Statistics Canada) surveys, and improved reporting mechanisms and investigation capacity and expertise. The November 2018 Report of the Auditor General identified a number of areas for improvement. In response, the CAF is working with external stakeholders and experts to ensure long-term cultural change including:
In April 2019, the CAF released a suite of products to define sexual misconduct, clarify direction and processes, ensure commanding officers have the guidance they need to respond appropriately, and support victims when incidents are reported. This represents an important step towards addressing the Auditor General’s observations and implementing the ten recommendations of the Deschamps report. In June 2019, Bill C-77 amended provisions of the National Defence Act governing the military justice system and enshrined victims’ rights by adding a “Declaration of Victims’ Rights” to the Code of Service Discipline. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
60 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Strong Middle Class |
Repeal the recent changes made to the Employment Insurance (EI) system that have been punitive to unemployed workers. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government has repealed the 2012 changes to Employment Insurance (EI) so that unemployed Canadians have better benefits and more opportunities for good quality jobs. In 2016, the government reversed Employment Insurance (EI) restrictions related to commute times and work type. Now, workers are no longer forced to accept lower-paying work that is far away from their homes. This change simplifies job search responsibilities, while maintaining the long-standing requirement to search for and accept available work. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
19.5 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Strong Middle Class |
Reduce Employment Insurance (EI) premiums. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationEmployment Insurance (EI) premium rates have been reduced and a new, transparent EI premium rate-setting process has been established so that revenues and costs remain in line over the long-term. The Canada Employment Insurance Commission (EI Commission) assumed responsibility, for the first time, for setting the annual EI premium rate, beginning with the 2017 premium rate. The rate was lowered from $1.88 per $100 of insurable earnings in 2016 to $1.66 for 2018, reflecting important new supports for Canadian families and changing economic conditions. The 2019 EI premium rate has decreased to $1.62 in view of strong economic conditions and projections. This will be the lowest EI premium rate since 1980, and for most Canadian workers, the lowest they have paid since entering the workforce. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made | Strong Middle Class |
Improve the Employment Insurance (EI) system that currently leaves too many unemployed workers with no safety net. |
Actions taken, progress made | Result anticipated: Employment Insurance (EI) remains responsive over the long-term to the needs of workers and employers and reflects the diversity of needs across the country. Click to see more informationThe government has made many improvements to the Employment Insurance (EI) program over the last few years to respond to the needs of workers and employers and reflect the diversity of needs across the country. In 2016, the government reduced the waiting period for EI and made benefits more flexible, easier to access and more generous for workers who need them. For example, the New Entrants and Re-Entrants provision has been eliminated—which set higher eligibility requirements for youth, newcomers and other workers new to the labour market—enabling over 50,000 more Canadians annually to qualify in the event of job loss. In addition, extra weeks of benefits were provided to regions most affected by the commodities downturn and job search responsibilities were simplified. The government listened to Parliamentarians, stakeholders and experts on how to further modernize EI. In Budget 2018, the government introduced a permanent successor strategy to the EI Working While on Claim pilot. Budget 2018 announced that the Working While on Claim provisions would be extended to EI maternity and sickness benefits, so that workers can maintain their connection to the labour force during periods of temporary unemployment. In addition, Budget 2018 announced changes to better assist workers in seasonal industries who experience a gap in income support. Budget 2019 proposes a new Canada Training Benefit to help Canadians get the skills they need to find and keep good jobs, including a new EI Training Support Benefit for income support during training. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Strong Middle Class |
Eliminate Employment Insurance (EI) discrimination against immigrants, younger workers and parents re-entering the workforce. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationCanadian workers in the same economic region are now treated equally in the Employment Insurance (EI) system. In July 2016, the government eliminated rules that limited access to Employment Insurance (EI) for those new to the labour market or re-entering the labour market. Under the previous rules, workers who had just entered or re-entered the workforce after being away for two years were required to have 910 hours of insurable employment before accessing EI, regardless of their actual work history prior to unemployment. Now, these workers are treated the same as other Canadians. Every year, this will help approximately 50,000 new or returning Canadian workers qualify for EI in the event of job loss, particularly immigrants, young workers and parents returning to the workforce. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
20 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Strong Middle Class |
Reduce the wait time for new Employment Insurance (EI) recipients from two weeks to one week. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationCanadians are now able to access Employment Insurance (EI) benefits more quickly. In 2017, the government reduced the Employment Insurance (EI) waiting period from two weeks to one week. With this measure, claimants are now eligible to receive benefits one week sooner. This helps approximately 1.8 million EI claimants each year pay their bills during a time of unemployment and provides higher benefits at the beginning of the claim period. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
21 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Strong Middle Class |
Improve Canadians' access to good quality job training. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationIn Budget 2017, as part of its Innovation and Skills Plan, the government announced several measures to help more Canadians get the education, skills and work experience they need to succeed today and prepare for the jobs of tomorrow. For example, the Skills Boost initiative introduced several measures for 2018-2019, including: increased eligibility for Canada Student Grants and Loans for part-time students as well as Canada Student Grants for students with dependents;, and a three-year pilot project targeted to adult learners that will provide an additional $1,600 in grant support and allow flexibility to base Canada Student Grant eligibility on current year's income. The Skills Boost also provides greater flexibility for Canadians on Employment Insurance (EI) to get new certificates or training without fear of losing their benefits. The government also expanded workers' access to skills training and job supports, and is improving access to opportunities for lifelong learning, and increasing work experience opportunities for Canadians. This includes additional investments in the labour market transfer agreements with provinces and territories, which include Labour Market Development Agreements and new Workforce Development Agreements, over six years, which began in 2017. In Budget 2019, the government proposed to establish a new Canada Training Benefit to help working Canadians plan for and get the training they need to keep skills relevant and in-demand in a changing world. The benefit includes a Canada Training Credit, a new Employment Insurance Training Support Benefit, new leave provisions and an Employment Insurance Premium Rebate for Small Businesses. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
26 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Strong Middle Class |
Rationalize and expand the intergovernmental agreements that support skills training. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationIn Budget 2017, to help more Canadians get the skills they need, the government announced $2.7 billion in additional federal investments to provinces and territories over six years starting in 2017. The Workforce Development Agreements consolidate and replace the Canada Job Fund Agreements, the Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities, and the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers. The government also amended the Employment Insurance Act to broaden eligibility for programming under the Labour Market Development Agreements. Bilateral agreements have been signed with all jurisdictions. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Strong Middle Class |
Develop a framework to fund training facilities delivered in partnership with labour unions. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government has established a program to support union-based training centres that provide Canadians with the skills that are needed by employers. The government consulted with labour, industry and other stakeholders. The Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) was launched in July 2017. Projects have started and most are aimed specifically at increasing the participation and success of women and Indigenous Peoples in the trades. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Strong Middle Class |
Change the Repayment Assistance Plan so that graduates are required to repay only once they earn at least $25,000 per year. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationRecent graduates earning less than $25,000 are now able to delay repayment of their Canada Student Loans until they are more financially secure. Effective November 2016, thresholds for the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) were increased so that no borrower will have to repay their Canada Student Loan until they are earning at least $25,000 per year. Thanks to this change and efforts to raise awareness, an additional 29,000 Canadians will be able to delay payment (an increase of approximately 11 per cent), and many more will have lower payments until they can afford to pay back their debts. Budget 2019 announced lower interest rates on Canada Student Loans and Canada Apprentice Loans, and to amend the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act, so that student loans will not accumulate any interest during the six-month non–repayment period (the “grace period”) after a student loan borrower leaves school. Budget 2019 also announced increased supports for vulnerable student loan borrowers, including students with disabilities. In 2020-2021, the government will implement interest-free and payment-free leave for borrowers taking temporary leave from their studies for medical or parental reasons. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Strong Middle Class |
Increase take up rates of Registered Education Savings Plans (RESP) and the Canada Learning Bond (CLB) by making registration easier. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationAs of 2018, 1.27 million children have received the Canada Learning Bond, an increase of 433,000 from 2015. The number of low and middle- income families saving in RESPs has increased from 980,000 in 2015 to over 1.13 million in 2018. The government is exploring approaches to increase awareness and take-up of the CLB. Of note, a Call for Concepts was launched in November 2017 and 12 projects aiming at facilitating access to the CLB for hard-to-reach populations and Indigenous Peoples are now being funded. The findings from these projects will help inform additional efforts that the government could undertake to increase take-up of the CLB. The government has made it easier for parents to open a registered education savings plan (RESP). The Canada Education Savings Act was amended in 2017, allowing the cohabitating spouse or common-law partner of the primary caregiver to request the CLB and/or the additional amount of the CESG on behalf of an eligible child. The government collaborated with Ontario to integrate an “Education Savings Referral Service” into ServiceOntario’s online Newborn Registration Service, as announced in Budget 2018. As of March 2018, parents of newborns can request contact by a participating RESP promoter of their choice to start the process to open a Registered Education Savings Plan for an eligible child. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Strong Middle Class |
Collaborate with provinces and territories on the Canada Student Loans Program, and compensate provinces and territories that do not participate in it. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationChanges to the Canada Student Loans Program have been made in order to increase participation of low and middle income students, with accommodations for any province or territory that does not wish to participate. Canada Student Loans Program (CSLP) funding is delivered in partnership with participating provinces and territories with costs being covered by the federal government. CSLP worked closely with provinces and territories to implement the program. Budget 2019 increased compensation to provinces and territories by $20 million over five years, starting in 2019-20, with $4 million per year ongoing. This increased funding will compensate provinces and territories for their costs stemming from Budget 2019’s proposed changes to improve the accessibility of student financial assistance. The government is committed to respecting existing arrangements for compensation with the provinces or territories that do not participate. The three non-participating jurisdictions (QC, NWT and NU) received $456.7 million in Alternative Payments in January 2019, an increase of 69 per cent since 2017; the increase is primarily due to enhancements made in Budget 2016 and 2017. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Indigenous peoples |
Increase annual support to the Post-Secondary Student Support Program. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government has increased support to the Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP) and made additional changes to improve Indigenous students' access to post-secondary education. Changes have been made to the PSSSP and University and College Entrance Preparation Program (UCEPP) that reflect early engagement with the Assembly of First Nations and are consistent with Budget 2016 and Budget 2017 commitments. These changes have improved program flexibility by:
Part of the changes include making it more likely for Indigenous students to receive support under the Canada Student Loans Program (CSLP) since PSSSP funds are no longer considered assets as part of their assessment. Learners who self-identify as Indigenous are also exempt from making a fixed student contribution; are eligible for more grant and loan funding; and receive increased access to the full suite of CSLP supports to help with post-secondary education costs. Under amendments to the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act, which came into force in August 2018, students who are registered under the Indian Act but do not have Canadian citizenship were given access to the CSLP. The government has also enhanced support for the PSSSP from 2017 through 2019, to help an additional 7,500 Indigenous students access post-secondary education. A review of federal support for Indigenous post-secondary education informed Budget 2019’s unprecedented investment of $814.9 million over ten years and $61.8 million ongoing to support these new strategies. Specifically, Budget 2019 included support for:
Budget 2019 investments for the Métis Nation built on Budget 2018, which provided an investment of $10 million in 2018-19 to support existing Métis Nation endowments for post-secondary education. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Strong Middle Class |
Increase the number of good quality, permanent jobs for younger workers. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe share of youth not in employment, education or training (NEET) in Canada has decreased from 13.6% in 2015 to 12.1% in 2019, the lowest rate since this indicator has been recorded. Youth have greater opportunities for work experience and improved access to job supports as a result of increased government investments. In Budgets 2016 and 2017, the government made significant investments in the Youth Employment Strategy (YES). Since 2016, more than 220,000 youth have found good quality jobs or improved their skills through the YES. Through Budgets 2018 and 2019, the government provided an additional $498 million over six years to modernize the Strategy. Informed by recommendations from the Expert Panel on Youth Employment as well as extensive consultation with youth, employers and service providers, the YES was re-launched as the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) on June 3, 2019. The YESS embraces a flexible approach with services tailored to each individual, broadens eligibility criteria and offers a wider range of programs to help young people gain the skills, abilities and experience they need to get good quality jobs. Along with the modernized Strategy, a Call for Proposals for funding under the ESDC Youth Employment and Skills Strategy was launched on June 3, 2019, and will be open until July 26, 2019. A portion of the Budget 2018 funding is also supporting the creation of up to 70,000 placements per year through Canada Summer Jobs. Changes were made to Canada Summer Job for the summer of 2019 to encourage the creation of quality jobs by supporting longer placement lengths and emphasizing mentorship and supervision plans and skills development. The government created more opportunities for co-op and work integrated learning for students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and business programs through multiple initiatives. The $73 million Student Work Placement Program is creating up to 10,000 placements by 2021. Expanded federal support of $221 million for Mitacs, a not-for-profit organization that builds partnerships between industry and educational institutions, will fund over 44,000 placements by 2021-22. To support Canada's National Cyber Security Strategy, Budget 2018 included $8.3 million in additional funding for the Student Work Placement Program to create up to 1,000 student work placements in the cyber security sector. The government also announced an additional investment of $3 million over three years to support the creation of up to 500 new student work placements in the artificial intelligence field, including targeted support for students in underrepresented groups, including women in STEM. Together, these initiatives are creating close to 60,000 placements over five years. In addition, the government invested in the PromoScience program, which will support STEM learning activities for youth. Budget 2019 announced an expansion of the Student Work Placement program to give students outside of STEM – such as the arts, humanities and social sciences - access to work-integrated learning opportunities. Budget 2019 announced investments of $631.2 million over five years, starting in 2019 to support up to 20,000 new work placements per year for post-secondary students across Canada, in any recognized field of study by 2022. This will provide students with hands-on learning opportunities during their studies, connecting them to potential employers, linking employers to post-secondary educational institutions, creating a talent pipeline for Canadian businesses. In addition, Budget 2019 committed another $150 million over 4 years, starting in 2020 to support partnerships with innovative businesses to create up to 20,000 more work-integrated opportunities per year. To support the Business Higher Education Roundtable in creating an additional 44,000 work-integrated learning opportunities, Budget 2019 also provides the organization with $17 million over 3 years starting in 2019-20. Together, these efforts will help create 84,000 new student work-integrated learning opportunities by 2024. Changes have also been made to Employment Insurance (EI) to remove the discriminatory New Entrants and Re-Entrants requirement, ensuring that young workers are treated fairly when they need to access job support through EI. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Strong Middle Class |
Increase our investment in the Youth Employment Strategy and improve the strategy's impact. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government recognizes the importance of good quality jobs for younger workers. Through Budget 2017, the government invested an additional $395.5 million over three years for the Youth Employment Strategy (YES). Combined with Budget 2016 measures, these investments are helping more than 33,000 vulnerable youth develop the skills they need to find work or go back to school; created 15,000 new green jobs for young Canadians; and provided over 1,600 new employment opportunities for youth in the heritage sector. Through Budget 2018 and 2019, the government provided an additional $498 million over six years to the YES. This funding provides additional resources for a modernized YES, building on the input of the Expert Panel on Youth Employment. The YES was re-launched as the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy. Increased funding will be provided to widen the range of programs, reach at-risk youth earlier through learning intervention programs, build partnerships with stakeholders and encourage collaboration among service providers to share best practices and increase capacity in the youth employment ecosystem. A portion of the Budget 2018 funding is also supporting the creation of up to 70,000 placements per year through Canada Summer Jobs. The government has also created more opportunities for co-op and work integrated learning for students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and business programs through multiple initiatives. The $73 million Student Work Placement (SWP) Program is creating up to 10,000 placements by 2021. Expanded federal support of $221 million for Mitacs, a not-for-profit organization that builds partnerships between industry and educational institutions, will fund over 44,000 placements by 2021-22. To support Canada's National Cyber Security Strategy, Budget 2018 included $8.3 million in additional funding for the Student Work Placement Program to support the creation of up to 1,000 student work placements in the cyber security sector. In the context of the G7, the government also announced an additional investment of $3 million over three years to support the creation of up to 500 new student work placements in the artificial intelligence field, including targeted support for students in underrepresented groups, including women in STEM. Together, these initiatives are creating close to 60,000 placements over five years. In addition, the government invested in the PromoScience program, which will support STEM learning activities for youth. Budget 2019 announced an expansion of the Student Work Placement program to give students outside of STEM – such as the arts, humanities and social sciences - access to work-integrated learning opportunities. Budget 2019 announced investments of $631.2 M over five years, starting in 2019-2020, to support up to 20,000 new work placements per year for post-secondary students across Canada, in all disciplines by 2021-22.This new funding will provide students with hands-on learning opportunities during their studies connecting them to potential employers and creating a talent pipeline for Canadian businesses. In addition, Budget 2019 is committing another $150M over 4 years, starting in 2020-21 to support partnerships with innovative businesses to create up to a further 20,000 work-integrated opportunities per year. To support the Business Higher Education Roundtable in creating an additional 44,000 work-integrated learning opportunities, Budget 2019 also provides the organization with $17M over 3 years starting in 2019-20. Together, these efforts will, over time, help create 84,000 new student work-integrated learning opportunities by 2023-24. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Strong Middle Class |
Develop or expand Pre-Apprenticeship Training Programs. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationAnnounced in Budget 2018, a Skilled Trades and Awareness and Readiness program (STAR) encourages Canadians - particularly groups facing barriers such as women, Indigenous Peoples, newcomers, youth, and persons with disabilities - to explore the trades, gain work experience, make informed career choices and develop the skills they need to find and keep good, well-paying jobs in the trades. Approximately 5,000 Canadians over four to five years are expected to benefit from the new Skilled Trades Awareness and Readiness program. Funding started with $6 million in 2018–19 and $10 million per year ongoing thereafter, as announced in Budget 2018. Projects began between November 2018 and March 2019, involving Indigenous organizations, trades, industry, as well as colleges. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made | Strong Middle Class |
Implement a modern Fair Wages Policy. |
Actions taken, progress made | Result anticipated: Firms with contracts with the federal government pay their employees a fair wage. Click to see more informationThe government has completed consultations and policy research and analysis on fair wages policies and is now considering options moving forward. A report summarizing what was heard during consultations was released in June 2019. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Strong Middle Class |
Amend the Canada Labour Code to allow workers to formally request flexible work arrangements. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationAs announced in Budget 2017, the government has made changes to the Canada Labour Code to give federally regulated workers the right to request flexible work arrangements from their employer, such as flexible start and finish times and the ability to work from home. Further changes were made to provide workers with new unpaid leave for family responsibilities, to participate in traditional Indigenous practices, and to seek care if they are victims of family violence. Bereavement leave has also been made more flexible. Legislation to implement these changes received Royal Assent in December 2017 and came into force on September 1st, 2019. Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made | Sustainable Infrastructure |
Determine an appropriate apprenticeship target for federal infrastructure projects. |
Actions taken, progress made | Result anticipated: An appropriate apprenticeship target for federal infrastructure projects that leads to greater apprenticeship opportunities for Canadians. Click to see more informationIn the Integrated Bilateral Agreements (IBAs) with provinces and territories for infrastructure projects, INFC will be collecting data on the project hours worked by apprentices through the Community Employment Benefit (CEB) initiative. INFC is collaborating with Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) as well as provinces and territories to determine appropriate project-level targets according to regional needs and local labour market dynamics. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Jobs and Innovation |
Create more co-op placements for students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and business programs. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government created more opportunities for co-op and work-integrated learning for students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and business programs. The $73 million Student Work Placement (SWP) Program is creating up to 10,000 placements by 2021. Expanded federal support of $221 million for Mitacs, a not-for-profit organization that builds partnerships between industry and educational institutions, will fund over 44,000 placements by 2022. Under Canada's National Cyber Security Strategy, Budget 2018 included $8.3 million in additional funding for the Student Work Placement Program to support the creation of up to 1,000 student work placements in the cyber security sector. The government made an additional investment of $3 million over three years to support the creation of up to 500 new student work placements in the artificial intelligence field, including targeted support for students in underrepresented groups, including women in STEM. Together, these initiatives are creating close to 60,000 placements over five years. In addition, the government invested in the PromoScience program, which will support STEM learning activities for youth. Budget 2019 announced investments of $631.2 million over five years, starting in 2019-2020, to support up to 20,000 new work placements per year for post-secondary students across Canada, in all disciplines by 2021-22.This new funding will provide students with hands-on learning opportunities during their studies connecting them to potential employers and creating a talent pipeline for Canadian businesses. Budget 2019 committed $150 million over 4 years, starting in 2020-21 to support partnerships with innovative businesses to create up to a further 20,000 work-integrated opportunities per year. To support the Business Higher Education Roundtable in creating an additional 44,000 work-integrated learning opportunities, Budget 2019 also provides the organization with $17 million over 3 years starting in 2019-20. This investment of $798.2 million will, over time, help create 84,000 new student work-integrated learning opportunities by 2023-24. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
100 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal | Exports and Investment |
Maintain constructive relations and deepen trade and commerce with the United States. |
Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal | Result anticipated: Strong economic growth and well-paying, middle-class jobs on both sides of the border. Click to see more informationThe government, in coordination with provinces and territories, continues to work with the United States to grow Canada's economy, create well-paying middle class jobs, and address global challenges. The Canada-United States Council for Advancement of Women Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders released its final report in October 2018 recommending actions to reduce barriers that limit women's participation in business. The government completed negotiations toward a Canada-US-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), signed in November 2018. Canada continues to advocate against protectionist policies and for maintaining an open market. In cases where the US has imposed unfair duties (e.g., softwood lumber, paper products), Canada is forcefully challenging such duties under international disputes-settlement processes. On May 17, 2019, Canada and the United States reached an understanding on Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum to eliminate all tariffs the United States imposed under Section 232 on Canadian imports of steel and aluminum, and all tariffs Canada imposed in retaliation for the Section 232 action taken by the United States. The government also regularly engages with the US to respond to global security issues, for example by co-hosting the Foreign Ministers' Meeting on Security and Stability in the Korean Peninsula and participating alongside the US in a multinational operation to enforce UN Security Council sanctions against North Korea. Canada and the US are also responding to crises in Venezuela and Myanmar, including by coordinating sanctions against key officials in those countries responsible for human rights abuses, the deterioration of democracy, or acts of significant corruption. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
60 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal | Exports and Investment |
Ensure border security and facilitate the movement of people, goods and services. |
Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal | Result anticipated: The Canada-United States border is secure and facilitates the safe and efficient movement of people, goods and services. Click to see more informationIn August 2019, the government brought into force the Agreement on Land, Rail, Marine, and Air Transport Preclearance between the Government of Canada and the Government of the United States of America. This Agreement facilitates opportunities for enhanced travel and trade and opens the door for the preclearance of commercial cargo. The Agreement and the Entry/Exit implementing legislation are crucial to ensure security and facilitate travel and trade by providing customs and immigration clearance before departure. Construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge is ongoing and it is expected to open by the end of 2024. This critical border connection will speed the flow of secure and legitimate trade between the two countries. Budget 2019 announced $332 million over five years to support effective border management and enforcement, and to modernize border operations. This funding will facilitate the safe and timely flow of people, goods and services at the border. In May 2019, the government introduced Bill C-98, An Act to amend the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Act and the Canada Border Services Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts which proposed to establish an independent review function of the CBSA. Bill C-98 did not complete the legislative process before the adjournment of Parliament. The CBSA will continue to be reviewed by various independent boards, tribunals and the courts, as such, the public can continue to expect consistent, fair and equal treatment when receiving services at the border. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Canada in the World |
Prepare for the North American Leaders Summit in Canada. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe leaders of the three countries discussed creating jobs, strengthening communities and building a clean growth economy for North America. The leaders also took important steps to create a more integrated, sustainable and globally competitive North American economy. Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Canada in the World |
Ensure a close link between foreign, defence, development and trade policy. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe Ministers of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, International Development, and National Defence work together on an integrated and comprehensive international approach. Canada's Feminist Foreign Policy, its Defence Policy, and its Feminist International Assistance Policy are aligned and support the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. The government has put in place a whole-of-government approach to address the crisis in Iraq and Syria, and is contributing to the multinational North-Atlantic Treaty Organization's battlegroup in Latvia. In addition, the government has established the Peace and Stabilization Operations Program as Canada’s principal platform to provide policy leadership on peace and stabilization operations, and deliver conflict prevention, stabilization and peacebuilding initiatives in fragile and conflict-affected states. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal | Canada in the World |
Expand Canadian diplomacy and leadership on global issues and in international institutions. |
Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal | Result anticipated: Canadian diplomatic activities advance Canadian interests and values abroad. Click to see more informationThe government is active in multilateral fora and international institutions to advance Canadian foreign policy interests and values. Canadian-led initiatives secured widespread support in UN fora—such as supporting humanitarian access and monitoring in Syria, addressing the violation of human rights in Iran, supporting women's political participation and leadership, combatting violence against women and girls, supporting compliance with international law, and promoting respect for diversity and inclusion. Canada is actively participating in leading a hemispheric response to the crisis in Venezuela. Canada hosted two Lima Group ministerial meetings (October 2017 and February 2019) bringing together members of the Lima Group and the broader international community working towards a peaceful resolution of the Venezuela crisis. Canada imposed four rounds of sanctions on members of the Maduro regime, including three rounds under the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA) and one round under the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act. In September 2018, Canada also co-hosted a meeting on the Venezuelan Migration Crisis on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly to advance the construction of a regional and comprehensive approach to respond to the exodus of Venezuelan citizens who have moved to neighbouring countries. Between February and August of 2018, Canada played a leading role at the Human Rights Council in an expert-led investigation to monitor human rights in Yemen and in March 2019 was part of two groups that advanced resolutions in Nicaragua and Sri Lanka. Canada hosted the UN Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial in Vancouver in November 2017, which resulted in a significant number of new funding pledges and advanced the global peacekeeping reform agenda. The government also played a major role in the 2016 NATO Warsaw Summit by making Canada the leading country supporting NATO's enhanced Forward Presence in Latvia. In addition, Canada is currently leading NATO's training mission in Iraq. Canada has used its G7 presidency to advance a common agenda based on respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms, democracy and the rule of law. In April 2018, Canada hosted the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, where ministers agreed to coordinate actions to build a more peaceful and secure world and to realize shared commitments on the implementation of international humanitarian law and the advancement of the women, peace and security. G7 security and foreign ministers also committed to addressing international cyber threats, defending democracy against foreign threats and managing foreign terrorist fighters. The Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM), announced by G7 leaders at the Charlevoix Summit in 2018, is now fully operational. G7 Foreign Ministers renewed their commitment to the RRM during their meeting in April in Dinard. At their request, the RRM information sharing network has been expanded to include Australia, New Zealand, Netherlands, and Lithuania – based on their interest and expertise. Canada and the EU co-hosted a meeting of women foreign ministers in Montréal in September 2018, to discuss democracy, human rights and global peace and security. The meeting also advanced discussions on gender equality and women’s empowerment. Canada was the first member of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) to request a policy on transparency consolidation to increase the OIF’s effectiveness in pursuing objectives and accountability for public funds, and actively contributed to its drafting. Canada is monitoring the OIF’s implementation of this policy. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal | Environment and Climate Change |
Make Canada a leader of international efforts to combat climate change. |
Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal | Result anticipated: Canada meaningfully advances international solutions to climate change. Click to see more informationThe government is leading efforts under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to advance the effective implementation of the Paris Agreement, the engagement of Indigenous Peoples, and gender-responsive policy development and women's participation. At COP24 in December 2018, Canada successfully worked with the international community to agree on a strong set of implementation guidance (“Paris rulebook”) that will put the Paris Agreement into action and enhance clarity and transparency of action by all countries, including all major emitters. Canada also played a leadership role at COP24 in enhancing the participation of Indigenous peoples under the UNFCCC, including by supporting the advancement of the Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples Platform and committing funding of $800,000 over four years to establish an Indigenous Peoples Focal Point at the UNFCCC. The government is also delivering on its five-year, $2.65 billion commitment to help developing countries achieve sustained emissions reductions and build resilience against the adverse effects of climate change. Climate change was regularly addressed in the themes of Canada’s G7 presidency. The G7 discussed the importance of the Paris Agreement and a low-carbon economy. At the G7 Summit in June 2018, leaders agreed to the Charlevoix Blueprint for Healthy Oceans, Seas and Resilient Coastal Communities, which promotes sustainable oceans and fisheries, commits to increase the availability and sharing of science and data and supports resilient coasts and coastal communities. Canada invested $162 million to support these goals with $100 million for Climate Risk Insurance coverage in climate-vulnerable countries; $60 million for Small Island Developing States for clean energy systems and infrastructure, energy access for women and girls, and training and employment for women in sustainable technology sectors; and, $2 million to support developing countries in adapting to the impacts of climate change. In advocating for the Paris Climate Agreement, Canada participates in Mission Innovation, the World Bank’s Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition, the Carbon Market Platform, the Declaration on Carbon Pricing in the Americas, the Global Methane Initiative, and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition. Canada is also actively engaged in preparations for the United Nations Secretary-General’s Climate Action Summit on 23 September. Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs delivered a statement at a preparatory meeting for the Summit, hosted by the President of the General Assembly in March 2019. Canada and the United States have committed to collaborate on energy innovation. Canada co-hosted a Ministerial Meeting on Climate Action with China and the European Union and plays a leadership role in this new forum. In addition, Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change called for greater attention to the issue of climate and security in her statement at a United Nations Security Council Open Debate in January 2019, and also indicated support for the establishment of a new Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Climate and Security. In November 2017, Canada hosted the Montreal Protocol Conference, where parties agreed to adopt the Kigali Amendment to reduce hydrofluorocarbons. Canada and the United Kingdom jointly announced the creation of the Powering Past Coal Alliance, to accelerate the global phase-out of unabated coal-fired electricity. Canada attended the Bonn Climate Conference in November 2017 and the One Planet Summit in December 2017. In December 2017, Canada and China released a Joint Leaders' Statement on Climate Change and Clean Growth and held the first Ministerial Dialogue on the Environment in Beijing. Through its participation in the Arctic Council, Canada continues to highlight the serious impacts of climate change on the North. The government is implementing the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, developed with the provinces and territories. This plan includes pricing carbon pollution and measures to reduce emissions across all sectors, as well as investments to drive innovation and ensure Canadian businesses are competitive in the global low-carbon economy. At the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting in November 2018, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to fight climate change and help Pacific Island Forum leaders adapt. Canada also announced $10 million for the Pacific Initiative for Biodiversity, Climate Change and Resilience to assist the region to adapt to climate change, protect biodiversity, and improve ocean and fisheries health. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
100 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Canada in the World |
Accede to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationLegislation to accede to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) received Royal Assent in December 2018. The legislation strengthens Canada’s export control regime and provides greater transparency and accountability in public reporting. Draft ATT regulations were pre-published in the Canada Gazette Part I on March 16, 2019 for a 30 day consultation period. In June 2019 the Governor in Council approved the ATT implementation package, bringing Bill C-47 and the ATT regulations into force (in September 2019) and approving that Canada deposit the Instrument of Accession to the Arms Trade Treaty with the United Nations. The Instrument of Accession was deposited with the UN the week of June 17, 2019, and Canada will formally accede to the ATT 90 days later. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Strong Middle Class |
Increase the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) by 10%. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationNearly 900,000 low income, single seniors have greater financial security due to increases in the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). In July 2016, the Government of Canada increased the GIS by up to $947 per year for the most vulnerable single seniors. This has improved financial security for nearly 900,000 seniors—approximately 70 per cent of whom are women—and lifted an estimated 57,000 people out of poverty. Budget 2019 announced further improvements to the economic security of low-income seniors by enhancing the GIS earnings exemption to allow working seniors to keep more of what they earn. This exemption will also be extended to self-employed seniors. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Strong Middle Class |
Develop and implement a Poverty Reduction Strategy. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationIn August 2018, the government released Opportunity for All – Canada’s First Poverty Reduction Strategy. The strategy offers a bold vision for Canada as a world leader in the eradication of poverty, and is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of ending poverty. It establishes, for the first time in Canada’s history, an official measure of poverty. Canada's Official Poverty Line is based on the cost of a basket of goods and services that individuals and families require to meet their basic needs and achieve a modest standard of living in communities across the country. Opportunity for All sets poverty reduction targets based on Canada’s Official Poverty Line: a 20 per cent reduction in poverty by 2020 and a 50 per cent reduction in poverty by 2030, which, relative to 2015 levels, will lead to the lowest poverty rate in Canada's history. As a result of a number of investments such as the income-boosting effects of the Canada Child Benefit and the increase to the top-up to the Guaranteed Income Supplement for single seniors, the government has achieved its targeted 20 per cent reduction of poverty three years ahead of time, lifting over 825,000 Canadians out of poverty in 2017, including 278,000 children, compared to 2015. Through Opportunity for All, a National Advisory Council on Poverty is being put in place to advise the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development on poverty reduction and to publicly report annually on the progress being made on poverty reduction in Canada. The Poverty Reduction Act received Royal Assent in June 2019, entrenching into law Canada’s Official Poverty Line, the targets and the National Advisory Council on Poverty. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Strong Middle Class |
Create a housing strategy. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationIn November 2017 the government announced Canada’s first-ever National Housing Strategy (NHS) that will help reduce homelessness and improve the availability and quality of housing for Canadians in need, giving more Canadians a place to call home. Through new initiatives like the National Housing Co-Investment Fund, the Federal Lands Initiative and the Federal Community Housing Initiative, the NHS will create a new generation of housing that is sustainable, accessible, mixed-income, and mixed-use. It will build housing that is fully integrated into the community—close to transit, close to work, and close to public services. In Budget 2019, the government increased its commitment to the National Housing Strategy, bringing the strategy’s ten-year plan to more than $55 billion. Parliament also passed the National Housing Strategy Act requiring the maintenance of an NHS that prioritizes the housing needs of the most vulnerable, including women and children fleeing domestic violence, Indigenous peoples, seniors, people with disabilities, those dealing with mental health and addiction issues, racialized communities, veterans and young adults through a Human Rights Based Approach, and requires regular reporting to Parliament on progress toward the strategy’s goals and outcomes. This legislation received Royal Assent on June 21, 2019. As part of the National Housing Strategy Act, a public call for applications opened on August 20 for membership on the National Housing Council. The Council will promote participation and inclusion in the development of housing policy and supports the progressive realization of the right to adequate housing, as recognized in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Other aspects of the NHS include expanded and reformed federal homelessness programming and a new Canada Housing Benefit. The National Housing Co-Investment Fund was launched to help build 60,000 new units and repair or renew 240,000 existing units of affordable and community housing through contributions and low-cost loans. The government also created the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive, which will help approximately 100,000 Canadian home buyers enter the housing market and realize the dream of homeownership for the first time. A new multilateral Housing Partnership Framework was endorsed in April 2018 by federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for housing (except Québec), setting the foundation for a long-term shared vision for housing. Under the framework, more than $7.7 billion in new federal funding over the next decade will flow to provinces and territories through bilateral agreements to support the stock of community housing and address regional priorities. As of August 2019, twelve provinces and territories have signed bilateral agreements. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
5 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Strong Middle Class |
Implement the middle class tax cut. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government has reduced the 22 percent federal personal income tax rate to 20.5 per cent to benefit millions of middle class Canadians. The middle-class tax cut came into effect on January 1, 2016. More than nine million Canadians are benefiting from this tax cut. Single Canadians who benefit are saving an average of $330 each year and couples who benefit are saving an average of $540 each year. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
19 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Strong Middle Class |
Cut taxes for small businesses. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationTax rates are now lower for small businesses. The government has lowered taxes for small businesses so they can invest in new equipment, grow, and create jobs. The small business tax rate was reduced to 10 per cent from 10.5 per cent, effective January 1, 2018, and to 9 per cent, effective January 1, 2019. For small businesses, this will mean up to $7,500 in federal tax savings each year, compared to 2017. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
39 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Strong Middle Class |
Cancel income splitting, while retaining income splitting of pensions for seniors. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationIncome splitting for couples with children under 18 has been cancelled, allowing for an increase in child benefits. As the Canada Child Benefit was introduced, Budget 2016 eliminated income splitting for couples with children under 18. Pension income splitting was not affected by this change. Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Strong Middle Class |
Enhance the Canada Pension Plan to provide more income security to retired Canadians. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationWhen fully mature, maximum Canada Pension Plan (CPP) benefits will increase by as much as 50 per cent, helping more Canadians achieve their goal of a strong, stable and secure retirement. Canada’s ministers of finance reached a historic agreement on June 20, 2016 to enhance the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). In March 2017, all necessary legislative requirements were met by Canada’s nine CPP participating provinces to implement the agreed-upon enhancements. Canada’s finance ministers also agreed to further improvements in December 2017 to increase benefits for parents of young children and persons with disabilities. These CPP enhancements, which began in January 2019, will help provide a secure and stable retirement for more Canadians. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
6 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Sustainable Infrastructure |
Create the Canada Infrastructure Bank. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationIn June 2017, the government passed legislation to create the Canada Infrastructure Bank, a Crown corporation at arm’s-length from government that leverages the expertise and capital of the private sector to build transformational infrastructure that creates good, well-paying middle-class jobs and supports economic growth and prosperity for years to come. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
23 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Environment and Climate Change |
Develop proposals to limit Exploration Expenses tax deduction to unsuccessful projects. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationBudget 2017 included changes that allow the costs of drilling discovery wells to be deducted gradually over time as development expenses, rather than require them to be deducted immediately as exploration expenses. With these changes, Canadian exploration expense treatment will effectively be limited to unsuccessful exploration or cases where the linkage to success cannot reasonably be determined in the year the activity takes place. Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Strong Middle Class |
Restore the tax credit for labour-sponsored funds. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationCanadian companies have greater access to venture capital, with the support of labour unions. To help Canadian companies grow, the government restored the Labour-Sponsored Venture Capital Corporations (LSVCC) Tax Credit to 15 per cent for share purchases of provincially-registered LSVCCs for 2016 and subsequent tax years. Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Strong Middle Class |
Introduce a tax benefit to help teachers and early childhood educators with the cost of school supplies. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationTeachers and early childhood educators are able to buy necessary supplies to help kids learn. The government introduced the refundable Teacher and Early Childhood Educator School Supply Tax Credit for the 2016 and subsequent tax years, providing a benefit to teachers and early childhood educators to help cover the cost of school supplies. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Strong Middle Class |
Enhance the Northern Residents Deduction to help with the high cost of living. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government has increased the Northern Residents Deduction to help approximately 225,000 Canadians with the high cost of living in northern and isolated communities. Effective January 2016, the government increased the maximum daily residency deduction from $16.50 to $22 per day for residents in the Northern Zone and from $8.25 to $11 per day for residents in the Intermediate Zone. This measure will return about $260 million to the pockets of Canadians in northern and isolated communities over the 2015-16 to 2020-21 period. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Strong Middle Class |
Repeal the Federal Balanced Budget Act. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationParliament repealed this Act, effective June 2016. Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Exports and Investment |
Sign and ratify the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationAll economically significant parts of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Trade Agreement (CETA) are now in force. These include tariff elimination on 98 per cent of European Union (EU) tariff lines for Canadian goods, increased quotas, services commitments, temporary entry commitments, and government procurement obligations. The government has announced programs to help dairy farmers and processors adjust to increased EU cheese access under CETA, and Budget 2019 offers up to $3.9 billion in support of these programs. The government is also working with the Atlantic provinces to support Canada's seafood sector in capitalizing on new opportunities in the European market. Under CETA, Canadian exporters now enjoy improved access to more than 40 countries with nearly 1.2 billion of the world’s wealthiest consumers. The Parliamentary Budget Officer has estimated that CETA implementation could raise Canada's potential real gross domestic product by 0.4 percentage points. For the Agreement to come fully into force, all 28 EU Member States must ratify CETA in their national parliaments. To date, 13 Member States have done so. Canadian companies are already benefitting from CETA. In the first year that CETA has been in force, Canadian merchandise exports to the EU increased 4.5 per cent, compared to the same period a year earlier. If precious stones and metals are excluded, Canadian exports rose 12.9 per cent over this period. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
27 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Exports and Investment |
Negotiate and sign modernized agreements with Israel and Chile. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationIn May 2018, Canada and Israel signed the modernized Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement (CIFTA). The modernized CIFTA includes chapters on trade and gender, small and medium-sized enterprises and corporate social responsibility. It includes further tariff reductions and eliminations for agricultural and agri-food products. In Canada, CIFTA implementing legislation received Royal Assent in May 2019, and regulatory changes were approved by OIC on July 26, 2019. Canada notified Israel of the completion of its ratification process on July 29, 2019 and the modernized Agreement will enter into force on September 1, 2019. In June 2017, Canada and Chile signed Amending Agreements to modernize the Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA) and by February 2019, the new agreement was in force in both countries. The modernized CCFTA includes a chapter dedicated to trade and gender—a first for Canada or any G20 nation. The updated agreement also provides better mechanisms to address technical barriers to trade and sanitary and phytosanitary measures, adds inclusive elements to the existing investment chapter, and amends the existing government procurement chapter. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Exports and Investment |
Establish the Invest in Canada Agency. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government launched the Invest in Canada Agency in March 2018. This agency helps bring together all levels of government to provide seamless service to global investors navigating Canada’s investment landscape. The government is also increasing the number of investment-focused trade commissioners across key global markets. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal | Exports and Investment |
Promote trade and investment with emerging markets with a particular focus on the Asia-Pacific region, including China and India. |
Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal | Result anticipated: Two-way trade and investment with China, India and other emerging economies, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, is increased, creating good, middle class jobs, expanding opportunities for Canadian exports, and increasing access to goods for Canadian consumers. Click to see more informationThe government continues to engage China on bilateral trade and investment. The government is engaged in exploratory discussions for a possible Free Trade Agreement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Canada will continue to work to resolve regulatory and tariff issues with India to ensure Canadian pulse exports (e.g., peas, chickpeas, beans and lentils) continue to enter India unimpeded. During his a February 2018 visit to India, the Prime Minister announced foreign direct investment commitments that will lead to the creation of more than 5,800 jobs in Canada. In addition, Canadian and Indian companies signed 66 new commercial contracts and agreements worth more than $1 billion. Since October 2015, six FIPAs Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements (FIPAs) with emerging markets in Sub-Saharan Africa have also come into force. In addition, the Canada-Hong Kong FIPA came into force in September 2016, and the Canada-Mongolia FIPA came into force in February 2017. Preliminary discussions are in the works regarding additional possible measures to enhance Canada-Hong Kong commercial relationship. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) entered into force on December 30, 2018. Canada is also engaged in negotiations for a free trade agreement between Canada and the Pacific Alliance, and between Canada and Mercosur. To support Canadian firms and increase exports to new markets, the government is implementing provisions from Budget 2018 that provide up to $75 million to build a stronger diplomatic presence and Trade Commissioner Service salesforce in China and Asia, as well as other initiatives to open market opportunities in the region. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
100 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Exports and Investment |
Improve support to companies looking to export and help communities looking to attract investments. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThrough Global Affairs Canada and the Invest in Canada agency, the government is promoting Canada and encouraging global investment. The government has added 20 investment-focused trade commissioners to the Trade Commissioner Service and 8 more will be hired by the end of the year. The government has successfully completed the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. The government also signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership with 10 countries in the Pacific region and launched negotiations toward a comprehensive free trade agreement with the Mercosur member states. Canada is currently negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Pacific Alliance, made up of Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru. Since January 2016, CanExport has provided financial support to over 1545 small and medium enterprise-led projects aimed at diversifying export markets, in a variety of sectors, and reaching over 110 different markets around the world. To date, for every hundred supported projects, participating firms have reported on average some 92 export successes at the time of project completion, for a collective impact of over $376 million in exports to new markets. The CanExport-Community Investments program (formerly Invest Canada-Community Initiatives - ICCI) provides support to communities to improve their capacity to attract, retain and expand foreign direct investment. Since 2016, the CanExport – Community Investments program has funded 148 organizations across Canada with over $16 million in support of foreign direct investment attraction, retention and expansion. Budget 2017 announced $950 million for superclusters in highly innovative industries, and in February 2018, in cooperation with the private sector and academic partners, the government announced the creation of five (Digital Technology, Protein Industries, Advanced Manufacturing, Artificial Intelligence, and Ocean), that will create great new opportunities for Canadian companies to innovate, scale-up and export. Budget 2018 provided up to $75 million to build a stronger diplomatic presence and Trade Commissioner Service salesforce in China and Asia. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Exports and Investment |
Reduce administrative burden for investors and companies associated with international trade. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe Invest in Canada Agency launched in March 2018 to increase cooperation among provinces, territories and municipalities to bolster trade promotion. The agency provides companies with a one-stop-shop for investment in Canada, thereby reducing complexity and administrative burden for investors. The new Global Skills Strategy, launched in June 2017, makes it easier for large investors in Canada to bring in highly skilled global talent, while supporting well-paying, middle-class jobs for Canadians. Canadian companies have access to an expedited review process lasting no more than a combined 20 business days from end to end, including reviews conducted by Employment and Social Development Canada and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Canada worked closely with the United States as part of the Canada-US Regulatory Cooperation Council to facilitate greater alignment of regulatory systems where appropriate. Furthermore, to help Canadian firms unlock growth opportunities through exports, the Trade Commissioner Service will undergo transformative enhancements in 2019 to simplify the client experience, modernize tools, and offer innovative services. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made | Indigenous peoples |
Improve essential infrastructure for Indigenous communities, including improving housing. |
Actions taken, progress made | Result anticipated: Infrastructure on reserves is improved, schools on reserve are newer and in better condition; language and cultural knowledge is strengthened; more First Nations children graduate from high school and go on to post-secondary education; elimination of long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve by 2021; enhanced access to affordable housing for First Nations on-reserve, and to Inuit and the Métis Nation. Click to see more informationThe government has made significant investments to improve essential infrastructure for Indigenous communities. Even though significant improvements have been made, the government recognizes that further improvements are needed, and will continue to work with communities on this ongoing objective. In Budget 2016, the government invested $4.28 billion over five years to support infrastructure development in First Nations communities on reserves to improve quality of life. Budget 2017 built on this momentum, with additional investments of $4 billion over ten years starting in 2018 to build and improve housing and other community infrastructure in First Nations and Inuit communities. Since the Budget 2016 announcement, close to $3.43 billion of targeted funds have been invested towards 3,979 on-reserve community infrastructure projects, 2,425 of which are complete. These projects include water treatment systems, housing, schools, health facilities, cultural and recreational facilities, energy, sustainability and connectivity infrastructure, fundamental community infrastructure including roads and bridges, structural mitigation against natural disasters, fire protection, as well as waste management on reserves and transformational change to support self-determination for First Nations communities. Some key results include: Education: The government is supporting the enhancement of the quality of language and cultural programs, and empowering communities to establish First Nations- planned and -led education systems. Since April 2016, more than $585.7 million of targeted funding has been invested to support 186 school-related projects, resulting in 160 schools being built or renovated. This includes 74 new schools (15 of which are completed), 86 renovations and upgrades (33 of which are completed), and 19 feasibility studies and supporting projects. Water and Wastewater: In Budget 2016, the government announced $1.83 billion of new funding to end long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserves by 2021. As of March 31, 2019, more than $1.22 billion of targeted funding has been invested since Budget 2016 to support 561 projects in 582 First Nations communities to strengthen on-reserve water infrastructure. Since November 2015, a total of 85 long-term drinking water advisories have been lifted, while 39 have been added and one was deactivated. Budget 2017 provided $49.1 million over three years, starting in 2018, for clean and safe drinking water on reserve. Budget 2018 built on prior investments and reaffirmed the government's commitment by providing an additional $172.6 million over three years, beginning in 2018-2019, to improve access to clean and safe drinking water on reserve. Budget 2019 proposes to invest an additional $739 million over five years, and $184.9 million per year ongoing, for urgent repairs to vulnerable water systems, and operations and maintenance, including for water operator training and support programs. Housing: The government is improving on-reserve housing conditions while engaging with First Nations and other partners to co-develop an effective long term strategy. As a result of the combined investments of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and Indigenous Services Canada, the government is also currently supporting the building and renovating/retrofitting of 16,349 homes, of which 69 per cent (11,306) have been completed. With respect to Inuit housing, 189 new housing units were built between 2016 and 2018. In addition, a co-developed Inuit Nunangat Housing Strategy was released on April 3, 2019. Through investments made in Budget 2017 and Budget 2018, the government proposes dedicated funding to support the successful implementation of each of the distinctions-based housing strategies, including:
Health: Investments have been made in 207 First Nations infrastructure projects to design, replace, expand, or renovate health facilities as well as facilities hosting Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve (AHSOR) Programming. Currently, 178 (86 per cent) of these projects are complete. Other Essential Infrastructure: Other essential infrastructure includes cultural and recreational facilities; energy, sustainability and connectivity infrastructure; fundamental community infrastructure (including roads and bridges, structural mitigation against natural disasters and fire protection); as well as solid waste management on reserves. To support other essential infrastructure on reserves, the government is investing $1.32 billion until 2026-2027. Since Budget 2016, $716.1 million of targeted funds has been invested to support 1,380 essential infrastructure projects, 942 of which have been completed. Transformation: The government committed $55 million, from 2018 to 2023, for asset management, engagement and proof-of-concept development for models for the transfer of infrastructure service delivery, and the creation and implementation of the Indigenous Homes Innovation Initiative for rural and urban First Nations, Inuit, Métis people, on and off reserves. More than $4.6 million has been invested to enable First Nations communities to increase capacity building and readiness. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
49 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made | Indigenous peoples |
Implement the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. |
Actions taken, progress made | Result anticipated: All Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action are implemented. Click to see more informationThe Truth and Reconciliation Commission identified 94 Calls to Action, 76 of which fall under federal or shared responsibility with other partners, involving 25 federal departments or agencies. Progress has been made on implementing over 80 per cent of the Calls to Action under federal or shared purview. Nine Calls to Action are fully implemented, 54 are well underway and 13 others are in early planning stages. In May 2016 the government announced Canada’s unequivocal support of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples, which directly relates to Calls to Action 43 and 44. The government is working with other jurisdictions and partners to advance implementation of those 18 Calls to Action outside of the federal purview. The establishment of the National Council for Reconciliation (Calls to Action 53-56) supports ongoing efforts to advance and fully implement the Calls to Action. Budget 2019 announced investments to advance and support:
More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
50 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made | Indigenous peoples |
Undertake a review of laws and policies to ensure the Crown is fulfilling its obligations and commitments to the recognition and implementation of Indigenous peoples' rights. |
Actions taken, progress made | Result anticipated: Canada's laws and policies reflect the government's commitment to advancing a nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown and government-to-government relationship with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation, respectively. Click to see more informationIn August 2018, the Prime Minister announced changes to the structure and mandate of Cabinet committees to make them more efficient and responsive to the needs of Canadians, and to reflect recent changes to the department. A Cabinet Committee on Reconciliation was formed. It strengthens the relationship with Indigenous peoples and advances the commitment to a renewed nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relationship with First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership. This committee builds on the work previously undertaken by the Working Group of Ministers on the Review of Laws and Policies Related to Indigenous Peoples. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
100 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Indigenous peoples |
Make significant new investments in First Nations education so that children on reserve receive a quality education. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government has made important new investments in First Nations elementary and secondary education and remains committed to working with First Nations to help ensure children on reserve receive a quality education. Budget 2016 committed a $2.6 billion increase for First Nations K-12 education and an additional $969.4 million over five years for First Nations education infrastructure, in addition to $500 million remaining from Budget 2014. These investments have improved primary and secondary education on reserve by building and renovating school facilities; enhancing the quality of language and cultural programs; increasing special education support; and empowering communities to establish education systems planned and led by First Nations. Indigenous Services Canada has established a new policy framework to transform First Nations elementary and secondary education on reserve. Beginning in 2019-20, the Department is implementing a new formula-based funding approach aimed at ensuring students attending First Nations schools are supported by predictable base funding that is more directly comparable to funding in provincial education systems. This new approach aims to create a more financially stable environment for First Nations education, enabling better quality and more consistent supports for students, schools, educators, communities and First Nations education organizations – conditions that help improve student outcomes.
Collectively, these agreements deliver services to over 180 First Nations in British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba. ISC and First Nation partners continue to build on the success of these recent transformative agreements. The Department is presently negotiating regional education agreements with other First Nations and First Nation education organizations. Negotiations with the following partners are well advanced and nearing completion: Athabasca Dene First Nation (Alberta), Lac La Ronge Indian Band (Saskatchewan) and Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation (Saskatchewan). The Department is also supporting exploratory discussions with fifteen other First Nations and First Nation education organizations in Yukon, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick. The department is also supporting exploratory discussions with fifteen other First Nations and First Nations education organizations in Yukon, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
51 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Sustainable Infrastructure |
Implement an Infrastructure Strategy that improves public transit. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government committed $28.7 billion to public transit projects over the next 10 years through Budgets 2016 and 2017 so that Canadians can spend less time in traffic and have greater access to modern public transit. Over 1,228 public transit projects have been approved to date under the Investing in Canada Plan. These projects are expanding transit systems across the country and transforming the way Canadians live, move, and work by spending less time in traffic. In order to provide Canadians with greater access to inclusive public transit, this fund has contributed to 3,586 new buses (including 393 paratransit vehicles) and rehabilitated or enhanced 4,925 others (including 72 paratransit vehicles). Larger projects to improve access to public transit, such as Toronto's Regional Express Rail, Calgary's Green Line light rail and Ottawa's stage 2 light rail, are expected to reduce congestion, improve mobility and safety, and provide economic benefits while reducing harmful emissions. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
56 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Sustainable Infrastructure |
Implement an Infrastructure Strategy that improves social infrastructure. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government made significant and long-term investments in social infrastructure across Canada through Budgets 2016 and 2017, so that more Canadians will have access to affordable housing, child care, and cultural and recreational infrastructure. As of March 31, 2018, over 5,700 projects to retrofit or renovate social housing have been approved, helping improve energy and water efficiency in more than 109,000 existing social housing units off- and on-reserve. The National Housing Strategy re-establishes the federal government as a leader in the area of affordable housing, with the goal of mitigating housing needs for 530,000 households Working in collaboration with provinces, territories and local communities, the strategy leverages significant new capacity to build, repair and make housing more affordable across the country. An investment of $77 million over ten years, starting in 2018-2019, has expanded the activities of the Enabling Accessibility Fund by supporting an estimated 1,970 additional projects so people of all abilities have better access and can participate more fully in their communities and workplaces. The government is also creating affordable, high-quality child care spaces for low- and modest-income families, with the goal of supporting up to 40,000 new subsidized child care spaces over the next three years. In addition, the government has developed a distinct Indigenous Framework on Early Learning and Child Care with Indigenous partners, which reflects the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children across Canada. As part of the government’s Investing in Canada Plan, Budget 2016 proposed an investment of $168.2 million dollars over two years in the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund. This fund supports the improvement, renovation and construction of arts and heritage facilities, and the acquisition of specialized equipment. Budget 2017 announced further investments of $300 million in cultural infrastructure over 10 years starting in 2018. Through the Development of Official Language Communities program at Canadian Heritage, the government is investing $80 million over 10 years starting in 2018 to support the construction of community educational infrastructure in official-language-minority communities. The government will also provide $1.3 billion in funding for cultural, recreational and community infrastructure to provinces and territories through bilateral agreements negotiated by Infrastructure Canada. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
55 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Sustainable Infrastructure |
Implement an Infrastructure Strategy that improves green infrastructure. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThrough Budget 2016 and 2017, the government is investing $26.9 billion in green infrastructure over 12 years, including projects to improve access to clean water, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase resilience against the impacts of climate change. Infrastructure Canada has adopted a Climate Lens as a funding requirement under its new programs to help applicants to better understand how projects will contribute to or reduce carbon pollution and to consider climate change risks. Significant investments towards clean water have been made across Canada. For example, the government has invested over $1 billion in 772 drinking water systems as well as $830 million in 655 wastewater systems. In Budget 2016, the government announced funding to end long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserves by 2021 and invested $776 million to fund 468 projects to strengthen those systems. The Canada Infrastructure Bank will make at least $5 billion available for green infrastructure projects. National “green” programs, totaling $2.8 billion, will support priorities identified in the Pan-Canadian Framework. This funding includes investments of over $180 million in charging stations and alternative fuel infrastructure to support greater deployment of zero-emission vehicles. The government launched the $2 billion Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF) in May 2018. The resilience of Canadian communities is strengthened through DMAF investments in large-scale infrastructure projects to better manage risks associated with natural hazards such as floods, wildfires and droughts. Announcements of approved projects began in March 2019 and are expected to continue through late spring 2019. As of June 2019, the government has announced 39 projects under DMAF with $1.369 billion in total federal contributions. In addition, the government is providing $9.2 billion to provinces and territories through the Integrated Bilateral Agreements for green infrastructure. Natural infrastructure projects are eligible for funding under both the DMAF and the green stream of the Integrated Bilateral Agreements. The Arctic Energy Fund will provide $400 million through the Rural and Northern Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, to support energy security in the territories. The government announced the Transportation Assets Risk Assessment initiative in 2017. It will provide up to $16.35 million from 2017 to 2022 to help those responsible for federal transportation assets to obtain information and data, and assess climate change-related factors that may present risks to their infrastructure. In addition, funding for the Northern Transportation Adaptation Initiative was renewed in fall 2017 to provide $6.9 million from 2018 to 2021 for research, development and collaborative activities supporting the resilience of northern transportation systems. In Budget 2019, the government announced plans to invest $1.01 billion in 2019 to increase energy efficiency in residential, commercial and multi-unit buildings. These investments will be delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities through the Green Municipal Fund, through three initiatives: Collaboration on Community Climate Action ($350 million), Community EcoEfficiency Acceleration ($300 million), and Sustainable Affordable Housing Innovation ($300 million). More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
57 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Sustainable Infrastructure |
Invest in transportation infrastructure that helps get goods to market. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationIn 2017, the government established the $2 billion National Trade Corridors Fund (NTCF) to strengthen the efficiency and resilience of the transportation systems that enable economic growth across Canada, as well as to provide $400 million to address urgent transportation needs in the North. The Canada Infrastructure Bank will also make at least $5 billion in additional funding available to address trade and transportation projects. In two years, the government has:
More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Sustainable Infrastructure |
Establish bilateral agreements with provinces and territories on infrastructure investments. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationInfrastructure plays a central role in building strong communities, creating jobs and growing the economy, and agreements with all provinces and territories have been established to improve public transit; increase access to affordable housing and child care; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; improve access to clean water, and enhance resilience in the face of a changing climate. In Budget 2017, the government established a plan to sign bilateral agreements with provinces and territories to provide infrastructure funding to key priority areas. Over $33 billion was committed for integrated bilateral agreements for public transit, green infrastructure, rural and northern infrastructure, community, culture, and recreation infrastructure. Integrated bilateral agreements have now been signed with all provinces and territories. The government included a climate lens assessment and a new Community Employment Benefit requirement into these agreements. Through the National Housing Strategy, the government is reducing or eliminating housing needs for 530,000 households by building or repairing affordable housing across the country, in addition to providing housing affordability support. The government is also creating affordable, high-quality child care spaces for low- and modest-income families, with the goal of supporting up to 40,000 new subsidized child care spaces by 2020. Bilateral agreements on child care have now been signed with all jurisdictions. In addition, the government has co-developed a distinct Indigenous Framework on Early Learning and Child Care with Indigenous partners to reflect the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children across Canada. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
54 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made | Indigenous peoples |
Incorporate Aboriginal and treaty rights, residential schools and Indigenous contributions into school curricula. |
Actions taken, progress made | Result anticipated: School curricula that is inclusive of Indigenous history and knowledge, resulting in improved knowledge and understanding. Click to see more informationThe government provides financial support to the Office of the Treaty Commissioner in Saskatchewan and Treaty Relations Commissions of Manitoba to, among other things, provide materials and training to teachers in support of the delivery of K-12 treaty education curricula to all school students in those provinces. The organizations also work with universities in their respective provinces to develop treaty curricula that will be mandatory for every university student. The Government of Canada is contributing $3 million per year, from 2017-18 to 2019-20, to the First Nations University of Canada to develop a National Centre for Collaboration in Indigenous Education. The national centre will serve as an informational resource base for reconciliation, and will focus on the growing needs of students, educators and the various policy and other decision makers involved in Indigenous elementary and secondary education in Canada. Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Indigenous peoples |
Work with the Métis Nation to advance reconciliation and renew the relationship. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe Government of Canada and the Métis Nation have worked together to make important strides in renewing the relationship and advancing the ongoing process of reconciliation. In April 2017, the Prime Minister and the Métis Nation signed the Canada-Métis Nation Accord in establishing a permanent bilateral mechanism to co-develop policy on shared priorities. The Canada Métis Nation Accord reflects Canada’s commitment to work with the Métis Nation, on an ongoing basis, to fulfill the vision of self-determination and close socio-economic gaps. Since April 2017, the President of the Métis National Council (MNC) and its Governing Members’ Presidents met with federal Ministers on six occasions, including twice with the Prime Minister. These meetings are convened to discuss progress and strategic direction for first year Accord priorities. In June 2018, the Prime Minister met with the President of the Métis National Council and the Governing Members’ Presidents at the annual Crown-Métis Nation Summit. Together, they reviewed progress made during the first year of the Accord and confirmed priorities for 2019. The priorities identified during the meeting included education, health, Métis Veterans, the new fiscal relationship, child and family services, economic development, environment, clean growth, and infrastructure. For example, a Memorandum of Understanding on the Development of a Canada-Métis Nation Child and Family Services Accord has been co-developed and signed on December 13, 2018, with the Métis National Council to guide the development of a ten-year Accord. The Memorandum of Understanding was renewed on June 13, 2019 and work is underway to establish a working group and begin discussions. Progress in these priority areas was confirmed in Budget 2018, which invested $500 million over 10 years to support a Métis Nation housing strategy, $10 million in 2018–2019 to support Métis Nation post-secondary education, and $6 million over five years to support the Métis Nation in gathering health data and developing a health strategy. Furthermore, Budget 2018 also committed $325 million in the Métis Nation stream of the Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program, which supports employment services, skills development and job training. Sub-Accords between Canada and the Métis Nation have been signing in some of these areas including: Indigenous Skills Employment and Training in June 2018, housing in July 2018, and Indigenous Early Learning and Childcare in March 2019. Further funding for Permanent Bilateral Mechanism priority areas was announced in Budget 2019. Specifically: $362 million over 10 years to support a Métis Nation-led post-secondary education strategy; $30 million to recognize the contribution of Métis veterans to the country’s Second World War efforts and to commemorate the sacrifices and achievements of all Métis veterans; $50 million over five years to enhance the funding of the Métis Capital Corporations to support the start-up and expansion of Métis small and medium-sized enterprises, and to further encourage investments in Indigenous-led businesses; and, access to the $100 million Indigenous Growth Fund that will be established by the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association. In addition, support for a distinctions-based approach to Indigenous language revitalization projects was also announced with $333.7 million over five years to preserve, promote and revitalize Indigenous languages, including Michif, the traditional language spoken by Métis Peoples. Sub-Accords on post-secondary education, homelessness, and economic development were signed in June 2019. Canada has engaged in Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions with each of the governing members of the Métis National Council as well as the Métis Settlements General Council (MSGC). Canada has signed Framework Agreements with the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) (November 2016), Métis Nation of Alberta (November 2017), Métis Nation of Ontario (December 2017), the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan (July 2018), the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan (February 2018), Métis Nation of British Columbia (July 2018), and the Métis Settlements General Council (December 2018). In 2018, the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations held seven distinct engagement sessions with Métis groups to listen to ideas in order to make the recognition and implementation of rights the basis for all relations between Indigenous peoples and the federal government. Métis representatives also attended the two technical engagement sessions held by senior officials. In 2019, Canada began engaging with Métis groups to inform the development of an approach that will replace the outdated Comprehensive Land Claims Policy and the Inherent Right Policy. On February 28, 2019, the Government of Canada introduced Bill C-92: An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families. The Bill is the product of co-development with Indigenous partners, including the Métis, and it seeks to affirm Indigenous peoples' inherent right to exercise jurisdiction over child and family services. The Bill was passed on June 21, 2019. During the summer and fall of 2018, the Government of Canada actively engaged with national, regional, and community organizations, with representatives of First Nations, Inuit and Métis, as well as Treaty Nations, self-governing First Nations, Provinces and Territories, experts and those with lived experience. Over 65 engagement sessions were held with nearly 2,000 participants. These sessions were part of the co-development of a legislative approach that sets the stage for comprehensive reform of Indigenous child and family services. Specifically, in August 2018, the Government of Canada had a policy session to discuss child and family services with the Métis National Council’s Child and Family Services Reform Working Group following an engagement session. In the fall of 2018, engagement also occurred through a Reference Group with representation from the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the Métis National Council, and the Government of Canada. The Reference Group recommended the development of high-level federal legislation that would both affirm the inherent right of Indigenous peoples and also include broad principles to guide the delivery of Indigenous child and family services. In-person engagement sessions were also conducted with Indigenous partners and provincial and territorial representatives on the proposed content of the Bill in January 2019. Canada provided $1 million in funding to the Métis National Council to support their consultation efforts towards culturally appropriate child and family services reform. Further, the Government of Canada is providing additional funding support to the Métis National Council in 2019-2020, to advance the Métis Nation child and family services agenda and institutional transformation work. The Government of Canada is working with Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak (Women of the Métis Nation) to ensure that the perspectives of grassroots Métis Women are included in co-development of programs and policies. The government is exploring opportunities to strengthen the relationship with Métis to support the development of a distinctions based GBA+ toolkit and the provision of a Métis GBA+ lens to all work undertaken through the Permanent Bilateral Mechanism. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
60 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Fair and Open Government |
Develop a non-partisan, merit-based process to advise the Prime Minister on Senate appointments. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments was established in January 2016 to provide advice to the Prime Minister on candidates for the Senate. Since July 2016, Canadians can apply, for the first time ever, to be considered for appointment to the Senate through an open online application process. To date, 50 non-partisan appointments to the Senate have been made under the new process and now the majority of Senators is not affiliated with a political party. In February 2018, the Minister of Democratic Institutions announced additional improvements to the Senate appointments process, including keeping the application period open year-round, retaining submitted applications for two years, and allowing third parties to nominate potential candidates. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
22 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Not being pursued | Fair and Open Government |
Establish a special parliamentary committee to consult on electoral reform. |
Not being pursued |
Click to see more informationA Special Committee to consult on electoral reform, which included all five parties represented in the House of Commons, was established in June 2016 and presented its final report in December 2016. The Minister of Democratic Institutions also consulted Members of Parliament of all parties, and oversaw an engagement process with 360,000 Canadians through mydemocracy.ca. No clear preference for a new electoral system emerged from the extensive consultation with Canadians. The government will not proceed with electoral reform. Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
8 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Fair and Open Government |
Make the Commissioner of Canada Elections more independent. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationIn December 2018, the Elections Modernization Act received Royal Assent. This legislation enhances the independence of the Commissioner of Canada Elections (CCE) by transferring the CCE from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to Elections Canada. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Fair and Open Government |
Bring forward options to create an independent commissioner to organize political party leaders' debates. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationIn October 2018, the Minister of Democratic Institutions announced the creation of an independent Leaders' Debates Commission, mandated to organize two leaders' debates - one in each official language - for the 2019 federal general election. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Fair and Open Government |
Review limits that political and third parties can spend during elections, and propose measures to control spending between elections. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe Elections Modernization Act establishes spending limits for political parties and third parties during a pre-election period. The pre-election period starts on June 30th in the year of a fixed-date election and ends when the election writ is issued. The legislation also modernizes the electoral system to make it more accessible, transparent and secure. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
100 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Fair and Open Government |
Allow charities to do their work free from political harassment, and modernize the rules governing the charitable and not-for-profit sectors. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government has implemented measures to modernize the legal and regulatory framework governing Canada’s charitable sector to ensure that charities are able to do their work free from political harassment. In 2016, the government launched a public consultation process on clarifying the rules of charities’ political activities. A consultation panel reviewed the submissions and made recommendations to the Minister of National Revenue in March 2017. Since those recommendations, the government has:
In March 2019, Minister of National Revenue responded to the Report, giving a description of the actions taken by the government to address each of the four recommendations, and lifted the suspension on the remaining audits and objections stating that the new rules would apply retroactively to those audits and objections. On the same day, the Minister announced the establishment of a permanent Advisory Committee on the Charitable Sector to provide recommendations to the Minister of National Revenue and Commissioner of the CRA on important and emerging issues facing the sector. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Environment and Climate Change |
Make strategic investments in the clean technology sector. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government has made strategic investments in the clean technology sector helping to spur growth, creates more employment opportunities and increases the number of high-growth companies in Canada. Since 2016, the government has committed more than $2.3 billion to the Innovation and Skills Plan and the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change. The government is supporting clean technology companies through the $155 million Clean Growth Program, the $75 million Impact Canada Clean Tech Challenges, and the $25 million Agricultural Clean Technology Program. To date, five planned innovative clean tech challenges have been launched under the Impact Canada initiative:
The government also enhanced financial support to the clean technology industry through the Business Development Bank of Canada and Sustainable Development Technology Canada. The 2018 Fall Economic Statement further increased the venture capital available to clean technology firms by $50 million under the Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative. In addition, supports are being put in place to help companies access and grow in global markets. Export Development Canada has started the Cleantech Co-investment Program as well as facilitating over $2 billion in cleantech business across its product lines; The Canadian Trade Commissioner Services has implemented a new International Business Development Strategy for clean technology and resources are in place to fulfill commitments associated with this strategy. The new Clean Growth Hub, a whole-of-government focal point supporting clean technology producers and users, has served over 1060 clients since January 2018, enabling connections to federal programs and services to support companies and projects at all phases of the innovation spectrum. The Clean Growth Hub is also improving coordination between programs as well as tracking and reporting on clean technology outcomes. Budget 2019 proposes to provide $100 million over four years, starting in 2019, to develop ground-breaking clean tech and emission-lowering solutions. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Environment and Climate Change |
Enhance Canada's tax measures to generate and attract more clean technology investments. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationSince 2016, the government has implemented a number of tax relief measures to increase investment in the clean energy sector. Budget 2016 changed Canadian tax rules to make certain electric vehicle charging stations and electrical energy storage equipment eligible for accelerated capital cost allowance treatment. Budget 2017 expanded this tax treatment to geothermal projects and expenses. Budget 2018 extended the accelerated capital cost allowance for five years to property acquired before 2025. In the 2018 Fall Economic Statement, the government made clean energy equipment eligible for immediate expensing – i.e., eligible for a full tax write-off the year it is put in use in the business. The government will continue to work towards making Canada the world's most competitive tax jurisdiction for clean technology. Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
100 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Safety and Security |
Launch an open and transparent competition to replace the CF-18 fighter aircraft. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationA modern fighter jet fleet is essential to defending Canada and Canadian sovereignty - especially in the northern skies. It is vital to Canada’s partnership with the United States, and the responsibility to protect the continent. It is also required to enable Canada to fulfill its international commitments as an engaged and active member of NATO. In December 2017, the government launched an open and transparent competition to acquire 88 advanced fighter jets to replace Canada’s current fighter aircraft. A Future Fighter Industry Day followed to provide information on the planned procurement process and timelines, project scope, high-level operational objectives, the approach to maintenance and repair, and potential economic benefits. In February 2018, the government published a list of eligible suppliers invited to submit proposals under the competition to replace the fighter fleet. Two rounds of supplier engagement were held to share and collect detailed information to support finalization of the procurement strategy and development of the solicitation documents. In October 2018, a Draft Request for Proposal was released to eligible suppliers for their review and feedback. A third round of engagement was held in February 2019 to discuss the feedback and inform an amended Request for Proposal. The Formal Supplier Engagement Phase continued until the final Request for Proposal was released in July 2019. To meet immediate needs, in November 2018, the government signed a procurement agreement with Australia for 18 F/A-18 fighter aircraft and up to seven additional non-flyable aircraft for spare parts and training aids. These additional aircraft will help ensure a consistent number of flight hours until the arrival of a new fleet. The first two Australian aircraft arrived in Canada in February 2019, and the flight test phase was completed in June 2019. The remaining aircraft will arrive at regular intervals until the end of 2021. In November 2018, the Auditor General released a report on Canada’s fighter force highlighting that an enduring solution to the Canadian Armed Force’s fighter capability will only be achieved when Canada has procured a fighter fleet and increased the number of skilled technicians and pilots. The government is taking steps to address both of these requirements. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal | Diverse and Inclusive Canada |
Ensure that all federal services are delivered in compliance with the Official Languages Act. |
Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal | Result anticipated: More Canadians receive federal services and communications in their official language of choice. Click to see more informationIn 2016, the government conducted the first review of the Official Languages (Communications with and Services to the Public) Regulations in over 25 years. Following extensive consultations, amendments were made to the regulations that will expand bilingual services for Canadians. The regulations come into force beginning in the summer of 2019. Federal institutions report on the extent to which oral and written communications in designated bilingual offices “nearly always” occur in the official language chosen by the public. The government had set a target of at least 90% by 2020. In 2017-18 the target was attained. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Fair and Open Government |
Improve access to information to enhance the openness of government. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government has modernized and expanded the scope of the Access to Information Act. On June 21, 2019, Bill C-58 received royal assent, bringing into force the most significant amendments to the Access to Information Act since it was introduced in 1983. The Act now provides the Information Commissioner with the power to make binding orders to government institutions, transforming the role from an ombudsperson to a powerful authority with the ability to order government to release records. The Act also puts into practice the principle of “open by default” in the digital age by making key information available proactively, without the need to make a request. This information includes mandate letters from the Prime Minister to ministers, briefing packages for new ministers and deputy heads, briefing note titles, Question Period notes, and briefing materials prepared for Parliamentary Committee appearances. Further proactive publication requirements that will come into force in one year will also apply to senators, members of Parliament, and the administrative bodies that support Parliament and the courts, enhancing accountability and transparency, while protecting parliamentary privilege and the independence of the judiciary. These changes represent only the first step to renew Canada’s access to information regime. As part of these reforms, a full review of the Access to Information Act must take place every 5 years, with the first review to begin within one year of Royal Assent. Further measures to improve Canadians’ access to information are included in Canada’s 2018-2020 National Action Plan on Open Government, published in December 2018. These measures include engaging all sectors of Canadian society including Indigenous organizations and representatives in a broad review of the Access to Information Act that examines:
More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Strong Middle Class |
Conduct a review of tax expenditures. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe tax system is simpler and fairer. The comprehensive review of tax expenditures conducted in 2016 has resulted in the elimination of measures that were found to be ineffective and inefficient. For example, the government has replaced poorly targeted transit tax credits with direct long-term investments in public transit, and replaced tax credits for textbooks with measures to improve the affordability of post-secondary education for low- and middle-income families. The review also identified opportunities to crack down on tax evasion and aggressive tax avoidance, and reduce tax benefits that disproportionately helped the wealthiest Canadians. The review also led to measures that made existing tax relief for individuals and families more effective and accessible, including measures to improve tax relief for caregivers, students, and persons with disabilities. As reported in Budget 2019, over the four-year period ending in 2018–19, the tax expenditure review resulted in savings of $3.9 billion to reinvest in better government programs and services, and will lead to estimated savings of more than $3 billion annually starting in 2019–20. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal | Safety and Security |
Improve marine safety. |
Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal | Result anticipated: Click to see more informationThe government has taken important steps to improve marine safety and will continue to take evidence-based measures to protect Canada's coasts and waterways. The government has announced over $800 million for marine safety, including $130 million in science funding for partnerships, improved knowledge, and development of new technologies to help mitigate and prevent marine incidents such as oil spills. Partnerships with Indigenous groups is a pillar of the Oceans Protection Plan, and to date, 430 engagement sessions/workshops have been held with Indigenous groups across Canada. In June 2018, the government and 14 First Nations in British Columbia signed an agreement for a coordinated and efficient approach to the protection of oceans off the Pacific North Coast. Since 2017, seven Oceans Protection Plan Pacific (OPP) Dialogue Forums have been held in British Columbia. The Forums are an opportunity for First Nations, industry, NGOs, municipalities, and provincial authorities, to discuss initiatives and topics related to marine safety and the environment. The recent Spring 2019 Dialogue was attended by more than 80 Indigenous groups and stakeholders. Legislation The government conducted an extensive independent review of the Pilotage Act. The Review’s final report has been publicly available since May 22, 2018. Informed by the report, amendments to the Pilotage Act were introduced in Parliament as part of the Budget Implementation Act, 2019, No. 1 (Bill C-97). These amendments will modernize the Pilotage Act and enhance safety, efficiency and transparency of Canada’s marine pilotage system. Amendments to the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 and the Marine Liability Act were approved by Parliament in 2018. They enhance marine environmental protection and marine safety by:
National Strategy on Abandoned and Wrecked Vessels The centerpiece of the Strategy was the introduction of the Wrecked, Abandoned, or Hazardous Vessels Act (Bill C-64) in October 2017. This Act brings into Canadian law the Nairobi International Convention on Wreck Removal, 2007; prohibits irresponsible vessel management, such as vessel abandonment; strengthens vessel owner responsibility and liability, including the costs for vessel or wreck clean-up and disposal; and enhances federal powers to take proactive measures on problem vessels and wrecks. The Act received Royal Assent in February 2019 and will come into force on July 30, 2019. Under the Strategy, the government also launched two contribution programs in 2017 to fund local communities and organizations in assessing and/or removing abandoned vessels and wrecks from Canadian waters. To date, over 160 vessels and wrecks have been addressed under the Transport Canada Abandoned Boats Program and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Small Craft Harbour Abandoned and Wrecked Vessels Removal Program. Transport Canada’s Abandoned Boats Program has also provided over $1 million in funding for research on environmentally-friendly vessel recycling and design to facilitate disposals, as well as education and outreach initiatives to raise awareness of vessel owners. Protecting Whales The government’s $167.4 million Whales Initiative protects and supports the recovery of endangered whale populations across Canada. A further investment of $61.5 million was made to protect Southern Resident killer whales (SRKW) in 2018. Recommendations from Technical Working Groups (TWGs) for immediate 2019 measures to address key threats to SRKW from fishing and transportation activities were made and consulted on with stakeholders. TWGs will continue their work on recommendations for longer-term measures, including risks from contaminants. In February 2019, the government announced its third year of measures to protect North Atlantic Right Whales in the Gulf of St-Lawrence. To date, fishery officers have spent over 11,512 hours supporting marine mammal response and dedicated over 865 hours of air surveillance on whales. Additionally, 5,873 officer hours were dedicated to Marine Protected Areas. Better Information on Marine Traffic and Safer Navigation In March 2019, the government announced that Fujitsu Consulting (Canada) had been awarded up to $2.5 million to develop, host and maintain a new maritime awareness information system in Canada under the Enhanced Maritime Situational Awareness (EMSA) initiative. Representatives from 10 Indigenous organizations across Canada evaluated solutions demonstrated by companies vying to develop the system. The new Canadian system launched in May 2019, with 10 Indigenous organizations testing it and providing feedback during a one-year pilot project. Preservation and Restoration of Marine Ecosystems The Coastal Restoration Fund helps rehabilitate some of Canada's most vulnerable coastlines and protect marine life and ecosystems. The fund is providing $75 million over five years to support coastal habitat restoration projects at the local and community level along Canada’s coasts. At present the program has allocated funding to 40 projects on all three coasts worth over $55 million. The last public call for proposals for the remaining $13.6 million closed December 27, 2018. Fisheries and Oceans Canada is currently assessing and prioritizing projects. Emergency Preparedness and Response The government is modernizing the Coast Guard’s suite of emergency response assets and equipment. Transport Canada is also modernizing its emergency response capacity and has trained more than 2,148 people in the internationally recognized Incident Command System to ensure emergency response effectiveness. To date, 20 Emergency Response courses have been delivered to 220 participants, including those within the Coast Guard, Internal and External stakeholders, Indigenous groups, and the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary. The Indigenous Community Boat Volunteer Pilot project provides funding to Indigenous communities to purchase search and rescue-capable boats and related equipment to support involvement in the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary. In 2018-19, a total of $2,730,000 was provided to 14 coastal communities, from coast to coast to coast. The Canadian Coast Guard and Gitga’at First Nation are working together and moving forward on a new Coast Guard and rescue station to be built in Hartley Bay, British Columbia. This new Coast Guard search and rescue station will be staffed with highly-trained crews, and enhance the response to maritime search and rescue incidents and other potential hazards 24-hours-a-day. In November 2018, six new RADAR installations for monitoring marine traffic on the West Coast were announced. These installations will increase coverage range, enhancing the ability to monitor vessel traffic which contributes to ensuring safer movement of vessels in the waters off southern British Columbia. The government continues to work on modern data management and geospatial mapping to assist responding organizations during preparedness, readiness and response activities. To fill data gaps and contribute to several objectives of the Oceans Protection Plan such as Regional Response Planning, the government, in collaboration with multiple First Nations on their traditional territories, conducts research and monitoring to collect baseline data on the northern coast of British Columbia.\Since January 2018, Environmental Emergency Officers, Wildlife Emergency Response Coordinators and Enforcement Officers have been operating across the country. Stronger Evidence Base In March 2019, the government announced major investments, under the Oceans Protection Plan, in scientific research to protect waters under Canadian jurisdiction from oil spills. Six international organizations will receive more than $4.1 million for research projects to help improve protocols and decision-making to minimize the environmental impacts of oil spills. These projects are part of the $45.5 million Multi-Partner Oil Spill Research Initiative to leverage collaboration among oil spill experts in Canada and abroad. The Government of Canada is committed to protecting the oceans and keeping them healthy. Under the $45.5 Million Multi-Partner Research Initiative, an investment of approximately $523,000 in scientific research was provided to Dalhousie University to help protect Canadian waters in the unlikely event of a spill. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Environment and Climate Change |
Review the changes to the Fisheries Act and Navigable Waters Protection Act. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationFollowing significant consultations, the government introduced legislation, Bill C-68 and C-69 to restore lost protections and incorporate modern safeguards into the Fisheries Act and the Navigation Protection Act in February 2018. Bill C-68 and Bill C-69 received Royal Assent in June 2019. The government is investing up to $284.2 million over five years to support restoring lost protections to fish and fish habitat and incorporating modern safeguards under the Fisheries Act and up to $76.5 million over five years to support restoring lost protections for the public right of navigation and incorporating modern safeguards under the proposed Canadian Navigable Waters Act. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
60 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made | Indigenous peoples |
Promote economic development and create jobs for Indigenous peoples. |
Actions taken, progress made | Result anticipated: Higher employment rates for Indigenous peoples and stronger economic growth in Indigenous communities. Click to see more informationThe government engages with national Indigenous organizations to discuss economic development and opportunities for better service delivery models at the community level. The government coordinates federal efforts to ensure program alignment among federal departments and agencies. Budget 2019 proposes key measures to support Indigenous entrepreneurship, including:
Budget 2018 invested $2 billion over five years, and $408.2 million per year ongoing, to create an Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISET) Program, which replaced the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS) on April 1, 2019. The government has engaged with Indigenous partners on the co-development of the implementation of the new ISET Program, creating four distinctions-based labour market strategies to serve First Nations, Metis Nation, Inuit, Metis Nation, and Urban/Non-affiliated Indigenous people to respond to the specific needs of communities. Investments in commercial infrastructure, capacity development and partnerships within the federal government, provinces and the private sector are leading to major developments on and off reserve including commercial initiatives. For example, First Nations can access long-term financing to undertake economic development projects in their communities ; the First Nations and Inuit Summer Work Experience Program and the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program are strengthened; Canada's Indigenous tourism industry is growing; and Indigenous labour market programs are improving through the new Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program , the successor to the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy. In addition, the government increased funding for the Post-Secondary Student Support Program, which will help 4,600 First Nation students over a two-year period. The Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business helps Indigenous business access procurement opportunities within the federal government, which purchases approximately $16 billion worth of goods and services every year. A modern federal approach to Indigenous procurement will grow Indigenous businesses and contribute to positive socio-economic outcomes in communities. The government provides project-based funding to increase business and economic development strategies for Indigenous participation in the economy. For example, support has been provided for women’s participation in business and economic development opportunities, and for the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, to implement the National Aboriginal Tourism Strategy. The government provides annual funding and works closely with partners to enhance access to capital for Indigenous entrepreneurs to start or expand their businesses. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
53 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Indigenous peoples |
Undertake an inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in Canada. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationIn December 2015, the Government of Canada with all provinces and territories, launched an independent National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The Commissioners of the Inquiry were asked to examine and report on the systemic and historical social, economic, institutional and cultural factors—as well as practices, policies and institutions—that contribute to the violence that Indigenous women and girls face. The Commission released its interim report in November 2017. In response to the interim report, the government is investing an additional $21.3 million over three years beginning in 2018-2019 to expand access to mental health, emotional and cultural supports for families and survivors. The government is also establishing a commemoration fund, funding organizations with expertise in law enforcement and policing to lead a review of police policies and practices concerning relations with Indigenous peoples, and supporting a new Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) National Investigative Standards and Practices Unit with additional funding. In March 2018, the Commission requested an extension until December 31, 2020 as many legitimate concerns from families and stakeholders had been raised about the Inquiry's progress. The Government of Canada granted the Inquiry an extension until April 30, 2019. Subsequently, the deadline for receipt of the report was extended to May 30, 2019. As part of the Inquiry’s Truth Gathering Process, Justice Canada submitted on behalf of relevant federal departments and agencies an overview of how each institution is addressing the underlying causes of violence and increase safety for Indigenous women, girls, LGBTQ2S, and gender non-binary individuals. Justice Canada received an additional $5.4 million to extend the Family Information Liaison Units and to support community-based services for families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls for 2019-2020. The government also established a commemoration fund, administered by the Department for Women and Gender Equality, to honour the lives and legacies of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls and LGBTQ2S and gender non-binary individuals, and is engaging with Indigenous organizations to put forward a range of actions to help address violence against Indigenous women and girls. In December 2018, the government provided $38 million in additional funding to support the Inquiry during its extension to assist with operational needs and provide short term aftercare to families and survivors who testify. This brought the total funding for the Inquiry to $92 million. On June 3, 2019, the National Inquiry presented its Final Report, Reclaiming Power and Place. Interdepartmental efforts are underway to develop the Government of Canada’s response which will include a National Action plan and engagement with Indigenous Peoples. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
52 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made | Indigenous peoples |
Improve services to Indigenous people and those with mental illness throughout the criminal justice system. |
Actions taken, progress made | Result anticipated: Improved services and increased support to make it easier for Indigenous peoples and those with mental illness to navigate the criminal justice system, and reverse the trend of Indigenous overrepresentation in the justice system. Click to see more informationThe government is investing to increase access to justice for Indigenous peoples and those with mental illness and to reduce the over-representation of Indigenous peoples in the criminal justice system, as victims and offenders. The government is increasing access to legal aid and providing long-term and stable funding to the Indigenous Justice Program for community-based programs that use culturally relevant restorative justice approaches, in appropriate circumstances, to help address the over-representation of Indigenous peoples as accused, victims and offenders. The government has also provided significant investments through Budget 2017 to help previously incarcerated Indigenous People heal, rehabilitate and find good jobs. In addition, the government has made significant investments in the First Nation Policing Program to ensure the safety of First Nations and Inuit communities through culturally relevant policing and investments to ensure that police officers serving these communities work in safe facilities. Investments in the Indigenous Courtwork Program ensure Indigenous people have the representation and services they need to navigate the criminal justice system. The government supports community-based specialized services for Indigenous victims of crime and Family Information Liaison Units for families of murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls. The government proposed and Parliament enacted Criminal Code reforms, including to the bail system to require consideration of the circumstances of Indigenous accused and to promote release at the earliest opportunity and with only conditions that are reasonably necessary. It also includes reforms to the jury selection process to make it more inclusive and fair (Bill C-75). The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) Commissioner has a mandate to address the over-representation of Indigenous Peoples, to re-examine CSC’s governance structure to better integrate Indigenous needs and perspectives, to further ensure that Indigenous offenders have timely access to effective, culturally-appropriate interventions developed in collaboration with Indigenous partners, and to continue to address the particular needs of Indigenous women within the corrections system. Budget 2018 supports the mental health needs of federal inmates, with a focus on women in federal correctional facilities. The government is emphasizing offender mental health information during the sentencing decision-making process. In June 2019, legislation to strengthen the federal correctional system received Royal Assent (C-83). Once in effect, the government will abolish administrative and disciplinary segregation in all federal correctional institutions, increase mental health services and supports for Indigenous persons, and bolster independent oversight in the Canadian correctional system. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Healthy Canadians |
Legalize and strictly regulate cannabis. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government established a strict framework for controlling the legal production, distribution, sale, and possession of Cannabis in Canada. The Cannabis Act came into force on October 17, 2018. The Act creates a strict legal framework for controlling the production, distribution, sale, and possession of cannabis across Canada. The objectives of the Act are to better protect Canadian youth, to keep profits out of the hands of criminals and organized crime, and to protect public health and safety by allowing adults access to legal cannabis. The Act also makes it a specific criminal offence to sell cannabis to a minor and creates significant penalties for those who use young persons to commit cannabis-related offences. The legislation was based on the advice from the Task Force on Cannabis Legalization and Regulation. The advice flowed from extensive engagement with Canadians, representatives of provincial, territorial and municipal governments, experts on public health, law enforcement and justice officials, patients, young people, advocates, Indigenous governments and representative organizations, employers and industry. Regulations to support the Cannabis Act came into force at the same time as the Act. Amendments to the Cannabis Regulations setting out the rules governing the legal production and sale of edible cannabis, cannabis extracts and cannabis topicals will come into force on October 17, 2019. It is expected that initially a limited selection of products will appear gradually in physical and online stores no earlier than mid-December 2019. Health Canada has made available new evidence-based resources and updated content on its website to support consumers in making informed decisions about cannabis. Companion legislation to strengthen impaired driving laws (Bill C-46) includes three new offences for having a prohibited concentration of drugs (including THC) in the blood within two hours of driving. In June 2019, Bill C-93, An Act to provide no-cost, expedited record suspensions for simple possession of cannabis received Royal Assent. The legislation expedites the pardons process (also known as a record suspension) and takes the important step of completely eliminating the application fee and wait period. As of August 1st, 2019, Canadians convicted solely of simple possession of cannabis can apply for no-fee, expedited pardons. A national Cannabis Tracking System to track high-level movements of cannabis through the supply chain is now operational. The Cannabis Tracking System prevents legal cannabis from being diverted to the illegal market and illegal cannabis from being introduced into the legal market. Federal license holders, and provinces and territories are required to report monthly inventory and sales data to Health Canada. The government accepts proposals from community-based and Indigenous organizations for specific public education and awareness projects related to cannabis. More than $100 million is budgeted over six years for investments in cannabis public education, awareness and surveillance. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
28 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Safety and Security |
Repeal problematic elements of Bill C-51 to balance security with rights and freedoms. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationTo ensure that Canadians’ safety and security are strongly protected in a manner consistent with the rights and freedoms Canadians cherish, Parliament passed Bill C-59 (An Act respecting national security matters) in June 2019, the most significant changes to the country's national security laws in thirty years. Based on extensive consultations with Canadians, the legislation modernizes and enhances Canada’s security and intelligence laws by providing agencies with the clear constitutional and legal framework they need to do their work effectively while safeguarding Canadians’ rights and freedoms. To provide advice on the implementation of the National Security Transparency Commitment and ensure that national security policies and operations are as transparent as possible, the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness recently launched the National Security Transparency Advisory Group. An annual public report will track progress across the government. The government has also taken steps to enhance the Passenger Protect Program, including the development of a rigorous centralized screening model and a redress mechanism for legitimate air travellers who are affected by the program. The enhanced program will help ensure that privacy and fairness concerns are addressed, while keeping Canadians safe. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
2 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made | Environment and Climate Change |
Phase out inefficient fossil fuel industry subsidies over the medium-term. |
Actions taken, progress made | Result anticipated: Phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, consistent with Canada’s commitment with the G20 countries, building a strong, clean economy and preserving the planet for generations to come. Click to see more informationEfforts to reform fossil fuel subsidies have resulted in the phase-out or rationalization of eight tax expenditures, which are being introduced gradually to allow the industry to adapt. Actions taken include:
To ensure Canada continues to show leadership in eliminating inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change announced a consultation on the government’s draft framework to review non-tax measures. To inform that consultation, the Minister released the department’s draft assessment framework for inefficient non-tax fossil fuel subsidies as well as the initial results of applying that framework to federal government measures. The consultation invites comment from all Canadians and will be open until June 30, 2019. Canada will continue to review measures that could be considered inefficient fossil fuel subsidies with a view to reforming them as necessary. As part of that work, Canada and Argentina committed to undergo peer reviews of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies under the G20 process. This report will be made public once the peer review is finalized. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Environment and Climate Change |
Increase the proportion of Canada's marine and coastal areas that are protected to five percent by 2017, and ten percent by 2020. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationIn October 2017, the government achieved its commitment to protect 5 per cent of Canada's marine and coastal areas by 2017. In July 2019, the government surpassed its commitment to protect 10 per cent by 2020, with 13.81% of Canada’s marine and coastal areas protected. In November 2016, the government announced the designation of the Anguniaqvia niqiqyuam Marine Protected Area (MPA).This was followed by additional progress:
On August 1, 2019, the Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement (IIBA) for Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area, signed by the President of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association and the Ministers of Environment and Climate Change, Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, and Transport, came into effect. Completion of the IIBA is the final step before the site is formally established under the Canada National Marine Conservation Areas Act. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
33 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal | Canada in the World |
Advance human rights, gender equality, peaceful pluralism and respect for diversity internationally. |
Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal | Result anticipated: Inclusive governance, human rights, gender equality, peaceful pluralism and respect for diversity are enhanced around the world. Click to see more informationThe government’s Feminist Foreign Policy includes the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security; the Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations; the Feminist International Assistance Policy; and Canada’s inclusive Trade Diversification Strategy. Through this policy suite, the government seeks to protect and enable inclusive governance, human rights, gender equality, democracy, and respect for diversity around the world. The government has shown leadership in this domain by:
In January 2019, Canada announced $10 million dollars to launch the Mashreq Gender Facility (a first of its kind), which will help Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon improve women’s participation rate in their economic development. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
100 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Canada in the World |
Work on development financing issues. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationTo support increased international investment with the goal of reducing poverty and improving economic development in developing countries, the government established the Development Finance Institute Canada which opened for business in early 2018 under the name “FinDev Canada.” FinDev Canada works with developing countries to support women's economic empowerment and gender equality, poverty reduction, and climate change mitigation and adaptation. FinDev’s first three transactions were a $10 million (USD) investment with M-KOPA, a Kenya-based solar energy provider; a $20 million (USD) commitment to Climate Investor One’s (CIO) Construction Equity Fund to support the transition to renewable energy in emerging markets; and a $12.5 million (USD) investment in EcoEnterprises Partners III, a women-led fund that will invest in small and medium-sized enterprises in Latin America that protect fragile environments, create jobs and empower women in rural areas. At the G7 meeting in June 2018, FinDev Canada joined with other G7 development finance institutions to support the 2X Challenge, a commitment to collectively mobilize $3 billion dollars by 2020 for investment in business activities that will benefit women in developing countries. To date, approximately $997 million has been mobilized. Budget 2018 provided $1.5 billion to establish an International Assistance Innovation Program and a pilot Sovereign Loans Program, and in Budget 2019, an additional $700 million was announced for the implementation of Canada's Feminist International Assistance Policy. In May 2018, the government committed up to $300 million towards establishing an innovative Partnership for Gender Equality to catalyze new investments from the philanthropic community, private sector and civil society. It will provide financing to support the advancement of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in developing countries. In June 2019, at the Women Deliver conference, the government announced its intention to work with the Equality Fund consortium to establish this innovative platform. The Ministers of International Development and Finance co-hosted the 2018 G7 meeting of development and finance Ministers to seek out innovative approaches to financing international development. This meeting laid the groundwork for the Charlevoix Commitment on Innovative Financing for Development, which promotes economic growth in developing economies and fosters greater equality of opportunity within and between countries. In September 2018, the Prime Minister announced at the UN that Canada would contribute $20 million to the Global Infrastructure Hub (GI Hub) to establish Toronto as the centre of its North American operations. The GI Hub will use $5 million of the funding to establish the Global Centre for Infrastructure Excellence. Canada’s Permanent Representative to the UN in New York has been named one of the co-facilitators of the 7th High Level Dialogue on Financing for Development. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Strong Middle Class |
Develop and implement a Youth Service Program. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationService opportunities give young Canadians the chance to gain valuable work and life experience, build on what they have learned through their formal education, and give back to their communities in meaningful ways. To encourage and support more service opportunities, in January 2018, the government launched the design phase of the Canada Service Corps, a youth service initiative. Since that time, the government has been meeting with and listening to young people—from across the country and from different backgrounds and circumstances—to better understand what service means to them. In May 2019, the Prime Minister and Minister of Youth launched the signature phase of the Canada Service Corps. Based on the extensive consultations and feedback received to date, Budget 2019 proposes to invest up to an additional $314.8 million over five years, starting in 2019, with $83.8 million per year ongoing, to make the Canada Service Corps Canada’s signature national youth service program. This investment will support:
More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
60 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Healthy Canadians |
Raise awareness on concussion treatment. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport and a suite of harmonized Return-to-school and Return-to sport protocols have been released, and online training for health professionals has been launched. Budget 2016 made investments to harmonize pan-Canadian concussion management guidelines on prevention, early detection and treatment, with a focus on return-to-play and return-to-learn protocols for athletes and students. In July 2017, federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for sport, physical activity and recreation agreed to a Framework for Action focusing on the areas of awareness, prevention, detection, management, and surveillance of concussions. The government funded the Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC) for a national awareness campaign. SIRC worked collaboratively with national sport organizations on sport-specific protocols for return-to-play after a concussion. As of May 2019, 45 of Canada’s national sport organizations have in place sport concussion protocols harmonized with the Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport and others are working toward adopting the guideline or updating their own protocols. Parachute Canada also developed concussion resources for schools, including a detailed Return-to-School Strategy and an accredited online concussion course for medical professionals. The government also partnered with the private sector to launch two projects in June 2018. The SCHOOLFirst project, led by Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, provides access to up-to-date information for teachers and school boards on concussion practices to support youth who are returning to school after experiencing a concussion. The Progress Activation and Concussion Education (PACE) mobile app helps people recognize, prevent and manage a concussion. Additionally, Budget 2019 announced $6 million per year ongoing, to enable Canadian sports organizations to promote accessible, ethical, equitable and safe sports. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made | Healthy Canadians |
Update and expand the Nutrition North program. |
Actions taken, progress made | Result anticipated: More affordable nutritious food for Canadians in the North. Click to see more informationNutrition North Canada helps alleviate the high cost of food in 116 isolated northern communities by providing a subsidy on perishable nutritious food. In the 2018 Fall Economic Statement the government proposed an investment of $62.6 million over five years, and $10.4 million ongoing for Nutrition North Canada “to ensure that northern families have access to affordable, healthy food, including local food.” In December 2018, the government announced significant improvements to the program. These improvements include: a fully revised subsidized foods list focusing on northern staples and family-friendly items; a new highest-level subsidy rate specifically for milk, frozen fruit, frozen vegetables, infant formula, and infant food; and, an increase to the two current subsidy rates to help further lower the cost of perishable, nutritious food. Nutrition North Canada continues to engage with its partners to make the program more responsive to the needs of Northerners and Indigenous peoples. The department works with the Nutrition North Canada Indigenous Working Group, and as of December 2018, also participates in the Inuit-Crown Food Security Working Group. The government also announced the creation of a new Harvesters Support Grant to complement Nutrition North Canada's retail subsidies. The grant is being co-developed with the Indigenous Working Group and the Inuit-Crown Food Security Working Group, and will support subsistence harvesting in eligible communities, increasing access to local country/traditional food and reducing the cost of harvesting activities. Based on feedback from Northerners, Nutrition North Canada continued to enhance its transparency and accountability measures to ensure that the full subsidy is being passed on to Northerners, and to give consumers more information about the products they choose. New measures include updating program eligibility criteria to best serve residents of Northern isolated communities, providing financial support to smaller retailers to meet reporting requirements, co-developing a proactive communications approach so that communities better understand transparency measures and the program as a whole, and making sure that retailers display how and when the subsidy is applied on grocery receipts. Budget 2019 also proposed to provide the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) $ 15 million, over five years, starting in 2019, for a Northern Isolated Community Initiatives Fund to support community-led projects for local and Indigenous food production systems. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Healthy Canadians |
Develop a coordinated national action plan on post-traumatic stress disorder. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationTo ensure Canada's public safety personnel have better access to support for post-traumatic stress, the government announced the release of Supporting Canada’s Public Safety Personnel: An Action Plan on Post-Traumatic Stress Injuries in April 2019. The Action Plan was developed based on consultations with the public safety organizations (police, firefighters, paramedics), other levels of government, academia, union representatives, mental health professionals and non-governmental organizations. The plan will support research, prevention, early intervention, stigma-reduction, care and treatment for all types of public safety personnel, all across the country. Funding is now in place ($20 million) to support a new national research consortium between the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment to address the incidence of post-traumatic stress injuries among public safety officers. Additional funding is also is in place to develop an Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy pilot to provide greater access to care and treatment for public safety officers and for a longitudinal study of the mental health of RCMP new recruits. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Indigenous peoples |
Co-develop an Indigenous Languages Act. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationOn December 6, 2016 the Prime Minister announced that the government would propose an Indigenous Languages Act, co-developed with Indigenous Peoples, with the goal of reclaiming, revitalizing, strengthening and maintaining First Nations, Métis, and Inuit languages in Canada. On June 15, 2017, Canadian Heritage, the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Métis Nation Council (on behalf of the Métis Nation) launched the co-development of Indigenous languages legislation and agreed on a collaborative engagement process. Bill C-91, An Act respecting Indigenous languages, was introduced in the House of Commons on February 5, 2019. Budget 2019 earmarked $333.7 million over five years and $115.7 million ongoing for the implementation of the Indigenous Languages Act, and to support the efforts of Indigenous Peoples to reclaim, revitalize, maintain and strengthen Indigenous languages. The Indigenous Languages Act received Royal Assent and came into effect on June 21, 2019. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
9999 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Sustainable Infrastructure |
Expand the network of shelters and transition houses for those fleeing domestic violence. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government has taken important steps to expand Canada's network of shelters and is continuing to support those fleeing domestic violence. In Budget 2016, the government invested in shelters and transition houses for victims of family violence to ensure that no one fleeing domestic violence would be left without a place to go. As of March 31, 2018, this funding has supported over 3,200 projects and assisted more than 5,800 households. Also in Budget 2016, the government provided funding to renovate, construct and support shelters serving victims of family violence in First Nation communities. Five communities were identified for the construction of new shelters: the new Manitoba shelter opened in November 2018, the shelters in Saskatchewan and Ontario held their opening ceremonies in May and June respectively and the new shelter in Quebec is scheduled to have its ceremony in August, 2019. The shelter in British Columbia is anticipated to be operational in the fall. Announced in 2017, the National Housing Strategy funds projects that support vulnerable Canadians, including homeless women and those fleeing domestic violence. Along with Budget 2016, this funding will support the construction and renewal of at least 7,000 shelter spaces as well as aim for 33 per cent of all strategy investments to support projects that specifically target women and girls. Legislation on Human Rights Based Approach to Housing, including the Federal Housing Advocate and National Housing Council, was tabled in Parliament on April 8, 2019 as part of Bill C-97 Budget Implementation Act, 2019, and received Royal Assent on June 21, 2019. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
100 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal | Government Services and Operations |
Reduce complexity and strengthen partnerships between National Defence and Veterans Affairs. |
Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal | Result anticipated: A simpler and easier to navigate process for delivering benefits and services to ensure members of Canada's Armed Forces (CAF), Veterans, and their families are well supported and properly prepared for civilian life. Click to see more informationThe government is developing simpler and more streamlined client-processes for the transition to post-military life. It focuses on increased awareness and easier navigation of benefits and services, timely provision of benefits and services, recognition of service and a lifelong sense of belonging, continuity of health care, and career development support. To this end, the government launched the Seamless Transition Roadmap in August 2019 to highlight the many actions of VAC and DND to improve the transition experience for serving members, Veterans and their families. Budget 2019 provides $135.1 million over six years to make the transition process simpler and seamless. The funding provided will help:
More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Healthy Canadians |
Develop a suicide prevention strategy for Canadian Armed Forces personnel and Veterans. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationCanada’s defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—invests in the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces and delivers the standard of service and care that current and former members deserve. As part of the policy, the government is expanding the Department of National Defence Medical Service Branch by 200 personnel to ensure serving members have better access to effective care anywhere they serve in Canada or abroad. In October 2017, the government announced the implementation of a joint Canadian Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Suicide Prevention Strategy. It is composed of 160 different initiatives, programs and services including the hiring of additional mental health professionals focused on preventing suicide across the entire military and Veterans community. The effectiveness of clinical interventions, training, education and other supports and services will be studied to assess progress in preventing suicide. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Safety and Security |
Create a committee of Parliamentarians to review national security. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) is legislated and operational. In June 2017, new legislation introduced by the government was passed to create the NSICOP to ensure that Parliamentarians have the information they need so that Canada's national security framework and activities are effective and, at the same time, protect the rights and freedoms of all Canadians. This means parliamentarians now have access to classified information and a mandate to review all national security and intelligence departments and agencies, aligning Canada with allies like the United Kingdom and the United States. The Committee's broad government-wide mandate to scrutinize any national security matter helps ensure the safety and security of Canadians, as well as protects and upholds their personal freedoms. The NSICOP has completed three reviews, and tabled two reports in Parliament, including their annual report. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Canada in the World |
End Canada's combat mission in Iraq and Syria and refocus Canada's efforts on training and humanitarian support. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationIn February 2016, Canada ceased conducting strikes by CF-18 fighter jets on Daesh targets. The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are contributing to the multinational efforts to degrade and defeat Daesh through increased contributions to the training of Iraq Security Forces, and to humanitarian and stabilization support. In Budget 2019, the government committed $442 million to renew Operation IMPACT, Canada’s military contribution to peace and security in the region. Up to 850 CAF personnel are assigned to Operation IMPACT. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made | Canada in the World |
Renew Canada's commitment to United Nations peace operations. |
Actions taken, progress made | Result anticipated: Canadian efforts enhance peace and security, protect human rights, promote stability, and help those most in need around the world. Click to see more informationThe government’s new approach to peace support operations was announced by the Prime Minister at the UN Peacekeeping conference in November 2017. Canada is taking a leadership role in:
More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
100 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Strong Middle Class |
Ensure that Employment Insurance (EI) contributions are only used to fund EI programs. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe Employment Insurance (EI) program is more sustainable, ensuring the program is available to Canadians when they need it. The government ensures that Employment Insurance (EI) contributions are only used to fund EI programs. In April 2016, the seven-year break-even rate-setting mechanism came into force, ensuring that the EI Operating Account will be balanced over a seven-year horizon. The EI premium rate declined from $1.88 per $100 of insurable earnings in 2016 to $1.66 in 2018, a period over which the government has made significant enhancements to EI benefits and programs funded by the EI Operating Account. The 2019 EI premium rate has decreased further to $1.62, reflecting strong economic conditions and projections, as well as additional new supports for Canadian families. This is the lowest EI premium rate since 1980, and for most Canadian workers, the lowest they have paid since entering the workforce. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Indigenous peoples |
Renew and improve the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationBudget 2018 announced an investment of $2 billion over five years, and $408.2 million per year ongoing, to create the Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISET) Program, replacing the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS) in April 2019. The new program is based on extensive engagement on how the ASETS structure and policy could be redesigned and improved. The government invested to meet the growing demand from Indigenous Peoples for skills development and job training. Engagement with Indigenous partners on the co-development of the implementation of the ISET Program was undertaken in 2018-2019. Four distinctions-based labour market strategies to serve First Nations, Metis Nation, Inuit and Urban/Non-affiliated Indigenous people have been created. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Not being pursued | Strong Middle Class |
Provide a 12-month break on Employment Insurance (EI) premiums for firms that hire younger workers into permanent positions. |
Not being pursued |
Click to see more informationResearch conducted by the Department of Finance indicated that providing a 12-month Employment Insurance (EI) premium break for firms who hire young people was not the most effective or efficient use of public resources to create jobs for young people. Budgets 2016 and 2017 invested significantly in the Youth Employment Strategy (YES), doubling the Canada Summer Jobs program to nearly 70,000 summer job opportunities. Since 2016, more than 220,000 youth have found good quality jobs or improved their skills through YES. Budget 2019 announced a further $49.5 million over five years, starting in 2019–20 to launch the modernized YES, putting into place a “no wrong door” approach to ensure that all youth have access to the supports they need to succeed in the workforce. Moreover, Budget 2019 invests $798.2 million over five years, starting in 2019-20, to create up to 40,000 additional on-the-job learning, or work-integrated learning opportunities per year available to students in all disciplines across Canada, and work with the Business/Higher Education Roundtable, which will create an additional up to 44,000 work placements, for a total of 84,000 new placements by 2023-24. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Strong Middle Class |
Provide more generous and flexible leave for caregivers. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationCaregivers of critically ill or injured Canadians now receive greater support. Effective December 2017, the new Family Caregiver benefit for adults helps families care for a critically ill adult. This benefit allows eligible caregivers to take up to 15 weeks off work to care for or support an adult family member who is critically ill or injured. Eligible caregivers are family members or individuals that the critically ill or injured adult considers to be like family. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made | Strong Middle Class |
Develop a Social Innovation and Social Finance strategy. |
Actions taken, progress made | Result anticipated: A government-wide strategy is established that facilitates new and innovative ways of addressing Canada's biggest social challenges. Click to see more informationIn response to recommendations from the Social Innovation and Social Finance Strategy Co-Creation Steering Group, the government proposed through its 2018 Fall Economic Statement to make available up to $755 million over the next 10 years for a repayable Social Finance Fund and to allocate $50 million for Investment and Readiness grants and contributions over two years, from 2019 to 2021. Budget 2019 made an additional $50 million investment from the Social Finance Fund in the newly proposed Indigenous Growth Fund, and committed a minimum of $100 million of the Social Finance Fund towards projects that support greater gender equality. As a result of these investments, community organizations can access financing to create jobs and address important issues in their communities, and new opportunities to invest in community organizations will be created. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Strong Middle Class |
Introduce the Canada Child Benefit (CCB). |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationA generous, better-targeted, tax-free monthly Canada Child Benefit (CCB) gives nine out of ten Canadian families more money to help with the high cost of raising their children. The government introduced the tax-free, income-tested CCB in Budget 2016. The CCB provides about 3.7 million recipients with about $24 billion in payments annually. The CCB has contributed to higher incomes for families with children and reduced the number of children living in poverty. Statistics Canada data indicates that in 2017 there were 278,000 fewer children living in poverty compared to 2015. In the 2017 Fall Economic Statement, the government announced that the CCB would be increased annually to keep pace with the rising cost of living as of July 2018, two years ahead of schedule. For the 2019-20 benefit year, the CCB provides a maximum annual benefit of $6,639 per child under age 6 and $5,602 per child age 6 through 17. In Budget 2018, the government expanded the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program and provided $17.3 million over three years to improve outreach efforts to help Indigenous Peoples access the full range of federal social benefits, including the CCB. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
7 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Strong Middle Class |
Develop a National Early Learning and Child Care Framework with the provinces and territories. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThere are more high-quality, affordable child care spaces. The Federal, Provincial and Territorial governments reached a historic agreement on a Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care Framework on June 12, 2017. The government has signed three-year bilateral agreements that outline the unique early learning and child care needs and the funding allocation for each jurisdiction. Through transfers to provinces and territories of $1.2 Billion, beginning in 2017-18 for three years, the federal government is supporting the creation of up to 40,000 affordable, high-quality child care spaces for low and modest income families by March 31, 2020. In addition to bilateral agreements with other levels of government, the government will also dedicate funding towards specific initiatives to support better outcomes for early learning and child care in Canada. Over the next 11 years, this includes:
More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made | Indigenous peoples |
Establish a new fiscal relationship with First Nations communities and lift the 2% cap. |
Actions taken, progress made | Result anticipated: Increased support for Indigenous communities consistent with needs and population growth rather than a fixed 2% cap; co-developed approaches to reforming funding policies and accountability. Click to see more informationThrough significant investments, the government has lifted the two per cent cap on annual funding increases. With over $16.8 billion of funding for Indigenous priorities over the last three budgets, and a further $4.5 billion over five years proposed in Budget 2019, the government has demonstrated its commitment to establishing a new fiscal relationship with Indigenous Peoples that provides sufficient, predictable and sustained funding. By 2021-2022, total federal government spending on Indigenous programs will have increased from over $11 billion in 2015-2016 to over $17 billion—an increase of 50 per cent. The government continues to advance a renewed fiscal relationship through two parallel initiatives. The first is with the Assembly of First Nations which resulted in a co-developed report entitled "A New Approach: Co-development of a New Fiscal Relationship between Canada and First Nation," in December 2017. In response to the report, the Minister of Indigenous Services committed to work with First Nation partners on a number of proposals, including: the creation of ten-year-grants for qualified First Nations, with the goal of providing them to 100 First Nations by April 2019; replacing the Default Prevention and Management Policy; and establishing an advisory committee to support ongoing co-development. Eighty-six communities have signed on to the grant and more are expected as a result of the Budget 2019 announcement to introduce an annual escalator to address key cost drivers. Budget 2019 also provided $48 million over two years to support First Nations in greatest need in meeting core governance costs while the government completes a collaborative review of governance funding programs. In addition, the AFN-ISC Joint Advisory Committee on Fiscal Relations presented its interim recommendations to the Minister of Indigenous Services and the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations on June 10, 2019. The report is to be presented to the July Annual General Assembly of the Assembly of First Nations. The second collaborative process on fiscal policy is focused on self-governing Indigenous groups. Since May 2016, the government and self-governing Indigenous governments have been developing a new policy framework for the provision of federal financial support to self-government through the Collaborative Self-Government Fiscal Policy Development Process. A co-developed draft policy proposal was completed in December 2017. Through Budget 2018, the government committed $189.2 million in 2018 to implement fiscal policy reforms that have been co-developed with self-governing Indigenous Peoples, supporting key priorities such as the closing of socio-economic gaps, infrastructure, data collection and governance. So that Indigenous governments have the fiscal capacity to govern their people, communities, land and resources effectively, Budget 2019 proposes to invest in a new co-developed collaborative self-government fiscal policy including:
More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
60 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Diverse and Inclusive Canada |
Develop a National Disabilities Act. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe Accessible Canada Act promotes equality of opportunity and increases inclusion and participation of Canadians who have disabilities or functional limitations. Building on the extensive nine-month, in-person and online consultation with Canadians, the government introduced, in June 2018, the most significant federal disability rights legislation in over 30 years. The Accessible Canada Act, which received Royal Assent in June 2019, is a cornerstone of the government’s plan to build a more inclusive Canada and creates the framework to transform how the federal government and federally regulated sectors address barriers to accessibility that exist in the banking, transportation, and telecommunications sectors, and as well as, in federal departments and agencies. The government is providing funding of approximately $290 million over six years to further the objectives of the legislation. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
24 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made | Sustainable Infrastructure |
Ensure any unspent infrastructure funds are transferred to municipalities. |
Actions taken, progress made | Result anticipated: Ensure infrastructure funding approved by Parliament does not lapse and is invested in municipal infrastructure projects. Click to see more informationIn March 2017, the government transferred $30.2 million in potentially lapsing funding from a number of previously established funding programs to municipalities through the federal Gas Tax Fund (GTF). The government has also committed to transfer unused legacy funding to the GTF. For example, any funding under the Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component of the 2014 New Building Canada Fund not approved for projects by June 30, 2019 will be transferred to the GTF. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Sustainable Infrastructure |
Develop a 10-year infrastructure plan, improve governance and promote better data collection and asset management. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationWith investments made in Budgets 2016 and 2017, the government developed the Investing in Canada Plan, a 12-year plan that invests over $180 billion across Canada in public transit, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, rural and northern communities’ infrastructure, and trade and transportation infrastructure. Agreements with all provinces and territories have been established to improve public transit; increase access to affordable housing and child care; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; improve access to clean water; and enhance resilience in the face of a changing climate. Bilateral infrastructure agreements were signed with all provinces and territories, and include agreements to report on benefits to communities. The government also signed an agreement with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) to deliver an asset management program that supports municipalities in making informed infrastructure investment decisions. In partnership with Statistics Canada and other stakeholders, the government launched Canada’s Core Public Infrastructure Survey to better track, collect, use and share data on Canadian infrastructure. The government can also track comparable data on infrastructure usage and demand across jurisdictions, as well as track the state and performance of public infrastructure across asset classes. The Infrastructure Economic Accounts launched in September 2018. These measures will help the government maximize value for taxpayer dollars and report back to Canadians on outcomes achieved. In addition, the government announced the new Canadian Centre on Transportation Data and the new Transportation Data and Information Hub in April 2018. In Budget 2019, the government announced an investment of $60 million in 2018–19 in FCM’s Municipal Asset Management Capacity Fund to help small communities get skills training on how to inventory, grow and maintain infrastructure assets over five years. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Government Services and Operations |
Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency proactively contacts those who are entitled to, but are not receiving, tax benefits. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government has taken a number of steps to ensure that Canadians receive the tax benefits and credits to which they are entitled, including vulnerable Canadians and Indigenous people on-reserve. Between October 2016 and October 2018, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) issued over 765,000 letters to Canadians with a positive message to promote filing. Over the years, the CRA has opted for a more targeted approach and experimented with different mail-outs. This included a visual colour product and a letter in Inuktitut sent to recipients in Nunavut. As a result of these mailings,97,492 returns were filed and over $32.7 million in tax refund payments and $78.9 million in credits and benefits were paid to Canadians. The CRA is undertaking other initiatives to ensure that all Canadians are receiving the benefits they are entitled to, by:
More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / modified | Government Services and Operations |
Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency offers a service through community organizations to complete returns for lower-income Canadians whose financial situation is unchanged year-to-year. |
Completed / modified |
Click to see more informationIn order to simplify the process for modest income Canadians to file their taxes when their financial situation has not changed much, the government invested in the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) and Outreach Programs through Budget 2016 and Budget 2018. Budget 2018 provided additional funding to:
For the 2018 tax season, the number of organizations and volunteers increased by 9 per cent and 6.5 per cent, respectively. Between May 2017 and May 2018, more than 17,700 CVITP volunteers and 3,100 organizations prepared over 785,000 income tax and benefit returns, helping over 703,000 people access over $1.7 billion in refunds, credits, and benefits. In addition, 27 per cent more Indigenous-focused organizations participated in CVITP compared to the previous year. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) also provides the File my Return service for Canadians with a low or a fixed income whose situation remains unchanged year-to-year. Eligible Canadians are able to file their income tax and benefit return by providing some personal information and answering a series of short questions through an automated phone service. Since the start of the 2019 tax filing season, File my Return was used almost 66,000 times. Three new Northern Service Centres in Whitehorse, Yellowknife, and Iqaluit are now open (announced February 11, 2019). The CRA employees based in these centres will expand the activities of the Outreach Program, the CVITP, and the Liaison Officer service in the territories. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
41 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Government Services and Operations |
Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency supports more Canadians who wish to file taxes using no paper forms. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has implemented measures in order to increase the number of Canadians who file their taxes online and to make filing online simple, easy and convenient for all CRA administered programs. For the 2018 tax filing season, 87.6 per cent of income tax returns were filed online, an increase of more than 775,000 returns over the previous year. The secure online portals were logged into over 71 million times in 2018-19. For the 2019 tax filing season, as of June 2019:
The CRA has introduced other initiatives to encourage digital filing, such as:
In September 2018, the Minister of National Revenue announced a joint digital services plan between the CRA and Tax-Filer Empowerment Canada to produce and promote innovative, secure, and convenient electronic tax filing services. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
42 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Government Services and Operations |
Ensure that the Canada Revenue Agency delivers correspondence and other communications that are straightforward and easy to read. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government has simplified the correspondence the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) sends to Canadians, making it easier to read and understand, by streamlining and simplifying the look of notices, statements and letters. Examples include the Notice of Assessment, Benefits Notices, and GST/HST credit notices. The External Administrative Correspondence project began in 2015 and as of February 2019, 97 per cent of the correspondence the CRA sends to Canadians has been transformed to the new easy-to-read format, leading to increased client satisfaction and fewer inquiries for routine information. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Strong Middle Class |
Restore a fair and balanced approach to organized labour. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationA fair and balanced labour policy is now in place. In June 2017, Parliament repealed measures enacted by two pieces of legislation that undermined the ability of workers to bargain collectively. This action was supported by both employers and unions, in recognition of the need by all parties for a policy framework governed by the principles of fairness and balance. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made | Healthy Canadians |
Introduce restrictions on the commercial marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children. |
Actions taken, progress made | Result anticipated: Commercial marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children is significantly reduced leading to better health outcomes for Canadian children. Click to see more informationBill S-228 is intended to protect children's health by prohibiting the advertising of foods and beverages that meet certain nutrient criteria to children under 13 years of age. The bill passed third reading in the House of Commons in September 2018. Debate on concurrence with the House amendments to the bill took place in the Senate nine times between October 2018 and June 2019, but the bill has not yet received Senate approval. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made | Healthy Canadians |
Bring in tougher regulations to eliminate trans fats and reduce salt in processed foods. |
Actions taken, progress made | Result anticipated: Industrially produced trans fats are eliminated from food products; the food and restaurant industries systematically reduce sodium levels in the food supply; and consumers are better able to identify foods high in sodium, sugar and saturated fat, resulting in improved public health. Click to see more informationThe government launched the Healthy Eating Strategy in October 2016. As part of this Strategy, a ban on partially hydrogenated oils, the main source of industrial trans fat, was published in September 2017 and took effect in September 2018. In addition, following the publication in January 2018 of a report evaluating industry's efforts to reduce sodium levels in foods, Health Canada published a report in July 2018 showing that most Canadians, particularly children, teens and males, are still consuming too much sodium. Since 2016, the government consulted extensively on a proposed front-of-package nutrition labelling initiative that would require a symbol on the front of packaged foods that are high in sodium, sugars, and/or saturated fat. In February 2018, Health Canada pre-published proposed regulations in Canada Gazette, Part I. Health Canada is considering all feedback and evidence received to inform potential adjustments to the regulatory proposal. This initiative would support sodium reduction by providing consumers with quick and easy guidance to identify foods high in sodium and encouraging manufacturers to lower the sodium content of their foods. The government will continue to work with stakeholders to identify additional ways to further reduce sodium in foods. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Healthy Canadians |
Improve food labels to give more information on added sugars and artificial dyes. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government has made nutrition information on food labels (revised Nutrition facts Table and List of Ingredients) more useful to Canadians, which allows them to make well informed food choices. The government launched the Healthy Eating Strategy in October 2016, with the goal of making "the healthy choice the easy choice." As part of this strategy, food labels have been updated, making nutrition information easier to understand. This includes making serving sizes more consistent, information on how to use the Percentage Daily Value, and more information on sugars and food colors in the Nutrition Facts table and list of ingredients. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal | Exports and Investment |
Implement and expand Canada's Free Trade Agreements globally. |
Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal | Result anticipated: Free Trade Agreements increase trade and investment, creating good middle-class jobs. Click to see more informationThe Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) entered into provisional application in September 2017 and has thus far been ratified at the national level by thirteen EU Member States. The Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement entered into force in August 2017. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) entered into force on December 30, 2018. On September 30, 2018, the government completed negotiations toward a Canada-US-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), which was signed on November 30, 2018. Canada is also negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Pacific Alliance (Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru), with the latest round having taken place in October 2018. Canada continues to engage China and India on expanding bilateral trade and investment and is working with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on exploratory discussions for a possible Canada-ASEAN FTA. Canada and Israel signed the modernized CIFTA Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement (CIFTA) agreement on May 28, 2018 the bill was introduced in Parliament in October 2018, and received Royal Assent on May 27, 2019. The modernized Canada-Chile FTA (CCFTA), which includes a chapter on Trade and Gender, entered into force on February 5, 2019. Canada and Mercosur launched FTA negotiations on March 9, 2018. The sixth round was held June 17-26, 2019 in Montevideo, Uruguay. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal | Canada in the World |
Maintain Canada's strong commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). |
Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal | Result anticipated: The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) remains strong and Canada is a trusted partner in the alliance. Click to see more informationThe defence policy – Strong, Secure, Engaged – reaffirms Canada’s responsibilities as a contributing partner to NATO. Canada has increased its contributions to NATO as a testament to its steadfast commitment to the Alliance. Since 2016, Canada has provided leadership to NATO’s Deterrence and Defence posture, most notably as the Framework Nation for NATO’s enhance Forward Presence Battle Group in Latvia, which sees 540 Canadian Armed Forces personnel deployed on a rotational basis. The government extended the mandate for this operation in July 2018 at a cost of $514 million. Under Operation REASSURANCE, Canada performs air surveillance, air policing, training, and maritime operations in support of NATO. In 2018, Canada rejoined the NATO Airborne Warning and Control Systems program, committing between $17 and $20 million per year and up to 25 personnel. Canada takes a leadership role in NATO activities, programs, and decision-making, including at the 2018 Brussels Heads of State and Government Summit. Also, in close coordination with NATO Allies, Canada has continued its support to Ukraine, including filling senior positions in the NATO Liaison Office in Ukraine. Budget 2019 confirmed the government’s plan to renew Operation UNIFIER until March 31, 2022. Canada will invest up to $99.6 million in new funding, starting in 2019-20, to continue its support of this military training and capacity building mission. Canada will command the Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 from June 15, 2019, to December 16, 2019 - operating primarily in the Mediterranean Sea and periodically in the Black Sea. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made | Safety and Security |
Increase the size of the Canadian Rangers. |
Actions taken, progress made | Result anticipated: The Canadian Rangers have the numbers, equipment and training needed to do their job properly. Click to see more informationThe Canadian Rangers are critical to effective military surveillance and provide a federal presence in sparsely populated northern, coastal, and isolated areas of Canada. Members come from diverse backgrounds and are recruited for their unique survival skills and extensive knowledge of the land. In April 2015, the Canadian Armed Forces launched a comprehensive review of the Canadian Rangers organization and structure. The first four new patrols were established in 2018. Concurrently, 30 additional positions were allocated to Canadian Ranger Patrol Group Headquarters units to better support the Canadian Rangers and Junior Canadian Ranger administration and training. The government is in the final stages of consultation with select communities to increase the number of Canadian Rangers patrols by 2022. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Fair and Open Government |
Modernize the Communications Policy of the government to reflect the modern digital environment. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government’s communications policy now ensures that the government engages in coordinated activities that are timely, clear, cost-effective, in both official languages, accessible and non-partisan. In addition, the policy ensures government communications are clearly branded, both in Canada and abroad. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Fair and Open Government |
Take a more modern approach to comptrollership. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government launched a renewed financial management policy in April 2017. The Treasury Board Secretariat engaged key stakeholders through information sessions, and developed guidelines to help federal organizations ensure that financial resources are well-managed. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made | Government Services and Operations |
Ensure that a fixed percentage of funds is devoted to experimenting with new approaches to challenges and measure the impact of programs. |
Actions taken, progress made | Result anticipated: Innovation and experimentation are part of routine business of government, and new models are identified that improve outcomes for Canadians. Click to see more informationEthical and rigorous experimentation is central to the government’s focus on evidence-based policy-making. By testing program options, departments can generate evidence to learn what works and inform decision-making. The government has directed federal agencies and departments to allocate a percentage of program funding towards new approaches, measuring impact and delivering better results to Canadians. In December 2016, federal deputy ministers were given guidance on user-centered design and outcomes-based funding. In April 2017, the government provided federal departments with new structures that allow departments to distribute grants and contributions more flexibly under the Treasury Board Policy on Transfer Payments. The Impact Canada Initiative uses outcomes-based funding experiments, innovative financing approaches and new partnership models to achieve better results for Canadians. The Federal, Provincial and Territorial Declaration on Public Sector innovation calls for more experimentation within programs. The government launched Innovative Solutions Canada to match businesses offering early stage prototypes with departments in need of new products or services. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Fair and Open Government |
Exercise due diligence regarding costing analysis prepared by departments for all proposed legislation and programs. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government issued new best practices for calculating program costs and commissioned a study to identify gaps in the existing costing approach, which will help inform future decisions. A pilot project to better estimate future costing requirements for major procurement projects played a critical role in the development of the new defence policy: Strong, Secure, Engaged. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Environment and Climate Change |
Restore annual federal funding for freshwater research and make new investments in Canada’s Experimental Lakes Area. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationIn April 2016, the government committed $197 million to enhance ocean and freshwater science activities. The government signed a contribution agreement with the International Institute of Sustainable Development (IISD) in June 2016 to support freshwater research at the Experimental Lakes Area. The government is also conducting scientific research and monitoring activities in lakes and rivers, such as Lake Winnipeg and the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence watersheds. These measures will improve Canada’s understanding of freshwater ecosystems and protect the environment. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Safety and Security |
Implement a strategy against gender violence. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationIn June 2017, the government launched It's Time: Canada's Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence. This strategy takes a whole-of-government approach to preventing gender-based violence (GBV), supporting survivors and their families, and promoting responsive justice and legal systems. Key elements of the Strategy have now been implemented. In December 2018, the Gender Based Violence Knowledge Centre online platform was launched to combine federal resources, fill gaps in evidence and data, support federal coordination and accountability for the strategy, and connect service providers with researchers and policy makers. The government has invested over $200 million in new programs to implement, test and potentially scale up promising approaches to prevent GBV. These focus on child maltreatment, teen dating violence, bullying and cyberbullying. They also test promising practices to address gaps in support for diverse and underserved groups of survivors in Canada; enhance capacity to combat online child sexual exploitation; increase access to sexual assault services for military personnel and their families; develop and deliver cultural competency training for federal law enforcement officers; enhance the settlement program; to equip allied health professionals to provide appropriate care to victims; and support members of the Canadian Armed Forces and their families affected by violence. Budget 2018 also supported efforts to engage men and boys in promoting gender equality. Building on investments announced in Budget 2018 to establish a National Human Trafficking Hotline, Budget 2019 announced the government’s intention to develop a new whole-of-government strategy to combat human trafficking. Budget 2019 proposes to invest a further $22.24 million over three years, starting in 2019–20, to combat child sexual exploitation online. Both of these initiatives are in addition to the strategy announced in 2017. In April 2018 Statistics Canada launched a national survey to collect data on GBV, the first such survey in Canada. Data collection on this survey was completed on December 31, 2018. Results are anticipated for Fall 2019. In February 2019, Statistics Canada launched a second survey on GBV aimed at filling in knowledge gaps on the specific experiences of postsecondary students in the provinces. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
48 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made | Jobs and Innovation |
Help small- and medium-sized enterprises grow, become more innovative and export oriented. |
Actions taken, progress made | Result anticipated: Double the number of high-growth firms in Canada by 2025 to create good, middle class jobs, strengthen communities, and grow the economy. Click to see more informationThe government is focused on helping small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) export and grow, provide Canadians with quality goods and services, and create job opportunities that strengthen communities across the country and grow the middle class. The government’s Innovation and Skills Plan, introduced in Budget 2017, introduced a suite of initiatives to help Canadian innovators and entrepreneurs grow their companies:
The 2018 Fall Economic Statement proposed $1.1 billion in investments over six years through an Export Diversification Strategy, to encourage and support SMEs in exporting and taking advantage of new market opportunities opened up through free trade agreements. The strategy focuses on investing in infrastructure, providing businesses with resources to execute their export plans and enhancing trade services. A $10 million investment over 3 years starting in 2019 will raise awareness of export supports available SMEs and support export capacity building. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
100 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Strong Middle Class |
Support regional economic growth strategies. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationTo support inclusive growth and economic diversification in all regions through improved programs and strategies, in Budget 2018, the government identified regional development agencies as a key platform for growing Canadian businesses and advancing the Innovation and Skills Plan across all regions of Canada. Starting in 2018, the government has provided more than $500 million over five years to regional development agencies to foster economic growth, including regionally tailored funding for the new Women Entrepreneurship Strategy. The government is also extending core funding of the regional development agencies that is currently time-limited:
Since it was launched by the government in 2016, the Atlantic Growth Strategy has pursued an ambitious vision to grow Atlantic Canada's economy. The strategy targets innovation, trade and investment, skills and immigration, clean growth, and infrastructure. The Atlantic Growth Strategy Year 2 Report was released in July 2018. In April 2018, the government unveiled a regional economic development strategy for Northern Ontario centered on supporting innovation, growing companies, building stronger communities and ensuring communities have the necessary skills for the middle-class jobs of tomorrow. In November 2018, the government launched its Federal Strategy on Innovation and Growth for the Quebec Regions, focused on innovation and clean tech, growth and exports, entrepreneurial talent, and growth in all regions of Quebec. Public engagement on a growth strategy for Western Canada was completed in November 2018 and a What We Heard summary report of the engagements was released in April 2019. The whole of government ‘Grow West: The Western Canada Growth Strategy’ was publically released on June 14, 2019. In April 2019, the government made public a report reflecting the key messages received during its engagement with territorial, municipal and Indigenous governments, industry, Indigenous communities and organizations, and academia towards the development of a Pan-Territorial Growth Strategy to help stimulate economic growth, across the territories, in a way that reflects the unique advantages of each territory. To maximize the impact of its new investments and best support the needs of Southern Ontario, FedDev Ontario’s Senior Executives hosted a series of 20 roundtables in 19 communities, across rural (12) and urban (8) southern Ontario in March and April, and also hosted an online engagement platform to solicit feedback from key stakeholders across the region. A report is now being prepared on this work to inform the Agency's activities going forward. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Safety and Security |
Review the criminal justice system, including sentencing reforms, to ensure it keeps us safe and it is fair. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government continues to review the criminal justice system, including sentencing reforms, to ensure that it keeps Canadians safe, while also addressing the overrepresentation of vulnerable groups in prisons, including Indigenous people and those with mental illness. Using various platforms, such as in-person meetings and online discussions, Canadians shared their views on improving the Criminal Justice System. This followed a program of broad engagement with justice system partners, and stakeholders from diverse perspectives and various sectors. The Final report on the findings, published in August 2019, summarizes what was heard through all consultation activities, highlights challenges and best practices in the system, and outlines key areas for continued improvement. Complementary work was also done in partnership with the Institute for Research on Public Policy (IRPP) to explore how the criminal justice system could work in a more integrated manner with other social systems such as housing, education, and mental health. In December 2018, Criminal Code modernization amendments came into force, removing outdated provisions and clarifying and strengthening sexual assault laws (C-51). In March 2018, the government tabled legislation to improve the efficiency of the criminal justice system and address court delays and to reduce the overrepresentation of Indigenous people and vulnerable populations in the criminal justice system, including those with addictions and mental illness. These reforms received Royal Assent on June 21, 2019. In June 2019, legislation to strengthen the federal correctional system also received Royal Assent (C-83). Once in effect, the legislation will abolish administrative and disciplinary segregation in all federal correctional institutions, increase mental health services and supports for Indigenous persons, and bolster independent oversight in the Canadian correctional system. Budgets 2016 and 2017 committed funding for: more judges in Superior Courts, greater support programming on judicial education, ethics and conduct, further funding for court translation in both of Canada's official languages, long-term mandate in the Indigenous Justice Program to provide a foundation for increasing restorative justice practices and more legal aid services provided in the provinces and territories, including specialized services to Indigenous people, and those with mental illness. Additional representation and services is also offered through the Indigenous Justice Programs to provide community-based justice programs and the Indigenous Courtwork Program for Indigenous people to help them navigate the criminal justice system. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
60 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Government Services and Operations |
Develop a strategy that aims to create a single online window for all government services. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationGovernment of Canada services and programs are simpler and Canadians can access them more easily. The government’s Service Strategy includes a commitment to create a single online window for all government services. Canadians would be able to access:
The government also established the Canadian Digital Service (CDS) to make it faster and easier for Canadians to access benefits and services online. Since 2017, the government has made significant progress on an “omni-channel” approach to service delivery, going beyond a single window to offer services to Canadians anywhere, anytime, and on any device. With the support of provincial, territorial, municipal and private sector partners, a pilot is being launched where a digital identity from another jurisdiction will be used to verify identity and grant access to federal services. To make it easy for government departments to share data with each other and the outside world in a modern, secure, and unified way, the government is developing a Canadian Digital Exchange Platform (CDXP) that will form the foundation for real-time information sharing. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
43 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made | Government Services and Operations |
Set transparent service standards for the delivery of Employment Insurance (EI) benefits. |
Actions taken, progress made | Result anticipated: Canadians making inquiries about Employment Insurance (EI) will receive answers more quickly, consistent with new, higher service standards. Click to see more informationBudget 2016 invested $73 million, to significantly increase the capacity of the Employment Insurance (EI) Call Centre network and improve its service accessibility. Budget 2018 provided an additional $127.7 million over three years to further improve accessibility and deliver timely and accurate information EI to Canadians. The government launched the EI Service Quality Review in May 2016, asking Canadians and stakeholders how EI service delivery on the phone, online and in person could be improved. Service Canada used this input to review EI service standards, which was completed in March 2018. In 2017 the government consulted with Canadians as part of reviews of the EI, Old Age Security (OAS) and Canada Pension Plan (CPP) service standards. The reviews found that current service standards meet Canadian’s expectations, but that information should be easier to find and read. The government is currently making the necessary changes so Canadians are able to easily find and understand the service standards. Budget 2019 provided funding to migrate Employment and Social Development Canada’s call centres, including the EI Specialized Call Centre, from outdated IT platforms to the Hosted Contact Centre Solution. This will help to ensure faster and better quality service to Canadians. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Fair and Open Government |
Make meetings of the Board of Internal Economy open by default. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe Board of Internal Economy agendas and meetings are now open by default. In June 2017, the government introduced and Parliament passed new legislation to make the Board of Internal Economy, the multi-party body of parliamentarians which regulates the internal affairs of the House of Commons, hold its meetings in public, in order to ensure greater openness, transparency, and accountability in the administration of Parliament. For years, this Board operated in secret, deciding how taxpayer dollars were spent behind closed doors, on the administration of the House of Commons. These meetings are now open by default, meaning they are public unless dealing with particular items, such as human resource matters, as outlined in the Parliament of Canada Act. This means greater parliamentary transparency and accountability, and increased public awareness of the inner-workings of Parliament. So far, the Board has held 17 open meetings in this Parliament. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Strong Middle Class |
Make post-secondary education more affordable for low and middle income families. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationHundreds of thousands of students receive increased grant-based aid through Canada Student Grants and students are better able to manage student loan repayments upon graduation. As a result, the government expects more low and middle income students to attend post-secondary education. In Budget 2016, the government increased Canada Student Grants (CSGs) by 50 per cent and expanded eligibility. About 400,000 students from low- and middle-income families now receive more assistance in the form of grants that do not have to be repaid. The government also increased thresholds for the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) so that no graduate will have to repay their Canada Student Loan until they earn at least $25,000 per year. The number of borrowers using RAP has increased from 276,000 to over 305,000. Budget 2017 made CSGs for students with dependent children and for part-time students available to higher income thresholds, helping an additional 13,000 and 10,000 students respectively. A three-year pilot project for adult learners is increasing their eligibility and providing an estimated 43,000 students an additional $1,600 in grant support. Canadians on Employment Insurance can also now get new certificates or training without fear of losing their benefits. Building on Budget 2016 and Budget 2017 investments, Budget 2019 announced lower interest rates for Canada Student Loans and Canada Apprentice Loans, and a new interest-free grace period after a student loan borrower leaves school. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
3 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Not being pursued | Strong Middle Class |
Index Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) payments to a new Seniors' Price Index. |
Not being pursued |
Click to see more informationThe government remains committed to ensuring that the indexation of Old Age Security benefits reflects the increases in the cost of living faced by seniors. Statistics Canada analysis shows that a Seniors Price Index (SPI) is very similar to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). As a result, the government will continue to index Old Age Security benefits to the Consumer Price Index, which is reflective of the cost of living faced by seniors. Assisting seniors with the cost of living remains a priority for the government, as demonstrated by a broad range of measures taken since 2015 to improve seniors' social and economic well-being. For example, the government reversed proposed changes to the age of eligibility for Old Age Security (OAS) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), and made significant enhancements to the GIS. Budget 2019 continued this work by increasing the Guaranteed Income Supplement earnings exemption, introduced proactive Canada Pension Plan enrollment for those aged 70 and older, and strengthened workplace pensions. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
100 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Strong Middle Class |
Cancel the increase in age of eligibility for Old Age Security (OAS) from 65 to 67. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe age of eligibility for Old Age Security (OAS) has been returned to 65 and provides greater financial security for Canada's most vulnerable seniors. The government cancelled the planned increase in age of eligibility for Old Age Security, so that eligibility is maintained at age 65. This will help ensure that Canadian seniors enjoy a secure and dignified retirement. Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Strong Middle Class |
Coordinate programs to support low income seniors with provinces and territories. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government increased the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and engaged with provinces and territories to ensure that low-income seniors who receive provincial or territorial income supplements fully benefit from the increase. The government will continue to seek new opportunities to work together to support Canada's most vulnerable seniors. Budget 2019 also includes an enhancement to the GIS earnings exemption to provide increased take-home pay for low-income and self-employed seniors. Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Strong Middle Class |
Prioritize affordable housing and seniors' housing as part of the National Housing Strategy. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationIncreased rental supports are reducing the cost of housing for seniors and enabling them to age in place, and an increased supply of affordable housing units is specifically targeted towards seniors. Budget 2016 provided a two year, $200.7 million investment to increase affordable housing for seniors and improve their housing conditions. Delivered by provinces and territories through the Investment in Affordable Housing, this investment was expected to benefit more than 5,000 low-income senior households, and exceeded expectations by benefiting 6,247 senior households. Building on this investment, the National Housing Co-Investment Fund, launched in 2018 and delivered as part of Canada’s National Housing Strategy, (NHS), has a target to build an additional 7,000 new affordable housing units for seniors. The NHS is a 10-year, $55-billion plan to give more Canadians a place to call home. The NHS targets over 10 years include reducing chronic homelessness by 50 per cent, reducing or eliminating housing need for 530,000 households, creating 125,000 new housing units, repairing and renewing more than 300,000 housing units, and protecting an additional 385,000 households from losing an affordable place to live. Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Strong Middle Class |
Provide support to maintain rent-geared-to-income subsidies in existing social housing. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationAffordable housing remains accessible to Canadians who need it during the transition past the expiry of operating agreements. Budget 2016 announced $30 million over two years, starting in 2016, to help federally-administered community housing providers preserve affordability for low income households as operating agreements end. Support was provided on a transitional basis until March 2018, and has been extended until March 2020 under phase 1 of the new Federal Community Housing Initiative. The Federal Community Housing Initiative is a $500 million 10-year initiative under the National Housing Strategy to protect tenants living in federally-administered community housing and maintain the 55,000 units. As of December 2018, affordability support for 15,000 community housing units, which would have otherwise expired, has been maintained. Phase 2 of the strategy will establish a new rental assistance program to protect affordability for low-income tenants in federal community housing, starting in April 2020. Also under the National Housing Strategy, the government will provide $4.3 Billion to provinces and territories to protect and build a sustainable community-based housing sector through the new Canada Community Housing Initiative. This initiative is expected to maintain affordability for approximately 330,000 households in community housing nationally and expand community housing by 50,000 units. This federal funding will flow to provinces and territories through bilateral agreements. As at March 19, 2019, seven provinces and territories had signed bilateral agreements under the new multilateral Housing Partnership Framework. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Strong Middle Class |
Invest in Housing First to reduce homelessness. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government has set a target to reduce chronic homelessness by 50 per cent by 2027-28 compared to 2016 levels. In November 2017 the government announced Canada's first ever National Housing Strategy (NHS). Among the 10-year, $55 billion strategy's goals are to remove 530,000 Canadians from housing need and reduce chronic homelessness by half. As part of the NHS, the government announced a total investment of $2.2 billion for homelessness over 10 years, building on Budget 2016 incremental funding of $111.8 million over two years (2016-2018) for the Homelessness Partnering Strategy. By 2022, this commitment will result in a near doubling of homelessness investments, as compared to 2015. These investments are expected to reduce the number of Canadians who are chronically homeless by as much as 50 per cent compared to 2016 levels. The government consulted with stakeholders, provinces, territories and Indigenous partners on improving the Homelessness Partnering Strategy to better prevent and reduce homelessness across Canada. These consultations were guided by the work of an Advisory Committee comprised of experts, stakeholders and people with lived experience of homelessness. The Advisory Committee on Homelessness Final Report and the Homelessness Partnering Strategy Engagement – What We Heard Report 2018, which contains highlights from the feedback received throughout all engagement activities, were released in May 2018. In April 2019, the government launched the redesigned federal homelessness program 'Reaching Home' in partnership with communities, which replaces the Homelessness Partnering Strategy. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Not being pursued | Strong Middle Class |
Remove all GST on new capital investments in affordable rental housing. |
Not being pursued |
Click to see more informationThe government concluded, based on research and evidence, that there were more effective ways than GST rebates to encourage the construction of affordable rental housing. The government has instead invested directly in the construction and renovation of affordable housing. Budget 2016 introduced funding to establish the Affordable Rental Housing Innovation Fund and Rental Construction Financing Initiative. Budget 2017 announced the investment of more than $11.2 billion over 11 years through various initiatives to help build, renew and repair Canada’s affordable housing and ensure Canadians have affordable housing that meets their needs. Through the National Housing Strategy, launched in November 2017, the government is stimulating the construction of affordable rental housing and investing in the growth of livable communities and the resilience of the community housing sector. To ensure existing rental housing is not lost to disrepair and to develop new affordable housing integrated with supports and services, the government created a $13.17 billion National Housing Co-Investment Fund. This fund alone is expected to create up to 60,000 new units of housing and repair up to 240,000 units of existing affordable and community housing. The fund consists of nearly $4.5 billion in financial contributions and $8.65 billion in low-interest loans. Additionally, the government launched a new Rental Construction Financing Initiative. This initiative began as a $2.5 billion program offering low-cost loans to support the construction of new rental housing. In Budget 2018, the government expanded this initiative with an additional $1.25 billion in low-cost loans over the next three years, and Budget 2019 made an additional $10 billion in financing available over nine years, extending the program until 2027-2028 and helping to build 42,500 new housing units across Canada, with a particular focus in areas of low rental supply. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Strong Middle Class |
Modernize the Home Buyers' Plan. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationTo help Canadians better manage the costs of buying a home, changes to the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) are providing first-time home buyers with greater access to their Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs). Budget 2019 increased the HBP withdrawal limit to $35,000 from $25,000. As a result, a couple can withdraw up to $70,000 from their RRSPs to purchase a first home. Special rules under the HBP apply to facilitate the acquisition of a home that is more accessible or better suited for the personal needs and care of an individual who is eligible for the disability tax credit, even if the first-time home-buyer requirement is not met. For these cases, the withdrawal limit will also be $35,000. Budget 2019 also extended access to the HBP to help Canadians maintain homeownership after the breakdown of a marriage or common-law partnership, even if they do not meet the first-time home buyer requirement. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Strong Middle Class |
Identify available federal lands that could be repurposed for affordable housing. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationIncreased available land is available to build new affordable housing and increase housing supply where it is needed. The Federal Lands Initiative makes surplus federal lands and buildings available to housing providers at a discounted cost (for as little as no cost) for new affordable housing. The Federal Lands Initiative website provides up-to-date information on lands that are available to housing providers. Over the next 10 years, up to $200 million is available to subsidize the transfer of federal lands to eligible participants to encourage the development of sustainable, accessible, mixed-income, mixed-use developments and communities. As part of this initiative, funding for renovations and remediation of land and buildings may be available to make transactions viable. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal | Strong Middle Class |
Review prices in high-priced housing markets and consider all policy tools that could keep home ownership within reach for more Canadians. |
Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal | Result anticipated: Federal policy tools are employed to help keep home ownership within reach for more Canadians. Click to see more informationTo help make homeownership more affordable for first-time home buyers, the Government of Canada has launched the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive. The Incentive allows eligible first-time home buyers who have the minimum down payment for an insured mortgage to apply to finance a portion of their home purchase through a shared equity mortgage with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). CMHC will provide up to $1.25 billion over three years (starting in 2019–20) to eligible home buyers. It is expected that approximately 100,000 first-time home buyers would be able to benefit from the Incentive over the next three years. To provide more affordable rental options for middle class Canadians, Budget 2019 provides an additional $10 billion over nine years in financing through the Rental Construction Financing Initiative, extending the program until 2027–28. With this increase, the program would support 42,500 new units across Canada, particularly in areas of low rental supply. To help municipalities grow housing supply and help Canadians searching for an affordable place to call home, Budget 2019 also provides $300 million to launch a new Housing Supply Challenge. The challenge will invite municipalities and other stakeholder groups across Canada to propose new ways to break down barriers that limit the creation of new housing. The government has also committed to work with British Columbia to establish an Expert Panel on the Future of Housing Supply and Affordability. The expert panel will consult with stakeholders to identify and evaluate measures to increase the supply of housing in British Columbia to meet demand. CMHC will invest $4 million over two years to support the Panel’s work, and $5 million over two years for state-of-the-art housing supply modelling and related data collection. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Strong Middle Class |
Bring forward a proposal to prevent mortgage fraud. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationBuying a home is often the single largest investment Canadian families will make in their lifetime. To protect this investment and help keep the real estate market accessible and fair, Budget 2019 includes measures to tackle tax non-compliance and money laundering in the housing market. These include:
More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Strong Middle Class |
Use the best data available to make decisions on housing. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationBetter data and analysis of the housing market is available to inform policy decisions so that the government can help Canadians secure good housing. The government improved housing data through investments in Budget 2017. The government has created the Canadian Housing Statistics Program (a national property-level database), the Canadian Housing Survey, the Social and Affordable Housing Rental Structure Survey, and made important changes to the Canadian Income Survey. These efforts are providing more accurate and complete data on housing markets for all Canadians and provided evidence that increasing the supply of housing is the most effective way to address affordability in the long run. Based on improved data and evidence, the government announced in Budget 2019 initiatives to increase the supply of housing: the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive, an expanded Rental Construction Financing Initiative, and a Housing Supply Challenge through the Impact Canada Initiative. CMHC will further enhance data and analytical capability by investing $5 million over two years for state-of-the-art housing supply modelling and related data collection. This will support the recently announced Expert Panel on the Future of Housing Supply and Affordability, jointly established by the government and the Province of British Columbia. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Strong Middle Class |
Raise taxes on the top 1% of earners. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe tax system is fairer, with high income Canadians paying their share. In 2016, the government raised taxes on the wealthiest 1 per cent of Canadians – those earning more than $200,000 a year – so that it could cut taxes for the middle class. Specifically, the government introduced a new top personal income tax rate of 33 per cent, an increase from 29 per cent. In 2019, due to inflation adjustments, the top 33-per-cent rate applies to individual taxable incomes above $210,371. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Fair and Open Government |
Repeal elements of the Fair Elections Act which make it harder for Canadians to vote. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe Elections Modernization Act improves the integrity of the electoral system by repealing provisions in the previous Fair Elections Act that made it harder for Canadians to vote. Notably, the changes reinstate the Voter Information Card as authorized identification (ID), restore vouching for those without proper ID, expand voting rights to more than one million Canadians living abroad, expand the Chief Electoral Officer’s ability to educate Canadians to improve civic literacy and knowledge, and help future voters participate in the electoral process by pre-registering youth aged 14-17 so they can more easily vote when they turn 18. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Fair and Open Government |
Conduct a review of government spending to reduce poorly targeted and inefficient programs. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationBudget 2018 included the results of the horizontal review on innovation and clean technology. A horizontal review on fixed assets is expected to be completed in 2019-20. Budget 2019 announced the conclusion of the following reviews undertaken during the mandate: the Canada Revenue Agency Service Model; Professional Services, Travel and Advertising Reductions; Transport Canada; Fisheries and Oceans Canada; Health Canada; Canada Border Services Agency; Royal Canadian Mounted Police; Regulatory Review; and a Skills Review. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Strong Middle Class |
Provide more flexible parental leave. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationParents who want to spend more time at home with their children have the option of doing so with protected Employment Insurance parental benefits. The government created more flexible maternity and parental leave benefits through Budget 2017. The changes allow parents to spread their parental benefit over a longer period of time (18 months), and give mothers the option to begin receiving Employment Insurance maternity benefits up to 12 weeks before their due date – up from eight weeks. The changes took effect December 3rd and give parents more support to spend time with their kids. To support greater gender equality in the home and in the workplace, the government introduced a new EI Parental Sharing Benefit to provide an additional five or eight weeks of benefits. These extra weeks are available to parents of children born or placed with them for the purpose of adoption on or after March 17, 2019, as long as they share parental benefits. Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Safety and Security |
Undertake modernization efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the criminal justice system. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government undertook a number of initiatives to keep Canadians safer, to hold offenders to account, to ensure the system shows compassion for victims, to address the needs of vulnerable populations and to make the criminal justice system more efficient.
A number of these reforms will respond to victims’ needs and the needs of vulnerable populations, for instance, by providing better protection for victims of intimate partner violence; preventing victims from having to testify twice; and, by providing that circumstances of the accused, in particular Indigenous accused and accused persons from vulnerable populations, are considered at bail, and in determining how to address a breach of condition. These reforms received Royal Assent on June 21, 2019. Legislation repealing a number of outdated or obsolete Criminal Code provisions came into effect in December 2018. It expanded protections for victims of sexual assault, by clarifying the law of consent, expanding the Criminal Code’s “rape shield” provisions, and providing complainants with a right to counsel during rape shield proceedings. Budget 2018 provided $77.2 million over four years, starting in 2019, and $20.8 million per year ongoing to create and expand Unified Family Courts in Alberta, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador. In June 2019 the government passed legislation to make federal family laws more responsive to Canadian families’ needs by:
Budget 2019 proposed to further support the access to family justice in both official languages by providing $21.6 million over five years, starting in 2020, to support legislative amendments to increase access to family justice, and divorce in particular, in the official language of one’s choice. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Government Services and Operations |
Implement the Auditor General's recommendations on enhancing mental health service delivery to Veterans. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationWith the opening of a satellite Operational Stress Injury Clinic in Montreal in January 2018., the government has fully implemented the recommendations from the Auditor General’s 2014 report on mental health services for Veterans. In addition, the government opened a new information system to better track operational stress injuries and mental health needs among Veterans. This system addresses the quality and impact of service, helps identify those at risk, and provides recommendations for Veterans and their mental health service providers. These and other changes are reinforced by a new performance management framework to improve the quality and effectiveness of mental health services and outreach activities delivered to Veterans. Veterans Affairs Canada is continuously raising awareness about mental health services within the Veteran community to ensure those requiring assistance can access it. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal | Diverse and Inclusive Canada |
Ensure that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and all other parts of the Public Safety portfolio are workplaces free from harassment and sexual violence. |
Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal | Result anticipated: Reduced incidents of harassment and sexual violence across Public Safety portfolio workplaces. Better training for staff at all levels, and implementation of all recommendations related to workplace safety and wellness at the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Click to see more informationThe government is taking all necessary steps to ensure the RCMP is a workplace free from harassment and sexual violence. These steps include:
In May 2018, the government mandated the new RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki to protect the health and safety of RCMP employees and members, including from harassment and violence in the workplace. In January 2019, the government accepted all recommendations made by the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP (CRCC) and Special Advisor, Sheila Fraser, in their respective reports related to harassment in the RCMP workplace. The government has established an Interim Management Advisory Board to provide Commissioner Lucki with expert external advice on the management and administration of the RCMP, and to guide the foundational changes required to address the recommendations. Agencies in the Public Safety portfolio, including the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC), Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), have also put initiatives in place to address harassment and sexual violence in the workplace. In June 2018, the Federal Court approved a landmark Final Settlement Agreement (FSA) to the LGBT Purge Class Action that will compensate current and former federal public servants, and members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police who were directly impacted by anti-LGBTQ2 policies and practices. The FSA also includes $15 million for Reconciliation and Memorialization Measures to prevent future discrimination and for reconciliation with LGBTQ2 communities. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
60 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal | Sustainable Infrastructure |
Make sure the Infrastructure Bank supports the construction of new, affordable rental housing. |
Actions taken, progress made toward ongoing goal | Result anticipated: Where relevant, the Canada Infrastructure Bank undertakes complementary projects that support the goals of the National Housing Strategy. Click to see more informationThe Canada Infrastructure Bank is an arm’s length Crown corporation focused on making and attracting investments in revenue-generating infrastructure projects in the public interest. Established in June 2017, the Bank is responsible for investments of at least $35 billion over 11 years, focused on public transit, green infrastructure, and trade and transportation projects. The government launched the National Housing Strategy including a new National Housing Co-investment Fund to build, renew and repair Canada’s stock of affordable housing and ensure Canadians have greater access to affordable housing that meets their needs. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
100 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Indigenous peoples |
Co-develop an Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework with Indigenous partners. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationIn September 2018, the Government of Canada, the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Métis National Council jointly announced the first Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care (IELCC) Framework. In support of the Indigenous ELCC Framework, the government is committing up to $1.7 billion over 10 years to strengthen early learning and child care programs and services that reflect the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children and families across Canada starting in 2018. This is part of the commitment of $7.5 billion over 11 years the government made in Budget 2016 to support and create more high-quality, affordable child care across the country. Budget 2016 announced $29.4 million to support repairs and renovations of 210 First Nations and Inuit Child Care Initiative (FNICCI) centres and 70 Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve (AHSOR) program facilities. Budget 2016 also invested $100 million in 2017-18 to build capacity in existing Indigenous early learning and child care programs while the IELCC Framework was being developed. Repairs and renovations were undertaken in 340 FNICCI child care centers, in 97 AHSOR facilities and in 90 Aboriginal Head Start in Urban and Northern Communities facilities. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made | Diverse and Inclusive Canada |
Encourage an increase in the number of women in senior positions and on boards in Canada. |
Actions taken, progress made | Result anticipated: More women occupy senior leadership positions in Canada. Click to see more informationThe first gender-balanced federal Cabinet was appointed in 2015. The government adopted an open, transparent and merit-based approach to selecting candidates for federal appointments. Since late 2015, the representation of women serving as Governor In Council (GIC) appointees has increased by 15 percentage points and is now at 49 per cent. In addition, the government addressed the underrepresentation of women as Canada Research Chairs. Legislation effective May 2018 requires publicly-traded, federally-incorporated companies to disclose information annually on the diversity makeup of their boards and senior management, as well as their diversity policies (or explain why they do not have one). Budget 2018 announced the creation of an annual award for Canadian corporations showing leadership in promoting women, including minority women, to senior management positions and boards of directors. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made | Diverse and Inclusive Canada |
Increase women representation where they have been traditionally under-represented, such as in the skilled trades. |
Actions taken, progress made | Result anticipated: Increase representation of women in professions and sectors traditionally dominated by men, including the skilled trades. Click to see more informationBudget 2017 investments in the PromoScience Program and FuturPreneur Canada aim to increase the participation of underrepresented groups, including women, in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields as well as in entrepreneurship. Budget 2018 proposed to allocate approximately $20 million over five years, starting in 2018, to pilot an Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women. Under the grant, women in male-dominated Red Seal trades received $3,000 for each of their first two years of training (up to $6,000). Working in partnership with provinces, territories, post-secondary institutions, training providers, unions and employers, the government will provide $46 million over five years, starting in 2018, and $10 million per year thereafter, for the Skilled Trade Awareness and Readiness (STAR) program. This program helps Canadians explore the trades, gain work experience, make informed career choices, and develop the skills they need to find and keep good, well-paying jobs in the trades. To help increase the number of women in the skilled trades, the Women in Construction Fund launched in 2018 with an investment of $10 million over three years. The program builds on existing models that have proven to be effective in attracting women to the trades and includes supports such as mentoring and coaching, and tailored supports that help women to progress through their training and find and retain jobs in the trades. Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Environment and Climate Change |
Implement the Pan-Canadian framework, including targeted federal funding and a flexible national carbon pollution pricing policy. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government is working closely with the provinces and territories, Indigenous Peoples, and Canadians to implement over 50 measures outlined in the Pan-Canadian Framework (PCF) on Clean Growth and Climate Change. Supported by federal investments in Budgets 2016 and 2017, the PCF will decrease emissions and air pollution, advance technology innovation and increase resilience across the broad range of impacts of climate change. The government is working in partnership with the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and the Métis National Council at three separate senior-level tables to engage with First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation in the implementation of the PCF. The Second Annual Synthesis Report on the Status of Implementation of the PCF of December 2018 highlights accomplishments of PCF implementation. Under the pan-Canadian approach to pricing carbon pollution, provinces and territories had the flexibility to implement their own carbon-pollution pricing systems to meet the federal benchmark. The Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act establishes the framework for the federal carbon-pollution pricing system that applies in jurisdictions that request it or that do not have a carbon pollution pricing system in place that meets the federal benchmark stringency requirements. In January 2019, the federal Output Based Pricing System (OBPS) took effect in Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and partially in Saskatchewan and in Yukon and Nunavut in July 2019. The federal fuel charge took effect in Ontario, New Brunswick, Manitoba and Saskatchewan on April 1, 2019, and in Yukon and Nunavut on July 1, 2019. On June 13, 2019, the government announced its intent to apply the federal fuel charge in Alberta, effective January 1, 2020, as a result of the province’s May 30, 2019 repeal of its carbon levy. The federal government will monitor any proposed changes to Alberta’s large industrial emitter system, and will undertake another benchmark assessment once sufficient details about the new system for large emitters are available. All direct proceeds raised from the federal carbon-pollution pricing system will be returned to the jurisdiction of origin, including through Climate Action Incentive payments. The government is seeking views and input from interested stakeholders and the public until August 30, 2019, on the return of OBPS proceeds. Final regulations for the federal carbon pollution pricing system for large industry were released in June 2019, requiring facilities to pay a price on their carbon emissions that exceed a set level and earn credits that they can sell if they pollute less. In December 2018, Canada published two regulations to limit carbon dioxide emissions: one amendment to accelerate the phase-out of coal-fired power by 2030, and the other to set emission performance standards for new natural gas-fired electricity generation and coal boilers converted to run on natural gas. This will significantly improve air quality and the health of Canadians and will reduce Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions by more than 12.8 megatonnes in 2030. Equivalency agreements that would stand down the Reduction of Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Coal-fired Generation of Electricity Regulations have recently been published: one proposed agreement with the province of Nova Scotia (March 2019) and one final agreement with the province of Saskatchewan (May 2019). Once finalized, equivalency agreements will reduce regulatory duplication while providing the same level of environmental protection. Canada is also working on adaptation programs, including those targeting Indigenous Peoples, as well as codes and standards for climate resilience. The government is also making investments of $21.9 billion in green infrastructure and $2 billion for a Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund. The Canadian Centre for Climate Services was launched in October 2018. In the same month, Canada joined the Global Commission on Adaptation, a two-year international initiative to raise the profile of climate change adaptation and advance action by mobilizing global expertise and political leadership. In May 2019, Canada stepped forward to champion the Nature-Based Solutions action track under this initiative. A number of clean energy and energy efficiency programs were funded through Budget 2016 and Budget 2017. The Low Carbon Economy Fund, composed of the Leadership Fund and the Challenge, funds programs and projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while supporting clean growth. The $1.4 billion Leadership Fund supports the leadership commitments from provinces and territories outlined in the PCF. The $500 million Challenge is providing $450 million to eligible projects from applicants such as provinces and territories, municipalities, Indigenous communities and organizations, business and not-for profit organizations via the Champion stream, and $50 million to support smaller communities, small- and medium-sized businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and Indigenous communities and organizations via the Partnership stream. Of the $50 million allocated to the Partnership stream, approximately $10 million is available through a separate intake specifically to help small businesses make investments to improve energy efficiency, reduce pollution and save money. Announced in 2016, the Clean Fuel Standard is being developed to reduce Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) while maintaining Canadian competitiveness through the increased use of lower carbon fuels, energy sources and technologies. Its objective is to achieve annual reductions of 30 megatonnes of GHG emissions by 2030, and is a key part of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change. In June 2019, Environment and Climate Change Canada published a Proposed Regulatory Approach for the treatment of liquid fuels under the Clean Fuel Standard. Stakeholders are invited to provide comments over the summer. The Clean Fuel Standard Regulations, enabled under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, will set separate requirements for liquid, gaseous and solid fuels. A Cost-Benefit Analysis Framework was released in February 2019 to provide information on how the costs and benefits associated with the Clean Fuel Standard will be estimated. The full Cost-Benefit Analysis will be released with the regulations. The Clean Fuel Standard will complement other key Government of Canada climate policies, such as carbon pollution pricing, by reducing greenhouse gas emissions throughout the lifecycle of fuels and by driving investments in cleaner fuels and in clean technology in Canada. The government published the final Regulations Respecting Reductions in the Release of Methane and Certain Volatile Organic Compounds (upstream oil and gas sector) in April 2018. In March 2019, Canada published the draft equivalency agreement that would stand down the federal regulations with the province of British Columbia. Once finalized, this agreement would reduce regulatory duplication while providing the same level of environmental protection. In May 2019, the final Regulations Amending the Heavy-duty Vehicle and Engine Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations were published. A Ministerial interim order to modify the heavy-duty vehicle regulations, to exempt trailers and maintain alignment with U.S. standards, came into force in June 2019, and will expire one year later in June 2020. In August 2018, the government released a discussion paper on the mid-term evaluation of Canada’s GHG emission standards for light-duty vehicles of the 2022 to 2025 model years. This evaluation aims to determine whether the established greenhouse gas emission standards for the 2022 to 2025 model years remain appropriate for Canada. In March 2019, a summary of comments was released in response to the discussion paper on the mid-term evaluation of Canada’s GHG emission standards for light-duty vehicles. The government also launched the Climate Action Fund in August 2018, providing up to $3 million in grants and contributions for projects that increase action and awareness on climate change and climate change initiatives. A Climate Action Map is available which highlights how the government is addressing climate change through investments in communities across the country. The final report of the Just Transition Task Force for Canadian Coal Power Workers and Communities was released in March 2019. The report provides recommendations to assist Canadians and communities affected by the phase-out of traditional coal-fired electricity The Task Force will help lay the foundation for a just transition away from traditional coal electricity, eliminating 12.8 million tonnes of carbon pollution from the atmosphere in 2030. Budget 2019 proposed a $150 million infrastructure fund, starting in 2020-21, to support priority projects and economic diversification in affected communities. In response to the Task Force’s recommendations, Budget 2019:
In March 2019, the Advisory Council on Climate Action submitted an interim report with recommendations to further reduce emissions from the transportation sector, including via support for zero emissions vehicles or plug-in hybrids. The Advisory Council released its final report in May 2019, with recommendations on ways to reduce carbon emissions from the building and transportation sectors. The report identified ways of strengthening market demand for building retrofits, and recommended stronger national action to ensure availability of zero-emission vehicles and encouraging electrification beyond the passenger vehicle sector. The Expert Panel on Sustainable Finance released its final report in June 2019, recommending fifteen opportunities for sustainable growth. Budget 2019 included investments that will make it easier and more affordable for Canadians to choose zero-emission vehicles, including:
Budget 2019 also invested $950 million to increase energy efficiency in residential, commercial and multi-unit buildings through three initiatives:
Budget 2019 provided a further $100 million over four years, starting in 2019, leveraging private sector co-investments, to support the activities of the Clean Resource Innovation Network. Through ground-breaking clean tech and emission-lowering solutions, the Network will support economic growth, will create good, well-paying jobs, and will lead to cleaner energy production from source to end use. On April 9, 2019, the government announced the winning bid to create a new, independent climate institute, the Pan-Canadian Expert Collaboration (PCEC). The not-for-profit institute will generate, communicate and mobilize independent and trusted information, policy, advice, and best practices to Canadians, governments, and stakeholders, supported by credible and inclusive research, analysis, and engagement with experts. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made | Safety and Security |
Ensure the Royal Canadian Navy is able to operate as a true maritime force. |
Actions taken, progress made | Result anticipated: Improved equipment for the men and women in uniform. Click to see more informationThrough the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), the government is renewing Canada's maritime fleet so that vessels are delivered to the Royal Canadian Navy in a timely and affordable manner, all while rebuilding Canada’s shipbuilding industry. In April 2019, a contract of $102 million was awarded to Ocean Industries Inc. for the acquisition of four large naval tugs. These new tugs will provide towing, firefighting and other critical support services to both the Atlantic and Pacific Maritime Forces. In February 2019, a contract for the design of 15 new Canadian Surface Combatants (CSCs) was awarded to Irving Shipbuilding Inc. and subcontracted to Lockheed Martin Canada. The design period is expected to last three to four years, with construction starting in the early-2020s. The initial contract is valued at $185 million and will increase as design work progresses, resulting in significant benefits across the Canadian economy. It is anticipated that the total value of the contract will exceed $1 billion. The Combat Management System Software Support Contract has been awarded directly to Lockheed Martin Canada. In summer 2019, the government awarded contracts to maintain the Halifax-class frigates until CSCs are delivered. Contracts were awarded to Irving Shipbuilding of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Seaspan Victoria Shipyards of Victoria, British Columbia, and Chantier Davie of Levis, Quebec. These contracts will help ensure the Halifax-class frigates remain operationally relevant until delivery of the CSCs. The first Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS), HMCS Harry DeWolf, launched in September 2018 and is expected to be at initial operating capacity in summer 2020. This project will help ensure continued capabilities for the Navy while sustaining hundreds of highly-skilled middle class jobs at Irving shipyards. In May 2019, a steel cutting event was held, marking the commencement of construction of the fourth patrol ship. Construction is underway on the Royal Canadian Navy’s Joint Support Ships (JSS) at Vancouver Shipyards. The NSS is generating significant economic benefits across the country. NSS contracts awarded between 2012 and June 2019 are estimated to contribute $13.0 billion ($1.2 billion annually) to GDP and create or maintain 11,192 jobs in the Canadian economy annually during the period of 2012-2022. NSS shipyards also continue to engage with small- and medium-sized Canadian enterprises by awarding contracts for NSS related projects where applicable. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
46 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Healthy Canadians |
New Health Accord supports the delivery of more and better home care services. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government is improving access to needed care at home and in the community through targeted funding to support provinces and territories for home and community care services. The government is investing $6 billion over 10 years to expand access to home and community care options, and to better support the millions of Canadians who provide informal care to loved ones. Bilateral funding agreements detailing how federal funding will be used have been signed with all provinces and territories. These agreements are posted publicly. The federal government has agreed to an asymmetrical arrangement with Québec, distinct from the Common Statement of Principles. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Healthy Canadians |
New Health Accord advances pan-Canadian collaboration on health innovation. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government is supporting provinces and territories to advance pan-Canadian collaboration on health innovation. In support of health innovation, Budget 2017 confirmed $300 million over five years for Canada Health Infoway to expand e-prescribing and virtual care initiatives. Canada Health Infoway has signed agreements with nine provinces and territories (AB, MB, NB, NS, NL, ON, PE, SK, YK) to collaborate on the implementation of a national e-prescribing service. This service will help reduce the use of paper prescriptions, enhance patient safety, reduce fraud, improve continuity of care, optimize jurisdictional drug information system investments, and facilitate better health outcomes for Canadians. Budget 2017 also committed $53 million over five years, with $15 million per year ongoing, to the Canadian Institute for Health Information. This funding addresses health data gaps, supports improved decision-making and strengthens health system performance reporting. Budget 2017 committed $51 million over three years, starting in 2019, with $17 million ongoing, to the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement to accelerate innovations in all provinces and territories. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
60 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made | Healthy Canadians |
New Health Accord improves access to necessary prescription medications. |
Actions taken, progress made | Result anticipated: Canadians have access to lower cost prescription medications. Click to see more informationIn collaboration with provinces, territories and other partners, the government is enhancing the affordability, accessibility and appropriate use of prescription drugs. The government joined the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance, which leverages combined federal-provincial-territorial purchasing power to make patented prescription drugs cheaper for public plans and generic prescription drug prices lower for all payers. Budget 2017 committed $140.3 million over five years and $18.2 million per year ongoing for Health Canada, the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board and the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health to strengthen capacity to assess therapeutic benefit and value for money of prescription drugs and to implement technology management strategies aimed at ensuring appropriate and efficient use of drugs. As part of Budget 2018, the government created an Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare. The Council’s final report was published on June 12, 2019. The Government of Canada finalized amendments to the Patented Medicines Regulations which are the most significant reforms to the regulations since their introduction in 1987. These amendments will give the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB) the tools necessary to protect Canadians from excessive prices and make patented medicines more affordable for all payers. The amendments were published in Canada Gazette, Part II on August 21, 2019 and will come into force on July 1, 2020. The amendments are expected to save Canadians approximately $13.2 billion over 10 years by lowering the prices of patented medicines and improving affordable access for all Canadians. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
45 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Healthy Canadians |
New Health Accord makes high quality mental health services available. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe government is improving access to needed mental health and addiction care through targeted funding to support provinces and territories for mental health and addiction services. The government is investing $5 billion over 10 years to expand access to mental health and addictions services, including services for young Canadians where early interventions can significantly improve outcomes. Bilateral funding agreements detailing how federal funding will be used have been signed with all provinces and territories. These agreements are posted publicly. The federal government has agreed to an asymmetrical arrangement with Québec, distinct from the Common Statement of Principles. More Information Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
16 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Actions taken, progress made | Strong Middle Class |
Continue to reduce the federal debt-to-Gross Domestic Product ratio. |
Actions taken, progress made | Result anticipated: A federal debt-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio that continues to go down. Click to see more informationThe government is committed to building a strong middle class, making investments that lead to economic growth and reducing Canada’s already low debt-to-GDP ratio. The federal debt-to-GDP ratio fell by 0.8 percentage points in 2017-18 and is expected to continue to fall. The government will maintain this downward debt ratio track, preserving Canada's low-debt advantage for current and future generations. At 3 per cent growth, Canada had the strongest economic growth of all G7 countries in 2017, and was second only to the US in 2018. Today, over one million more Canadians are working compared with November 2015, wages are up, the unemployment rate is at its lowest level in more than 40 years, and Canada is maintaining its low-debt advantage. The government's approach has received praise from organizations including the International Monetary Fund. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
101 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
| Completed / fully met | Government Services and Operations |
Increase the value of the Disability Award. |
Completed / fully met |
Click to see more informationThe Disability Award was increased to a maximum of $360,000 for ill and injured Veterans in recognition of pain and suffering. The award is commensurate with industry benchmarks and indexed to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This provides support to Veterans and their families for an injury or illness resulting from military service. More Information
Mandate letters that include this commitment: |
9999 | Commitment date: Original mandate letters - 2015 |
About results and delivery
The Government of Canada is working to deliver meaningful results for Canadians. Learn more about the results and delivery approach that is helping the Government clarify its broad goals and report transparently on progress.
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