Gender-based analysis plus (GBA+)

Framework: In 2016, the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) published the Directive for Integrating the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 and Related Resolutions into Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Planning and Operations. It states that the CAF has a responsibility to integrate Government of Canada direction on GBA+ into is operational planning, conduct of missions, and across its institutions.

The 2017 Defence Policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged (SSE) (Initiative #12 ) requires the Defence team to “Integrate GBA+ in all defence activities across the CAF and the Department of National Defence (DND), from the design and implementation of programs and services that support our personnel, to equipment procurement and operational planning.”

The 2018 Deputy Minister’s (DM) Policy Statement on Diversity and Inclusion requires DND to use GBA+.

A Joint CDS-DM Directive to Assistant Deputy Ministers and Commanders with new expectations and guidance on using GBA+. (Under development 2019-20).

Governance Bodies: The Defence Team will be supported by its GBA+ Responsibility Centre in Corporate Secretariat and Strategic Joint Staff.

The Executive Director of the GBA+ Responsibility Centre sits on several High-level Corporate Governance Committees, such as Program Management Board.

The Defence Team will be supported in 2020-21 by:

• A total of 23 FTEs dedicated to the implementation of GBA+ within DND/CAF;
• Four Canadian Armed Forces full-time (FTE) NATO-certified (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) Gender Advisors (GENADs) in strategic and operational level Headquarters;
• GENADs and Gender Focal Points (GFPs) deployed on all expeditionary and domestic CAF named operations;
• A Network of approximately 183 DND/CAF trained GFPs at all levels; and
• A Champion for Gender and Diversity for Operations, and a Champion for Women, Peace and Security.

The Defence Team is continuing efforts to institutionalize the use of gender-based analysis plus (GBA+) to inform Defence Team policies, programs and operations. This includes continued capacity development through training, integrating GBA+ requirements into systems and processes, and developing measurement and accountability frameworks.

Some key planned initiatives where GBA+ will be applied include:

• Integration of GBA+ in the contract solicitation and bid evaluation for Future Aircrew Training (FAcT): The FAcT request for proposals (RFP), scheduled for publication in 2020, solicits a single replacement contract for two current but sun-setting contracts valued at $5.6 billion (over 22 and 25 years). The FAcT RFP will also include training for air combat systems officers and airborne electronic sensor operators, which is currently performed in-house by the Royal Canadian Air Force in Winnipeg. Significant analysis and effort has been undertaken by the FAcT program team, including by its Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) and Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) partners, to meaningfully integrate GBA+. The resulting RFP may include both mandatory and rated evaluation criteria to advance gender equality and diversity. The expected impacts may include several initiatives undertaken under the Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) Policy such as a mandatory requirement for a gender and diversity plan, a mandatory requirement to undertake skills development and training activities with Indigenous People within the Aerospace and Defence Sectors and a rated requirement for commitments in skills development and training with under-represented groups (women, visible minorities, persons with disabilities and Indigenous People). Other expected impacts may include a PSPC mandatory requirement for bidders to provide an Indigenous Benefits Plan (IBP) as well as a rated criteria to evaluate proposals that address technological barriers that disproportionately affect targeted segments of the population.
• Training Needs Analysis: The analysis will be completed to establish the training and education necessary to meet the DND/CAF specific requirements for mainstreaming GBA+ within the institution, as well as to develop or source national capacity to train GENADs and GFPs for military operations and DND/CAF staff analysts and planners thereby institutionalizing GBA+ in all DND/CAF activities.
• (WPS) CHODs Network: Women, Peace and Security Chiefs of Defence: This is a Chief of Defence Staff (CHOD)-level network formed with a goal to enable senior military leaders to drive transformative cultural and institutional change within their own armed forces and to promote the role of women at all levels. Canada will chair the Network over the 2019-2021 years. During our CDS’s tenure as Chair, he will increase and formalize the membership of the Network, build on institutionalizing gender perspectives, and increase awareness of the WPS agenda through training and speaking events.