Public Services and Procurement Canada
Gender-based analysis plus

Section 1: Institutional gender-based analysis plus capacity

Governance

Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has a gender-based analysis plus (GBA Plus) responsibility centre situated within its strategic policy unit to provide oversight, direction and promotion of GBA Plus across PSPC.

PSPC’s GBA Plus community of practice supports the consistent, rigorous and robust implementation of GBA Plus across the department's programs and services. The community of practice includes representatives from all of the department's branches and regions. Representatives from the GBA Plus community of practice share information, exchange best practices and meet several times annually to discuss issues related to the implementation of GBA Plus at PSPC.

Capacity

Key developments are reflected in section 2, under each program.

Section 2: Gender and diversity impacts, by program, by core responsibility

PSPC has 5 core responsibilities (including 20 programs) supported by internal services:

Core responsibility: Purchase of goods and services

Procurement program

Program goals

To serve Canadians by effectively supporting the daily operations of the Government of Canada as the government’s central purchasing agent and by ensuring the effective management of the procurement function.

The program integrates GBA Plus considerations in procurement practices to ensure that federal procurement is inclusive by design and accessible by default.

For more information on this program, visit the infographic for Procurement Program on Government of Canada (GC) InfoBase.

Target population

All Canadians.

Specific demographic group outcomes

Suppliers from under-represented or equity-deserving groups in the federal procurement process.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity (2022 to 2023 or most recent)

Increased participation by suppliers from under-represented or equity-deserving groups, namely women, Indigenous persons, Black persons, other visible minorities or racialized persons, persons with disabilities and 2-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual and others (2SLGBTQIA+) persons, in PSPC-led procurement.

Other key program impacts

Integrating GBA Plus considerations in procurement practices is essential to ensure that procurement is inclusive by design and accessible by default. In 2022 to 2023, PSPC continued the implementation of its Supplier Diversity Action Plan, which outlines concrete steps to increase the participation of businesses from under-represented groups in federal procurement. In 2022, PSPC delivered a bootcamp training for procurement officers to increase knowledge and skills of procurement professionals on social procurement.

Over the course of the year, PSPC’s Accessible Procurement Resource Centre (APRC) has worked towards greater integration of accessibility considerations in federal procurement. At the heart of this work is APRC’s establishment of the Agents of Change for Accessible Procurement, an interdepartmental community of practice supporting the scale-up of accessible procurement across the Government of Canada. During 2022 to 2023, the community of practice delivered a series of learning activities to help build awareness and capacity regarding accessible procurement, including the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS) Accessibility Bootcamp.

The department continued delivery of its new training course entitled GBA Plus Approach in Procurement. In this interactive training, procurement officers learn how to apply a GBA Plus approach to procurement using a step-by-step methodology.

PSPC further enhanced the services delivered through Procurement Assistance Canada (PAC) to help under represented groups successfully navigate and participate in federal procurement. For instance, PAC launched a new coaching service that aims to provide assistance to experienced bidders from diverse socio-economic groups who have had limited success in bidding on federal government opportunities, via a series of personalized, one-on-one sessions. Offering even more opportunities for its stakeholders, PAC piloted a “reverse tradeshow” event series, where smaller and diverse suppliers had the opportunity to promote their products and services directly to government buyers.

PSPC also engages with diverse suppliers through numerous direct communication campaigns and fora, such as the Supplier Advisory Committee, as well as regularly collaborates with partner organizations representing various equity-deserving groups. All of these collaborations offer PAC opportunities to disseminate information about its initiatives and services supporting the supplier bidding process.

PAC and partners held Indigenous Business Information Sessions to build awareness of the federal procurement process among Indigenous businesses and communities. Over 800 Indigenous businesses and associations attended these in-person and virtual events held across Canada to learn more about accessing federal procurement opportunities.

In 2022, PSPC commissioned the Social Economy through Inclusion Coalition (SETSI) to conduct several engagement sessions with Black businesses to gauge an understanding of the Black business ecosystem in Canada. PSPC also commissioned BDO Canada to facilitate industry engagements with diverse suppliers, industry associations, social enterprises, and other industry stakeholders to receive feedback on key elements of the Program.

PSPC successfully implemented an Electronic Procurement Solution, which became the default system for goods, services and construction procurement in 2022 to 2023. As part of the department’s commitment to modernize and simplify procurement, PSPC’s EPS provides Canada, PSPC and the overall government procurement function, with a powerful, accessible, and modern, cloud-based procure-to-order solution and supports broader government priorities to simplify procurement processes, grow Canadian businesses, and promote supplier diversity. EPS reduces barriers for under-represented groups in the government procurement process by providing a web based procurement platform aligned with industry standards for accessibility. This web-based platform plays an essential role in promoting social procurement and better position Indigenous businesses and businesses owned and led by under-represented groups to successfully participate, and succeed, in procurement opportunities.

Under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, PSPC held discussions on diversity and inclusion with marine industry stakeholders and departmental partners to identify barriers and common definitions, while sharing best practices with the Marine Industry Advisory Committee Human Resources Working Group. These activities enabled marine industry stakeholders to identify factors that influence how diverse groups of people experience HR-related initiatives, and tailor them to encourage workplace diversity.

Supplementary information sources

Not applicable.

Gender-based analysis plus data collection plan

The Policy on Social Procurement provides PSPC with the authorities necessary to collect personal data, including information on ethnicity, gender and other socio-economic characteristics of bidders and suppliers to develop a baseline to effectively carry out social procurement. In 2022 to 2023, the department made progress in strengthening its data driven culture and created a Centre of Expertise in procurement data analytics with the goal of enabling evidence-based decision-making in procurement policy development and program management.

The EPS project is set to end in June 2023. It is now the main platform used by PSPC to procure goods, services and construction procurement. As part of the department’s commitment to modernize and simplify procurement, EPS provides government with greater capabilities to support, advance and track social procurement initiatives through improved data sets and the ability to embed social procurement requirements into contract requirements. With EPS, PSPC will have the capacity to gather and track data related to social procurement (for example, number of Indigenous suppliers, women-owned businesses) that will help further achieve socio-economic benefits for Canadians as the web-based EPS capabilities reduce barriers to entry for under represented groups.

Core responsibility: Payments and accounting

Cape Breton Operations: Human resources legacy benefits

Program goals

Upon the closure of the Cape Breton Development Corporation, a range of post employment benefits were provided to the displaced workers to assist in their transition from the coal mining industry. These benefits are delivered by the Human Resources Legacy Unit of Cape Breton Operations, which falls under the Atlantic Region of PSPC. The programs include Medical Insurance, Life Insurance, domestic coal program and Workers’ Compensation payments. These programs are based on collective agreements and binding arbitrations so the beneficiaries cannot be altered. Cape Breton Operations (CBO) works closely with local Indigenous groups to seek opportunities for their participation in CBO programs and contracts.

For more information on this program, see the infographic for Cape Breton Operations–Human Resources Legacy Benefits on GC InfoBase.

Target population

This program targets a specific region (Atlantic region, Nova Scotia and specifically, Cape Breton Island) and targets a particular demographic group–lower income males.

Specific demographic group outcomes

This program targets a specific region (Atlantic region, Nova Scotia and specifically, Cape Breton Island) and targets a particular demographic group–lower income males.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity (2022 to 2023 or most recent)

Other key program impacts

The Director of CBO operations meets regularly with Membertou Mi’kmaw Economic Benefits Office (MEBO) to seek opportunities for local Indigenous communities to participate in CBO programs and contracts. Through this relationship, many important accomplishments have been made possible. This relationship has resulted in the hiring of a local Indigenous student who identifies on the Autism spectrum in order to obtain relevant work experience related to his field of study (Finance/Accounting). CBO has formed a close relationship with an Indigenous elder who registered as a vendor with PSPC.

The Atlantic Region has created a new Indigenous coordinator position that is responsible for reviewing and revamping the procurement tools in the region to expand on Indigenous participation. CBO is working closely in the region with this coordinator to ensure CBO procurement processes are aligned to these new procedures.

Supplementary information sources

Nothing to report.

Gender-based analysis plus data collection plan

CBO completed a review of all program spending (what financial resources were spent, through what contracting mechanisms, and to whom the contracts were awarded) and shared this information with the PAC team in Atlantic Region. PAC Atlantic is continuing to analyze the information to identify opportunities to diversify the program’s supply chain. The goal is to increase the number of equity-deserving groups (Indigenous, women, racialized Canadians, including Black Canadians, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+) that could provide services to the operations. The data collected as part of this pilot project and the expected outcomes to increase representation in Government of Canada contracting practices will help address systemic inequalities; not just related to gender but to a variety of identity factors including race, ethnicity, and mental or physical disability.

Federal pay administration

Program goals

The goal of the program is to provide accurate and timely pay to all public servants. PSPC has begun to expand the program’s GBA Plus and related metrics are tracked to ensure that all groups of public servants receive equal service. This GBA Plus focuses specifically on pay processing at the Pay Centre. Generally, the demographics of the queue closely reflect the most recent demographics of the public service.

For more information on this program, see the infographic for Federal Pay Administration on GC InfoBase.

Target population

The target population falls under a particular demographic group. Specifically, approximately 400,000 federal public service employees paid by the Phoenix pay system.

Specific demographic group outcomes

Public servants benefit directly from Federal pay administration.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity (2022 to 2023 or most recent)

Other key program impacts

Not applicable.

Supplementary information sources

Not applicable.

Gender-based analysis plus data collection plan

In 2022 to 2023, PSPC will undertake a refresh and expansion of the GBA Plus of pay administration, which could include the exploration of the demographics of escalation cases, return from leave cases, employees with more than 2 cases, the oldest cases by year, as well as the language profile of the pay-processing workforce.

Federal pension administration

Program goals

The Government of Canada Pension Program administers federal public sector pension plans and benefits for the Government of Canada, serving more than 979,000 active and retired members. Pension administration includes the development and delivery of services, processes and systems, as well as the provision of information to employees and pensioners.

For more information on this program, see the infographic for Federal Pension Administration on GC InfoBase.

Target population

Federal Public Service employees and retired members of the Federal Public Service.

Specific demographic group outcomes

Not applicable.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity (2022 to 2023 or most recent)

Federal pension administration: Key program impacts statistics

No statistics to report.

Other key program impacts

The Government of Canada Pension Program is undertaking web renewal initiatives to expand and upgrade online services and tools. The initiatives include updating the current pension portal for active members and developing a retired member pension portal. These projects will meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1AA requirements. The pension portals will provide members with content that is more accessible to people with disabilities, including visual, auditory, physical, speech, cognitive, language, learning, and neurological disabilities.

Supplementary information sources

Not applicable.

Gender-based analysis plus data collection plan

The Government of Canada Pension Program is collecting data via client service feedback surveys. The Pension Program provides pension services through the Government of Canada Pension Centre and the Pension Program secure employee portal. The client service feedback survey initiative enables the Pension Program to assess member satisfaction regarding these service delivery channels.

Demographic diversity-related data, such as identifying as a member of a visible minority, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+, or Indigenous peoples, is also collected via this initiative. The Pension Program is well-placed to expand capacity to report and identify trends across these diverse population groups, as additional surveys are planned for the near future. The client service feedback data will help guide the evaluation of current services and identify opportunities for improvement and innovation.

Government-wide accounting and reporting

Program goals

The Public Accounts of Canada is the annual financial report to Canadians covering the fiscal year of the Government. The Receiver General, as the Government’s accountant, is responsible for preparing and publishing the report. Sections 63, 64, and 65 of the Financial Administration Act provide the Receiver General with the authority to maintain accounts, to prepare the Public Accounts report and to request financial information from departments and agencies.

The Public Accounts report is prepared based on financial transactions that are maintained by departments and agencies in accordance with the direction of the Receiver General. It provides Parliament with the information that explains the nature and extent of the financial affairs and resources for which the Government is responsible. Parliament uses the Public Accounts to ensure that appropriated funding is spent according to the amounts and the purpose authorized in the Estimates.

For more information on this program, see the infographic for Government-Wide Accounting and Reporting on GC InfoBase.

Target population

Not applicable.

Government-wide accounting and reporting: Distribution of benefits

Not applicable.

Specific demographic group outcomes

Not applicable.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity (2022 to 2023 or most recent)

Government-wide accounting and reporting: Key program impacts statistics

No statistics to report.

Other key program impacts

Not applicable.

Supplementary information sources

Not applicable.

Gender-based analysis plus data collection plan

As part of the provision of its public accounts services and in line with its mandate, the Receiver General does not gather demographic information on individuals.

Payments instead of property taxes to local governments

Program goals

The Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) Program issues payments to taxing authorities under the authority of the Payments in Lieu of Taxes Act. Local governments receive payments in recognition of the services they provide to federal property in their jurisdictions because the Government of Canada is exempt from taxation. The program's objective is to provide fair and equitable administration of payments to taxing authorities on behalf of federal custodian departments and agencies. Taxing authorities manage the payments to fund municipal programs, services and infrastructure.

For more information on this program, see the infographic for Payments Instead of Property Taxes to Local Governments on GC InfoBase.

Target population

Canadian taxing authorities hosting a federal property in their jurisdiction. Taxing authorities include municipalities, school boards, provincial governments, services boards, First Nations bands and any other bodies authorized to levy and collect property taxes in Canada.

Payments instead of property taxes to local governments: Distribution of benefits

Not applicable.

Specific demographic outcomes

Not applicable.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity (2022 to 2023 or most recent)

Payments instead of property taxes to local governments: Key program impacts statistics

Not applicable.

Other key program impacts

Not applicable.

Supplementary information sources

Not applicable.

Gender-based analysis plus data collection plan

Nothing to report. PSPC cannot assess the impact on gender and diversity as PILT payments are made to taxing authorities that manage those payments to fund municipal programs, services and infrastructure.

Payments and revenue collection

Program goals

The Receiver General is a service provider to the Government of Canada departments and agencies that manage the individual programs. Those departments and agencies determine the entitlement of recipients to benefits, or the requirement for Canadians to remit funds to the Government of Canada.

For more information on this program, see the infographic for Payments and Revenue Collection on GC InfoBase.

Target population

Not applicable.

Payments and revenue collection: Distribution of benefits

Not applicable.

Specific demographic group outcomes

Not applicable.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity (2022 to 2023 or most recent)

Payments and revenue collection: Key program impacts statistics

No statistics to report.

Other key program impacts

Not applicable.

Supplementary information sources

Not applicable.

Gender-based analysis plus data collection plan

The Receiver General does not gather demographic information as part of the provision of its payment services. The Receiver General is only responsible for issuing the payments. As such, Receiver General Accounting and Treasury does not have institutional GBA Plus Capacity for the Payments and Revenue Collection business line.

Core responsibility: Property and infrastructure

Cape Breton Operations: Portfolio management

Program goals

Upon the closure of Cape Breton Development Corporation, a diverse property portfolio was transferred to PSPC. While some properties are retained to meet environmental obligations, the majority of properties are considered surplus and are part of a comprehensive divestiture strategy. The environmental obligation is to manage the impacts of 200 years of coal mining. This includes monitoring and treating mine water until the quality is acceptable by regulatory authorities for passive release. The continuous monitoring of subsidence potential and intervening where possible to protect the public from health and safety risks associated with open hole and unstable ground. As well, the obligation includes the monitoring and maintenance of remediated sites to ensure alignment to long term performance requirements. CBO works closely with local Indigenous groups to seek opportunities for their participation in CBO programs and contracts. CBO is also committed to diversifying the team through inclusive hiring practices.

For more information on this program, see the infographic for Cape Breton OperationsPortfolio Management on GC InfoBase.

Target population

This program targets a specific region (Atlantic region, Nova Scotia and specifically Cape Breton Island)

Specific demographic group outcomes

This program targets a specific region (Atlantic region, Nova Scotia and specifically Cape Breton Island).

Key program impacts on gender and diversity (2022 to 2023 or most recent)

Cape Breton Operations: Portfolio management—Key program impacts statistics

Nothing to report.

Other key program impacts

The Director of CBO operations meets regularly with Membertou Mi’kmaw Economic Benefits Office (MEBO) to seek opportunities for local Indigenous communities to participate in CBO programs and contracts. Through this relationship, many important accomplishments have been made possible. CBO has formed a close relationship with an Indigenous elder who registered as a vendor with PSPC. CBO has linked MEBO into PSPC hiring practices: Human Resource representatives from PSPC coordinated a workshop at Cape Breton University on the process of applying for jobs with the Government of Canada and MEBO was in attendance. In addition, with the upcoming disposal of a PSPC office building, CBO coordinated a meeting of PSPC Office Accommodations and Membertou Office Accommodations to discuss the potential of building a new office building in Membertou, which is an Indigenous community.

CBO has been in consultation with the Unamac’ki Institute of Natural Resources (UINR) to develop capacity within the local indigenous community to facilitate participation in the CBO Mine Workings Management Program. CBO has initiated a multi year effort to develop technical capacity within the community and increase participation in line with the capacity growth.

The Atlantic Region has created a new Indigenous coordinator position that is responsible for reviewing and revamping the procurement tools in the region to expand on Indigenous participation. CBO is working closely in the region with this coordinator to ensure CBO procurement processes are aligned to these new procedures.

Supplementary information sources

Nothing to report.

Gender-based analysis plus data collection plan

CBO completed a review of all program spending and shared this information with PAC. PAC Atlantic is continuing to analyze the information to identify opportunities to diversify the program’s supply chain. The goal is to increase the number of equity deserving groups (Indigenous, women, racialized and Black Canadians, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBQTI+) that could provide services to the operations. The data collected as part of this pilot project and the expected outcomes to increase representation in Government of Canada contracting practices will help address systemic inequalities, addressing a variety of identity factors including race, ethnicity, and mental or physical disability.

Federal accommodation and infrastructure

Program goals

The Federal Accommodation and Infrastructure (FAI) Program provides accommodation services to federal organizations through a portfolio of office facilities and commonly used assets, including the stewardship and management of heritage assets. This program includes a diverse portfolio of federal facilities and activities such as the stewardship and management of major engineering assets and wharves; the administration, capital management and leasing services for residential housing units in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut to support the delivery of federal government programs; appraisals for all acquisitions, dispositions and transfers of real estate.

For more information on this program, see the infographic for Federal Accommodation and Infrastructure on GC InfoBase.

Target population

All Canadians.

Specific demographic group outcomes

The program benefits youth in a proportion of 60% to 79%.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity (2022 to 2023 or most recent)

Other key program impacts

For this exercise, regarding the FAI program and data collection strategy, PSPC continues to conduct technical accessibility assessments and has been reporting on the average accessibility score for assets assessed against the CSA 2018 standard to establish a common/consistent benchmark. PSPC also monitors the implementation progress of the Government of Canada Workplace Fit-up Standards for all fit-up projects and the functional direction on all access washrooms delivered through the FAI.

As the government's common service provider for the built environment, removing barriers to accessibility across the real property portfolio has continued to be a leading priority in 2022 to 2023. To advance accessibility guidance in PSPC's area of responsibility, PSPC signed a memorandum of understanding with Accessibility Standards Canada to review existing standards and accessibility guidance for the Government of Canada Workplace Fit-up Standards documents, including the Design Guide and Technical Reference Manual. The aim is to work closely on developing standards and for PSPC to be early adopters of those new standards.

PSPC’s Real Property Services have been making progress in a number of areas, namely:

• completion of 135 technical accessibility assessments of crown-owned and lease to purchase buildings to measure compliance with the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) B651-18 accessibility standard
• striving to meet and exceed more recent standards with 64 additional assessments that are planned by the end of 2023 to 2024
• delivering pilot projects related to touchless elevator access, wayfinding and washroom access through the GOHERE washroom access program, which helps individuals find public washrooms via their smartphone app
• implementing functional direction on all access washrooms, which define requirements for single-stall, fully accessible and gender-inclusive washrooms in crown-owned and lease-to-purchase buildings. To date, 75% of the national crown-owned inventory has at least 1 all access washroom, and 80% of all access washrooms meet signage requirements

PSPC continues to implement initiatives to promote inclusiveness. For example, 2 pilot projects are underway in the National Capital Region to advance the inclusion of gender-inclusive washrooms. In addition, 3 major building retrofits (Ontario and National Capital regions), including gender inclusive washrooms, are underway.

Supplementary information sources

Nothing to report.

Gender-based analysis plus data collection plan

PSPC’s Office of accessibility in the built environment (OABE) supports the implementation of the accessible government built environment initiative. For example, OABE conducts technical accessibility assessments in PSPC Crown-owned real property portfolio to assess and identify improvements to ensure compliance and exceed the latest accessibility standards.

RPS will continue to track and report on accessibility performance with the following indicators:

• total compliance score of PSPC’s owned and lease purchase buildings assessed against the Canadian Standards Association 2018 standard
• percentage of complete Fit-up projects (each year) since 2019 that are compliant with the Government of Canada Workplace Fit-up Standards known as the GCworkplace approach, including accessible and inclusive design
• number of all access washrooms in PSPC Crown-Owned buildings (or percentage of PSPC Crown-owned buildings that have all access washrooms)

Parliament Hill and surroundings

Program goals

PSPC administers the Parliamentary Precinct and Laboratories Canada. A Long Term Vision and Plan has been developed for each of these programs and provides a flexible framework guiding the Government’s efforts to restore and modernize the Parliamentary Precinct and federal science facilities, as well as an established governance structure at the project, program and broader Long Term Vision and Plan levels.

For more information on this program, see the infographic for Parliament Hill and Surroundings on GC InfoBase.

Target population

All Canadians.

Specific demographic group outcomes

A GBA Plus review was conducted for PSPC’s Science and Parliamentary Infrastructure Branch in 2021. The review was positive and concluded that the branch demonstrated a strong commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and incorporating GBA Plus in its activities. Since the assessment was conducted in 2021, the branch has continued to leverage research and consultations with various stakeholders, as well as the review’s findings to improve Equity, Diversity and Inclusion through its internal activities, as well as the Parliamentary Precinct and Laboratories Canada programs. The branch remains committed to creating inclusive built environments and opportunities, and fostering a sense of community for Canadians across the country, including youth, women and Indigenous people.

The Science and Parliamentary Infrastructure Branch appointed a Branch Diversity and Inclusion Champion to promote initiatives, raise awareness and assist with the development of a comprehensive action plan. The champion established a diversity and inclusion working group, which also brings diverse perspectives and ideas on how to successfully support and implement a culture change, while maintaining a healthy work environment for all. It also leverages data and research to support equity, diversity and inclusion to guide both long term vision and plans into the future. The working group is also working to advance the department’s Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan and support diversity and inclusion objectives.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity (2022 to 2023 or most recent)

Other key program impacts

Accessibility in the built environment and Gender-Based Analysis Plus

The Science and Parliamentary Infrastructure Branch aims to achieve universal accessibility excellence through the rehabilitation of the Parliamentary Precinct and federal science facilities. The Science and Parliamentary Branch finalized the Universal Accessibility Strategy and Action Plan for the Precinct in November 2022 and central to that work are the Universal Accessibility Best Practices that have been used for over 2 years, exceeding the current standards of accessibility.

The rehabilitated West Block and Senate of Canada Building include barrier-free access and improved accessibility features. The first phase of the Parliament Welcome Centre offers visitors an improved, barrier-free gateway to the Parliament Buildings. All future rehabilitated assets, such as the Centre Block (currently undergoing rehabilitation), will provide barrier-free paths of travel at minimum to public spaces. Additional barrier-free amenities include: broadcast capabilities that allow for simultaneous translation to English, French and other languages such as Indigenous languages; at least one elevator sized to accommodate a stretcher or a power-assisted wheelchair; voice floor indicators in elevators; braille tactile signage and stairs with contrasting edge strips to aid people with visual impairments; wheelchair accessible and gender neutral washroom; and accessible changing stations, counters, and drinking fountains.

Universal Accessibility remains a foundational pillar for Laboratories Canada with respect to design excellence, pushing the transformational aspect of science infrastructure that promotes open and collaborative spaces to attract and retain diverse scientists. The Laboratories Canada strategy accounts for accessibility and inclusion in the early design and planning stages. By including accessibility as part of the design of science facilities, the Laboratories Canada Long Term Vision and Plan ensures the facilities are accessible, modern, inclusive and collaborative, which will provide significant benefits to diverse groups.

Learning

The Science and Parliamentary Infrastructure Branch continued to leverage the Nookomis Nibi Bijigozi Advisory Circle to bring Indigenous perspectives, voices and reconciliation knowledge forward in the branch. This Advisory Circle has provided insight on work across the branch from engagement strategies for the Laboratories Canada Hubs to leverage for agreements with academic partners. Of note, the branch held a 4-part series of virtual events on the Anishinabe Medicine Wheel, a virtual Métis Nation culture event during National Indigenous History Month, as well as an 2SLGBTQIA+ allyship session for an open and honest conversation about 2SLGBTQIA+ allyship in the workplace. These workshops and speaker sessions are part of our response to call to action 57 (educating public servants) of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Engagement of Indigenous peoples and underrepresented groups

PSPC is leveraging the Long Term Visions and Plans to promote the participation of Indigenous peoples and integrating Indigenous perspectives to ensure that the Parliamentary Precinct is welcoming and representative of Indigenous peoples. PSPC supported Indigenous visioning exercises, including a visioning session to bring Indigenous perspectives to the rehabilitation of Parliament’s Centre Block and the design of the new Parliament Welcome Centre, in collaboration with the Métis National Council and Métis participants. In addition, PSPC supported Canadian Heritage and the National Capital Commission in the site selection process for the Residential Schools National Monument–for which the Survivor-led Steering Committee selected the Parliament’s West Terrace as the preferred site. Moreover, the Science and Parliamentary Infrastructure Branch’s dominion sculptor team is initiating reconciliation efforts to create a more inclusive and representational decorative arts program.

The modernization of the Parliamentary Precinct and the revitalization of federal science infrastructure continue to advance while also creating new opportunities for underrepresented groups. Examples of these efforts include: increasing Indigenous participation through training (apprenticeships) and employment; integrating Indigenous perspectives through visioning sessions; and completing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and Reconciliation Action Plan. The branch also continues to implement Indigenous provisions in the procurement of services for all its major projects as well as looking at ways to increase the number of meaningful economic opportunities for Indigenous business, employment, capacity building and inclusivity, notably through awarding at least 5% of federal contracts to businesses managed and led by Indigenous peoples. For instance, the Architectural and Engineering contract for Laboratories Canada’s Atlantic Science Enterprise Centre included over $60 million in benefits to Indigenous businesses and communities in New Brunswick.

Through the Laboratories Canada Program, PSPC continued to leverage the internal science community to foster a welcoming environment for women, visible minorities and Indigenous peoples in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Activities recognize science accomplishment in Diversity and Inclusion groups, with employees from underrepresented groups encouraged to present their work, discuss cross-disciplinary topics, supporting greater inclusion. PSPC also leverages the Nookomis Nibi Biijigozi Advisory Circle to provide input into Indigenous engagement strategies for the various Laboratories Canada Hubs, advising on language to incorporate into agreements with academic institutions and advising senior management on best practices.

Supplementary information sources

Nothing to report.

Gender-based analysis plus data collection plan

In March 2023, the Office of the Auditor General of Canada tabled its audit report of the Centre Block Rehabilitation Program. While the Centre Block was already guided by a 2017 GBA conducted for the Long Term Vision and Plan, the Auditor General’s report recommended that PSPC conduct a GBA Plus assessment for the Centre Block Rehabilitation Program to further ensure that the public spaces are inclusive and represent the diversity of all peoples in Canada.

In the coming months, PSPC will be conducting a renewed GBA Plus for the Long Term Vision and Plan to address this recommendation. This renewed GBA Plus will be more in depth as it will include specific detailed assessments on each of the major Parliamentary Precinct projects, including the Centre Block Rehabilitation Program. This assessment will build on previous GBA Plus assessments of 2021 and 2017. With this renewed GBA Plus assessment, PSPC plans to measure how the Parliamentary Precinct’s Long Term Vision and Plan is achieving its goals to make the Precinct’s buildings representative, accessible and inclusive to all peoples in Canada, and suggest improvements to ensure these goals are reached, as applicable.

Real Property Services

Program goals

The Real Property Services Program provides real property services (project delivery and property management) to government programs that have custody of real property assets. Client programs are situated in other government departments, as well as within PSPC.

For more information on this program, see the infographic for Real Property Services on GC InfoBase.

Target population

All Canadians.

Specific demographic outcomes

Not applicable.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity (2022 to 2023 or most recent)

Other key program impacts

Not applicable.

Supplementary information sources

Not applicable.

Gender-based analysis plus data collection plan

PSPC will tender the strategic sourcing real property initiatives (i.e. Property Management Services and Integrated Project Services), which include both Indigenous Procurement Plan and Social Procurement Plan requirements and the full suite of accessibility standards. These elements will be evaluated as part of the tendering process and will be mandatory requirements. The resulting contracts will include performance measures to encourage the attainment of these important government objectives. Diversity suppliers were included in pre-tendering communications to promote greater competition and foster the participation of under-represented groups.

In addition to ensuring that new strategic sourcing real property initiatives included accessibility standards and Indigenous and diversity components, PSPC is taking steps to integrate these commitments into existing large contracts.

Core responsibility: Government-wide support

Asset disposal

Program goals

PSPC manages seized assets on behalf of law enforcement organizations, federal departments and agencies, provincial/municipal institutions and foreign governments. Upon conclusion of asset management requirements, assets are either sold or returned to their original owners as per decisions by legal authorities (e.g. courts). GBA Plus data is not collected for this program as it is not relevant to management or disposal of seized property. The program’s mandate is to execute court orders related to seize assets.

GCSurplus is responsible for divesting of surplus moveable assets through transfer, sale, donations and recycling to obtain best overall value for the Crown. GCSurplus also handles sales of surplus controlled and specialized goods. GCSurplus sells assets to the highest bidder through open, transparent public on-line auction.

For more information on this program, see the infographic for Asset Disposal on GC InfoBase.

Target population

All Canadians.

Asset disposal: Distribution of benefits

Not applicable.

Specific demographic outcomes

Not applicable.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity (2022 to 2023 or most recent)

Asset disposal: Key program impacts statistics

No statistics to report.

Other key program impacts

Not applicable.

Supplementary information sources

Not applicable.

Gender-based analysis plus data collection plan

Although gender and sexual orientation data does not inform the identification of the highest bidder, GCSurplus is improving data collection methods about its clientele and continues to identify opportunities to better inform and assess program impacts on diverse communities.

Canadian General Standards Board

Program goals

The conduct of GBA Plus is not required by the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB) as the business line focuses on services in the field of standards development. CGSB administers the standards development process and then publishes National Standards of Canada that are written by technical committees of experts from across the country. National Standards are written largely as product specifications. For example, the chemical components of gasoline, the fire resistance properties of textiles, what chemicals are allowable when growing organic food. These type of documents do not contain gender, sex or income consideration, as they are mostly based on scientific or technical requirements.

For more information on this program, see the infographic for Canadian General Standards Board on GC InfoBase.

Target population

Not applicable.

Canada General Standards Board: Distribution of benefits

Not applicable.

Specific demographic group outcomes

Not applicable.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity (2022 to 2023 or most recent)

Canada General Standards Board: Key program impact statistics

No statistics to report.

Other key program impacts

National Standards that have a greater impact directly on people versus products, such as translation services, personnel certification, and responsible business conduct. Consequently, the National Standards System as a whole (led by the Standards Council of Canada) has been actively working towards how the system can better incorporate gender neutral terminology, involve a more diverse selection of technical committee members, and be inclusive in the overall approach to developing national standards. CGSB is actively participating in these discussions with a goal of implementing best practices but is not required to independently collect data.

Supplementary information sources

Not applicable.

Gender-based analysis plus data collection plan

Not applicable.

Communications services (renamed Information services in 2023 to 2024)

Program goals

The Public Opinion Research and the Advertising services programs provide a pan-governmental service focusing on advisory and technical services for this research to meet established government policies and processes as well as training for such. The responsibility for the conduct of GBA Plus rests with other government departments who plan and implement the advertising or public opinion research.

The Copyright Media Clearance and the Public Opinion Research programs support clients on an ongoing basis to ensure their environmental analysis activities take into consideration a range of elements, including related to GBA Plus. Here too, this data is not collected internally and rests with the clients.

PSPC is also responsible for publishing the Canada Gazette, the official newspaper of the Government of Canada, in which are published new statutes, new and proposed regulations, and various government and public notices. The Canada Gazette provides information about government activities and gives stakeholders the opportunity to comment on proposed regulations.

For more information on this program, see the infographic for Information Services on GC InfoBase.

Target population

Not applicable.

Communication services: Distribution of benefits

Not applicable.

Specific demographic group outcomes

Not applicable.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity (2022 to 2023 or most recent)

Communication services: Key program impacts statistics

No statistics to report.

Other key program impacts

The Canada Gazette does not gather demographic information on individuals. However, the program is currently working with several stakeholders to enhance the accessibility components of its tools and ensuring that the publications on its website are in accessible format.

Supplementary information sources

Not applicable.

Gender-based analysis plus data collection plan

Not applicable.

Document imaging services

Program goals

Document Imaging Services transform government records into useable electronic formats, provide digital mailroom services, make documents accessible, and provide electronic secure storage and retrieval services to other government bodies. Given its business activities, this service does not have a GBA Plus component.

For more information on this program, see the infographic for Document Imaging Services on GC InfoBase.

Target population

Not applicable.

Document imaging services: Distribution of benefits

Not applicable.

Specific demographic group outcomes

Not applicable.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity (2022 to 2023 or most recent)

Document imaging services: Key program impacts statistics

No statistics to report.

Other key program impacts

With regards to accessibility, the Document Images Services has been working in collaboration with Innovative Solutions Canada to develop a cost-effective, industrial conversion platform using machine learning to remediate flat PDFs into a usable format like HTML 5 for use by screen readers. This project is set to be completed within 12 to 24 months.

Supplementary information sources

Not applicable.

Gender-based analysis plus data collection plan

Not applicable.

Government-wide corporate services

Program goals

The Government-wide corporate services program provides federal organizations with high quality, timely and accessible services, tools and systems for travel, information management, human resources, business processes and financial and materiel management. This program allows federal organizations to adopt modern, consolidated systems based on standard business processes which can reduce administrative or back office costs, enhance employee productivity and reduce overall government spending on internal services.

For more information on this program, see the infographic for Government-wide Corporate Services on GC InfoBase.

Target population

The target populations of the program are PSPC employees as well as other federal public servants across the Government of Canada.

Government-wide corporate services: Distribution of benefits

The program has not yet collected data on distribution of benefits.

Specific demographic group outcomes

Nothing to report.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity (2022 to 2023 or most recent)

Government-wide corporate services: Key program impacts statistics

Nothing to report.

Other key program impacts

Nothing to report.

Supplementary information sources

Nothing to report.

Gender-based analysis plus data collection plan

Services under the Government-wide Corporate Services program do not collect sex or gender information as they are primarily digital based services bound by regulations/legislation. Considerations for GBA Plus could be related to accessibility when it comes to user-experience.

Linguistic services

Program goals

Federal organizations have access to high quality linguistic services.

For more information on this program, see the infographic for Linguistic Services on GC InfoBase.

Target population

All Canadians.

The Translation Bureau also provides translation and interpretation services in Indigenous languages, enhancing visibility and supporting the efforts of Indigenous peoples in the reclamation, revitalization, and strengthening of Indigenous languages as a foundation for culture and identity.

Another focal point has been the work of the Translation Bureau in its provision of interpretation services in American Sign Language (ASL) and Langue des signes québécoise (LSQ) at major events organized by the Government of Canada, providing access to information to individuals whose primary language is ASL or LSQ. In addition, the Bureau offers Video Remote Interpretation (VRI) for sign language interpretation services.

Specific demographic group outcomes

Not applicable.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity (2022 to 2023 or most recent)

Linguistic services: Key program impacts statistics

Nothing to report.

Other key program impacts

Not applicable.

Supplementary information sources

Not applicable.

Gender-based analysis plus data collection plan

The Translation Bureau does not collect this type of information. This data is available from PSPC’s Human Resources Branch. Similarly, for the analysis of the Employment Equity representation, the Translation Bureau uses data collected by the Treasury Board Secretariat of Canada.

Security and oversight services

Program goals

Security and Oversight Services support the ethical and secure management of Government of Canada activities. This program is responsible for inspections, investigations and integrity verifications for the department, other government departments and Canadians. It aims at providing high quality programs and services that ensure government operations are carried out securely, with probity and with integrity; and ensures the government does business with ethical suppliers.

For more information on this program, see the infographic for Security and Oversight Services on GC InfoBase.

Target population

The direct target population of the program is suppliers or businesses and corporations that do business with the government.

Security and oversight services: Distribution of benefits

Nothing to report.

Specific demographic group outcomes

The program does not compile data by gender, level of income or age group. The program interacts mostly with entities (businesses and corporations) that the government does business with.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity (2022 to 2023 or most recent)

Security and oversight services: Key program impacts statistics

Nothing to report.

Other key program impacts

Not applicable.

Supplementary information sources

Not applicable.

Gender-based analysis plus data collection plan

The Contract Security service line adheres to requirements under TBS policies and standards and the Program data collection is based on government-wide standardized forms. Any plans for the Contract Security service line to change data collection require engagement with representatives from TBS as they are the current owners of the data collection tools and forms.

Information specifically addressing gender metrics for registered individuals and organizations of the Controlled Goods service line is limited. To address some of the data gaps, the Controlled Goods service line added a non-binary gender category (“Another Gender”) to its Security Assessment Application form in 2022 to 2023. Due to the legacy IT system, specific GBA Plus reports cannot be generated at this time.

Service strategy (renamed Service management in 2023 to 2024)

Program goals

The Service Management Program enables the centralized functions of the department designated service management official to meet the requirements of the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat Policy on Service and Digital. The Service Management Program enables the designated service official to deliver programs of work, and data for departmental service results reporting.

For more information on this program, see the infographic for Service Management on GC InfoBase.

Target population

The target populations of the program are PSPC employees as well as other federal public servants across the Government of Canada.

Service strategy: Distribution of benefits

Gender/sex information is not yet collected for the Service Management Program. There is no data on the distribution of benefits.

Specific demographic group outcomes

Not applicable.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity (2022 to 2023 or most recent)

Service strategy: Key program impacts statistics

Nothing to report.

Other key program impacts

The Service Management Program collects service-specific data for all PSPC service offerings. Enterprise service data may be easily leveraged to track and measure discrete aspects of gender based analysis, both within PSPC operations as well as within the client consultation and feedback context. Ongoing improvement to the service management Programs of Work (under the direction of the PSPC designated service official) offer the opportunity to identify specific GBA Plus metrics for incorporation into annual service management direction setting, and reporting requirements.

Supplementary information sources

Nothing to report.

Gender-based analysis plus data collection plan

This program does not collect sufficient data to enable it to monitor and/or report program impacts by gender and diversity, however this program does collect summary detail at the service-level, tracking completion of GBA Plus assessments (absent process and direction from GBA Plus authority) by individual service line. Proposed program activities include operationalizing the function of ‘service review’ which could, in theory, specify the execution of GBA Plus assessment in a consistent, measurable manner. There are no actions or associated timelines to enable future monitoring or reporting of the program’s impacts by gender and diversity. The program is not currently planning any future GBA Plus monitoring or reporting. This program awaits specific and targeted direction from the PSPC GBA Plus authority to identify means and mechanisms to incorporate departmental process and best-practice.

Core responsibility: Procurement Ombudsman

Procurement Ombudsman

Program goals

The Office of the Procurement Ombudsman (OPO) is a neutral and independent organization of the Government of Canada that works collaboratively with federal departments and Canadian businesses to promote fairness, openness and transparency in federal procurement. OPO delivers on this mandate by connecting stakeholders, investigating complaints, resolving problems, making recommendations and sharing good practices.

OPO is committed to proactively identifying and preventing barriers for employees and Canadians in support of the government’s priority to create a barrier-free Canada by 2040. To support this commitment internally, OPO will survey employees through its annual employee survey seeking their feedback on current barriers. Externally, OPO will update its communication products used for outreach to seek input from stakeholders on barriers that they’ve faced/can identify and will capture this information in the Procurement Ombudsman’s Database (POD). This information was reported on through OPO’s Accessibility Plan that was published in December 2022. Follow-up reports detailing the progress on the commitments made through the Accessibility Plan will be published annually on OPO’s website commencing December 2023.

For more information on this program, see the infographic for Procurement Ombudsman on GC InfoBase.

Target population

Canadian businesses and the federal government.

Specific demographic group outcomes

Not applicable.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity (2022 to 2023 or most recent)

Other key program impacts

Diversifying the federal supply chain summit

The Diversifying the Federal Supply Chain Summit is geared towards under-represented suppliers, such as Indigenous Peoples, 2SLGBTQIA+, racialized people, persons with disabilities, and other minority groups interested in doing business with the federal government. The Summit is designed to increase information sharing regarding federal government programs and tools that support an understanding of the federal procurement process and help suppliers within these groups obtain federal contracts. To date, OPO has hosted 4 summits.

Knowledge deepening and sharing initiative

In 2018 to 2019, OPO launched the Knowledge Deepening and Sharing (KDS) initiative in an effort to better understand and share information on various aspects or issues in the procurement process. These studies are a result of the information that was gathered through monitoring and tracking of procurement trends and issues via environmental scanning. To date, OPO has published 9 KDS studies on its website, which include:

• social procurement practice of using procurement to achieve strategic social, economic, and workforce development objectives
  • the study looked at the success factors for organizations considering social procurement practices
• a follow-up study entitled Social Procurement–Set-aside programs, explored the programs dedicated to increasing procurement opportunities for under-represented and/or diverse and Indigenous suppliers

Supplementary information sources

• OPO’s internal outreach tracker
• OPO’s outreach survey
• OPO’s Annual Report

Gender-based analysis plus data collection plan

OPO did not collect data from its outreach activities with regard to gender and diversity in 2022 to 2023. However, it will implement a survey in 2023 to 2024 to collect this information. OPO’s ongoing commitment to GBA Plus Data Collection includes:

• capturing additional information through the annual outreach calendar such as where outreach activities are being conducted in order to provide additional information on the number of awareness-building activities and engagements per year specifically with businesses owned or led by:
  • Indigenous Peoples
  • Black and racialized Canadians
  • women
  • 2SLGBTQIA+ Canadians
  • other under-represented groups
• seeking feedback from employees through the employee survey pertaining to their accessibility requirements on an annual basis
• seeking feedback from suppliers at Town Hall meetings and Diversity Summits regarding potential barriers they are facing in the areas of GBA Plus and reporting on them annually through the Accessibility Plan
• monitoring GBA Plus in procurement via environmental scanning. OPO tracks this information and reports out on it internally to staff on a semi-annual basis. This information is also collected as a source for producing OPO’s KDS studies which raise awareness on topics and issues relevant to the procurement community