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Overview of the Department of Canadian Heritage

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Introduction

Who we are

The Department of Canadian Heritage’s mandate is at the heart of what it means to be Canadian. The Department’s 1,800+ diverse employees, arrayed throughout the National Capital Region and five regions across the country, work to promote an environment in which all Canadians are able to participate in dynamic cultural experiences, celebrate Canada’s history and heritage, and help build vibrant communities from coast to coast to coast. By doing so, the Department supports the commitments of the Government of Canada, grows the country’s cultural and creative industries, as well as celebrates and shares Canada’s stories both at home and around the world.

The Department is also responsible for sport in Canada at the federal level, and enhances opportunities for Canadians to participate and excel in sport through national policy leadership and strategic investments in the sport system.

Together with 16 Portfolio organizations and partners across the country, Canadian Heritage plays a vital role in the cultural, civic, sporting and economic life of Canadians. The Department supports arts and culture, heritage, sport, multiculturalism, official languages and citizen participation, as well as diverse initiatives related to Indigenous languages and cultures, LGBTQ2 communities and youth.

What we do

The Department’s mandate is set out in the Department of Canadian Heritage Act and centres on fostering and promoting “Canadian identity and values, cultural development, and heritage.” The Act includes a range of specific responsibilities, as set out in federal statutes and regulations, as well as Orders in Council. The Department is also responsible for administering multiple statutes, including the Canadian Multiculturalism Act, the Broadcasting Act, the Copyright Act, the Official Languages Act (part VII) and the Indigenous Languages Act.

In addition, the Department shares responsibility for administering the Physical Activity and Sport Act with the Public Health Agency of Canada. The Sport Canada branch leads this work at the Department, fulfilling a leadership role for national sport policy and administering three funding programs. Together, these three funding programs make the federal government the largest funding contributor to the country’s sport system.

To achieve its objectives, Canadian Heritage collaborates with a wide range of partners from the private sector, creative enterprises, public institutions, national sport organizations and other non-governmental organizations to enrich cultural experiences, strengthen identity, and promote participation in sport and community life.

Through a range of levers including funding programs, regulatory policies, stakeholder engagement and federal/provincial/territorial collaboration, the Department plays a significant and ongoing role in the lives of Canadians. Moreover, this role is becoming increasingly vital, given an evolving and at times uncertain operating environment.

All these trends require the Department to constantly adapt, assess and act in the interests of Canada and Canadians to advance its mandate and responsibilities. There are also many risks that the Department must factor into its ongoing operations, stemming from a range of factors, including the Canadian and global economic context, shifting demographics, and the impact of digital technology on business models and client expectations. To anticipate and address these risks, the Department works closely with partners and stakeholders to identify policy actions that will close potential gaps related to readiness for the future. In doing so, Canadian Heritage continues to excel in a dynamic domestic and global environment, and to play a key role in promoting and celebrating an innovative, inclusive and prosperous society in which all Canadians can reach their potential.

Organizational Overview Department of Canadian Heritage

This table lists expected expenditures for the Department for the 2019-2020 financial year.
Type of Expenditures Amount 2021-2022 Full-Time Equivalents (Planned)
Operating $210.3M -
Grants and Contributions $1,298.5M -
Statutory
(Mostly for contributions to employee benefit plans) 		$27.8M -
2021-2022 Main Estimates $1,536.6M 1,860.0

Description

In 2021–22, the Department will access $1.5 billion in funding, and will comprise roughly 1,860 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff spread across the National Capital Region and five regional offices;

Each year, the Department delivers approximately $1.3 billion in grants and contributions to support its objectives, making up more than 85 percent of its total budget of $1.5 billion, which is distributed through a variety of funding programs across the Department’s five Sectors and three Secretariats:

In 2021–22, the Department will continue to advance governmental priorities across its five core areas of responsibility. These five core areas of responsibility are:

In addition, the Department’s internal services provide horizontal support in a variety of fields, including communications and information technology. These areas of responsibility will now be explored in greater detail.

Creativity, Arts and Culture

This table lists expected expenditures for the Creativity, Arts and Culture area of responsibility for the 2019-2020 financial year.
Type of Expenditures Amount 2021-2022 Full-Time Equivalents (Planned)
Operating $41.0M -
Grants and Contributions $449.3M -
Statutory
(Mostly for contributions to employee benefit plans) 		$5.6M -
2021-2022 Main Estimates $495.9M 423.7

Description

Canadian Heritage’s responsibility in this area is to ensure that a wide range of Canadian artistic and cultural content is accessible at home and abroad, and provides opportunities for Canadians to participate and engage in Canada’s creative life, fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion. The Department aims to foster creativity, innovation, growth and employment opportunities in Canada’s cultural sector, as well as in the creative economy. The Department’s work in this area also supports policy, legislative and regulatory measures; delivers funding programs that support creation, professional training, cultural infrastructure and arts presentation; develops business development and marketing initiatives; and establishes partnerships in Canada and abroad.

Sub-Program Areas

Arts

This program area provides opportunities for Canadians to engage with the arts, contributes to the vitality of the arts sector and deepens the connections between cultural organizations and their communities. Further, it also encourages access and participation, resilience and excellence in the arts for all Canadians by supporting institutions that offer artists and performers training of the highest calibre in preparation for professional careers; the presentation of professional arts festivals or performing arts series; the improvement of cultural infrastructure; the improvement of business practices of arts and heritage organizations; and the development of partnerships in the sector. Finally, it provides advice to senior management and the Minister on policies, legislation and regulatory measures for the arts sector.

Supporting Activities

Cultural Marketplace Framework

This program area supports marketplace conditions for a strong, innovative and competitive cultural sector. This is accomplished through measures that foster the creation of and access to diverse Canadian cultural content that is valued at home and abroad. The program area conducts monitoring, research and analysis of emerging trends, of industry performance and of the needs and interests of Canadians to provide evidence-based policy advice related to the cultural marketplace. It is responsible for policy development and advice to ensure a responsive legislative and policy framework in support of Canada’s cultural sector and the role it plays in enriching the cultural, political, social and economic fabric of Canada. This includes the Broadcasting Act, Canada’s Policy on Audiovisual Treaty Coproduction, the Investment Canada Act and the Copyright Act. This program area also conducts and provides advice on international trade negotiations related to Canada’s cultural interests. It includes policy development and implementation activities related to the cultural marketplace regulatory framework.

Supporting Activities

Cultural Industries Support and Development

This program area fosters the creation, development of, and access to diverse Canadian cultural content at home and abroad. Through the delivery of grants, contributions, and certification for tax credit purposes, the Department ensures that a wide range of Canadian content is produced across a variety of media, including books, periodicals, music, film and television, and innovative applications on multiple platforms. This program area also encourages sound and sustainable business and industry practices and the establishment of partnerships at the national and international levels. This program also co-administers the following refundable tax credit programs with the Canada Revenue Agency through audiovisual production certification: the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit, and the Film or Video Production Services Tax Credit. This program area also provides advice on policies, legislation and regulatory measures for cultural industries.

Supporting Activities

Heritage and Celebration

This table lists expected expenditures for the Heritage and Celebration area of responsibility for the 2019-2020 financial year.
Type of Expenditures Amount 2021-2022 Full-Time Equivalents (Planned)
Operating $44.8M -
Grants and Contributions $48.7M -
Statutory
(Mostly for contributions to employee benefit plans) 		$6.3M -
2021-2022 Main Estimates $99.8M 295.1

Description

The Department’s work in this area creates opportunities for Canadians to participate in celebrations and commemorations of national significance, as well as in local festivals and heritage events. The Department invests in the development of learning materials and experiences that give Canadians opportunities to enhance their understanding of Canada’s history. It facilitates access to heritage and provides support to heritage institutions to preserve and present heritage to all Canadians. It also delivers projects, programs and services; grants, contributions and tax incentives; conducts research; provides authoritative information and expertise; and supports the implementation of heritage-related legislation.

Sub-Program Areas

National Celebrations, Commemorations and Symbols

This program area offers opportunities for Canadians to participate in celebrations and commemorations of national significance. Celebrate Canada funding allows Canadians across the country to come together at community events 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. Notable people, places, symbols, anniversaries and accomplishments of national significance are recognized across Canada through Commemorate Canada funding, as well as in Canada’s Capital Region through monuments, interpretation, and visitor experience programming. Events and activities in Canada’s Capital Region showcase all aspects of Canada’s diversity, feature Canadian talent and Canadian symbols, and reach Canadians across the country thanks to innovative broadcast and new media initiatives. Canadian symbols are promoted and protected, and protocol, traditions and cultural heritage are woven throughout State events and activities.

Supporting Activities

Community Engagement and Heritage

The Building Communities through Arts and Heritage (BCAH) 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 history and heritage. BCAH has three components: 1) Local Festivals supports recurring festivals that involve the whole community and give opportunities to local artists and artisans to engage in their communities and/or celebrate local history and heritage; 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.

Supporting Activities

Preservation of and Access to Heritage

The Preservation of and Access to Heritage Program ensures that Canada’s cultural heritage is preserved and accessible to Canadians today and in the future. This is accomplished by providing funding (such as grants, contributions and tax incentives); information, expertise, training and other services; and regulatory and legislative measures. The primary goal of this program is to promote the preservation and presentation of Canada’s cultural heritage.

Supporting Activities

Learning about Canadian History

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 developmental experiences, as well as the establishment and maintenance of networks. Through various partnerships within government and through key 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.

Supporting Activities

Sport

This table lists expected expenditures for the Sport area of responsibility for the 2019-2020 financial year.
Type of Expenditures Amount 2021-2022 Full-Time Equivalents (Planned)
Operating $12.3M -
Grants and Contributions $234.3M -
Statutory
(Mostly for contributions to employee benefit plans) 		$1.5M -
2021-2022 Main Estimates $248.1M 97.2

Description

The core concept of this area of responsibility is to enhance and promote Canadian participation and excellence in sport, by providing funding, expertise and other services to Canadian athletes, sport organizations, stakeholders and event organizers. This is done by Sport Canada, which supports a spectrum of activities from initial introduction to sport through to the highest level of performance. Support is provided in the form of funding, policy leadership and other services. In collaboration with other stakeholders, Sport Canada seeks to strengthen the Canadian sport system. Sport Canada ensures that the system provides Canadians access to quality aligned sport programs and services that are safe and welcoming to Canadians of diverse backgrounds, ages and abilities. The program area provides direct support to Canadian athletes to foster the development of high-performance athletes. Through national policy leadership and funding, Sport Canada also supports the development of coaches, officials and leaders and sport organizations. The program area also works directly with organizations hosting the Canada Games and international sport events in Canada.

Supporting Activities

Diversity and Inclusion

This table lists expected expenditures for the Diversity and Inclusion area of responsibility for the 2019-2020 financial year.
Type of Expenditures Amount 2021-2022 Full-Time Equivalents (Planned)
Operating $18.1M -
Grants and Contributions $133.6M -
Statutory
(Mostly for contributions to employee benefit plans) 		$2.1M -
2021-2022 Main Estimates $153.8M 180.5

Description

This area of the Department’s work focuses on celebrating Canada’s diversity, identity and multicultural heritage, promoting resilient communities and reinforcing the rights of Canadians, as a means to foster diversity and inclusion. It promotes and supports domestic implementation of international human rights treaties, constitutional, and quasi-constitutional rights in Canada. It also works in collaboration with a variety of governmental and non-governmental organizations (e.g., Canadian Race Relations Foundation, Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, etc.) to support the provision of programs and services on matters of diversity and inclusion. Work in this area also supports the engagement, participation and inclusion of Canadian youth in their communities and in exchange activities. It also revitalizes, preserves, and promotes Indigenous languages and cultures, celebrates achievements, and strengthens Indigenous communities through investments in a variety of initiatives.

Sub-Program Areas

Multiculturalism

The objectives of the Multiculturalism Program are to build an integrated, socially cohesive society; to improve the responsiveness of institutions to the needs of a diverse population; and to engage in discussions on multiculturalism, integration and diversity at the international level. The Program provides grants and contributions to organizations for projects and events that promote intercultural/interfaith understanding, equal opportunity for individuals of all origins, and that foster citizenship, citizen engagement, and a healthy democracy. It undertakes public outreach and promotion activities that are designed and delivered to engage Canadians on multiculturalism issues. The Program’s ongoing public outreach and promotional activities include Asian Heritage Month, Black History Month and other initiatives. The Program is designed to implement requirements set out in the Canadian Multiculturalism Act, including the development of the Annual Report on the Operation of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act, which is tabled in Parliament. The Program’s international engagement supports Canada’s participation in agreements, such as the International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination, and in institutions that address multicultural issues globally.

The Federal Anti-Racism Secretariat, established from Building a Foundation for Change: Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy 2019-2022 and reporting to the Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Branch, leads work across government to coordinate federal action and identify and develop further areas for action through engagement with racialized and religious minority communities and Indigenous Peoples, stakeholders and other levels of government.

Supporting Activities

Human Rights

The Human Rights Program seeks to strengthen and maintain one of the core values relating to Canadian identity—respect for human rights—by addressing barriers to active participation that arise from a lack of awareness, understanding, and access to rights. It manages federal-provincial/territorial consultations and collaboration among governments in Canada with respect to adherence to and domestic implementation of international human rights instruments, including intergovernmental coordination of Canada’s reporting obligations (reports, appearances and follow-up to treaty bodies’ recommendations). It provides policy advice in developing Canada’s positions on emerging human rights issues and promotes human rights instruments through the dissemination of human rights information. Through the Court Challenges Program, it supports access to justice in order to assert and clarify human rights and official language rights that are guaranteed by the Constitution, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and the Official Languages Act. The Court Challenges Program funds cases of national significance that have the potential to create precedents (test cases).

The LGBTQ2 Secretariat, transferred from the Privy Council Office to the Department in November 2019, works to further LGBTQ2 inclusion, promote equality and protect rights. It does so by supporting other federal departments and agencies in the design and delivery of innovative and inclusive policies and programs, building and maintaining positive relationships with community stakeholders to identify and address issues facing LGBTQ2 communities, and creating knowledge through research, information gathering and public engagement.

Supporting Activities

Indigenous Languages and Cultures

The Indigenous Languages and Cultures Program, formerly the Aboriginal Peoples’ Program, supports the continuation of Indigenous cultures and languages as living elements of Canadian society. The Program contributes to the efforts of Indigenous peoples to reclaim, revitalize, strengthen, and maintain their Indigenous culture and languages by funding innovative and culturally appropriate projects.

Supporting Activities

In 2019, the Department received $333.7 million over five years, and $115.7 million ongoing, to support the implementation of the Indigenous Languages Act, which received Royal Assent on June 21, 2019. These new funds will be delivered to Indigenous communities and organizations through new funding approaches and mechanisms that are currently being developed with Indigenous partners. The funds will also support the establishment and operations of the Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages.

Youth Engagement

This program area strengthens youth attachment to Canada by increasing youth participation and helping young Canadians learn about Canada, create linkages with each other, as well as better appreciate the diversity and shared aspects of the Canadian experience. The program area provides funding to eligible organizations in support of youth-led initiatives and domestic travel-based exchanges and forums for Canadian youth. In general, the program area aims to increase awareness among youth participants of the importance of being active and engaged citizens, strengthening their sense of belonging to Canada and, therefore, their sense of Canadian identity.

The Youth Secretariat was transferred from the Privy Council Office to the Department in November 2019, and is responsible for the federal implementation of the Youth Policy and supporting the Prime Minister’s Youth Council. The Secretariat engages across the federal government to provide advice on youth initiatives and to encourage the inclusion of youth voice in government decision-making. As one of the Youth Policy commitments, the Secretariat is also responsible for the State of Youth Report, which will explore how young people in Canada are doing.

Supporting Activities

Official Languages

This table lists expected expenditures for the Department for the Official Languages area of responsibility for the 2019-2020 financial year.
Type of Expenditures Amount 2021-2022 Full-Time Equivalents (Planned)
Operating $20.2M -
Grants and Contributions $432.7M -
Statutory
(Mostly for contributions to employee benefit plans) 		$1.9M -
2021-2022 Main Estimates $454.8M 150.9

Description

The Department’s work in this area supports the promotion of Canada’s two official languages in Canadian society, as well as the development of official-language minority communities by collaborating with voluntary organizations and provincial and territorial governments. It fosters a coordinated approach to ensure participation from across the federal government in the implementation of the Official Languages Act and the coordination of related horizontal initiatives.

Supporting Activities

Internal Services

This table lists expected expenditures for the Internal Services area of responsibility for the 2019-2020 financial year.
Type of Expenditures Amount 2021-2022 Full-Time Equivalents (Planned)
Operating $73.8M -
Grants and Contributions $0M -
Statutory
(Mostly for contributions to employee benefit plans) 		$10.3M -
2021-2022 Main Estimates $84.1M 712.6Footnote 1

Description

Finally, Internal Services are groups of related activities and resources that allow the Department to support programs or required to meet its corporate obligations. The 10 service categories are: Management and Oversight Services; Communications Services; Legal Services; Human Resources Management Services; Financial Management Services; Information Management Services; Information Technology Management Services; Real Property Management Services; Materiel Management Services; and Acquisition Management Services.

Conclusion

Canadian Heritage is focused on achieving service excellence to Canadians in a work environment that supports shared values, employee engagement and professional development. The Department takes pride in its diverse and passionate workforce, whose unique skills help accomplish the Department’s goals and objectives in a dynamic global context.

As illustrated by the breadth of the Department’s programs and responsibilities, the scope and diversity of Canadian Heritage’s activities are vast. In a global environment of unremitting technological change, a shifting marketplace and new paradigms of engagement will test the Department’s capacity to deliver. To rise to these challenges, Canadian Heritage will continue to work with communities and individuals across this country, striving to build public policies that better serve the aspirations of all Canadians, from coast to coast to coast.

Grants & Contribution Program (in dollars)Footnote 2 - Department of Canadian Heritage
Core responsibility Grants and Contributions Programs Grants 2021-22 Contributions Grand Total
Creativity, Arts and Culture Canada Arts Presentation Fund 31,750,000 727,742 32,477,742
Canada Arts Training Fund - 22,779,440 22,779,440
Canada Book Fund 38,500,000 4,666,301 43,166,301
Canada Cultural Investment Fund 20,000,000 1,972,205 21,972,205
Canada Cultural Spaces Fund 7,000,000 47,168,717 54,168,717
Canada Media Fun - 134,146,077 134,146,077
Canada Music Fund - 26,799,231 26,799,231
Canada Periodical Fund 72,775,054 2,499,544 75,274,598
Creative Export Canada - 7,000,000 7,000,000
Digital Citizen Contribution Program - 2,082,263 2,082,263
Harbourfront Centre Funding Program - 6,500,000 6,500,000
Local Journalism - 10,000,000 10,000,000
TV5/TV 5 Monde 8,000,000 4,960,900 12,960,900
Creativity, Arts and Culture Total 178,025,054 271,302,420 449,324,474
Heritage and Celebration Building Communities through Arts & Heritage 17,555,000 100,000 17,650,000
Canada History Fund 1,150,060 2,787,330 3,937,390
Celebration and Commemoration Program 8,000,000 2,494,367 10,494,367
Museums Assistance Program 4,663,680 11,076,284 15,739,964
Grants to Lieutenant-Governors of the provinces of Canada toward defraying the costs incurred in the exercise of their duties 836,080 - 836,080
Heritage and Celebration Total 32,204,820 16,457,981 48,662,801
Sport Athlete Assistance Program 33,000,000 - 33,000,000
Hosting Program - 21,565,247 21,565,247
Sport Support Program - 179,697,679 179,697,679
Sport Total 33,000,000 201,262,926 234,262,926
Diversity and inclusion Anti Racism Action Program - 7,971,712 7,971,712
Community Support, Multiculturalism, and Anti-Racism Initiatives Program 7,000,000 6,083,659 13,083,659
Exchanges Canada Program 100,000 18,086,359 18,186,359
Court Challenges Program - 4,979,734 4,979,734
Indigenous Languages and Cultures Program 33,750,000 54,121,221 87,871,221
International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance - 44,450 44,450
Youth Take Charge 100,000 1,353,023 1,453,023
Diversity and Inclusion Total 40,950,000 92,640,158 1,453,023
Official Languages Development of Official-Languages Communities Program 60,742,973 243,091,079 303,834,052
Enhancement of Official Languages Program 15,194,842 113,623,289 128,818,131
Official Languages Total 75,937,815 356,714,368 432,652,183
Grand Total 360,117,689 938,377,853 1,298,495,542

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