Details on Transfer Payment Programs — Departmental Results Report 2024-25

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• Transfer payment programs with total actual spending of $5 million or more
  • Core responsibility 1
    • Canada Arts Presentation Fund
    • Canada Cultural Spaces Fund
    • Canada Arts Training Fund
    • Canada Cultural Investment Fund
    • Creative Export Canada
    • Harbourfront Centre Funding Program
    • Canada Media Fund
    • Canada Music Fund
    • Canada Book Fund
    • Canada Periodical Fund
    • TV5
    • Digital Citizen Contribution Program
    • Local Journalism Initiative
    • Indigenous Screen Office Program
  • Core responsibility 2
    • Museums Assistance Program
    • Celebration and Commemoration Program
    • Building Communities through Arts and Heritage
  • Core responsibility 3
    • Hosting Program
    • Sport Support Program
    • Athlete Assistance Program
  • Core responsibility 4
    • Community Support, Multiculturalism, and Anti-Racism Initiatives Program
    • Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program
    • Court Challenges Program
    • Indigenous Languages Program
    • Exchanges Canada Program
  • Core responsibility 5
    • Development of Official Languages Communities Program
    • Enhancement of Official Languages Program
• Transfer payment programs with planned spending of less than $5 million
  • Core responsibility 1
    • Glenn Gould Foundation
  • Core responsibility 2
    • State Ceremonial and Protocol (formerly identified as Lieutenant Governors of Canada)
    • Supplementary Retirement Benefits – Former Lieutenant-Governors
    • Payments under Lieutenant-Governors Superannuation Act
    • Canada History Fund
  • Core responsibility 4
    • Youth Take Charge

Transfer payment programs with total actual spending of $5 million or more

Core responsibility 1

Canada Arts Presentation Fund

Start date: 2001–02

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: Annually through Main Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2019–20

Terms and conditions were temporarily modified in 2022–23 due to COVID-19 funding.

Link to departmental result(s): Canadians have access to professional artistic festivals and performing arts series that reflect Canada’s diversity.

Link to the department’s program inventory: Arts: Canada Arts Presentation Fund

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Canada Arts Presentation Fund gives Canadians access to a variety of professional artistic experiences in their communities. It provides financial assistance to Canadian not-for-profit organizations that professionally present arts festivals or performing arts series, as well as their support organizations. The Canada Arts Presentation Fund also supports emerging presenters and presenter support organizations whose activities target equity-deserving groups and underserved communities or under-represented artistic practices. The goal is to allow Canadians from all regions of the country to engage in and value a variety of professional artistic experiences.

This program uses funding from the following transfer payments: Grants under the Canada Arts Presentation Fund and Contributions under the Canada Arts Presentation Fund.

Results achieved: Canadians have access to and experience the work of Canadian artists

• Number of attendees to arts events funded by the Canada Arts Presentation Fund.
  Result: 20,734,134

Findings of audits completed in 2024–25: No internal audits were completed in 2024–25 and no internal audits are currently planned in 2025–26.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024–25: An evaluation of the Canada Arts Presentation Fund 2018-19 to 2022–23 was approved by the Deputy Minister on December 8, 2024.

The evaluation found that the Canada Arts Presentation Fund remains relevant by continuing to meet the financial and professional development needs of the arts presentation sector.

The Program reached most of its expected results in the short, medium and long term. In particular, it contributed to the professional development of arts presenters and to Canadians’ involvement, participation in and appreciation of artistic experiences.

There are some issues with certain expected outcomes and performance indicators that affect results measurement and reporting.

Overall, the Canada Arts Presentation Fund’s delivery is efficient. The Programs’ administrative costs are stable.

In light of the findings and conclusions, the evaluation offers three recommendations to the Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Cultural Affairs:

• Review the Canada Arts Presentation Fund’s priorities and funding strategies to clarify and refocus its intervention, increase equitable access to funding and its capacity to generate sustainable impact in the arts presentation sector.
• In collaboration with the regions and the Centre of Excellence, review the internal mechanisms and processes for analyzing and delivering Canada Arts Presentation Fund’s grants and contributions to continue to alleviate the administrative burden on employees and applicants.
• Improve the performance measurement of the Canada Arts Presentation Fund to support better reporting and decision-making by reviewing and updating its logic model, expected results and indicators.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024–25: In addition to ongoing activities, such as posting current guidelines on the website and guiding applicants by phone, email, and site visits, the Canada Arts Presentation Fund also engaged with program stakeholders throughout the year by attending relevant conferences and showcasing events, and by holding meetings with representatives from the arts presentation community.

Explanation of variances: The program spent $15.5 million more than planned due to new funding of $15.5 million confirmed in Budget 2024 to address the impact of inflation on a program whose level of ongoing funding has been unchanged since 2008.

Canada Cultural Spaces Fund

Start date: 2001–02

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: Annually through Main Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2017-18 Terms and conditions were temporarily modified in 2021–22 and 2022–23 as part of the Recovery and Reopening Fund due to COVID-19.

Link to departmental result(s): Canadians have access to cultural facilities in their communities

Link to the department’s program inventory: Arts: Canada Cultural Spaces Fund

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund seeks to improve the physical conditions for arts- and heritage-related creation, collaboration, presentation, preservation and exhibition. The Program also aims to increase and improve access for Canadians to arts and culture. The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund provides financial assistance in the form of grants and contributions for infrastructure projects for professional, not-for-profit organizations, as well as municipal and provincial/territorial governments/agencies, and Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, or Métis) governing bodies and their agencies that have historically demonstrated their support to professional artistic or heritage activities, including Indigenous cultural practice in their community. The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund achieves these objectives by supporting: the construction and/or renovation of arts and/or heritage facilities; the acquisition of specialized equipment; and the development of feasibility studies for the construction or renovation of arts and/or heritage facilities. The program provides Canadians in all regions, including equity-deserving groups and underserved communities, with access to new or improved cultural facilities in their communities for creation, collaboration, presentation, preservation and exhibition.

This program uses funding from the following transfer payments: Grants under the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund and Contributions under the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund.

Results achieved: Professional arts experiences are available to Canadians in their community (DRF level)

Canadians have access to cultural facilities in their communities (PI level)

• Number of communities with improved cultural facilities
  Result: 76
• Percentage of Canadians with access to new or improved cultural facilities in their community.
  Result: 34%

Findings of audits completed in 2024–25: No internal audits were completed in 2024–25 and no internal audits are currently planned in 2025–26.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024–25: An evaluation of the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund 2018-19 to 2022–23 was approved by the Deputy Minister on November 1, 2024.

The evaluation found that the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund continues to be relevant to Canadians.

Overall, the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund achieved its short- and medium-term expected results and contributed to the achievement of its long-term result during the period covered by the evaluation. The additional funds that the Program received from budgets 2016 and 2017 facilitated the achievement of results. Nonetheless, the Program has ongoing challenges including high demands for funding and achieving results for equity groups and Indigenous communities.

The evaluation concludes that the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund was delivered in an efficient manner. Actual spending aligned with planned budgets for the evaluation period, except for cost overruns resulting from additional funding received to address the COVID-19 pandemic-related issues. The administrative cost ratio is relatively stable and service standards were generally met.

There are certain challenges to efficient program delivery, including a somewhat complicated application process and reporting requirements.

Considering the findings and conclusions presented in this report, the evaluation makes two recommendations to the Senior Assistant Deputy Minister of the Cultural Affairs Sector:

• continue efforts to address barriers faced by equity groups, and Indigenous, rural and remote communities by revising eligibility criteria and definitions, while also enhancing outreach and assistance for these groups and communities.
• ensure that the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund adapts its funding mechanisms and criteria to continue to address the evolving and emerging needs of Canadian communities in terms of cultural spaces, particularly in the context of reduced program resources.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024–25: The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund engaged applicants and recipients through activities such as updating regional investment strategies, interacting with recipients, site visits of funded recipients, meeting potential applicants, maintaining up-to-date guidelines on the Canada.ca website, and attending sectoral conferences. As of 2024–25, all applicants must contact a program representative in their local Canadian Heritage regional office to request an application package. This ensures that an initial interaction takes place in which program staff can communicate program objectives and changes to funding levels.

Explanation of variances: The program spent $6.1 million more than planned for arts and heritage cultural infrastructure projects to support the construction of a Global Sikh Art & Culture Gallery and Program at the Royal Ontario Museum, and the Shaw Festival Theatre’s “All Together Now” Expansion Campaign, which was made possible by transfers from other departmental programs.

Canada Arts Training Fund

Start date: 1997-98

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Annually through Main Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2022–23

Link to departmental result(s): N/A

Link to the department’s program inventory: Arts: Canada Arts Training Fund

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Canada Arts Training Fund contributes to the development of Canadian creators and future cultural leaders of the Canadian arts sector by supporting the training of artists with high potential through institutions that offer training of the highest calibre. It provides financial assistance to Canadian not-for-profit institutions that specialize in delivering focused, intensive and practice-based arts studies. These schools offer professional training at the highest level in disciplines such as dance, theatre, circus arts, visual arts and music (opera, orchestral), etc. It also provides financial support to training in Indigenous and ethnocultural artistic practices. Canadians and the world benefit from high-quality artistic achievements by Canadian artists trained in Canada at institutions funded through the program. This program uses funds from the following transfer payment: Contributions to the Canada Arts Training Fund.

Result achieved: Graduates of arts training institutions have professional careers in Canada and internationally.

• Percentage of arts graduates of institutions supported by the Canada Arts Training Fund that are employed professionally in their field in Canada or abroad.
  Result: 88%

Findings of audits completed in 2024–25: No internal audits were completed in 2024–25 and no internal audits are currently planned in 2025–26.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024–25: No evaluation was completed in 2024–25.

The last Evaluation of the Canada Arts training Fund 2018-19 to 2022–23 was approved on December 19, 2023.

According to the Evaluation Plan 2025–26 to 2029-30, the completion date for the next evaluation is planned for September 2028.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024–25: The Canada Arts Training Fund engages applicants and recipients through activities such as regular communications, site visits of funded training programs and posting current guidelines on the website. As of 2015, applications for funding are submitted through an online system. The program also conducts public opinion research of performing arts employers every four to five years.

Explanation of variances: The program spent $0.3 million less than planned and as a result, transferred to other departmental programs for emerging priorities.

Canada Cultural Investment Fund

Start date: 2001–02

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: Annually through Main Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2022–23

Link to departmental result(s): N/A

Link to the department’s program inventory: Arts: Canada Cultural Investment Fund

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Canada Cultural Investment Fund encourages private sector investment, partnership and sound business practices to help arts and heritage organizations become better rooted and recognized in their communities. This is achieved through three components, as follows: 1) the Endowment Incentives component encourages private donors to contribute to endowment funds for professional arts organizations, so they can access new sources of funding in the future. The component provides matching funds of up to one dollar for every dollar raised from private donors; 2) the Strategic Initiatives component provides financial assistance for projects involving multiple partners that will help arts and heritage organizations improve their business practices and diversify their revenues. By supporting collaborative projects, Strategic Initiatives encourages knowledge and resource sharing, and the strategic use of technologies that will strengthen the business operations of arts and heritage organizations, thereby helping them make stronger contributions to Canadian society and the economy; and 3) the Limited Support to Endangered Arts Organizations component provides financial assistance in rare instances where a professional arts organization faces the prospect of closure but there is a high degree of support for its continuation and a viable business/restructuring plan. Assistance through this component can enable an arts organization to restructure, so it can continue to contribute to the community it is serving. This program uses funding from the following transfer payments: Grants to the Canada Cultural Investment Fund and Contributions to the Canada Cultural Investment Fund.

Result achieved: Arts and heritage organizations demonstrate sound organizational, administrative, and financial health.

• Dollar amount raised through private-sector donations by arts organizations applying to and eligible for Endowment Incentives component.
  Result: $26,183,086

Findings of audits completed in 2024–25: No internal audits were completed in 2024–25 and no internal audits are currently planned in 2025–26.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024–25: No evaluation was completed in 2024–25.

The last Grouped Arts Evaluation: Canada Arts Presentation Fund, Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, and Canada Cultural Investment Fund 2013-14 to 2017-18 was approved on August 20, 2019.

An evaluation of Canada Cultural Investment Fund is currently in approval phase and expecting approval in June 2025.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024–25: The Department engaged applicants and recipients through activities such as meetings with representatives from the arts sector, posting guidelines on the Canada.ca website, and liaising with applicants about component funding requirements.

Explanation of variances: The funding was fully spent as planned.

Creative Export Canada

Start date: 2018

End date: 2026

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: Annually through Main Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2018-19

Link to departmental result(s): Canadian creative industries are successful in the global market.

Link to the department’s program inventory: Cultural Marketplace Framework: Creative Export Canada

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Creative Export Canada program provides visibility and offers funding for projects that help our creative industries s succeed in the global marketplace.

As more and more creative content is made available, Canadian creators and entrepreneurs are eager to stand out and have their works discovered by consumers globally.

This program supports projects that forecast generating export revenues and help Canadian creators expand into new and existing international markets. Due to its competitive nature, it focuses on high-potential projects and encourages partnerships and innovative ideas. This program uses funding from the following transfer payment: Contributions and grants* under the Creative Export Canada program.

*Only under the Export Development Stream

Results achieved: Creative Export Canada – Overall

Increased export revenues through direct support to Canada’s creative industries:

• Number of markets reached
  Result: N/A – The result was not available at the time of tabling this report.
• Growth in export revenues of Canada’s creative industries
  Result: N/A – The result was not available at the time of tabling this report.
• Growth in job creations within Canada’s creative industries
  Result: N/A – The result was not available at the time of tabling this report.

Findings of audits completed in 2024–25: No internal audits were completed in 2024–25 and no internal audits are currently planned in 2025–26.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024–25: No evaluation was completed in 2024–25.

The last Evaluation of the Creative Export Strategy 2018-19 to 2020–21 was approved on January 20, 2023.

According to the Evaluation Plan 2025–26 to 2029-30, no evaluation is currently planned after consideration of risks and needs as part of the department’s risk-based evaluation planning exercise for the 5-year evaluation plan 2025–26 to 2029-30.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024–25: The Department engaged with applicants and recipients in a variety of ways, including:

• at international cultural and/or trade events for the creative industries
• at industry conferences and/or events
• by organizing meetings with industry representatives, as needed
• a quarterly newsletter and/or ad hoc emails to communicate funding program deadlines
• promoting the program through social media
• posting relevant program information and communications online on the program website, such as program guidelines, application forms and success stories
• guiding applicants through the program’s application process, as needed, by email and/or telephone
• providing feedback on unsuccessful applications submitted in the past

Explanation of variances: The program spent $0.1 million less than planned and as a result, transferred to other departmental programs for emerging priorities.

Harbourfront Centre Funding Program

Start date: March 1, 2006

End date: March 31, 2026

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Annually through Main Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2019–20 Terms and conditions were temporarily modified in 2021–22 due to the exceptional increase to capital infrastructure funding.

Link to departmental result(s): N/A

Link to the department’s program inventory: Arts: Harbourfront Centre Funding Program

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Harbourfront Centre Funding Program is a single-recipient program that provides operating funding to the Harbourfront Centre. The Harbourfront Centre creates cultural and artistic events and activities to enliven, educate and entertain the public on Toronto’s waterfront. Its mission is to present, commission and incubate the work of contemporary artists in all disciplines, foster learning and innovation through inter-disciplinary and international artistic exchange, deliver accessible, inspiring, and relevant artistic, cultural, educational, and recreational experiences and steward the transformation of its campus and strengthen Toronto’s identity as an international waterfront city. This program uses funding from the following transfer payment: Contribution to the Harbourfront Centre.

Results achieved: Cultural, recreational and educational programs are organized and delivered at the Harbourfront Centre.

• Number of cultural, recreational and educational events at Harbourfront Centre
  Result: 3,954

Findings of audits completed in 2024–25: No internal audits were completed in 2024–25 and no internal audits are currently planned in 2025–26.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024–25: No evaluation was completed in 2024–25.

The last evaluation of the Harbourfront Centre Funding Program 2018-19 to 2022–23 was approved on October 16, 2023.

According to the Evaluation Plan 2025–26 to 2029-30, the completion date for the next evaluation is planned for June 2028.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024–25: Only one named recipient is eligible for funding from Harbourfront Centre Funding sub-program, the Harbourfront Corporation.

Explanation of variances: The program spent $7.5 million more than planned due to new funding of $5.0 million confirmed in Budget 2024 to support the Harbourfront Centre’s ability to make critical capital repairs. In addition, $2.5 million was received from other departmental programs for emerging priorities to complete urgent capital repairs.

Canada Media Fund

Start date: 2010–11

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Annually through Main Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021–22

Link to departmental result(s):

• Canadians are able to consume Canadian content on multiple platforms.
• Creative industries are successful in the digital economy, foster creativity and contribute to economic growth.
• Creative industries are successful in global markets.

Link to the department’s program inventory: Cultural Industries Support and Development: Canada Media Fund

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Canada Media Fund is funded by the Government of Canada and the cable, satellite distributors and Internet Protocol Television (IPTV). It supports the creation of digital content across multiple platforms such as television, wireless devices or the Internet. The Canada Media Fund focuses investments on the creation of content Canadians want, and harnesses the opportunities provided by new technologies to deliver content to Canadians where and when they want it. Organizations supported by the Canada Media Fund include, but are not limited to, Canadian television and digital media production companies. Canadians as consumers of convergent programs and creators of leading-edge content and applications represent the ultimate target group. Indigenous communities, official-language minority communities and other diverse groups are also targeted by specific funding envelopes. This Program uses funding from the following transfer payment: Contributions under the Canada Media Fund.

Results achieved: Innovative Canadian content and software applications are created for commercial potential or public use.

• Number of innovative Canadian content and software application projects supported by the Canada Media Fund.
  Result: 173

Canadians watch or interact with Canada Media Fund-supported television programs or digital convergent content.

• Number of hours viewed (in millions of hours annually) for Canada Media Fund-funded English-language and digital content television productions.
  Results: N/A - The result was not available at the time of tabling this report.
• Number of hours viewed (in millions of hours annually) for Canada Media Fund-funded French-language television and digital content productions.
  Results: N/A - The result was not available at the time of tabling this report.

Findings of audits completed in 2024–25: No internal audits were completed in 2024–25 and no internal audits are currently planned in 2025–26.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024–25: No evaluation was completed in 2024–25.

The last Evaluation of the Canada Media Fund 2014-15 to 2018-19 was approved on September 28, 2021.

An evaluation for the Canada Media Fund is currently underway According to the Evaluation Plan 2025–26 to 2029-30, the completion date for the next evaluation is planned for June 2026.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024–25: The Canada Media Fund corporation is required to conduct ongoing, meaningful and inclusive consultations with industry stakeholders and the public. It holds annual Fall industry consultations typically in the form of a series of online outreach sessions to present industry issues and possible policy changes to the budget, guidelines and program for the following year. These consultations also allow the Canada Media Fund to solicit stakeholder views and priorities to improve its programs and foster its modernization. In addition, throughout the year, the Canada Media Fund holds formal and informal webcasts and consultations on key issues. For example, changes to its program guidelines, geared towards funding applicants and organizations.

Explanation of variances: The program spent $75.2 million more than planned due to funding of $42.5 million confirmed in Budget 2018 to compensate for the decline in funds from Canada’s Broadcasting Distribution Undertakings and new funding of $20.0 million received from Budget 2024 for the targeting of traditionally underrepresented voices and French-language audiovisual content. In addition, as confirmed in Budget 2024, the program received new funding of $10.0 million to support public interest programming services and $2.4 million to implement initiatives contributing to the Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate for the Changing Narratives Fund. An additional $0.3 million was received from other departmental program for emerging priorities.

Canada Music Fund

Start date: 2001–02

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: Annually through Main Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021–22

Link to departmental result(s):

• Creative industries are successful in the digital economy, foster creativity and contribute to economic growth.
• Canadians are able to consume Canadian content on multiple platforms.
• Creative industries are successful in global markets.

Link to the department’s program inventory: Cultural Industries Support and Development: Canada Music Fund

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Canada Music Fund aims to foster an environment where a diversity of Canadian music artists connects with audiences everywhere by enhancing the career development of Canadian artists, the promotion of their music and the overall competitiveness of the Canadian independent music sector at home, abroad and on digital platforms. The program achieves its objectives through contributions in support of the production and marketing of a wide range of music by new, emerging and established Canadian music artists, including national and international touring and showcasing activities, digital distribution, artist and business development, music publishing, music management, award shows and professional conferences.

This support is delivered through the following components:

1. Individual Initiatives: Helps ensure that diverse Canadian musical works are created and promoted by supporting activities of Canadian music artists and entrepreneurs ranging from sound recording production/marketing, music publishing, artist management, live performances and business development initiatives that are central to Canadian artist development, promotion and audience building.
2. Collective Initiatives: Helps Canadian artists and music entrepreneurs to gain a greater profile at home and abroad, increase artistic and business skills and build export-readiness and competitiveness. It supports music conferences, awards shows, showcasing, export missions, digital market development initiatives, industry research and intensive skills development.

This Program uses funding from the following transfer payments: Contributions under the Canada Music Fund.

Results achieved:

1. A broad range of Canadian music is consumed in Canada and abroad.
   • Market share of Canadian artists on the top 10,000 domestic streaming chart.
     Result: N/A – The result was not available at the time of tabling this report.
2. Canadian music supported by the Canada Music Fund is consumed in Canada and abroad.
   • Market share of Canada Music Fund-supported artists on the top 10,000 domestic streaming chart.
     Result: 4%

Findings of audits completed in 2024–25: No internal audits were completed in 2024–25 and no internal audits are currently planned in 2025–26.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024–25: An evaluation of the Canada Music Fund 2018-19 to 2022–23 was approved by the Deputy Minister on August 8, 2024.

The Canada Music Fund was modernized in 2020 to better address the needs of the industry and support its transformation.

The evaluation shows that the Canada Music Fund is partially achieving its expected outcomes. Investments made by entrepreneurs funded through Canada Music Fund in Canadian artists have increased, and development opportunities have been made available to Canadian artists. Canadian music funded by the program’s contributions was consumed in Canada and, to a lesser extent, abroad.

Following its modernization, the Canada Music Fund has been implemented efficiently. The program’s operating costs have been reduced, and FACTOR and Musicaction are generally meeting the Canada Music Fund’s expectations.

However, some challenges remain. The data collection strategy between the program and the organizations that reallocate its funding has some gaps that limit the assessment of its effectiveness and the program’s capacity to make timely decisions.

FACTOR and Musicaction’s funding application and reporting processes are administratively burdensome, particularly for emerging and self-producing artists.

In light of the findings and conclusions, and while respecting the nature of a further distribution model the evaluation offers 3 recommendations to the Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Cultural Affairs:

• encourage FACTOR and Musicaction to engage with the ultimate recipients targeted by the Canada Music Fund, particularly those from equity groups, or who are self-producing or emerging, to better understand their needs and improve services.
• encourage FACTOR and Musicaction to review and simplify their application and reporting processes.
• review the Canada Music Fund’s performance measurement and data collection strategy with FACTOR and Musicaction to ensure inclusion of all activities.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024–25:

• As Initial Recipients of the Canada Music Fund under the further distribution model, FACTOR and Musicaction provide a single window access to funding in each linguistic market – FACTOR in the anglophone market and Musicaction in the Francophone market.
• FACTOR and Musicaction are required to solicit applications from all regions of Canada, including from Official Language Minority Communities and Indigenous communities.
• FACTOR and Musicaction communicate with their respective potential and current recipients in various ways, including posting the changes to programs on their websites, application guidelines and forms, and deadlines to submit funding applications. They also guide applicants and recipients by phone and email.
• The Department, as well as the Initial Recipients, engage with program stakeholders throughout the year by attending industry conferences and holding meetings with industry representatives.
• The Canada Music Fund’s latest evaluation, published in December 2024, found that FACTOR and Musicaction largely meet the Fund’s expectations, and that the majority of ultimate recipients are satisfied. The evaluation recommended that Initial Recipients engage further with Ultimate Recipients, particularly those from equity-deserving groups, or who are self-producing or emerging, to better understand their needs and improve services. The Initial Recipients will provide the Department with an engagement strategy and report on actions resulting from the engagement.

Explanation of variances: The program spent $16.2 million more than planned due to new funding of $15.6 million confirmed in Budget 2024 to maintain its current levels of support to the Canadian music industry and continue to enable Canadian artists to succeed at home and abroad, including those from equity-deserving groups. In addition, $0.6 million was received from other departmental programs for emerging priorities.

Canada Book Fund

Start date: 2010–11

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: Annually through Main Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021–22

Link to departmental result(s):

• Creative industries are successful in the digital economy, foster creativity and contribute to economic growth.
• Canadians are able to consume Canadian content on multiple platforms.
• Creative industries are successful in global markets.

Link to the department’s program inventory: Cultural Industries Support and Development: Canada Book Fund

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Canada Book Fund supports the activities of Canadian book publishers and other sectors of the book industry to ensure access to a broad range of Canadian-authored books. This support is delivered through the following streams of funding:

1. Support for Publishers, which provides funding distributed primarily through a formula that rewards success in delivering content that Canadians value. This funding contributes to the ongoing production and marketing of Canadian-authored books by offsetting the high costs of publishing in Canada and building the capacity and competitiveness of the sector.
2. Support for Organizations, which provides funding to develop the Canadian book industry and the market for its products by assisting industry associations and related organizations to undertake collective projects offering broad benefits to the industry and, ultimately, to readers everywhere.

This Program uses funding from the following transfer payments: Grants under the Canada Book Fund and Contributions under the Canada Book Fund.

Results achieved:

1. Readers everywhere have access to a broad range of Canadian-authored books.
   • Number of new Canadian-authored titles published by recipients.
     Result: 6,094
2. Readers everywhere consume a broad range of Canadian-authored books.
   • Domestic and export sales ($) of Canadian-authored books published by recipients.
     Result: $387 million

Findings of audits completed in 2024–25: No internal audits were completed in 2024–25 and no internal audits are currently planned in 2025–26.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024–25: An evaluation of the Canada Book Fund 2018-19 to 2022–23 was approved by the Deputy Minister on November 1, 2024.

Federal investment is needed to help Canadian-owned publishers remain competitive while adapting to industry changes, including technology advancements and market shifts as well as rising production and distribution costs and inflation.

The Canada Book Fund generally met its immediate and intermediate expected outcomes over the evaluation period. Annually, the Canada Book Fund helped to publish around 6,500 new Canadian-authored titles in both print and digital formats. It supported a wide variety of Canadian publishers (260 yearly), enabling them to publish a diverse range of Canadian-authored books in English, French, and other languages, as well as across multiple genres and formats. Marketing projects funded by the Canada Book Fund, which included participation in book fairs, boosted demand for these books both domestically and internationally. The program supported technological advancements that improve industry intelligence.

The temporary initiatives, Support for Booksellers and Accessible Digital Books also made progress towards their objectives.

The Canada Book Fund is well managed, with actual spending aligning with planned budgets, a relatively low administrative cost ratio, and the achievement of most service standards. The program efficiently delivered COVID-19 supplementary funding without incurring additional operating costs.

There are some weaknesses in the application and reporting processes; the project-based delivery model for the Support for Organizations component results in a high volume of applications, which leads to longer decision times. In addition, the Support for Publishers eligibility criteria may pose barriers to the program being inclusive of smaller publishers and those from equity communities.

Based on the findings and conclusions, this evaluation offers the following three recommendations to the Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Cultural Affairs Sector:

• further improve program design and delivery by reviewing application and reporting processes and ensuring the Canada Book Fund better responds to the evolving needs of the industry.
• better define how the Canada Book Fund will address barriers and further support members of Indigenous, equity and official language minority groups within existing resources.
• make improvements to the performance measurement of the program to support ongoing decision-making and reporting on results.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024–25: When the program application guide for each funding stream or component is released, the Department communicates with potential applicants and past recipients in the following ways:

• Posting application information on the program website.
• Emailing potential applicants to (a) notify them that application forms and other related documents are available and (b) inform them about key program changes.
• Sending a reminder email shortly in advance of the funding application deadline.

The Department also engages with stakeholders throughout the year in the following ways:

• Guiding applicants by phone and email (a toll-free phone number and a program email address are made available to program applicants and recipients);
• Holding ad hoc meetings with recipients and potential applicants;
• Attending industry events to improve the visibility and understanding of the program.

Explanation of variances: The program spent $3.3 million more than planned due to new funding of $3.4 million confirmed in Budget 2024 to supplement the program’s ongoing appropriations to relieve pressure on the core budget due to the impact of inflation and program oversubscription, while also investing in key government priorities. In the end, $0.1 million was transferred to other departmental programs for emerging priorities.

Canada Periodical Fund

Start date: 2010–11

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: Annually through Main Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2022–23

Link to departmental result(s):

• Creative industries are successful in the digital economy, foster creativity and contribute to economic growth.
• Canadians are able to consume Canadian content on multiple platforms.

Link to the department’s program inventory: Cultural Industries Support and Development: Canada Periodical Fund

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Canada Periodical Fund supports the activities of Canadian paid and free magazine and community newspaper publishers and organizations to ensure that Canadians have access to diverse Canadian magazines and community newspapers.

The Fund is delivered through the following components:

1. Aid to Publishers: provides formula funding to Canadian paid print magazines and community newspapers to support publishing activities, such as distribution, content creation, online activities and business development
2. Business Innovation: provides funding to print magazines and digital periodicals for business development and innovation projects
3. Collective Initiatives: provides funding to Canadian magazines and community newspaper organizations for industry-wide projects to increase the overall sustainability of the Canadian magazine and non-daily newspaper industries.
4. Special Measures for Journalism: A temporary component running from 2022–23 to 2024–25 directed at free print and digital magazines and community newspapers, as well as low circulation paid periodicals.

This Program uses funding from the following transfer payments: Grants under the Canada Periodical Fund and Contributions under the Canada Periodical Fund.

Results achieved:

1. A range of Canadian periodicals supported by the Canada Periodical Fund is produced.
   • Number of funded titles published by Canada Periodical Fund recipients.
     Result: 1,364
2. Canadian periodicals supported by the Canada Periodical Fund are accessed by Canadian readers.
   • Number of copies, in millions, of funded titles distributed to Canadians per year.
     Result: Approximately 73,202,583 print copies

Findings of audits completed in 2024–25: No audits completed in 2024–2025. An audit is underway with an expected completion date of April 2025.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024–25: No evaluation was completed in 2024–25.

The last Evaluation of the Canada Periodical Fund for the period 2015-16 to 2019–20 was approved on January 9, 2022.

According to the Evaluation Plan 2025–26 to 2029-30, the completion date for the next evaluation is planned for November 2026.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024–25: When the program application guide for each funding stream is released, the Department communicates with potential and past recipients in the following ways:

• Posting application information on the program website;
• Emailing potential applicants and past recipients and organizations to (a) notify them that application documents are available and (b) inform them about key program changes;
• Sending reminder emails in advance of the funding application deadline;
• Engaging with industry organizations so that they share program information with their members.

The Department also engages with program stakeholders throughout the year in the following ways:

• Guiding applicants by phone and email (including via the toll-free phone number and program email address, both of which are available to applicants and recipients);
• Holding ad hoc meetings with stakeholders;
• Attending industry events to improve the visibility and understanding of the program;
• Updating the Canada Periodical Fund website with program information.

Explanation of variances: The program spent $0.5 million less than planned and as a result, transferred funds to other departmental programs to support emerging priorities.

TV5

Start date: 1990-91

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: Annually through Main Estimates.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2023–24

Link to departmental result(s): Creative industries are successful in global markets.

Link to the department’s program inventory: Cultural Industries Support and Development: TV5

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: TV5 supports the international TV5 partnership with France, Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, Switzerland, Quebec, Canada, and the Principality of Monaco, who joined in 2022.

TV5 enables Canadian productions to be broadcast around the world through TV5MONDE. Moreover, through TV5 Québec Canada, it provides Canadians with access to a rich diversity of programming from the international Francophonie.

The additional investment to the Program announced in 2019 was initially aimed at the creation, development and launch of a Francophone digital platform with TV5MONDE public broadcasters will provide an opportunity to increase its goals regarding the online presence and visibility of French-language content and the “discoverability” of Francophone Canadian content on the international stage.

This Program uses funding from the following transfer payments: Grant to TV5MONDE and Contribution to TV5 Québec Canada.

Results achieved:

1. Canadian content is part of TV5MONDE’s international programming.
   • Percentage of Canadian content broadcast on TV5MONDE.
     Result: 11.77%
2. Canadians have access to the diversity of the international Francophonie through TV5 Québec Canada.
   • Number, in millions, of Canadian households with access to TV5 Québec Canada.
     Result: N/A - Annual reports are expected in October 2025.
   • Maximum percentage of TV5 Québec Canada programming originating from the international Francophonie (except Canada).
     Result: N/A - Annual reports are expected in October 2025.
3. French-language content, including Canadian content, is available on the TV5MONDEplus
   • Number of hours of content available.
     Result: 6,534 Hours available
   • Number of hours of French-language Canadian content in the TV5MONDEplus catalogue
     Result: N/A - Annual reports are expected in October 2025.
   • Number of countries in which TV5MONDEplus is available
     Result: 216 countries outside Canada, China and the Netherlands (in 2024)
4. TV5MONDEplus contributes to the outreach of the Canadian Francophonie in the world.
   • Canadian content viewed as a percentage of all viewings on TV5MONDEplus.
     Result: N/A - Annual reports are expected in October 2025.
5. TV5MONDEplus contributes to the outreach of the Canadian and the international Francophonie.
   • Number of unique monthly users of TV5MONDEplus.
     Result: 2.3 million (in 2024)
6. TV5MONDEplus offers additional economic opportunities to creators and producers in Canada.
   • Number of French-language Canadian programs purchased for broadcast on TV5MONDEplus.
     Result: N/A - Annual reports are expected in October 2025.

Findings of audits completed in 2024–25: No internal audits were completed in 2024–25 and no internal audits are currently planned in 2025–26.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024–25: No evaluation was completed in 2024–25.

The last Evaluation of the funding allocated by the Department of Canadian Heritage to the TV5 Program for the period 2011-12 to 2016-17 was approved on October 29, 2019.

An evaluation of the funding allocated by the Department of Canadian Heritage to the TV5 Program for the period 2017-18 to 2023–24 is currently underway and expecting approval in May 2025.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024–25: Only two named recipients are eligible for funding from TV5 Program, TV5MONDE and TV5 Québec Canada.

Explanation of variances: The program exceeded its budget by $0.1 million as a result of a decline in the value of the Canadian dollar.

Digital Citizen Contribution Program

Start date: May 30, 2019

End date: March 31, 2025

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Annually through Main Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2019–20

Link to departmental result(s): Canadians have access to a more safe, diverse and secure digital environment and are resilient to disinformation

Link to the department’s program inventory: Cultural Marketplace Framework

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Digital Citizen Contribution Program will support the priorities of the Digital Citizen Initiative by providing time-limited financial assistance to research and programming across Canada in order to enhance and/or support countering online disinformation and other online harms and threats to our country’s democracy and social cohesion. The Digital Citizen Contribution Program will include opportunities for local communities, organizations, and academics to obtain funds for new and existing related initiatives.

The objective of the Digital Citizen Contribution Program is to enhance cooperation and innovation in research and programming by:

• Enhancing research capacity to support policy development, programming and engagement activities in the countering online disinformation and other online harms and threats to our country’s democracy and social cohesion space;
• Supporting evidence-based models and promising practices which address known risk and help to develop the tools and skills necessary to better equip Canadians in the face of online disinformation and other online harms and threats to our country’s democracy and social cohesion;
• Building capacity to address online disinformation, other online harms, and threats to our country’s democracy and social cohesion through expert knowledge, enhanced cooperation and knowledge transfer to key stakeholders; and
• Empowering the academic community, as well as Canadians to take steps to mitigate against the potential impact of online disinformation, other online harms, and threats to our country’s democracy and social cohesion.

Expected results: short-, medium-, long-term

Short-term Results

• Canadians’ awareness of digital media literacy is increased through events and products.
  • Indicator: % of participants at funded events that indicate having increased awareness as a result of the events
    Result: N/A - The final report is expected to be available in winter 2026
• Researchers are better connected and have access to information on how online disinformation affects Canadians.
  • Indicator: Number of research and/or data collection products produced by funding recipients related to online disinformation accessible to researchers available via a Government of Canada website
    Result: N/A - The final report is expected to be available in winter 2026.

Medium-term Results

• Participants are satisfied with citizen-focused activities.
  • Indicator: % of participants satisfied with citizen-focused activities
    Result: N/A - The final report is expected to be available in winter 2026
• Research on online disinformation is made publicly accessible to Canadians and is relevant to government research needs.
  • Indicator: Number of new research products on the scope and impact of online disinformation in the Canadian context produced by recipients with DCI funding made publicly available
    Result: N/A - The final report is expected to be available in winter 2026.

Long-term Results

• Canadians and the Government are better equipped to counter the effects of online disinformation.
  • Indicator: Number of new research projects produced by recipients showing the reach and impact of online disinformation on Canadians and available to inform government policy.
    Result: N/A - The final report is expected to be available in winter 2026.

Findings of audits completed in 2024–25: No internal audits were completed in 2024–25 and no internal audits are currently planned in 2025–26.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024–25: No evaluation was completed in 2024–25.

The last Evaluation of the Digital Citizen Initiative 2018-19 to 2020–21 was approved on June 9, 2023.

According to the Evaluation Plan 2025–26 to 2029-30, no evaluation is currently planned based on the consideration of risks and needs outlined as part of the department’s risk-based evaluation planning exercise for the 5-year evaluation plan 2025–26 to 2029-30.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024–25:

• The Digital Citizen Initiative team held one knowledge mobilization activity with recipients and key stakeholder organizations. This activity allowed the program to consult with applicants, recipients, and other funding organizations in order to identify potential improvements to the program design and process.
• The program also created an email list containing all applicants and recipients that will be used to solicit feedback on the program process.

Explanation of variances: The program spent $0.3 million more than planned due to a transfer of $0.4 million from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.

Local Journalism Initiative

Start date: 2019–20

End date: 2024–25

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Annually through Main Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2019–20

Link to departmental result(s)

1. Creative industries are successful in the digital economy, foster creativity and contribute to economic growth.
2. Canadians are able to consume Canadian content on multiple platforms.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Cultural Industries Support and Development: Local Journalism Initiative

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Local Journalism Initiative supports the creation of original civic journalism that covers the diverse needs of underserved communities across Canada.

Funding is available to eligible Canadian media organizations to hire journalists or pay freelance journalists to produce civic journalism for underserved communities.

To protect the independence of the press, not-for-profit organizations representing different segments of the news industry have been mandated to administer the initiative. These organizations will redistribute funding to media outlets charged with directly addressing coverage gaps through the hiring, freelancing and/or retention of journalists.

Results achieved: immediate, intermediate and ultimate

Immediate outcome

Increased access to news in underserved communities.

• Number of journalists newly hired or retained by news organizations as part of the Initiative
  Result: It is expected that the Local Journalism Initiative support resulted in the hiring of approximately 350 full-time equivalent journalists in 2024–25.

Maintenance of the plurality of the perspectives in the Canadian media ecosystem.

• Funding earmarked for coverage of underrepresented groups in the media (e.g., Indigenous, ethnocultural, official language minority and 2SLGBTQI+ communities)
  Result: The Local Journalism Initiative provided support for the creation of original civic journalism to address the diverse needs of underserved communities across Canada throughout 2024–25, making news more accessible in areas of news poverty and improving coverage of underrepresented groups.

Intermediate outcome

Increased availability of local news in underserved communities.

• Number of underserved communities, geographic or cultural with news coverage as part of the Initiative
  Result: N/A - Annual reports are expected in September 2025

Ultimate outcome

Maintain journalistic capacity in Canada

• Number of journalists employed in Canada:
  Result: In 2024-25, the Local Journalism Initiative funded journalists collectively provided journalistic coverage for over a thousand underserved geographic or cultural communities.

Findings of audits completed in 2024–25: No internal audits were completed in 2024–25 and no internal audits are currently planned in 2025–26.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024–25: An Evaluation of the Local Journalism Initiative 2019–20 to 2021–22 was approved by the Deputy Minister on April 26, 2024.

The evaluation found that the Program has been responsive to current and changing needs facing local journalism in Canada.

However, there are gaps in local news coverage in communities across Canada, a trend that has worsened over time. With the rise of new digital technologies and technological platforms, Canadians consume news differently in a context of growing misinformation and disinformation online. The Program is helping to alleviate some of the challenges in the industry, including the large decline in local news organizations, financial difficulties, and the shortage of qualified journalists in rural and remote areas.

Early results demonstrate that the Initiative has been effective in creating local news and civic journalistic capacity in established news organizations; making news available and increasing access to local news in some underserved communities, mostly in news poverty areas; and improving the coverage of underrepresented groups.

Overall, its delivery appears efficient with a further funding distribution model that is well designed to maintain the independence of the press.

Based on the findings and conclusions, the evaluation has made three recommendations to the Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Cultural Affairs Sector:

1. work towards reducing key barriers in the Initiative’s reach, including reach and impacts in news deserts and Indigenous communities, and should:
   • clarify eligibility of funding for news organization start-ups;
   • strengthen the ability of the Local Journalism Initiative to support journalist recruitment and retention; and
   • increase support for local digital news organizations.
2. reduce challenges in the Local Journalism Initiative delivery model by:
   • further examining the composition of Administrator Organizations; and
   • strengthening capacity and consistency of Administrator Organizations, particularly related to the transparency of funding decisions and content on portals.
3. improve Canadian Heritage’s accountability in monitoring, oversight and reporting of the Local Journalism Initiative, which uses a further distribution funding model, by ensuring:
   • a clearer performance measurement strategy that better reflects the theory of change and information needs; and
   • consistent data collection and reporting across all Administrator Organizations to be in compliance with the Department’s reporting requirements.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024–25: The Local Journalism Initiative is delivered by delivery partners or Initial Recipients who collectively represent most of the news industry sector. As such, the Initial Recipients are well positioned to receive industry input and provide feedback to the Department to inform program delivery. The Department further gathers input from stakeholders throughout the fiscal year by receiving suggestions and concerns submitted directly to the program. Where possible and aligned with policy objectives, these suggestions are incorporated in agreements with Initial Recipients or shared as best practices. Furthermore, to promote consistent program delivery and address common challenges, the Department conducts operational meetings with Initial Recipients to foster open communication and a collaborative approach when resolving program-related issues.

Explanation of variances: The program spent $19.0 million more than planned due to new funding of $19.6 million confirmed in Budget 2024 to extend the Local Journalism Initiative. In addition, $0.1 million was transferred to other departmental programs for emerging priorities and the remaining $0.5 million was lapsed by the program.

Indigenous Screen Office Program

Start date: June 30, 2021

End date: March 31, 2024

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Annually through Main Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021–22

Link to departmental result(s):

1. Creative industries are successful in the digital economy, foster creativity and contribute to economic growth.
2. Canadians are able to consume Canadian content on multiple platforms.
3. Creative industries are successful in global markets.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Cultural Industries Support and Development: Indigenous Screen Office Program

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Indigenous Screen Office Program is a contribution program that funds Indigenous audiovisual projects in any format for distribution on any platform to promote Indigenous narrative sovereignty and the revitalization of Indigenous languages and cultures. The Indigenous Screen Office Program is delivered by the Indigenous Screen Office, an independent Indigenous-led organization. As an Indigenous-led funder, the Indigenous Screen Office reinforces the Government’s commitment to reconciliation by advancing Indigenous narrative sovereignty and contributes to ending violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people by supporting the creation of authentic stories by and about Indigenous peoples in Canada.

The Indigenous Screen Office Program is a component of the Government’s Federal Pathway to the National Action Plan developed in response to the Calls for Justice from the Final Report into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The Indigenous Screen Office Program responds to Calls for Justice 2.7 and 6.1 by creating equitable access to funding for the creation of audiovisual products by Indigenous peoples, including women and 2SLGBTQI+ people. The Indigenous Screen Office Program does not have repayable contributions.

Results achieved: immediate, intermediate and ultimate

Immediate outcome

• Diverse Canadian cultural content is created, developed, accessed and consumed at home and abroad
  • Number of Indigenous audiovisual stories in development
    Result: 49
  • Number of Indigenous audiovisual stories in production
    Result: 27
• Indigenous creators in Canada are able to create stories using Indigenous languages for audiovisual platforms
  • Number of Indigenous audiovisual stories using Indigenous languages in production supported per year through the Indigenous Screen Office Program
    Result: 89

Intermediate outcome

• The Indigenous Screen Office Program provides opportunities for Indigenous creators to develop their skills and/or professional networks to facilitate sectoral growth
  • Number of industry partnerships that support sector-relevant events, training or research projects
    Result: 7
• Gaps in skills within the Indigenous audiovisual sector are identified and addressed
  • Number of sector development research reports supported
    Result: There were no sector development research reports conducted for 2024–25.
• Gaps in skills within the Indigenous audiovisual sector are addressed by the Indigenous Screen Office through sector development activities
  • Number of sector development activities supported by the ISO through Indigenous Screen Office Program funding per year, such as research, mentoring and industry partnerships
    Result: 19

Ultimate outcome

• Indigenous creators in Canada have greater narrative sovereignty over developing their own stories
  • Number of audiovisual stories in development funded through the Indigenous Screen Office Program in which Indigenous people occupy all key creative positions
    Result: N/A – The result was not available at the time of tabling this report.
• Indigenous creators in Canada have greater narrative sovereignty over the production of their own stories
  • Number of audiovisual stories in production funded through the Indigenous Screen Office Program in which Indigenous people occupy all key creative positions
    Result: N/A - The result was not available at the time of tabling this report.
• Increased participation by Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people in more authentic Canadian Indigenous stories
  • Number of Indigenous people, women, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals employed on productions funded through the Indigenous Screen Office Program
    Result: The program will no longer be providing data for this indicator due to limitations with the methodology and lack of data.

Findings of audits completed in 2024–25: No internal audits were completed in 2024–25 and no internal audits are currently planned in 2025–26.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024–25: No evaluation was completed in 2024–25.

The Indigenous Screen Office has never been evaluated (new program).

An evaluation of the Indigenous Screen Office for the period 2021–22 to 2024–25 is currently underway. According to the Evaluation Plan 2025–26 to 2029-30, the completion date for the next evaluation is planned for June 2026.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024–25: Only one named recipient is eligible for funding, the Indigenous Screen Office Corporation. The Indigenous Screen Office Corporation is engaged in regular consultation and outreach with its applicants and recipients, including formal consultation processes, public information sessions and appearances at industry events.

Explanation of variances: The program spent $13.0 million more than planned due to a Budget 2024 announcement of permanent funding for the Indigenous Screen Office to redistribute funds to Indigenous creators so that Indigenous people can tell their own stories and make their points of view known and heard.

Core responsibility 2

Museums Assistance Program

Start date: 1972-73

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: Annually through Main Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021–22 Young Canada Works-Heritage, 2020–21 Movable Cultural Property Grants, 2021–22 Museums Assistance Program

Link to departmental result(s):

• The public is provided with access to cultural heritage.
• Heritage objects and collections are preserved by heritage organizations for current and future generations.

Link to the department’s program inventory: Preservation of and Access to Heritage: Museums Assistance Program

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Museums Assistance Program supports heritage institutions and workers in the preservation and presentation of heritage collections. The Museums Assistance Program provides financial assistance to Canadian museums and related institutions for activities that facilitate Canadians’ access to our heritage, foster the preservation of Canada’s cultural heritage, including the preservation of representative collections of Indigenous cultural heritage, and foster professional knowledge, skills and practices related to key museum functions.

The Museums Assistance Program also provides grants through the Movable Cultural Property Program for the acquisition of objects that are subject to an export delay or that are available for patriation to Canada or repatriation from outside of Canada in accordance with the Cultural Property Export and Import Act. This program uses funding from the following transfer payments: Grants under the Museums Assistance Transfer Payment Program.

In support of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, the Museums Assistance Program helps heritage organizations create short-term employment and internship opportunities for Canadian youth through the heritage component of Young Canada Works.

Results achieved: The public is provided with access to cultural heritage

• Number of in-person and online visits to cultural heritage accessible through heritage programs and services.
  Result: 3,241,109 total visitors had access to cultural heritage through heritage programs.
  • Museums Assistance Program funded organizations reported 2,973,476 visitors to exhibitions and 267,633 visitors (184,782 in person, 82,851 online) to public programming activities.
• Number of exhibitions, including travelling exhibitions, and other public programming products/activities presented.
  Result: 342 total exhibitions, including travelling exhibitions, and other public programming activities/products presented.
  • 62 exhibitions, including travelling exhibitions, and 280 public programming activities/products presented by 68 organizations.
• Number of organizations providing access to the public to Canada’s heritage, and distribution of locations.
  Result: 128 organizations provided access to the public to Canada’s heritage, in the following locations:
  • Alberta – 11
  • British Columbia – 27
  • New Brunswick – 3
  • Nova Scotia – 3
  • Ontario – 60
  • Quebec – 17
  • Saskatchewan – 7
• Number of heritage organizations, which provided enhanced visitor experience, in-person and/or online, through the creation of original content such as educational materials, digital applications, or other virtual activities.
  Result: 49 organizations reported providing an enhanced experience to visitors.

Heritage objects and collections are preserved by heritage organizations for current and future generations.

• Number of heritage objects and collections whose preservation and/or management has been supported by heritage programs and services.
  Result: 443,916 total objects (such as artefacts, archival pieces, books, photographs, fossils, and works of art) were preserved and/or managed
  • 299,607 objects were preserved and/or managed and 144,309 objects via digitization, under the Museums Assistance Program.
• Number of projects related to Indigenous heritage.
  Result: 30 projects funded were related to Indigenous heritage
  • 14 projects received funding under the Indigenous Heritage component of the MAP, and 16 projects under other MAP components reported supporting Indigenous heritage related activities, such as the preservation/management of Indigenous cultural heritage, providing access to the public to Indigenous heritage, and/or increasing public awareness and understanding of Indigenous peoples.
  • 20,703 Indigenous cultural objects were reported preserved, managed, and/or digitized.
• Number of organizations which improved/strengthened their capacity building related to digitization of heritage objects and collections through their activities, including the development of digitization plans and strategies.
  Result: 40 organizations reported having improved/strengthened their capacity related to digitization of heritage objects and collections.
  • 33 organizations reported having improved their collections information systems under the regular Museums Assistance Program.
  • 9 organizations reported having developed a digitization strategy under the Digital Access to Heritage component.
• Number of objects acquired (purchased or other) with the aid of a Movable Cultural Property grant
  Result: There were no Movable Cultural Property grants in 2024-25.

Heritage workers are provided with access to a diversity of learning opportunities to enhance their professional knowledge, skills and practices

• Number of projects funded to enhance professional knowledge, skills, and practices.
  Result: 61 projects funded under the Museums Assistance Program reported offering learning opportunities for heritage institutions and workers to enhance their professional knowledge, skills, and practices related to the digitization, preservation, and/or management of heritage objects and collections.
• Number of heritage workers who participated in learning opportunities.
  Result: 4,389 heritage workers and youth participated in learning opportunities.
  • 2,650 participants in professional development activities (2,173 in-person, 477online) under the Museums Assistance Program.
  • 1,740 participants benefitted from job and internship opportunities under Young Canada Works-Heritage.
• Number or percentage of youth who reported gaining professional knowledge and practical skill.
  Result: 75% of the respondents to the Young Canada Works-Heritage Participant Evaluation Questionnaire reported having gained new professional knowledge and practical skills.

Findings of audits completed in 2024–25: No internal audits were completed in 2024–25 and no internal audits are currently planned in 2025–26.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024–25: No evaluation was completed in 2024–25.

The last Evaluation of the Museums Assistance Program 2013-14 to 2017-18 was approved on July 19, 2021.

An evaluation of the Museums Assistance Program is currently underway. According to the Evaluation Plan 2025–26 to 2029-30, the completion date for the next evaluation is planned for February 2026.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024–25: Updated information for the Museums Assistance Program, Young Canada Works-Heritage Program and Movable Cultural Property grants is available on the Department’s website. When additional communication activities are required, the national office delivers messages through:

• The regional offices, delivery organizations, professional associations, etc., for dissemination to targeted organizations, or directly to applicants and recipients;
• Communications and targeted outreach strategy to past, current and/or future heritage sector funding recipients to assess their needs;
• Departmental representatives also promote heritage programs by participating in national and provincial museums associations’ conferences and meetings; and
• Every five years, recipients and stakeholders are invited to contribute to program evaluation exercises.

The 2013-14 to 2017-18 Museums Assistance Program evaluation calls for enhanced engagement and communication with Indigenous communities to better understand their needs and realities.

Explanation of variances: The program spent $0.5 million more than planned due to receiving a $0.5 million transfer from the Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs for the Ni’isjoohl Memorial Pole rematriation initiative.

Celebration and Commemoration Program

Start date: 1996-97

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: Annually through Main Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2024–25

Link to departmental result(s): Canadians are increasingly engaged in celebrations and commemorations of national significance.

Link to the department’s program inventory: National Celebrations, Commemorations and Symbols: Celebration and Commemoration Program

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Celebration and Commemoration Program provides funding through grants and contributions to organizations for community-based activities celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day on June 24, Canadian Multiculturalism Day on June 27 and Canada Day on July 1. Funding is also available for commemorations with a national scope that commemorate and celebrate nationally significant historical figures, places, events and accomplishments. The program also supports commemorative activities and gatherings for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The program provides opportunities for Canadians to participate in national celebrations and commemorations and strengthen understanding of shared history. This program includes the following transfer payments: Grants and contributions in support of the Celebration and Commemoration Program and Contributions in support of the Celebration and Commemoration Program.

Results achieved:

1. Canadians participate in commemorations and celebrations of national significance.
   • Number of participants at celebration and commemoration events/activities
     Result: The Celebrate Canada component supported approximately 1600 community-based celebrations and activities that reached over 6 million Canadians. These celebrations were open to the public, free of charge, and allowed Canadians to connect with their communities and each other.

For Commemorate Canada, over 5.1 million people took part in commemorative activities and events marking anniversaries of national significance including the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

2. Canadians have access to events and activities across Canada that celebrate Canadian identity.
   • Number of opportunities for Canadians to celebrate during the Celebrate Canada period (June 21 to July 1).
     Result: In 2024–25, the Celebration and Commemoration Program continued to provide Canadians from coast to coast to coast with opportunities to come together and appreciate the country’s cultural, ethnic, linguistic and geographic diversity, as well as its history, heritage, achievements and contributions. The Program sought to increase the participation of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in reconciliation activities related to the commemoration of Residential Schools, along with programming related to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

National Indigenous Peoples’ Day (June 21) is a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. In 2024–25, more than 250,000 people participated in over 188 community celebrations across Canada.

Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day (June 24) is a key celebration in Francophone and Francophile communities across Canada. In 2024, more than 200,000 Canadians participated in 132 Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day community events that showcased the culture, heritage and history of Francophones across the country. The Fondation Canadienne pour le dialogue des cultures, under the Tout pour la musique initiative, celebrated Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day with a show in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The production, recorded in front of a live audience, was later broadcast on radio stations nationwide. It featured French-speaking artists from across Canada in an evening of festive musical performances, attracting over 7,000 viewers and listeners.

Canadian Multiculturalism Day (June 27) is an opportunity to appreciate the contributions of Canada’s diverse cultural communities. In 2024, more than 164,000 Canadians took part in 186 events that showcased Canada’s diversity and rich cultural heritage.

For Canada Day on July 1, 2024, approximately 5.3 million people in more than 1100 communities participated in celebrations across the country. Due to a lack of funding, no city participated in the daytime or evening Canada Day shows.

As part of Budget 2024, the Program received additional funding for a three-year period to fund celebrations in connection with National Acadian Day (August 15). This funding allowed for 68 events that reached over 80,000 Canadians.

On September 30, 2024, for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Program supported 422 community-based commemoration activities and two large-scale national projects (Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) and the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation). This funding is for projects that raise awareness of the history and impact of Residential Schools, promote healing and reconciliation, and commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. These projects attracted over 1.7 million participants and broadcast viewers.

Finally, in 2024–25, Commemorate Canada funded 24 projects for a total of 374 events held that allowed Canadians to appreciate historical figures, places, events, and accomplishments of national significance in Canadian history. These events impacted over 930,000 people. Additionally, 307 educational resources were created and generated more than 2.4 million downloads.

Findings of audits completed in 2024–25: No internal audits were completed in 2024–25 and no internal audits are currently planned in 2025–26.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024–25: An evaluation of the Celebration and Commemoration Program 2016-17 to 2020–21 was approved by the Deputy Minister on September 27, 2024.

The Celebration and Commemoration Program supports organizations across the country to provide Canadians with the opportunity to have shared experiences related to significant days and events.

The program has begun to adapt to emerging needs and societal expectations such as those related to the ongoing legacy of colonialism in Canada. It has incorporated the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and undertaken actions meant to remove barriers to program access for Indigenous institutions and governments.

The program achieves its short-term intended results and medium-term targets though the evaluation was not able to fully assess results because of limits in performance data and the program theory.

By providing a rapid assessment process for lower-cost Celebrate Canada applications, a new Track-1 process enabled the program to expedite funding decisions and decrease operational costs in all regions over the last 3 years of the evaluation period.

Based on the findings and conclusion, the evaluation team offers 2 recommendations to the Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Sport, Major Events and Commemorations:

• engage with other departmental programs and external stakeholders to review roles and responsibilities regarding providing support for the celebrations of days of significance.
• review the program logic model and performance measures to ensure that they are: relevant to the cultural context of Canada; measurable; and, attributable to Celebration and Commemoration Program activities.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024–25: The Department engages applicants and recipients by communicating program information through the departmental website, social media platforms and through direct outreach with current and past funding recipients and interested parties.

Celebrate Canada representatives maintain ongoing discussions with the Multiculturalism Branch, to share details about the call for applications for Celebrate Canada and Canadian Multiculturalism Day. These discussions aim to increase the number of eligible applications for Canadian Multiculturalism Day. Additionally, the Program provided direct support to applicants, helping them navigate the Canadian Heritage Funding Portal for online applications and reporting.

Under the component for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Program uses the final report to obtain feedback from recipients regarding the positive impacts and challenges related to their project and indicate their satisfaction with their project. Information received is used to better serve clients in the subsequent intake.

With funding allocated for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation through Budget 2021, the Program completed an engagement initiative with Survivors, their families and Indigenous groups to determine how best to meet needs and priorities going forward. Approximately 2,700 people were reached through this engagement. The information gathered through the engagement initiative is now being analyzed by a third-party Indigenous organization and will be made available in Summer 2025.

Explanation of variances: The program spent $1.3 million more than planned due to new funding of $0.5 million confirmed in Budget 2024 to support community-based activities and events across Canada for National Acadian Day. In addition, the program received a $0.3 million transfer from Department of Indigenous Services to promote National Indigenous Peoples Day activities and celebrations. An additional $0.5 million was received from other departmental programs for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation commemorations.

Building Communities through Arts and Heritage

Start date: 2007–08

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: Annually through Main Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2023–24

Link to departmental result(s): Canadians across the country are provided regular opportunities to engage in their communities through local arts and heritage activities.

Link to the department’s program inventory: Community Engagement and Heritage: Building Communities through Arts and Heritage

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Building Communities through Arts and Heritage Program provides grants and contributions in support of local festivals, community anniversaries and capital projects. Funding is made available to stakeholders presenting arts and heritage festivals and events that emphasize local engagement. Its objective is to engage citizens in their communities through performing and visual arts as well as through the expression, celebration and preservation of local historical heritage. Building Communities through Arts and Heritage Program has three components:

1. Local Festivals supports recurring festivals that involve the whole community and give opportunities to local artists, artisans heritage specialists, and Indigenous cultural carriers to engage in their communities;
2. Community Anniversaries supports one-time commemorations through activities that celebrate a major anniversary (100 years and then increments of 25 years) of a significant local person or event; and
3. Legacy Fund supports tangible, lasting capital projects that commemorate or celebrate a major anniversary (100 years and then increments of 25 years) of a significant local person or event.

Projects are funded through the following transfer payments: Grants in support of the Building Communities through Arts and Heritage Program and Contributions in support of the Building Communities through Arts and Heritage Program.

Results achieved: Canadians across the country are provided regular opportunities to engage in their communities through local arts and heritage activities.

• Average number of volunteer hours per project.
  Result: 3,284
• Number of performers and volunteers in Building Communities through Arts and Heritage funded arts and heritage projects each year.
  Result: 212,158
• Total attendance for Building Communities through Arts and Heritage funded arts and heritage projects each year.
  Result: 26,858,784

As results are only available the year following the fiscal year in which a project took place, these data reflect results for the period ending 2023–24.

Findings of audits completed in 2024–25: No internal audits were completed in 2024–25 and no internal audits are currently planned in 2025–26.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024–25: No evaluation was completed in 2024–25.

The last Evaluation of the Building Communities through Arts and Heritage for the period 2015-16 to 2020–21 was approved on January 20, 2023.

According to the Evaluation Plan 2025–26 to 2029-30, the completion date for the next evaluation is planned for October 2027.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024–25: The program provided information to applicants and recipients through the departmental website and regional offices using cost-effective and recipient-focused means that are accessible, understandable, and usable. This includes program-led outreach to applicants, the use of accessible PDFs, and the continued use of the Canadian Heritage Online System for accepting applications.

The program offered opportunities for people in Canada to participate in local arts and heritage events by providing funding to 940 projects, which included 862 local festivals as well as 78 community anniversary and commemorative capital projects.

Explanation of variances: The program spent $0.6 million more than planned due to transfers from other departmental programs to support the Hellenic Community of Vancouver.

Core responsibility 3

Hosting Program

Start date: 1967

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Annually through Main Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2023–24

Link to departmental result(s): Canadian athletes succeed at the highest levels of competition.

Link to the department’s program inventory: Sport Development and High Performance: Hosting Program

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Hosting Program is a key component of the Government of Canada’s approach to sport development. It aims to enhance the development of sport excellence and the international profile of sport organizations by supporting the hosting of the Canada Games and international sport events in Canada. The Hosting Program supports planning, and coordination and funding of events, from bidding to hosting, with sport development, economic, social, cultural and community benefits across a broad range of government priorities. This program uses funding from the following transfer payments: Contributions for the Games’ Hosting program.

Results achieved: Canadian athletes, coaches and officials have opportunities to participate at sport events in Canada funded by Sport Canada.

• Number of Canadian athletes, coaches and officials participating at funded events.
  Result: 674^{Footnote 1},^{Footnote 2}

Canadians have access to legacy programs and venues.

• Number of new or improved venues that became available for athlete development and hosting competitions.
  Result: 11^{Footnote 3}

Findings of audits completed in 2024–25: No internal audits were completed in 2024–25 and no internal audits are currently planned in 2025–26.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024–25: No evaluation was completed in 2024–25.

The last Grouped Evaluation of Sport Canada Programs: Sport Support Program, Hosting Program and Athlete Assistance Program 2015-16 to 2019–20 was approved on October 25, 2021.

According to the Evaluation Plan 2025–26 to 2029-30, the completion date for the next evaluation is planned for October 2028.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024–25: The Department engages applicants and recipients by communicating program information through: the departmental website; social media platforms; formal written communication to current funding recipients and interested parties; and informal verbal and written communication between program officers and current funding recipients/interested parties.

Explanation of variances: The program spent $45.4 million more than planned due to new funding of $46.0 million to support co-hosting the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026. In addition, $0.6 million was transferred to the Sport Support program for emerging priorities.

Sport Support Program

Start date: 1961

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Annually through Main Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2023–24

Link to departmental result(s):

• Canadian athletes succeed at the highest levels of competition.
• Canadian children and youth are enrolled in a sport activity.

Link to the department’s program inventory: Sport Development and High Performance: Sport Support Program

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Sport Support Program is the primary funding vehicle for initiatives associated with the delivery of the Government of Canada’s commitments to the Canadian Sport Policy. Funding is aimed at increasing opportunities to participate in quality sport activities for all Canadians, including under-represented groups, increasing the capacity of the Canadian sport system to systematically achieve world class results at the highest international competitions, contributing to the provision of technical sport leadership within the Canadian sport system and advancing Canadian interests, values and ethics in sport at home and abroad. This funding is provided to eligible organizations, such as National Sport Organizations in support of programming that supports the goals of the Canadian Sport Policy. This program uses funding from the following transfer payments: Contributions for the Sport Support program.

Results achieved: Canadian athletes succeed at the highest levels of competition.

Canadians, regardless of gender, physical ability and cultural background, who participate in sport activities are satisfied with the manner in which the activity is provided.

• Percentage of Canadians (children and youth) reporting that they experience sport in a safe environment.
  Result: 76%
• Percentage of Canadians (children and youth) reporting that they experience sport in a welcoming environment.
  Result: 76%
• Percentage of Canadian high performance sport participants reporting that they experience sport in a safe environment.
  Result: N/A, to be available 2026–27 fiscal year
• Percentage of Canadian high performance sport participants reporting that they experience sport in a welcoming environment.
  Result: N/A, to be available 2026–27 fiscal year

Findings of audits completed in 2024–25: No internal audits were completed in 2024–25 and no internal audits are currently planned in 2025–26.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024–25: No evaluation was completed in 2024–25.

The last Grouped Evaluation of Sport Canada Programs: Sport Support Program, Hosting Program and Athlete Assistance Program 2015-16 to 2019–20 was approved on October 25, 2021.

A Grouped evaluation of the Sport Support Program and Athlete’s Assistance Program for the period 2020–21 to 2024–25 is currently underway. According to the Evaluation Plan 2025–26 to 2029-30, the completion date for the next evaluation is planned for April 2026.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024–25: The Department engages applicants and recipients by communicating program information through: the departmental website; social media platforms; formal written communication to current funding recipients and interested parties; and informal verbal and written communication between program officers and current funding recipients/interested parties.

Explanation of variances: The program spent $15.9 million more than planned due to new funding of $5.0 million confirmed in Budget 2024 to support community sports programming, reduce participation barriers, and make sport more accessible for Canadians and $8.0 million to help create a safer and more welcoming sport environment for athletes at all levels. In addition, $0.5 million was transferred to the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council for research to inform policy development related to sport participation. Finally, the program spent $3.4 million on emerging priorities such as the federal contribution to the World Antidoping Agency (WADA), protecting and recognizing Canadian Olympians and Paralympians, and the transition to the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport, which was made possible by transfers from other departmental programs.

Athlete Assistance Program

Start date: 1971

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants

Type of appropriation: Annually through Main Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2017–18

Link to departmental result(s): Canadian athletes succeed at the highest levels of competition.

Link to the department’s program inventory: Sport Development and High Performance: Athlete Assistance Program

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Athlete Assistance Program contributes to the pursuit of excellence through its support for improved Canadian athlete performances at major international sporting events, enabling athletes to combine their sport and academic or working careers while training intensively in pursuit of world-class performances. To this end, the Program identifies and supports athletes already at or having the potential to be in the top 16 in the world in their sport. This Program uses funding from the following transfer payments: Grants to the Athlete Assistance Program.

Results achieved:

1. Canadian athletes access academic opportunities.
   • Number of currently and formerly carded athletes using tuition grant (including deferred tuition).
     Result: 772
2. The Department supports Canadians from their first experience in sport to their highest level of achievement in a manner which facilitates retention and progression.
   • Number of top 8 finishes achieved by athletes receiving Athlete Assistance Program funding at the Olympics, Paralympics, or World Championships.
     Result: 552

Findings of audits completed in 2024–25: No internal audits were completed in 2024–25 and no internal audits are currently planned in 2025–26.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024–25: No evaluation was completed in 2024–25.

The last Grouped Evaluation of Sport Canada Programs: Sport Support Program, Hosting Program and Athlete Assistance Program 2015-16 to 2019–20 was approved on October 25, 2021.

A Grouped evaluation of the Sport Support Program and Athlete’s Assistance Program for the period 2020–21 to 2024–25 is currently underway. According to the Evaluation Plan 2025–26 to 2029-30, the completion date for the next evaluation is planned for April 2026.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024–25: The Department engages applicants and recipients by communicating program information to funding recipients and National Sport Organizations, through: the departmental website; social media platforms; formal written communication to current funding recipients and interested parties; and informal verbal and written communication between program officers and current funding recipients/interested parties.

Explanation of variances: The program spent $6.5 million more than planned due to new funding of $7.0 million confirmed in Budget 2024. The funding is an increase to the existing annual budget which supports over 1,900 high performance athletes in more than 90 sport disciplines. The program provides direct financial assistance to Canadian high-performance athletes. It is intended to offset some, but not all, of the living and training expenses athletes incur as a result of their involvement in high performance sport. In the end, $0.4 million was transferred to other departmental program for emerging priorities.

Core responsibility 4

Community Support, Multiculturalism, and Anti-Racism Initiatives Program

Start date: 1982-83

End date: 2025

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: Annually through Main Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2023–24

Link to departmental result(s): Canadians Value Diversity

Link to the department’s program inventory: Multiculturalism and Anti-racism: Multiculturalism Program

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Community Support, Multiculturalism, and Anti-Racism Initiatives Program supports the Department of Canadian Heritage’s mandate by building on Canada’s strength as a diverse and inclusive society.

The Community Support, Multiculturalism, and Anti-Racism Initiatives Program funds projects that:

1. advance anti-racism; foster ethnocultural diversity and inclusion; promote intercultural and interfaith understanding;
2. provide equitable opportunities for equity-deserving populations and community organizations to participate fully in all aspects of Canadian society;
3. promote dialogue on multiculturalism, anti-racism, racial equity, diversity and inclusion to advance institutional and systemic change so that Canada becomes a more inclusive society, free from racism and hate-motivated actions; and
4. support research and evidence to build understanding of the disparities and challenges faced by equity-deserving populations.

The Program has three funding components: Events, Projects, and Organizational Capacity Building. The Program funds events and projects that advance anti-racism and promote intercultural and interfaith understanding, provide equitable opportunities, promote dialogue on multiculturalism and anti-racism, and to build understanding of disparities. In addition, the Program funds capacity building initiatives that build and strengthen an organization’s internal capacity to meet these same objectives.

Results achieved: Not applicable. No projects or supplements were approved in 2024–25.

Findings of audits completed in 2024–25: No internal audits were completed in 2024–25 and no internal audits are currently planned in 2025–26.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024–25: No evaluation was completed in 2024–25.

The last Grouped Evaluation of the Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program and Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy, 2017-18 to 2021–22 was approved on October 27, 2023.

According to the Evaluation Plan 2025–26 to 2029-30, the completion date for the next evaluation is planned for July 2028.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024–25: The program continues to consult and engage with applicants and clients in different ways, including:

• Providing a “How to” video on the Program’s website for applicants;
• Interacting before and during program launches to create awareness and provide information about the program and application process.

Explanation of variances: The program spent $0.9 million more than planned due to transfers from Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism program for emerging priorities.

Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program

Start date: 2024

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: Annually through Main Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2023–24

Link to departmental result(s): Canadians Value Diversity

Link to the department’s program inventory: Multiculturalism and Anti-racism: Multiculturalism Program

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program supports the Department of Canadian Heritage’s mandate by building on Canada’s strength as a diverse and inclusive society.

The Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program’s objectives are to support communities to:

1. advance anti-racism; foster and celebrate ethnocultural diversity and inclusion; promote intercultural and interfaith understanding;
2. provide equitable opportunities for equity-deserving populations and community organizations to participate fully in all aspects of Canadian society;
3. promote dialogue on multiculturalism, anti-racism, racial equity, diversity and inclusion to advance institutional and systemic change so that Canada becomes a more inclusive society, free from racism and hate-motivated actions; and
4. support research and evidence to build understanding of the disparities and challenges faced by equity-deserving populations.

The Program has three funding components: Events, Projects, and Organizational Capacity Building. The Program funds events and projects that advance anti-racism and promote intercultural and interfaith understanding, provide equitable opportunities, promote dialogue on multiculturalism and anti-racism, and to build understanding of disparities. In addition, the Program funds capacity building initiatives that build and strengthen an organization’s internal capacity to meet these same objectives.

Results achieved: Number of funded projects disaggregated by funding components and priorities:

• Organizational Capacity Building: 150 initiatives were funded, totalling $14 million over two fiscal years (2024–25 and 2025–26);
• Anti-Hate Call: 31 initiatives were funded, totalling $5.5 million over two fiscal years (2024–25 and 2025–26);
• National Holocaust Remembrance Program: 13 initiatives were funded, totalling $3.4 million from fiscal years 2024–25 to 2028–29; and
• Events: 519 initiatives were funded, totalling $12 million

Findings of audits completed in 2024–25: No internal audits were completed in 2024–25 and no internal audits are currently planned in 2025–26.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024–25: No evaluation was completed in 2024–25.

The last Grouped Evaluation of the Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program and Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy, 2017-18 to 2021–22 was approved on October 27, 2023.

According to the Evaluation Plan 2025–26 to 2029-30, the completion date for the next evaluation is planned for July 2028.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024–25: The program continues to consult and engage with applicants and clients in different ways, including:

• Providing a “How to” video on the Program’s website for applicants;
• Interacting before and during program launches to create awareness and provide information about the program and application process.

Explanation of variances: The program spent $5.0 million more than planned due to new funding confirmed in Budget 2024 of $4.5 million to implement initiatives contributing to the Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate, of $1.8 million to support the Indus Media Foundation to complete a short film about the shared military heritage of Canadian and Indian soldiers in the First and Second World Wars, and of $1.0 million for the National Holocaust Remembrance Program. Finally, $1.0 million was transferred to the Community Support, Multiculturalism, and Anti-Racism Initiatives Program and $1.1 million to other departmental programs due to cancelled events and events that could not spend their original allocation.

Court Challenges Program

Start date: 2019–20

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Annually through Main Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2016–17

Link to departmental result(s): Individuals or groups have access to funding to initiate or participate in test cases pertaining to rights and freedoms covered by the Court Challenges Program.

Link to the department’s program inventory: Human Rights

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Court Challenges Program provides individuals and groups in Canada with financial support to access the courts for the litigation of test cases of national significance to assert and clarify certain constitutional and quasi-constitutional official language rights and human rights.

Three main activities contribute to the achievement of the Court Challenges Program’s objective:

• Development of test cases that have the potential to clarify rights covered by the Program, in order to support individuals and groups in Canada in accessing the courts. Funding could be used to cover activities such as legal research and writing, consultation and evidence development.
• Test case litigation to support individuals and groups in Canada in presenting their views to the courts as well as to facilitate court decisions on novel issues. Funding could be used to cover legal fees, research costs, or other costs related to presenting cases in court.
• Intervention funding will be available for individuals or groups in Canada wishing to make arguments in test cases that are broader or have a different focus than the ones presented by the parties to the cases, with a view to clarifying rights.

In addition to providing funding for these three activities, the Court Challenges Program also provides financial resources to the University of Ottawa to administer the program and engage in promotion to ensure that program access is maximized. This program uses funds from the following transfer payment: Contributions in support of the Court Challenges Program.

Results achieved:

• Individuals or groups access funding to initiate or participate in test cases pertaining to rights and freedoms covered by the Program; and the perspectives of individuals or groups who receive funding are presented before the courts in test cases.
  Result: For the 2024–2025 year, the Program funded 79 cases.
• Rights and freedoms covered by the Program are clarified.
  Result: 53 of 79 cases funded within the fiscal year were attributed to Human Rights.
• Constitutional and official language rights are strengthened.
  Result: 26 of the 79 cases funded within the fiscal year were attributed to Official Languages.

Findings of audits completed in 2024–25: No internal audits were completed in 2024–25 and no internal audits are currently planned in 2025–26.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024–25: An evaluation of the Court Challenges Program 2017-18 to 2022–23 was approved by the Deputy Minister on May 31, 2024.

The evaluation indicates that the Court Challenges Program plays a decisive role in clarifying and ensuring respect for the rights covered within its scope. The program enables individuals and groups to undertake the complex and often lengthy steps required to advance certain fundamental rights.

The program excludes certain fundamental rights, such as those of Indigenous peoples, and judicial proceedings related to human rights that are within provincial or territorial jurisdictions. However, the parameters and scope of the program are anchored in a policy framework established by the government.

The evaluation confirms that the program has had a considerable long-term impact on the clarification and advancement of the rights covered by its mandate.

The University of Ottawa has effectively implemented and managed the Court Challenges Program during the evaluation period, including supporting the deliberative work of the expert panels that have fulfilled their mandates. There are opportunities to strengthen the capacity of these two panels.

While the University of Ottawa has complied with the provisions of the contribution agreement it signed with Canadian Heritage, annual reports do not yet include the names of funded cases and the outcome of litigation, which limits the reporting on results.

Based on the findings described in this report, the evaluation makes the following recommendations to the Assistant Deputy Minister, Strategic Policy, Planning and Corporate Affairs, in collaboration with the University of Ottawa:

• ensure that both expert panels have access to expertise on litigation costs in different regions of the country and different types of courts.
• confirm reporting requirements to adequately document funded cases, including their outcomes and their impacts on the clarification of the rights covered by the program.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024–25: The University of Ottawa is responsible for conducting the promotional activities of the program as outlined in the contribution agreement.

Explanation of variances: The funding was fully spent as planned.

Indigenous Languages Program

Start date: 1971-72

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: Annually through Main Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021–22

Link to departmental result(s): Increase in the use of Indigenous languages

Link to the department’s program inventory: Indigenous Languages and Cultures: Indigenous Languages and Cultures Program

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Pursuant to the Indigenous Languages Act, the Indigenous Languages and Cultures Program focuses on supporting Indigenous Peoples in their efforts to reclaim, revitalize, maintain and strengthen their Indigenous languages. Through grants and contributions, it provides support to Indigenous governments and other Indigenous governing bodies, Indigenous organizations, and other entities to implement language plans and activities aimed at increasing the use of Indigenous languages in all aspects of community life. This program is funded through the following transfer payments: Grants in support of the Indigenous Languages Program and Contributions in support of the Indigenous Languages Program.

Results achieved: In 2024–25, the Indigenous Languages Program continued to support Indigenous Peoples in their efforts to reclaim, revitalize, strengthen and maintain their Indigenous languages through all its program components. More specifically, the Program continued to advance Indigenous self-determined approaches through the implementation of distinctions-based funding models with 14 Indigenous regional organizations, more specifically four First Nations regionally designated organizations and the Cree Nation Government, four Inuit land claim organizations and five Métis governments. These organizations lead the implementation of their respective language revitalization strategies in partnership with Indigenous communities and organizations in their region based on their own self-determined priorities, thereby reinforcing greater Indigenous autonomy, control and decision-making regarding Indigenous language funding initiatives and greater responsiveness to their distinct needs. These strategies support a wide variety of projects, including supporting communities to undertake language assessments and language revitalization planning to guide their efforts in achieving their long-term vision, as well as specific language activities, such as language immersion for youth and adults, and mentor-apprentice programming.

Indigenous Language Component: In 2024-25, the Program concluded a new multi-year agreement with the Cree Nation Government in Quebec to support the implementation of their own language strategy for their communities. Furthermore, four First Nations regionally designated organizations, namely the First Peoples’ Cultural Council in British Columbia, the First Nations Confederacy of Cultural Education Centres in Ontario, the Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey in Nova Scotia and the Regional Committee on Languages in Quebec continued to implement their five-year language strategies.

The four Inuit land claim organizations across Inuit Nunangat—Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., Makivvik Corporation and Nunatsiavut Government—also continued the implementation of their five-year language revitalization strategies by advancing language programming that support Inuit self-determined priorities for their members.

Five Métis governments, namely the Manitoba Métis Federation, the Métis Nation British Columbia, the Métis Nation of Ontario, the Métis Nation Saskatchewan, and the Otipemisiwak Métis Government (formerly the Métis Nation of Alberta) entered year two of the implementation of their respective language strategies to meet the language needs and priorities of their citizens.

In addition to these multi-year distinctions-based language strategies, the Program also provided funding directly to Indigenous communities and organizations for over 160 new or ongoing community-driven language projects^{Footnote 4} in 2024-25. This includes the development of language revitalization plans supported by communities and their leadership, immersion projects, classroom and on-the-land language instruction to support new speakers, and the development language resources to preserve, protect, document and facilitate the use of Indigenous languages. Based on data from 2023 to 2024 (the most recent year for which data is available), approximately 75% of funded activities were aimed at some form of language learning, including language instruction classes and camps and language instructor training. Furthermore, available data from language project participants shows that approximately three quarters of participants reported an improvement in their language proficiency.

In an effort to increase financial stability for Indigenous communities and organizations, the Program supported 44 new multi-year agreements with 21 Indigenous communities and 23 Indigenous organizations in 2024-25, building on the existing 90 multi-year agreements initiated in 2023-24 that continue to move forward. Out of these agreements, 17 provided funding for the delivery of ongoing language programming in 2024-25. Since the implementation of the Act in 2019, approximately 35 Indigenous organizations received funding continuously between 2019–2020 and 2024–2025. This was a key element underpinning the transformation of the Indigenous Languages Program, which aims to provide more stable and predictable funding support to Indigenous partners in their language revitalization efforts. These multi-year agreements are also key to advance the objectives of the Indigenous Languages Act to support more sustainable and long-term funding.

In order to meet the needs of urban Indigenous populations, who represent a considerable segment of the Indigenous population, the Program supported Indigenous organizations through the Indigenous Languages Component, as well as an agreement pursuant to sections 8 and 9 of the Indigenous Languages Act (see below). The Program continued to work with the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centers and the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples on their multi-year agreements, which supports language revitalization planning at the regional and local levels, the delivery of language learning activities and the development of languages resources. The National Association of Friendship Centers also concluded their project which was supported through an agreement under sections 8 and 9 of the Indigenous Languages Act. This project assessed the needs of urban Indigenous populations by supporting initiatives such as identifying existing language programs and initiatives, conducting a literature review on Indigenous languages in urban contexts, supporting an analysis of case studies for promising practices, and developing pilot projects. A national gathering on Indigenous languages was also held in February 2025 with experts and community authorities to share knowledge.

• Agreements under the Sections 8 and 9 of the Indigenous Languages Act: These time-limited agreements are intended to support partnerships, leverage economies of scales by facilitating the establishment of networks and resource-sharing, accelerate addressing critical gaps and test innovations.
  In 2024–2025, the Program supported two new agreements with the Council of Yukon First Nations and the Métis National Council. These agreements build on the existing 12 multi-year agreements initiated in recent years, including with the Blackfoot Confederacy in Alberta, the First Nations Confederacy of Cultural Education Centres, the Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey in Nova Scotia, the Regional Committee on First Nations Languages, the Nikan Heritage (previously known as Productions Innu Assi) in Quebec, and the Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre in Saskatchewan.
• Northern Aboriginal Broadcasting: Based on the most recent data available, i.e. 2022-23, 23 organizations received funding from the Northern Aboriginal Broadcasting component (NAB). Through funding provided, 18 organizations produced 89,739 hours of new hours of radio content, which included 43,917 hours of new Indigenous language programming. The component also funded 5 organizations to produce 74.5 hours of new Indigenous language television content.
• Territorial Language Accords: In 2024-25, three multi-year bilateral agreements were renewed with the Government of Nunavut, the Government of the Northwest Territories and two Yukon non-self-governing First Nations. Building on previous agreements, the Government of Nunavut began implementing its 2024–2028 Inuktuk Language Action Plan to continue protecting and promoting Inuit language. The Government of the Northwest Territories also initiated their 2024–2027 Action Plan to support their Indigenous languages. In Yukon, the Program continued working with the three non-self-governing First Nations to support these communities in delivering their respective Indigenous language programming. In 2024-25, the multi-year agreement with the White River First Nation was renewed for five years.

Communities conduct language planning.

• Percentage of Indigenous communities that have language plans.
  Result: Language planning is key to guiding efforts to reclaim, revitalize, strengthen and maintain Indigenous languages. As of 2023-24, the most recent year for which data is available, approximately six percent (6%) of Indigenous communities had established language plans.^{Footnote 5} As this indicator is being introduced for the first time, the Program continues to work with Indigenous partners to collect additional data on this indicator and refine calculation methodologies to increase its accuracy.

Language revitalization activities are occurring.

• Percentage of immersion activities implemented.
  Result: Immersion projects have been identified as key practices for the effective acquisition of Indigenous languages. As of 2023-24, the most recent year for which data is available, immersion activities represented seven percent (7%) of all funded activities.^{Footnote 6} Due to the unavailability of data elements, the calculation methodology for this indicator needed to be changed in 2024-25 to allow for measurement and reporting. Hence, this indicator now measures the percentage of immersion activities in relation to the total number of funded activities.

Findings of audits completed in 2024–25: No internal audits were completed in 2024–25 and no internal audits are currently planned in 2025–26.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024–25: No evaluation was completed in 2024–25.

The last Evaluation of the Aboriginal Peoples’ Program 2014-15 to 2018-19 was approved on May 10, 2022.

According to the Evaluation Plan 2025–26 to 2029-30, an Evaluation of the Indigenous Languages Program will be launched in May 2025 with an expected completion date in March 2027.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024–25: A Joint Implementation Steering Committee continued to guide the implementation of the Indigenous Languages Act, which includes representatives from the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and the Métis National Council. Canadian Heritage also continued to work with Indigenous Governments and other Indigenous organizations on the implementation of the Act, including the Inuktut Working Group involving Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the four Inuit land claims organizations, the Michif working group, the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, as well as the Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada led Collaborative Fiscal Policy Table with Self-Governing Indigenous Governments.

In 2024–25, Canadian Heritage also worked with Self-Governing Nations, other Indigenous governing bodies, organizations, other federal departments, provinces and territories, on both a bilateral and collective basis through various forums, to ensure a collaborative approach to implementing the Indigenous Languages Act.

To guide the implementation of the distinction-based Indigenous languages funding models introduced in 2023-24, the Program continued working with Indigenous partners throughout 2024-25 to facilitate the transition towards these new funding approaches. To this end, ongoing collaboration took place with the Assembly of First Nations, the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the four Inuit land claims organizations, as well as five Métis governments. The Program also continued to work closely with a First Nations Review Committee to support community-driven projects funded directly by the Program in regions where Indigenous organizations are not implementing their own comprehensive language strategies.

Finally, the Program also provides information through the departmental website and program officers about these new distinctions-based Indigenous languages funding models and the funding available through the Program’s call for applications processes. In 2024–25, the Program launched three calls for applications for the Indigenous Languages Component—First Nations Funding Model, and the multi-distinction/Indigenous urban organizations projects: one for the 2024-25 fiscal year, and two in advance of the 2025-26 fiscal year. As part of each one of these processes, emails were sent to approximately 500 potential Indigenous community and organization applicants, including a complete application package. The Department also received over 300 requests for information for these call for applications processes.

Explanation of variances: The program spent $15.7 million more than planned due to new funding of $44.4 million confirmed in Budget 2024 to support the Indigenous Languages Act and a $3.0 million transfer to the Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs for the 11-signatory self-governing Yukon First Nations from the Indigenous Languages Component. The Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages reviewed and identified their financial needs, and a proposal was prepared to repurpose funds to support community-driven efforts for the revitalization of Indigenous Languages and to reprofile funds for future years. For 2024-25, this amount represents $23.1 million. An additional $1.9 million was reprofiled to 2025-26 to allow a transfer to Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs for the 11-signatory self-governing Yukon First Nations. Also, $0.4 million was unspent for the Delivery of French-language services and to support the preservation of Indigenous languages in the Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut. These unspent funds must be returned to the Fiscal Framework, pursuant to Treasury Board decision. Finally, $0.3 million was transferred to other departmental programs for emerging priorities.

Exchanges Canada Program

Start date: 2000–01

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and contributions

Type of appropriation: Annually through Main Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2022–23 (Temporary amendments to the Terms and Conditions were extended until March 31, 2026).

Link to departmental result(s): Youth enhance their appreciation of the diversity and shared aspects of the Canadian experience.

Link to the department’s program inventory: Youth Engagement: Exchanges Canada Program

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Exchanges Canada Program provides grants and contributions in support of youth participation initiatives that allow young Canadians to learn about Canada, create linkages with each other and better appreciate the diversity and shared aspects of the Canadian reality. The transfer payment program supports not-for-profit organizations to provide Canadian youth with a range of exchange and forum activities to strengthen their sense of belonging to Canada and therefore their sense of Canadian identity. The transfer payment program has two components: Youth Exchanges Canada and Youth Forums Canada. Youth Exchanges Canada funds reciprocal homestay exchanges for youth, and includes the Summer Work/Student Exchange subcomponent, which provides summer job opportunities for 16- and 17-year-olds in their second official language. Youth Forums Canada enables young Canadians to connect with one another through forums, study sessions and workshops on a range of relevant topics. This transfer payment program uses funding from the following transfer payments: Grants in support of the Exchanges Canada Program and Contributions in support of the Exchanges Canada Program.

Results achieved:

1. Youth participants enhance their knowledge and understanding of Canada.
   • Percentage of participants who report enhanced knowledge and understanding of Canada.
     Result: 83%
2. Youth participants connect and create linkages with one another.
   • Percentage of participants who report having created new ties with other young Canadians as a result of the exchange.
     Result: 83%
3. Youth participants enhance their appreciation of the diversity and shared aspects of the Canadian experience.
   • Percentage of participants in the Exchanges Canada program who report having a better understanding of what Canadians have in common.
     Result: 83%

Given the time it takes to receive, compile, and analyze final reports, results reported always lag by one year. The results reported reflect the actual results achieved during the period of April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024.

The Exchanges Canada Program offered opportunities to about 6,300^{Footnote 7} youth in Canada to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the country; to create linkages with one another; and to enhance their appreciation of the diversity and shared aspects of the Canadian experience. Through participation in forums and exchanges, youth had the opportunity to connect with others and to learn about Canada and its many facets, such as the history, geography, industry, institutions, communities, cultures, peoples, and official languages of the country.

This year, the Program’s funding priorities were reconciliation, diversity and inclusion, and official language minority communities. For example, the Program supported:

• The Forum national des jeunes ambassadeurs (funded organization: Le Français pour l’avenir), which brought together 35 young Francophone and Francophile students (aged 15–17) for six days of workshops and activities based on leadership, identity development, and discovery of Canadian Francophone cultures. Participants created linkages and communicated only in French with youth from across Canada. After their participation, youth were equipped with the tools and knowledge to integrate more French into their daily lives and returned to their communities as ambassadors of the language. The experience helped strengthen their identity as Francophones and Francophiles and contributed to the promotion of official bilingualism.

Post-participation survey results have improved compared to the previous years: As a result of their participation in the Exchanges Canada Program, 83% of youth participants reported that they learned new things about Canada; 88% reported that they created new ties with people from other communities; 90% reported that they enhanced their appreciation of how diverse Canada is; 83% reported having a better understanding of what Canadians have in common; and, 79% reported an increased sense of attachment to Canada^{Footnote 8}

Findings of audits completed in 2024–25: No internal audits were completed in 2024–25 and no internal audits are currently planned in 2025–26.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024–25: No evaluation was completed in 2024–25.

The last Evaluation of the Exchanges Canada Program 2014-15 to 2018-19 was approved on March 28, 2022.

According to the Evaluation Plan 2025–26 to 2029-30, the completion date for the next evaluation is planned for January 2027.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024–25: Each year, the Program invites prospective applicants to submit a funding application to the Youth Forums Canada component of the Exchanges Canada Program and posts application information on the departmental website and social media. The Program works with recipients to ensure that all youth participants receive a message from the Minister congratulating them on participation in projects funded by the Exchanges Canada Program.

Explanation of variances: The program spent $2.7 million less than planned due to challenges in recruiting exchange groups affected by travel restrictions imposed by the school board. The program transferred the remaining funds to other departmental programs for emerging priorities.

Core responsibility 5

Development of Official Languages Communities Program

Start date: February 2015

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: Annually through Main Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2022–23

Link to departmental result(s): Canadians recognize and support Canada’s official languages.

Link to the department’s program inventory: Official Languages: Development of Official Languages Communities Program

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Pursuant to section 43 Part VII of the Official Languages Act, the Development of Official Languages Communities Program fosters the vitality of Canada’s English- and French-speaking minority communities and enables them to participate fully in all aspects of Canadian life. The Program has two components.

• Through grants and contributions, the Community Life component supports the provision of activities and services for official-language minority communities by non-profit community organizations in various fields, particularly arts, culture, heritage, and youth. Through intergovernmental contribution agreements, this component also supports the provision of minority-language services by provincial and territorial governments.
• Through intergovernmental contribution agreements, the Minority-Language Education component supports the delivery of provincial and territorial educational programs and services in the language of the official-language minority communities. It includes all levels of education. Through contributions to non-profit organizations in the non-governmental sector, this program also aims to increase the production and dissemination of knowledge, innovative methods and tools to support teaching in the language of the minority.

Results achieved: Members of official language minority communities have access to programs and services in their language in their community.

• Maintenance of the 85% baseline of Official-Language Minority Communities who live within a 25 km radius of a cultural/artistic organization that offers services in the minority language.
  Result: 84.8%
• Percentage of official-language minority community members who live within 25 km of an elementary minority-language school or a secondary minority-language school.
  Result: 97.8%
• Maintenance of the 85% baseline of Official-Language Minority Communities who live within a 25 km radius of a regional/local community development organization that offers services in the minority language.
  Result: 86.4%

Findings of audits completed in 2024–25: No internal audits were completed in 2024–25 and no internal audits are currently planned in 2025–26.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024–25: No evaluation was completed in 2024–25.

The last grouped Evaluation of the Official Languages Support Programs 2013-14 to 2016-17 was approved on November 28, 2022.

According to the Evaluation Plan 2025–26 to 2029-30, the completion date for the next evaluation is planned for September 2027.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024–25:

• During this second year of implementation of the Action Plan for Official Languages 2023–2028 initiatives, we continued our consultations with recipients to ensure that they had a consistent, transparent experience. In this regard, our meetings with recipients were an opportunity for us to harmonize our approach in the interest of a more equitable distribution of the amounts allocated to them under phases 2 and 3 of the enhancement to their core funding.
• In 2024–2025, further to the various consultations we held with recipients across the country in connection with the Action Plan, we launched Apic, a wage subsidy program for community organizations in Francophone minority communities working in the arts, culture, identity-building and civic participation sector.
• We also launched the brand-new Programme de valorisation d’initiatives francophones [Francophone initiatives promotion program], which provides young people aged 14 to 30 with unique opportunities to come together, exchange, support one another and engage in French. This program fosters harmonious coexistence and rapprochement between Canada’s English-speaking and French-speaking youth.
• In 2024–2025, we participated in regular meetings of existing multi-party working groups or ad hoc meetings (for example, with the members of the Tripartite Committee on minority-language education or with the signatories to the Collaboration Agreement for the Development of Arts and Culture in the Francophone Minority Communities of Canada 2023–2028) to discuss stakeholder issues and priorities.
• Throughout 2024–2025, we held a number of meetings with the main advocacy organizations, specifically representatives of the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada (FCFA) and the Quebec Community Groups Network, to discuss the delivery of the Official Languages Support Programs.
• As in previous years, we continue to post program guidelines on the website and to send out call letters to stakeholders to keep them informed.
• In the fall of 2024, further to the ratification of the Protocol for Agreements for Minority-Language Education and Second-Language Instruction Between the Government of Canada and the Provinces and Territories 2024–2025 to 2027–2028, the Official Languages Branch conducted structured virtual dialogue sessions with education stakeholders to identify the needs, concerns and challenges of English- and French-speaking communities across Canada in advance of negotiating the bilateral education agreements with the provincial and territorial governments.
• In February 2025, following the announcement of the Protocol’s ratification, information sessions on the new Protocol were held. The purpose of these sessions was to explain to stakeholders—the school boards, in particular—how their issues and priorities had been taken into account in this agreement.
• Lastly, the employees of the Intergovernmental Policies and Programs Directorate consult provincial and territorial government representatives on an ongoing basis by way of ad hoc bilateral meetings and follow-up meetings on the bilateral agreements.

Explanation of variances: The program spent $16.5 million less than planned. The program transferred $0.65 million to Canadian Institute of Health Research to support French language research and $0.1 million to National Arts Centre for “Zones théâtrales”. In addition, $7.5 million was transferred to Enhancement of Official Languages Program and $6.2 million to other departmental programs for emerging priorities. Finally, $0.5 million was unspent for the Delivery of French-language services and to support the preservation of Indigenous languages in the Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut. These unspent funds must be returned to the Fiscal Framework, pursuant to Treasury Board decision. The remaining $1.5 million was lapsed.

Enhancement of Official Languages Program

Start date: February 2015

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: Annually through Main Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2022–23

Link to departmental result(s): Canadians recognize and support Canada’s official languages

Link to the department’s program inventory: Official Languages: Enhancement of Official Languages Program

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Pursuant to section 43 of the Official Languages Act, the Enhancement of Official Languages Program promotes a better understanding and appreciation of the benefits of linguistic duality among Canadians. The Program has two components.

• Through grants and contributions for not-for-profit organizations in various sectors, the Promotion of Linguistic Duality component provides support to help undertake and carry out activities and projects to enhance official languages and help bring Canadians closer, to promote French language and culture in Canada and increase services offered in both official languages within non-governmental organizations.
• Through intergovernmental contribution agreements, the Second-Language Learning component supports the delivery of provincial and territorial programs and activities aimed at Canadian youth for learning English and French as second official languages. And, through contributions to not-for-profit organizations in the non-governmental sector, the Second-Language Learning component also supports these organizations working to promote English and French as second languages, as well as to increase the production and dissemination of knowledge, innovative methods and tools to support second language teaching.

Results achieved: Canadians have a better understanding and appreciation of the advantages of Canada’s two official languages.

• Number of Canadians who can conduct a conversation in their second official language.
  Result: 6,581,680

Findings of audits completed in 2024–25: No internal audits were completed in 2024–25 and no internal audits are currently planned in 2025–26.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024–25: No evaluation was completed in 2024–25.

The last grouped Evaluation of the Official Languages Support Programs 2013-14 to 2016-17 was approved on November 28, 2022.

According to the Evaluation Plan 2025–26 to 2029-30, the completion date for the next evaluation is planned for September 2027.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024–25:

• During this second year of implementation of the Action Plan for Official Languages 2023–2028 initiatives, we continued our consultations with recipients to ensure that they had a consistent, transparent experience. In this regard, our meetings with recipients were an opportunity for us to harmonize our approach in the interest of a more equitable distribution of the amounts allocated to them under phases 2 and 3 of the enhancement to their core funding.
• In 2024–2025, further to the various consultations we held with recipients across the country in connection with the Action Plan, we launched Apic, a wage subsidy program for community organizations in Francophone minority communities working in the arts, culture, identity-building and civic participation sector.
• We also launched the brand-new Programme de valorisation d’initiatives francophones [Francophone initiatives promotion program] (Programme VIF), which provides young people aged 14 to 30 with unique opportunities to come together, exchange, support one another and engage in French. This program fosters harmonious coexistence and rapprochement between Canada’s English-speaking and French-speaking youth.
• In 2024–2025, we participated in regular meetings of existing multi-party working groups or ad hoc meetings—for example, our bilateral meetings with the Committee of the National Table for French as a Second Language—to discuss stakeholder issues and priorities.
• We continue to post program guidelines on the website and to send out call letters to stakeholders to keep them informed.
• Regular meetings are held with the main advocacy organizations throughout the year to take their wishes into account. Their comments are generally gathered and incorporated as much as possible into program design.
• In the fall of 2024, further to the ratification of the Protocol for Agreements for Minority-Language Education and Second-Language Instruction Between the Government of Canada and the Provinces and Territories 2024–2025 to 2027–2028, the Official Languages Branch conducted structured virtual dialogue sessions with education stakeholders to identify their needs, concerns and challenges with respect to second-language learning in advance of negotiating the bilateral education agreements with the provincial and territorial governments.
• In February 2025, following the announcement of the Protocol’s ratification, information sessions on the new Protocol were held. The purpose of these sessions was to explain to stakeholders—the school boards, in particular—how officials had taken their priorities and issues into account in this agreement.
• Lastly, the employees of the Intergovernmental Policies and Programs Directorate consult provincial and territorial government representatives on an ongoing basis by way of ad hoc bilateral meetings and follow-up meetings on the bilateral agreements.

Explanation of variances: The program spent $4.7 million more than planned due to additional funding received from the Development of Official Languages Communities program. Ultimately, the agreements with the provincial governments required fewer funds than originally planned, so the program transferred $2.8 million to other departmental programs for emerging priorities.

Transfer payment programs with planned spending of less than $5 million

Core responsibility 1

Glenn Gould Foundation

Start date: December 1, 2024

End date: March 31, 2029

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: Annually through Main Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2024–25

Link to departmental result(s): Professional arts experiences are available to Canadians in their community

Link to the department’s program inventory: Arts: Funding to Support the Glenn Gould Foundation

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Funding to Support the Glenn Gould Foundation is a single-recipient program that provides operating funding to the Glenn Gould Foundation. The mission of the Glenn Gould Foundation is to honour Glenn Gould’s spirit and legacy by promoting creativity and helping to transform lives through the power of music and the arts. The Glenn Gould Foundation aims to reflect the universal power of the arts to bring diverse people together in a spirit of harmony, compassion, and mutual understanding.

The Glenn Gould Foundation administers the Glenn Gould Prize every two years to honour an individual for a lifetime contribution to enriching the human condition through the arts. The international prize honours artists whose body of work has changed the cultural landscape with an emphasis on innovation, humanitarianism, and excellence.

The Glenn Gould Foundation also celebrates the prize winner’s contributions to the arts by producing a two-week festival of educational and artistic experiences related to the lifetime achievements of the prize winner. Programming is tailored to reflect the achievements of the laureates. The activities are different each time, but usually include the promotion of young artists, concerts, lectures, commissions of works, and web-based activities.

Results achieved: immediate, intermediate, ultimate

Immediate outcomes

Funding is provided to the Glenn Gould Foundation to invest in an endowment fund.

• Percentage of funds invested in an endowment fund in perpetuity.
  Result: This indicator will be available in 2025–26.

The Glenn Gould Foundation administers the prizes and presents programming.

• Number of prizes awarded every two years with accompanying programming.
  Result: On March 20, 2025, the 15th Glenn Gould Prize Laureate was awarded to Sir Elton John as one of the most iconic and influential musicians of all time who has also leveraged his influence to effect profound change in the world. The prize was awarded by a diverse, international jury of distinguished artists and cultural leaders. The prize is awarded biennially and includes a Can$100,000 cash award for the laureate, who also selects an exceptional young artist who embodies innovation and career potential to receive the Can$25,000 Glenn Gould Protégé Prize. The prize will be presented to Sir Elton John during a special gala celebration to be held in Toronto in the fall 2025.

Intermediate outcomes

The Glenn Gould Foundation expands its visibility and reach through its board and activities.

• Number of strategies created to improve board representation, outreach, and representation on juries.
  Result: Result will be available in December 2025
• Number of new partnerships established.
  Result: Result will be available in December 2025

The Glenn Gould Foundation diversifies its finances through fundraising.

• Number of updated fundraising strategies created to diversify revenues.
  Result: Result will be available in December 2025
• Amount of new private donations raised.
  Result: Result will be available in December 2025

The funding agreement with the Glenn Gould Foundation Contribution Agreement began on December 1. The Annual Activity/Results report for 2024–25 fiscal year is due on December 1, 2025.

Ultimate outcome

The Glenn Gould Foundation is financially stable.

• The organization has an acceptable financial viability analysis.

Findings of audits completed in 2024–25: No internal audits were completed in 2024–25 and no internal audits are currently planned in 2025–26.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024–25: N/A (Not subject to the Policy on Results)

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024–25: Only one named recipient is eligible for funding from the Funding to Support the Glenn Gould Foundation, the Glenn Gould Foundation.

Explanation of variances: The program received $0.4 million in funding from other departmental programs to support the Glenn Gould Foundation. The funding expands the stature and visibility of the Glenn Gould Prize, which recognizes unique lifetime contributions in the arts.

Core responsibility 2

State Ceremonial and Protocol (formerly identified as Lieutenant Governors of Canada)

Start date: 1952

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants

Type of appropriation: Annually through Main Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: N/A

Link to departmental result(s): N/A

Link to the department’s program inventory: National Celebrations, Commemorations and Symbols

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Support to defray cost incurred in the exercise of their duties.

Result achieved: Lieutenant Governors carry out constitutional obligations, ceremonial duties and community outreach functions.

Findings of audits completed in 2024–25: No internal audits were completed in 2024–25 and no internal audits are currently planned in 2025–26.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024–25: No evaluation was completed in 2024–25.

The last Evaluation of the Lieutenant Governor’s Program (State Ceremonial and Protocol) 2012-13 to 2016-17 was approved on May 10, 2018.

According to the Evaluation Plan 2025–26 to 2029-30, the completion date for the next evaluation is planned for March 2028.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024–25: N/A

Explanation of variances: The funding was fully spent as planned.

Supplementary Retirement Benefits – Former Lieutenant-Governors

Start date: 1952

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants

Type of appropriation: Statutory

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: N/A

Link to departmental result(s): N/A

Link to the department’s program inventory: National Celebrations, Commemorations and Symbols

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Support to defray cost incurred in the exercise of their duties

Result achieved: Lieutenant Governors carry out constitutional obligations, ceremonial duties and community outreach functions.

Findings of audits completed in 2024–25: No internal audits were completed in 2024–25 and no internal audits are currently planned in 2025–26.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024–25: N/A (Not subject to the Policy on Results)

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024–25: N/A

Explanation of variances: The variance of $0.1 million is explained by statutory expenditures being higher than planned.

Payments under Lieutenant-Governors Superannuation Act

Start date: 1952

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants

Type of appropriation: Statutory

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: N/A

Link to departmental result(s): N/A

Link to the department’s program inventory: National Celebrations, Commemorations and Symbols

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Support to defray cost incurred in the exercise of their duties.

Result achieved: Lieutenant Governors carry out constitutional obligations, ceremonial duties and community outreach functions.

Findings of audits completed in 2024–25: No internal audits were completed in 2024–25 and no internal audits are currently planned in 2025–26.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024–25: N/A (Not subject to the Policy on Results)

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024–25: N/A

Explanation of variances: The variance of $0.4 million is explained by statutory expenditures being higher than planned.

Canada History Fund

Start date: 1984

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: Annually through Main Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2013–14

Link to departmental result(s): N/A

Link to the department’s program inventory: Learning About Canadian History

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Canada History Fund encourages Canadians to learn about Canada’s history, civic life, and public policy. The Fund provides funding through agreements in support of the development and/or enhancement of learning materials, the organization of learning and the establishment and maintenance of networks. Through various partnerships within government and through national history and civics sector organizations and post-secondary educational institutions, the Fund gives Canadians opportunities to enhance their understanding of Canada, thus building an informed and engaged citizenry. This Fund uses funding from the following transfer payments: Grants in support of the Canada History Fund and Contributions in support of the Canada History Fund.

Result achieved: Canadians are exposed to knowledge on Canada’s history, civics and public policy.

• Number of Canadians accessing learning materials.
  Result: 15,218,993
• Number of Canadians accessing learning and developmental activities.
  Result: 110,561
• Number of participants involved in networks.
  Result: 24,671

Findings of audits completed in 2024–25: No internal audits were completed in 2024–25 and no internal audits are currently planned in 2025–26.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024–25: No evaluation was completed in 2024–25.

The last Evaluation of the Canadian Studies Program/Canada History Fund 2009-10 to 2013-14 was approved on July 14, 2015.

An evaluation of the Canada History Fund is currently underway. According to the Evaluation Plan 2025–26 to 2029-30, the completion date for the next evaluation is planned for October 2025.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024–25: The Program provides information through the departmental website.

Explanation of variances: The program spent $0.1 million more than planned due to transfers from other departmental programs for emerging priorities.

Core responsibility 4

Youth Take Charge

Start date: 2010–11

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: Annually through Main Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2012–13

Link to departmental result(s): Youth participants in the Youth Take Charge Program indicate a greater sense of attachment to Canada.

Link to the department’s program inventory: Youth Engagement

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The objective of the Youth Take Charge Program is to strengthen youth attachment to Canada through engagement in the fields of history and heritage, civic engagement and youth service, arts and culture, and economic activities. The Program provides grants and contributions to eligible organizations in support of youth-led projects involving youth generally aged 7 to 30, which demonstrate the ability to strengthen attachment to Canada while addressing one or more of the above-mentioned thematic areas. It is expected that the Program will increase awareness among youth participants of the importance of being an active and engaged citizen; will increase relevance of youth-serving organizations to youth; and will increase youth engagement in communities. These outcomes will, in the long-term, lead to increased youth attachment to Canada and an increased sense of shared Canadian identity among youth. This Program uses funding from the following transfer payments: Grants in support of the Youth Take Charge Program and Contributions in support of the Youth Take Charge Program.

Result achieved: Youth have a sense of attachment to Canada.

• Youth participants in the Youth Take Charge Program indicate a greater sense of attachment to Canada.
  Result: 65%

Given the time it takes to receive, compile, and analyze final reports, results reported are one year behind current. The results reported reflect the actual results achieved during the period of April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024:

The Youth Take Charge Program offered opportunities for about 349,000 youth^{Footnote 9} across the country to strengthen their attachment to Canada through engagement. Through participation in youth-led projects addressing one or more of four thematic areas (history and heritage; civic engagement and youth service; arts and culture; and economic activities), youth learned about Canada and its many facets, such as the history, geography, industry, institutions, communities, cultures, peoples, and official languages of the country.

This year, the Program funding priorities were reconciliation, diversity and inclusion, and official language minority communities. For example, the Program supported:

• UNITY / UNITÉ (funded organization: Waterlution – A Water Learning Experience), which engaged almost 5,500 youth aged 7–29 in five communities in different provinces (British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec). Centred around history, culture and ecology of local water systems, this youth-led project allowed Indigenous and non-Indigenous emerging artists to engage with school-aged youth in a process of dialogue, arts creation, community engagement and action towards reconciliation.

As a result of their participation in the Youth Take Charge Program, 65% of youth indicated that they have a greater sense of attachment to Canada.^{Footnote 10}

Findings of audits completed in 2024–25: No internal audits were completed in 2024–25 and no internal audits are currently planned in 2025–26.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2024–25: No evaluation was completed in 2024–25.

The last evaluation of the Youth Take Charge Program 2010-11 to 2013 14 was approved on December 29, 2015.

There is currently no planned evaluation of this Program, supported by not being required under the Policy on Results, low risks, and the lack of senior management information needs.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024–25: Each year, the Program invites prospective applicants to submit a funding application to the Youth Take Charge Program and posts application information on the departmental website and social media.

Explanation of variances: The program spent $0.3 million more than planned due to transfers from other departmental programs for emerging priorities.